Kaieteur News

A bad deal is a K NEWS bad deal regardless - Int’l lawyer, who is in power Melinda Janki AIETEUR

Tuesday Edition

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October 26, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 40 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 88,156

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

Guyanese given 10 days to anaylse 7400 pages of technical data for public p.

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consultation with Exxon, EPA ExxonMobil rents The protest continues for change to Exxon’s contract

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another supply vessel “Sweetie” vendor UG expended killed for allegedly $1.5 billion in sharing intimate 6 months on photo of suspect maintenance, on social media operations p.

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- Wanted bulletin issued - Mid-year Report

Exxon eyes Haags Bosch as dumping ground for its waste ...to consider building new industrial landfill - Study p.

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Govt. and Exxon give Guyana 7,400 pages with technical information, 10 days before public consultation begins on the 4th oil project. Your minister proud to tell us by 2026 Guyana could be getting $4B a year on Kaieteur but not telling you how the oil people will walk away with $196B a year, that’s business eh? @11:00hrs Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 26, 2021

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 26, 2021

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Guyanese given 10 days to anaylse 7400 pages of technical data for public consultation with Exxon, EPA E

xxonMobil and one of the government's regulatory arms, being the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), kicked off the first session of public consultations for the oil company's Yellowtail Project.

Those discussions were premised on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that was done for Yellowtail, the fourth oil field to be developed in the Stabroek Block.

It should be noted h o w e v e r, t h a t t h e s e consultations were held only after the technical data in the EIA were made public 10 days ago (October 16, 2021).

The EIA was published in three volumes and are 7,400 pages long. Volume One has 1,382 pages, Volume Two has 2,544, and Volume Three has 474 pages. The Appendices for the Project also carry a staggering 3,010

pages, thereby bringing the total number of pages to 7,410.

Several industry stakeholders have since lamented that Guyanese are therefore left in a disadvantageous position as it is impractical to expect a proper public probe or scrutiny with such a limited timeframe. Some are also of the view that the project should be put on hold so that proper evaluation can be done and the country would have a greater timeline to develop its monitoring capacity.

In anticipation of the latter concern, ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) which did the project's EIA, was keen to note that it believes the Yellowtail development should be given the green light for without it, it is reasonable to expect that

some environmental and socioeconomic conditions would likely change over time.

EEPGL said, “In particular, without the Project's revenue sharing with the Government of Guyana, the associated potential for benefits to socioeconomic resources would be reduced and gross domestic product (GDP) growth through associated fiscal revenue would be affected.”

It added, “The National Resource Fund would be deprived of these revenues for sustainable development of the country and initiatives aimed at achieving the government's vision of an inclusive green economy would likely be reduced.”

EEPGL is also of the view that Guyana desperately needs the project since the Government of Guyana would be able to take

Men account for majority of COVID-19 deaths in Guyana - Health Minister

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ince the country recorded its first COVID-19 death in March of last year, most of the persons who have died are men. This is according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who on Thursday last announced during his daily COVID-19 update that out of the 887 recorded COVID-19 deaths at the time, 486 are men while 401 are women.

According to the Minister too, most of the patients who died were unvaccinated and had comorbidities.

“Most of these persons, as you know, would have been unvaccinated, a few of them would have been partially vaccinated, and there are very, very few who would have been vaccinated, those who have been fully vaccinated and died are those who would have had a poor prognosis because of several co-morbidities,” Dr. Anthony explained.

Last month, Kaieteur

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony News had reported that between the months of June and August 2021, some 227 persons had died. Out of that figure, a total of 118 persons were men, while 109 were women.

In June alone, a total of 81 persons had died with 41 of them being men and 40 being women. For July, 68

persons had died with 30 of them being women and 38 being men, while in August, 78 persons had died, with 39 being men and 39 being women. This publication had reported also that September 2021, had been declared as the country's deadliest COVID-19 month thus far, with some 169 persons dying from the virus.

Out of that number, 77 were men while 92 were women. The majority of the deaths recorded during those four months were persons who resided in Region Four.

The Minister on Thursday gave a breakdown of the overall deaths recorded in each Region. He noted that out of the 887 deaths, 431 were from Region Four, 130 from Region Three, 69 from Region Six, 60 from Region 10, 46 from Region Five, 45 from Region One, 41 from Region Seven, 37 from Region Two, 23 from Region Nine and five from Region Eight.

advantage of the project revenues to fulfill its objectives to create more job oppo r t u n i t i e s , a d d r e s s poverty, and improve the overall quality of life.

EEPGL warned that if Yellowtail is prevented, opportunities to boost economic growth through increased foreign direct investment in supporting goods and services in the time leading up to oil production would be reduced.

It further noted that without the project, the forecast of higher levels of GDP would be less achievable. Even as it cited the foregoing, it did acknowledge that there are benefits to the State should the government not proceed with the project.

The subsidiary said these include, but are not limited to: decreased economic dependence on natural resources, decreased economic vulnerability to commodity price fluctuations, and reduction in the competitiveness of other sectors.

In the unforeseen event that circumstances arose that warranted stopping the project mid-development due to government's disapproval, EEPGL said it would abandon the project infrastructure in an appropriate manner, consistent with the concepts laid out in the Preliminary E n d o f P r o j e c t Decommissioning Plan.

TRILLION DOLLAR PROJECT On Sunday, Kaieteur News reported that development costs for the Yellowtail project are poised to exceed US$9B or GY$1.8 trillion. Exxon said the costs are expected to be higher since there would be a greater number of development wells and associated drilling costs when compared to its Payara project which will also cost Guyana $1.8 trillion.

Despite the astronomical costs, Exxon believes that the project should be supported as it would generate benefits for the citizens of Guyana in several ways, which would

otherwise not be there in the absence of the project.

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

The FPSO will be designed to produce up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day.

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

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

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 26, 2021

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

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

EDITORIAL

PAC stress levels This is a new one, this development about “PAC meetings stalled due to stressed out Clerks” (KN October 24). Somebody has got to be kidding, with this strangest of strange situations.

Since everybody is ‘stressed out’ for one reason or another nowadays, and for good and bad reasons, what the clerks resorted to could create havoc in this country, if adopted as their standard operating reaction by other vital sections of the population. We don’t know the definition of ‘stressed out’, as employed by the clerks, but if there is anybody who should complain about being similarly stressed out (or worse), we could find some very proper candidates from some obvious areas.

Nurses and other medical professionals have the worst of it, given the uncertainties and numbing daily assaults of the pandemic, plus other emergency situations. They are working in a war zone, and unsure of their own continuity, since PPE and all the other precautions are, at times, overcome by the versatile virus, which is not just elusive to nail down, but difficult to identify. Those Guyanese who have to leave their families daily and face such dangerous music are the ones who can claim to be justifiably stressed out, and would gain our sympathy, if just from burnout or fear alone.

Likewise, police officers and emergency responders, who don’t know what they will meet, and who could imperil them, have to get out on the road and get going in the weeds, regardless of their stress levels, and their legitimate concerns. They have no choice, and no cushion to comfort them when they fear. We could go on about being ‘stressed out’ and point to those who earn a living selling in our municipal markets that are usually crowded with every manner of citizen, possibly more than a few of whom carry some contagious condition. The point is that whether medical people or law enforcement people or market people, they all have to go about business with hope in their hearts, and trust in the protections that have been recommended, and which they follow.

They complain about, or absent themselves, because of being ‘stressed out’ could mean they are out of bread and starved.

It is why we are troubled that the sensitive work of the PAC being delayed because clerks in attendance diagnosed themselves to be ‘stressed out’. Guyanese workers lucky enough to be on the payroll should try that one with Exxon and see how quickly they are out the door. One wonders what the true source of this “high-stress level” is, as it was termed by Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs.

It seems quite sudden in developing, and raises some suspicions, given the recent public back and forth between sparring representatives of the PPP Government and Coalition Opposition.

There was that matter of the PAC meeting twice a week to clear the backlog of reports. In 2021, the PAC was examining reports from five years ago. Could that be a source of such “high-stress levels?” Politicians in this country have proven to be most resourceful in sabotaging the work of people, when things don’t go their way, and when such recruiting and undermining suits party purposes. We hope that such is not the case in this instance.

Second, the clerks are reportedly unwilling to work in the role, due to the “unprofessional conduct” of some PAC members. Unprofessional conduct is a loaded phrase and could be cover for a slew of wrongdoings, all of which are not necessarily made up or blown up, but real. Unless PAC members were abusive or derogatory or insulting, that claim should not stand. And one would hope, too, that this does not involve issues of a racial or sexual nature. On the other hand, if it (“unprofessional conduct”) is about work pressure to deliver, then that is an altogether different story.

Everyone is under pressure to perform, with expectations high, and corresponding squeezes to fulfill duties unrelenting. It is why we went to lengths to point to medical professionals and law enforcement people, as among those who have to show up and shape up. So, too, must clerks in the PAC.

Many Guyana libel lawsuits frivolous, Courts should give media more latitude Dear Editor, So many lawsuits are filed against the media. KN is targeted. Is the intention of the lawsuits to shut down the media and/or to stop them from exposing wrongdoings, or to grovel and cower in fear?

I support absolute freedom of the press, but not freedom to attack people with malice and hate.

I don’t claim or pretend to know the law on media defamation lawsuits in Guyana. But I read and studied freedom of press lawsuits in the U.S. Most of the lawsuits filed in Guyana and awarded damages would be considered as frivolous and thrown out of court. In fact, the filers (plaintiffs) who claim defamation would find themselves paying court costs. Proving defamation in the US is very difficult.

The media in the US and in developed democratic

countries, as well as in India, allow wide latitude of freedom of the press. In particular, hardly any restrictions are placed on the media by the court when commenting or reporting or allowing views on or about politicians.

Plaintiffs tend to lose most of their cases against the press for defamation. If won at lower courts, judgments are often overturned on appeal.

The Supreme Court leans towards protecting free speech by the media especially against public officials and has overturned several lower court rulings.

The court often stated that free speech helps to hold public officials accountable and to govern in the public interest. The public interest overrides all other interests even when an individual’s feelings or reputation is hurt or damaged.

In the US, defamation is

very hard to prove, gives the public near absolute freedom of the press.

Those claiming defamation (libel) must prove malice and intent to defame and that the defendant knows ahead of publication that the information to be published is/was false.

The latter element or condition is hard to prove.

There is no way the media would know that the views expressed in a letter or op ed commentary are false. And why shouldn’t the public have a right to critique or comment on their government’s or representative’s policy? How else would government or politicians know about the public’s view of them? In a claim of defamation, one must also prove intent to ‘ridicule’ and loss of income. How can a claimant claim he or she suffered a loss of income if a

person is unemployable or suffer no financial losses?

