Kaieteur News

Swiss Authorities ordered SBM to pay US$7M fine for failing to prevent bribes to Govt. officials in ...over US$22M was used to bribe officialsWest African countries

In October 2021, the S w i t z e r l a n d Authorities ordered three subsidiaries of Dutch oil-services company SBM, to pay a US$7 million fine for failing to prevent bribery to Government officials in West African countries in order to secure lucrative contracts.

SBM Offshore is a company that has already

established its presence in Guyana. In fact, SBM is the company designing the floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels for American oil giant ExxonMobil's projects in Guyana. The Switzerland Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) had found that SBM, from 2006 to the start of 2012, had paid more than

US$22 million in bribes to public officials in countries like Angola, Equatorial GuineaandNigeria.

Notably, the SBM subsidiaries paid principally in Angola, Equatorial Guinea,andtoalesserextent in Nigeria. The monies were paid through intermediaries, under the cover of sham contracts. “These criminal practices were part of a system specifically set up to pay substantial bribes to foreign public officials with theaimofsecuringcontracts for the SBM Offshore group,” the OAG statement said.

The U.S Department of Justice had reported that SBM paid at least US$180 million to state owned companiesinBrazil,Angola, E q u a t o r i a l G u i n e a , Kazakhstan and Iraq. Brazil's Ministério Público Federal, the Netherlands Public Prosecution Service and Switzerland's Office of the Attorney General and Federal Office of Justice, all provided evidence during a U S investigation into SBM'sbriberyscandal.

Notably, the money the Swiss Government ordered SBM to pay for failing to prevent bribery was for the

bribes paid in Nigeria According to the Swiss OAG, it was impossible to levy similar claims on the Angola and Equatorial Guinea charges, as the company had already paid compensation for these in Dutch and US proceedings. In fact, it was for similar r e a s o n s t h e S w i s s Authorities did not pursue SBM over bribes paid in Brazil.

Kaieteur News on Monday highlighted that in September 2018, the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a former Sales and Marketing Executive of Dutch oil services company, SBM were both jailed for bribing foreign public officials in exchange for lucrative oil services contracts. In the US, former SBM Executives were jailed for their involvement in bribing Government officials in countries like Brazil, Angola and EquatorialGuinea.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, former CEO of SBM Offshore, Anthony “Tony” Mace, then 66, of the United Kingdom, and a former BoardMemberofSBM's

US$43M IDB loan to help Guyana build four new primary schools, upgrade 13 others

The Government of Guyana, with the support of the I n t e r A m e r i c a n DevelopmentBank(IDB),is working to increase effectiveness in the delivery of primary education It intendstodothisbyfocusing on accelerated learning and skills development, technology integration into teaching and learning, implementing an Education Management Information System (EMIS) and e m b a r k i n g o n t h e construction of four primary schools as well as critical infrastructure improvements to13others.Theforegoingis expectedtobeaccomplished through a project currently being developed by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Education, Social Sector Unit of the IDB. The project is called, 'Transforming Guyana's Education Sector ' Upon completion, the initiative is expected to ensure that the country has the required humancapitaltomanageand drive economic growth and diversification.

The programme is being implemented through two operations over a period of eight years, with each operation expected to have an implementation period of fouryears.

According to the IDB, the Support for Educational R e c o v e r y a n d Transformation Project is the first of these two operations and focuses on recovery from the COVID19pandemic.

It lays the foundation for the transformation of the primary education sector, most importantly addressing the unequal delivery of educationacrossregions.

The first aspect of the project is estimated to cost US$43 Million, meanwhile, the second individual operation will continue to support the transformation of education possibly in early childhood and primary education

Regarding Component One of the Support for Educational Recovery and Transformation Project, the IDBsaidthisentailsbuilding 21stcenturyschoolsatacost of US$33M. The financial institution said the purpose of this component is to, among other things, finalize the update of MoE's nonacademic building standards and design a prototype; expand access to primary education through the construction and outfitting of four new schools; rehabilitate, extend, and equip existing schools in the Hinterland regions, and complete audits and design plans for schools to be rehabilitated in the second operation.

Thatcomponentwillalso involve several other subcomponents, one of which will be dedicated to finalizing the MoE's nonacademic standards and designofprototypeforurban andperi-urbanschoolstothe tune of US$200,000. This is to ensure that the new construction will follow modern building standards. Loan resources will also finance technical assistance to finish updating the MoE's non-academic standards and develop a prototype for primary schools The updates will focus on identification of spaces required to ensure a safe learning space, aligned with the renewed curriculum, providing architectural g u i d e l i n e s f o r i t s construction; specification of comfort conditions (i.e.: ventilation, lighting, noise, room temperature) and required civil works to meet t h e s t a n d a r d s p l u s modifications to be performed in existing schools; and adaptation and mitigation to climate change, by providing a r c h i t e c t u r a l a n d construction guidelines to ensure the resilience of new construction to extreme weather events (main focus infloods).

In another sub component which is focused on expanding access and quality of infrastructure (US$10.2 million), this will finance the construction of four new primary schools following updated non academic standards, incorporating climate sustainability and resilience criteria (promoting water and energy efficiency, and using building materials withlowembodiedenergy).

services; construction works by qualified contractors; connectivity installations and service for the duration of the project; materials and equipment for the schools including modular furniture, and the development of maintenance plans for the different systems and subsequent training for head

Schools and Locations for Project Intervention

teachers (principal) and teachers about maintenance requirements.

upgrading of existing primary schools in the H i n t e r l a n d r e g i o n s (specifically One, Seven, Eight and 9) based on the results of the school mapping exercise using the following selection criteria: enrolment rates, deficient infrastructure conditions, and location in Hinterland region.

The newly constructed schools will meet increased demand for school spaces andreducetheovercrowding of existing schools in these areas: Recht Door Zee, Tuschen Housing Scheme, Wisroc and Tabatinga. In addition, the sub-component will finance the design and supervision consulting

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that 1,600 students will benefit from the construction of the four schools.

I n a n o t h e r subcomponent, the IDB said it will focus on the rehabilitation, extensions and outfitting of schools to the tune of US$22 Million. This will finance the

The bank said the projected work includes retrofitting and extension of existing facilities aligned with the updated non academic standards, including increased comfort in classrooms, accessibility for persons with disability, and reduced energy and water consumption

Additionally, the schools will be provided with essential services (water and

energy), and connectivity It i s e x p e c t e d t h a t approximately 3,261 students in the Hinterland regions will benefit from the i m p r o v e d l e a r n i n g environment.

I n a n o t h e r subcomponent, the IDB said this will address designs for schools in the Second Operation of the project and is expected to cost US$.6M. Loan resources will finance technical assistance to preparetechnicaldesignsfor schools that will be included inthesecondoperation.

The IDB said the list of schoolstobeconsideredwill be developed once the school mapping exercise is completed.

Speaking to the second massiveaspect,thatistosay, Component Two of the Support for Educational R e c o v e r y a n d Transformation Project, the financial institution said US$4.6M will be dedicated to digital infrastructure to improve the quality of education services in the schools.

It will also cater for the provision of devices and learning materials to vulnerablepopulations.

The bank said 4,106 studentsfromGradesTwoto Six and their 165 teachers will benefit from the digital devicesprovided.

In addition to the three project components described above, the loan will also support project management, monitoring and evaluation and audits at acostofUS$2.5million.

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Foreigninvestorsgetthe truth:Guyanesegetgarbage

The foreign companies that come here to invest their money have a duty to give updates, share material developments,anddeliverwhatisfullyfactualandaccurate tothepeoplewhobackthem. Thoseinchargeoftheforeign companies operating here had better make it a practice of doingso,ortheyriskfacingthewrathoftheirinvestors.

Hedge funds, portfolio managers, and speculators are seriousaboutknowingwheretheystandwiththemoniesthat theyentrustwithCEOs,ontheadviceofthemiddlemenwho bringthemtogether

This is the way in which the advanced world functions, withaccountabilitythroughanongoingflowofinformation, ascircumstancesmakepossible.TheinvestorsinOmaihave every reason to be pleased with the company’s results in Guyana(‘OmainewgoldfindtwotimesGuyana’sUS$3.2B debt -Govt. still to keep promise of releasing mining contracts’ -KN October 24). It is the story of Guyana: outsidersknowwhatisgoingonhere,whilewearerighthere and are purposely left in the dark because our Government and leaders believe that they are better off hiding truths and factsfromthecitizensofthiscountry.

Omai is hitting it big, while we are shrinking. From one areaofminingoperationsalone,Omaihasmorethandoubled its Mineral Resource Estimates (MRE) for Guyana. The foreignersaretheonesreapingtheincrediblepayoffs,while the Guyanese owners of their mineral resource riches are furtherpauperised,otherthanforafewlow-payingjobs,and contractterms,whicharestillamysteryhere.

This is because our Political Leaders play clever games with tricky words, while pulling the wool over our eyes. It was Vice President Bharat Jagdeo who promised to “undertake” to get the long secret and long-awaited mining contractsreleasedbytheresponsibleStateagencies. Itseems thatwhatevertheVicePresidentpromisedto“undertake”in the interests of real information sharing has been overtaken byotherconsiderations.

We contrast how local Political Leaders conduct themselves with their dilly-dallying and their smooth scheming, against how the CEO of Omai, Ms. Elaine Ellingham, has been the picture of openness and accuracy before the people to whom she owes her job. If she fails to sharethetruth,thewholetruth,andnothingbutthetruthandit islikelytoresultinherlosingherhead. Inotherwords,CEO Ellingham,likeotherforeigncompanyheadsdoingbusiness here, cannot dare to risk playing the kind of games that our Guyaneseleadersdohere,andexpecttogetawaywithdoing sowiththeirpeople.

Ms. Ellingham proudly gave her investors a nice ChristmaspresentinOctober,andwithinthematterofamere nine months Omai can boast such staggering numbers. Numbers-thataretwiceourtotalforeigndebt.Numbersthat would make even a John Hess of Hess Corporation boast somemore,ifhewasinthegoldminingbusiness. Let’shope hestickstooil,anddoesn’tgetanyideasaboutdiversifying. Withsuchnumbers,itshouldcomeasnosurprisethatCEO Ellinghamcouldreportthatsheandherteamare“extremely pleased”withthefabulousresultsoftheWenotdepositinits Guyana’soperations.

The people of Omai are “extremely pleased” and can barely contain their joy, while Guyanese are left to wonder what happened to Vice President Jagdeo and his commitment, given in the clearest and strongest voice, to “undertake”togettheminingcontractsreleased. Whatisit thatisholdinghimbackandGuyana’sagenciesfromgiving citizensfulldisclosure? WasithowmuchOmaiwaspoised toenrichitselffromGuyana’sgold,whiletherearetermsand conditionsintheminingcontractsthatputustomoreshame, becauseofhowmuchisgivenaway?

This country is wealthy on paper and computer calculations. Yet, the citizens of this country live with the unhealthy reality that it is the same old story of leadership failure,leadershipdeceptions,andleadershipconcealments. This is the kind of garbage that Guyanese have gotten from theirgovernments,withoutexception.

Meanwhile,localslivewiththeselosersthattheyhavefor leaders,andnothingchanges. Povertyanddarknessflourish.

