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Wednesday October 27, 2021
Liza II FPSO ship arrives in Guyana The Liza Unity Offshore Guyana preparing to be spread moored ahead of production.
…to increase Stabroek Block production, 340,000 barrels per day G u y a n a ’s s e c o n d Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) Ve s s e l — t h e L i z a Unity—has arrived in Guyana, having left Singapore in September last and will now spread moored, using multiple anchors, in the Liza II Oil Field, the second development in the Stabroek Block. The vessel was constructed by SBM Offshore and is being leased by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—the Stabroek Block Operator. Having arrived ahead of schedule, the vessel will now be spread moored in Liza II Field before being connected to the subsea installations, including umbilical(s), risers and flow lines. Saipem, another of ExxonMobil tier one contractors, had secured the contract for the subsea installations and has been working for some time ahead of the arrival of the Liza Unity preparing the subsea aspect of the operations. The Ministry of Natural Resources in a public statement yesterday said, it “welcomes the arrival of the Liza Unity floating production storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, after traveling for approximately 53 days and in excess of 11,000 nautical miles on its journey from Singapore.” The vessel, it said, is twice the size of the first FPSO; Liza Destiny. It is expected to commence operations by 2022 and has a production target of 220,000 barrels of
oil per day. As such, it means that together with the Liza Destiny, the two FPSO’s collectively would be producing some 340,000 barrels per day from the Stabroek Block starting next year. The Liza Phase II breakeven cost of production is estimated at US$25 per barrel, while the first FPSO—the Liza Destiny—produces at about US$35 per barrel. Once production kicks off, Liza Phase II is expected to develop to approximately 600 million barrels of oil. The project is set to cost Guyana approximately US$6 billion, and includes a lease capitalisation cost of approximately US$1.6 billion for the vessel, which will be moored in water depth of about 1,600 meters, and will be able to store approximately two million barrels of crude oil. Dutch conglomerate, SBM Offshore, was awarded the front-end engineering and design (FEED) contract for the FPSO in July 2018. The FPSO design is based on SBM Offshore’s F a s t 4 Wa r d , w h i c h incorporates a new build design utilizing a multipurpose hull combined with several standardised topsides modules. The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has in recent weeks, issued several notices disclosing that preparations were being made in the ExxonMobil-led Stabroek Block for the installation of the Liza Unity. These activities are expected to conclude on Continued on page 3
Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 27, 2021
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Foreigners register company locally for logging operation …plans to export Wamara, Greenheart, and other species to Malaysia A Guyanese company registered at Peter’s Hall on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) under relevant local laws as a domestic company, has applied to set up a logging operation in G u y a n a ’s K w a k w a n i , Berbice, area. The company, which on paper is Guyanese, has as its principals Chinese and Malaysian officials and no Guyanese in its ownership structure. The company—Surich Forest (Guy) Inc.—in the Project Summary section of its application for State Forest Exploratory Permit, has listed as its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Mei Hao, a Malaysian national. His core responsibilities are listed as strategic planning and corporate development. Surich Forest (Guy) Inc. has as its General Manager, Mr. Yu Mingxing whose core responsibilities are identified as having “overall direct responsibility for dayto-day operations in Guyana.” He is a Chinese national. The company’s Forest Manager—next in the management structure—is listed as Mr. Yu Ming Huat, a Malaysian, whose duties include “forest concession d e v e l o p m e n t , environmental management, stakeholder liaison for Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) matters.” Mr. Raymond Ting Hwang Hieng, another Malaysian national, is listed as the company’s
The location of the company’s concession on the map. Commercial Manager, with responsibility for the company’s marketing and sales. Recruitment of employees, and development of Human Resources policies, is the
responsibility of the company’s Administrative and Logistics Manager, Mr. Yuan Zhenbao, a Chinese national, while all accounting matters are left up to its Accounting Manager, Mr. Kenneth Tang
Sai Hung, another Chinese national. The company first acquired its State Forest Exploration Permit (SFEP) in March last year, which comprises a total area of 52,897.23 hectares (ha)
Liza II FPSO ship arrives in... From page 2 December 31, 2021 and all mariners are required to maintain a wide berth to the OCV NORMAND INSTALLER, which will be supporting installation of the FPSO. The Liza Unity, according to its builders, is the most ‘environmentally friendly’ of such vessels to be in operation worldwide. SBM Offshore, the Dutch floater specialists contracted to outfit the vessel for production from the Liza II oil field, in announcing that the vessel is en route to Guyana, disclosed that the FPSO has also been awarded the SUSTAIN-1 notation by American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), the Classification Society. According to SMB Offshore, “this
means that the design and construction of the unit is assessed against, and adheres to the requirements of the ABS Guide for Sustainability Notations, aligned with the applicable UN Sustainable Development Goals.” The Liza Unity is the world’s first FPSO to achieve such recognition for sustainability for its design, documentation and operational procedures. It was noted that examples of features recognised by the SUSTAIN-1 class notation include, energy efficiency management, mitigation of ozone depleting substances and management of hazardous materials throughout the life cycle of the vessel. The Liza Unity FPSO started its voyage to Guyana on September 3,
2021, having departed the Keppel shipyard in Singapore. The Liza Unity FPSO is also designed to have associated gas treatment capacity of 400 million cubic feet per day and water injection capacity of 250,000 barrels per day. The FPSO will be spread moored in water depth of about 1,600 meters, and will be able to store around 2 million barrels of crude oil. There is a total of 19 topsides modules. The vessel also represents SBM Offshore’s first Fast4Ward® design, benefitting from standardization of the project`s execution plan and using a fully completed and commissioned multipurpose floater (MPF) hull, which sets the benchmark for future FPSO projects.
divided into two blocks. The locale for the forest concession is described as being on the left bank, Corentyne River (Kanakaburi-Mapenna District) with an area of 17,035.68 ha, and the second one located on the left bank, Corentyne River (KuruduniTimehri District), with an area of 35,861.55 ha. The company said it “did a rapid assessment of the variables associated with timber harvesting operations in Area ‘A’ and Area ‘B’, after which the company determined that a logging operation would be feasible.” According to the company’s project summary, which was last updated in April last, a number of species of logs are available for extraction including Wa m a r a , Wa l l a b a , Greenheart, Kabukalli, Suya, Purpleheart, Locust, B a r o m a l l i , Ta u r o n i r o , Hububalli, Shibadan and Dakama, among other
species. Surich Forest (Guy) Inc., in its project summary said its core business objective is to harvest timber from the concession area in line with conditions agreed with the GFC. The logs harvested are to be conveyed to a log processing facility in Region 10 or Region 4, or exported according to GFC export policy. The company said it has linkages in Malaysia, which will allow for the full utilization of the local logs through the development of timber products based on the properties of each species. It was noted that the company’s preference is to construct a wood processing facility in Guyana, but highlighted the cost per Kw/hour for electricity as a major deterrent on the local scene. The company said it plans to invest some US$4M between 2020 and 2022.
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Draft Local Content On the face of it, the Draft Local Content Policy (Draft Policy) is a solid document. Though still in draft form only at this point, the document is representative of a comprehensive approach in a number of vital areas that have all been closely watched, and have much meaning for Guyanese. This oil wealth is ours, and notwithstanding the huge element of profit for Exxon and the other multinational oil presences in Guyana, Guyanese are the ones who should benefit first and foremost, and in every area conceivable. We at this paper think that the Draft Policy covers a lot of ground, and it is specific in those places that it needs to be, and are mandatory in any document that is to be given some credibility and regarded with some respect. The Draft Policy addressed at a fairly finite level such areas as recruitment and staffing at different levels, delved into aspects of procurement, and encircled a significant array of goods and services related to the growing oil industry. We discern a considerable amount of thought embedded in the result, and are glad to say so. Also, it is obvious that much energy and insight went into the preparation and compilation of the Draft Policy document. Further, a range of values and measurements are stated in this Draft Policy, and all very specific as to the levels of local content that are expected to be involved, and which those exploring and exploiting our oil riches should deliver. We prefer to take this a step higher and make this much tighter: local content levels (percentages, tonnages, time periods, volumes, and so forth) should not be presented as an expectation. From our way of thinking, that is going about local content requirements in the wrong way: it leaves too much manoeuvering room. Those stated levels must be mandatory, which oil companies and other participants in our upstream and downstream sectors must (must) deliver. They must be measured against the numbers stated in the Draft Policy, and held up to public scrutiny, plus public sanction for failure to comply with our requirements to the fullest. This is what they are: demands, compulsory, and they are the minimum. These are not something nice to have, or for decorative purposes. They are real and material, and they mean much to us, because when they are delivered it means that Guyanese are partaking to their wrists, for a start, in our natural resources blessings. To repeat for emphasis: the Draft Policy is a sound start, and though we would have been more pleased with some more (to follow later), we welcome it, and in all of its sweep and multiple applications. Soon enough, the time will come to move from paper to practice. In other words, the Draft Policy is only as good as far as it goes, because the real proof will be in the enriching pudding for local people. This Draft Policy must be finalised and become fully operational in the shortest period from today, with January 1st looking like as good a start date as any. Already, it took too long to come to this draft state, and that must be closed out in the quickest order. Too much time has been lost and too many Guyanese left on the outside, while the outsiders reap our riches. This Draft Policy, when the ‘draft’ is removed and it becomes official must not be made to serve as an ornament on a shelf, or as an impressive weighty paperweight. It must come alive and be made to work, so that our own people can really get to experience what it means to be active and meaningful participants in an oil-producing nation. If there is one thing with which we would express some difference, it is that some of those starting percentages for staffing, and time periods, as stated in years, could have been a bit more on the aggressive side. We think another 10 percentage points, and lessening the time period by one year, before going to the next tier, would have found greater reception with us. Still, we say let’s get going to make it happen, and let’s ensure that delivery occurs throughout.