A lawsuit must prove serious harm — that the person commented on would suffer serious ridicule and loss of income. This in itself can bar a libel defamation suit. How would one prove loss of income if one were a senior government official of a country, for example, receiving a sizeable pension?

If one would not be employed, how would one lose income from public ridicule?

The courts in Guyana should grant the press wide latitude to publish views, editorials, satires, sarcasms, ridiculing policies and politicians. The media should be allowed to criticise public officials all towards the objective of holding the latter accountable.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Reminiscences about another Guyana, now gone Dear Editor, It seems like yesterday I was riding my bicycle along the coast, feeling the cool sea breeze that gently swayed the coconut trees and enjoying the smell of toasted Jeera (spice or cumin spice) being prepared for the lunchtime curry and roti dish. People were enjoying the tropical weather on their verandas and others were playing cricket with their friends.

Then a beautiful young lady on a pristine donkey cart in her pink saree passed by on her way to market to sell sweets. She was comfortable, enjoying the easygoing pace that the cart driver had set. Another young lady was seen walking her cattle through the street, and a flock of black belly sheep was enjoying the shade in front of the family’s home.

On the beach, it was easy to find lots of whole shells and the half shells that already had a place to make a pendant for a necklace. The waves had a rhythm, and the birds were singing a lovely tune. Enough to inspire a poem.

Wata Wata Everywhere to see

Look Mommy Butterflies and dragonflies All around me Coconut trees decorate the sky The sound of waves crashing by Sand in my shoes and shells in my hand Toes wet because of where I stand Wata Wata Everywhere to see Papi when next we going to 63 It was easy to see lots of fish by the koker where I sat.

Even a game of beach football was easy to be had. Along the road from the beach, I stopped to look at a pair of Canje Pheasants with their peacock-like crowns and elegant necklines.

They seemed so comfortable with a visitor observing them. The sky was a gorgeous blue with plump white clouds. Easily a substitute for edible spun sugar.

The fishing boats were docked and blue vessels lined the waterway. Lots of fresh fish for sale and salted fish being prepared. Further down

the road, guys are having a cold one, Banks, of course, and an occasional Guinness in the crowd. For those who prefer the sweeter/hard stuff, it is that golden 5-year-old for the table chased/mixed with fresh coconut water or on the rocks.

You will not have to look far to see where it is grown. If you’re lucky, you may even get to sample some of the cane freshly cut from a nearby sugarcane estate.

The appetisers or “cutters”, as they are locally known, are always hot and tasty.

The spot with the best “wiri-wiri” pepper sauce is the one to look out for. If there is achar (an Indian type of pickle in which the ingredients [for example grated green mangoes or ripe tamarind] are preserved in spiced oil), then you are in for a real treat. Up for a more energetic pace, you will not have to look far to find a spot.

The card games are quick, and the dominoes are filled with love. You have to stay sharp to run with the regulars.

For those who love horses, just up the road and along the way many beautiful stallions

and mares may be viewed in the pasture. Port Mourant’s horse racing course always has the crowd, and if you’re feeling lucky, you can bet on one of Guyana’s own homebred champions. It’s an exciting occasion, filled with music, food, cold drinks and excellent weather.

It was evening on the way back and the sun was setting.

There is that feeling of calmness in the air, and it is easy to sense a change in nature.

The great kiskadees were settling in for the night.

Guyana is that sixish to sixish place when the sun rises and sets. Makes for a balanced way of being. Laying in my hammock, I was enjoying the evening breeze, seeing the sun dip in for the night and watching the stars slowly fill the sky.

They are so close to you here in Guyana. The equator’s gift to our tropical paradise. It feels like being in heaven amongst the celestial beings.

Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

Children roaming the streets of New Amsterdam begging for food and money Dear Editor, Kindly allow me to share my frustration and sadness about kids roaming the streets of New Amsterdam.

While poverty is not bestowed upon any man and some of us are just faced with hardships

beyond our control, no child should ever have to be on the streets begging for 200 Guyana dollars to buy food.

Where are the parents?

While I understand circumstances allowed these so-called parents to become

parents, these kids need help.

Only the Almighty knows if they attend school and, in my opinion, education is a must for all!

The Child Protection Agency, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, must act swiftly not

to separate these children from their parents, but ensure they are attending school and are taken care of! It is time we stop this type of behaviour in New Amsterdam!

Tanya Niamatali Meteorologist

Tuesday October 26, 2021

Mr. Paul Slowe should sue the State if he feels aggrieved and not engage in wild theatrics Dear Editor, I write to share my legal views with you in respect of a letter appearing in the Kaieteur News edition, Oct 24 2021, captioned THE LAW IS THE LAW & MUST BE RESPECTED AT ALL TIMES, written by one Neil Adams.

It briefly relates a rather well-advocated story that Mr. Paul Slowe, a former Assistant Commissioner of Police in the Guyana Police Force, being arrested by SOCU and during the episode, scolds the police for doing their job, which the writer makes his point that Mr. Slowe should not be doing so, and by doing so, he is just going to make himself a laughing stock.

Editor, the letter touched on the topic of the right of a Guyanese police officer to arrest an individual. As a former criminal defense lawyer in two jurisdictions for about 17 years, and as a practising family lawyer myself, and one who always strive to keep abreast of the law in our modern world, I wish to applaud Mr. Neil Adams for his thoughtful letter. I also wish to say that a trained Guyana Police Force police officer has a wide discretion to use when performing duties, and when deciding to arrest someone in Guyana. One can get arrested en route to boarding a plane at CJIA, even while in the company of his or her children and other family member; or even after boarding one, and seated among the passengers therein, and ready for takeoff.

One can be taken off the plane, and also one can be arrested out of the jurisdiction with the collaboration of INTERPOL. The right of a law enforcement official to arrest is wide, and surely it isn’t a privilege. This is clearly stated as the law under Section 16 of the Police Act Cap. 16:01.

Maybe Mr. Paul Slowe, doesn’t remember how in Georgetown, our Garden City, persons like the current Attorney-General, the current President, and other prominent societal figures, have in the past been arrested by police officers, locked up at Brickdam, and made to face the court.

Over the decades in our beloved Guyana, similar incidents of persons being arrested in our society have been reported in the media.

Some were senior counsels, parliamentarians and other State Officials serving as Ministers or Shadow Ministers, magistrate or former magistrate, all having been done so legally by a police officer. I even heard of Parliamentarian, Juan Edgill, being arrested by law enforcement people in the Parliament yard.

Mr. Slowe choosing to make a point against the law of arrest being applied in his case, he should have known better, as one time in his profound and dynamic career, he was a law enforcement commander of hundreds of police officers, who arrested thousands of citizens. One ought to know that if one lives by the sword, one can die by the sword as well.

I must say that I heard that even the learned former Judge, Mr. William Ramlall, now head of the Police Complaints Authority, based at Brickdam, Georgetown, has been reported by media operatives that the Guyana police usually arrest us Guyanese first and ask questions later. The learned former judge even has, in the performance of his duties, implored the many police officers attendees at outreaches on the West Demerara, that the current modus operandi of arresting first and asking questions later to uphold the law isn’t an ideal way of doing their jobs, because citizens could be subjected and prone to their individual whims and fancies during the performance of their duties, while exercising their functions of powers of arrest.

I suggest that the way for Mr. Slowe to make changes in our way of doing things in Guyana, if he is so desirous, is to get involved in politics,

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get a seat therein, and propose such a change, get it voted upon, while in Parliament. Alternatively, he can apply for the same job that Mr. Ramlall is doing and while performing that job function, at the Police Complaints Authority, make changes, which he sees fit for the betterment of our society.

Mr. Joe Harmon is now running for leadership of his party so Mr. Slowe would be well advised to liaise with Mr. Harmon for a bandwagon seat on his ticket. Short of that, he is well advised that he may opt to sue the State. Then the legal rule will apply - he who asserts will have to prove.

Making winded statements on such a topic is not the ideal route for a person of his calibre to be making upon being arrested. If he felt that he was entitled to a right of security of the person, which he contends has been violated by a state servant, he can sue the State for redress like every other law-abiding citizen, who may wish to avail themselves to the shield of a court.

I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Neil Adams for his refreshing letter, particularly his final paragraph where he made reference to Dr. Ashni Singh, a former Finance Minister of the Ramotar administration, as a precedent for arguing that the former Assistant Police Commissioner, Paul Slowe, ought to realise that equality of treatment between himself and Dr. Ashni Singh, and persons in Guyanese jurisdiction where the rule of law is intact, should urge him to tone down his theatrics, lest he wish to continue to be a laughing stock, and give the Guyanese populace a big laugh. The option of using the court and suing the State for damages whenever a citizen feels he or she has been falsely arrested is guaranteed under the civil law

procedures, not make the population laugh at him by making fanciful arguments about law enforcement officers. These are people hired by the State to perform certain duties while we, the citizens, go about our merry business during the day, until we decide to retire to our beds at nights.

In my humble view, making wild oral statements in the public domain on such a matter, when by virtue of being a member of our apparently somewhat selfregulating law enforcement fraternity, isn’t a route for Mr. Paul Slowe, a former Asst Commissioner, to take. If he feels his right of security of person has been violated, the law is simple sue for redress.

By Mr. Slowe making wild and reckless statements, this would tend to send the wrong message that, in the premises, police officers don’t do their job legally, and/or the State is illegally performing its function as an employer, by hiring police officers to perform illegalities. Thus, I personally strongly feel a former Asst Commissioner may be acting unethically by making such a wild statement in the public domain, particularly since Section 20 of the Police Act gives the right of such a prima facie aggrieved citizen to seek bail when arrested without a warrant by a police officer.

Finally, let us also have regard to the rights of such a law enforcement person, who can also act in the capacity of a private citizen, if he or she so chooses, under Section 32 of our Constitution, which mandates it as a duty for every citizen to prevent crime and other violations of the law and to take care of and protect public property.

Sincerely, M. Shabeer Zafar Barrister Solicitor/ Notary

Give incentives to improve the standard of living, manifest proper urban planning Dear Editor, Thumbs up to members of this government on their recent visits abroad for stating that incentives will be given to foreign investors to come to Guyana, and their willingness to provide an “enabling” business environment. We hope the country clearly benefits in the long and short term, as other countries do, with wellwritten contracts. However, what is still obviously lacking is the inability to realise that the structural standard of living has to improve as well, for we the people of Guyana and the foreign investors as well.