Return of Rishi: trouble every step of the way

DEAREDITOR, settled by making the right respond. upperlipandall. Icallitthe Suddenly in merry old moves. Slow and steady In good old American, revenge of Gandhi, and England, outsider Rishi should be the stride. My this is where the rubber Churchill’sworstnightmare. Sunakisinside10Downing. thoughtisthatheowesadebt meetstheroad. Sunak has the surge, rides AsIponderdevelopments,I to Liz Truss, and in more That is, he must prove majestically(sorry, prime wonder about the long run thanoneway himself, and has a short and ministerially) atop twoyearsfromnow,whenit First, he can’t do more unforgiving space to do so. Britannica’swavescurrently counts with Conservative wrongs than the former PM Inhisfavoristhefactthatthe but,looking ahead, I am voters, the grassroots that managedtocompileintoher ConservativePartylivesand doubtful that the staying may not have too much use ill-fated six-week tenancy dies with the man from power is there, come 2025. for a ‘roots man.’ I think in with the leadership scepter OxfordandGoldmanSachs, Labor and the others are all of this, resurgent Second, the appointment of and California dreamin’ baying for blood, and they candidate, now Prime Mr Kwarteng, to stand in leanings. Let’s face the sense their moment may not Minister, Rishi Sunak, is stewardship over the cash reality, as it stood. Ms. be two years away, but right going to get a taste of the does the new man a good Penny was plenty pounds now My hang-up with Mr atmosphere lived with by turn, and could serve as a s h o r t w h e n t h e Sunak is that he is too white Sydney Poitier in ‘Guess conditioner and a softener, circumstances facing bread,nottoomuchamanof who’sComingtoDinner’…. pavingtheway Englishmen and women are theordinaryfolk. He already faces intra-party This was despite his, ah, considered. Mr Sunak was Just look at his past, as wars with special interests, unfamiliar look, his out of thebestmanforthePMjob, impressive as it is. He has controversy about his place (to the voting masses) but he had to walk through been touched by the right ascension (“coronation not shadow, in that high office. fire and ice to get to circumstances and the right election”), anger and doubts Indeed, the foreigners are DowningStreet. people. But of the common about him inside his own taking over, including the His ace was that he kept touch for the common party, and some issues that plumjobs. quietandhiscoolduringthe people, well I am yet to see wouldmakeapotentialsaint And they are not even last 6 weeks. Now some of thatinhim. Theydon’tteach into a serial sinner Why from those places that led to his earlier promises can that at Oxford and Stanford would anyone aspire to the Brexit. What is Jolly Old cometohaunt,tiehishands. these days, which is what, PM’s job in this chaotic England coming to! Third, His best defense is that ironically, stands him in environment? since Mr Sunak comes circumstances have good stead. First, it was

Forsure,RishiSunakhas across as the best PM, changed. Kohliandhis82notout,now the right kind of pedigree. credentials and track record Separately, I wonder it is Rishi and his move The right school(s). The wise, to deal with what is what the new Monarch is towardsNumber10. right tie. The right clubs. largelyacrisisaboutmoney, going to make of all of this, The Indians are coming. Therightpatrons. Ifancyhis then those Tories now have given that he already has Yegods!Theyareinsidethe chances for now; staying their man, and it is “unite or Meghan to deal with, and gates,it’sBollywoodtime. power in the political die” like the new PM says. now he has this fellow to Sincerely, marathon ahead that can be Yes,PrimeMinister,ishowI meetandgreet,throughstiff GHKLall

DEAREDITOR, becoming more politically longerpredictable. nor is there any animosity I refer to a letter in the aware, may no longer be At the conclusion of the betweenthereligiousgroups Kaieteur News (12th expectedtovoteonthebasis Constitutional Conference Christian, Hindu and October, 2022) headlined, of race. If Browne is right, for Guyana’s Independence, Muslim.

‘The support for PPP is and I believe that he is, held at Lancaster House in The root of the trouble growing in Linden: I am nothing could be better for LondoninOctober1963,the lies almost entirely in the concerned’ written by Guyana. then Secretary for State of development of party Norman Browne, who Our country has been the Colonies, Duncan politicsalongraciallines”. describes himself as a plaguedbythefactthatsince Sandyshadthistosay: At Independence, our ‘Social and Political 1955, Forbes Burnham and “All that you have told nation’smottobecame,“One Activist’, and who, in fact, Cheddi Jagan who had meatthisconferenceandall People, One Nation, One lives in England, and who jointly led the People’s thatIsawinmyvisittoyour Destiny” We are not, clearlysupportsthePNC. Progressive Party, country last July have however,onepeople,weare Browne’s letter, in fact, commanding the support of convinced me that there is six people, but we are one complains about what he the great majority of one problem which nation and we do share a perceives as the growing Guyanese of all races, went transcends all others commondestiny supportofthePPPinLinden. their separate ways, namelythegrowthofracism. It is this fact that

Browne correctly functionally dividing the That is the curse of British PresidentAlihasrecognized describes Linden as “our country’s politics between Guianatoday;thewholelife and has now committed his stronghold from time the Jagan led PPPsupported of the country is poisoned Government to the immemorial”, meaning the byGuyaneseIndiansandthe and weakened by mutual development of ‘One PNC. Burnham led PPPsupported suspicion and fear between Guyana’,embracingallofits

ThepopulationofLinden byGuyaneseAfricans. the two predominant racial people. ismainlyGuyaneseAfricans This clearly manifested groups, the Indians and the Themindset,however,of whohavetraditionallyvoted itself in the 1957 elections, Africans” people like Browne, that for the PNC, but Browne is with Jagan winning the Sandys went on to say becauseLindenispopulated concerned that Aubrey elections with a majority and which every Political mainlybyAfricanGuyanese Shanghai Major, whom he Indian vote, though not a Leader since Independence it must remain a PNC describes as a PPP activist, majorityofthenationalvote. hasprivatelyrecognizedand stronghold,is the challenge may persuade them to Sadly, for Guyana, after 56 used to serve their political thatPresidentAlifaces. support the PPP through his years of Independence, this purpose: Seven years ago, I politicalactivism. has not changed, though the “Thereisnodeep-rooted addressed this issue in a Browne goes on to warn demographic changes have orhistoricalenmitybetween letter to the Stabroek News thatyoungerGuyanese,now resulted in a reliance on a the races, nor is there any when the exposed to social media and majority of racial votes no basic clash between them;

There is only one way to use our oil wealth and, that is, for ‘One Guyana’

This Diwali, many 'Hindu' Politicians have replaced religious symbolism with their mugshots on virtual postcards

DEAREDITOR, postcards. They gleefully Numerous so called leaders'continuetobesilent contracts, kept their buddies Hanuman by lighting a fire

Many have seen our sendthesetoeveryonewitha religious leaders were dumb – but this time, they help to satisfied, bought all the thatignitedallofLanka. people's political Pandits of new mantra, "worship me". during the APNU reign of hold the hands that are fancy things for themselves, Editor, the great and Guyana eschew a “new” S o m u c h l i k e terror They told me there dipping into gold from our and justified it all in their numerous meanings and purport of Diwali, skewing Hiranyakashyapuofthepast were scared. They placed motherland. "worship" They changed symbolism of Diwali is too themessagingandmakingit – but that is another story political loyalty superior to Dharma is being laws to suit themselves and muchtoenumeratehere. malleable to the needs of Meanwhile, the Silence of Dharmaandrighteousness.I trampledandlockedawayto law enforcement was I wish to add another diktat. some Pandits typifies the remember walking out of a ensure their desires to dip, corrupt, the courts were at quickly: The Great

That Divali has been syndrome of seeing no evil, “Hindu Core Group” that double dip and eke out the the King's bidding, the Maharishi, Dayanand regaled to a celebration of hearingnoevil,butcertainly wanted to honour Granger wealthawayfromtheneedy treasury was stocked from Saraswatigaveuphislifeto "Rama's return" as outlined speakingevilevenwhilethe eveninthefaceoftheblatant fingersofourpoorpeopleto the poor's inhumane taxes, free his people of tyranny in the Guyana "Rag" and gold chains of worshippers riggingandtramplingofour whom the national treasures and the state resources were HediedonaDiwaliday state verbiage, as was with clangaroundtheirnecks. Constitution. genuinelybelong. never allowed to trickle His fight was for thepreviousGovernment,is Is Diwali only about the I said NO, and walked Meanwhile, we behave down. swarajya (self rule), insultingtothemeaningand return of Lord Rama from out of that meeting. My as though the singing of a The people were cowed, equality for women, justice contextofthefestivalitself. theforest? Rama, my Dayanand, bhajan or the dancing of a absolutely controlled by for all, children's rights,

Thereisonlyonewaytouseour...

Frompage4 believe that IrfaanAli is the seems wedded to the Government was then in first of our Presidents language of confrontation officeandIsaidthen: genuinelydedicatedtodoso. and division rather than

This Diwali, many Editor, Diwali is much inspired me to put my head tunebyaPolitician–weirdly Ravan's henchmen who human right for all and a 'Hindu' Politicians have more than that loose and up high and walk – even as similartoAPNU'sBujutime included priests, wife banishment of the caste replaced religious watered down illusion some Pandits voted “yes” to isthepanacea.Drinkandbe abusers, rapists, kidnappers system - and freedom and symbolism with their created by the so called theconstitutionalrape. merryandforgetthatyouare and property owners – and right of worship for all. He mugshots on virtual anointedPoliticalPandits. Now, these 'religious starving. done so with the mighty was forceful in his rejection Drink, be merry, and hand of Ravan held aloft by of unethical and corrupt forget that there will be thesupportofthepriestsand leadersandwaskilledforhis n o t h i n g f o r y o u r religiousleaders. stanceagainstthem. grandchildren because we But, My lord Rama, our Anyone who calls are rubbing it all off now Lord Rama came, and he themselvesanAryaSamajist Eat, drink and be merry; vanquishedevil!! mustholduptheMaharishi's dance away Why worry Ravan is no more, even life's message. Speak out about Dharti Ma (Mother though there continue to be when there is wrong, do not Earth)?Noworry copy-cats–andthepriestsof close your eyes just because

“Bothofthetwopolitical Norman Browne is conciliation and unity But parties in government perceptive enough to have this language has begun to remain, no matter their recognised that younger fallondeafears. campaign promises, trapped Guyanese‘maynolongerbe I write now in my 90th in ‘real politics’. It is the expectedtovoteonthebasis yearoflife,havingdedicated politics of having to of race’ but wrongly warns much of that life to serving recognize and reward your againstthis. mycountry Iam,ofcourse,a hardcore, hardworking Interestinglyenough,the Guyanese of Portuguese supporters who have FounderLeaderofthePNC, descent and not afflicted by deliveredtheGovernmentto Forbes Burnham, on the emotionalism of race to you. It is the politics of returningtoGuyanafromthe power as my brother and having to distribute the 1962 Constitutional sister Guyanese of African spoilsofoffice. Conferencehadthistosay: and Indian descent But,

Thisisparticularlysoina “Unless and until the nonetheless, I am as much a Coalitiongovernmentforced variousracesofthiscountry Guyanese, and Guyana is as tocatertotheprioritiesofits cooperate on the basis of much my country as any separate party interest in attachment to a common otherGuyaneseofanyother order to survive. It is almost fatherland, this country will race. impossible to escape from never, never progress…..we

Withthediscoveryofoil thisreality.TheAPNU/AFC can only go forward if we andtheremarkablewealthit coalitionhasnotescapedit”. understand that we are willbringtoourpeopleinthe

Thequestionis,now,has Guianese first, Guianese future,letusallgraspthefact thePPP/Cescapeditand,asI secondandGuianesethird”. thatthereisonlyonewayto asked then, can we change Unfortunately, his use it and, that is, for ‘One allofthis? successor today, Aubrey Guyana.’

That is the mantra, Ravan wear modern garb a wrong did not impact you supplanted all over, the new todayintheirgrabforwealth directly! K r i n v a n t o culture, the new Diwali's beingstolenfromtheplateof v i s h v a n a r y a m ! brainchild, the new thehungrychildren. Unfortunately, many so Phagwah'sbrainchild. But Rama, my Lord called Arya Samajists have

Mr Editor, Rama, that Rama, lives on in every been reduced to mala great Lord Rama - stood up heartbeat of anyone who machinesforPoliticians. and fought against tyranny, dares to allow their inner Editor, the simplistic corruption and abuse. He voice to speak. So, Diwali messagesofthecurrent eventrainedwildanimalsto celebrates Rama's (Continuedonpage6) build an army to defeat the VICTORY over evil! Rama dictatorship. led a revolution against

I believe we can, I Norton, from his public

Yourssincerely, believe we must, and I pronouncements to date, KitNascimento

People were too beaten tyranny and the unethical under the control of the leadersofthetime. state'swealth,andthefearof Diwali celebrates the victimization was too great start of the people's for the poor; Ravana would revolution by Lord constantly give handouts to his people, and when they opposedhim,Ravansenthis men to attack and vilify them. Ravan and his merry menweretheonlyoneswith wealth;theytookallthestate

Does Guyana need a different formula to appoint the Chief Justice and the Chancellor?

