K
AIETEUR NEWS
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Harmon dodges, Thursday Edition yet again, questions p. 2
October 29, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 43
on oil blocks deals
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday 120,204
- says ‘Kaieteur News knows more than me’
The Fleecing of Guyana series…
Despite having oil sector
experience, Kaieteur owners were not p. 8
qualified to develop block NICIL changed School dropout confesses to clause to allow participating in sub/lease or sale La Grange murder p. 3
p. 24
- SOCU, cops to investigate - AG
Dem Boys Seh libel case...
Berbice Bridge deal PNC/R distances favours smaller self from Bond investors over NIS p. 19
p. 14
- says he is not an Executive - Brassington admits in court Another p.3 NICIL deal…
30 acres of prime EBD lands transferred for $200
Where are your voices? Guyanese: we want to shake YOUR teeth and bones, pressure your stomach and your gut. YOU are being tricked and cheated and impoverished. Yet YOU say nothing. Look at the frivolous things that are being prioritized. In the media, it is dual citizenship. From the opposition, it is the same dual citizenship matter that is so meaningless to ordinary Guyanese. Where are YOUR VOICES Guyanese? Demanding real transparency on the truths about our oil. Demanding clarity and accountability for the billions in American money that have been fleeced and siphoned off from the Canje and Kaieteur oil blocks, which were gifted away to criminal conspirators for next to nothing for us. Where are YOUR voices Guyanese? Staying unconcerned and silent means continuing poverty and depending on a government handout, which is your own money that is being given back to you like a delayed ‘box hand’ and in pieces. Guyanese: find your voices. This is your interest, your children’s future. Shout out! Cuss out! Do something!
Stabroek Oil Block reserves increase to 9 billion barrels - Hess says Guyana will drive its recovery
p. 6
PAGE 02
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 29, 2020
Harmon dodges, yet again, questions on oil blocks deals - says “Kaieteur News knows more than me”
L
eader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, once again denied knowledge of details of the Canje and Kaieteur Oil Blocks award and subsequent transfers of interest. In doing so, the former Minister of State denied that the Ministry of the Presidency, where he served under the previous government, had anything to do with the transfers of interests in the blocks. He fielded questions from a Kaieteur News reporter in the conference room of the Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD) Regional Democratic Council (RDC), following a meeting with regional councillors of the Coalition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change. Harmon was reminded that he had, on multiple occasions, committed to providing information about the suspicious awards of the two valuable oil blocks. In response, he denied any further knowledge, repeating an earlier statement he had made, that Kaieteur News seems to have more information than he does. “As I said at my last press conference, you seem to have more information than I do,” Harmon told Kaieteur News. “You are publishing it on a daily basis and I cannot go beyond that. I just rely on what I see there. The question of course is whether all of the
Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon information is credible. And as you recognise, as a political leader of the opposition, I cannot just go on something that is out there. So I would say that we will keep a close eye on the matter, and to the extent to which we can be helpful in this regard, we will let the public know.” The politician's trend of claiming ignorance on these matters does not bode well against his history with the Ministry of the Presidency. In the Coalition's five-year term, Harmon had served as the Minister of State, then Director General – two key authority posts at that office. The Ministry of the Presidency controls the Department of Energy, which has the function of awarding oil blocks and approving transfers of interests in the (continued on page 13)
Thursday October 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 03
30 acres of prime EBD lands transferred for $200 Another NICIL deal…
M
ore details are emerging regarding the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited's (NICIL) giveaway of prime state lands situated at Peter's Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD). In this deal, a total of 30 acres were transferred into the hands of one individual for merely G$200 by two companies – Life 1 Pharms Inc. and A-Z Pharmaceutical Medical Supplies and Equipment Inc. – registered locally here in Guyana. Life 1 Pharms Inc. & A-Z Pharmaceutical Medical Supplies and Equipment Inc. From documents seen by this publication, Life 1 Pharms Inc. is owned and
c o n t r o l l e d b y Av a l o n Jagnandan, said to be the Managing Director. On his Facebook profile, Jagnandan is listed also as the Administrative Manager at the Guyana Gold an d Diamond Miner Association (GGDMA). The company's address is stated as 73 Grove Public R o a d , E B D a nd was registered on March 1, 2017. Jagnandan was leasing, from NICIL, three plots of land: 'A17', 'A18' and 'A19', a total of 15 acres situated at Plantation Peter's Hall, EBD. As per the lease agreement, seen by this publication, Jagnandan agreed to lease the lands annually for US$11,700 plus taxes for a 20-year period. That agreement was signed on May 17, 2018.
Listed as A-Z Pharmaceutical Medical Supplies and Equipment Inc. Director and Secretary, Eddie Doolal Later on, Jagnandan then transferred the three plots of land to one individual, Jianfen Yu, whose address was listed as Lot 43 We l l i n g t o n S t r e e t , Georgetown.
Listed as Life 1 Pharms Inc. Managing Director, Avalon Jagnandan
Per the Deed of Assignment of Lease Agreement, made on January 28, 2020, the lands were transferred to Yu for G$100. It said “…for and in consideration of the sum of
G$100 (one hundred Guyana dollars), the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable considerations, the receipt and sufficiency…” of the land.
With regards to the other c o m p a n y , A - Z Pharmaceuticals is owned and controlled by Eddie Doolal, who is listed as the Director and Secretary. The company address is stated as 1321 EE Eccles, EBD and the business was registered on March 1, 2020. D oolal leased from NICIL three plots of land; 'A7', 'A8' and 'A20', a total of 15 acres situated too at Plantation Peter's Hall, EBD. L ike Jagnandan, he agreed to lease the lands annually for US$11,700 plus taxes for a 20-year period. That agreement was signed on May 17, 2018. Later on, Doolal then transferred the three plots of land to Jianfen Yu. Per the Deed of Assignment Of Lease Agreement, made on January (continued on page 12)
School dropout confesses to participating in La Grange murder By Shervin Belgrave
T
he juvenile held for the murder of La Grange businesswoman, Bibi Ramjit, 86, has confessed to being part of the heinous crime. Ramjit was strangled to death on Sunday at her twostorey home at La Grange, We s t B a n k D e m e r a r a (WBD), which houses a grocery shop on the bottom flat. According to a police
Murdered: Bibi Ramjit
report, the elderly woman's body was found at around 17:00hrs by a farmer. The man reportedly returned to Ramjit's shop to pay for some eddoes, which he had purchased from her at 15:00hrs. Kaieteur News reported that investigators believe that her killer or killers might have entered her premises sometime after she had sold the eddoes to the farmer. Though not quite sure, sources close to the
investigation believe that she might have been murdered during the course of a robbery. Cops later arrested a teen whom they identified as a 16-year-old school dropout. Senior police sources have since informed this newspaper
that the teen has admitted to being involved in the woman's death. Ye s terday, Kaieteur News had reported that detectives were following a lead based on video footage obtained. Investigators also spoke of a strange car seen close to
the woman's premises during the time, which they believe she might have been murdered. As the investigation continues into her murder, Ramjit's family members are preparing to say one last goodbye at her farewell service tomorrow.
PAGE 4
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 29, 2020
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL TEL:624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Campaign donations There was a timely recent article carried in this newspaper titled, “With billions in play, US jails, fines candidates for not reporting campaign donations” (KN October 21). That sounds like, and is of, laws with sharp teeth and reach and biting power. We don’t have any such laws about political campaign financing in this country. But, worse still, whatever our leaders and legislatures come up with for show and selling to the Guyanese public, will be about what is frail and would fail to place a satisfying lockdown on the gravy train that is political financing in Guyana. Whether candidates or donors (usually business desperados), campaign financing here is about cash, a particular type of cash that was irresistible to obtain due to its forbidden nature and is also irresistible to be refused. Because much of this kind of money has nowhere to go in clean and proper circles, the men behind them find ways to put them to work. One meaningful way is to give cash - it is all cash, and untold amounts of it - to crooked politicians in the hope that they are victorious at the polls, at which time the donation or investment would be worth its weight in gold and in multiples of even that precious product. There is nothing sophisticated about political donations in Guyana. There is need and the bags of money, usually dirty money, flow in torrents. The bagmen come around, invited or unsolicited, to collect and carry away; according to reports from those giving (or shaken down by venal political operators); the bagmen, in many instances, have a set calendar and schedule with which they work. They work with the precision of clockwork in situations where everybody knows who sent whom, what is at stake, how much has to be handed over, and with moving on until the next time. There is no accounting paper trail for the money obtained off the books and handed over similarly. There are no fingerprints, no surveillance evidence, no witnesses. In the matter of the latter, that would be those willing to say that they say or heard or know or were even around such shadowy circumstances. But, of recent in this society, men who gave a lot have neither patience nor care for what was once shrouded in stealth and cunning. Nowadays, they flaunt their access all the way to the top, revel in and boast about their power to make powerful politicians move to their bidding and make things happen, and then sit back and celebrate their criminal fortunes. Things have gone so far in Guyana, that some of them, once persona non grata, now hobnob publicly with senior dignitaries from countries that had serious concerns over their work products and the consequences upon their systems, communities, and people. Unlike the United States, supposedly focused on cleaning house and holding people accountable, here we don’t fine them, we feather their nests. We do so for both givers and takers. Here in Guyana, we don’t jail them, we reward them with more freedom to engage in more criminal wrongdoing. We give them lands and licences to function as cover for their illegal activities. We even place some of the clever ones on state boards so that they pillage still more. We invite them to celebrate at presidential inaugurations. That is, celebrate the good times and wonderful life to come, where leaders, hangers-on, and those who gave them a lot of campaign money loot the wealth of this land and help themselves in unending splurges of profiteering. The situation is made infinitely worse because much of the campaign money given to grasping politicians from both sides of Guyana’s stormy divide is of the dark and dirty kind. Thus, criminality is heaped upon criminality. Thus, the way is paved for the perpetrators of criminality to be made legitimate and respectable and, at the same time, a powerful outlet is found for the rich proceeds to be put to good use that brings incalculable benefits to political people, their cabals, and those who donate to them. The victims are the weak, vulnerable, and defenseless citizens targeted, but always promised and left hoping for a better day that will never come.