Wednesday October 27, 2021
University of Guyana responds to erroneous KN article Dear Editor, The University of Guyana notes with great concern an erroneous article appearing in today’s (Tuesday, October 26, 2021) and published widely which purports to report on the University of Guyana’s half-year spending for 2021. There are several glaring errors in this article with the potential to bring egregious harm to the reputation of the University and its officers through the following devices of misdirection and misinformation. 1. The article indicates the information published came from the University’s own website. This is unfactual. The University published no such information on its website or elsewhere. 2. The KN article actually misconstrues a procedural half-yearly report
normally published by the Ministry of Finance on their website which states the following on page 21: “The University of Guyana has expended $1.5 billion on the maintenance and operations of its two campuses. Of note, all programmes are now being delivered using an online platform, and for programmes that require laboratory sessions, a blended approach is being administered. A total of 8,610 students at the Turkeyen campus and 686 at the Tain campus are benefitting from online classes accessing over 1,558 courses”. This can be found by clicking the link here:https://finance.gov.gy/ wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ M i d Year%20Report%202021.pdf 3. The correct
interpretation of the report is that the sum mentioned was spent for the first 6 months for the entire University operations including the operations of 6 Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) sites across the country delivering courses at the community level. It is a matter of public record that the University received $2.9 billion for its entire operations for 2021 in the last national budget. This was 60% of what it needed. It is also a matter of public record that the University received no subvention from the Government of Guyana in 2021 for capital and physical maintenance projects since there were three capital projects rolling over from 2020 due to COVID delays. Those projects are being completed this year. Therefore, the phrase
“maintenance of its operations” mentioned in the Ministry of Finance’s report speaks to ALL the University’s costs including salaries, online services, maintaining the physical plant which service staff are using and which must still be maintained in good order for return, upgrades, etc. This is on target with the approved spending as the originating report would have indicated. 4. The Editors of the KN have been kindly asked to correct the article now that they have been appraised of the facts, issue an apology, and to give the correction the same prominence as the erroneous item they created and published. 5. The University once again wishes to draw attention to the exercise of best practices in journalism in (Continued on page 5)
Emphasise Ethnic Diversity: De-emphasise Race-Based Activism Dear Editor, As a vivid reader of your Letter Column in your dailies, my interest was particularly roused by the (25.10.2021) letters from GHK Lall, Aubrey C. Norton and P. Lall; all of which in my view were clothed within the thematic scheme of race diversity as oppose to race-based activism and racepartitioning: causing me to now “cut my teeth” as a first time contributor. GHK Lall stressed the merits of diversity in the composition in the membership of political parties as opposed to the race-based option, and particularly so at this point in
time of Guyana’s history as its demography becomes infused by multi-ethnic immigrants. GHK Lall’s postulation finds acquiescence with Aubrey Norton who declared that his once preferred choice for leadership of the PNC/R party was Winston Murray, and for whom he campaigned, notwithstanding Murray’s Indo-Guyanese ethnicity. Quite contrary to Vassan Ramracha’s, (KN. 27.10.2021) support for the idea of advocacy for the partitioning of Guyana along race lines, P. Lall has referenced the recent rapes, killings, burnings and desecration against Hindus in the partitioned Bangladeshi
State, formerly known as East Pakistan. Bangladesh, like many other partitioned countries whether partitioned along ethnic or religious lines, has not proven to be a desirable outcome away from discord. The case in point is one in which Bangladesh evolved out of the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, preceded by barbaric genocide on the minority Hindu population in East Pakistan. The partitioning of Pakistan led to the creation of Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan. Today the score remains unsettled giving rise to P. Lall’s clarion call in support of diversity. I also share P. Lall’s belief that the systemic
decimation of Hindus in partitioned Bangladesh is not finding the kind of media coverage that would provide fodder for Guyanese to celebrate and give thanks for our diversity as promoted by our National Motto: One People One Nation One Destiny. The media given its profound influence in shaping society’s outlook; devolves upon it a corresponding responsibility to manage conflict and diffuse tensions. In this context, the media is hereby instigated to Emphasise Ethnic Diversity: Deemphasise Race-Based Activism. Respectfully, B. Joseph
Did the Pres. give his constituency a clever subsidy? Dear Editor, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the Guyana dollar was doing well versus the American dollar. The going rate loosely speaking, is US$1: GY$200. The trouble started when I found out that 200 Guyana dollars do not buy what 210 or 205 used to make possible. So much for local currency appreciation and purchasing power. Editor, I am aware that the oversupply of U.S. dollars is a contributory factor to this rate saga. But I look at where prices are, and see the usual citizens, (criminals, to be candid) taking advantage of sleazy corners and circumstances. By citizens, I single out price realities (a euphemism) in the agricultural sector, and with regards to goods, mostly imported. As we all know, the massive floods wreaked havoc on produce
availability, with the expected effects on prices in the marketplace. Guyanese feel the pinch, but I understand it. So, I give farmers, middlemen, and sellers a pass, even as I admit to discerning that some hustles are present. There are grounds to give some leeway, and with the October rains - they have never truly stopped in earnest - the December-January rainy season suddenly takes on ominous complexions. We are in for some price turbulence for a while to come, but there is limited justification for what is paid for greens and veggies. On the other hand, I unleash my Patriot missiles and take aim at the private sector - the nasty, dirty, slimy businesspeople - that seize every opportunity to gouge Guyanese consumers. My first stop is at the pump. The PPP Government eased up on
the excise duty, so what the hell is going on at the gas stations? They can’t have so much ‘old’ stock. If they do, then Guyana’s gas stations have more petroleum equivalents that is out there in those oil blocks. Their inventories are never ending, from the price that vehicle operators are forced to pay. I give the PPP Government a partial pass on this one. Partial only, because the private sector is a powerful part of its constituency, and the Government should take its members to task for undercutting its efforts and profiteering at the people’s expense. Weren’t these the fine upright citizens, who were all so pure in their pursuit of democracy during the last elections? They have to stop being the commercial brigands they are today, when they sabotage the government they back, and
criminalise business. Criminalise the Presidential relief is what the private sector is doing. The President announced considerable reductions in freight charges, something I lauded as good. But only if the benefits (lower prices) reached consumers. Those benefits have not, because Guyanese businesspeople claim to have more inventory (‘old stock’) than Amazon. These demented private sector operators should be put in stocks and flogged publicly. Word was that the President has provided a subsidy to a supportive constituency. I don’t believe that even he can be so low. I place those charges on the heads of local businesspeople. Sometimes, I wish that Guyana was Afghanistan. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Wednesday October 27, 2021
Crime fighting in modern Guyana Dear Editor, Reports of drug busts have intensified in the news lately. With a Brickdam displaced and rising gun crime throughout the capital and beyond, what are citizens to make of these events? Seeing that Brickdam, a scaled police station, was, up until its devastation by fire, primarily paper-based, I am also left to wonder: why? Why in the year 2021 is policing not supported by a more convenient way of dealing with the boring stuff - the paperwork? Further, recent reported events leave me to wonder about the state of crime analysis. I am not a crime fighter myself but I am aware of the applications of data science in crime fighting. Any kind of analytical work in law enforcement will depend primarily upon data. Paper source trails won’t cut it and neither will just “computerisation”. I am aware that there are other possibilities for data science in crime fighting too - crime prevention being one of those possibilities. My hope is that there are minds in the force who see the value of data and are also well integrated enough to apply the thinking of modern systems to the duties of law enforcement, with or without computers though computer systems will unlock many possibilities. Could properly collected and managed policing data play a role in understanding the possible consequences of our developmental actions? Wo u l d g r o w t h i n l o w -
income housing result in the intensified use of banned substances? We are trying our best to respond to a strong demand for housing but in so doing, would we inadvertently intensify the use of drugs? At what rate might this be e x p e c t e d ? Wo u l d t h e disruption of $2M in drugs create $2M in gun crime? Could there be an observed increase in the rate of crime for a given increase in the rate of inflation? Could our lack of monetary independence be the stage upon which our crime rates rise? Police forces that provide the kinds of services that enable us to answer broader questions, tend to also become friendlier in their approach and are more readily welcomed throughout the communities they serve. Wi t h a w i d e r r a n g e o f services and a certain closeness with their communities, police become keepers of safety and peace. I look forward to this kind of future for the Guyana Police Force. For now, my thoughts and prayers go out to our brave officers as they contend with bolder, more organised criminals, youth unemployment, possible rising inequality, possible increased foreigner populations, over spill from Maduro’s Venezuela and elsewhere, and all the other complex pressures that come with being a part of the Western world. Sincerely, Emille Giddings
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Where is the younger generation of PNC leaders? Dear Editor, I read with interest that the PNC leadership duel is heating up in the lead up to congress this year. But I want to know where the youth representation in the leadership race is? Where are the bright and young people that this party has within its fold? Have they been silenced? Why haven’t they jumped up and run for the top three post in the PNC? Is it because they are too shy or afraid? What is the deal with the Thandi McAllisters,
Christopher Jones, Amanza Walton-Desir, Ganesh Mahipaul, Annette Fergusons, and Vanessa Kissoons of our time? I will seek to tell you what is going on if they are not man enough or woman enough to tell your readers what is going down. I think the old guards and big heads are blocking them and consuming all the attention. The PNC is a party that does not give any youthful or youth spirited individuals a chance to lead. It stifles all their talents and
ideas with the internal political rancor and bitterness. We saw it with the Kissoon/Solomon issue and Thandi McAllister said it best when leaving the party. “After very careful and agonising consideration, I concluded that the present direction of the leadership is ill-suited to the fulfilment of the aspirations of young people in Guyana, the enhancement of the party’s supporters, and the advancement of the nation.” That explains the quietness and silence from the defunct Guyana National Youth and Student Movement and its so-called leaders.
Youths are the main part that will have their say in the PNC primaries and congress. The youth vote basically makes up 41 percent of the voting population come 2025. If the PNC refuses its youths in this manner and only puts old faces and elderly comrades to the polls, it will no doubt have a lethargic and lax energy right up to the polls. PNC can never win elections again with this crop of old, racist, tired and spent men. Could some younger people please offer up themselves for the post of leader? Yours Truly, Suraj Singh
What are the GPL technicians waiting for? Replace prayers with
Dear Editor, I reside at Crane on the West Coast of Demerara. Recently I heard a sparking sound outside my home and looked out only to find that a bird’s nest nestled at the top of a utility pole is causing two wires to kiss thereby causing the sparking situation. Granted the sparking is not continuous but it is indeed worrying. So in hopes of having the situation addressed I decided to contact GPL via their
Whatsapp number. Long story short, technicians arrived, assessed the situation and decided that since they are too afraid of being “picked” by the birds they could not address the situation. A follow up complaint bore no fruit thus here I am writing this letter hoping that a “big one” at GPL will read it and ensure that necessary action be taken before God-forbid something undesirable occurs. Name and address provided
...University of Guyana responds From page 4 checking sources, reporting accurately, and valid contextualisation so as to avoid causing harm and eliciting legal action. The University values its relationship with all its stakeholder’s including the media and the public and therefore reminds that any fact relating to the University or its operations can be factchecked with the University 24/7 through the following avenues via its website at https://www.uog.edu.gy/ or the Public Relations Unit on
6235104 or via email at publicity.decc@uog.edu.gy. Ms. Krest Cummings Public Relations Officer University of Guyana Editor’s Note: While the University’s response has given a clearer understanding of its spending, and indeed we offer an unequivocal apology for any inaccuracies published, we hereby make it pellucid that no ill-will was intended. Also, we thank you for reminding us of the avenues through which we can access information should the need arise.
the National Anthem
Dear Editor, So many letters are being written to the newspapers about prayers in school that certain religions are being left out. My humble opinion is that there should not be prayers recited to start the school day or any other functions or celebrations in the school system. Instead, the country’s National Anthem should be
played or sung. The same goes for the National Assembly or any other public institutions. In North America, the National Anthem is played through the public address system at the start of each school day. If students wish to sing along, or be silent, that is their choice. Thank you, Rahman Mohammed
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Kaieteur News
The power of civilian oversight Dear Editor, When I assumed portfolio responsibility for the Ministry of Home Affairs I was introduced to Doreen De Cairies who, at the time was chair-woman of the Fire Advisory Board. My perusal of the minutes of meetings of the Board chaired by Doreen showed how intensely persistent she was in addressing the shortcomings of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in pursuit of the Fire Prevention Act Ch. 22:01 Doreen was deeply concerned about the decrepit state of the GFS’ firefighting assets and the nonfunctioning of fire hydrants in the city of Georgetown. On top of that, she wanted an increase in risk allowance for firefighters. I discerned Doreen’s frustration because she was not successful in drilling down the specific government agency or department responsible for repairing and making functional the city hydrants as effective fire fighting tools. I inherited Doreen’s frustration, but soon realised that it was grounded in certain realities. While an interagency approach was necessary to find a solution to the problem, the Georgetown City Council was broke and the new PPP/C government had no intention of handing over millions to be squandered on wasteful projects nor to be spent on useless foreign junkets. On the other hand, the Ministry of Works was saddled with a number of community projects which the PPP/C government had placed at the top of that ministry’s agenda. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs was not to be distracted. It stuck to its mandate inter alia; ‘To ensure the maintenance of public order and safety throughout
Guyana...’ at a time when the crime situation was spiralling out of control compounded by the brutal murders executed by the marauding Rondell Rawlings aka ‘the Fineman gang.’ In the circumstances, fire hydrants were certainly not at the top of government’s agenda especially at a time when law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community were pressing for additional resources to bring an end to the escalating criminal jamboree in the country. These are not excuses. They were facts grounded in the reality of the times. Moreover, lest the facts be misconstrued, I must emphasise that whenever the question of fire hydrants came up for discussion at cabinet meetings, the Home Affairs Ministry did contribute to the search for a comprehensive solution to the problem. Truth be told, the problem was always one of money, and where it was to come from at a time when money was badly needed for the social and security sectors. But back to Doreen. After acceding to my request to stay on awhile longer as Chair of the Fire Prevention Board even though the Board’s life had come to an end, after a few months, Doreen eventually tendered her resignation. We were sad to see her go. The Fire Prevention Act Ch. 22:01 states: ‘An act that provides for the inspection of premises in Guyana for the purpose of eliminating fire hazards and for purposes connected herewith.’ Fire Advisory Board 3 (1) There shall be instituted a Board to be called the Fire Advisory Board herein after referred to as the Board vested with powers, duties and functions in this act mentioned.
(2) The Board shall consist of nine members who shall be appointed by the Minister 1. It shall be the duty of the Board: (a) to advise the minister on all questions pertaining to the prevention of fires and matters incidental thereto; (b) To perform the duties and exercise the functions mentioned in this Act. People tend to ask, ‘But what did you do while you were there?’ One of my first instructions to the Board was to identify all derelict buildings in the city that are potential fire hazards, find the owners and advice them about the need to demolish the buildings. A number of city buildings were identified for demolition but legal entanglements, absentee landlords as well as the City Council’s bureaucracy restricted the GFS from taking action. I did my best to root out corruption. I established a Welfare Board, rebuilt six new fire stations around the country, established the Auxiliary Branch of the GFS, modernised the Fire Station at Ogle International Airport and equipped it with modern firefighting assets, rolled out portable firefighting equipment best suited for interior locations, equipped the GFS with new fire tenders, facilitated the enrollment of GFS recruits at the GuySuCo Training Centre at Port Mourant to be trained in basic engineering and allied skills to enhance the preventative maintenance of vehicles belonging to the GFS, increased professional training for local firefighters by recruiting British experts on a short-term basis from the London-based Angloco, secured Cabinet’s approval for a name change from Guyana Fire Service to Guyana Fire and Ambulance Service, drew up a five-year
Separation of Church from State: a Canadian view Dear Editor, A decision of the Supreme Court of Canada dated April 15, 2015 (2015 SCC 16) will no doubt be seen as bold and revolutionary in view of current attempts to separate church from state in all Western Civilisation. It will serve as a guide if not a precedent in all countries with similar constitutional rights and an independent Judiciary. Alain Simoneau, an atheist and resident of Saguenay, Quebec, and a regular at council meetings objected to the practice of the recitation of Catholic prayers
by the mayor and councillor. A sacred heart statue and a crucifix also adorned the walls of the council. This he testified, caused him to experience feelings of isolation and exclusion thus violating his rights to freedom of religion and conscience as outlined in both the Quebec Charter and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. With the help of Movement laique Quebecois (MLQ) he took his grievances to the Quebec Human Rights Tribunal which agreed with him. However the Quebec Court of Appeal felt
otherwise. It reasoned that prayers expressed universal values and that the sacred heart statue and crucifix were works of art and not religious. The Supreme Court of Canada in a rare unanimous decision ruled that the practice of reciting any form of prayers at the start of council meetings constituted a violation of Charter rights. In doing so the highest court in the land rejected the argument the prayers were justified on the basis of tradition and that council’s attempt at reasonable accommodation by inviting (Continued on page 22)
Strategic and Implementation Plan for the GFS and established a civilian-staffed Strategic Management Department to oversee implementation of the GFS strategic plan. What transpired as it relates to the fortunes of the GFS during the APNU+AFC’s tenure in office is for them to say. What we do know is that the Board was not reconstituted until 2018; three years after the coalition had assumed office. Following the assumption to office by the PPP/C, the Board was reconstituted in April 2021. Addressing the first meeting of new Board members, the Minister of Home Affairs is reported to have drawn three issues to their attention. These included: failure of the GFS to make effective use of assets, proper strategic management of assets and service deficit in training, and engagement in firefighting. Soon after the Board was installed, a fire broke out at Montrose on the East Coast. Montrose borders the neighbouring village of Mon Repos where a pump station with a huge reservoir of water is readily available. After the fire tender’s water supply was exhausted, rather than proceeding to the nearby Mon Repos pump station to refill and return to help extinguish the fire at Montrose, the tender sped off to Georgetown to refill its water tanks only to reappear some two hours later. By that time, the cries at the scene of the fire was reminiscent of those similar to: “All gone Lake!” Just like it was when the Brickdam Police Station was reduced to a pile of
ashes. Today, criticisms are rife as regards the GFS’ ineffective use of its assets compounded by an absence of proper strategic management of its human resources as well as a serious deficit in training and engagement in firefighting. But that aside it is the Board that remains the focus of attention. The composition of the Board has remained moribund for decades and the question is whether the time has not come for significant changes in its composition. My view has always been that the composition of the Fire Prevention Board should be revisited. The composition include representatives of: the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Mayor and City Council, the Central Housing and Planning Authority, the AG’s Chamber, the Exfirefighters Association and the Guyana Manufactures and Services Association. In the first place, attendance at meetings tended to be below expectation. Instead of the nominees for the above listed agencies attending, lower ranking personnel came unprepared to meetings totally unaware of the Fire Prevention Act and knowing little or nothing about their respective roles on the Board. With a weak Chairman, the GFS representative would seek to take control of the meetings, diverting it from its mandate, eventually making the Board a toothless poodle
tethering to the whims and fancies of the GFS. In such a situation, ministerial intervention became necessary to read the riot act to the GFS, and to put the Board back on track with a view to asserting its autonomy. Such measures were reinforced by appeals to my cabinet colleagues to ensure that fit and proper representatives were sent to serve on the Board. Strong and decisive civilian leadership at the level of the Board is critical to successful implementation of the Fire Prevention Act. President Cheddi Jagan had at one time made it mandatory that civilian composed oversight bodies be put in place at government agencies and departments. Though there were some manifestations of passive resistance, President Jagan’s policy initiative proved an excellent mechanism that facilitated effective and efficient execution of Cabinet and ministerial mandates. Civilians who function as oversight bodies with strong leadership and autonomy at organisations to which they have been appointed, help brainstorm ideas, improve transparency as regards policies and procedures. They also help generate policy proposals and initiatives. Oversight bodies help identify strengths and weaknesses. Thus, experience has shown that civilian oversight can play an important role once given strong leadership, effective ministerial support and autonomy Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee Former Minister of Home Affairs
GECOM Chairperson responds to Stabroek News’ Editorial Dear Editor, It is commendable that the Stabroek News Editor took the time to critically analyse and contextualise a UWI Cave Hill Campus virtual presentation by Political Scientist Professor Cynthia Barrow-Giles and Law Lecturer, Dr. Ronnie Yearwood in its 24th October, 2021 Editorial Column titled, “Politics and the Courts.” Notably, the Editorial quoted Professor BarrowGiles view that “it was GECOM which should have had an overriding role to play in the developments that took place in the wake of the 2020 elections, but that it had been Sidelined.” This statement is quite accurate; I dare say to those who understand, respect and are obligated to the Constitution.