DEAREDITOR bothpositionstobemadeby tenureandexpandingitto75 time to consult. Given the amendments in 1999-2000 “Time Management” of Attorney General and the President with the yearsmustbebalancedwith u r g e n c y o f t h e to curb, among other things, cases is important and that Minister of Legal Affairs, agreement of the leader of the need for accountability C o m m i s s i o n e r ’ s some of the powers of the there should be training for Hon Anil Nandlall, SC, the opposition And this How to achieve this balance appointment, the President Executive and to transfer Judges. Professor Robinson e x p r e s s e s h i s process has not worked for is still problematic One had to act in his own much of those powers to said that she was not disenchantment over the the past 15 years. There has solution put forward by Mr deliberate judgment in the Parliament. comfortable with the Chief country’s inability to not been any agreement Nandlall is to expand the national interest and make One amendment allows Justice or the Chancellor confirm appointments to the between the two leaders on Guyana Court of Appeal theappointment.Itwasnota for the President to appoint sitting as a member of the positions of Chief Justice thesetwoappointments. (COA) with a complement case of ‘necessity;’ and the Chief Justice and J u d i c i a l S e r v i c e and Chancellor of the University of the West of 5 to 9 Judges, a position there was no Opposition Chancellor of the Judiciary Commission. Judiciary of Guyana He Indies Law Professor, Tracy consistent with Article 124 Leadertoconsult. with the agreement of the That is potentially a citedtheexamplesofJustice Robinson, while advocating oftheGuyanaconstitution. The framers of the Leader of the Opposition. conflict-of-interestsituation. Ian Chang who served as the need for ‘executive On a constitutional constitution never intended Anothermajorconstitutional When asked if a Judge who acting Chief Justice for 15 restraint’ in the selection question regarding the to handicap the President in amendmentwastomakethe retires and still has years (2000 2015) and process of Judges, also appointment of the the exercise of his duty if Caribbean Court of Justice judgmentspending,whether JusticeCarlSinghwhoacted advises that that Guyana Commissioner of Police on there is no Opposition (CCJ)Guyana’sCourtoflast he/shecouldreturntodecide as Chancellor of the should not wait until March 30, 2022, Mr Leader resort.Freshonthemindsof on such matters, Mr Judiciaryfor12Years(2005- constitutional reform takes Nandlall told the panel of Mr Nandlall drew the thePPPaboutperceptions,if Nandlall cites a case history 2017). placetoappointpermanently distinguished legal scholars attention of viewers that the not realities, of political of Guyana and then said

The current incumbents the Chief Justice and that the Guyana High Court Judiciary under the PNC interference, especially “no ” However, the Madam Roxane George SC, Chancellor of the Judiciary ruledthattheappointmentof (1968-1992) functioned as duringtheBurnhamrule,ina Barbados Senator, Gregory and Madam Yonette but should strive to make Police Commissioner Mr an arm of the Party which determined effort to Nicholls says that Barbados Cummings-Edward, SC are thoseappointmentsurgently Clifton Hicken by the e n t r e n c h e d p a r t y minimise biases, the PPP allows a retired Judge to acting in the position of A related issue is tenure for Presidentwasproper paramountcy into the moved in 2005 under return to resolve those ChiefJusticeandChancellor Judges.

The constitutional politicalsystemin1974,and Bharrat Jagdeo’s Presidency pendingcases. of the Judiciary respectively The esteemed panelists r e q u i r e m e n t o f which was integral to the to make CCJ, the Guyana’s Mr. Mendez, while for five years. Mr. Nandlall believethatJudges’tenureof ‘consultation’ with the Sophia Declaration. The courtoflastresort. recognizing that civil states that the Guyana office should extend until LeaderoftheOppositiondid armed forces were required The Belize Judge, Hon society, including the Bar constitution(Article127(1)) they reach 70-75 years of not happen as there was no to swear allegiance to the GodfreySmith,QC,saidthat Association should be requires the appointment to age. However, granting Opposition Leader at the PNC Leader and not to the he was satisfied with the represented in the Judicial country. selection process of Judges Service Commission (JSC),

T h e c l a s s i c there indicating that the states that it is also equally constitutional doctrine of process was transparent, important that a member of separation of powers never accountable, and fair He theExecutivealsositsonthe existed; the PNC party mentionedfivecasesthatthe JSC. His reasoning is that it controlled the Legislative Court ruled against the is the Executive which is Body, the Judiciary, as well Government as proof of his ultimately accountable for as the commanding heights position. p u b l i c f u n d s a n d oftheeconomy But it was pointed out accountabletothepublicfor

One year prior to the that those Judges were from theadministrationofjustice. Sophia Declaration (1973), other territories and Mr Mendez also states that the PNC Government therefore not influenced by for misconduct the sanction removed the Judicial local political situation to against Judges is restricted Committee of the Privy arriveattheirrulings. onlytoremovalfromoffice; Council as the Court of last Mr Douglas Mendez, he suggests that other resort and replaced it with SC, revealed that he was sanctions be applied such as the Guyana Court ofAppeal tapped as a Judge in Belize; suspension. (CoA) and justifying that he did not apply for the It is refreshing to know action by contending the position, which was neither that the Judiciary is coming Privy Council was a relic of advertised, and yet he was underthepublic’sfocus. colonialismandasymbolof appointed a Judge in Belize. All institutions of the oppression.

The panel indicates that the State, including the

Ever since 1973 critics selection process must Judiciary, must be held have viewed the CoA as i n c l u d e p u b l i c accountableforthedecisions compromised by political advertisement, specify the theymake. alignment. Mr Nandlall selection criteria, and state The Judiciary is not says that the PPP the process of selection of impervioustocriticism. Government initiated about Judges. Regards, 200 constitutional Thepanelistsagreedthat Dr TaraSingh

in the grave and the small

गरीयसी || andpastGovernmentmerely voicesthatdaretospeakout "Friends, riches, and luxury brushagainstthedepthofthe earn Ravan like venom are highly honoured in this symbolism of Diwali. And enwrappedinnarcissistically world, but mother and our Hindu Priests honor and justifiable packages motherland are superior worshipthem. Nevertheless, Happy Diwali even to heaven " Allow

I humbly say that we are to one and all for us to Rama to rise in your heart, blessedwiththegreatgiftof introspect and strive for and He will Remember Mother Lakshmi to this better MaharishiDayanand,andhe country, that is, our sudden- Better must come. May willinspireusall. found immense wealth. But the true import of Diwali be T h o s e g r e a t sadly, we are actively realized by us all. Let us revolutionaries live on! Jai embracingdestruction. introspect deeply Let light Raama, Jai Maharishi

Our poor are getting andtruthconquerevil.Asthe Dayanand!JaiHo! poorer as they wait for Sanskritversesays, मित्राणि Namaste and sincere handouts, job banks

thanksforthisspace,

YogMahadeo

Time for a fresh start

It is time to move on. Guyana must prepare itself to face the steep challenges that are ahead.

The PPP/C Government and the

Opposition must all close ranks, and hold one head.

Exploitative foreigners that are gutting us are the real enemies, not each other, not the supporters of this side or the other.

It is time for a fresh start, and RENEGOTIATION of the high seas piracy that is 2016 oil contract must be the sole priority, the foremost vision.

Both Government and Opposition must demonstrate that they are up to the task. Cease quarreling, get moving.

Govt., Opposition stakeholders butt heads over proposed amendments to electoral laws

The Government and Opposition stakeholdersareat loggerheads over the newly proposed amendments to Guyana's main elections laws.

Following the March 2020 General And Regional Elections fiasco, the PPP/C Government has embarked on a process of amending the Representation of the People Act (RoPA), which is Guyana's main electoral law There are also proposed amendments for the National

Registration Act, and other components of the electoral law

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, AnilNandlallSConTuesday addressed a national stakeholder consultation where he pointed out inter alia that the proposed amendments would see Regions Three, Four and Six being subdivided to facilitate easiertabulationofvotes.

Opposition nominated G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM)

Commissioner Vincent Alexander, who attended the event on behalf of the civil group, International Decade forPeopleofAfricanDescent Assembly Guyana (IDPADA G), raised objectionwiththesuggestion that such a division may better serve Guyana's large hinterlandregions.

Alexander said, “I will argue that if one is speaking about efficiency, then that subdivisions are more pertinent in the hinterland regions, these regions have

subdistrictsthatcannotmove results overnight. It may in fact, be more efficient if they can have these subdivisions so that the results can be sub produced, instead of waiting on all of them to be produced allatonce.”

However, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira, who chaired the consultation exercisewaskeentonotethat thevotesfromthehinterlands regions were counted and presented within 48 hours at thelastRegionalandGeneral

Opposition nominated, GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander

elections in March 2020.The region with issues, she reminded the gathering, was with Region Four- which is thelargestelectoraldistrict.

The Attorney General a l s o r e s p o n d e d t o Alexander's comments, stating that it took nearly six months to tabulate the results in Region Four He stressed thatefficiencyisakeyreason behind subdividing the Region but efforts are also being made to remove the tabulation and declaration

constitutionalreformprocess willaddressthoseconcerns.

The Attorney General said that all concerns related to the country's supreme law will be addressed, including desired changes at the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM), people's qualifications to vote and how electoral disputes are settled (including which courts have jurisdiction).

Addressing concerns that theongoingconsultationsare

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC

responsibility from just one person. “It is our intention to remove the responsibility from one man, so that the no one person's declaration can ever hold up the elections again,”Nandlallsaid.

Further, in response to concerns raised over the amendments of electoral l a w s p r e c e d i n g t h e a m e n d m e n t s t o t h e constitution, Nandlall said that the Government has p r o m i s e d t h a t t h e

too narrow, Nandlall pointedly said, “This engagement cannot address thosematters.”

Hesaid“…Thiscriticism continues to emanate though wehaveexplainedrepeatedly from the beginning what its s c o p e ( o f t h e s e consultations) is and what is its limitations.”According to t h e M i n i s t e r , t h e constitutionalreformprocess is expected to begin in early 2023.

Mistakes were made

i s h i S u n a k mistakes through the loss of ExecutivePowerisremoved gifttothegovernment.

oil agreement was a major became Prime politicaloffice. from the hands of one ThefalloutfromthePSA misstep Despite the Minister of the Insteadofacceptingthat individual and restored to would have hurt the relentless efforts of persons

R United Kingdom mistakes were made, many Cabinet APNU+AFC’s chances at suchasGlennLalltocallfor yesterday Inhisfirstaddress OppositionLeadersarefond The second set of theelections.Thesigningof renegotiation, it was only he did not try to assail the of claiming that were mistakes was economic in theagreementwasacolossal until recently that the record of his predecessor; c h e a t e d , t h a t t h e nature.Thefinancialpolicies mistake on the part of the APNU+AFC seems willing quite the opposite he was Government was foisted of the Government were Coalition.Ithasforfeitedthe to accept the need for AndthatwillgivethePPP/C gracious in paying tribute to uponthepeopleandthatthe disastrous.Awholerangeof future of all Guyanese with renegotiation. another five terms in office. her elections were fraudulent – taxes and increased fees that singular act. Two years Butunlessitacceptsthat (The views expressed in this This is what he said, “I all of which are among the were heaped upon the after it demitted office, the it made mistakes, many article are those of the want to pay tribute to my most absurd of suggestions Guyanesepeople. APNU+AFC is still not mistakes, it will never be writer and not this predecessor, Liz Truss. She and which cannot withstand To place VAT on water willing to concede that the abletorestoreitscredibility newspaper.) was not wrong to want to seriousscrutiny andelectricitywasnotsmart improve growth in this I n s t e a d o f at all. Tax reforms fell short country — it is a noble aim acknowledging that of a makeover Not a single and I admired her mistakes were made, the major project was initiated restlessness to create APNU+AFC Coalition or completed. The decision change.” wants to blame the PPP/C. to right size the sugar

But then he went on to But hatred for the PPP/C corporationwasnotproperly admit that mistakes were does not absolve the thought through The made. However he insisted C o a l i t i o n f r o m Coalition failed miserably that these mistakes were not responsibility for the withitseconomic. the result of ill-will or bad mistakeswhichweremade. Its refusal to do a postintentions but they were These mistakes were mortem on it economic mistakes nonetheless and as many But fundamentally policies will continue to Prime Minister he was three main mistakes were haunt it. It can only learn electedtofixthem. made.Thefirstwaspolitical from undertaking a

But Sunak was speaking andhadtodowithCoalitions dispassionate assessment of about a fellow Conservative politics. its failed economic policies PrimeMinister Hadhebeen The PNC/R dominated and the extent to which it succeeding someone from the Coalition and did not contributed to the electoral another political party, it is make any serious attempt at defeatoftheAPNU+AFC. doubtful whether he would inclusive decision making. The third mistake was have been as gracious as he One political activist of the morefatal.Thesecrecywith was yesterday It is likely Working People’s Alliance which the APNU+AFC that he would have said that did not pull any punches signed the Production mistakes were made but whenhesaidthatanapology Sharing Agreement (PSA) whether he would have said should be offered to the raised serious concerns that these were not borne of Coalition’s supporters, He about its commitment to ill-will or bad intentions is accusedtheAPNUoffailing openness and transparency contestable. toconsultadequatelywithits Ittookalmost18monthsfor

As our local political members the agreement to be made commentatorsdrawparallels But the mistakes that public and the public was between UK and Guyana, were made were not simply subject to all manner of they are likely to note that internal to theAPNU.There narratives as to why the our own Political Leaders was never a genuine agreement could not have acrossthepoliticaldivideare partnership with the AFC. been made known public fond of bashing each other Coalition politics failed, in earlier and why such a poor Buthowmanyofthoseinthe part frustrated by the dealwassigned. Oppositionwouldbewilling supreme executive powers. ]But worst of allwas the to conceded that the The lesson which is being gamesmanship over the A P N U + A F C m a d e missed is that Coalition signing bonus with one mistakes, terrible mistakes politics will always be personhavingthetemerityto and they paid for those doomed unless full claimthathethoughtitwasa

Dem boys seh...