Sugar is much more than a product DEAR EDITOR, When the PNCR government closed the Wales Sugar Estate in 2015, on the grounds that it was running at a huge financial loss for several years, former PNCR member Stanley Ming, said categorically that the lands should be converted into an aquaculture farming area. What seems striking is that although he made that pronouncement, I doubt whether he believed in its viability. Had he and the PNCR ever seriously embraced the aquaculture venture, they would have implemented it within their five-year regime. They did not. I believe that they knew that aquaculture was not a promising idea. Ming only made that statement to provide a rationale for the hurt that the PNCR government had inflicted on the sugar estate community. There has been limited discussion on the possibility of introducing aquaculture, as part of the diversification of GUYSUCO’s operations. The few people who embrace this idea feel that sugar is a lost cause. Many of us share a different view. In addition, their (pessimistic) position runs counter to the government’s claim that sugar could break even in 4-5 years’ time, and then begin to make a profit. Sugar is much more than that the product; it represents a corporate conscience, a challenging history, fluctuating fortunes, a tradition, and a way of life for several communities. Not to mention that thou-
sands of dismissed workers who are being rehired as well as others, plus sugar’s contribution to GDP and to foreign exchange earnings, there is a huge market for sugar (over 226 tons per annum) in the Caribbean. With the value-added product of refined sugar, Guyana could easily tap into this as well as other markets. At present, GUYSUCO should focus on sugar production, including refined sugar and co-generation. Further diversification should come later. There is also the pressure to introduce industrial hemp. Should the government approve this product, it is likely to yield economic returns many times more than aquaculture. And experts tell us that hemp cultivation could add about 30% to sugar cane productivity. This is what is needed and not aquaculture that will erode the focus on the revival of the sugar cane industry. Farmed fish is also a health risk. Almost every Guyanese that I know in the diaspora consumes wild fish (marine or ocean) such as bangamary, butter fish, snapper, trout, catfish, etc. Farmed fish (reared in reservoirs, ponds, etc.) is never popular and consumers tend to avoid it. Since farmed fish is reared on a different diet (inclusive of antibiotics, which contribute to the growth of antibioticresistant bacteria), this could lead to serious health consequences. Farmed tilapia, for example, has high mercury
level as well as elevated levels of Omega –6 fatty acids, which could lead to inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, and even cause cancer. In comparison, wild caught tilapia has healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. “A serving of wild caught fish is likely to contain more proteins and healthy fats than a similar serving of farmed fish.” Guyana experimented with aquaculture in the 1940s with Mozambique tilapia that was reared in irrigated rice fields, or in flooded sugar cane fields. That experiment failed. There was renewed interest in the 1970s when the Department of Fisheries, IDRC (International Development Research Center) and GUYSUCO conducted a joint venture with the rearing of the Nile tilapia. This tilapia variety was supposed to alternate with indigenous species of armored catfish. That project failed because of management and human resources deficit. In the 1990s, the PPPC government was aware that the demand for captured (marine) fish could not meet existing local consumers’ demand. It was learnt later in 1999 that fish consumption was 58.7 kg per capita. Accordingly, an Action Plan was prepared in 1994 with CIDA’s assistance and this was supported by the FAO specialist for the government to establish a freshwater fish farming station. Thus, the Mon Repos Freshwater Aquaculture Dem-
onstration Farm and Training Center was set up in 2001 at a cost of $(US) 1.2 million, in response to the recommendations of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), IDRC and CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency). While policy makers were looking at value added products for the sugar industry and to diversify GUYSUCO’s operations, the aquaculture initiative failed because the PPPC government’s approach has been that it should be a project to be conducted by private enterprise with the government acting as a facilitator. To have GUYSUCO, a quasi-government unit, to become involved again in aquaculture will collide with this policy position. To even think of converting some of GUYSUCO’s lands, as part of the diversification process, into rice cultivation is mind-boggling. Rice cultivation is handled exceptionally well by private farmers. GUYSUCO should stay out of the rice industry. To the extent that GUYSUCO has unused lands, those could be allocated to the government’s housing programme. Both aquaculture and rice cultivation are not needed within the diversification process of GUYSUCO. What is urgently needed in GUYSUCO is for it to clean up its management structure and introduce fiscal discipline. Yours truly, Dr. Tara Singh
The PPP and PNC have done worse for us, while doing very well for themselves DEAR EDITOR, What I share today is not intended as a comment on dual citizenship, which is farthest from my mind. It is of what I stand for and where I am, as one holding citizenship of both Guyana and America. I speak in the straightest terms on how I view the personally challenging circumstances of America and Guyana, and as they have featured and continue to feature prominently in my life. I love many things about America, beginning with the sum of what it has made possible for me. There is powerful recognition of the ideals and ingenuity behind the American idea, American vision, American character and will, of the stirring realities that they concretized both inside America and globally. For those components, and in respect of those quality features, I am as American as anyone else, bare none. I am proud about that, pleased that
there is such a grove, such a grand calling put into living practice, when at its ennobling best. I have been with that for a considerable period; one that is cherished for the lessons learned and the insights gained. In two words, those are the positives. Then there is the other side of America, the dark untouched upon side of its long, sometimes toxic, underbelly that it also taught me, revealed to me, and which left horrified in the understanding. Two other words sum such up: the negatives. Both positives and negatives have their value for me, both have enlightened further. Enlightened that even in the best that is around, there can be so much of the other side, the twilight times and midnight horrors that bring so much personal recoiling. More have become obvious more recently: some of the history, the truths about colour and outsiders, the pri-
orities of its economic system, the thrusts of its strategies, the nuanced and rank objectives of its visions. Despite all of this, when I look around, America is still the best for me, and by many a long mile, as hard as they have been. Again, I like America, even love America. But I like it and love it like a treasured stepmother. But I cannot pretend stupidity, stand by silently, applaud treacherously, when my biological mother is being trampled upon, insulted outrageously, palpably violated. I cannot stand idly and cheerfully by, while America kicks this place and its peoples around, and then uses both as a cheap doormat. For oil. For Venezuela. For economics. For reengineering and controlling this mother of mine for its own purposes, some not so beneficial to our welfare. There are many Guyanese, who are comfortable doing so, through fawning over the soon to balloon
American presences, as they turn their backs on their roots and rupture once deep navel strings. I cannot. I do not even want to try. I cannot love America my stepmother (good to me), as much as I love Guyana, my own mother, despite her being so poor to me. I can only do so and be so because I love Guyana so much, warts and deformities and all, of which there are many. I perceive that America has complete control now of Guyana and our future; that is a little too rich for me. Its agents have been strongly facilitated, through what I strongly believe is present PPP government and PNCled coalition opposition in its machinations and calculations. The local crop of politicians has joined forces to sell outright our birthrights. It is not just for the biblical pot of pottage, not even some sinister pieces of silver. The PPP government and PNC-led (Continued on page 5)
Thursday October 29, 2020
Cane dust creates a visible, unattractive situation for many homes DEAR EDITOR, Permit me to vent my frustration with the current open air burning in the agro industry as well within the township of New Amsterdam. Firstly, I shall address the burning of the cane fields and the rice lands. We are all aware that these lands in most cases are sprayed with pesticides before burning them. Now when we burn these fields, whatever is there to burn goes into the atmosphere, and then we see the cane dust as we know it is blowing around and settling on the ground and sometimes in the houses (for those of whom leave their windows open because the heat is a lot these days). Apart from the cane dust creating a visible, unattractive situation for many homes, what about the smoke for some of those who live within the environs of the fields? Secondly, can we have a recycling plant established in New Amsterdam? Every day someone would light a heap of garbage along the Strand roadway that affects those residents. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a flyer stating those that en-
gage in open burning activities would be fined for eighty thousand Guyana dollars. While I agree with the fine being hefty, I think for the betterment of all, the public would need alternative ways to rid of their garbage (recycling is the way to go). In closing, I wish that the relevant authorities can think of ways to help decrease air pollution. We must be cognizant of the health hazards that stem from pollution. We must do better in order to be a developed country. Yours truly, Tanya Niamatali
Was a declaration made to GRA on this deal? DEAR EDITOR, With Kaieteur News’ investigative journalism on the US$1,000,000 transferred to James Bond, my question to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), did this taxpayer report this income (whether Ordinary Income or Capital Gains) in his 2019 tax returns? We need answers. Sincerely, Charles Sugrim
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
Discipline in the Sugar Industry DEAR EDITOR, I take serious exception to your publishing my letter and mischievously omitting the following critical paragraph: “A critical factor not to be overlooked is that several managers and managers live in the same community wherein families socialise. The quality of relationships, hopefully not too frequently, can overflow into the work environment.” It connotes the prejudice (if not ignorance) the editor brings to a profession that should be informed by morality. Yours truly, E.B. John
The PPP and PNC have... From page 4 opposition have done worse for us, while doing very well for themselves. They have sold the promise for pittances coming to us, while fooling us with endless pufferies. Both sets of leaders have converted the promising national bank into the trickiest of sleazy pawnshops to satisfy their own criminal ambi-
tions. They have succeeded with the help of America to cheat us out of motherhood, motherland, and the inheritances of this land. And that I cannot stand for from either of them, and all of these three forces combined and arrayed against the interests of all of us Guyanese. Yours truly, GHK Lall
PAGE 6
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 29, 2020
Stabroek Oil Block reserves increase - Hess says Guyana will drive its recovery to 9 billion barrels Chief Executive Officer of Hess Corporation, John Hess, recently revealed that the estimated recoverable resource discovered in the Stabroek Block has been revised upward to nine billion oil-equivalent barrels. The previous estimate was eight billion barrels. The revelation was made during Hess’ announcement of its performance for the third quarter of 2020, during which the company claimed a net loss of US$243 million due to the downward turn of the industry from the impact of COVID-19. Yet, the company is not at all worried about that. “We continue to execute our strategy and achieve strong operational performance while prioritizing the preservation of cash, capability and the long term value of our assets during this low price environment,” CEO John Hess said. He added, “Our differentiated portfolio of assets, including multiple phases of low cost Guyana oil developments, positions us to deliver industry leading cash flow growth and drive our company’s breakeven price to under $40 per barrel Brent by mid decade.” It expects Guyana to drive its
Hess Corporation CEO, John Hess
recovery. In spite of the loss incurred, Hess was keen to note that the company remains optimistic about a strong recovery thanks to discoveries offshore Guyana. ExxonMobil –The Stabroek Block operator – has made 18 discoveries in the block. The operator had announced discoveries at the Yellowtail-2 and Redtail-1 exploration wells. Yellowtail-2, the 17th discovery on the Block, encountered approximately 69 feet of high quality oil bearing reservoirs adjacent to and below the (Continued on page 22)
Map of the Stabroek Block, showing ExxonMobil’s 18 discoveries. (Photo Credit:
Thursday October 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 7
Kaieteur News
PAGE 08
Thursday October 29, 2020
“The Fleecing of Guyana” series...