However, I am perplexed that the Stabroek News Editor who seemingly does not understand the concept of obligation to the Constitution and respect for the Court, went on to express the view that, “it might be remarked that under the current arrangements, what matters is the resolve and fortitude of the Chairman, and under extreme pressure Justice Claudette Singh shied away from doing what was necessary at the very earliest stages of the crisis last year.” As things stand it is not a post for the faint-hearted. Although the Commission has repeatedly justified its actions at that point, I believe the Stabroek News Editor has conveniently missed it. In this regard, I take this opportunity to remind all
Guyanese that on 5th March, 2020, a mandatory injunction was granted by the Court against the Commission and Chief Election Officer which, as a consequence, impeded my intervention and by extension that of the Commission to implement a legally guided decision and approach to finalise the electoral process. As a former law officer and a retired Justice of Appeal, I wish to categorically state that I will always uphold and respect the Laws of Guyana and whether strong or weak, whoever is the Chairperson of GECOM must also abide by the Constitution and decisions of the Court. Claudette Singh Ret’d Justice, GECOM Chairperson
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N B T . U . L . L T B . . N . U N U T L N B . U T . . L N N U T B . U . N . L U BL BLUNT B . . T . T T N N U . U L . . L B . T B . . . . N . T U T N N T U N U L L U B . L B . . . . B . T . . T . N N T U N L LU U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N T.. UNT...BL T...BLU N U L B . N L . . U B . T L . . N U NT LUNT...B L U B . L . . B T . . . N B . T . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . UN .BLUNT.. UNT...BL T...BL N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T . U B . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . BBL T...BLUN .BLUNT. T...BLU . . N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . . N . B . T . . N T U N N N U L U U B L . BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Wednesday October 27, 2021
Kaieteur News
Clerks of the Public Accounts Committee refuse to work, due to being 'stressed out.' Talk about 'stressed out' and we should be the ones claiming that.
Guyanese politicians in the Govt. and Opposition look for ways to neutralise us. They try ads and newsprint and libel suits. They poach our staff. They interfere with our technology (internet and servers) and operations.
Speak of 'stressed out' and it should be us. But here we are, working hard and delivering a hard-hitting product daily, come rain or shine, or stress.
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Kaieteur News
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Wednesday October 27, 2021
Fish, shrimp production declining for two years now
Report shows...
The Bank of Guyana (BoG) Half-Year Report revealed that fish and shrimp production has been declining for two years now. This was revealed when the first six months of 2019, 2020 and 2021 were compared. According to the report, the fishing industry recorded mixed output performance and this resulted in a smaller reduction of 6.6 percent compared to the 12.1 percent recorded in June 2020. It was also stated that there was a decline in catches of fish and shrimp by 22.1 percent and 11.8 percent,
respectively, due to a reduction in the number of fishing vessels operating. A table in the report illustrated the fish and shrimp production as follows: fish (tonnes); 2019 - 10,378, 2020 - 9,509 and 2021 - 7,406, and for shrimp (tonnes) 201910,046; 2020 - 9,259 and 2021 - 8,171. Earlier this month, Kaieteur News reported that chemical changes in Guyana's coastal waters have caused a significant decrease in shrimp production. This was reported based on information gathered from
the Ministry of Finance's 2021 Mid-Year Report. According to the Report, a review of the first six months of 2021 revealed that Guyanese fishermen recorded lower catch rates for white belly shrimp and finfish. The Report highlighted, too, that compared to the same period for the previous year, there was a significant decrease in the production of white belly shrimp and finfish by 75.5 percent and 26.3 percent, respectively. It was stated that the significant reduction in the
Mending their nets. This group of fishermen spoke with Kaieteur News reporters at the Meadow Bank Fish Wharf. production of white belly shrimp was caused by a change in salinity of coastal waters. Salinity is the degree of saltiness of the water. Additionally, interviews conducted earlier this year by this publication revealed that our fishermen have been “catching hell”. In fact, this media house had reported
that it received numerous reports of a rapid depletion of fish in Guyana's waters. It was reported that a number of fishermen have blamed poor regulations by the Government for issuing too many fishing licences, thereby causing the sea to become overcrowded with fishing boats.
On the other hand, others believe that it might be as a result of the ongoing exploration, drilling and production of crude by ExxonMobil. In light of this, no independent study has been made public by the government about the effects these oil operations have on the nation's marine life.
Wednesday October 27, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Jagdeo has to get his carbon science right With each passing day it is becoming clear that Guyana's national emissions strategy is being driven more by financial considerations than by concern for the environment. Having put forward a pitifully Low Carbon Development Strategy which forced low rates of deforestation on the country, Guyana is now aiming to gain carbon credits from another source: reforestation. Jagdeo now has a new plaything to add to his toy collection. He is now looking for Guyana to earn carbon credits which it can trade internationally. Yesterday, the Stabroek News – which is now being favoured with exclusive interviews with the country's Second Vice President – reported that Guyana is looking to reforest some 6,000 acres of mined-out lands. Jagdeo is reported to have said that reforestation proposals had been received from two French companies which are seeking to gain carbon credits for this initiative. Jagdeo is hoping that there can be some benefit-sharing from the proposal so that Guyana can obtain some of these carbon credits. The French companies, no doubt, are not making this proposal out of the goodness of their hearts. They have emission cuts which they are required to make. And from these cuts they will earn
Dem
boys seh...
Dem wah fighting fuh become leader of de Pee-NSee only telling we bout how dem better dan each other. Dem throwing jabs at one another and telling we how dem long and loyal to de party. One ah dem done gat plans fuh Soulja Bai sehing how Soulja Bai mek mistakes and he nah gan mek de same mistakes. But he nah seh wah is de mistakes. Dem boys wan know if accepting de GECOM declaration is one ah dem mistakes and, if nat, wah was the right things fuh do. Nuff talking does generate hot air. And we gat
carbon credits. But if they fail to do so, they can still earn their credits investing in some forest protection or reforestation project overseas. The carbon credits from this project will be used to offset their failure to reduce emissions from their operations at home. European firms are therefore seeking to compensate for any shortfalls in meeting their emission targets by buying carbon credits, or obtaining same through investing in environmental projects in the developing world. This is the vulgarity of the emissions trading markets which Jagdeo and Ali are positioning Guyana to enter. Emissions-trading is not about the environment, even though there are some environmental benefits. It is concerned with the commodification of environmental services and its outsourcing of emission cuts to the developed world. Emissions-trading is not the answer to the climate crisis. It is not the answer to cutting global emissions, and it is unethical for countries like Guyana to entertain foreign companies to override their domestic emission-cuts obligations through offsets. But don't tell that to Jagdeo. For him, emission or carbon offsets is a means of earning money for the country and it is that, which he is most interested in. As this column
previously indicated, the LCDS was not an environmental strategy; it was a financial strategy. And now there is this talk about carbon offsets – an environmental benefit earned from an initiative, that avoids, reduces or removes greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, and which a foreign firm may use to compensate for greenhouse gas pollution or failure to cut that firms mandated emissions. Reforestation however, does not remove carbon from the environment. Jagdeo has to get his carbon science right. As has been pointed out by scientists, there is a difference between the type of carbon emitted from the fossil fuels and the carbon stored by trees. Carbon absorbed by trees does not cancel out fossil fuel emissions already in the atmosphere. Therefore, the replanting of mined-out areas is not a strategy to absorb carbon emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. Reforestation becomes vulgar when it is used to help foreign firms meet their targeted cut in emissions. Reforestation therefore should not be used as an offset for foreign firms to meet emissions cut since reforestation does not absorb foil fuel emissions. Reforestation is best used as part of a larger forest c o n s e r v a t i o n s t r a t e g y, including biodiversity
Some people declaring dem candidacy but not dem age alat ah dat at de moment. But nobody nah talking dem age. One man does decide he gan form wan Elder's Council but he nah seh whether in a couple years time whether he gan qualify fuh membership. De whole thing is a charade. De Pee-N-See nah gat no internal democracy. Every election does gat it own confusion. And when yuh think is election, it does tun out to be selection. A man in Canada nah even wait fuh see the full nomination list. He done decide who he voting fuh. It mek dem boys remember de time when de
Justice fuh None Party nah get no votes at de polling station way dem Prime Ministerial Candidate did vote. De big laugh was dat either de man vote spoil or he vote fuh somebody else. But deh gat candidates wah beat de odds. One time a man had to compete in wan election against a cancer patient. He tell he supporters how he know he nah gan win de sympathy vote. But he still had de best campaign slogan: "Vote for me, I won't abandon you in two months." Talk half and tell de contenders fuh state dem age!
protection. Had the PPP/C viewed reforestation as part of broader conservation strategy, it would have long ago mandated that miners and loggers reforest minedout and logged-out areas so as to promote biodiversity regeneration.
But this is not happening. In fact, instead not only are the miners and loggers destroying the environment but the government is also allowing for the destruction of mangrove forests which protect our foreshore, and this is being done in the name
of development. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Wednesday October 27, 2021
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
From “War Break” to “Aluta Continua”
I sent this commentary to four lawyers, yes four lawyers. They concluded nothing is libelous. I changed, on the suggestion of one of the lawyers; two adjectives which he opined were safe but still made the suggestion. I will avoid getting libel suit and will continue to offer analyses on Guyana's troubled political landscape. Mr. Winston Jordan issued a statement in response to the revelation by the Attorney-General that he is under criminal investigation when he served as Minister. At the end of his output, Jordan used the revolutionary chant – “aluta continua.” That chant means “the struggle continues” and originated in the African liberation wars from the seventies. It has found widespread use in the fight for justice in any form worldwide. My activism in
Guyana goes beyond 50 years and in those long decades, I never saw the conspicuous or visible presence of Mr. Jordan. Please note the two words, “conspicuous” and “visible.” Now don't get me wrong. Jordan could have been there. It is just I have been there so long but missed Jordan. Former PNC executive, Clarissa Riehl, once told me that she did not know about the politics of David Granger when he became PNC leader. But Granger told a meeting of a PNC diaspora group that he had over 40 years of political service. It could mean that Granger was around for 40 years but Riehl didn't see him. In his statement Jordan informs us that he has 35 years of public service. That would mean from 1985, Jordan was in the public service. Of those 35 years, a considerable percentage of it would have been during the
tenure of the PPP government. From October 1992 to April 2015, the PPP headed the government. One would like to think that in those 35 years Jordan would not have risked his job by being involved in political activities thus he would not have had the opportunity to say - “aluta continua!” What is interesting is what Jordan means by the well-known chant. Which struggle is he referring to – the continuing struggle of 7,000 former sugar workers who were put out of their jobs when APNU+AFC was in power or the struggle of the PNC to win national elections. You don't know what Jordan means sometimes. In August 2019 at a Cabinet outreach in Bartica, on hearing that GECOM under chairperson, Justice Claudette Singh, had stopped house to house registration (HTHR), Jordan who was on the podium addressing the
gathering, shouted “war break!” On to this day, no one knows what he was referring to. See my column of Thursday, November 5, 2020, titled, “War break but where was the war supposed to be and between whom?” Was it the outbreak of war inside GECOM for stopping HTHR or was it the confrontation in the society over HTHR? Could it have been that? What Moses Nagamootoo said at the very Bartica meeting needs repeating. He shouted out to the attendees that the youths will rebel over the scrapping of HTHR. In fact the youths did rebel but not against HTHR but against Nagamootoo himself when he went up to his home village of Whim in Berbice and asked Berbician youths to protest the stopping of HTHR. The reaction was so hostile that Nagamootoo's safety was endangered.