To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail

A COVID wave is coming. The winter doesseydattofailtoprepareistoprepareto season is approaching and with the cold fail. comes a spike in COVID cases and deaths. But it nah look as if de government DisiswhatDemBoysdoesbeworriedabout prepared. Up to now dem nah advise de because when America sneeze, de whole populationaboutdethirdboostershot.Dem worlddoescatchacold. bin tell people how de protection from de

And de Americans and de Europeans vaccines does begin to wane after four preparing fuh an autumn and winter spike. months.Wellismorethan4monthssincede Dem know when de place get cold, people, last booster shout bin administered and de like in de days of de cavemen, does huddle public nah hearing about another round of togetherandstayindorsmoreanddatisjus boostershots. de conditions wah de virus looking for fuh Joe Biden, de President ofAmerica tek spread. debivalentboostershot.Datissupposedto

America preparing fuh an increase in protect yuh against some of dem new COVID 19 over de nest few months. Once variants. Dem boys nah hear whether cases rise in Uncle Sam it gan spread to Guyana put in an order as yet fuh dah new Guyana. Day has been de pattern. So we boostershot. muss prepare for a wave. Dem old people

The incredible non-election of a British Prime Minister

justice and the essence of become prime has created strange system that may minister Some of the democracy, I would say no. minister a candidate history which border on democratic world’s most democratic Here is what I think the had to secure 60

r Rishi Sunak There was no vote. In a Sunak became prime

M isnotlikelyto caricature, the Conservative nations have some deep pathwaysshouldhavebeen. percent of his/her be repeated in the distant party decided that to enter flawsthatmakeyouwonder Thereshouldhavebeena p a r l i a m e n t a r y

wasrejectedforthePMpostfuture. How could someone the race, you must secure whattheycanteachthepost- face-offbetweencandidates colleagues? by the party members. Hebecome prime minister of 100 nominations from your colonial world. In the US a andthegeneralmembership Anotherquestioniswhy wasbeatenbyMs.Truss.theircountryatatimewhen fellow parliamentarians. If presidential contender can of the Conservative Party wasn’t there allowed a vote

Heshouldhavefacedhishe was not a Cabinet more than one contender winthepopularvoteyetnot should have decided. If that amongMPsoncetherewere party members again. If hemember and did not face a acquires 100 endorsements, succeed because it is a formula was not acceptable multiple candidates? Let survives is anyone’s guessvote from either his fellow thenthecontestmovestothe mysterious thing called the then the MPs should have them debate then let the butthewayhebecameprimeMPs or the membership of nationalpartymemberswho Electoral College that voted in a contest between parliamentarians decide minister will lead to endlesshisparty? decide. No other candidate decides who becomes the any number of candidates. You see once there is a debate about what isThe pattern throughout secured100butSunaksohe president. Who got the most votes debate,thepeoplewhomade happening in manythe 20th and 21st century is wasproclaimed.

Mr Sunak is now wins. the original nominations democratic countries andfor a high ranking Cabinet Critics of the system walking on thin ice. Inside One can argue that may shift ground and go w h a t t h e s e o l d e rmember to succeed the argued that the right, his own party, there are Sunak won because he overtoapersonalitytheydid democracies can teachprime minister or president sensible and decent thing to powerful figures that reject secured more nominations not originally endorse. Of newer democracies in thein case of death, serious do was to let the general himbecauseoftheroutethat but the question that will course no argument can Third World. I am not aillness or resignation. If this membership vote which is was used to become prime remain is why was the 100 defeat the thesis that the supporter of Mr Sunak. Ipattern is rejected by party how Ms Truss became minister All other parties number the definitive generalmembershipwasthe support the Labour Party inleaders because they cannot primeminister Therealityis including the leaders of the requirement?Whynot50or mostdemocraticmechanism the UK. The colour anddecide among themselves that Mr Sunak did not face ruling party in the Scottish 60? toadopt. ethnicity of Mr Sunak is ofthen the vote is put to the anytypeofcompetition. Government believe that T h e r e a r e 3 5 7 It is doubtful Mr Sunak no interest to me. I believeparliamentary party or a His closest rival got 90 whenMadamTrussresigned Conservative Party MPs will enjoy the confidence of therewereWhitecandidatesspecial congress is called or nominations. The esoteric the Conservative Party Mr. Sunak got 193. That his party and the British that are better politiciansthe party general thing about this system is shouldhavecalledageneral meant 164 MPs did not public in general. A prime thanhim.membershipmakesthefinal why was the figure of 100 election.Theacademicswill favour Mr. Sunak. That minister or a president (The views expressed indecision. arrived at? As one of the now join the debate. Does meant 44. 1 percent did not should not have arrived at this article are those of the

In the case of Rishi world’s most enduring Sunak have a mandate to favour Sunak. Why was a the apex, the way he did. It writer and not thisSunak,hedidnotwinavote democracies,Britainslipped govern? Using my percentage point not must be remembered that newspaper.)amonghisparliamentarians. up badly in the way Mr. understanding of natural established, meaning that to just weeks ago, Mr. Sunak

FrederickKissoon

The Board of

River Pilot relied on own judgment rather than ship navigational equipment - BoI Report

Inquiry (BoI) that investigated the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) accident has found that the Private River Pilot, Kenneth Cort, 66, had relied on his own judgment rather the oil tanker's navigation equipment.

Cort was the man contracted to transit the Panamanian-flagged vessel, MV Tradewinds Passion, through the DHB on October 8, 2022 The oil tanker, loaded with fuel for the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL), crashed into the bridge close to 02:00hrs that day. A DHB staffer, Andy Duke was left with a broken leg and the bridge was left inoperable for almost 72 hours. Some $1B was reportedly spent to repair the damage and make the bridge operableagain.

A BoI was set up by the

Ministry of Public Works to investigate the accident and on Tuesday its report was released to the media According to the report, the BoI found that Cort, the contracted River Pilot disregardedallofthetanker's navigational equipment and used his own judgment “The Board of Inquiry concludes that the Pilot and Bridge Team (part of the crew board that is tasked in assisting the Pilot to safely transit through the bridge) failedtoeffectivelyutiliseall navigation tools, such as the electronic charting system, and radar as they approached the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB)”, the report stated.

According to the BoI, based on their investigation, nothing was wrong with the oil tanker's navigation tools. They were all up to date and in perfect working order and

could have been used to guide the pilot in using the correct channel to transit safely through the bridge. However, interviews done with all parties onboard suggest that these tools were not used. The vessel's bridge team trusted the Pilot's

judgment and did not question his decision, breaching one of the protocols.

W i t h t h i s b e i n g established the BoI gave three probable causes for the disastrous incident These are: “(1) The Bridge Team's

exclusive reliance on the contract Pilot's incorrect navigational direction, (2) the Bride Team's total reliance on looking at the Harbour Bridge and disregarding the alarms and electronic equipment on the vessel as the vessel approached the bridge, and (3) failure to use all available navigation tools to verify the safetyofthevessel'scourse”

Asaresultofthefindings t h e B o I h a s s i n c e recommended that the Private River Pilot, Cort be suspended from operating any ship for two years and before his reinstatement he must be thoroughly assessed by the relevant authorities. During a Press Conference held hours after the accident,

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Juan Edghill

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill had related that Duke, the injured DHB staffer, had observed that the vessel was not in alignment with the channel to pass through the bridge properly and therefore made attempts (Continued on page 19)

Private River Pilot, Kenneth Cort

Govt. cutting red tape on building construction process

The ease for doing business locally and reducing red tape will soon become a reality, as the Ministry of Housing and Water, Central Housing and Planning Authority is movingtheprocessalongfor the implementation of an automated Single Window System for planning and buildingpermissions.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Andre Ally, Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, SherwynGreaves,Chairman

of the Board, Dr Emanuel Cummings, CH&PA's Chief Development Planner, Germene Stewart and Single-Window Consultant, Fareed Amin joined key s t a k e h o l d e r s f o r a consultationsession.

In delivering the keynote address on the occasion, Minister Rodrigues noted the reform is necessary in respect of legislative a m e n d m e n t s a n d streamlining procedures so that processing time for planning and building permits are reduced, as Guyana is now poised for economictake-off.

The Minister reiterated

the need for clear timelines and enhancement of a c c o u n t a b i l i t y a n d transparency, noting that the current system is primarily paperbased.

With the housing and constructionindustryrapidly expanding, the Minister said that the PPP/C Government will be implementing a single window electronic processing system to improve the ease of doing business. Earlier this month, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal has said Legislation for the system will be presented to the National Assembly by the endoftheyear

“Today I am happy to report that Legislation to introduce the Single Window System will

concludebyDecemberand (Continued on page 14)

Ministry of Housing and Water consultation session on the introduction for the single window process

Govt. cutting red tape on building construction...

From page 13

implementation will begin immediately,” Minister Croal said during a recent house lot allocation exercise in Region Six.The Housing

Minister noted that the Government has recognised that the increased demands for building permits and other services by the Central Housing and Planning

Authority (CH&PA) and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) require a more efficientsolution.

OncetheLegislationisin place, it will significantly

reduce the time it takes to complete a transaction as well as steps within the transaction, standardise application forms and checklists, among other

things. It will also see the Ministry transitioning from paper-basedtoelectronic.

“The Ministry of Housing and Water through CH&PA and GWI is facing

greater demand for its services.

As you are aware, not only do we provide subsidised housing, CH&PA forexampleissuesapprovals and building permits for commercial and industrial purposes as well as executes town and country planning by way of zoning for residential, commercial and industrial areas,” he had explained.

He added, “As a result, there is a tremendous need for us to provide these services more efficiently, that is, we must reduce the time taken to conduct business with the Ministry.”

The Ministry has already created an online portal which allows house lot applicants to upload their applications or update their information from the comfortoftheirhomes.

The Regional Offices to ease the residents travelling to the Central Office in Georgetown.

Diwali night fire leaves 6 homeless

four children ages 22, 2 0 , 1 7 a n d 1 4 . According to Dhanraj, they lit diyas to celebrateDiwaliaround 18:00hrs and were gathered in the bottom flat with other family members.Hestatedthat no one was in the upper flat of the house and no diyas were placed there but it was while his grandchildren were

playing in the yard that he heard themscreaming.

Dhanraj who was in his hammock said he jumped up and ran towards his grandchildren and headed to the front of the house when he saw smoke and flames emanatingfromtheupperflatofthe building,thiswasaround18:20hrs.

"Dem children went outside playing and dem holler, me went in the hammock and me get up and come out with my grandchildren dem and then me turn back and see

thehouseonfire,"herecalled.

Dhanrajwhoisasecurityguard said the situation has left him in distress because he has worked all hislifetobuildacomfortablehome forhimselfandfamily

They are currently forced to stay at Dhanraj mother's home, locatedinthesameyard.