Despite having oil sector experience, Kaieteur owners were not qualified to develop block T
he two initial owners of the Kaieteur Block, Ratio Energy Limited (renamed Cataleya Energy) and Ratio Guyana (owned by Ratio Petroleum) were not qualified to develop the ultra deepwater Kaieteur Block. They flipped the block to ExxonMobil, a more capable company, in March 2017 without doing any work. The two directors of Cataleya are the Canadian, Michael Cawood and Guyanese, Ryan Perreira. Neither of them had any experience in oil and gas prior to receiving the block. As for Ratio Guyana, the other initial owner of the Kaieteur Block, its parent company is the Israeli company, Ratio Petroleum. This company has nearly three decades of experience in the industry. However, it does not have the capacity to conduct ultra-deepwater drilling, which is required for the Kaieteur acreage. Only a handful of oil companies have the capacity to drill in ultra deepwater, including ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron, BP, and Total SE. Ultra deepwater has been closed to drilling for decades because companies just didn't have the technology and the experience. Besides, there was a lot more oil and gas accessible in shallower waters.
The five flippers of the Kaieteur Block Guyanese: Ryan Pereira Canadian: Mike Cawood Shallow water drilling occurs when the target for exploration is less than 1000 feet deep, while Midwater is generally from 1000 feet to 5000 feet, and Deepwater is considered to be between 5000 feet and 7000 feet. Before, the categories were much more conservative and considered shallower depths. But as experience grew among oil companies, and technology evolved, co mp an ies lik e ExxonMobil began to push the limits of Deepwater drilling. Ultra Deep-water drilling goes beyond 7000 feet. Guyana's Kaieteur Block (of 3.3 million acres)
requires such specialised capacity and technology that Tanager-1, the well currently being drilled there by ExxonMobil, is the deepest well the oil major has drilled offshore Guyana. According to a report conducted by the Netherland, Sewell and Associates Inc. firm, the Tanager-1 well, with target depths of 8000 feet, is estimated to hold 256.2 million barrels of prospective resource. Anti-corruption advocates like the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) have questioned, in the cases of blocks being flipped this way, why the licence wasn't a w a r d e d to the final, qualified company in the
Israeli: Yair Rotlevy
Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Commissioner Newell Dennission first place. If Guyana had waited and studied the
Israeli: Yigal Landau
Israeli: Ligad Rotlevy
Former Minister of Natural Resources Robert Persaud
Former President and Minister of Petroleum, Donald Ramotar
Kaieteur Block area, it would have found information as ExxonMobil did in its seismic s u r v e y, w h i c h would have informed the handing of the award to a c o m p e t e n t company, among other benefits. The award, made by former President Donald Ramotar, and advised by former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, carries red flags which warrant independent investigation. R e a d tomorrow's article in this series, to find out what Guyana forfeited in its handling of the Kaieteur Block licence…
Kaieteur Oil Block
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 29, 2020
PAGE 09
Cuffy was a dual citizen C
uffy was a dual citizen. He was not born in Guyana; he was born in Ghana. But we can safely say that he is entitled to retroactive citizenship. This would make him a dual citizen and therefore ineligible to become a Minister or a member of the National Assembly. Yet for his role in the 1763 Slave Rebellion, Cuffy or Kofi is considered as one of Guyana's national heroes, if not its foremost national hero. Cuffy was a lot of other things. But this is neither the time nor the place to raise those concerns about him. Guyana once elected an alien as its President. She was an American and spent more years in Guyana than Cuffy ever did. The Constitution permitted it at the time. Yet, when she was elected fewer than half of the population rejected her. They did not want her and made the argument that a person born in a foreign country should not be elected as President. They went so far as to make it an item for constitutional reform. Yet they saw nothing wrong with having the country's national hero being an alien. After it was determined by both the Chief Justice and the Court of Appeal that persons who swear allegiance to a foreign power
Dem
boys seh...
L
ong ago, dem use to have a man named Sydney Gonsalves. De man dead now. But when he was alive, he had a fantastic memory. His mind was straight but he did not have the best of looks. In fact, he did look stupid. He had a face dat only a mother could love but even he mother had doubts about him. She did want he to go to Queen's College but she seh he look so stupid dat even she wasn't sure whether he should go to school at all.
cannot sit in the National Assembly, four Ministers of the government agreed to step down. It is certain that one of them revoked his foreign citizenship. It is not sure whether the other three persons did. In 2019, fourteen members of parliament in Australia resigned following a High Court ruling that another MP who failed to renounce her British citizenship was ineligible to be in the House. Strictly speaking, there is no prohibition for a dual citizen to be a Member of Parliament. The prohibition arises if that person does any act which amounts to an oath of allegiance to a foreign state. If someone was born in the United States for example but lives in Guyana and travels on a Guyanese passport and has done so ever since that person turned 18 years, then that person cannot be said to have taken a oath of allegiance to a foreign power. That person can be sworn in as a Member of the National Assembly. Where the problem arises is when persons are naturalized or take an oath as an adult and still travel on a foreign passport. Unless that person renounces, he or she would not be eligible to sit in the National Assembly. The APNU+AFC was so desperate to stay on in power that it shot itself in the foot. It challenged the validity of the
vote of Charandass Persaud during the debate of the noconfidence motion. The challenge backfired when the Court ruled that dual citizens were ineligible to sit in the National Assembly It is strange that we seem to take umbrage about an alien becoming our President but we do not seem to be worried about dual citizens working at high levels in the government. For most Guyanese, dual citizenship does not pose a threat to national security or to the national interest. In other words, they are not worried that any dual citizen working within the government would betray the nation. If this is indeed the case, then what is the problem with working out a deal with the Opposition to change the Constitution to allow for dual citizens to be in parliament and to be Ministers? The PPP/C has its own problems with dual citizenship which forced three of its members of parliament to resign. The dual citizenship debate should be the subject of constitutional reform. The PNC/R should take a decision as to whether it supports dual citizens sitting in its parliament. It is hard to understand why it would see a problem with having a dual citizen in parliament when, all along, it permitted dual citizens within the Cabinet.
Some people can't remember dem name Mothers does know dem children. Sydney went to school but end up, in his own words, being a dunce. But you could call any event and Sydney could tell you what date it took place, including the day of week. Science can now explain Sydney's fantastic powers of recall. It is a condition called autism. So it was not a case of Sydney being a dunce at all. He in fact had a gift which not many people gat. Dem boys seh how nuff of dem Ministers, present and past, seem to be suffering from a loss of memory. Is like none of dem can't remember wah dem
sign, who dem sign it with and when dem sign it. One man talk how he don't know de people wah sign de agreement. He boss seh how he didn't read wah he sign. Another one from de AFC can't remember what he sign. And one from de PNC/R seh how he waiting pon Kaieteur News fuh tell he wah went on during his time in government. Is sad we nah gat Sydney Gonslaves around anymore. He would ah tell us who sign what, when dem sign it and which hand dem sign it with. Ta l k h a l f a n d n a h remember wah yuh fuhget.
What is the fear? What is the objection? It is time to stop playing games. Cuffy was a dual citizen and he is Guyana's
national hero. He was not even born in Guyana. So what can be wrong about a born-Guyanese travelling on a foreign passport?
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10
Thursday October 29, 2020
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Can Alexander tell us the truths about Forbes Burnham's rule? I
f any Guyanese, other than Vincent A l e x a n d e r, h a d written the following words, I would have shrugged it off and never think of penning t h i s c o l u m n , “Reconciliation has been recently touted by the current regime. What has not been touted is truth…let the discourse of the committed continue. Acceptance of, and coming to terms with, the truth shall set us free.” These are the words coming from a gentleman who has been involved in an ocean of untruths that are not banal and ordinary but dangerous, evil and devouring.