It would be interesting to hear from Jordan what he meant by “war break!” Frederick Kissoon But let's get back to aluta p rotest. At the end of their continua! What was the shape of the struggle between meeting, they denounced the 2015 and 2020? Over 7,000 Granger presidency for sugar workers and by breaking its campaign extension over 42,000 family promise of changing the law members and relatives were and shouted out “aluta reduced to penury. They had continua!” During the reign of the to apply to the courts for APNU+AFC, the tax on compensation legally due. At various GAWU rallies animal drawn carts was in Berbice to expose how increased. I heard a story that sugar workers were treated the cart-men gathered in by the APNU+AFC regime Sophia and denounced the government, many of the government before they speakers exclaimed – “aluta dispersed. They shouted out c o n t i n u a ! ” I n d e e d t h e loudly – “aluta continua!” If struggle continued for sugar PNC leaders continue to use workers and they won when the slogan from the African the APNU+AFC lost the liberation struggle, it brings up the question what do they 2020 general elections. When the APNU+AFC mean by it in Guyana today. reached three years in office (The views expressed in this and the amendment to the article are those of the marijuana legislation was a u t h o r a n d d o n o t still not done, I was told some necessarily reflect the youths in Buxton held a opinions of this newspaper.)
Wednesday October 27, 2021
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Wednesday October 27, 2021
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Former Chief Elections Officer Gocool Boodoo among applicants vying to fill vacancy at GECOM
F
Former CEO, Gocool Boodoo.
ormer Chief Election Officer (CEO), Gocool Boodoo is among several applicants now seeking to fill the CEO vacancy within the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). A source attached to GECOM confirmed with Kaieteur News that Boodhoo has applied to fill the post, which he exited some eight years ago. Boodhoo's contract as CEO with GECOM was not renewed, after it expired on
April 30, 2013, following a majority vote by the Commission against rehiring him. Prior to that, Boodhoo was embroiled in controversy after being accused of seeking to have an erroneous declaration of results made that could have handed the PPP/C a parliamentary majority. The former CEO has since denied making any errors. He was appointed a year later as a consultant for the Ministry of Local Government.
Boodhoo and the other applicants are applying for the vacancy within GECOM, a few months after Former CEO Keith Lowenfield was ousted from the position. Last August, GECOM met and terminated the contracts for Lowenfeild, Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, and Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo. The trio had been placed before the courts on election fraud charges. Since then, GECOM has been moving forward with
advertising for a new CEO, Deputy CEO and other key positions that are currently vacant within the commission. These posts include: Office of the Chief Election Officer/Commissioner of Registration, Deputy Chief Election Officer/Deputy Commission of Registration, Assistant Chief Election Officer/Assistant Commissioner of Registration, Logistics Manager, Civic and Voter Education Manager, Legal
Officer and Chief Accountant. Draft copies of the vacancy advertisements have been examined and approved by members of the commission. Among them is the advertisement for CEO, which requires candidates applying for that post to have a Post Graduate Degree in Public Administration, Law, Management or relevant discipline from a reputable and recognised institution, and specific training and (Continued on page 20)
CANU busts driver with $4.7M worth of cannabis in possession
The bulky parcels of cannabis found by CANU.
The Driver of the Vehicle, Duvendra Sukhdeo
A 39-year-old driver was busted with a total of 15.566kg of both local and foreign cannabis valued at over $4.7M in his possession. CANU officers, on Monday, acting upon information received, intercepted a motor car which was within the vicinity of Rahaman's Park, Houston on the East Bank
of Demerara (EBD), leading to a total of eight bulky parcels containing suspected cannabis being discovered in the said vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, Duvendra Sukhdeo of Lot 14 Republic Park, EBD, was subsequently arrested and placed in CANU's custody.
Wednesday October 27, 2021
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Wednesday October 27, 2021
AG, Mendes want Appeal Court to set date for ruling on Elections petition appeal Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, and Trinidadian Senior Counsel, Douglas Mendes, yesterday suggested to the Court of Appeal (CoA) judges to set a date for the ruling on the Elections petition matter. The matter was heard virtually and the presiding judges are Chancellor of the Judiciary (Ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud. The first election petition #99 challenging the outcome of the March 2, 2020 elections was dismissed by Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane
George-Wiltshire, SC, on January 18, last, while the remaining election petition #88 was thrown out on April 26, 2021, by the same judge. As such, both matters were appealed by Monica Thomas and Brenan Nurse, who on behalf of the A Partnership for Nation Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition are seeking to challenge the validity of the March 02, 2020, national elections. During a previous hearing of the matter, the issue was raised as to whether or not the Full Court of the High Court has jurisdiction to preside over the elections petition case.
This resulted in the matter being adjourned to facilitate the lawyers laying over submissions in relation to the aforementioned. Yesterday in his address, Senior Counsel Mendes said, “Your Honour, can I suggest that we adjourn at this stage for your decision, I do not know if the other parties will agree that you have heard enough from us already, and that you are in a position to make a decision without us saying anything further.” He said this after Opposition Parliamentarian and attorney-at-law Roysdale Forde stated that he would like to make further submission to respond to the
From left: Trinidadian Attorney, Douglas Mendes and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall SC.
submission made to the court by Mendes. The Chancellor granted Forde's request to do same and stated that he has seven days to lay over his response, and the other parties have seven days after Forde's additional submission is made to respond. As such, the matter was adjourned to November 26, 2021 for report. The AG's address mirrored Mendes'
suggestion to set a date for the Court's decision on the appeal. Nandlall first asked the court for a brief oral intervention and noted that this would be his last participation in the hearing of this matter. “ Yo u r H o n o r, respectfully I believe that we are going around in circles,” he noted. Moreover, the AG stated that he disagrees that the Full
Court has the jurisdiction to hear the elections mitigation and outlined reasons for his opinion. After doing this, the AG noted that he will refrain from putting more papers before the court. The Chancellor noted that the Court is duty bound to enquire whether or not another court may have jurisdiction. She also stated that the matter is of national importance and, as such, all parties needed to be heard.
Wednesday October 27, 2021
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Woman, daughter among 5 in custody for Tuschen businessman’s murder - Four confess to committing crime Kaieteur News has been reliably informed that a woman and her teenage daughter are among five in custody for the murder of Keith Richard Hohenkirk, a businessman who was found dead in his Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) home on Sunday. Hohenkirk, who was also called ‘one foot’ was discovered by one of his neigbours around 06:39hrs lying on his bed with his hands bound and his mouth gagged. Kaieteur News also learnt that two of the individuals in custody are a 38-year-old woman and her daughter, 17 who live close to Hohenkirk’s home. The other three suspects are two male juveniles, ages 15 and 16 respectively, and a 20-year-old labourer of Tuschen. The teenage girl and her mother were the first to be detained. While in custody, the girl confessed to investigators that she along with three males had planned and carried out a robbery on the businessman on his
Murdered Tuschen businessman, Keith Richard Hohenkirk premises. Based on this information detectives went searching for the other suspects and managed to capture them yesterday. They too, according to information reaching this paper, have since admitted to their involvement in Hohenkirk’s murder. Meanwhile, an autopsy performed on Hohenkirk’s remains showed that his
killers had beaten and choked him. According to the autopsy report, the businessman died as a result blunt trauma to the head, which was c o m p o u n d e d b y compression injuries to the neck. Hohenkirk lived alone and operated a small grocery shop at the front of his house. He was last seen alive sitting in his veranda by one of his neigbours around 18:40hrs on Saturday. That same neighbour further told detectives that the following day, around 06:39hrs, she had gone over to his place to check up on him. The woman reportedly found his front door unlocked and decided to enter his premises. She then observed that his entire hall and kitchen areas were ransacked. Further checks were made and Hohenkirk was found in one of the bedrooms lying motionless on his back with his hands tied with a clear scotch tape, and his mouth covered with a piece of cloth.
PAGE 16
The Stena Carron DrillMax one of the drill ships being used by EEPGL.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 27, 2021
Massive amounts of waste would be generated annually from oil operations - Study The exploration and production of crude oil in the Exclusive Economic Zone Offshore Guyana, is anticipated to generate tens of thousands of tons of waste annually from the various sources including the supply vessels, drill ships, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessel and shore bases, among others. T h i s m u c h i s documented in the still tobe-approved, latest draft of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—Cradle to the Grave Waste Management Analysis done for the Payara Project. The document submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is awaiting approval. According to the document, the total waste volume anticipated for 2021 from the Liza Destiny operations alone is approximately 8,000 tonnes, and includes all hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. Continued full field development efforts for the Liza II development and additional drilling efforts, is expected to generate approximately 6,000 tonnes/year of total wastes in both 2022 and 2023, as drilling winds down, and the Payara Project continues its development drilling activities. It should be noted for reference purposes that approximately 5,000 tonnes of total waste were generated during 2020 from Liza Destiny. According to the document submitted to the EPA, the drill ships routinely generate the most waste among the various types of vessels, and the FPSO operations are estimated to generate 200 to 250 tonnes of waste annually per FPSO. It was stated in the document that the increase of waste volumes observed in the 2023 timeframe is due to theoretical increases from further development of Guyana’s resources. Additionally, “longer term forecasts of waste volumes are uncertain beyond 2028, as the potential future projects outlook is unclear.” According to the document, “EEPGL’s use of
drilling fluids and LMP (liquid mud plants) operations are expected to increase substantially during the 2021–2023 time period, given that six drill ships may be potentially operating concurrently.” As a result, “drilling fluid management will be a key focus area for waste minimization of drilling fluids, which has historically been one of the largest waste streams requiring treatment and disposal.” It was noted, however, that as part of the minimization of company waste generated, drilling fluids are already being recycled and reused to the maximum extent possible, and three LMPs have been established in Guyana to support the offshore drilling operations. This publication yesterday reported that ExxonMobil Guyana has suggested in the interim the use of the Haags Bosch Dumpsite. Among the highlights of the analysis, it was noted that “opening the Haags Bosch Landfill (HBL) Cell 2 will provide adequate short-term disposal capacity, but a longer-term strategy needs to be evaluated and implemented. Consideration of an engineered landfill for industrial waste needs to be evaluated.” The study covers waste streams generated offshore during exploration, development and production operations, including points of generation, composition and concentrations, transportation, treatment method processes, disposal locations, anticipated disposal frequencies, and application of relevant international standards and best practices. According to the analysis conducted by EEPGL, waste volumes will increase as a result of additional FPSO vessels, drill ships for exploration and appraisal (E&A) and development wells (Dev Wells), LMP and marine support vessels (MSV) tank cleaning services transitioning from Trinidad to Guyana.” It said, too, that “thirdparty waste treatment capacity meets estimated project demands and Continued on page 22
Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 27, 2021
PAGE 17
ards…
In the absence of national flaring stand
Exxon sets its own guidelines for Yellowtail Project In light of the fact that Guyana has no standards for flaring to govern the oil and gas sector, ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) will be following its own rules for the Yellowtail Project. Expounding on this front in its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project, the subsidiary said it “considered” World Bank standards as well as the internal ExxonMobil environmental standards “as references.” EEPGL was keen to note that the World Bank has established guidelines for offshore oil and gas development, which serve as “a technical reference document” with examples of good environmental practices. It said the offshore oil and gas development guideline states that new facilities should be designed, constructed, and operated, so as to avoid routine flaring of associated gas. The guideline also stated that methods to control and reduce fugitive emissions
should be considered and implemented in the design, operation, and maintenance of offshore facilities and LDAR (Leak, Detection and Repair) programmes should be implemented. Furthermore, EEPGL said its parent company’s internal environmental standards establish a design approach to reduce flaring emissions, which provides guidance that facilities should be designed to avoid routine flaring of associated gas, and include an evaluation of the most advantageous use of alternatives for managing associated gas that would otherwise be flared. EEPGL noted as well some of the provisions related to flaring in the Payara Environmental Permit, as issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2020. Some of the provisions state that EEPGL must ensure all reasonable attempts are made to implement appropriate methods for controlling and reducing fugitive emissions in the
- Report
Flaring on the Liza Destiny FPSO.
design, operation, and maintenance of offshore facilities and to maximize energy efficiency and design facilities for lowest energy use, with the overall objective to reduce air emissions; operate all mechanical equipment in accordance with the
m a n u f a c t u r e r ’s specifications; and note that routine flaring and venting is strictly prohibited (excludes tank flashing emissions, standing/working/breathing losses, low pressure streams) during any developmental drilling or production activities without EPA
approval. The permit also states that flaring is only permissible under the following conditions: Commissioning, Start-up, or Special Circumstances [these are further defined in the Permit]. It notes too that EEPGL
must ensure associated gas brought to the surface with crude oil during oil production is re-injected into the reservoir, and used as fuel gas on the FPSO. H o w e v e r, a l l f e a s i b l e alternatives for gas use must be evaluated and adequately Continued on page 22
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 27, 2021
More resilient infrastructure needed to withstand extreme climatic shock In light of the recent floods, which significantly affected some sectors in Guyana, it was stated in the Ministry of Finance’s Mid-Year Report that the country needs more resilient infrastructure to withstand extreme climatic shock. According to the report, the recent floods reiterated the acute fragility of Guyana’s infrastructure and, by extension, the communities and productive sectors – when faced with extreme climatic shocks. As such, the report highlighted that the devastation caused by the floods earlier this year served as an important reminder of the urgency for more resilient infrastructure. It was further stated that the floods also highlighted the role played by the Hope Canal in helping to protect the East Coast of Demerara, as well as Georgetown. It was noted that this made a compelling case for similar solutions to be considered for other vulnerable regions as part of a more lasting solution. Kaieteur News reported that President Irfaan Ali announced a $7.8B flood relief package that is intended for farmers. It was highlighted in the Ministry’s report that the Ministry of Agriculture led a nationwide compilation of data on the farmers and households affected, which has since informed the national flood relief programme that is currently in implementation and to provide some $7.3B of direct cash transfers to those who suffered losses. Back in June of this year, President, Ali, during an outreach to Region Six announced that the countrywide flooding situation is now considered a Level Two disaster. It was reported that this is according to advice from the Civil Defence Continued on page 22
– Mid-Year Report
Scenes from the recent flooding.