Thefamilysaystheyareopento assistance of any kind just to get them back on their feet. Those willing to assist can contact Dhanrajon633-8185.

Six persons are now homeless after a fire on Monday ravaged their home at Palmyra Village, Canje, Bebice.

Boodnarine Dhanraj, 52 of Lot 77 Palmyra is estimating over $6 Million in losses following the blazethatcompletelydestroyedthe house he lived in with his wife and

Boodnarine Dhanraj and his family are seeking public assistance to rebuild their home.

Fire gutted the Palmyra property of Boodnarine Dhanraj

Workers charged with stealing millions from businessman

ABarberandaFarmerwere on Tuesday charged after it was alleged that they stole millions in cash and jewellery from their employer's home at Coglan Dam,WestBankDemerara(WBD).

The men, Kasho Hardeo, 20, Barber, and Hansraj Madhu, 46, a Farmer, made their court appearance at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Faith McGusty Hardeo and Madhu are fromLot223and236Coldingen,East Coast Demerara (ECD) respectively and are accused of breaking into a Businessman's home on Thursday last. They allegedly stole $10M in cash and some $3.4M worth of gold Jewellery

TheDefendantswerechargedwith break and enter and simple larceny committed on Yaynauth Ramkissoon, 32. They both pleaded not guilty to the offence and were granted $500,000 bail each Hardeo and Madhuareexpectedtomaketheirnext court appearance on December 12, 2022.

Meanwhile, three individuals, a mother,awifeandanadoptedbrother, whoallegedlyreceivedthestolencash from the suspects, are out on station bail. Commander of the RegionThree Police District, Mahendra Siwnarine, said a case file is still being prepared against them and will be sent to the

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali Hack SC. for legaladvice.

According to reports, the Barber and the Farmer allegedly committed the offence one day after the Businessman gave them a contract to weed his yard. They had broken into the man's home between 08:00 and 09:00hrs on Thursday last. Kaieteur News had reported that it appeared as if the workers waited until the Businessman's wife left the house to maketheirmove.

The woman told investigators that she had secured the house and left around 08:00hrs to take her son to the

doctor at Vreed en Hoop She returned around 09:00hrs and found thetophalfofherbackdoorwrenched off. Police had reported that the woman made further checks and discovered that her bedroom was ransacked and the cash and jewellery missingfromherbaginherwardrobe.

The matter was reported to Police and the detectives, with the help of technologyandvitalinformationwere able to track down two suspects. Detectives interrogated them and they allegedly admitted to the crime. The men took Police to their homes at Coldingen where the jewellery and (Continued on page 19)

Miner found guilty of raping underage girl

A 28-year-old miner on Tuesday was found guilty of raping an underage girl on October 24, 2020 on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two.

The convicted rapist, Rafael Doobay, made his court appearance at the Suddie High Court before JudgeJo-Ann-Barlow A12member jury heard that on October 24, 2020, on the Essequibo Coast, Doobay engaged in sexual activities withafemalewhowasbelow theageofsixteen-years-old.

According to reports, the suspectandvictimareknown

to each other It was alleged that on the night of October 24, 2020, Doobay showed up at a friend's home and where the girl was staying. She reportedly opened the door andlethimin.Hethenforced himself on the girl while the rest of the family was sound asleep.

Doobay had initially pleaded not guilty to the offence, however, the 12member jury on Tuesday returnedaunanimousverdict finding him guilty of the crime Doobay will be sentenced on November 15, 2022.

Convicted rapist, Rafael Doobay

Hansraj Madhu, the Farmer accused of stealing from the businessman.

Kasho Hardeo, the Barber accused of stealing from his boss.

Opposition calls for sacking of Charrandas

Th e m a i n

O p p o s i t i o n P a r t i e s o n Monday flayed Guyana's HighCommissionertoIndia, Charrandas Persaud, for his “vile” attack on a woman in India last year and has called o n t h e I r f a a n A l i a d m i n i s t r a t i o n t o immediatelyrecalltheenvoy andsackhim.

“Bynow,Guyanesehave seen a video clip circulating on social media showing G u y a n a ' s H i g h Commissioner to India, Charrandas Persaud, hurling vile remarks towards a female,atalocationinIndia. The content of that video ought to fill all Guyanese with outrage and disgust,” Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister, Amanza WaltonDesirsaidinastatement.

“Even more outrageous and disgusting however, is the response of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and InternationalCooperationon this matter,” Walton-Desir added. In the face of the video recording where Persaudwasoverheardusing expletives and sexual degradingwordstowardsthe woman, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the matter was closed and that followingafullinvestigation by the relevant authorities and a formal response to the High Commission dated September 3, 2022 indicates that “allegations of sexual a b u s i v e w o r d s t o complainant has [sic] not beensubstantiated”

However, Walton-Desir said the process through which the Ministry purports to bring finality to the incident is woefully inadequate, disrespectful, and does not satisfy the most b a s i c s t a n d a r d s o f accountability to the people of Guyana. “In that short clip, Mr Persaud smashed and dashed several principles connected to our treatyobligationsasitrelates to the treatment of women, diplomatic etiquette and of plain general decency Our Foreign Service personnel walk in the footsteps of the likes of Sir Sridath Ramphal and the late Rashleigh Jackson, who are regarded the world over, as diplomats par exellence. It is therefore galling that we have plummeted to the depths of Persaud'smostreprehensible behaviour The Ministry's response makes it clear that suchconductisacceptable.It is not!” “We cannot purport

to present ourselves in the community of nations as any country of consequence, withMr Persaudbeinginthe ranks of our foreign service.

The Government of G o v e r n m e n t m u s t i m m e d i a t e l y r e c a l l Charrandas Persaud to save whatever modicum of respect for our diplomacy and foreign representation which might remain,” the Shadow Foreign Affairs Ministerconcluded.

Vulgar display

Meanwhile, for its part, Persaud's former Party- the Alliance For Change called on the Government to recall him from his post.“A short video has gone viral. In the video a male individual is heard ranting in a most vulgar display of ignorance andarroganceagainstamost mild-mannered woman. It is believed that the male in the video may be Guyana's High Commissioner to India, CharrandasPersaud.”

TheAFC the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation i s s u e d a s t a t e m e n t confirming that the incident took place at the High Commissioner's residence in India.“Indiahasbeenaclose ally and friend to Guyana e v e n p r i o r t o o u r independence in 1966. Since then India has rendered a s s i s t a n c e t o o u r development in various forms ranging from scholarships to their universities, Indian medical

professionals who have served in this country, cultural exchanges and f i n a n c i a l p a c k a g e s favourabletoGuyanaarebut of the assistance provided to Guyanaovertheyears.”

TheAlliance For Change disassociated itself from Persaud who holds office as representative of our nation andurgeshisrecall.

“This would save us a diplomatic embarrassment and forcing a friendly and ally nation to label the Diplomat, "persona non grata".

There is also circulating on social media a report alleging criminal conduct perpetrated by Charrandas Persaud. In the social media post which is believed to be based on a police report, a woman accuses the diplomat of sexual harassment and outraging and insulting her modesty.

I n t h e s e e m i n g complaint the diplomat is named and address given. Thecomplainantissaidtobe in her 60s and an animal rights activists who feeds over 200 stray dogs daily includingadogownedbythe Diplomat. The abuse is said to have occurred on one of her good Samaritan daily rounds.”

The AFC said while n o t i n g t h e Vi e n n a Convention to which both Guyana and India are signatories, the complaint notes that the behaviour displayed by the Diplomat is n o t i m m u n e f r o m

prosecution under various sections of India's Penal Code and carries terms of imprisonmentand/orfine.

According to the statement from Guyana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the matter was investigated, and a report sent to the Guyana High Commission. However, the AFC said while most of our Diplomats serve with distinction, there areafewpoliticalappointees who bring nothing but disgrace to our country

“Charrandas Persaud should be recalled immediately on grounds of conduct u n b e c o m i n g o f a n Ambassador and an apology issued to the Government and people of India,” the AFC release stated

Noconfidencevote

Persaud gained notoriety back in 2018 when he stunned the nation by voting to bring down the then APNU+AFC Coalition Government He was a p p o i n t e d H i g h Commissioner to India after the PPP/C's victory at the March 2020 polls. Persaud was accredited back in March 2021 by Ram Nath Kovind, then President of India.

At the accreditation ceremony President Kovind said India enjoys warm and friendly relations with the countries as their ties are deeply rooted in a common vision of peace and prosperity The President alsoextendedhisgratitudeto the countries for supporting

India's candidature for the non-permanent seat of UN SecurityCouncilfortheterm 2021-22. Additionally, the PresidentsaidIndiahasbeen at the forefront of global effortstoforgeadecisiveand coordinated response to COVID-19. He said under the Government's Vaccine Maitri Initiative, highly affordable vaccines made in India and have already been distributed to several countriesworldwide.

To this end, the Ambassadors and High Commissioners expressed gratitude to India for supplying their countries with quantities of the vaccine.

To date, Guyana has received from India a donation of 80,000 doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine COVISHIELD, which were made in India. India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Guyana after it gained independence on May 26, 1966.

Guyana's High Commissioner to India, Charandas Persaud

...as condemnation grows over his 'vile attack' on Indian woman

T&T contractors dominate bids to build $2.8B Hospitality Training Institute

Eight out of the twelve bidders that responded to the invitation for prequalification for the construction of a new Hospitality Training Institute are Trinidad and Tobagoowned companies.

The bids which opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office yesterday saw the eight Trinidadian firms, three local firms and one Chinese-owned company all applying for the construction of the $2,805,000,000 Hospitality and Tourism Training

Institute project. The bidders are as follow: R. Bassoo & Son Construction Company Inc. (Guyana), Kares Engineering Inc. (Guyana), Rosscon Limited (T&T), Adam s Project Management & Construction Limited (T&T), Nabi Construction Inc. (Guyana), Shandong High Speed Dejian Group Company Limited (China), China Railway Construction Caribbean Limited (T&T), Keechanona Limited (T&T), QCD Construction Company Limited (T&T), and Unicorn Limited (T&T).

Ministry of Education

Procurement of the printing of curriculum

Back in 2020, the Government had announced that it secured a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for the construction of the Institute. The CDB had loaned Guyana US$11.6 million, which was the initial cost for the project. At that time, the institute was expected to be constructed at Providence, East Bank Demerara, behind the Guyana National Stadium.

However, in November 2021, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commence, Oneidge Waldron, announced that the project had to be re-scoped. Minister Waldron had said that the rescoping of the project would require the project being moved to a bigger location and Ogle, East Coast Demerara was selected.

River Pilot relied on own judgment...

From page 12 to avoid the disaster by contacting its Pilot via radio.

He reportedly called on them to stop and turn around the oil tanker but it kept coming, and at the last moment, Duke decided to jump for safety but ended up breaking his leg. Junior Minister within the Ministry, Deodat Indar,

who also spoke at the Press Conference, had made a suggestion, to avoid a future accident. That suggestion was to make changes to the system of vessels moving through the Demerara River.

One of those changes, he noted, will be to bar Private River Pilots from bringing in vessels and only allow the

ones working with Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) to do so. That change has since been made by the relevant authorities and now only MARAD pilots will be allowed to bring in vessels. Currently, MARAD has 15 River Pilots within its employ while there are five Private Pilots, including Cort.

Workers charged with stealing millions...

From page 16 $7M of the stolen cash were recovered. According to Police, the Barber had buried the jewellery and some $2.6M cash in his yard. Another $1.2M was given to his mother.

She was contacted and had no choice but to hand over the cash to Police and turn herself in for questioning. The Farmer told Police that he buried part of his ‘cut’ in his farm but when detectives dug

up the marked areas, they found nothing. Nevertheless, Police were able to recover some $3.1M dollars from him.

Both men were arrested by Police as well.

Kaieteur News learnt that the

suspects and the Businessman became acquainted with each other some two months ago and would frequented his home to do odd jobs around the house.

Printing and delivery of textbooksNational Distribution of textbook.

According to the 2022 budget document, the total project cost is now $2,805,000,000, with the sum of $2,436,000,000(US$11.6M) borrowed from CBD for the project and Central Government financing the remaining $369,000,000.

Prequalification- construction of a new Hospitality Training Institute- Lot1 training facilities and related works.