We start with the recent untruth of one of the most experienced man on Planet Earth when it comes to knowledge of election rigging. Here is what Alexander wrote in KN on October 22 in response to me, “I challenge Kissoon to state w h i c h o f t h e organizations/parties I belong to that contested the elections and further which policy-making position I held in the Government.” Vincent Alexander was nominated by the opposition PNC as part of a three person selection representing the Opposition in GECOM in keeping with the Carter/Price constitutional
article. On becoming the government, the APNU+AFC's Minister of Education, Rupert Roopnaraine, appointed Alexander as advisor on tertiary education. When Roopnaraine went to the Ministry of the Public Service, Alexander followed in an advisory capacity. For anyone to ignore the input of a government advisor on policy-making is to deny the truth. Alexander of course is the last person on earth that knows anything about the content of truth. In the seventies when elections and a national referendum were rigged by President Forbes Burnham,
Alexander was the chairman of the youth arm of the ruling PNC – the Young Socialist Movement (YSM). From 1968 to 2020, Alexander has denied the truth of the PNC rigging elections. Once he admits to that truth, it should make him free but Alexander has chosen since that time to deny that seminal truth in Guyanese history. Alexander has chosen to remain “Prometheus Bound.” Let's further explore the labyrinth of truths with Alexander and, if space permits, ask the question that if admitting the truth of election rigging by Clairmont Mingo and Keith Lowenfield will make him free. Vincent Alexander is the only person from the Burnham era that has founded an institution in Burnham's name. Called the Burnham Foundation, he functions as its chairman and its website says it is devoted to perpetuating the legacy of Burnham. For a man who wrote, “Acceptance of, and coming to terms with, the truth shall set us free”, Alexander cannot have his cake and eat it too. He cannot be the
chairman of an institution that seeks to preserve the untruths of Burnham's legacy then in the same breath tell us that accepting the truth shall make us free. After describing the untruths of Burnham's rule, will Alexander acknowledge
Frederick Kissoon t h e m ? Let's start. Released files from the British secret service agency MI5 revealed that there was a mole in the PPP leadership in the 1950s. MI5 referred to that leader as “Lascar.” I asked Ashton Chase, Hamilton Green and Moses Bhagwan who was Lascar. They said they didn't know. I found out recently that Lascar was Burnham Under pressure from the Venezuela Government with threats to block Independence, Premier Burnham agreed to have discussions on the border issue. Burnham did not allow a free and fair national election during his tenure, 19641985. Yet in 1975, he formally declared that his party the PNC was of a higher legal authority than the state itself. From there on
the PNC was known as the vanguard party. In an ethnically driven society, with the Indians in the majority and the party that represents them having more electoral power than Burnham's PNC, was it right for Burnham to ban some essential food items, make national service compulsory, pass compulsory land acquisition legislation, without consultations with the opposition? On what moral basis did Burnham's government revoked the teaching appointment of Walter Rodney when his government did not have an election mandate to take such a decision that deprived young Guyanese minds from being exposed to one of the finest talents in Third World academia? Given his autocratic style of governance, wasn't Burnham a divisive figure that widened the dangerous and terrible ethnic Freudianism that was already there in African and Indian Guyanese? Space has caught up with us so we cannot engage Vincent (I use his first name because there are times Vincent is a funny man) on the truths of what Mingo, Lowenfield, Myers and f o r m e r, P o l i c e C o m m i s s i o n e r, L e s l i e James, did but I end with a question – was Vincent's American visa revoked during the visa sanction in August by the Americans? (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Thursday October 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 11
Kaieteur News
PAGE 12
Thursday October 29, 2020
After 100 years with ExxonMobil…
20 African countries no better off today T
he splendour Mother Nature has bestowed upon the continent of Africa cannot be ignored. But neither can the fact that after 100 years of hosting ExxonMobil's operations, the people of 20 African nations are no better off
today. This can be seen from a simple examination of the latest Human Development Index (HDI) report. (http://hdr.undp.org/en/com posite/HDI). The HDI was created to emphasise the point that people and their ability to
live a better life should be the ultimate criteria for assessing the development of a country. The African countries which have been flagged in the HDI report as places of low human development include: Angola, Chad, Cameroon, Madagascar,
Nigeria, Tanzania, Papua New Guinea, Mozambique, Zimbabw e , E t h i o p i a , Senegal, Ivory Coast, and the Republic of Congo. Those African nations with managed to scrape medium development for its people after finding oil include Equatorial Guinea,
Egypt, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Ghana, Sâo Tomé and Morocco. On this basis, one can surely understand the notion that oil alone does not guarantee the “good life”. This very point was recently hammered home by world renowned scientist and head of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), Professor Suresh Narine. At the Guyana International Petroleum
Business Summit (GIPEX) which was held from February 7 to February 9, Professor Narine asked, “Will Guyana simply shoot to the top of the HDI by simply becoming producers of oil? And for how long shall we maintain this good life, if we are able to attain it? Or will it only be over the lifetime of our reserves? ” Republished from February 25, 2018
Caribbean Airlines to fly twice weekly to Toronto
T
r i n i d a d headquartered Caribbean Airlines will from Sunday, November 1, 2020, offer twice-weekly service between Cheddi Jagan International, Guyana and Lester B. Pearson International, Toronto, Canada. According to the airline yesterday, flights will operate each Monday and Friday, with connections available from Trinidad and Barbados. “These flights are open for sale, and customers may contact Caribbean Airlines Reservations Call Centre, www.caribbeanairlines.com or their Travel Agent for bookings,” the
airline said. The announcement will come as Guyana relaxes travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Passengers are being allowed to leave and enter as long as a number of conditions are met, including taking a mandated PCR test. Caribbean Airlines has reminded travellers to check the required COVID-19 travel protocols for entry into Guyana and Canada. This can be done via https://guyanatravel.gy/ (for entry to Guyana) and for travel to Canada, the link is: https://www.canada.ca/en/i mmigration-refugeescitizenship/services/coronav iruscovid19/travelrestrictions-exemp
30 acres of prime... From page 3 28, 2020, the lands were transferred to Yu for G$100. Identical deals It must be noted that there are several glaring similarities between the two land deals. Both companies were registered on the same day – March 1, 2017. The lease agreement details for both companies are also identical – both agreed to pay US$11,700
plus tax in lease fees annually for a 20-year period, both received 15 acres in total and both agreements were signed on the same day, May 17, 2018. It should be noted too that both companies transferred its lands to the same individual, on the same day – January 28, 2020 and for the same price of G$100. Further, both Deeds of Assignment of Lease Agreements are also identical as well.
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 29, 2020
PAGE 13
Man committed to Venezuelan remanded for murder of teen stand trial for murder A of ex father-in-law Ve n e z u e l a n labourer, Nestor Luis Bolivar Martines , 22, also known as Carlos of Sixth Street, Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was yesterday remanded for the murder of 19-year-old, Sanjay Hanoman. Hanoman was slain around 23:30hrs on Sunday at Bus-Shed Street, Anna Catherina. The suspect, Martines, appeared at the Leonora Magistrate's Court before her Worship, Zameena Ali Seepaul. He was not required to plea to the indictable
A
man was on T u e s d a y committed to stand trial in the High Court for the murder of his ex father-in-law who was killed earlier this year. The preliminary inquiry (PI) for the murder accused, Zaheer Hussain, was conducted in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. On Tuesday, the Chief Magistrate ruled that there is sufficient evidence against Hussain for him to stand trial in the High Court for the murder of 54-year-old Alexie Gomes of Lot 6 Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown. The accused is expected to go on trial on the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Assizes. On his first court appearance, he was not required to plea to the indictable charge which alleged that on June 25, 2020, at Riverview Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he murdered Gomes. Gomes succumbed to head injuries, which he sustained during a scuffle with the accused over his grandson. According to a police report, on Father's Day, Gomes left his house to buy beers when he saw Hussain and his grandson standing in front of a shop in Riverview. He approached the two and
Dead: Alexie Gomes stretched out his arms to hug his grandson. This somehow aggravated Hussain who retaliated by pulling his child away. Gomes then reportedly pulled back his grandson to hug him and Hussain pulled the child away and allegedly punched Gomes to the face, causing him to fall to the ground. A scuffle then ensued between the two and Hussain allegedly armed himself with a piece of wood and struck Gomes twice to his head. Gomes was picked up in an unconscious state and taken home. Gomes later went to the Ruimveldt Police Station and made a report. However, on the day Hussain was arrested, Gomes collapsed and was rushed to a private hospital where he succumbed.
Harmon dodges, yet... From page 2 blocks. It was during the APNU+AFC's terms that controversy first arose about the Kaieteur and Canje Block awards, which prompted an investigation by the now defunct State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA). For Harmon to claim that he does not know coveted information about the transfers of stakes in those two blocks, would be for him to be ignorant of important transactions under his watch, for which the Ministry of the Presidency had oversight. The former Minister of State sought to proffer that it was the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), which awarded the blocks. While this is so, the initial owners flipped their ownership of the blocks, transferring stakes to several other companies.
There were at least five transactions under which the blocks were flipped, and they all occurred under the tenure of the APNU+AFC government. Such transfers require the approval of the government. When Kaieteur News pointed this out, Harmon responded that, “If a transfer is made to an individual or a company, a company seeks to raise capital by putting out there, expressions of interest and so on, in their business, I don't see how it is that the Ministry of the Presidency, where I worked, would have had any responsibility for that.� Reminded that the government must approve of transfers of interests in oil blocks, the Opposition Leader again said that he is unaware of such matters, and abruptly ended that line of questioning.