The same development mistakes are being repeated over and over again. Why, for example, in all these new and developing housing areas are government incentives not given to banks to open small satellite branches, instead of having citizens go all the way to downtown Georgetown (for example, donating lands to banks). There is a reason why a great majority who are robbed at home, by twolegged bandits, end up having to hand over so much cash. Another clear proof of our inability to deal with the simplest of urban planning issues, is the growing ‘taxi lot’ at the entrance of ‘Red Road’, next to the Ramada Princess Hotel. I would bet that in less than a year, ‘Red Road’ as it is called, would be made impassable by the taxi drivers. Bless them all.

Yet, right there in a perfectly positioned spot is a huge multi-plot vacant area that would be suitable for a mini taxi park. Even if that undeveloped land has

already been purchased by the Chinese or some other foreign entity or is still owned by the government, why isn’t a portion of that land being made a taxi port? How complex will it be to modify a contract, if that land is owned already?

Also competing for prime space there on ‘Red Road’, are increasing numbers of roadside vendors. The outdoor fruit vendors, and the like, have a right to earn their living in the open, after all this is the Caribbean (it’s expected.) For those in the government who state that roadside vendors who spring up all over the country and set up anywhere and anyhow and must vacate their present workspace. Well, what if they don’t? Exactly what will the government do about it?

Most importantly are incentives for a functioning healthcare support system.

No thought in these developing housing areas of donating land (incentives) to investors for small satellite healthcare offices that come with internationally trained medical staff? International travellers we are, but decision makers are still struggling to look at the big picture, and come up with easy solutions for such simple problems. In summary, if we are to provide an ‘enabling’ business environment for foreign investors, it is expected that we provide and improve the standard of living as well, by providing critical incentives.

The problem is not with the hardworking folks at the bottom of the economic ladder, but the lack of overall urban planning acumen and focus.

Chi Kansi

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The PPP Govt. has done well by increasing the number of CAPE schools Dear Editor, The Ministry of Education has announced the establishment of several new schools, which will be offering the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). These schools are all located outside of the city of Georgetown, which means that the main beneficiaries will be students from rural communities, who otherwise may not have been in a position to benefit from postCSEC exams.

According to the Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, seven new secondary schools will be added to the list of schools that will be offering the CAPE examinations. Among these are Anna Regina Multilateral School in Region Two, West Demerara Secondary in Region Three, Annandale Secondary in Region Four and J C Chandisingh and the Tagore Memorial in Region Six. This is indeed a significant development, which is consistent with the PPP/C’s administration policy to make quality secondary and post-secondary education accessible to a much larger cohort of students who would have completed the full cycle of primary education. Student attainment levels have increased in all regions of Guyana, and it is only fitting that the education infrastructure become responsive to this new reality.

Under the PNC administration, secondary schools places were extremely limited. The vast

number of students was sent to community high schools or tops of primary schools, which for all practical purposes were just a case of marking time. These schools did not offer any opportunity for students to sit the CSEC examinations. This was manifested in the much higher dropout rates in those schools when compared to that of the discrete secondary schools and the few Sixth Form Secondary Schools.

In some ways, the failure of the previous PNC administration to create enough secondary school places for children who completed primary education was a callous if not scandalous denial of the intellect and academic potential of our young people, many of whom were forced to end their education prematurely. It is an established fact that many children are what is described in the literature as ‘late developers’ whose potential for further learning cannot be established on the basis of a single examination, in this instance, the Common Entrance examination, now referred to as the National Grade Six Assessment.

One of the first interventions made by the PPP/C administration in the field of education was to implement a policy of universal secondary education.

Most of the community high schools were converted into discrete secondary schools with upgrading programmes in the first year for those students, who may require some level of

academic consolidation. That was done under the Secondary School Reform Programme.

One consequence of that programme was a substantial number of students, who was otherwise written off by the system, now being able to sit the CSEC and in some cases, the CAPE examinations.

The decision of the Ministry of Education to provide the requisite teaching and other facilities to an increasing number of discrete secondary schools to cater for CAPE students is a step in the right direction. It is an expression of care and confidence in the potential of our children to do well at national and regional examinations. And, as the results of the recent CSEC and CAPE examinations have shown, our students have not been found wanting. The results showed that our students are not only as competitive as their regional counterparts but that they were able to out-compete them in several subject areas.

Guyanese students have also emerged as the overall best performing at both the CSEC and CAPE examinations multiple times.

The PPP/C administration has done well to reverse the education decline under the previous PNC administration, and to create the enabling conditions for our students to do well, despite the current COVID-19 pandemic. At a more fundamental level, however, it has provided new opportunities for our children to realise their potential to the full limit of their abilities.

Hydar Ally

PNC/R Canada supports Joseph Harmon for leader of the PNCR Dear Editor, The PNC/R Canada Central Toronto Chapter hereby wholeheartedly endorses Joseph Harmon for the position as leader of the PNC/R party.

Mr. Harmon possesses the intelligence, political openness to foster unity among political parties and citizens of all backgrounds.

Harmon understands the complexity and challenges of

the fast-moving global economy, and knows how to position Guyana internationally in order for its people to prosper.

Harmon’s history in the Guyana military and as a lawyer has helped to develop his personal discipline, work ethic, and respect for law and order.

Perhaps among his best qualities, is his love and respect for his fellow

Guyanese of all races, religions and creed.

The PNC/R Canada is confident that with Harmon as leader of the PNC/R and as future president of Guyana, he will bring the country and its people together in the prosperity as a true unifier.

Alan Zaakir Organiser of the Central Toronto Chapter of the PNC/ R

Tuesday October 26, 2021

The CCJ is a beacon of light and uncompromising integrity Dear Editor, Former President Granger erred severely in opining that certain matters such as those of an electoral- nature ought not be litigated at the level of the CCJ. On the 14th March, 2021 during an airing of the ‘Public Interest’, he further asserted that the role of the Court of Appeal should be strengthened to deal with all internal electoral matters. This in essence casts a shadow of doubt - whether barefacedly or subliminally- on the competence and capacity of the CCJ, especially given the circumstances of his comments.

Two distinguished UWI lecturers in an article dated 22nd October, 2021 published

by Demerara Waves, made the observation that the High Court and the CCJ are oftentimes on the same page when arriving at judgments.

Notably, it is the Court of Appeal whose Granger’s faith lies in, that made its way to jaw-dropping judgments, which required frequent

reining by the CCJ for being bad in law. These range from, but are not limited to, inventive mathematical reasonings as to what constitutes a majority, somehow justifying erroneous unconstitutional appointments and even paving the way for the disenfranchisement of 100,000+ votes at an election.

Permit me to make it abundantly clear that I hold the Chancellor and Judges of the Court of Appeal in the highest regard. Their intelligence and capabilities are at a place one can only dream to attain. And on that note, I do agree wholeheartedly with the former President that the capacity and independence of the Court of Appeal must be strengthened but, in so doing, we cannot despise the CCJ for its contributions and making sensible judgments.

The CCJ in its appellate jurisdiction remains a beacon of hope, not only to Guyanese, but many other

Caribbean countries, that independent and unbiased judgments will always be the order of the day.

In Guyana, more mechanisms should be put in place to ensure the separation of powers among the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches of Government. Some might say, and pragmatically so, that the concern of bias is at the very inception given that Judicial appointments originate from the Executive branch. This, of course, is debatable.

However, the CCJ does not rely on governments for funding or even their appointments.

The CCJ can then be seen as an uncompromisable institution, which has proven itself in the face of many litigative adversities presented before them and this country must continue to recognise and stand by this institution.

Yours truly, Kadeem Gordon Youth Activist

Guyana is no longer a ‘heavily indebted poor country’ Dear Editor, Guyana is no longer a ‘heavily indebted poor country’ but for many, the mindset that was programmed during the PNC/ Burnham era is difficult to shake. Despite Guyana’s exit of HIPIC II in 2006 after years of prudent financial management and tough debtforgiveness negotiations, many are still slaves to the mental begging bowl perception of self. This has to change for Guyana to progress into a first-world nation, for we cannot until a critical mass of our population changes their standards, expectations, and behaviours.

Guyana’s recent participation in firstly, the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC, Texas) and Expo 2020 (Dubai) has attracted criticism as social media postings from many have highlighted our vibrant Guyanese presence at these events. Joe Harmon is reported to have said that OTC was a ‘friends and family junket’ implying that those in attendance had their tickets and expenses paid for

by the Government of Guyana. Harmon is a prisoner to his perception based on his experiences when in government, however, apart from a small contingent from Go-Invest (who operated the Guyana Booth) and a handful of members of Government, the Guyanese contingent so loudly and proudly represented paid their way (myself included). OTC, like all such conventions, attracted businessmen from all fields looking to invest, and conversely, for investors; connections made at OTC have/will flourish to the benefit of our nation for many years to come.

Similarly, the Guyanese presence at Expo 2020 attracted criticism including that of Leon Suseran who made assumptions that all who posted from Dubai were/ are there on the taxpayers’ dime. Suseran well knows the adage about what assumptions make us but forged ahead bravely because he (Suseran) does not yet comprehend a Guyana where we (Guyanese) can afford to travel on their earnings; Suseran and Co.

must seek to be more responsible in the future as opinions such as this affect how others treat us in the shark tank of business, a perception from our own that our business class is incapable of paying their expenses for a trip to Dubai (or elsewhere) immediately puts Guyanese at a disadvantage in any negotiations. To those making assumptions, a simple Guyanese adage applies ‘nah tek yuh mattie eye fuh see’.

To the Guyanese who have embraced the first-world future and who are utilising every possible resource to deliver quality goods and services, I salute you and look forward to you being rewarded for your efforts; to those among us that are yet to grasp the vision, I suggest you spend more time in the present envisioning a prosperous future and less time mired in the HIPIC past.

For those yearning for those ‘good old days of poverty and want,’ there is always the palm tree waiting to take you there.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Tuesday October 26, 2021

Kaieteur News

“Let not your destiny and your promise be stolen from you by any small or great thing.”

Those were the words of UG's Vice Chancellor at the ceremonial opening of the university for the 2021-22 academic year.

The young ones had better bear that in mind, better keep an eye on our political leaders so that they do not continue to steal destiny and promise from everyone, if they have their way.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Tuesday October 26, 2021

A bad deal, is a bad deal no matter who is in power S

ince 'first oil', in December 2019, the cost of living has gone up and the majority of people in Guyana are poor. This is the view held

by International Lawyer and Environmental Activist, Melinda Janki, who is of the view “oil is making them poorer, not richer.”

The international lawyer in a recent public missive reminded that Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) had complained that the oil sector is ill-treating Guyanese workers and hiring foreigners for jobs that Guyanese can do.