Wednesday October 27, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday October 27, 2021
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Deputy Speaker calls on President to appoint substantive CJ, Chancellor and others
D
eputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Lenox Shuman is calling upon President Irfaan Ali to consult with Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, to make substantive appointments to the posts of Chancellor of the Judiciary, Chief Justice (CJ), as well as the Commissioner of Police and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). In a letter to the President, Shuman noted that all four critical positions are filled by persons, who were appointed in an acting capacity only. “I bring to your attention the concerns at the weakened state of the judicial arm of government with hopes of persuading you to rectify them. Currently there are four critical acting appointments, namely, the Chief Justice (Ag), the Chancellor of the Judiciary (Ag), the Commissioner of Police (Ag), and the Chief of Staff (Ag),” Shuman stated. In his letter, the Deputy Speaker noted, too, that the Ali's administration marked
the completion of its first year in office on 2 August, 2021, without making the appointments, despite calls by the previous President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Byron, and the current President, Justice Adrian Saunders, for the confirmation of a substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and CJ. He stressed that: “For about a decade and a half – since 2005 - the Judges holding the positions of Chancellor and Chief Justice have been acting in these positions.” In this regard, he referenced the November 2017 comments of Sir Dennis Byron, former President of the CCJ. The former CCJ Head had called for the confirmation of the acting appointments of the Chancellor and Chief Justice. Sir Dennis said: “This situation has moved well beyond what ought to be acceptable in a modern democracy where respect for the rule of law is maintained. The constitution envisages
the judiciary of Guyana to be headed by officials, who are substantively appointed, and enjoy all the legal and institutional mechanisms to secure their tenure. Anything otherwise is, to my mind, a violation of the spirit and intent of the constitution.” Further, Shuman stressed that, having regards to the fact that Article 127(1) of the Constitution provides that, “the Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.” The President should urgently confer with the Leader of the Opposition with a view to securing his agreement for substantive appointments to these positions. He stressed that failure to rectify the omission to fill these positions with substantive appointments means the continuing “violation of the spirit and intent of the constitution.” Shuman alluded to the fact that the Constitution of Guyana provides that the Court of Appeal shall consist
Deputy Speaker, Lenox Shuman.
of a Chancellor, Chief Justice and such number of Justices, as shall be prescribed by Parliament. “The Constitution also provides that all courts and persons presiding over the courts shall exercise their functions independently of the control and direction of
any other person and authority; and shall be free and independent from political, executive and any other form of direction and control,” Shuman added. With regard to Harmon, the Deputy Speaker said he is cognizant of Ali's position in relation to the Leader of
the Opposition ---which is that he must publically accept his (Ali's) government as legitimate before any consultation is made. Shuman nonetheless reasoned, “in his accepting the role of Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon has acknowledged the legitimacy of the administration and as such, leaves no obstacle in undertaking the consultative process for such appointments.” The Deputy Speaker, therefore, proposed that the path is unobstructed to commence any and all processes requiring consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. “I therefore humbly urge Your Excellency to act on this matter as soon as possible and, hoping that you would s o d o , I a s s u r e Yo u r Excellency of my highest consideration,” Shuman added.
Former Chief Elections Officer Gocool Boodoo... From page 12 verifiable experience in managing election systems, along with at least 10 years of experience in a senior management position overseeing and directing diverse operations aimed at achieving targets within specific deadlines.Additionally, candidates would need at least 10 years relevant experience in
Management of National Elections and Election Systems.While no decision was made as to how long vacancies will be advertised, the Commission had taken a decision that the vacancy notices will be placed in all of the national local newspapers, and on all of the licenced radio stations in Guyana.
Wednesday October 27, 2021
Kaieteur News
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GA-FDD to target street Electrical pedal cyclist dies in vendors for breaching Corentyne accident health protocols
T
he Government Analyst – Food a n d D r u g Department (GA-FDD) stated that it is concerned about the proliferation of makeshift street food vending facilities and outfits across the country and particularly in Georgetown. As a result, it has embarked on deliberate steps in an attempt to ensure this type of proliferation is regularized in the best interest of consumers, who they wish to be safeguarded against food poisoning, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two weeks ago, during a committee meeting, Ms. Onika Alleyne, the Chief Meat and Food Inspector attached to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GMCC), made a presentation titled “Establishment of Personal Hygiene” where the requirements for street food and other ready-to-eat and food processing facilities were highlighted. This question was put to Ms. Alleyne the presenter “What has been the response to food safety requirements by food vendors in light of the
GA-FDD Director, Dr. Marlan Cole COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to compliance?” Ms. Alleyne responded that many of the requirements that they, as Public Health Officers, preached and promoted over the years before the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regular sanitation, hand washing, garbage disposal, and the wearing of protective clothing e.g. face mask are now, to some measure, being fully adhered to due in part to COVID-19 pandemic protocols. Other members present at the committee meeting agreed.
According to GA-FDD Director, Dr. Marlan Cole, there is much more that vendors need to do to protect the food itself from temperature abuse (hot / warmers or cold / chillersdanger zone). However, the positive practices being adhered to, as identified by Ms. Alleyne, are welcomed by Public Health Officers and the National Food Safety and Control Committee (NFCC), which hope that they will continue to be stringently observed after the pandemic in the
interest of food safety and consumer protection. Kaieteur News learnt that a mandate originating from NFCC meetings urged all vendors, who are in possession of a Valid Food Handlers ID Card to have a potable running water facility for hand washing and basic sanitation such as adequate waste disposal facility and suitable storage for high-risk foods; warmers for hot foods and chillers for cold foods. The mandate also urged that food handlers (Continued on page 22)
Following an accident that occurred on Saturday 23rd October 2021, the driver of an electrical pedal cycle has succumbed after being hospitalized at the Georgetown Public Hospital (ICU). Dead is Ramesh Approo, 33 of Chesney Housing Scheme, Corentyne, Berbice. Approo died in the ICU on Tuesday 26th October at about 06:00hrs, according to his wife, Waheeda Approo. Reports are that Approo was riding his electric bike with 11-year-old pillion rider, Ally Sattaur, when the accident occurred. Kaieteur News understands that Motor lorry GJJ 7885 owned and driven by Chandardat Ganpat, 46, of Lot 598 Chesney Housing Scheme, Corentyne, Berbice was driving south on the eastern side of Chesney access road, Corentyne, Berbice at a normal speed when the accident occurred. It was alleged by the driver of the said vehicle that, he stopped his vehicle and began to reverse from south to north, and while doing so he collided with Approo, who was riding his electric bike going south at the rear of the said lorry. As a result of
Dead: Ramesh Approo the collision, Approo and Sattaur received injuries about their bodies. They were both picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to Port Mourant Public Hospital, where a doctor examined them both. Sattaur was treated and sent away, while Approo was transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, again examined by the doctor on duty, who then transferred him to the Georgetown Public Hospital. He was admitted with a broken pelvis and a punctured kidney. The driver of the lorry is assisting with investigations.
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Wednesday October 27, 2021
Kaieteur News
Exxon sets its own guidelines for Yellowtail...
FOR RENT
VEHICLES FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Spacio, Blue Bird, Field Wagon, 212, Carina, RZ, Pit Bull and Canter. Tel: 650-7501.
1 two bedroom concrete house to rent at Diamond. E.B.D. Call: 680-6194. 3 bedroom, upperflat & lower flat. Newly renovated, in residential area with parking. 266 New Market Street. Call: 610-5472.
Toyota Pitbull bus for sale. Call: 669-1852. AC-CD magrims 2.7, negotiable.
From page 17 documented to the EPA upon request. The permit also calls for EEPGL to adopt risk management processes (e.g., hazard and operability study, hazard identification study, etc.) to assess risks associated with process upset and loss-ofcontainment events, which could impact the environment. It is also required to employ all reasonable efforts to prevent equipment breakdowns and plant upsets that could result in flaring, and provisions must be made for equipment sparing and plant turn-down protocols. With the foregoing outVACANCY
WANTED
SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040
FOR SALE Transported house lots for sale.Gated community,4Mil per lot.Call:671-9015/6221957. Used household furniture & wares. Good condition. Tel: 669-6623. D o b e r m a n & Germanshepherd mix pups for sale. Contact Devi: 6392828, if interested.
FOR RENT 2 & 3 bedroom house in Vreed-en-Hoop. Apartment furnished in Providence & Diamond. Call: 604-6664/ 216-2299 3 bedroom, recently reconditioned. Excellent condition. Enmore/Haslington Access Road. Call: 667-3799 Vreed-En-Hoop junction, place to rent for Office, Bond, Hair Salon other. Call: 603-6400. Shop for rent opposite StewartvilleSecondary School.Contact: 649-2179. Three bedrooms, two toilets & baths. Water included, $75,000 monthly. Available Nov 1st 2021.Tel: 667-4570. Furnished house to rent, Republic Park Phase-1. Contact: 610-0910.
One male able bodied clerk and one female sales representative. Call:225-2313 / 226-1497
Exist for cashiers & supermarket helpers at Nirva Super Store. 49 Sheriff & Craig Street. Must be vaccinated.
One cook and one kitchen assistant for interior locations. Call: 698-6200
Exist for Security Officers, Male & Female. 18yrs & above. Contact: 223-4172/6320099.
1 full time Industrial mechanic to manage workshop at JFWW Network Outlet. Call:622-1957, 671-9015, 2336997.
1 Graphic Designer (IC) & 1 IT Network Engineer. To apply, visit:facebook.com/ bbwisp.internet.guyana or call: 647-7875.
Night watchman, age 50-60. Work 5pm-5am. Liliendaal Area. Contact:623-4242, between 9am-4pm.
Cook/baker, Kitchen Assistant, Servicemen & pitmen for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 6182020 or 231-2250.
Experienced cashier needed. Apply with application at One general domestic.Must be American Variety Store, 140 able to prepare vegetarian meal. Apply at Alabama Trading,65 Regent & Light Street. Robb Street Bourda. One or two bedroom Apt or flat, around Albertown, Senior accounts clerk,Sales clerk & Cashier.Apply at AlaQueenstown or Bourda. bama Trading, 65 Robb Street Tel: 669-6623. Bourda. Female ages 25-40 to take care of elderly male in Trained grade 1 & 2 teachers Trinidad. Accomodations needed. Payment will comprovided. Call: +1 (868) 489- mence with experience and will be in 6 digit. 4087 Persons to assemble bicycle. Armed & unarmed Security Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Officer with Military & pre- Robb Street Bourda. vious experience. Day & night shift coverage. Con- One female cleaner. Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb tact: 231-6052 Street Bourda. Customer Service Rep/ Experienced & Qualified ManDispatcher, must be familiar ager/Supervisor for Food Rewith locations around tailer. Send CV to Alabama Georgetown. Call: 621-9356. Trading, 65-67 Robb St. Bourda. For truck drivers, must know how to operate Hiab & have knowledge of Georgetown. Call: 223-5273-4/621-5907 VACANCY
Exists for Porters. Call: 2235273-4/621-5907
Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area.Call:615-9132. Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles,age 25-50, Car/ Van licence. Call 642-9823. Auto Electrical apprentice age 19-25 yrs. Apply in person, Lot 120 Forth Street Albertown G/Town or call 610-0340.
TAXI SERVICE Infinity 24 Hrs taxi service. Bath settlement, W.C.B. Tel: 6553037/ 687-0352/ 328-7998. Troy: 609-8105, around Georgetown, Airport, etc.
lined, EEPGL said it has elected to follow a blend of the World Bank offshore oil and gas development guidelines (World Bank 2015), its internal environmental standards, and the conditions in the Payara Environmental Permit” for the design of the sys-
tems for flaring. EEPGL was keen to note that the Flash Gas Compression system will be designed to minimize flaring of hydrocarbon gases from low-pressure systems during normal operations. It said low-pressure flash
gas may be flared temporarily when a Flash Gas Compressor is down due to upset or maintenance. Kaieteur News understands that the installed spare compressors will be included to reduce flaring duration in these instances.
Tens of thousands of tons of waste would... From page 16 capacity will be evaluated annually.”Among the recommendations documented in the analysis is the development of the Comprehensive Waste Management Plan (WMP) that will account for lessons learned from data efficiency reviews, capturing waste volume estimate revisions, and suggesting potential improvement opportunities.EEPGL, which is the operator of the Stabroek, Canje, and Kaieteur Blocks offshore Guyana, is engaged
in numerous ongoing exploration and development operations offshore, and began production from the Liza Phase 1 Project in December 2019 with the deployment of the first Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in Guyana.EEPGL has since also obtained additional Production Licences and Environmental Permits to develop and operate the Liza Phase 2 Project and the Payara Project, which will result in a second and third FPSO.