murder charge, which alleges that on October 25, 2020 he chopped and killed Hanoman. The matter was adjourned until January 13, 2021. Kaieteur News had reported that Martines had made a written confession admitting that he killed Hanoman. The suspect reportedly told police that Hanoman and his friend, 17, had attacked and pelted his wife in an earlier incident. According to sources, Martines said that the act committed on his wife had provoked him to retaliate in such manner. Police were able to identify
Dead: Sanjay Hanoman the suspect, after Hanoman's friend reportedly witnessed the
chopping incident. The friend claimed that he was passing by when he saw Martines rubbing his cutlass against Hanoman's left leg. He stated that Hanoman immediately fell to the ground and the suspect rode away on a bicycle. The friend told investigators that he rushed to the teen's assistance where he tried to get help but no one wanted to assist him in transporting the wounded teen to the hospital. However, after waiting for an hour, Hanoman was finally taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 14
Thursday October 29, 2020
PNCR distances self from Bond - Says he is not an Executive
T
he People's N a t i o n a l Congress Reform (PNC/R) has sought to distance itself from its member, James Anthony Bond, who is at the center of allegations regarding his collecting US$1 million for the sale of prime state lands situated at Peter's Hall, East Bank Demerara. The PNC/R also went as far as to say that Bond is not
even an Executive member of the party but rather a senior member. It was PNC/R General Secretary, Amna Ally/ who made it clear that Bond was not an Executive in response to the allegations published in the media. According to reports, Ally said, “The PNC/R wishes to inform the public that Mr. James Bond is not an Executive Member of the
PNC/R. The PNC refers to an article published in the October 27, 2020 edition of the Guyana Times News Papers with the headline 'PNC/R Executive Collects US$1M for flipped lands at Peter's Hall', the 'PNC/R Executive' use in the headline is erroneous.” Kaieteur News had reported that Bond pocketed the US$1 million for the sale of 10 acres of land at Peter's
PNC/R Executive, Aubrey Norton
PNC/R General Secretary, Amna Ally Hall for a company called ARKEN Group Inc. of which he is said to be a principal. The other player in the company is listed as Jermaine Richmond. With the allegations brought to the fore, several questions were posed to leader of the Opposition APNU+AFC, Joseph Harmon, who was asked to comment on the issue. Harmon told Kaieteur News, “I would not go beyond the statement that was issued by the party, by the PNC, on this matter. Some issues are in the domain of the attorneys that are dealing with these transactions. And I can say to you that even some of the people who are raising red flags about this, that is the way they have gone about dealing with their business. I wouldn't go any further into that but to say that if it is in fact a professional transaction that was done by an attorney and his clients, then certainly that's clientattorney confidentiality. If there was in fact anything that was illegal or so on about it, then the law will take its course. I wouldn't go beyond that.” Asked whether the procurement of the lands was above board, Harmon said he has done no investigations on the matter and referred questions to the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall. Kaieteur News also asked of Harmon whether Bond was contacted to provide an explanation on the deal. To this, he said, “Well, as I said before, this is a matter now that the person who has been identified is an attorney and I believe that it was in that capacity that he was acting and therefore at the appropriate time it becomes necessary, then the person
Opposition leader, Joseph Harmon
James Bond will be called upon for an explanation. But as it is right now, the gentleman is an attorney and I understand from the paperwork I have seen, that it is in that capacity he was acting, and I am not prepared to go beyond that.” Also commenting on the matter was PNC/R Executive, Aubrey Norton. Norton told Kaieteur News that “While there is no intention to throw Bond 'under the bus', we must correct you when you keep saying that he is an executive member of the PNC/R. He's a senior member of the party, but he's not an executive.” He offered no further comments on the allegations. The revelation that Bond benefitted financially from the deal came to the fore after GLASS Holdings Inc., the recipient, attempted to pay lease fees for lands it had acquired on the East Bank of Demerara. Documents seen by Kaieteur News revealed that approximately 20 acres of land situated at Peter's Hall, East Bank Demerara was leased by NICIL to registered company ARKEN Group Inc. NICIL, per the lease agreement presented ARKEN with four plots – (continued on page 23)
Thursday October 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 15
PAGE 16
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 29, 2020
Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton (centre) and the graduates from the heavy-duty equipment operator course held in Mahdia, Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight).
26 Mahdia youths graduate from heavy-duty equipment operator training
M
inister of L a b o u r , J o s e p h Hamilton, congratulated 26 graduates from the Ministry's six-week heavyduty equipment operator training held in Mahdia, Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight). At the closing ceremony on Tuesday, the Minister said the programmes will be expanded in 2021. “There will be programmes like technicians for solar panels, so that people in the region can maintain and repair solar panels. We want to do small engine repairs, mechanics and several ICT programmes,” he said. The Ministry will also be engaging business persons within the region to ensure that graduates can secure jobs. “We will assist the business community to embark on apprenticeship programmes. We will fund the training and they will get the staff and it will save them the time to go and look for staff who will need training. That is a package we are thinking about, among other things. It's a good initiative to create conditions regarding work after training,” Minister
Hamilton said. The graduates were also urged to form Co-operative (Co-op) societies, which will be managed by the Co-ops Department within the Ministry. “We will do everything to guide you, to have you registered. We will do the necessary training so you can run a business or a Co-op whether in accounting or financing or marketing. When this Co-op is formed, you can market your skills and set up in the community a heavy-duty operator Co-op,” the Minister said. Meanwhile, 24-year-old graduate, Onecia Cooper, who is a Senior Meter Reader at the Guyana Power and Light in Mahdia, said the training was one, which she never thought she could pursue, but was very elated after completing the course. “Many young ladies would say this training is for men and would prefer teaching, cooking or catering, but anything is possible even for a girl, and if I did it, they definitely can. It was a bit challenging like everything else, but with the support from my colleagues and the instructor, at the end of the day, it all went well,” Cooper said. (DPI)
Thursday October 29, 2020
JetBlue to start New York flights from December 11
L
ow-cost JetBlue on Tuesday announced a revised launch timeline for new nonstop service between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Georgetown, Guyana's Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO). According to the carrier, which is known for low fares, flights will initially operate up to four times weekly on JetBlue's new Airbus A321neo aircraft beginning December 11, 2020 with seats available for purchase starting yesterday. The flights will be in addition to those of Eastern Airline and Caribbean Airlines on the high-demand New York to Georgetown route. With the Government of Guyana announcing a relaxation of the restrictions of commercial flights because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the start of the flights from JetBlue would be a signal of that airline's confidence to opening up of airports. “JetBlue is a leading airline in Latin America and the Caribbean and we remain committed to expanding our route map to Guyana as demand returns and border restrictions ease across the region,” said Andrea Lusso, Vi c e P r e s i d e n t r o u t e planning. “Guyana service introduces a diverse and underserved destination to the JetBlue route map, and a very important one for New York City. Our nonstop service will benefit a variety of travellers – especially those visiting friends and relatives – and provide our industry-leading experience to travellers this holiday season.” According to JetBlue, just five hours from New York by air, Georgetown serves as the gateway to Guyana. JetBlue's newest route will also connect New York's Guyanese American community – the largest in the U.S. – with the capital city, making the connections between friends and family easier and closer than ever. “Guyana becomes the fourth country in South
America JetBlue serves and grows the airline's presence in the Caribbean and Latin America to nearly 40 destinations. The new nonstop flights between New York City and Georgetown will be made possible by the A321neo's extended range and fuel efficiency.” JetBlue A321neo aircraft feature the Collins Meridian seat – which is the widest seat available for the single aisle Airbus family of aircraft – with enhanced cushion comfort, adjustable headrests, power connections at every seat and the most legroom in coach. “In-flight entertainment is powered by Thales AVANT and ViaSat-2 connectivity. With this system – featuring 10.1 inch, 1080P high definition screens, more than 100 channels of live television with DVR-like pause and rewind functionality, picture-inpicture function and more – JetBlue offers customers expanded entertainment choices in nearly every region the airline flies,” the low-cost carrier said in its statement. The A321neo – the newest aircraft type to join JetBlue's growing fleet of more than 250 aircraft – boasts a 20% increase in fuel efficiency, which supports some 500 nautical miles of extended range. “The longer-range flying capabilities of the A321neo open up a host of new markets which JetBlue's existing fleet could not serve with nonstop flights. Each JetBlue Airbus A321neo is powered by two Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, which produce a smaller noise footprint and lower operating costs.” JetBlue initially announced the new route between New York City and Georgetown in September 2019, but temporarily paused the sale of seats and adjusted the launch schedule in response to changes in global travel demand. JetBlue describes itself as based in New York and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 17
JetBlue said it is putting one of its newest planes, the Airbus A321neo aircraft, on the Guyana route, starting December 11
PAGE 18
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 29, 2020
Thursday October 29, 2020
Dem boys seh libel case…
Berbice Bridge deal favours smaller investors over NIS - Brassington admits
F
ormer Head of the N a t i o n a l Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited, (NICIL), Winston Brassington, has admitted that the Berbice Bridge deal favours smaller investors over the stated- owned, National Insurance Scheme(NIS)—its largest investor. Brassington made this disclosure while under crossexamination in the libel trial against Kaieteur News over the “Dem Boys Seh,” articles which he claims contained o ff e n s i v e , d e f a m a t o r y content against him. According to him, the reference in the article to “that fat crook Brazzy” in the satirical column of the newspaper meant and was understood to mean that the newspaper and its editor sought to convey that he as NICIL's head was “dishonest, had been guilty of criminal activity and corrupt practices” in the conduct of his work in a number of projects including the award of a road construction contract for US$18M in the first phase of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project. The former CEO was called again to the witness stand for a continuation of the libel trial before Justice Navindra Singh at the Georgetown High Court yesterday. During the hearing, Brassington was questioned intensely about his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NICIL in several major transactions by the State including the establishment of the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated. Attorney for Kaieteur News, Nigel Hughes, confronted the witness with a series of enquiries over his involvement in the procedures that led to the sale of several valuable State assets including sale of the Sanata Texile Complex; the disposal of plots of prime State lands on the East Coast; the contracts for the Amaila Falls Hydro project; the transfer of major shares of local telecommunications giant GTT to a company based in Hong Kong; and the development of the lands in
Former NICIL head, Winston Brassington the controversial Pradoville Two Housing Project, which were sold below market value. While he admitted to having some involvement in the transactions as the head of NICIL-- the Privatisation Unit implicated in the sale, Brassington told the court that he could not recall the details of those transactions. In response to queries about his role in the structuring of the Berbice Bridge Company, and its sale of its dividends, Brassington admitted that he had formed the company. He revealed too that the structure, he used to form the company allocated different levels of protection for its investors. “Which institution provided the most money for the Bridge?” Hughes asked. “NIS,” the witness hesitated before responding. In a follow response to the suggestions by the lawyer, Brassington admitted too that that the investment by NIS was not more secured than any of the other private investors. He shied away from answering any questions about the deferral of payment of dividends to NIS. He told the court that he could not recall the details of that arrangement. Hughes then advanced suggestions about the sale of the Sanata Texile Complex a prime commercial p r o p e r t y, w h i c h w a s transferred to private owners. “The acquisition of the Sanata Complex by Queens (continued on page 21)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 19
PAGE 20
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 29, 2020
Thursday October 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
Berbice Bridge deal favours smaller investors ... From page 19 Atlantic Investment Inc. came under your purview as head of NICIL?” “Yes,” replied the witness. “Do you recall the valuation price before it was sold,” the lawyer said, suggesting that the property was sold at a price below market value. “I don't recall,” Brassington said before explaining that that the properties were evaluated by both the government and private evaluators before it was sold. Asked about the tender process or whether the sale of the complex was advertised and put to tender by the National Procurement Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Brassington said that he also could not recall those details. Further in response to questions about lands disposed of by NICIL; the witness claimed that the transactions had more to do with the NICIL's Board and Cabinet rather than NPTAB. “It was a subject for the board of NICIL to decide and Cabinet to approve,” he said. “But you gave your recommendation on these transactions?”asked Hughes. “The recommendation was for the highest bidder to be awarded,” explained the witness. “So funds generated by NICIL were required to be paid to the State?” Hughes asked.