She noted that more than six years after the discovery of oil and the promises of vast wealth, people are still hoping for a decent job, “in contrast, Darren Woods, the CEO of ExxonMobil earned US$15.6M (roughly G$3.2bn) last year.”

She used the occasion to remind too that everybody knows that the government

- Int'l Lawyer, Melinda Janki

“

If there is anybody in Guyana who thinks that Guyana got a good deal, let them say so loud and clear, - Melinda Janki

and the oil companies are subject to the rule of law.

“People also know that the Constitution (Article 149J) requires the State to protect the environment for present and future generations.”

To t h i s e n d , t h e International Lawyer questioned, “if there is anybody in Guyana who thinks that Guyana got a good deal, let them say so loud and clear.”

She reminded that in December 2018, the then Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, had said of the APNU+AFC Coalition, “our incompetent government trudged in there unprepared and stuck us with a contract that would harm

”

us for decades into the future. They sold our patrimony…”

But according to Janki, “a deal that sold our patrimony and would harm Guyana for decades does not magically become a good

deal because there is a different government.”

She used the occasion to remind too that, “the oil/gas sector is notorious for peddling lies.”

Next week Darren Woods, ExxonMobil's Chief Executive Officer, must appear before the US Congress Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Environment, to answer questions about Exxon and its disinformation about fossil fuels and global warming.

According to Janki, “In

1982, Exxon scientists privately predicted that burning fossil fuels would raise the temperature of the earth. In public, Exxon denied it. Exxon's lobbyist, Keith McCoy, recently admitted that Exxon relied on “shadow groups” to fight government efforts to address climate change.

Woods will be joined by other oil industry executives and, according to Janki, “given the blatant documented dishonesty in the oil sector, Guyanese people are increasingly

International Lawyer and Environmental Activist, Melinda Janki

skeptical of pro-oil statements.”

Govt. Ministers take flood-relief - farmers to also benefit from grant to Region Nineseeds, other planting materials

O

n Saturday last, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, travelled to the villages of Awarewaunau, Shea and

Maruranauin Region Nine ( U p p e r Ta k u t u - U p p e r Essequibo) to distribute flood-relief grants to farmers who suffered during the extended rainy period earlier

this year.

According to a government release, Region Nine is the sixth region to benefit from the grant that seeks to assist farmers with returning to the land as soon as possible.

During the distribution exercise, Minister Mustapha told farmers that the exercise was a result of a commitment made by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to assist farmers with returning to the land following the devastating May-June rainy period. “Today, we are here to rollout the government's flood-relief grant to farmers who suffered losses during the rainy period.

This flood was the most devastating flood in our c o u n tr y ' s h i s to r y. H is Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, said that the government would make some form of assistance available to those who suffered losses. Today, we are here to make good on that commitment that the President made. Each farmer here will receive $50,000 so that they can return to the land as quickly as possible,” Minister Mustapha said.

Sighting the numerous investments made to develop the sector since taking office, Minister Mustapha told the farmers that the government sees agriculture as one of the most important sectors in the country.

“Agriculture is a very important activity for the PPP government. Unlike the previous government, although we are now producing oil and gas, we

recognise that agriculture is one of the most important sectors and that you, the farmers, also play a critical role because you are the ones producing the food,” Minister Mustapha said.

He also announced that in addition to the grant, farmers will also benefit from Acoushi Ant bait, seeds, and other planting materials from the Ministry free of cost.

Minister Mustapha disclosed that the Ministry will also be constructing three agro-processing facilities in the region to assist farmers with making their produce more valueadded. Further, he said that each village in the region will benefit from a cassava mill to assist with processing cassava, which is one of the main crops grown in the region.

“This year, we will be building three agroprocessing facilities in Region Nine. Farmers will be able to take their crops to one of these facilities, package it and make it more value-added so that they can have better prices.

We will also assist farmers with securing lucrative markets for these crops. In addition to these facilities, the Ministry has also purchased cassava mills that will be distributed to each village in the region,” Minister Mustapha said.

While in the region, Minister Mustapha also toured the Lethem Public Market where he interacted with farmers who usually ply their trade at the facility.

Tuesday October 26, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

New day, old story!

T

he PNC/R and its sidekicks are predictable. This is one of the reasons why the PPP/C has always been able to counter the traditional narrative that is spun whenever it is in office.

As explained in a previous column, the PNC/R and its sidekicks like to play the victim card. They drum up fears of ethnic domination and promote the idea that the PPP/C is practising ethnic discrimination and the economic marginalisation against Africans.

The PNC/R chant of ethnic discrimination concerns what it says is the termination of the services of 2,000 public servants.

However, the PNC/R is yet to provide names of these 2,000 persons so that its accuracy can be verified and a determination made as to how many of those sent home were political appointees.

Then there is the contention of economic marginalisation. The most often used basis for this is the so-called preference given to the Indian-dominated sugar industry as opposed to the African-dominated bauxite industry.

The facts however do not support this assertion. For more than a decade, under PPP/C governments, the faltering bauxite industry was sustained by subventions provided by the State. In fact, on a per capita basis, Region 10 enjoys a far higher degree of support from PPP/C governments

than many other Regions, as was so compellingly argued by former Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, in a letter – “Linden/Region 10 received greater attention, subsidies from the PPP/C” – published in the Stabroek News of October 6, 2016.

The last income and expenditure survey also debunks the claim of ethnic economic marginalisation.

In a study undertaken by Dr. Ramesh Gampat and entitled “Guyana: Population, Poverty and Ethnicity”, it was found more Indians lived in poverty than Africans.

The narrative of ethnic domination is resurfacing, as predicted. David Hinds is one of the main purveyors of this narrative and he has most recently been joined by former PPP/C Minister, Henry Jeffrey.

In fact, the latter in a recent column asserted that the PPP/C is continuing its mission to achieve political dominance. Having made t h i s s w e e p i n g generalisation, he fails to illustrate just how the PPP/C is presently doing this. But this too is an old tactic: make a sweeping statement and repeat it often enough until it gains traction.

Jeffrey however goes much further than saying that the PPP/C is presently on a course of political domination. He says that the historical trajectory of the PPP is to achieve political dominance.

He may wish to explain if this is indeed the case, how he stayed so long within the

bosom of the PPP/C leadership. Having realised that the PPP was on a historical mission of domination, did he not have a moral duty to separate himself from the PPP/C government? Did he ever raise this issue within the PPP/C government which he served? Did he ever raise it with Cheddi Jagan with whom he was said to have had a good relationship? Or did this eureka moment only present itself after he departed the government?

In his recent column, Jeffrey states that the historical trajectory of the PPP is to achieve political domination. He provides some examples to support this claim. First, he says that the Jagans' sought to control the party by way of their ethnic majority. But was that majority not entrenched by the split with Burnham?

As regards that split, Jeffrey states that the quarrel with Forbes Burnham that ultimately led to the split in the party was over the leadership. But what were the factors which precipitated this dual for leadership? Was it a quest for ethnic domination?

In a book which he coauthored with Colin Baber, Jeffrey said that personal, ideological and tactical factors explained Burnham's manoeuvre for leadership in 1952 and following the 1953 elections.

Jeffrey, in his recent column, also repeats on old discredited claim that the PPP's refusal to join the West Indian Federation was

Mo factions boys seh... dan fractions Dem

D

e leader of de PNC/R warn a g a i n s t factionalism. And right now, dem factions playing right into de man hands.

It look as if he gan gat to come out of de leave and tek control of de leadership of de party because it gat mo factions dan fractions. And more mud slinging dan oil pumping.

Leadership of a political party is supposed to be seamless. De person with de best chance does already be known. And dat person is already known. If Soulja Bai nah going back, is only one

person suppose to tek over.

Burnham was leader fuh life. One man decide fuh challenge he one time and had to leave de country afterwards.

When Burnham dead, Hoyte eventually tek over after somebody did hold de fort. Den when Hoyte dead, Uncle Robert tek over and when he retire, de Brigadier tek over. Is den de problems start.

Dem boys nah endorsing nobody from dat party. But dem boys wan people fuh know dat de last Kangress dem had a big contest fuh Chairman because Soulja

Bai bin sick and people know dat de Chairman does succeed de leader until Congress elect a new Leader.

De person in waiting is de Chairperson. Dat person is de frontrunner. Not all dem names wah calling nowadays. So dem boys seh dem nah know wah is all de fussing about.

When de time come, de rightful person can rise and tek her place as leader of de party. But if dis in-fighting and backstabbing tekkin' place, Soulja Bai gan gat to come out of retirement and bring some unity to de party.

Talk half and leff half.

largely because it thought that its ethnic base would be diluted in an essentially African federation.

Yet Jagan himself had been criticised by middleclass Indians as having betrayed their interest by his position of regional integration. The PPP's position on Federation had always been consistent.

Jagan supported regional integration even before the PPP was established. His position, however, had always been conditioned by his Marxist outlook. He saw regional integration within the context of creating a socialist and independent Caribbean. Jagan viewed regional integration in an ideological context rather than on ethnic grounds.

The PPP, which he headed, was wary of the possibility of the West seeking to stem the influence of Cuba by creating an amalgamated Caribbean Union, which would amount to nothing more than an enlarged colony.

Since the days of the Political Affairs Committee, Jagan had argued for a Federation with dominion status and self-government, instead of a union with a crown colony government.

He would later argue for

regional integration to be tied to independence. Cheddi saw the pitfalls that would emerge from a Federation without either dominion status or independence.

Federation would amount to nothing more than a commonwealth of colonial states in the Caribbean, tied to the interests of Britain, which would use the movement to deny rather than promote political i n d e p e n d e n c e .

Burnham on the other hand, as negotiations for Guyana's Independence got underway, called for independence only within a Federation. In effect, he was interested in Guyana being granted independence only under a Federation.

One of the region's foremost advocates for Federation was CLR James.

He saw Federation as a vehicle for achieving political independence for the Caribbean. Jagan saw Federation as only being viable either with dominion status or independence.

But James, who was critical of the stance that Jagan took in relation to Federation, never accused him of embracing an ethnic position. This is what he had to say about Jagan: “…Dr. Jagan is no petty racialist,

not at all. I am unalterably opposed to the political p h i l o s o p h y, w h i c h h e accepts. I am unalterably opposed to its methods. I have told him so in person.

And therefore, there is no reason why I should not say so in public. He has not hidden his views; there is no reason for me to hide mine.”

“But in regard to his aims for British Guiana, and for the West Indies as a whole, they are those of an enlightened modern person. He is not counting up how many Indians, and how many Africans and how many acres of land, and basing the future of British Guiana on that.