In the Governments advertisement it was stated that, A Project Management Unit (PMU) has been established to coordinate the various activities within the Project. The works pertains to the construction of a New Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute following at Port Mourant, East Berbice, Region#6, Guyana. To this end it was highlighted that the new Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute should entail a Block C, Block D, external works, mechanical installation and an electrical infrastructure.

Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

Completion of Wakenaam Chip Factory.

Ministry of Health

Supply and delivery of UPS system for X-ray machines.

Kaieteur News understands that Block C (training facilities) would be a twostorey building with a reinforced concrete frame and reinforced concrete floors and should be approximately 2,850 square metre Block D (classrooms and student facilities) would be a two-storey building with a reinforced concrete frame and reinforced concrete floors and should be approximately 1,150 square metre.

External works entails site preparation, security office, gates, fence, roads and car parks, concrete drains, septic tanks, reservoir, access and walkway and generator building in an area of approximately four acres.

Bureau of Statistics

Supply, delivery and installation of office cubicles, Lot1 Lshape cubicle for staff, Lot2- L-shape cubicle for Supervisor.

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is the executing agency for the project, whereas the Ministry of Education (MOE) is responsible for the overall implementation of the project.

Below are the companies and their bids:

WANTED

Skilled Carpenters, Masons & Labourers. Call: 602-9469, 615-7526, 660-6385 or 6257642.

Wanted: Experienced supervisor, cashier, counter person , cooks and labourer. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts.

Driver, sales man, porters to work in warehouse. Must have experience , attractive salary offered. Call: 696-4444.

A certified cook needed. Call: 626-6547/ 227-6544.

Experience cashier, cooks, counter staff, office assistant, bakers & cleaners. Apply @ Hot & Spicy located in Albertown. Call: 225-6255/ 226-9000.

One experienced Cook to work at Annie roti shop located in Plaisance line path, $5000 per day. Call: 6031278.

Diesel mechanic required to work at Charity. Call: 2235273/ 223-5274.

One experienced Machinist needed. Call: 222-3844.

Taxi Drivers needed at Princess Taxi Service, Ramada Hotel. Call: 265-7075/ 76 or 616-5419.

Waitress needed @ Carri’s in Campbellville, must be energetic & enthusiastic. Call or whatsapp: 672-9037

One housekeeper needed ages 18-35yrs, must have child care experiences and living in Timerhi/ Soesdyke or Kuru-Kuru. Call/ Whatspp: 603-0210.

VACANCY

A able-bodied live-in Housekeeper to work in Virgina U.S.A. Between the ages of 30-50. Call: 845-3258241/ 592-615-5476.

Vacancy Existed For 2 Experience Dispatcher At Confidential Cabs Tel 6951961/231-5784.

General cleaner, office assistant, maintenance workers & live in farm workers needed. Call: 621-6969, 615-7784/ 505-9107.

Bond Attendants & Porters needed @ Survival Shopping Complex. Call: 609-2995 or survival.humanresources @gmail.com

Supermarket sales representatives / sales girls needed @ Survival Shopping Complex. Call:609-2995,email: survival.humanresources@ gmail.com.

Supermarket cashiers AM & PM needed @ Survival Shopping Complex. Call: 609-2995,email: survival.humanresources@ gmail.com.

Driver needed @ Survival Shopping Complex. Must have a valid drivers license ( with motor lorry) Call: 6092995,email: survival.humanresources@ gmail.com.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop @ Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence Call 645-8443 or 642-9823.

One Clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics, grade 1 or 2. Email application: techserigy@ yahoo.com or call 615-9132.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call: 6159132.

Swiss Authorities ordered SBM to...

From page 2 U.S. based subsidiary, were sentenced to serve 36 months in prison and fined US$150,000.

In addition, former Sales and Marketing Executive at SBM, USA, Robert Zubiate, then 66, of Agoura Hills, California, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison and fined US$50,000.

In November 2017, Mace and Zubiate each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in connection with a scheme to bribe foreign Government officials in Brazil, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.

According to admissions made in connection with his plea agreement, Mace acknowledged that prior to him becoming CEO, other employees of SBM entered into an agreement to pay bribes to foreign officials, including at Brazil’s statecontrolled oil company, Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras), Angola’s state-owned oil company, Sociedade Nacional de Combustíveis de Angola, E.P. (Sonangol), and Equat orial Guinea’s stateowned oil company, Petroléos de Guinea Ecuatorial

(GEPetrol).

The former CEO admitted too that he joined the conspiracy by authorizing payments in furtherance of the bribery scheme and deliberately avoided learning that those payments were bribes.

In particular, Mace maintained a spreadsheet reflecting payments to five individuals. He acknowledged that even though he was aware there was a high risk those individuals were Equatorial Guinean officials, he nevertheless authorized SBM to make payments of over US$16 million to those individuals.

As it relates to the Brazilian Government Officials, Mace stated that he further continued a practice that was instituted before he became CEO, by splitting

payments to SBM’s Brazilian intermediary by paying a portion of the intermediary’s commission to an account in Brazil and another portion of the agent’s commission to accounts in Switzerland, held in the name of shell companies.

Again, Mace deliberately avoided learning that the ultimate recipients of the payments that he authorized to the shell companies were Petrobras officials, he admitted.

According to admissions made in connection with Zubiate’s plea, from between 1996 and 2012, Zubiate and others, used a third party Sales Agent to pay bribes to foreign officials at Petrobras, in exchange for those officials’ assisting SBM and SBM USA with winning lucrative offshore oil projects from Petrobras.

Zubiate also admitted engaging in a kickback scheme with the bribe paying Sales Agent for SBM and its SBM USA office.

On the local front, SBM Offshore has been the preferred shipbuilder for Guyana’s FPSO vessels since 2015.

To date, the company has built the FPSOs for the Liza Destiny, the Liza Unity, and Payara – each costing approximately US$1B, US$1.2B, and US$1.6B respectively.

Kaieteur News recently reported that SBM Offshore is making moves to further deepen its Guyanese roots, as it recently issued a Request for Information (RFI) from qualified companies, to develop a gated community and recreational facility for its employees.

FOR SALE

Two pure breed German shepherd, 7 weeks old fully vaccinated. Call: 650-9998/ 626-0953.

One hairdresser needed @ LE botique located in Amazonia mall. Call: 6589616/ 604-0914.

Experienced Supervisor, Cashiers, Counter server needed. Apply @ Hack's Halaal Restaurant 5 Commerce St. with written application.

Vacancy exist for one security guard to work night shift in Bel Air Park. Contact: 225-5818/ 624-9505.

VACANCY

2 Sales Clerk & 1 Delivery Clerk needed at LENS. Apply @ 136 Sheriff Street, C/ Ville or Tel: 227-1511/2272486

PEN PAL

Seeking one Overseas male pen pal. Must be 50-55 yrs. Call :688-1352.

SERVICES

Visa application: Canada and UK & U.S.A. Graphics design & advertisements. Wedding decorations & elderly grooming: hair, nail etc. Call: 626-7040.

VEHICLE FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

House lots for sale in gated community, start with $500k deposit. Call: 233-6997/ 6221957.

One trainee IT Technician needed @ Vreed-en-Hoop WBD. Ages 18-21yrs, email applications: itechcomgy @gmail.com

One honda crv, fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable & 1 new super custom hiace bus 2.5M . Call: 649-0956.

Charrandas recorded on camera verbally abusing woman in India

...Govt. claims allegations of sexual abusive words not substantiated

Guyana's High Commissioner to India, Charrandas Persaud was last year August recorded on camera verbally abusing a woman in India. But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here said that the matter is closed as theallegationshavenotbeensubstantiated.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Ministry said it is aware of material circulating on social media relating to allegations made against Persaud, regarding anincidentwhichoccurredonAugust1,2021

on the premises of the High Commissioner's residence.

“This matter, brought to the attention of the Ministry of External Affairs of India by High Commissioner Persaud, was fully investigated by the relevant authorities and a formal response to the High Commission dated September 3, 2022 indicates that “allegations of sexual abusive words to complainant has [sic] not been substantiated”. The Ministry of Foreign

Affairs and International Cooperation thereforeconsidersthismatterclosed.”

However,inavideocurrentlymakingthe rounds on Social Media, the High Commissioner can be clearly heard speaking inverycoarselanguagetoawomansaying:“I don'tneedadoginmyyardalright.Youwant the dog, take it and put it between your legs…you probably want the dog to F#@% you…that's what you want. I don't care… I don'tcarewhoyouare.F#@%you!”

Guyana's High Commissioner to India, Charrandas Persaud

East Coast Titan target Masters Category trophy at Prime Ministers Softball Cup

East Coast Titan are set to participate in the Masters Category at the upcoming Prime Ministers Softball Cup T20 tournament.

The three-day extravaganza is billed for November 11-13 with first and second round matches slated for Georgetown while all the finals to be played at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

There will be three male categories including the Masters (Over-40), the Legends (Over-50) and Open (roundarm bowling). Four female teams are scheduled to fea-

ture as well. Again the mega softball tournament will be run by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. The winning teams for the male category will pocket $600,000 and a trophy. Other incentives for individual, outstanding performances are at stake. The ladies champion side will take home $200,000 with a trophy as well along with more prizes. Entrance fee is absolutely free!

Meanwhile, Manager of East Coast Titan Rafman Ali has expressed great optimism

that his team can be victorious on this occasion.

The team is set to make its debut in this six-year-old tournament which has attracted teams from New York, Florida, Canada and across Guyana.

“Is about going there and play positive cricket; we [are] anxious to compete and I believe in all my players,” Ali, who will be playing as well, declared. He also took the opportunity to thank several of the sponsors who helped form the team with their support a year ago and those are: Boy Mechanical Shop, Sheldon Superbet, Vishaul Kissoon Transport, Kennedy

Construction of New York, USA and R.B. General Construction, Electrical Supply and Janitorial Services.

“I must say thanks for these sponsors; we are grateful to them and now I want to make them proud; this is a huge tournament and we have got to bring our best game; thanks also to the League for inviting us to take part and we looking forward to make the opportunity count,” the hard-hitting batsman Alli pointed-out. He stressed the importance of committed cricket as well citing that his experienced skipper Randy Etwaroo will be responsible and at the same be a champion leader.

Apart from Etwaroo, the batting will hinge around Dindyal Lackhan, Vick Kissoon, Rudolph Johnson,

Alli, Reyaz Khan and versatile all-rounder Asif Ally.

“We have a good bunch of guys eager to represent East Coast Titan; we have done well and we want to continue to do a fantastic job especially at this Prime Ministers Cup,” Alli commented.

Some of the teams to participate in the Masters category are: defending champion Fisherman Masters, Regal, Success Masters, Corriverton (New York), Hibernia Strikers, Softball Cricket Canada and New York Softball Cricket League.

Wednesday October 26, 2022

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Today you might attend a small party or group event with some friends, if possible, and become separated from them. Don't panic, Aries. You will probably run into them later.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Surprise visitors could result in a small impromptu party of some sort, if possible. This could be fun for you, Taurus, but it could also be a bit irritating.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

This isn't the day to plan a trip by air, Gemini. Everything that can go wrong with such a trip will - delays, lost luggage, obnoxious seatmates. If you have one planned for today.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

One of your ambitions in life is to be financially independent, and lately you might have made great strides toward attaining that goal. Today, through no fault of your own.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

A surprising revelation from a friend or acquaintance might wake you up to the fact that you don't really know this person as well as you thought you did.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Your mind is likely to be going a thousand miles an hour today, Virgo. Thoughts and ideas are pouring into your head like rain from the sky.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

An old friend you haven't seen for a long time may suddenly resurface, perhaps contacting you through social media. This could take you by surprise, Libra.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

A sudden, unexpected problem at home could be rather upsetting. This probably relates to plumbing, electricity, or some other kind of home equipment. You will have to handle it.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Upsetting news that you receive from far away, perhaps by phone or email, could send you into an emotional tailspin. There's an aura of uncertainty about what you hear - it may not make sense.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Computer glitches or bank errors might send erroneous information to you about your finances. Perhaps the bank says you have less money than you do, or a bill is higher than you thought it should be.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You and someone close could disagree on an issue that both of you feel strongly about. Stubborn pride on both your parts could keep you from working things out.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Problems with machines could have your nerves on edge. This may be one day when everything seems to break.

T&T Cricketer Chelsea Latif...