“No,” Brassington said firmly. The lawyer then turned his attention to NICIL's sale of GTT shares. “As CEO of NICIL, you were responsible for the sale of GTT shares?”Hughes enquired from Brassington. “Yes,” replied the witness before acceding to the suggestion that the shares were placed on the open market for tender. “NICIL was able to obtain a buyer? As CEO, you did due diligence on the process of the sale to this company located in Hong Kong?” Hughes enquired. “I can't recall the specifics,” the witness responded. “The sale of lands at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara for the Pradoville Two project NICIL was a part of that issue?” the lawyer went on to ask. To which, Brassington initially denied but later admitted that NICIL invested in the development of Pradoville Two because its subsidiaries had an interest in the project. The lawyer then asked the witness whether the investment in the land development was in keeping with the NICIL's constitutional mandate.To which, Brassington said that he could not recall. The witness also distanced himself in regards to the Amaila Falls Hydroproject, claiming he was
not responsible for that deal. Meanwhile, earlier in the trial, Brassington faced questions about the alleged offensive nature of the Dem Boys Seh article titled “…Brazzy suit can mek bed sheet fuh Dharm Shala.” Asked whether he regarded the article as news or satire, the witness told the Court that since the information was in the newspaper, he regarded it as news. Asked if he found criminal offence inferred or implied by the words of the article “Brazzy, that fat crook, think that dem boys is li'l babies. He trying fuh put pacifier in dem mouth by filing not one, not two, but 13 lawsuits against dem,” the witness responded in the affirmative. He however, could not give an example of the criminal offence implied or inferred. The lawyer questioned whether the witness had suffered any loss as result of the articles published in Kaieteur news on July 30, 2014. Brassington had initially stated that he did not suffer any loss of employment or money but later claimed that the articles which sought to paint him in a bad light, contributed to a loss of “potential employment opportunities,” overseas. The witness however provided the court with no evidence of the alleged loss of potential job opportunities.
PAGE 21
PAGE 22
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 29, 2020
Son of Citizenship Initiative’s Rhonda Lam, commits suicide
VACANCY
SERVICES Repairs,Services,Spares to Wa s h i n g M a c h i n e Refridgetor Store, Treadmill, Deepfryer,Cooler, Dryer, Grains mill.Call:#694-9733 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 6105846 or 661-8158 House plan to drawn.Estimate K.Lakeram Building contractor. Call us on 216-0671/692-8464 or whatsapp us on 622-0267.
FOR SALE 1 Volks Wagen Touran. Contact 691-1161
CAR RENTAL AIDAN'S CAR RENTAL & T O W T R U C K SERVICE:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE#6987807.
TO LET Rooms in Albertown appartment in Eccles. Call# 225-3234 PROPERTY FOR SALE 3- Story Building Located lot 1486 Plot B Herstelling E.B.D Tel#609-3777, 697-4557, 6413893, 686-0522 2 -Story Building Located Lot 1488 Parfate Harmany 16M Negotiable Tel#641-3893, 6860522, 609-3777, 697-4557 EDUCATION To meet British Embassy concerning international story. Type in Nazim Isaac on Youtube. Call 223-4246.
LEARN TO DRIVE N.Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square.Affordable Package.Call#644-5166/6912561/681-2808.
GR TAXI. CALL: 24 HRS 219-5000 227-2100 225-7878 227- 1982
Vacancy for male / female worker.Serious inquiries only. Tel#: 615-7784 or 621-6969 Receptionist ages 30-45. Located at 233 South Road. Call# 225-0195 Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call # 6159132 Immediate vacancy exists for male workers to work shifts @ Del Ice Co.Call :#231-1408/ 642-9191 Office Assistant 5 Subjects cxc, 2 years min experience, Lot 8 sheriff street mimadecor12@gmail.com, 227-0176/ 86 One (1) Part-time truck driver. Apply at: Lens, 136 Sherrif Street, C/Ville. Tel: 227-2486 Store assistant, must be computer literate. Send applications to Jordan's Auto Parts, 16 High & Broad street. Sales persons at ARK Enterprise/The container house. Apply in person with written application. Security Officers to work, preferably ex army, police or disciplined services.Age 2440.Contact#609-8184/6396648. Experienced Barbeque Chef/ Pit Master to work weekends. Call 626-6722
The 15-year-old-son of Rhonda Lam, former Presidential Candidate for the Citizens Initiative Party, allegedly took his own life yesterday around 14:45hrs at his Triumph, East Coast Demerara home. The teen, Ahren Singh, lived with his mother, father and three siblings. An official police report stated that around 06:30hrs yesterday, his father, who is an Enforcement Officer at the Guyana Revenue Authority, left for work, leaving the teen with his family. His mother later went to work, leaving the teen and his siblings with their babysitter. The deceased’s father had a licensed firearm with matching rounds stored on top of a built in closet in his bedroom, which is situated on the lower flat of their house. One of his sisters told police that she was in her room when the dead teen came and
From page 6 Yellowtail-1 discovery. Redtail-1, the 18th discovery on the Block, encountered approximately 232 feet of high quality oil bearing sandstone and is located 1.5 miles northwest of the Yellowtail discovery. It was in light of these discoveries that the estimate of gross discovered recoverable resources on the Block was increased to approximately nine billion barrels of oil equivalent resources. Hess, which has a 25 percent stake in the Block, is
FOR RENT
One large spacious apapartment for rent in Diamond New scheme, $45,000. Tel#604-2431 Semi-furnished - single, working/studying males. Atlantic Ville. $16,000 to $ 17,000. Call# 225-0168/226-3087, Monday Friday, 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM. Bottom apartment for rent. Call# 659-7108 One bedroom apartment to rent, preferably a working couple. No kids / No parking
The deceased teen. that an investigation into the teen’s alleged suicide is underway. His death was met
with widespread shock from many on social media platforms.
Stabroek oil Block reserves increase to 9 billion barrels
Mason,Carpentors and Labourers. Contact# 6238300 (Between 9am - 4pm)
Unfurnished 2 bedroom house in Pineapple street, East Ruimveldt. Tel# 2252737. Furnish apt one bedroom,two bedroom, three bedroom, providence and diamond Tel# (246) 2302815 / 682-6238 / +1(246) 2691062 Furnished one and two bedroom apartments in Bel Air Park. Call : 225-4708
handed her a note then went back to his room. She stated that upon receiving the note, she decided to follow him to his room where she saw him reaching into a haversack to take out the firearm. He subsequently closed the door and shortly after, she heard a gunshot. It was stated that she went downstairs to their babysitter to tell her what occurred and the matter was reported to the police. The police arrived at the scene, and upon inspecting the body, it was found that the teen had a gunshot wound at his left side temple and an exit wound on the right side of his head. They recovered the firearm that was next to his hand as well as a spent shell and a warhead. A doctor also visited the home to examine the body and upon being pronounced dead, he was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home. The police said
Sales Clerk to work in Georgetown. Age 25-45 .Must have 5 CXC Subjects Call #:225-9026/27 Fuel pump technician. Contact 223-5273/74 Experienced Cashier, Roti/ Puri Cook, Sweet Meat Maker, Kitchen Assistant. Apply Hack's Halaal with application. Puri Roti Cooks. Apply at Shanta's, 225 Camp & New Market Sts. One sales person. Call # 6807402 Skilled mason to work, $7000 per day. Tel#693-9999 Mature experienced female for live-in, strong knowledge of creole foods, secondary education graduate.Tel# 656-9313 / 695-6550
happy to benefit from the world-class quality of oil, very low breakeven rates, and a lopsided production sharing agreement (PSA) which favours it and its partners. Turning his attention to the corporation’s net production from the Liza Field, which commenced in December 2019, Hess said that this averaged 19,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) in the third quarter of 2020. During the third quarter as well, Hess said that the operator Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited continued work to complete the commissioning of the natural gas injection sys-
tem that should enable the Liza Destiny floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) to reach its capacity of 120,000 gross bopd in the fourth quarter. With regard to Phase Two of the Liza Field development, which will utilize the Liza Unity FPSO with an expected capacity of 220,000 gross bopd, Hess said that this remains on target to achieve first oil by early 2022. The CEO also reminded that Hess had made the final investment decision to proceed with development of the Payara Field on the Stabroek Block after the development
plan received approval from the government of Guyana. Payara will utilize the Prosperity FPSO, which will have the capacity to produce up to 220,000 gross bopd and will target an estimated resource base of approximately 600 million barrels of oil. First oil is expected in 2024. Ten drill centers are planned with a total of 41 wells, including 20 production wells and 21 injection wells. Excluding presanction costs and FPSO purchase cost, the Corporation’s net share of development costs is forecast to be approximately $1.8 billion.
Thursday October 29, 2020
YOUMAN NABI MESSAGES PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY Its significance has benefits for all of mankind on the occasion of Youman Nabi, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) wishes to extend greetings and best wishes to all Guyanese, more particularly, our brothers and sisters of the Muslim communities both here in Guyana and overseas. Youman Nabi is a very sacred occasion to Muslims across the world since it marks both the birth and death anniversaries of Islam’s Holy Prophet Mohammad, (OHBP). Its observance allows for worship and reflection on his exemplary life and inspiring teachings. The messages that are associated with Youman
Nabi, offer guidance to all of mankind and are invaluable to the realization of universal peace and togetherness thereby enabling opportunities for forgiveness. Youman Nabi, like other national observances, is invaluable to the promotion of unity through participation and increases the potential for the building of tolerance which is vital to the realization of national harmony. This will take a collective effort and will redound positively for our country. Cognizant of the teachings of the Holy Prophet (OHBP), the PPP also believes that the occasion of Youman Nabi allows for the renewal of mindsets to follow
the path of virtue and peace as epitomized in the religion of Islam. All are therefore urged to use the occasion for meaningful reflection, for spiritual advancement and to heed the many lessons of humility, contentment, respect and love among mankind. Our Party is also aware of the impact the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has on events associated with national observances. The Party is confident that, despite the challenges, the spirit and significance that Youman Nabi embodies will remain vibrant and relevant to our personal and collective development. Once again, best wishes.