“Some of his supporters might be doing that, but his general view is not that at a l l . ” There is therefore not one grain of truth in the speculation that Jagan was opposed to Federation, because it would marginalise his East Indians support base.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Tuesday October 26, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

What do two supermarkets, Swami Aksharananda, and Freud have in common?

T

he answer to the question above is that they met in a confluence last Saturday morning in my head. Here is how the story unfolded. On Saturday morning, my wife asked me to skip across to Massy supermarket to buy callaloo and bora.

I picked up a packet of bora. There was no callaloo. I also bought a plastic sack of DDL cherry juice and I grabbed a Massy breakfast of pepper pot with “boil and fry” (a potpourri of boiled and fried ground provisions.) Saturday morning was not the first time I heard the supermarket playing Latin rhythms in the Spanish language.

Since it is one minute's drive from Massy to Giftland supermarket, I touched down there for the callaloo. Believe it

or leave it – Giftland supermarket had loud Spanish music playing. Giftland supermarket plays Spanish music quite often. Now, here is the part where you are going to accuse me of embellishment.

I swear on the life of my two cats and incredibly beautiful dog that the next few words are the truth. There were two men in construction clothes in front of me speaking Spanish. I assume they are petroleum workers. Their trolley was full of goods. I had just two plastic wrappings of callaloo. I didn't speak to them. I showed them my single item and pointed to the cashier. They said it was alright to go ahead.

I am assuming that Massy and Giftland play Spanish songs because of the influx of

Latin people and petroleum workers. In my compound next to the CARICOM Secretariat, there was a Spanish Exxon employee who entertained Latin women on the weekends and his music was loud.

What is wrong with these two retail outlets playing Latin songs? The answer is absolutely nothing. I see nothing wrong with it though I must confess I wish they would play Johnny Mathis, Andre Bocelli and Patrizio Buenna all the time. I mean non-stop. Sorry if Indians and Africans in Guyana do not like that kind of music. I am crazy about these three singers.

So these two supermarkets can play their Latin lyrics as often as they like. But there are more Indians – both Hindu and

Muslim – shoppers at these two outlets than our Latin guests. For each Latin shopper you find in a store, there are 20 Indians. The music of the subcontinent has been with Guyana since the indentured system began here.

Why these supermarkets do not play Hindi songs? It has to be a baffling situation. In fact, it is an enigma. Enter Swami Aksharananda. The Swami is one of the willing protectors, defenders and preservers of Hindu culture in Guyana. In such pursuits, he gets it right most of the times with one exception. And that one exception, the Swami has to be careful with.

It relates to his support for the dangerous Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. Modi is in the same category of the present leaders of the Philippines, Hungary, Poland, and Brazil. You call them elected oligarchs.

This explains why Donald Trump admired him. Modi is fervently anti-Muslim and anti-democratic. If he stays in power, he is going to destroy one of the world's greatest and beautiful lands – India. I hope Swami studies Modi's political deportment.

Anyway, Swami needs to

tackle this question of the contempt for Indian music in some quarters in Guyana.

He needs to confront this cultural assault.

As an educated man with a doctorate in sociology, Swami has to know that at a Freudian level, nonIndian folks have a subtle and hidden Frederick Kissoon conceptualisation of the general inferiority leadership is non-Indian have of the Indian race in supported election rigging or Guyana.

In 2000, I went to South remained silent. I offered the Ruimveldt to have my car same analysis about the stereo system installed. The identical stance of Creole technician was an African middle class people in and out of Guyana. Their gentleman.

I was in the yard and his repressed Freudian elements wife didn't know I was there came to the surface.

It was better to have rigged and she shouted out, “why deh playing dah 'collie' music on de elections than have those effing radio station.” She was Indian people come back to referring to the government power again. I end with a belief owned station. At that time, that I never expressed publicly there were no private radio before - Indian music can rival any other in this world. Over to stations.

Since the March 2020 you Swami.

(The views expressed in election, I have published several columns, which this article are those of the analysed why certain civil a u t h o r a n d d o n o t society groups and women necessarily reflect the o r g a n i s a t i o n s w h o s e opinions of this newspaper.)

Tuesday October 26, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Tuesday October 26, 2021

“Sweetie” vendor killed for allegedly sharing intimate photo of suspect on social media

A

Charlestown sweetie vendor was on Sunday night killed reportedly over sharing a photograph on

social media of the suspect and his girlfriend being intimate.

The dead man has been identified as Carl Cameron,

- Wanted bulletin issued 48, of Lot 33 Lyng Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

Yesterday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a

wanted bulletin for the suspect, 30-year-old Kevin Hendricks, of Lyng Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

According to police, it

Dead, Carl Cameron was around 18:00hrs on Sunday last, while Cameron was in front of his yard selling confectioneries, when Hendricks who was armed with a pointed object, suspected to be an ice-pick, reportedly walked up to him and stabbed him five times.

Cameron was stabbed thrice to his chest and twice to his back.

The vendor fell to the ground and Hendricks made good his escape. Cameron was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he died while receiving medical attention.

His body was later transported to the hospital's mortuary. A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted shortly.

The matter was reported and checks were made for the suspect but he was not located. As such, anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers: 672-1390, 2270968, 226-6978, 225-8196, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Kaieteur News understands, that one week prior to the fatal stabbing, the suspect had accused Cameron of sharing the intimate photograph on social media. This reportedly led to the feud between the two men leading to the death of Cameron.

Wanted, Kevin Hendricks

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 26, 2021

PAGE 13

Exxon rents another supply vessel McCall, Michael Crombie and Guyana Hero.

Kaieteur News has since been reliably informed that

The latest supply vessel employed

by ExxonMobil Guyana for use in the Stabroek Block

E

sso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—has secured and deployed another supply vessel, adding to its fleet of 24 already in operation.

This much can be gleaned from a notice yesterday by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), which has since caused to be published a notice warning mariners to stay clear of the vessel's operation.

The new rental, since identified as the 'Home Run P' Offshore Supply Vessel is set to be used as EEPGL continues to develop its operations in the Stabroek Block of the Guyana Maritime Zone.

The vessel is said to be operating some 177 kilometres from the coast of Guyana and will cover an area of some 64 nautical miles.

Previous reports by this publication had indicated that Guyana has in the past paid some US$55,000 (approx. G$11M) for the rental of each supply vessel it rents.

According to MARAD in its publication, “all mariners are required to maintain a wide berth of

these vessels, and navigate with caution when in the vicinity.”

Only recently, this publication had reported that ExxonMobil Guyana was looking to secure three classes of specialised supply vessels to support its offshore operations.

At the time, the company said it was requesting information for the provision of multi-purpose support vessels, platform support vessels, and fast support vessels.

It is unclear if any of these specialised boats have since been acquired since the 'Home Run P', according to its owners, is classified as a regular offshore supply vessel.

Kaieteur News had in the recent past reported that not only was ExxonMobil Guyana utilising 24 supply vessels at the time to support its drilling operations costing the country some US$1.3M daily.

This since, each of the vessels is being rented at a cost of some US$55,000 ($G11M), as neighbouring oil producers, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname spends some US$12,000 for the rentals of their supply vessels.

According to a recent notice by ExxonMobil, the 24 vessels it recently rented are to support its drilling operations in the Stabroek Block.

E x x o n M o b i l additionally, currently has some six drill ships in operations in various oil blocks offshore Guyana.

The previously identified supply vessels included the Gary Rook, Russell Bouziga, Robert Adams, Seacor Nile, Sanibel Island, Jack Edwards, Holiday, CInstaller, Kirk Chouest, Roger White, Charlie Commeaux and the Ted Smith.

Others being employed are Paradise Island, Seacor Demerara, Clarence Triche, Seacor Congo, Horn Island, Russell Adams, Seacor Murray, Seacor Amazon, Seacor Mixteca, Emily Day

according to the company's contracts, they are to be paid whether the vessel is used in a day or not.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday October 26, 2021

Exxon eyes Haags Bosch as Guyana cannot be left behind dumping ground for its waste during period of accelerated digitisation - Prime Minister ...to consider Refuse being dumped at the Haags Bosch landfill site

building new industrial landfill - Study

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips meeting with UNDP officials.

E

sso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—has submitted a revised waste disposal plan for its operations and has suggested in the interim the use of the Haags Bosch Dumpsite.

T h i s m u c h i s documented in a Cradle to Grave Waste Analysis Study submitted by EEPGL

recently to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to the document provided to the EPA, “this Cradle to Grave Waste Analysis Study was conducted to provide a holistic, beginning-to-end overview of waste generation and management resulting from Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited's (EEPGL)

projects in Guyana.”

It said, the study covers waste streams generated offshore during exploration, development and production operations, including points of generation, composition and concentrations, transportation, treatment method processes, disposal locations, anticipated disposal frequencies, and application of relevant (continued on page 17)

P

rime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, yesterday said that Guyana cannot be left behind in the drive to enhance global digitisation.

He said that the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the importance of technological advancements and has forced its acceleration.

At a meeting at his office with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident

Representative in Guyana, Jairo Valverde, and Senior Advisor, Jose Eguren, the senior government official noted that the ICT access and E-Services for Hinterland, Poor and Remote Communities Project is of extreme importance.

“Eliminating the digital divide is a part of development in any country… COVID has forced accelerated digitisation on the entire world and Guyana cannot

afford to be left behind.”

The E-Services project is a collaboration between the Office of the Prime Minister and the UNDP. Prime Minister Phillips said that the “project has the potential of having us achieve the goal of connecting our hinterland, poor and remote communities and we have identified 200 of those communities to be connected and to benefit (continued on page 17)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 26, 2021

$136M in contracts inked for construction of core homes in Sophia, street light installation in Parfaite Harmonie

A representative of AJM Enterprises [right] and N. Balgobin & Sons Contracting Services and Electrical Supplies [left], sign the contracts, with assistance from a CH&PA Projects Dept. staffer.

T

he Ministry of Housing and Water through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has inked approximately $136 million in contracts under the Adequate Housing and UrbanAccessibility Programme (AHUAP) for the construction of core homes in Sophia, Georgetown and the installation of street lights at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara.

This is according to a release issued yesterday by the CH&PA. The contracts were signed in the CH&PA's boardroom on Monday in the presence of Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Andre Ally, Chief Executive Officer of CH&PA, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves and Director of Projects, Mr. Omar Narine.

Minister Croal, in his charge to the contractors, explained that these projects are important, particularly for the enhancement of lowincome and vulnerable communities and families, as he urged them to complete the works to the best standards.