From page 32 than five years & it’s become more of a necessity to mix my academics with an extra-curricular. Cricket has been an avenue for me to relax after long hours of studying.

I think it improves my focus and ability to think.

It is important to find an avenue where you can take a step back from studying, luckily I was able to blend studying and cricket to find that perfect balance that keeps me going,” informed Chelsea who was born on August, 23, 2000 at the Mt. Hope Women’s Hospital, Trinidad. Chelsea, who when she younger, admired Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa, believes there isn’t a great variation between Trinidadian and Guyanese Cultures.

“After being here for three weeks, yes, I believe I’m settled, however I found it difficult getting used to travelling (catching Mini-buses) because I’m not used to public transportation.

Because of school, I was not able to go out much. I have however visited Giftland mall & Movietowne. I also attended a few club cricket matches at DCC, QC and Malteenoes,” continued the Trini whose favourite food is Curried Duck.

“Thus far, I owe a great deal of thanks to Mr. Anil Beharry, Ms. Annalisa Beharry & their family for guiding & assisting me since I’ve been here,” added the charming young lady who enjoys spending time with friends.

“My parents have al-

ways been on my side & supported my journey in cricket.

I miss home a lot and I

look forward to any break from school to return to Trinidad,” concluded Chelsea.

Rafman Ali

Fernandes ‘squash’ national associations on athletes treatment

By Rawle Toney

Nicolette Fernandes has played many match-winning strokes in her illustrious career, however, her best yet might just be her missive in yesterdays Kaieteur News where the countrys most decorated squash player spoke eloquently on several key issues in sports, particularly the treatment of ourathletes.

Fernandes is squash’s most famous athlete and one of the most polarizing figures in local sports, while also representing Guyana in basketballaswell.

Shes also known as a fierce hockey player, but, over her eminent years donning the colours of the Golden Arrowhead around the world, Fernandes was never known as the type of athlete that speaks out on issues affecting sports and athletes development in Guyana atleastuntilnow

In a Letter to the Editor, Fernandes gave a detailed account of the events that involved boxer Keevin Allicock, at the South American Games in Paraguay, while stating her support for the Youth Commonwealth Games silvermedallist.

“There is little more exhilarating for an athlete than to compete with the name of your country emblazoned on your clothing. It can sometimes give you extraordinary powersandwilltogivemore of yourself, so much so that throughout my professional careerIprinted“Guyana”on all my competitive clothes, whetherIwasplayingformy country or not,” Fernandes lamented.

She added, that there is a l s o a n u n s p o k e n expectation that while representing Guyana, athletes must adhere to standards of behaviour that will reflect pride and respect for our nation. “If we fall short, which we will as we are in the end as mortal as everyone else, it is up to our relevant governing sporting b o d i e s t o h o l d u s accountable.”

After playing a forehand against the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) and the G u y a n a O l y m p i c Association (GOA) for their response to Allicocks letter,

Nicolette Fernandes with her silver medal, copped at this years South American Games in Paraguay. Fernandes, in 2010,became the only female Guyanese to win Gold at South American Games.

Fernandes said she was heartbroken with the lack of empathyondisplay

“We are all on our journeys,whetheritbeinlife or sport,” Fernandes stated, however, she further lamented, “For national athletes, our journeys become part of the nations story; a part of the national narrative.”

“For the last 30 years, I have had the honour and pleasure of representing our country in sport. Without a doubt,Iamattheveryendof mysportingcareer

And this is why I feel obligated to speak up,” Fernandessaid.

She noted that for the majority of her 30 years involved in sports, mostly at the highest level, she was fearful of speaking out about h o w s o m e n a t i o n a l associations/federations havefailedtheirathletes.

“Wenowliveinanageof screens and sedentary lifestyles.

An age where fewer and fewerchildrenventureoutto the dwindling playgrounds and dilapidated sports f a c i l i t i e s i n o u r communities. It is an age where those responsible for sport at a national level

believe that a photo-op with a politician,and a slap on the back, will be enough to keep us happy and to encourage future sporting greatness. If this is the strategy, we will soon have no athletes Shouldnt national athletes expect something more? Shouldnt we be less fearful about asking for it?” Fernandessaid.

F e r n a n d e s , 3 9 , highlighted that shes at the endofhersportingcareer As such, speaking out is to see national athletes valued, supported and receiving the same dedication and care from governing bodies “as weathleteshaveconsistently put into our sports while wearing that Guyana uniform.

Despite all this, national athletes continue to feel the power and pride of the Guyanauniform.”

T h e 2 0 1 0 S o u t h American Games gold medallist, who also returned to the games this year to claim silver, said as a member of the National Athletes Commission, shes committed to holding the countrys administrators accountable and encouraged younger athletes to do the same.

MVP Sports Futsal Tournament…

Organisers intrigued with opening round

Female tourney kicks off Saturday

The MVP Sports Futsal tournament is scheduled to continue on Thursday evening at the National Gymnasium.

T w o n i g h t s o f competition are already in the history books for the 2022 edition of the MVP Sports Futsal Tournament, whichcommencedThursday last and continued on Saturday, October 22, at the National Gymnasium on MandelaAvenue.

The Petra organised event has had all 24 male teamsputforththeiropening arguments, with the ladies campaign billed to commence on Saturday, October 29, according to the organiser

When Kaieteur News had an opportunity to speak with Director of Petra, Troy Mendonca, he said his team was very elated with the return of the tournament.

“We at Petra are extreme grateful to get the MVP SportsFutsalTournamentup andrunningafterthedreaded pandemic forced it into a hiatus like every other event onourcalendar.”

“This was all possible with the immediate response of our sponsor, MVP Sports, with support for Ansa McAl and of course the Ministry of Culture,YouthandSport.We had some intense football played over the past two nights and we expect it to only get better for the fans thatcomeouttosupport.”

“We also had a great

response from the football fraternityandarewelcoming more fans to come out and support the tournament and witness some great futsal,” Mendoncastated.

On Saturday it was another goal frenzy as Stabroek Ballers, Future S t a r s , Ve n g y F C , Campbellville and Back Circleallsecuredwinswitha bountyofgoals.

Theotherteamtopickup a win was Sparta, who were fixed to take on Channel 9, butwereawardedawalkover victory in the final match of theprematurely-endednight.

Stabroek Ballers won against Melanie, 7 2 Henery Sampson (10), Shemar Welch (10, 17), Dorwin George (2) and DacostaAboagye (6, 16, 18) were Stabroek Ballers scorers while Marlon Forrester (12) and Malacaih Grannum (11) scored for the opposition.

Future Stars then destroyed Crane 10 3 as goals from Jamal Cozier (8, 9), Keron Solomon (18), Ronaldo Dover (6, 7, 20), Raushan Ritch (12) and Tyrese Dennis (2, 8, 16) overpoweredtheeffortsof

Cranes Andres Marcano (2, 20) and Dexter Marshall (4). Overtime was needed to decide the winner of the Swag versus Vengy FC

match. Edgardo Herriea (21, 23, 25) scored a hat-trick for Vengy while Dexaniel Gomez (14, 26) turned it a brace to go with the gifted own goal from the opposition. For Swag, Omar Beweley (13), Kosi Gentle (27) and Andre Meyers (22) were their goal scorers Martin Bethels marvelous five goal performance propelled Campbellville to a 5 4 win over Albouystown. Bethel scored in the 4th, 5th, 11th, 15th and 19th minutes while Albouystowns scorers were Andrew Murray Jr (7, 13), Sheldon Forde (2) and MarlonNedd(10).

Back Circle claimed a comfortable 3 0 win against VryhiedsLust.

Scorers Stephan Reynolds (6), David George (8)andJamaineBeckles(13) accounted for the goal that ledtovictory

Meanwhile,thespectator with ticket number 934, Roy Cossou, was the winner of the$10,000MVPSportsGift Cardonthesecondnight.

T h e t o u r n a m e n t continues onThursday at the National Gymnasium with sixmatchesonthecard.

However, later today Petra will be distributing equipment to every team involved in this tournament to assist in their practice sessions.

Another flawless display from Henrietta saw them come away with a hardearned 1 0 win over Queenstown to end their first-round campaign in the Essequibo Pomeroon FootballAssociation(EPFA) leg of the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power, Under-17 Intra Association LeagueonSundayafternoon last at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground, unbeaten.

The other match on the day produced a comfortable 4-0 victory for Dartmouth Determinators over Tapakuma FC which also closed the first round campaign for Dartmouth on a high, their third win in four matches.

The Henrietta vs Queenstown clash produced a humdinger of a battle between the two sides, much to the enjoyment of their respective fan base. Neither of the two teams allowed the othertogetthebetterofthem as the goalkeepers kept a clean sheet for the most part. Itwasuntiltwominutestogo beforethefinalwhistleinthe 70 minute dual, that the relentless efforts of Henrietta paid off when they were awarded a penalty because of an infringement inthearea.ErronCaesarwas given the responsibility to take the kick from the penalty mark in a very tense atmosphere and he made no mistake burying the shot to seal the win for his team whilst keeping their unbeaten record intact. The defeat for Queenstown was their second in three outings

so far In the days other clash, it was smooth sailing f o r D a r t m o u t h Determinators,which,onthe back of a first-half hat-trick from Sachel Marks,

trounced Tapakuma, 4 0 Marks was on target in the 12th, 33rd, and 35th, minute withtheothergoalscoredby Martin Garrawayin the 27th minute.

From page 29 structured approach to the game instilled by national coach Robert Fernandes, which always makes them a threat Old Forts Julia

Gouveia and Carolyne Deaneleadtheredswhilethe second GCC line-up, the GCC Spice may exhibit the strongest attack of all teams through the duo ofAbosaide

CadoganandSoniaJardine. The competition will also feature a mens second division and a veterans division featuring players overtheageof35.

Erron CeaserHenrietta United FC

Sachel Marks and Martin Garraway - Dartmouth Determinators FC

BountySupermarketsNationalIndoor HockeyChampionshipflicksoff

The annual National I n d o o r H o c k e y Championships returned to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with a new face of Bounty Supermarkets this year

The supermarket chain has been a keen supporter of the development of young people and the community and has extended its efforts into hockey for the first time as an extension of these efforts The competition commenced yesterday and featured the Mens First Division, Mens Second Division, Ladies and Veterans(over-35).

The competition runs all week with the finals set for Sundayevening,October30, from16:00hrs.

In the competitive mens category, the PEPSI Hikers, the most successful team in this division, will look to avengetheirupsetduringthe recent Lucozade Indoor Championships.

T h e e x p e r i e n c e d national captain Robert France, leads this line-up with the support of topcalibre midfielder Jamar Assanah, who has been one of the countrys top players over the past five years. Old Fortbringstothetournament their tremendous pace and skill and a youthful enthusiasm primarily from their strong junior contingentwhohavestepped up to the senior ranks. Old Fort recently won the SunshineSnacksU20indoor championships and the core of the team will now be joined by veterans Chris LowandAderemiSimonthe strengthen them for senior competition.

GCCsall-roundstalwart, Kareem McKenzie and the skillful Sargeant brothers, Marc and Meshach form the core of their team, while the Garnett clan along with midfielder Shakeem Fausette round out the table

for Saints The ladies competition finds a dominant GBTI GCC Tigers as comfortable favourites having not lost in this competitionsince2018.

CaptainGabriellaXavier and Makeda Harding will have good support from Madison Fernandes, Sarah Klautky and Kirsten Gomes for the Tigers’powerful line up which will be a wellbalanced and difficult team tobeat.

The Woodpecker Hikers having been the last team to defeat the Tigers, will certainlybelookingtorepeat this feat and have been improving the quality of their game in recent times.

Maria Munroe and Marisha Fernandes form the cornerstone of this challenge. Saints boast the presence of recent junior MVP Claysa Bobb along with the feisty Tekeisha Deleon. Thisgroupbringsa (Continued on page 30)

GSA Nex-Gen Schools Coaching Academy continues

By Sean Devers

The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Nex Gen Primary Schools C o a c h i n g P r i m a r y programme sponsored by Guyana Beverages Inc located on the East Bank of Demerara continued last Friday in the City with five Schools being provided with Coachingsessions.

Anne’s Agricola Primary by Pernell Christie, Redeemer Primary by Dorian Best and South Ruimveldt Primary was coached by Kenroy Joseph.

students.