Separation of Church from State... From page 6 those with objections to leave the chambers during prayers and then re enter, far from tempering the discrimination only exacerbated it. This identifies and stigmatises the non-believer. Quebec has a long tradition of the Catholic and Anglican churches being quite influential in government policies and practices but the court felt it was time to change a practice even though it was followed since the nineteenth century. Justice LeBel writing for the court stated that Canadian Society has given rise to a concept of NEUTRALITY, according to which the State must not interfere with religion and beliefs. This requires that the State neither favour nor hinder any particular belief or non-belief. Canadian Cultural landscape includes many traditional and heritage practices that are religious in nature. Sponsorship of one
GA-FDD to... From page 21 themselves use the requisite protective clothing to avoid cross contamination from the handlers to the food. Those vendors who do not abide by the implemented protocols will subsequently face penalties. This mandate was a collaborative effort involving the NFCC and representatives, mainly Environmental Health Offices – (EHO's) and Food Inspectors and other food safety experts from regional Environmental Health Departments/ Municipalities, the Veterinary Public Health Unit, Port Health Inspectors, Ministry of Health Environmental Unit, the Ministry of Health Surveillance Unit and representatives from the Guyana Live Stock and Development Board (GLDA).
religious tradition by the State in breach of its duty of neutrality amounts to discrimination against all other such traditions as it creates a distinction, exclusion or preference that has the effect of nullifying or impairing the right to full and equal recognition and exercise of freedom of conscience and religion. The court looked at the purpose and effect of the practice and opined that even a Non-denominational PRAYER is a religious practice that excludes atheists and agnostics and the interference is more than TRIVIAL or INSUBSTANTIAL. Any form of religious expression under the guise of cultural and historical reality or heritage breaches the duty of NEUTRALITY. Furthermore the expression “Supremacy of God” in the preamble of the Charter cannot be relied on to deny the guarantees expressly provided in the Charter. Pursuit of the ideal in a free and democratic society requires the state to encourage everyone to participate freely in public life regardless of their beliefs thus preserving the multicultural
nature of society. Some public bodies have replaced their prayers with a moment of silent reflection to show respect for cultural diversity. Any country, in particular the Western democracies that are members States of the United Nations, may now have to remind themselves of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states in part “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion...” Finally if they profess to be secular and has a Constitutional Document protecting freedom of conscience and religion this decision may guide them towards that historical elusive ideal of separating Church from State. What is sometimes lacking is not the law but those who would challenge customary discriminatory practices. One suggestion is to start all meetings with a period of silence during which time anyone can reflect on the occasion but this also may be a challenge to those who cannot be quiet for a few minutes and unable to turn off their cell phones. Peace. Ramnarine Sahadeo
More resilient infrastructure... From page 18 Commission (CDC). A week after the President’s announcement, some regional organisations arrived in Guyana to commence discussions for a Detailed Damage Sector Assessment (DDSA) in light of Guyana’s flooding situation. Those agencies were the Regional Security System (RSS), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and the Caribbean Disaster Emer-
gency Management Agency (CDEMA). Moreover, in response to the flood, the Government repaired some damaged infrastructure. Other immediate response measures included the deployment of mobile pumps and heavy earth-moving equipment, distribution of food and medical hampers to households, and the erection of emergency shelters, where practicable.
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Kaieteur News
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New fire service headquarters at - Engineer's D'Urban Park to cost $648M Estimate T
he cost for the construction of the new Guyana Fire Service (GFS) headquarters, a project which falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is estimated at some $648,600,670, according to the engineer's estimate. The cost was revealed yesterday during the opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). At the opening, 12 bids were received for this project. The Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, had announced back in June that the new location for the Ministry of Home Affairs Construction of Headquarter of the Guyana Fire Service, Region Four.
headquarters will be at D'Urban Park. The current headquarters is located in the congested Stabroek Market area, which hinders response time. Minister Benn, while announcing the new site, mentioned that the response times would be better, and that there would be more room to properly house, maintain and deploy the assets. In February, the government in its annual budget presentation had allocated some $1.9B to the GFS to execute its plans for the year 2021. Apart from plans to relocate the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GUYSUCO) Supply and delivery of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) - Lot 1: fifteen- inch/381mm diameter, Lot 2: twelve-inch/305mmm diameter.
Lot 1: 274.32m long by 0.813m wide by 1.194mm thick street band conveyor for Demerara Sugar Terminal (DST).
Lot 1: One (1) complete horizontal center lathe for the Rose Hall Factory.
Ministry of Local Government & Regional Development Construction of Maternity Ward, Phase 2 at the New Amsterdam Hospital Compound.
Ministry of Public Works Repairs of Stone Avenue and Dennis Street Bridge, Reg. 4
Consultancy services for the supervision of the East Bank, East Coast Demerara Road linkage project (Ogle to Eccles) Phase 1
Stabroek fire station, part of the money will go towards the construction of a new fire station at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and the purchase of six water tenders and two ambulances. During the opening of tenders, bids were also tendered for consultancy services for the supervision of the East Bank to East Coast Demerara road linkage (Eccles to Ogle), and also for the construction of a maternity ward, Phase 2 at the New Amsterdam Hospital Compound, among others. Below are the companies and their bids: Complete pun-dumper crab lifts (Gantry crane design).
National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) Execution of topographic surveys at Lot 1: Devonshire Castle to Dartmouth. Lot 2: execution of topographic survey along the foreshores of No. 40 to No.4 East Berbice Corentyne, Region Six.
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Wednesday October 27, 2021
NRG Holdings Inc. funding 'Birding Study'
N
RG Holdings Incorporated, the G u y a n e s e consortium that is developing the massive Port of Vreed-enHoop Project, has provided $5,000,000 to the Guyana Marine Conservation Society to fund a 'Birding Study'. This is according to a Sagacity Media release which noted that the donation was received by the Conservation Society on October 15, last. According to President of the Conservation Society, Mrs. Annette Arjoon-Martins, the funds will play an important role in the preservation of Guyana's Blue Carbon assets. She described the initiative as an “invaluable contribution of $5,000,000 by NRG Holdings to enable the much-needed Birding Study of the Barima-Mora Passage Mangrove Forests, where the largest and most intact mangrove ecosystems in Guyana exist.”
In conveying appreciation to NRG Holdings Inc., ArjoonMartins said, “The Blue Carbon assets of this area are immense and in a time of climate change, where our carbon sinks are of immense value, your support will enable scientific research which will play a very important role in its preservation.” Mr. Nicholas DeygooBoyer, one of the partners within the consortium, stated that the developers are keen on facilitating and ensuring the protection of Guyana's flora and fauna and the environment as a whole for future generations. “We recognise that data is important to the protection of the eco-system and, by extension, the livelihoods of many Guyanese. We are therefore happy to support this project which is important at so many levels.” Mrs. Arjoon-Martins also lauded the developers for
allowing two young female marine scientists to participate in a recent environmental assessment conducted by Jan de Nul, the company that will be constructing the port facility at Vreed-en-Hoop. “… This allows them to complement their academic qualifications with actual offshore and other relevant field experiences, and to further build their capacity,” the Guyana Marine Conservation Society president noted. NRG Holdings Inc. is a 100percent Guyanese-owned consortium comprising, Hadi's World Incorporated, National Hardware Limited and ZRN Investments Incorporated. Their Port of Vreed-en-Hoop project, which will see an investment of up to US$600 million, will occupy some 400 hectares of coastal land. It is expected to be a catalyst for employment and business opportunities for locals.
The NRG Holdings Inc .- funded 'Birding Study' currently underway in Region One.
Wednesday October 27, 2021
Kaieteur News
Health Ministry records two more COVID-19 deaths Yesterday, the Ministry of Health reported that two more women, who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID19) disease, have died. As a result of this, Guyana's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 899. According to the Ministry, one of the women was unvaccinated, while the vaccination status of the other was unknown. They both reportedly died on Monday, while receiving treatment at a medical facility. The women who passed away are a 62year-old from Region Four (Demerara-
Mahaica) and a 60-year-old from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).Meanwhile, in its latest edition of the COVID-19 dashboard, the Health Ministry recorded 66 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 35,170. Presently, there are 23 patients, who are admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 76 persons in institution isolation, 3,239 in home isolation and four in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 30,933 recoveries have been recorded.
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French company wins 10-year contract to supply Exxon's pipes F r e n c h C o m p a n y, Va l l o u r e c , y e s t e r d a y announced that it has signed a 10-year frame agreement with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) – an affiliate of ExxonMobil, one of the largest international energy companies - to supply line pipe products in Guyana. The agreement enables long-term line pipe supply by defining contractual and commercial terms to support
EEPGL's future oil & gas developments in this strategic basin. EEPGL operates the Stabroek Block (26,800 square kilometers), where approximately 10 billion oil equivalent barrels have been discovered since 2015. Vallourec is positioning itself as a strategic supplier of seamless tubes for future projects in Guyana to build subsea flow-lines and risers. Vallourec's line pipe is
manufactured to the tightest tolerance required for deepwater pipeline installations. Vallourec is offering a wide variety of steel grades to address the needs of the most demanding offshore projects, including the X80 grade - for use in corrosive deep-water environments. This innovative steel, developed by Vallourec experts, offers excellent mechanical properties, while ensuring good welding
ability and corrosion resistance.Edouard Guinotte, Chief Executive Officer of Vallourec says, "I am pleased that we have been awarded this important line pipe contract with ExxonMobil, our long-standing partner and customer. Guyana, like Brazil, is one of our sector's flagship regions and, thanks to the decisions we have m a d e a n d t h e competitiveness of our industrial routes, we are able
to serve the region's most important projects." "I would like to thank ExxonMobil for their trust and congratulate the entire Vallourec project team, which has been able to present a tailor-made offer that incorporates the best of our Research & Development and is thus ideally placed to provide optimum support for all future projects, without ever losing sight of excellence in
execution," Guinotte concludes. Vallourec will serve its customer from its Brazilian base, comprising two competitive highperformance factories located in Jeceaba and Barreiro (Minas Gerais), b e n e f i t i n g f r o m l a rg e production capacities and enabling it to supply the high volumes required by EEPGL for future projects in Guyana. (globenewswire.com)
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Wednesday October 27, 2021
Fempower overcome Zorg in Breast Cancer Awareness female match Fempower defeated Zorg by 25 runs in a speciallyarranged female Breast Cancer Awareness exhibition ten-over match recently at Zorg ground, Essequibo Coast, region 2. Fempower rattled up a sufficient 141-9 off the 10-overs and then restricted the hosts to 116-8 when the overs finished. Kumarie Persaud led the way for Fempower with an enterprising 69 laced with five fours and four sixes. Kesandra Phillips also batted well to score 46. During Zorg’s time at the crease, Analisa D’Aguiar and Nickesha Narine made 48 runs apiece. The match was organised by former national youth player Devon Ramnauth who is currently residing in Canada. Ramnauth is also the founder of Region Number 2 Development Youth Cricket League which was inaugurated in 2020.
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Kaieteur News
...Kipchoge crowned best male From page 26 Awards, with many others tuning in online. The best female and male athletes, as well as the best female and male teams from team sports, were honoured, while an outstanding athlete performance was announced along with awards for the outstanding NOC of Tokyo 2020 and for individual contribution to the Olympic Movement. World Athletics would like to congratulate all the winners, including Canadian
swimmer Maggie Mac Neil who received the award for best female athlete of Tokyo 2020 after claiming gold in the 100m butterfly as well as silver in the 4x100m freestyle and bronze in the 4x100m medley. The winners of each award were selected by the ANOC Jury, comprising representatives from each of the Continental Associations, the ANOC Athletes’ Commission Chair, ASOIF President and ANOC Secretary General.
...Dravid formally applies to The victorious Fempower team with coaches Anthony Adams and Debbie Daniels. Other sponsors for the day’s event were Sports Journalist Ravendra Madholall and Trevis Simon, the President of the Central Essequibo Cricket Committee. Ramnauth, in a brief comment, related that he was
happy with the match and stated that female cricket on the coast was the real winner. Ramnauth, who hails from South Essequibo, also acknowledged the effort the ladies would have put out to bring awareness to Breast
Wednesday October 27, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Work that needs to be done could center on money, investments, and other financial matters. Your mind is especially quick, and you're likely to get everything done well. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Love and romance are very much on your mind today. This is a perfect day to concentrate on this part of your life, for all signs indicate that relations with romantic partners are going to be happy. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Matters involving work and home should be going very well. You're feeling well and strong in spite of your recent overindulgence. CANCER (June 21–July 22) A passionate letter or call from a romantic partner could have you longing for an encounter. You're likely to make a night of it.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Special information that comes to you either from within - your intuitive insights - or without - information received from books, TV. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You should feel happy and enthusiastic today. Whatever you strive for should be successful, whether it's job related. Your dedication and organizing talent promise advancement. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your personal and professional relationships should benefit from today's energies. This is a day to strengthen all your relationships, especially friendships. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A long journey to a distant place could be uppermost in your mind today. You may be getting ready to take off, or the trip might still be in the planning stages.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Unexpected financial benefit could leave you speechless today. It could be an unanticipated bonus, or even a small lottery win. This is the day to seek the improbable.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A lot of your time today could be spent working on financial matters on the computer, phone, or other form of technology.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You're probably getting a lot of great news today. Personal success are coming your way. A project that you've hoped would turn a profit may finally be moving that way.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A business or romantic partner could either contact you from a long trip with great news. Perhaps your friend has had a lucky break of some kind that betters life in general for both of you.
Cancer. Madholall added a comment too declaring that female cricket has gained tremendous popularity around the cricketing world and would support any cricket games on the Coast. Meanwhile, during the game, coaches Dabbie Daniels, national left-arm spinner Anthony Adams and female supporters Sony Maesh and Divine Ross were on hand to witness the actions and help out with organisational aspect of things.
...DOSB backs vaccination From page 27 Kimmich, who has been capped 64 times by his country, caused a stir when he explained his decision not to receive a COVID-19 jab. “I have concerns about the lack of long-term studies,” the 26-year-old told Sky Sports. “I am of course aware of my responsibility. “I follow all hygiene measures and get tested every two to three days. “Everyone should make the decision for themselves.” Kimmich, who helped set up the “We Kick Corona” campaign that raised money for social and charitable organisations hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, insisted he was not an anti-vaxxer. “There is a very good chance that I will still get vaccinated,” added Kimmich. Medical expert Alena Buyx, President of the German Ethics Council, claimed Kimmich had been “caught up in misinformation”. “He is very badly advised,” said Buyx. “This is something that has now spread, and it would be great if he’d used his platform to get better advice to be a role model in this regard.” Bayern Munich chair Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has also criticised Kimmich’s approach. “As a role model, but also as a sheer fact, it would be better if he was vaccinated,” added Rummenigge.