“There are persons who are waiting to benefit from this programme, those persons have been identified already and so I want to urge you to follow all the guidelines, ensure that you engage our technical staff if you are having difficulties, and to ensure that we have a timely delivery of this project,” the Minister said. Minister Croal also expressed contentment at the pace of the AHUAP, noting that over the past year, more than $6oo million has been invested in Sophia for infrastructure upgrades, the construction of a multipurpose facility, and the disbursement of home improvement subsidies.

Approximately $1 billion in contracts have also been signed for similar projects in La

Parfaite Harmonie. As the agency continues to push the programme, he also noted that capacity building will be ongoing for the Community Development Department – Special Projects Unit, which has oversight of AHUAP. Giving a breakdown of the contracts signed on Monday, Permanent Secretary Ally, further explained that 25 core homes will be constructed in Sophia under the Construction of Core Homes contract, which was awarded to AJM Enterprise.

This contract consists of five lots, with five houses on each lot, at a value of $111,882,800 ($22,376,560 each lot).

Moreover, the contract for the Supply and Installation of Solar Integrated LED Street Lights at La Parfaite H a r m o n i e , We s t B a n k Demerara was awarded to N. Balgobin and Sons Contracting Services for two lots. Lot One is valued $12,671,360, while Lot Two is $12,530,000.

AHUAP is an InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) funded programme aimed at improving the quality of life in urban and peri-urban Georgetown through better access to adequate housing and basic infrastructure for lowincome populations, and through improved accessibility and mobility services.

The programme previously encompassed communities from Georgetown to Grove on the East Bank of Demerara, up to La Bonne Intention on the East Coast of Demerara and Westminster, Onderneeming, Recht-Door-Zee, Lust en Rust, and Parfaite Harmonie Phase II on the West Bank of Demerara.

The Ministry recently expanded the boundary to include 19 communities on the East Coast of Demerara, stretching the boundary to Victoria. Similar works will commence in these areas, as the programme continues.

PAGE 15

Guyana among CARICOM countries to get COVID-19 aid from the US

T

he United States through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in a

press release issued on Sunday, announced its US$2.5 million in urgent COVID-19 for countries in the Eastern Caribbean

Region, which include the Bahamas, Trinidad and To b a g o , G u y a n a , a n d Suriname.

This assistance aims to

provide support to operational costs of COVID19 vaccination campaigns, vaccine hesitancy surveys, (continued on page 17)

PAGE 16

Tuesday October 26, 2021

Kaieteur News

Accused facing retrial pleads guilty to Republic Day killing of Enterprise businessman

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Devon Thomas, the 28year-old man who was scheduled along with is coaccused, to face a retrial in the High Court for murder has pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter.

Thomas pleaded guilty to crime before Justice Jo Ann Barlow at the Georgetown High Court yesterday.

In July, Thomas and his co-accused, 25-year-old Randy Isaacs were jointly placed before the court to face a retrial for the murder of Enterprise businessman, Kumar Mohabir, who was killed on Mashramani Day (February 23) in 2013.

Following a retrial, however, Isaacs was found not guilty by a 12-member jury, and Thomas was ordered to face a retrial since the jury failed to arrive at a verdict for him. That retrial was scheduled to start yesterday before Justice Barlow. Thomas however, opted to plead guilty to manslaughter causing the matter to be adjourned to November 11, 2021 for sentencing.

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Coast Demerara (ECD) businessman.

In 2015, the duo had faced a trial before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Georgetown. Back then, Thomas, a construction worker from Lot 95 Better Hope South, East Coast Demerara and his co-accused Isaacs, were sentenced for the murder of Mohabir, called “Dusky” and “Fire Link”, of Lot 7 Fernandes Street, Enterprise, ECD. He was attacked and brutally stabbed by a drunken mob on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, on February 23, 2013. The man, who operated a tent rental business at his residence, was

Devon Thomas.

(Thomas and Isaac) as the persons who participated in the incident, which led to his death.

Man pleads guilty to killing Sophia resident by mistake on Christmas Day Devon Griffith, called ‘Spooney’, who was accused of the 2017 Christmas Day murder of Sophia resident, Celwyn Allen, has pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

Griffith, formerly of Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown appeared virtually before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Georgetown High Court yesterday. According to the charge read by State Prosecutor, Sarah Martin, on December 25, 2017 at ‘C’ Field, Sophia, Georgetown, he unlawfully killed Allen.

According to the facts of the case, Griffith, a drug addict from Kitty attacked and stabbed Allen after he mistook him for someone, whom had attacked him (Griffith) some time before.

Griffith, who has been incarcerated on a murder charge since 2017, was represented by Attorney Ravindra Mohabir, when he appeared before the court yesterday.

Devon Griffith called ‘Spooney’.

Murdered, Celwyn Allen.

Taking a number of factors into consideration, Justice Barlow deferred sentencing of the man until November 11. Previous reports had indicated that Allen, a labourer of Lot 1342 Cummings Park, ‘E’ Field Sophia, was walking with his fiancée, Nalydiah Henry, on Christmas Day when Griffith attacked him from behind and stabbed him to the neck, chest and back.

Allen fell to the ground

and was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Griffith was arrested hours later. He reportedly told the police that he was “high” and mistook Allen for someone who had attacked him earlier in the day. Griffith also claimed that he was the ‘boss’ for the area and he felt disrespected when he was attacked.

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attacked after he went to the location to collect a tent he rented to his neighbours for the Republic Day celebrations.

According to the reports, a group of drunken men who were armed with broken bottles attacked Mohabir after he went to collect a tent at Vlissengen Road in Georgetown. He was stabbed by a group of intoxicated persons and subsequently rushed to the Woodlands Hospital where he died while receiving treatment.

Following the incident, the victim’s older brother, Navindra Mohabir, who was also wounded in the attack, had identified two suspects

website maintenance includes repair works, cleaning, weeding of lawns, purchase of materials and stationeries, and other materials needed for the institutions’ operations.

In September 2018, the then Coalition government had commissioned a maintenance facility, which it had built for maintenance staff. It was reported that the facility would house 100 permanent and part-time staff for eight broad maintenance areas and these are: carpentry, plumbing and electrical maintenance, maintenance of grounds and estates and the maintenance of buildings.

However, it should be

noted that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the students and professors have not been physically attending class at the two UG campuses as in the past.

The mid-year report stated, “Of note, all programmes are now being delivered using an online platform, and for programmes that require laboratory sessions, a blended approach is being administered.”

UG currently facilitates 9000 students – 8,610 at the Turkeyen Campus and 686 at the Tain Campus – and almost all of them are attending online classes for over 1,558 courses that are being offered.

Tuesday October 26, 2021

...Guyana cannot be left behind during From page 14 from everything that comes under the umbrella of e-governance”.

Mr. Valverde said that once fully implemented, the project will not only be rewarding but will significantly boost the ICT environment across the country.

“The impact of the project will go beyond what we have been able to imagine, because

once those communities have the hubs and once the Government's e-services are developed, it's going to improve the integration of all Guyana”.

The officials also discussed several UNDP projects in Guyana and future collaborations.

UNDP's support for Guyana currently targets capacity-building and the

strengthening of legal and institutional frameworks; the phasing out of ozone depleting substances; the mitigation of land degradation through sustainable land management; increased energy access for hinterland communities; enhanced biodiversity protection in the gold mining sector; and the strengthening of capacities in disaster response and risk reduction.

...Guyana among CARICOM countries From page 15 laboratory detection and vaccine storage, equipment procurement to support the development of COVID-19 vaccination information systems and outreach activities to reduce vaccine hesitancy in collaboration with local influencers and celebrities.

Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, Mark Cullinane, announced the funding during a review of the USAID/CARICOM regional strategy on Thursday last. Cullinane remarked that, “this review speaks to the level of importance that the United States holds CARICOM as a strategic partner in the global COVID-19 response and advancing health security in the Caribbean. The United States will work proudly alongside our regional partners, PAHO, UNICEF, CARPHA and CARICOM in efforts to mitigate and eliminate the effects of the pandemic in Guyana

and the wider Caribbean.”

The USAID regional representative for the eastern and southern Caribbean, Clinton White, noted that, “the new funding will also respond to urgent gaps in the COVID-19 case management such as procuring oxygen, laboratory equipment and other critical items to help reduce deaths from COVID-19 in Caribbean countries.”

CARICOM's Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, expressed appreciation for the assistance, particularly on behalf of those CARICOM member states that would benefit, by noting that, “no member state has been spared from this deadly virus and its devastating impact on the health and wellbeing of their citizens and their respective economies.”

She projected that the resources will assist the member states “to intensify their logistic arrangements and communications to further

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

support vaccine readiness while countering vaccine hesitancy and disinformation, which we anticipate will increase the number of persons vaccinated against COVID-19 virus.”

This additional assistance from the historic American Rescue Plan act of 2021 builds on previous COVID-19 support provided to Caribbean countries.

USAID has provided nearly $63 million in COVID19 assistance to the Caribbean since the beginning of the pandemic to assist in the health, humanitarian and economic impacts of the virus.

This assistance is helping to deliver vaccines, expand access to COVID-19 testing and treatments, protect and train health workers, deliver life-saving health commodities and equipment, share public health information and safeguard global health security.

...Exxon eyes Haags Bosch as dumping From page 14 international standards and best practices.

Among the highlights of the analysis, it was noted that “opening the Haags Bosch Landfill (HBL) Cell 2 will provide adequate shortterm disposal capacity, but a longer-term strategy needs to be evaluated and implemented. Consideration of an engineered landfill for industrial waste needs to be evaluated.”

According to the analysis conducted by EEPGL, waste volumes will increase as a result of additional floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels, drill ships for exploration and appraisal (E&A) and development wells (Dev Wells), liquid mud plants (LMP) and marine support vessels (MSV) tank cleaning services transitioning from Trinidad to Guyana.”

It said too, “third-party waste treatment capacity meets estimated project demands and capacity will be evaluated annually.”

The company cautioned however that, “waste oil recycling options are needed in Guyana to address the growing volumes generated from consumer vehicles, industrial generators, marine vessels, and oil and gas industry.”

Among the recommendations documented in the analysis is the development

of the Comprehensive Waste Management Plan (WMP) that will account for lessons learned from data efficiency reviews, capturing waste volume estimate revisions, and suggesting potential improvement opportunities.

EEPGL, which is the operator of the Stabroek, Canje, and Kaieteur Blocks offshore Guyana, is engaged in numerous ongoing exploration and development operations offshore, and began production from the Liza Phase 1 Project in December 2019 with the deployment of the first Floating, Production, Storage and

Offloading (FPSO) vessel in Guyana. EEPGL has since also obtained additional Production Licences and Environmental Permits to develop and operate the Liza Phase 2 Project and the Payara Project, which will result in a second and third FPSO. The company in its report said too that EEPGL's various exploration and development projects will result in generation of certain wastes that must be managed by EEPGL and its contractors, consistent with required WMPs and applicable regulations and industry best practices.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 26, 2021

Tuesday October 26, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 26, 2021

Tuesday October 26, 2021

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Ramsammy captures AIBA President Kremlev pledges fair fights gold; Albert takes Silver at Men’s World Boxing Championships at Santo Domingo Open Insidethegames - The C h a m p i o n s h i p s , M a r k o President of t h e Marovic.