GUYANAAGRICULTURALAND GENERAL WORKERS UNION The GAWU extends greetings to all Guyanese but, especially, to the Islamic community, on the sacred occasion of Youman Nabi.The Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (On whom be Peace) birth is commemorated on the occasion of Youman Nabi. It is a day when Muslims and non-Muslims recall his life and labours and reflect on his total obedience to God as evinced in his ideals, teachings and service to humanity. The Holy Prophet (On whom be Peace) taught by example. He preached mutual
understanding and respect. He showed compassion, kindness and love towards others. These virtues strengthen human relations and foster happy households, happy families and happy communities. The Holy Prophet’s (On whom be Peace) exemplary life of working together to build a gentler more genial world – characterized by the values of compassion and grace and in which differences are respected – should be contemplated by all Guyanese, on this sacred day.
ETHNIC RELATIONS COMMISSION The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends greetings to all Guyanese, particularly the Muslim community, in observance of Youman Nabi; the birth and death anniversary of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). The ERC notes, that the public holiday, reflects the embedded Guyanese tradition of nationwide recognition of auspicious observances within the major religions. It overwhelmingly supports the nurturing and continued advancement of the religious diversity, which exists in our
multi-faceted society. The Commission also urges that the significance of Youman Nabi be reflected upon, through its pertinent messages for all humanity. The observance of this auspicious occasion will serve to reinforce, among Muslims and the wider world, the teachings of the Holy Prophet, which centuries after, remain relevant today and continue to be an inspirational guide to all.The Holy Quran refers to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) as a mercy to mankind. Love and respect for
each other and the practice of Islam’s major tenets leading ultimately to spiritual elevation, are among the teachings of the Holy Prophet to reform mankind’s behaviour and the acceptance of God and his commandments.The ERC firmly believes that in heeding those lessons, mankind will be better positioned to free itself from traits that serve to hinder unity and harmony. The ERC reminds all as well, to take the necessary steps to remain safe from COVID-19 during this national observance.
Russia approves bill allowing national law to trump international treaties MOSCOW - (Reuters) Russia’s parliament approved a bill yesterday that would give national legislation precedence over international treaties and rulings from international bodies in cases when they conflict with the constitution.The bill’s approval is likely to spark concern among rights advocates in Russia. Every year hundreds of Russians appeal to the European Court of Human Rights seeking justice that they say they have been denied at home.The State Duma,
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
Russia’s lower house of parliament, said in a statement that lawmakers had voted to approve the bill, originally proposed by President Vladimir Putin, in a third reading.It said the country’s legislation would have a “provision stating that the decisions of interstate bodies ... contradicting the constitution of the Russian Federation are not subject to execution in Russia”.To come into force, the bill still needs to be approved by the upper house of parliament and signed by
Putin, but it is not expected to be challenged.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said all of Russia’s obligations under international treaties remained in force and that Moscow remained fully committed to international law. Putin first proposed the reform during his state-of-thenation address in January. Russia this year adopted sweeping constitutional changes that will allow Putin to run again for president twice when his current term comes to an end in 2024.
Trump administration sets record low limit for new U.S. refugees (Reuters) - The Trump administration has slashed the number of refugees it will allow to resettle in the United States in the coming year, capping the number at 15,000, a record low in the history of the country’s modern refugee programme. President Donald Trump finalized his plan in a memo overnight and said the ceiling for fiscal 2021, which started this month, includes 6,000 unused placements from last year “that might have been used if not for the COVID-19 pandemic.” The Republican president, seeking re-election on Nov. 3, has taken a hard line toward legal and illegal immigration, including sharply curbing refugee admissions every year since taking office in 2017. In his statement, Trump
said any new refugees this year should be placed by the U.S. State Department in parts of the country open to hosting them. “Newly admitted refugees should be placed, to the maximum extent possible, in States and localities that have clearly expressed their willingness to receive refugees” and “resettled in communities that are eager and equipped to support their successful integration into American society and the labour force,” Trump said. Critics say that Trump has abandoned a longstanding U.S. role as a safe haven for persecuted people and that cutting refugee admissions undermines other foreign policy goals. Trump’s Democratic rival and former Vice President Joe Biden has pledged to raise refugee admissions to 125,000
a year if he defeats Trump, although advocates have said the programme could take years to recover. Tens of thousands of refugees have applications in the pipeline for the United States, even as increased vetting by the Trump administration and the novel coronavirus have slowed arrivals for the 2020 fiscal year, which had an 18,000 quota. Trump’s 2021 plan allocates 5,000 slots for refugees facing religious persecution, 4,000 for refugees from Iraq who helped the United States, and 1,000 for refugees from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, leaving 5,000 for others. It bans refugees from Somalia, Syria and Yemen except in cases of “special humanitarian concern,” citing terrorism risk.
AG Anil Nandlall, attorney-at-law Timothy ... From page 11 moved to the High Court to challenge President David Granger's appointment of four Senior Counsel. The attorney-at- law, who is also Chairman of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), said he was seeking an Order of Certiorari to be directed to the Attorney General to quash the decision by the then Presi-
dent to appoint Attorneys-atLaw Jameela Alli, Roysdale Forde, Mursalene Bacchus and Stanley Moore as Senior Counsel (S.C). Jonas was contending that the President, in making the appointments, acted ultra vires or outside the realm of his functions. In the grounds of his application, the lawyer stressed
that the status of SC is fundamentally important to legal practitioners. The attorney explained that there is no statutory or
other power conferred on the President of Guyana whether as President or otherwise, to make any such decision to appoint attorneys-at-law to the dignity of Senior Counsel.
PNCR distances self from Bond From page 14 'A1', 'A2', 'A3' and 'A4' being a portion of 5.8 acres, along with three 5.0 acres plots of land at Plantation Peter's Hall. The company lists Jermaine Richmond as the principal and Managing Director with the address listed as 34 Third Street, Alberttown, Georgetown. Kaieteur News understands that Richmond is or was at some point employed by Bond. The 20-year lease agreement signed on May 9, 2019 – less than six months before, part of the land, A3 and A4 was sold to GLASS – stipulated that ARKEN pay a lease fee of US$16,224 plus annually with no restrictions
given – which meant that the company could sell or rent the lands to third parties as it pleased. It should be noted that it was Bond, not Richmond or ARKEN Inc., that is listed as the beneficiary of two direct bank transfers as payment for the lands. The first on October 15, comes five days after the date of the Agreement of Sale and was for US$195,000. The second, on November 21, a week after the POA/Deed of Assignment, was for $757,800. Both statements listed the beneficiary name as James Bond, an account number and an address, 34 Third Street, Alberttown, Georgetown.
PAGE 24
Thursday October 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
Prime State lands giveaway… NICIL changed
clause to allow sub/lease or sale - AG - SOCU, cops to investigate Guyana’s State Lands Act clearly stipulates that whenever State lands are leased, the lease agreement must indicate that the lessee “SHALL NOT” part with lands (possession) or “SHALL NOT” assign the interest in the said agreement without the consent of the State. It states too that in the event that there is going to be a transfer to a third party, the State reserves to right to step in and repossess the lands, reverting ownership back to the State. However, that very clause was altered in a large number of National Industrial & Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) lease agreements currently at the center of investigations concerning the largescale giveaway of prime State lands located at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara. In reviewing the lease agreements in contention, Guyana’s Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, pointed out that the lease was altered to say that “the the lessee may di-
vest the land, may part with possession, may assign it to a third-party interest” – an insertion that saw hundreds of prime lands being resold and transferred with the State acquiring zero revenue from the transactions. According to the AG, “These are lands that are valued millions of US dollars and have been gifted away by leases and or by title for pepper corn consideration meaning nothing compared to what they are actually valued.”“When you look at other NICIL leases, that clause is different, differently worded, its worded in the proper way, it’s supposed to be ‘may not without the permission of the lessor’, and herein lies the conspiracy,” the AG explained. Both NICIL and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), the AG added, were used as the platform to give away state property “in the most capricious, the most arbitrary and the most non-transparent manner.” With the ongoing review, the AG said, several integral
facts that should be on record are nowhere to be found. According to Nandlall, there was no due process involved in the awards of the lands. He said, “There is no public process whereby members of the public would have been invited to either express an interest or put in a bid or make an offer to buy lands, none at all. So one does not know how the persons who actually benefited became aware that the lands were available for divestment.” In addition to this, the AG pointed out that there was no evidence of principle governing how the prices for the lands were determined. He noted too that there was no valuation certificate on record or no market value assessment “so, one does not know how a particular price was arrived at for these lands.” “There appears to be no principles governing how much will be paid down and when the balance will be paid,” the AG continued “because you have lands that are valued $600 million, that’s the purchase price – how they
arrived at the purchase price remains a mystery – but $500,000 is paid down and possession is given to the purchaser. There are cases where not a single cent is paid down and title is granted to the purchasers. That is the extent of the whim, caprice and, I daresay, corruption that permeates these transactions.” Even worse, the AG noted, the lands were divested from the original recipient to third parties. Further, the AG added that the transactions speak to “organised crime.” “If this is not wrongdoing then I am not sure,” he said, adding, “I cannot imagine how a person can pay US$11,000 which by itself is a
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall.
great undervalue for the land and that’s a shell company for all we know and the lease is altered and does not reflect the standard provisions in state land leases which allows strangely or coincidentally the lessee to divest and the lessee divest and does not divest for more but for $100.
Obviously, you have money laundering implications, you have fraud.” Thousands of files, Nandlall said have been passed to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ensure that the guilty parties are brought to justice.