From page 26 spoken to him about taking up the position once Ravi Shastri steps down at the end of India’s campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021. Dravid is expected to take charge with India’s home series against New Zealand that begins on November 17 with a T20I series,
under a new captain, with Virat Kohli stepping down. Vice-captain Rohit Sharma will, in all likelihood, replace Kohli at the helm. Dravid’s selection as coach would also mean the BCCI will need to appoint a new head for the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
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Kipchoge crowned best male athlete of Tokyo 2020 at ANOC Awards
Gayle looking forward to challenge of 100m sprint SportsMax- Jamaica long jumper Tajay Gayle has admitted that he is excited to be adding the 100m sprint to his repertoire when the next track and field season gets underway. Earlier this month, Stephen Francis the coach of Jamaica-based track club MVP, where Gayle plies his trade, had revealed that the athlete was set to add the 100m sprints to his list of disciplines for the 2021-2022 season.
Gayle, the 2019 Long Jump World champion, had shown plenty of promise last season after clocking a reasonably quick 10.18 over the distance. The athlete has spent a good portion of the offseason recovering from a k n e e i n j u r y, w h i c h negatively impacted his performance at the Olympics. It might be twice the work but Gayle admits that it is with a sense of excitement that he views the
Wednesday October 27, 2021
Tajay Gayle new season than apprehension. “I wouldn’t say challenging, I would say exciting. All the fun the fear, the anxiety, and all the pressure that comes with it (100m), that’s what keeps me going,” “The fact that I can lose or might lose, you
just can’t be sure. The final of the World Championship in the 100, the sky’s the limit, why not, why would I say I can’t. I wouldn’t say a challenge, it’s just an exciting year for me next year, once I get the knee up to speed.”
Eliud Kipchoge
FIFA delegation visits DR Congo to help “ease tension” between players, FECOFA and Govt. Insidethegames Representatives from football’s international governing body FIFA have entered into discussions with senior figures from the Congolese Association Football Federation ( F E C O FA ) a f t e r t h e Democratic Republic of Congo’s women’s team forfeited a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Equatorial Guinea. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed “DR Congo failed to arrive at the match venue for the fixture” last week in Malabo, the Equatorial Guinean capital, with the hosts granted a walkover victory. FIFA cited “prevailing tensions between FECOFA and the office of the Minister for Sport and Leisure” as a contributing factor to DR Congo’s withdrawal. This followed shocking images which circulated allegedly showing the DR Congo’s women’s under-20 national team training in a street prior to a World Cup qualifier against Cameroon, which football players’ union FIFPro said was due to the failure of the FECOFA to “book adequate pitch time for a training session.” A video shared on
Tw i t t e r a l s o i n c l u d e d footage of the players being forced to sleep outside their hotel after the FECOFA “failed to pay” for it. As per CNN, FIFA said it was “deeply concerned” about the images. FIFA said most members of the country’s senior national women’s squad were present at the meeting with its delegates and representatives from FECOFA, and “expressed their disappointment at the manner in which the team had been treated by the c o u n t r y ’s s p o r t i n g authorities.” The International F e d e r a t i o n ’s s e c r e t a r y general Fatma Samoura travelled to the DR Congo capital Kinshasa, where she met with FECOFA interim President Donatien Tshimanga, vice-presidents of the national association and members of the Executive Committee. The Minister for Sport and Leisure and the Special Advisor to the Head of State for the DR Congo were present and, during the meeting, the Government provided guarantees that “better mechanism would be put in place between the Office of the Minister and FECOFA and that female
Secretary General Fatma Samoura
players would be given the attention they deserve, with their well-being also prioritised.”Prize money owed to the women’s senior team will also be paid “in the coming days,” and FIFA said the meeting “helped ease tension and restore trust between players, FECOFA and the Government.” FIFA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with FECOFA and the country’s Government in April this year for the creation of a schools football championship, following meetings between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and DR Congo President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. However, the former FECOFA President Constant
Omari Selemani was suspended by the governing body for 12 months in June after being found to have received benefits from Lagardère Sports during negotiations conducted as part of his role with CAF. The long-serving Omari had stepped down from his role as FECOFA President shortly before his ban from football activity was confirmed by FIFA, with Tshimanga taking over on an interim basis. DR Congo’s senior women’s team are ranked 110th in the world by FIFA - the 14th highestplaced African country. Its women’s under-20 team lost its second-round qualifier first leg at home to Cameroon 4-0, followed by a 5-0 defeat in the second leg.
Dravid formally applies to become India’s head coach ESPNcricinfo - Rahul Dravid has formally applied for the position of the Indian team’s head coach on Tuesday, having been touted as the heavy favourite to get the role. In addition to Dravid, former pacer Paras Mhambrey, and former wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra have applied for the
positions of India’s bowling and fielding coaches r e s p e c t i v e l y, w i t h incumbents Bharat Arun and R Sridhar also set to leave after the T20 World Cup 2021. Earlier, Abhay Sharma, who has worked with Dravid at the NCA and with India A and India Women, also
applied for the fielding coach’s role. “Yes, Rahul has formally applied today as it is the last day of the deadline. His team at the NCA, bowling coach Paras (Mhambrey) and fielding coach Abhay (Sharma) have already applied. His application was just a formality,” a senior BCCI
official told PTI on Tuesday. Dravid had recently met BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah in Dubai on the sidelines of the IPL final between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. Ganguly and Shah are understood to have (Continued on page 25)
WorldAthletics - Eliud Kipchoge has been named the best male athlete of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) Awards 2021. Kenya’s marathon great retained the Olympic title in Japan in August, clocking 2:08:38 to achieve the largest winning margin in the men’s Olympic marathon since 1972. It was Kipchoge’s fourth Olympic medal after his marathon gold in Rio, the 5000m silver he claimed in Beijing in 2008 and the 5000m bronze he achieved in Athens in 2004. Receiving the ANOC award saw him return to Greece, with the A N O C Aw a r d s 2 0 2 1 ceremony held in the amphitheatre of the Creta Maris Beach Resort on Sunday (24). “It is an honour to win the ANOC Award for the Best Male Athlete at the Tokyo Olympics,” said Kipchoge. “With so many beautiful performances by so many athletes, I am proud to be the recipient of this award.” Asked when collecting his award if he could describe the marathon with just one word, Kipchoge, who set the world record by running 2:01:39 in Berlin in 2018, replied: “The marathon race is life.” The ANOC Awards was created to show appreciation
to National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and their athletes for their dedication to the Olympic Movement and for promoting the Olympic values all year round. During the ceremony, Diplomas were presented to the breakthrough NOCs that had historic sporting moments at Tokyo 2020 and among the recipients were the Qatar Olympic Committee, with high jump star Mutaz Barshim having claimed Qatar’s second gold in what was one of the most memorable moments of Tokyo 2020 as he shared the title with Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi, and the Burkina Faso National Olympic Committee, with Hugues Fabrice Zango having become the country’s first Olympic bronze medallist as he claimed third spot in the men’s triple jump. In addition to the ANOC Aw a r d s , t h e H e l l e n i c Olympic Committee dedicated an award to the best Greek athlete of Tokyo 2020 and Greek deputy sports minister Lefteris Avgenakis presented men’s long jump champion Miltiadis Tentoglou with the honour. Representatives from 155 of the 205 NOCs were joined in person by other stakeholders throughout the Olympic Movement for the seventh edition of the ANOC (Continued on page 25)
Wednesday October 27, 2021
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NBA roundup: Jayson Tatum powers Celtics to win over Hornets in overtime Reuters - Jayson Tatum poured in 41 points, Jaylen Brown added 30 and the Boston Celtics rallied to end Charlotte Hornets’ perfect start with a 140-129 overtime win on Monday night. After Dennis Schroder tied it at 129 on a 3-pointer with 2:41 left in overtime, Brown added a trey of his own and followed it with an emphatic dunk at the 1:21 mark. Schroder added four consecutive free throws and Tatum made two to put the game away. Tatum dished eight assists while Brown grabbed nine rebounds. Schroder finished with 23 points, eight assists and six rebounds for Boston, which had dropped two in a row to open the season before a 107-97 win at Houston on Sunday. Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball scored 25 apiece to lead the Hornets. Bridges, who was named the Eastern Conference’s Player of the Week earlier Monday, also grabbed 10 boards. Ball contributed nine assists. Miami Heat 107Orlando Magic 90 - Jimmy Butler scored 24 of his 36 points in the first half to fuel host Miami to its sixth win in seven meetings against Orlando. Butler made 15 of 21 shots from the floor and added five steals, and his sharpshooting was significantly better than his previous game. He made just 7 of 22 shots in Miami’s 10291 overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. Bam Adebayo collected 16 points and 13 rebounds to record his third straight double-double to begin the season. Markieff Morris had 16 points off the bench for the Heat. The Magic were led by Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, who each scored 15 points. Milwaukee Bucks 119Indiana Pacers 109 Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points, grabbed 10
rebounds and dished nine assists, Khris Middleton added 27 points and Milwaukee held on for a win over Indiana in Indianapolis. An 11-2 run that sent Milwaukee into halftime and extended into the early third quarter gave the Bucks a double-digit-point lead for most of the second half. The gap grew to as many as 18 points. Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 25 points and seven assists, though he also committed seven turnovers. Domantas Sabonis contributed 21 points and 13 rebounds. Brooklyn Nets 104Washington Wizards 90 Kevin Durant scored 25 points and Brooklyn led virtually the entire way in a victory over Washington in New York. Durant followed up a 38-point effort by shooting 9 of 17 from the field in 35 minutes. He added eight rebounds and four assists. Nets reserve Patty Mills hit five 3-pointers and finished with 21 points. Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 19 points. Daniel Gafford scored 13 for Washington, which shot just 34.7 percent from the floor. Chicago Bulls 111Toronto Raptors 108 DeMar DeRozan scored 26 points - 11 in the fourth quarter - and visiting Chicago defeated Toronto. DeRozan, a former Raptor, made three important jump shots late in the fourth quarter after Toronto had cut the lead to two. Toronto’s Fred VanVleet missed a 3-point attempt in the final second that would have tied the game. Zach LaVine added 22 points for the Bulls, who have won four games in a row to open the season. OG Anunoby scored 22 points for the Raptors, and VanVleet finished with 15 points and 17 assists. Cleveland Cavaliers 99-Denver Nuggets 87 -
Jarrett Allen had 21 points and 16 rebounds, Kevin Love scored 22 points, and visiting Cleveland won at Denver. Collin Sexton scored 14 points, Lauri Markkanen had 12 points and Evan Mobley amassed 10 points and eight rebounds for the Cavaliers. Nikola Jokic finished with 24 points and 19 rebounds for the Nuggets, who committed 22 turnovers. New Orleans Pelicans 107- Minnesota Timberwolves 98 - Brandon Ingram scored 27 points and Jonas Valanciunas had 22 points and 23 rebounds as New Orleans got its first victory of the season, defeating Minnesota in Minneapolis. Devonte’ Graham added 21 points and Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 17 as the Pelicans bounced back from a 96-89 loss at Minnesota on Saturday. They turned the ball over 20 times, but that was a significant improvement over the franchise-recordtying 30 they committed on Saturday. Karl-Anthony Towns had 32 points and 14 rebounds, Anthony Edwards scored 28 and Patrick Beverley added 13 for the Wolves. Atlanta Hawks 122Detroit Pistons 104 - Trae Young bounced back from a subpar shooting performance to score a season-high 32 points and lead Atlanta over visiting Detroit. Cam Reddish came off the Atlanta bench to score 17 points, including three 3pointers, and Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kevin Huerter both scored 14. Detroit got 21 points each from Kelly Olynyk and Saddiq Bey — season highs for both — and 18 from Josh Jackson. The Pistons played without Jerami Grant (left elbow infection).
Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) drives around Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Wednesday October 27, 2021
MCYS/NSC conclude 12-hour Table Tennis coaching course in Bartica Organisers and participants of the 12-hour table tennis coaching workshop in Bartica.
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he Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S) and National Sports Commission (NSC) conducted a 12-hour Development Table Tennis Coaching Course for 10 Primary and Secondary Schools Teachers at the Bartica Community Center which ran from October 13-15, last. According to the Programme Facilitator, Coach Linden Johnson, “The main aim of the programme was to help each teacher become self-supportive by developing an infrastructure of administration, coaching and officiating with clear development plans in place, which will ensure sustainability of initiatives.”
The initiative also sought to create an integrated coaching structure that incorporates teacher education and player development at school level, and it covered formulating an umpiring structure with umpire education, participation and development. Coach Johnson hoped that at the end of the three-day programme he would’ve been able to motivate and encourage schools and players to join forces and work in partnership.The teachers that participated included Michael Augustus, Kameshwari Dhanraj, Narresha Williams, Fanela Gounga, Amanda Grant, Colleen Corrington, Naomi Tobin, Ronella Joseph, Orin Blair and Dax Holder.
Coach Johnson mentioned that it was a bit challenging since most of the teachers were first timers, but they gradually developed an understanding of the sport and hoped that the knowledge could be passed on to the students, since it is the main objective of the programme to have the students benefit through the reintroduction of table tennis into schools. The Programme provided the teachers with the ability to be self-supportive and develop a coaching and administering perspective. To add to the promotion of the sport each participant received table tennis rackets and 20 table tennis balls to be used in their respective schools.