International Boxing Association (AIBA) Umar Kremlev has met with the Referees and Judges who are part of the AIBA Men’s Wo r l d Boxing Championships in Belgrade, pledging fights will be fair at the tournament.

Also in attendance was independent expert Richard McLaren, AIBA Referees and Judges Committee chairman Chris Roberts, AIBA Competitions Committee chair Michael Müller and Technical Delegate for the

McLaren recently concluded a report into the manipulation of officiating at the Rio 2016 Olympics, which heavily criticised the previous AIBA regime. The International Olympic Committee organised the event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after the AIBA was suspended as the international governing body of the sport.

All 36 Referees and Judges at Rio 2016 were banned from officiating at Tokyo 2020. “I am really happy to spend some time with you who are in our

Guyanese Darious Ramsammy and Nicholas Albert turned in splendid performances to win gold and silver respectively at the Santo Domingo Open bodybuilding championship which was held in the Dominican Republic on Sunday last.

Competing in the Under165 lbs category, Ramsammy kept the Golden Arrowhead aloft, but took the runner-up

Umar Kremlev team, who are committed to fair fights and transparent judging with the highest

Tuesday October 26, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Disappointing emails or calls could come your way today. Perhaps someone you were hoping to visit with won't be able to make it, or perhaps a friend had to turn down an invitation to a party.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You may feel worried about your financial situation today. You may have been expecting to receive some money that's now delayed.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) An unexpected event might cause you to be temporarily separated from the special person in your life. Confusion surrounding the incident and your mate's role in it might plague you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You're thinking about friends and family members who live far away and wondering what they're doing.

You could feel a little nostalgic, longing for times long past.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Money matters might be tangled today. There could be a delay in receiving funds due you, which could prove frustrating but can be straightened out.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Troubles with friends and possibly a romantic partner over the past day or two could have you feeling unloved and insecure.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Mild cold symptoms could affect your ability to tend to your chores today. You're an active person, so this could affect your self-confidence and ability to do what you want to do.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may have sniffles or a sore throat, possibly necessitating taking time off from work. This could be unwelcome, as it keeps you from going out on a date as well.

Try to keep your mind occupied with activities that don't tire you physically.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) The special someone in your life might feel a little jealous of your friends now.

Perhaps you've had a number of invitations that only involve you and your pals.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Lack of contact with a close friend or romantic partner might find you feeling lonely and insecure, wondering if he or she has forgotten you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You likely want to take the day off, perhaps to take care of an unfinished creative project you've been working on for some time.But you aren't likely to get very far since disagreements within your friends keep your mind occupied.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Responsibilities at home may weigh on your mind today and interfere with other obligations. This could cause some inner conflict, but you have a personal life and it's important to take care of these things, too.

standards of integrity,” said Kremlev.

“In AIBA, we have clear rules and these must be implemented properly.

“Those who fail to do so will be excluded from the AIBA family forever. “We should put the past behind us, having learnt from it so that we can move on.

“Every mistake in judging could cost an athlete the chance to achieve his or her destiny.

“Should we fail, we risk having no new generations in our boxing gyms and no future.” Competition has started today at the Championships and is scheduled to end on November 6.

...Lahiru Kumara, Liton From page 20 the Bangladesh batter.

Kumara was found guilty of breaching Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage, or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.”

Das breached Article 2.20 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game’. ICC Match Referee Javagal Srinath imposed the sanctions on both the players based on the charges levelled by on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Adrian Holdstock, third umpire Michael Gough and fourth umpire Rod Tucker.

Both players pleaded guilty and accepted the sanctions.

spot for the overall category.

Albert participated in the Under-176 lbs class.

Both Bodybuilders had missed the Central American and Caribbean Championships earlier this year after initially being named to compete.

The National Sports Commission and B.M. Soat Auto Sales supported the athletes in their journey to Santo Domingo.

...Sörling ITTF President manifesto From page 20 with “the course that the ITTF and World Table Tennis are taking”.

Sörling has played a leading role in the ITTF’s recent governance disputes, writing a joint letter with Deputy President Khalil AlMohannadi in May 2020 that criticised Weikert. Al-

Mohannadi and Sörling denounced Weikert for a “lack of strategical and constructive initiatives... to safeguard the ITTF from a structural and financial point of view in these difficult times”.

She would become the first woman to serve as President if her election is confirmed.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Tuesday October 26, 2021

Two new IPL franchises to Permaul and Smith included in CWI Squads for Best V Best Matches compete in 2022 season Veerasammy Permaul

Sanjiv Goenka previously owned the Pune franchise in 2016 and 2017 AFP

B

BCsport - Two new franchises will compete in the Indian Premier League from 2022. The RPSG Ventures conglomerate bid more than $930m (£675.2m) at an auction in Dubai to set up a team in the Indian city of Lucknow.

CVC Capital partners promised more than $690m (£501m) to set up a team in Ahmedabad, home of the world’s biggest cricket stadium - a 132,000 capacity.

The 2022 IPL season will

have 10 teams and 74 matches, with each team having seven home and seven away matches.

S o u r a v G a n g u l y, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said: “The IPL will now go to two new cities in India in Lucknow and Ahmedabad. “It’s heartening to see the inclusion of two new teams at such a high valuation, and reiterates the cricketing and financial strength of our cricket ecosystem.

“The [auction] process included two interested bidders from outside of India, which strongly emphasises the global appeal of the IPL as a sports property. “The IPL is proving to be a wonderful instrument in globalising the game of cricket. I’m keenly looking forward to IPL 2022.”

Chennai Super Kings are the reigning IPL champions and beat Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2021 final earlier this month.

Nial Smith

S

t John’s, Antigua – The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel announced the squads for the upcoming Best v Best men’s red ball matches.

The Panel named 24 players for two three-day fixtures, which will be played at the Coolidge Cricket Ground on October 27-29 and November 1-3.

The two teams will be led by Kraigg Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood.

The players will use these matches as preparations ahead of West Indies’ forthcoming tour to Sri Lanka for two Test matches following the ICC T20 World Cup. The team will depart from Antigua on November 6 and the tour will

run until December 4.

The full tour squad and schedule will be announced at a later date.

The series is the second of six series, three at home and three away, that West Indies will play in the 20212023 ICC World Test Championship after drawing the first Betway Test Series against Pakistan in August.

Roger Harper, Senior Men’s Lead Selector said: “These Best v Best matches are a critical part of the Test team’s preparation for the series in Sri Lanka.

For a number of players, it will be the only serious red ball cricket they will have since the Betway Test series against Pakistan and prior to going on this tour.

So, it helps to get them

back into the groove of the red ball format and gives the Selection Panel an indication of the players’ readiness for the tour.”

Squad A - Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Shamarh Brooks, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l , Jayden Seales, Preston McSween, Nial Smith, Jeremy Solozano.

Squad B - Jermaine Blackwood (Captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Jahmar Hamilton, Chemar Holder, Kavem Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Imran Khan, Shayne Moseley, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican.

(CWI)

WIPA Extends Commendations to Greenidge and Haynes on Honorary Sörling ITTF President manifesto focuses on unity, growth and sustainability Degrees

K

i n g s t o n , Jamaica – The We s t I n d i e s P l a y e r s ’ Association (WIPA) extends commendations to Sir Gordon Greenidge and Sir Desmond Haynes on receiving Honorary Degrees of Doctor of Laws from the University of the West Indies.

Sirs Greenidge and Haynes were awarded Honorary Doctorates on Saturday, October 23 at the Graduation ceremony of the Cave Hill Campus. Sir Cuthbert Gordon Greenidge

West Indies legendary Openers Sir Gordon Greenidge (right) and Desmond Haynes was one of the most successful opening batsmen of the game, averaging 44.72 i n Te s t s , l a r g e l y i n partnership with Sir Desmond Haynes, who averaged 42.29 in the same format. No other opening pair has scored as many runs together in international cricket. WIPA President and C E O , Wa v e l l H i n d s ,

e x p r e s s e d h i s commendations: “We salute Sir Gordon Greenidge and Sir Desmond Haynes for their contribution to West Indies and international cricket and the award of Honorary Doctorates in recognition of that contribution. It is a welldeserved honor that all West Indians can be proud of.”

Lahiru Kumara, Liton Das fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct ICC - Lahiru Kumara has been fined 25% of his match fees while Liton Das has been docked 15% for breaching level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The fines

relate to a clash in the recently concluded Super 12 game between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on Sunday in Sharjah.

The incident occurred in

the fifth over after Kumara scalped the wicket of Liton Das, after which Kumara walked towards Das, provoking a response from (Continued on page 19)

Insidethegames International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) President candidate, Petra Sörling, has announced her manifesto, with unity, growth and sustainability at the forefront.

The Swede aims to create growth through a membership centred governance, strengthen commercial partnerships and drive an environmental agenda.

The manifesto is a result of talks with the ITTF memberships and several of the sport’s continental federations. “From the many discussions I’ve held during the six months of campaigning, I strongly believe I have been able to identify the most important areas to cover in the near f u t u r e , ” s a i d Sörling.”Clearly, we must work to unite the ITTF family.

“It is time to bring the

Petra Sörling

ITTF into the modern area and I’m ready to work hard to position our federation as one of the best in the world of sports with full focus on the people, the planet and the profit.”

Sörling claims a valuedriven commercial growth approach is key as the ITTF hopes to be viewed as a leader in development and innovation. “By evolving the structures with our member associations and athletes in mind, we will increase brand

awareness, build stronger relationships with key stakeholders, and give more players the chance to participate in professional events,” said Sörling.

Sörling is the current ITTF Deputy President of Finance and is expected to become President after being confirmed as the sole candidate. Current President Thomas Weikert has said that he would not be seeking reelection as he does not agree (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 26, 2021

PAGE 23

GAPLF RAW Nationals

Tarson and Abrigo are Best Male and Female Athletes as 33 records crumble on explosive day

Salma Hack accepts her prize from GAPLF President Gordon Spencer

By Zaheer Mohamed

H

a r d a t Ta r s o n a n d Keisha Abrigo copped the overall Male and Female titles respectively when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) staged its RAW National Championships on Sunday last at Life Gym, Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

In what was arguably the ultimate competitive test of strength, the athletes displayed tremendous mental and physical prowess to excite those present.