“We (GCA) feel that at the Primary School level is the best time get children involved in cricket and hopefully when they get to Secondary School some of them would have developed the basics and that into club cricket,” Barry who has nine First-Classmatches.

Herstelling B, Sandpipers and Peters Hall record victories

T20

HerstellingB,SandpipersandPetersHall recorded victories when the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association S/D T20 tournamentcontinuedlastweekend.

At Farm, Herstelling B Sports Club claimed victory over Uprising by 36 runs. Batting first, Herstelling B sports Club posted 216-8 in 20 overs. Pernell London made 41, Quazim Yusuf 36 and Clement Archer27.

Uprising responded with 180-7. Shakiel Wong made 78 with five fours and five sixes while Bhoj Narine scored 38 and A. Narine 17.JermaineRamroopclaimed4-32.

Sandpipers beat North Soesdyke by 13 runs. Sandpipers CC managed 136 for 8, battingfirst.AbhliashDeokiestrucksixfours and three sixes in a top score of 54 not out whileK.Khamrajmade24.JermaineGriffith

picked up 3-19. North Soesdyke replied with 124 all out in 20 overs. Chris Deonarine struck57withfourfoursandfivesixeswhile Ariel Tilku scored 18 as Riyad Sattaur captured3-2andJavidRasheed2-25.

Continental CC gained a walk over from Meadowbank.

At YMCA, Peters Hall beat Silverbullet by13runs.PetersHallbattedfirstandscored 165 all out in 19.2 overs. Alex Rodriques stroked 70, Narendra Persaud 41 and Robin Singh 27. V Dhaniram grabbed 4-21, R. Roopnarine 3-36 and C. Ragnauth 2-37. Silverbullet were bowled out for 153 in 19.3 overs, in reply R. Ramsundar and R. Rajaram made 34 each while C. Ragnauth scored 27. Shane Persaud took 2 -31, Asif Ishak 2-12 and Chabiraj Ramcharran had 213.

The GCA is the only Association in Demerara that is presently conducting Coaching sessions in Schools,whileBerbiceisthe only other place that focuses on Schools Coaching throughtheBCB.

There were sessions at the Ketley Primary coached by former Guyana female playerAkazeThompson.

Rama Krishna Primary coached by Kervin Ross, St

T h e e i g h t w e e k programme, which was launched on September 14 and ends on the third week on November and involves eight schools with 400 students; half of them being Girls and other half being Boys.

At the completion of the programme, 14 of the best students of each school (7 boys & 7girls) will be taken on a tour of Queen College before going onto the QC groundforacompetition.

GCA President Neil Barry said that he was by the enthusiasm shown and the excitement generated for the

“Its a long term development program and half of the 400 students we are targeting are females since female cricket is important we are trying to attract more of them to game,” added the 56-year oldBarry

The Transport Sports Clubs, led by Shawn MassiahandKevinRoss,has a female programme which has about 15 females involved.

Jamaica’s Kaliese Spencer in line for Olympic bronze from 2012 Olympics after Russia’s Antyukh stripped of gold medal

SportsMax - Getting a bronze medal 10 years after competing at the 2012 London Olympics would be a dream come true for Jamaican400mhurdlerKalieseSpencer

The development comes after World Athletics has taken the decision to strip Russias NatalyaAntyukh of her gold medal fordoping.

Antyuh won ahead of the USAs Lashinda Demus and the Czech Republics Zuzana Hejnová. Spencer, now 35, finished fourth. As it stands, Demus would be upgraded to the gold medal, Hejnova the silver and Spencer the bronze, her first individualglobalmedal.

While cognizant of the circumstances, expressedjoyatthenews.

“I would be extremely elated if I’m deemed the Olympic bronze medalist,” the 2014 Commonwealth Games champion toldSportsmax TVMonday

“I totally believe in FairPlay and by no means am I celebrating another athletes downfall, but being an Olympic medalist

has always been a great dream of mine; though not in the fashion I would have wanted it to be, I would be over the moon. Wow,10yearslater!ThishastobeGod!

Antyukh was already serving a fouryear ban in a previous case judged by the Court or Arbitration for Sport last year that stripped her results from 2013 to 2015

The new ruling based on historical evidence recovered from a Moscow testing laboratory database further disqualified Antyukh in all of her events from July 15, 2012 through June 29, 2013, track and fields Athletics Integrity Unitsaid.

Spencer, a two-time national champion and the 2014 Continental Cup winner, returned to the MVPTrack Club last season afterthebirthofherson.

However, she suffered an injury which kept her out of most of the remainder of the season. Sheisexpectedtoreturntotraining soon.

Ketley primary being coached by Akazie Thompson.

From left Javid Rasheed , Riyad Sattaur and Abhliash Deokie

grip on the lead ahead

Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) are still marginally in the lead in the Petra organised GuyOil/Tradewind Tankers Under-18 Schools Football Tournament, following a dominant sixth round win on Monday at the Ministry of EducationGround.

The team from the Mining Town brushed aside Presidents College, 3 0, to give them their first loss off the tournament. With that win, CWSS have now moved on to 15 points, only one point ahead of their closest competitor, with the final round just a few days away They have five wins and a loss in the six matches theyveplayed.

PresidentsCollegeonthe other hand, remain in third o n 11 p o i n t s a f t e r accumulating three wins, two draws and a loss However, they must be commendedforagoodeffort against the tournament leader in the penultimate round.

CWSS were led by the three Ks; Krishtian Lewis (34),KelonHintzen(45)and Kemani Field (48), the players that successfully capitalised when the oppositionerredindefence.

The days second match was a bottom-of-the-table encounter; Dolphin steamroll West Ruimveldt, 5 1, to propel themselves closer to the top of the table. The win takes Dolphin to eight points, but they still remain in sixth, above only West Ruimveldt and Friendship,respectively

In Dolphins victory, Nicholas Tappin (6) and Jequan Cole (8) gave their side a comfortable two-goal leadbeforeWestRuimveldts Elijah Marcus (20) made it a

one possession game Reaquan Corbin extended the lead once again in the 30th minute then Jamal Williams (46) and Gerry Burnette (60) scored to push the triumph way beyond doubt.

The struggle continued for the Friendship team that suffered their sixth consecutive loss. It proved yet another tough encounter for them as they lost, 5 0, to CummingsLodge.

WhileFriendshipremain last without a point on the board, Cummings Lodge welcomed the three-points, which now have them on ninepointsinfifthplace.

Fabian Figueria (13, 33) led the attack for Cummings Lodge with a performance thatproducedadoublewhile a goal each came from the opening scorer, Antwan Samuels (17), and the final goal scorer, Nicholas Watts (40).

During the encounter, while the winning side led with two goals, more misery wasaddedtoFriendshipstab as Randy Springer was responsible for an own goal inthe26thminute.

Golden Groves clash with North Ruimveldt, the final match of the day, had a lotridingonitforbothsides, which entered the match in second and fourth place, respectively, with only a point separating them However, the match ended 3 1inGoldenGrovesfavour

This means, Golden Grove stay in second on 14 points while North Ruimveldt have to settle in fourth a little longer on ten points.

It was an eventful match that ended under lights North Ruimveldt, with a chanceofleapingintothirdif

awinwassecured,drewfirst blood in the 19th minute when Hansjie Camacho foundthebackofthenet.

Although ahead, comfort wasnt a luxury afforded to North Ruimveldt, after the second place holders added some urgency to their play Soon, their efforts were rewarded when Kelon Croal secured the equaliser in the 28th minute, to pull his side back into contention for the win.

Theythengainedthelead in the 34th minute, compliments of Kelvin Richardson.

Enteringthesecondhalf, Golden Grove picked up another goal, this time through Emmanuel Lewis (60).

With tension mounting on such a crucial game, North Ruimveldts Dornell Sealey picked up his second yellow card the very next minute, which caused an automatic ejection, further weakening his sides chances ofasuccessfulreply

After six rounds CWSS lead with 15 points, Golden Grove (14) are second, Presidents College (11) third, North Ruimveldt (10) fourth,CummingsLodge(9) fifth, Dolphin (8) sixth, West Ruimveldt (1) are in seventh and Friendship (0) occupy the eighth and final spotintheLeague.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e tournament concludes this Sunday, October 30, at the same venue, with the finale scheduled to kick off at 18:00hrs.

The spoils for the third e d i t i o n o f t h e GuyOil/Tradewind Tankers sponsored tournament are in kind to the tune of $500,000 for the winner, $300,000 for the runner up, $200,000 for

the third place finisher and $100,000forfourth.

Individual prizes include Highest Goal Scorer, Most Valuable Player, Best Goalkeeper and Most

DisciplinedTeam.

Additionally, the champion of this tournament alongwiththerunnerupwill automatically qualify for Petras KFC Goodwill

Football Tournament, which will comprise of six teams. Those two top finishers will compete against a field of 2 Hinterland teams and 2 foreignteams.

The penultimate round unfolded on Monday afternoon at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

T&T Cricketer Chelsea

AAG to host IGG trials on Sunday at Leonora

By Sean Devers

Twenty two year old Trinidadian female cricketer Chelsea Latif is the daughter of former Berbice U-19 and Senior Inter County, Bowling All-Rounder Luke Latif who was a standby for Guyanas 1989 U-19 team, while her grandfather was one of the best Umpires in Berbice,Guyana.

Luke still plays club cricket in Trinidad, while his wife and Chelseas Mom, Avaian Latif is the official scorerforhisclub.

Chelsea played club, zonal (Central Zone), and school cricket and in Secondary School as a mediumfastbowler

“Cricket has been a part

GuyanasSchoolofMedicine to pursue studies in the Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelors of Surgery ( M B B S ) d e g r e e programmes.

The talented lass know the value of balancing sport withAcademics.

She attended Couva East Secondary School and the UniversityoftheWestIndies (St Augustine Campus) Faculty of Science and Technology and especially enjoys Biology, Chemistry &Physics.

“I inquired about whethertherewasafemale’s team in Georgetown from several male cricketers and was told that Transport Sports Club has a good

With the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) set for November, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will be hosting trials for athletes on Sunday at the National Track and Field Centre.

The trial, according to the AAG via release, is for U20 athletes, who, to be eligible for selection, must be enrolled in an institution oflearning.

With all disciplines having male and female

participation, athletes will compete for a chance to represent Guyana in 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m and 5000m (track events).

In the field, spots on Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Shot Put, Discus and Javelin teams will be up forgrabs.

F o l l o w i n g t h e announcement by Director ofSport,SteveNinvalle,that the IGG will return on November 25 27, the

NationalSportsCommission (NSC) met with the presidents of the ten disciplinesonshow.

Those ten disciplines are Cycling, Athletics (Track and Field), Tennis, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Football, Swimming, Squash, BasketballandBadminton.

First held in 1967, the IGG is normally an annual affair between Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, with the last recent edition being hosted in

Surinamein2017.

T h e B a d m i n t o n discipline was the latest additiontothelistofsporting events.

The Inter Guiana platform is of cultural significance, which is rooted in sport, education, and technological exchanges to forge stronger ties, trust, and overall unity among the respective countries, formerly known as the Guianas (French, Dutch and British).

of my life from an early age. Myparentsarewellinvolved in cricket in Trinidad Growing up watching the sport allowed me to develop a natural gravitation. For as long as I can remember, cricket has always been part ofmylife.

Naturally, my bowling action arose from a very young age I’d spend time helping my dad warm up before his matches. As such, I would try to copy his bowling action & not long after, it became a natural adaptation.

My fondness of bowling comesmainlyfromwatching him bowl,” explained Chelsea, who declined the invitation to addend the T&Ts U-19 trials because shewaswritingexamsatthat time.

Chelsea in now in Guyana where will spend five years at University of

female programme so I joined.

The highest level of cricket that I played in Trinidad would be 2nd division for club. However, I did train in TT u17 and 19 developmental squads for a year, after which I stepped downtofocusonmystudies. Prior to the pandemic, I played for Strikers Women’s Cricket Club,” said Chelsea, who is staying at the UG Dormitory

Since Chelsea will spend five years she was asked if she was invited to trials would she want to represent herFathersCountry

“It’s a consideration but I’m not sure if I will be able to accommodate it due to the amount of time my studies take.

Balancing cricket and studying is very easy for me. Ihavebeendoingitformore

Chelsea is flanked by her parents at a club game under lights just before the pandemic.

grip on the

ahead of final round