AIBA Men’s World Boxing C/Ships
Allicock in action tomorrow, Amsterdam fights Saturday
Coach Poole flanked by Allicock (left) and Amsterdam
Guyana’s Olympian Keevin Allicock, fighting in the 57kg division is scheduled to match gloves with Pawd Brach while fellow Guyanese Desmond Amsterdam (75kg) will come up against Mirsharif Kazimzade in their opening bouts in the 2021 AIBA W o r l d B o x i n g Championships which is being held at Stark arena in Belgrade, Serbia. The 22-year-old Allicock who represented Guyana at Tokyo Olympics, will go into action tomorrow (October 28) while Amsterdam steps into the ring for the first time on Saturday. The event runs up to November 6 and has attracted 88 Countries with 13 weight categories for the first time, following a category revision in August. The Championships which
began Sunday last on October 24, with the opening Ceremony and the draw. T h e Wo r l d B o x i n g Championships marked its return to Belgrade for the first time since 1978 in style, with an Opening Ceremony that showcased the convergence of boring’s rich history with the modernisation of the sport under its new leadership. The Opening Ceremony set the stage for what is anticipated to be a memorable two weeks of action, which will feature some athletes as part of a Fair Chance Team. It has been created for athletes who have felt forced to leave their countries, often because of conflict. During the ceremony the audience were taken through a captivating journey of boxing’s history, explaining
how its early developments laid the foundations for the sport in its modern form. Speaking during Sunday’s Opening Ceremony, AIBA President Umar Kremlev said: “These Championships are special in so many ways. Despite everything we have been through individually and collectively, we are stronger than ever. We can see this strength in the prize money and the medals that await the best among you. We can see this strength in the improvements we have made to AIBA.” Kremlev noted. A prize purse of US$2.6 million has been announced for the upcoming International Boxing Association (AIBA) Men’s W o r l d B o x i n g Championships in Belgrade. The competition started on Monday with the first fights. Sean Devers
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GTT injects $3M into LGC for this weekend Guyana Open
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he Guyana Te l e p h o n e & Telegraph company (GTT) has injected $3M into the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) as they prepare to host the Guyana Open this weekend. The presentation took place at GTT head office at Brickdam yesterday. The tournament which will commence at 06:00hrs daily is expected to be keenly contested with the nation’s top golfers matching skills with their overseas counterparts for the coveted prize. Chief Operations Officer of Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson, spoke about the company’s and his personal obligation to sports in Guyana. “We are extremely proud to be the title sponsor of this event, it is evidently one of
the biggest, if not the biggest golf tournament locally and played on the best facility for golfing in Guyana,” he added. He stated that GTT has three main promises, one of which is that they are going to put in the mechanism and sponsorship is one way of expressing that commitment. “Obviously, there is PinkTober but today we are talking about sport, we are committing $3M to the Lusignan Golf Club for this tournament, we are going to strengthen our relationship with golf in Guyana and we think it is a fantastic sport. It teaches people some valuable life lessons,” he posited. Ferguson challenged the LGC to work on getting more youths involved in
golf. He believes that giving youths the necessary exposure will contribute tremendously to the growth of the sport. Ferguson also noted that he is looking forward to an exciting and successful tournament and said the company is proud to be associated with the competition. LGC President Patanjilee Persaud thanked the telecommunications giant for their input in one of Guyana’s leading golf
tournaments. He said that the club is the finest destination for golfing in Guyana and stated that they are making it their duty to ensure that GTT is proudly advertised. “GTT and Lusignan Golf Club are proud to stage this national event which is held annually. GTT is launching their new fibre cable and we are happy to partner with them. We welcome their cooperation with the club for this GTT G u y a n a O p e n Championship,” Persaud stated. LGC Club Captain Patrick Prashad gave a brief
overview of the rules and regulations of the tournament. Prashad said that the tournament will be played over 36 holes within a two-day period. Each day, a total of 18 holes will be played and this will determine the best golfer, male and female. Prashad recapped that the person with the lowest handicap has the advantage of winning the tournament. He further stated that over 60 players have registered and 25% of them will fall into that category to determine the best male player. Prashad indicated that they have six female players contesting, and in the event of rain interruption and the tournament cannot be completed, then the results will be determined via 18 holes.
Players from countries such as Canada, USA and Colombia have also shown their interest in the lucrative tournament. Golfers will be placed in flights and players with handicaps ranging from 0-36 will be given a level playing field to participate and win net and gross prizes for both days. The flights in the men’s category range from 0-9, 1018 and 19-28 handicap, while in the female category it will range from 0-36 handicap. Although the tournament will feature the lowest handicap to win, the club has noted that it will not ignore other participants in the net scores; hence they will battle against each other to win prizes. A total of 40 prizes will be handed out at the end of the tournament.
Windies name Women’s Squad for Pakistan Tour and ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2021 WI - Cricket We s t I n d i e s (CWI) Women’s selection panel today named a 15-member squad and three reserves for the three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan Women and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2021 in Zimbabwe. Three players will also be travelling with the squads as reserves. The touring squad sees a return for Shemaine Campbelle who missed the home series against Pakistan Women and South Africa Women due to injury. Campbelle impressed the selectors and coaches in the lone practice match before departure, by striking a century in 107 deliveries, which included 12 fours and a six. Also returning to the squad is Captain Stafanie Taylor, who missed the recent series against South Africa in Antigua. Ann Browne-John, Lead S e l e c t o r, s a i d : “ T h e upcoming Pakistan series and World Cup qualifiers are crucial as the team works towards participation in the Cricket World Cup in 2022. It is important to note that Shemaine Campbelle is once again fit and available after being away through injury. She is one of the senior players and has shown herself to be one of the premier wicket-keepers in
C
the world. She scored runs in the practice match since her return.” Browne-John added: “The captain Stafanie Taylor who missed the South Africa Series is also back which also serves to strengthen both the batting and bowling. The squad has a mix of senior and developing players and particular mention must be made of two young players, Qiana Joseph and Rashada Williams, who had very encouraging series against South Africa and hopefully they will go from strength to strength.” The West Indies Women are due to arrive in Pakistan on 1 November for three (3) ODIs from 8 to 14 November, scheduled to be played at the National Stadium in Karachi. The West Indies Women will travel directly to Zimbabwe after the ODI Series for the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2021 from 21 November to 5 December. They will be one of ten teams, along with Pakistan, aiming to secure one of three qualifying places for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand in February 2022. The West Indies Women last toured Pakistan in January 2019 for three T20 Internationals in Karachi. Full Squad - Stafanie Taylor (captain), Anisa Mohammed (vice-captain),
Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Qiana Joseph, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley
Matthews, Chedean Nation, Shakera Selman, Rashada Williams. Travelling Reserves: Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Karishma Ramharack
Full Match Schedule 1st ODI – 8 November at National Stadium, Karachi 2nd ODI – 11 November at National Stadium, Karachi 3rd ODI – 14 November
at National Stadium, Karachi ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup QualifersZimbabwe 21 November – 5 December
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Wednesday October 27, 2021
South Africa win as West Indies suffer second defeat BBCsport - Defending champions West Indies are heading towards an early exit from the T20 World Cup after a second successive comprehensive defeat. Three days after they were bowled out for 55 by England, West Indies saw South Africa cruise to an eight-wicket victory in Dubai. The Proteas chased down 144 with 10 balls to spare and claim their first win of the tournament. However, the match is likely to be remembered for South Africa wicketkeeper Q u i n t o n d e K o c k ’s withdrawal after refusing to take a knee. Defeat leaves West Indies needing to win their final three Group 1 games and hoping results go their way elsewhere if they are to finish in the top two and qualify for the semi-finals. They face Bangladesh in Sharjah on Friday, while South Africa meets Sri Lanka at the same venue on Sunday. Aiden Markram struck the fastest fifty of the tournament, from 25 balls, to steer South Africa home. He finished 51 not out, adding an unbroken 83 for the third wicket with Rassie van der Dussen, who made an
unbeaten 43, against a West Indies attack lacking potency. South Africa’s chase did not start perfectly, Andre Russell producing some magic at mid-off to run out Captain Temba Bavuma for two as he attempted a risky single in the first over. But Markram combined fluency and power, while Van der Dussen played the anchor role, in a superbly paced pursuit. On paper, West Indies’ batting line-up is terrifying, but it has not clicked and they are in danger of relinquishing their T20 crown less than a week into the Super 12 phase of the tournament. After their humbling by England amid a flurry of rash shots, a change of approach was perhaps expected against South Africa. Opener Lendl Simmons took it quite literally. He poked and prodded his way to 16 from 35 balls without a boundary before falling in the 14th over. Evin Lewis compensated for Simmons’ dot-ball bonanza and looked like he was batting on another pitch. He struck six sixes in his 35-ball 56, while Captain Kieron Pollard made 26 off 20.
South Africa’s Aiden Markram (L) and Rassie van der Dussen celebrates their victory next to West Indies’ Chris Gayle (R) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. AFP
But West Indies faltered thanks to the brilliant death bowling of Anrich Nortje and Dwaine Pretorius, who claimed 1-14 and 3-17 respectively as five wickets tumbled in the last four overs. West Indies captain
Kieron Pollard: “I’m disappointed. We left about 20-25 runs out there when we batted, and that could have made a difference in terms of how we finished off because we got off to a pretty decent start. “We have to dig deeper
as a team. We have to dig deeper as a batting unit. We have to come out and hold our heads up and try to play a good game of cricket.” South Africa captain Temba Bavuma: “After the last game we knew there were areas we had to
improve in our game. Particularly with the bat, we had to be more clinical and it’s a step in the right direction. “Our bowlers have been fantastic over the last while and again they showed their skill and their class.”
Pakistan beat New Zealand for second win in three days Harris Rauf is about to take off after removing Martin Guptill. AP
...KFC funds GABF with $1 million From page 31 tournaments. Our senior men’s team participated in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifiers 2023 in El Salvador in April and that required significant expenditure.” Guyana’s male 3x3 team has been placed
in Group C of the qualifying draw; should the male team top Group C they will earn a spot in the main event’s Pool D alongside the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. If the female team tops their group, they will be placed in Pool D alongside Brazil and the Dominican Republic.
BBCsport - A brutal partnership between Shoaib Malik and Asif Ali guided Pakistan to their second Men’s T20 World Cup victory in three days. After emphatically thrashing rivals India by 10 wickets, Pakistan edged a nervy game against New Zealand to win by five wickets in Sharjah. Chasing 135, Shoaib and Asif shared 48 to seal success with eight balls left. New Zealand, playing their first game in Group 2, were restricted to 134-8 with Haris Rauf taking 4-22. Asif, who twice had medical attention for concussion-like symptoms after top-edging a Tim Southee bouncer into his helmet, made an unbeaten 27 off just 12 balls, including three sixes. His 23-ball partnership with Shoaib, who made 26 off 20, saw them home and boosted Pakistan’s semifinal hopes, with games against Afghanistan, Namibia and Scotland to come. Black Caps pace bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the tournament with a calf team,
and been replaced by Adam Milne in the 15-player squad. There were hopes for another high-scoring game after Afghanistan made 190 at Sharjah on Monday but this game was a return to the slower pitches that were on show during the Indian Premier League. Despite that, a target of 135 felt well within Pakistan’s reach, especially after their demolition job of India. But when Asif walked out with five wickets down, they required 48 from 31 balls and Shoaib - who has now been not out in 18 winning international chases - was only nine balls into his innings. Asif, who only averages 16.38 in international T20s, smashed his first ball for four through point before seizing control of the game in the 17th over. He planted Southee, who became the third bowler to take 100 international T20 wickets when he bowled Babar Azam, over long-off, before going straighter next ball, as he pulled the required run-rate down to almost a
run-a-ball. The 30-year-old struggled following his head injury, but pulled another massive six over midwicket, with the next ball after receiving treatment, in a quite magnificent show of bravery and courage. Shoaib, 39, was a late call-up for the tournament, but justified that by using all of his experience at the other end to rotate the strike and find the boundaries with the bad balls. Pakistan look well covered in the bowling ranks, with the left-arm pace of Shaheen Afridi, Rauf whose 4-22 were career-best T20 international figures Hassan Ali and the spin of Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Hafeeez. New Zealand 134-8 (20 overs): Mitchell 27 (20), Conway 27 (24); Rauf 4-22. Pakistan 135-5 (18.4 overs): Rizwan 33 (34), Asif 27 (12), Shoaib 26 (20); Sodhi 2-28. Pakistan won by five wickets. Matches today: 27 Oct: England v Bangladesh, Abu Dhabi; 27 Oct: Scotland v Namibia, Abu Dhabi
Wednesday October 27, 2021
Kaieteur News
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KFC funds GABF with $1 million On Monday last, the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) received a $1M cheque from Beharry Holdings Inc., through its KFC Guyana brand in support of team Guyana’s preparation for the inaugural FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2021 Basketball tournament. The basketball festival is slated for November 12-14 at Bayfront Park in Miami, Florida, and will see representation from both Men’s and Women’s teams who will compete for top honors. The sponsorship cheque presentation was held at KFC Guyana’s Vlissengen Road location and was handed over by KFC Guyana Marketing Officer, Pamella M a n a s s e h t o G A B F ’s President, Michael Singh. This sponsorship comes as part of the company’s corporate and social responsibility of investing in sports and the development of basketball in Guyana. Manasseh said that, “Beharry Restaurant Holdings Inc. is proud to sponsor the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation as they take part in the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup Competition in Miami. Beharry Restaurant Holdings Inc. consists of nine KFC restaurants. Our management and staff are proud to sponsor our amazing athletes as they take part in this prestigious competition overseas”. Meanwhile, team Guyana’s male team will see top players presenting that land of many waters including Timothy Thompson, Nikolai Smith, Travis Burnett and Ryan Stephney with substitutes Akeem Crandon and Stanton Rose; while their female counterparts are Spain-based Joy Brown-Adams, Petal Leacock, Kesann Charles, and Jada Mohan. Lugard Mohan will be the Technical Coordinator traveling with the teams. Singh, who lauded KFC Guyana for the continued commitment to the sport said, “KFC Guyana is partnering with us at a very critical time. Our resources are dramatically reduced because of the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on sport, and because of our efforts, during the last two years, to get teams to (Continued on page 30)