The competition which was held under strict covid-19 guidelines provided a glimpse of what is to come at next month’s seniors’.

Lifting in the 83kg Men’s Open, Tarson powered his way to the overall title with a total lift of 695kg which included a best squat of 250kg, benchpress of 150kg and deadlift 295kg.

Abrigo competed in the 69kg Women’s Open division and chalked up a total lift of 395kg which comprised a best squat of 147.5kg, benchpress of 65kg and a deadlift of 182.5kg. Paul Adams placed 2nd in the Men’s Open 83kg class with a best squat of 215kg, benchpress of 135kg and deadlift of 255kg, totaling 605kg.

Matthew Maycock occupied 3rd position with a best squat of 197.5kg, bench press of 105kg and a dead lift of 227kg amounting to 530kg. Wazim Mohamed produced an outstanding performance to win the 93kg Men’s Open category ahead of Leroy Trotman and Marlon Wilson.

Mohamed turned in a best squat of 247.5kg; best bench pressed 172.5kg, while his most outstanding dead lift was 275kg as he amounted to 695kg, total.

Romeo Hunter in action

Romario Gonsalves during a bench press

Tr o t m a n t o t a l e d 5 8 5 k g including a best squat of 220kg, benchpress of 120kg and deadlift 245kg, while Wilson had a best squat of 185kg, benchpress of 130kg and deadlift of 260kg which totaled 575kg.

Nigil Phillips won the 105kg men’s open segment with a total lift of 677.5kg. His best lifts were, squat of 265kg, benchpress 167.5kg and deadlift 245.0kg, a total of 677.5kg. Bjorn Williams took the runner-up spot after he managed a total lift of 657.5kg.

This comprised a best squat of 215.0kg, a benchpress of 162.5kg and a deadlift of 280kg.

Marley Vyphuis placed third following a best squat of 212.5kg, benchpress of 125.0kg and a deadlift 262.5kg, totaling 600kg.

Yogaishawar Seecharan turned in a best squat of 200kg, a top benchpress of 102.5kg and a best deadlift 210.0kg for a total of 512.5kg to win the 120+kg Men’s Open title.

Marlon Wilson claimed the 93kg Men’s Master 1 category with his finest squat being 185kg, benchpress of 130.0kg and a deadlift 260kg, totaling 575.0kg.

Phillips was again in winners’ lane when he carted off the 105kg Men’s Master 1 division. His premier

squat was 265kg, benchpress 167.5kg and a deadlift of 245kg, amounting to 677.5kg.

Arjun Roopnarine took the runner up spot with a best squat 185.0kg, a benchpress of 137.5kg and a deadlift 237.5kg, a total 560.0kg. Frank Tucker secured the top prize as the lone competitor in the 105kg Men’s Master 3 class with a total lift of 480kg. This included a best squat 185kg, a top benchpress of 100.0kg and a leading deadlift of 195.0kg, totaling 480.0kg.

Teenage sensation, Romeo Hunter captured the 74kg Men’s Sb-Jr title with his finest squat being 210.0kg, a top benchpress of 142.5kg and a best deadlift of 200kg for a total of 552.5kg.

Romario Gonsalves won the 66kg Men’s Junior title. His leading squat was 222.5kg while his top benchpress was 125.0kg and his best deadlift was 260.0kg, totaling 607.5kg.

The 120+kg Men’s Junior top accolade went to Yogaishawar Seecharan with his foremost effort being- squat 200kg, benchpress 102.5kg and deadlift 210.0kg, a total of 512.5kg.

Navindra Tamasar claimed the 59kg Men’s Open catergory with a total lift of 377.5kg. He produced a best squat of 142.5kg, his top benchpress was 92.5kg while he deadlifted 142.5kg.

Gonsalves was again victorious when he took the 66kg Men’s Open event. His premier effort in the squat was 222.5kg while his leading benchpress was 125kg and his top deadlift was 260kg, a total of 607.5kg.

Hunter took gold in the 74kg Men’s Open division, while Timothy Bagla placed second and Davendra Sookdeo occupied the

Overall winners Hardat Tarson and Keisha Abrigo third position. Hunter best squat was 210kg while his top benchpress and deadlift were 142.5kg and 200kg, respectively, a total of 552.5kg.

Bagla principal feat was - squat 177.5kg, benchpress 112.5kg and deadlift 225kg, a total of 515kg.

Sookdeo greatest squat effort was 170kg, his best benchpress totaled 115.kg while his top deadlift amounted to 205kg, totaling 490kg.

In the female category, Angel Chapelle carted off the 52kg Sb-Jr segment with a best squat of 82.5kg, a finest benchpress of 40kg, and a top deadlift 85kg, totaling 207.5kg. Chapelle also took gold in the 52kg open category. Her leading effort was squat 82.5kg, benchpress 40kg and deadlift 85kg, a total of 207.5kg.

The 57kg open title went to Lateshia Davanand with a best squat of 102.5kg, benchpress of 50kg and a deadlift of 107.5kg, amounting to 260kg. Salma Hack was outstanding as she took the top podium spot in the 63kg open division. She turned in a best squat of 107.5kg, a top benchpress of 47.5kg and her leading deadlift was 125.0kg, a total 280kg.

Xusha Boyce took the runner up spot in the 69kg open class with her best feat being, squat 102.5kg, benchpress 62.5kg and deadlift of 127.5kg, a total of 292.5kg.

Homwattie Hirawan won the 76kg open title after she produced a best squat of 92.5kg, benchpressed 55kg and deadlifted 105kg, totaling 252.5kg.

Public Relations Officer of the GAPLF Mark Seymour expressed gratitude to the sponsors - Fitness Express, Life Gym and Banks DIH. He also thanked the Covid-19 Task Force, fellow executives, spotters, judges and athletes.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 26, 2021

Afghanistan thrash Scotland by 130 runs in Sharjah

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Mujeeb Ur Rahman finished with 5 for 20, his maiden five-for in T20Is ICC via Getty

BCsport Scotland were thrashed by 130 runs against Afghanistan in their first Super 12s match at the Men’s T20 World Cup in Sharjah. In their first appearance at this stage of the tournament, Scotland disintegrated as they were bowled out for 60 in 10.2 overs, chasing 191.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman bamboozled the Scotland batters, taking 5-20, including three in the fourth over which effectively ended hope of a successful chase.

Rashid Khan also took 4-9 as Afghanistan’s electrifying spin attack ran riot.

The Scotland bowlers were earlier powerless to stop Afghanistan racking up 190-4 - the highest score of the World Cup so far.

Afghanistan hit 11 sixes, including some huge hits out of the ground, with Najibullah Zadran smashing 59 from 34 balls, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 46 from 37 and Hazratullah Zazai 44 from 30.

It reaffirmed the view

Afghanistan could be a dangerous side in this tournament while it was a chastening defeat for Kyle Coetzer’s Scotland, who reached this stage with a shock win over Bangladesh, plus victories over Papua New Guinea and Oman in the preliminary stage.

They face Namibia tomorrow in Abu Dhabi before the unenviable task of meeting New Zealand, India and Pakistan in their other Group 2 fixtures.

Afghanistan far too strong for Scotland Scotland’s run to this stage has been one of the stories of this World Cup. Previously they had only won one World Cup match but here they were completely outclassed, the step up in standard in the tournament’s main draw clear.

Once minnows, Afghanistan are now a side to be feared. They have a lethal spin bowling attack and their batting looked powerful.

They hit the five biggest sixes of the tournament so far in their innings, a 103m hit

from Zadran and another from Zazai which travelled 101m the highlights. The attacking shots continued throughout, even when wickets fell.

Hard-hitting opener George Munsey actually gave Scotland a decent start in reply - they were 27-0 after three overs - but when Mujeeb removed Coetzer, Callum MacLeod and Richie Berrington in the space of five balls the game was done.

Nine of the 10 wickets w e r e b o w l e d o r l b w, Afghanistan’s spinners targeting the stumps while turning the ball in both directions.

The other was a spectacular diving catch by wicketkeeper Mohammad Shahzad to see off Matthew Cross.

Afghanistan leap to the top of the early Group 2 table and on Friday face Pakistan, who beat India on Sunday.

Afghanistan 190 for 4 (Najibullah 59, Gurbaz 46, Sharif 2-33) beat Scotland 60 (Munsey 25, Mujeeb 520, Rashid 4-9) by 130 runs.

Tuesday October 26, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

Eureka Giddings emerges winner of C&V Shipping golf tourney and overall points’ winner The stakes were high on Saturday afternoon last at the Lusignan Golf Club as golfers came out in droves for the final tune up tournament sponsored by C&V Shipping, prior the Guyana Open. Eureka Giddings kept her cool and edged out a strong challenge from Hardeo Ganpat and Roy Dhory and 44 others, to earn best Net and overall winner.

Both Giddins and Ganpat had net scores of 66, but Giddings won on a count back. The win also meant Giddings earned the highest number of points and will be rewarded with a free entry into this weekend’s 2-day GTT Guyana Open Golf tournament – which will crown Guyana’s best male and female Golfers for 2022.

At the end of Saturday’s play it was becoming clear who the favorites were heading into this weekend’s tournament. On the men’s side Avinash Persaud once again stamped his authority to win best gross for the second time in three weeks and is in fine form heading into this weekend’s major event.

Shenella London has played her best golf this year and has emerged favourite to win the female title.

However, she can expect strong challenges from a very determined Dr. Joan Deo and fomer champion Christine Sukhram.

The results from Saturday’s event were: 1st Eureka Giddings Net 66 / Gross 95; 2nd Hardeo Ganpat Net 66 / Gross 92; 3rd Roy Dhory Net 67 / Gross 91. Best Net Front-9Mahesh shivraj Net 32; Best Net Back-9- Eureka Giddings Net 31.

Mike Mangal and Joaan Deo won the nearest to the pin titles in the male and female categories respectively.

Parmanand Persaud and London won the longest drive in the male and

Respective prize winners with their accolades female divisions in that order. Avenash Persaud registered the best gross net score for the males and London got the best net score in the female segment.

Director of C and V shipping Jennifer Prashad thanked all the golfers and staff at the Lusignan Golf Club, and emphasised the c o m p a n y ’s c o n t i n u e d commitment to community outreach.

“Partnering with the LGC meant bringing together a shared vision to give back to the community.Our group of companies prides itself on offering the highest tier service to its customers and therefore recognises the past and recent efforts that the Lusignan Golf Club has made in improving accountability and inclusivity. C&V Caribbean Shipping offers its tournament sponsorship proudly to the Lusignan Golf Club.”