13 new COVID-19 cases recorded from 215 tests
Over 900 teachers brainstorm reopening schools for CSEC, CAPE students
A
s the Ministry of Education (MOE) continues its consultations with teachers of students set to write the 2021 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), over 900 teachers have been engaged so far. The discussions were spearheaded by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, and within the past three days teachers from Regions One, Two, Four, Five, Six, Eight, Nine and 10 would have been engaged virtually via the ZOOM application. The main purpose of the engagements is to discuss plans for the reopening of schools for examination students with teachers in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also sought to hear teachers’ concerns and suggestions. This was announced by the MOE in an official statement issued yesterday. In one of the discussions, the Education Minister stressed to teachers that the two examinations are controlled by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) so Guyana has to ensure systems are in place which allows
students to be prepared. The preparation includes the completion of the Syllabi and School-Based Assessments (SBAs) which requires keen attention and physical classes, hence the Ministry reopening of schools for the examination students. Further, a teacher from the Corentyne Comprehensive High school, during a discussion, expressed that though she has been able to reach many of her students, many have not had a good attendance for their ZOOM classes. Some of these students, the teacher said, have internet access but still aren’t attending scheduled classes. Thus, she expressed that reopening school is the only solution as their SBAs have to be completed and as more effort is made when they are present in a classroom. Most of the teachers were in agreement with the re-
opening, lamenting that the face-to-face conduct will make their job significantly easier. Also present at the discussions was Assistant Chief Education Officer (CEO) for Secondary, Ameer Ali, who told the teachers that the MOE will be assessing what stages stu-
dents are at in their (SBAs) and Internal Assessments (IAs) so that they can develop a special plan for each school or a group of schools. This plan will assist students in their SBAs within CXC’s given timeframe, according to the Assistant CEO. During the discussions, Minister Manickchand highlighted that Council has already started advertising registration dates for 2021
CAPE and CSEC students. She further explained that due to that, swift action needs to be taken to ensure that these students are prepared when CXC announces the examination dates. Manickchand contended that schools will be reopened eventually but how teachers are timetabled to attend school will be a decision made by their respective school administrations. If schools do not timetable teachers, only then will the MOE intervene. She also disclosed that care packages, which will include sanitization materials, masks and other similar supplies will be distributed to these teachers. Additional sinks and toilets are also being installed for the schools’ reopening.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) yesterday announced that 13 new COVID-19 cases were recorded from 215 tests conducted. The newly recorded cases take the total number of confirmed cases to 4,074. The new cases were reflected in the MOH’s daily dashboard update which also shows that nine persons are in the COVID-19
Intensive Care Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation; 95 are in institutional isolation; 762 are in approved home isolation; and 27 are in institutional quarantine. The COVID-19 death toll currently stands at 123 and a total of 3,083 recoveries have been recorded to date, according to the dashboard.
Thursday October 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 25
DPP to correct fiat for attorneys to prosecute Lawrence, Mingo and Joseph T
he Office of the Department of P u b l i c Prosecutions (DPP) is expected to correct the fiat for the six attorneys-at-law who were selected to prosecute the persons accused of electoral fraud committed during the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections, and the events that followed. As the probe continues into the allegations of electoral fraud, the chairperson for People's National Congress, Volda Lawrence; Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, and A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) activist, Carol Joseph-Smith, yesterday morning made another appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts for the continuation of the matters against them individually and jointly. While speaking to reporters outside of the courthouse, attorney-at-law, Ronald Daniels, said that the intended prosecution, presented their fiat to the court that they received from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C.
APNU+AFC activist, Carol Joseph-Smith
Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo
Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C. giving them the legal permission to prosecute the trio. However, he added that when the document was presented to the court some issues were discovered and by the next court hearing November 21, 2020, the document is expected to be fixed and the statements of the witnesses in the matter are to be disclosed. The lawyer said, “The court observed that the fiat did not spell out in particular the different offences by way of the case jackets and case
jacket numbers that the DPP was granting permission to the prosecutors to prosecute. So the court invited that that be corrected before the prosecutors have any jurisdiction in the court.” According to Daniels, the prosecutor also invited the court to have the matters be heard summarily, which will allow the defendants to plead to the offence and the matter will be disposed in the Magistrates' Courts rather than being sent to the High Court. He highlighted that the court did not accept the
prosecution's invite since they do not have jurisdiction in the matter unless the fiat is corrected. Daniels said that the prosecution did not articulate if government
AG Anil Nandlall, attorney-at-law Timothy Jonas to be appointed Senior Counsel
T
he Office of the President (OP) yesterday announced that after consultation with Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Yonette Cummings OR, President Irfaan Ali will appoint Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, M.P. and Timothy Munro Jonas, as Senior Counsel with effect from tomorrow, October 30 2020. According to the OP, this was due to their “demonstrable knowledge of and learning in the law and on account of their exemplary erudition and diligence in the practice of the law and by virtue of their distinguished contributions to the growth and development of Guyana's jurisprudence and constitutional democracy”.
For silk: Attorney General, Anil Nandlall For silk: Attorney-at-law Timothy Jonas Nandlall is a two-time Attorney-General, and would have been a lead attorney-at-law for the ruling People's Progressive Party/Civic on a number of cases including for displaced
farmers. Jonas was a candidate for one of the new parties in the recent elections, taking the forefront in being outspoken about the attempts to rig the elections. Of course, he also made the news when in late July, it was announced that he has (continued on page 23)
PNC's Volda Lawrence Member of Parliament (MP), Sanjeev Datadin, is one of the six attorneys who were given permission by the DPP to prosecute the matter. He posited that when the fiat returns and Datadin's
name is on the fiat, they will be making objections, since it would be a conflict of interest. L a s t We d n e s d a y, attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes made objections to Datadin being a part of the fiat to prosecute his client, Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield. Police had announced last August that they will be conducting a comprehensive investigation into the criminal conduct of Lowenfield; the Returning Officer of Region Four, Clairmont Mingo; and others in relation to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and the events that followed. During the ongoing probe, several GECOM officials were arrested and put before the court for electoral fraud charges.
PAGE 26
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 29, 2020
Thursday October 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 27
PAGE 28
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 29, 2020
Thursday October 29, 2020
PAGE 29
Kaieteur News
I take my hat off to Hamilton, says old foe Rosberg London (Reuters) - Nico Rosberg hailed Lewis Hamilton’s record 92nd Formula One win and sporting longevity as a great achievement on Tuesday but said the way the Briton was using his platform to raise awareness for global issues was just as impressive. The 35-year-olds were team mates and fierce rivals at Mercedes from 2013 until the German won the 2016 title and immediately retired. Rosberg was also team mate to Michael Schumacher, whose record Hamilton broke in Portugal last Sunday, at Mercedes from 2010-12 after the Ferrari great had made a comeback. ”I have huge respect for what he’s managed to achieve,” Rosberg told Reuters after a launch for the Extreme E off-road electric
series that starts next year with both men entering teams. ”One thing is being at the level that he’s at, just a phenomenal driver, but then to stick in there and year-in year-out stay at that high level and be the guy to beat every year and still dominate, that’s just so hard. ”It surely will go down as one of the greatest sporting achievements in general, not only in Formula One, across all sports. I can just take my hat off to him.” Rosberg said he was also ‘super-proud’ of having beaten someone destined to become the most successful Formula One driver of all time. The German added that it was impossible to decide between Schumacher and Hamilton in terms of greatness and he would put them as equals.
”At the same time I think it’s really cool how Lewis is using his platform and awareness to do good in the world. He’s really looking forward, thinking about the future... I also have huge respect for that,” he added.
Thursday October 29, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you could complete a creative project that you've been working on for a while, Aries. You will be more than happy with the results and inspired to move on to big-
ger and better things. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Things seem to be returning to normal after the hectic pace of late, Taurus. Life has slowed down, and the energy is lower but more peaceful. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Have you been waiting for a letter or call from a business or romantic partner for a long time, Gemini? If so, you will probably receive it today. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your time finally seems to be your own, Cancer. There are probably no rush jobs to finish, no urgent phone calls to make, and no one looking over your shoulder. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A love relationship seems more stable than usual today, Leo. The security wraps itself around you like a blanket as you consider the events leading up to this new sense of commitment. VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22) Today you may not feel much like working, and you might even decide to play hooky from your responsibilities, Virgo. If you have nothing urgent to do, consider indulging this whim.
element for me, that we’re not just entertaining but we’re driving change. We’re using the platform to innovate technology, to raise awareness for example for climate change. ”It’s great to see Lewis following in my footsteps on the path to sustainability, which I have undertaken already since my retirement four years ago,” added the German. Rosberg said he and Hamilton, his team mate in
Nico Rosberg
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A community issue may come up today concerning you and your neighbors, Libra. Perhaps a virtual meeting will be held. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A new opportunity could come your way today, Scorpio. There's no promise or guarantee, but there is an indication that if you devote yourself thoroughly. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Have you wanted to take a certain online course or workshop, Sagittarius? If so, this is a good day to consider all the details, make some phone calls, or enroll. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Decisions regarding investments, savings, or other financial matters might need attention today, Capricorn. Don't panic. You're in the right frame of mind for this. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Have you and a friend been discussing the possibility of going into business together? If so, Aquarius, the two of you might want to have some serious discussions now about the nature. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Has a certain project been a drag for you lately, Pisces? Don't be surprised if today you get your second wind. You're looking at your tasks in a practical manner, your interest in them is up, and you're able to accomplish them quickly and efficiently with minimal stress.
”Amongst all this craziness of becoming the best of all time in Formula One, he still has capacity to think of the greater picture and that I respect maybe even more.” FIERCE RIVALS - Formula One’s only Black driver, Hamilton has been campaigning for racial justice and wearing a Black Lives Matter Tshirt when taking a knee before races. Last Sunday, in a television interview before the Portuguese Grand Prix, he wore a T-shirt protesting about police violence in Nigeria. A vegan, he has spoken out for animal welfare, pushed for a more sustainable sport and set up a commission to make motorsport more diverse. Extreme E, a series that aims to highlight the effects of climate change by racing in extreme environments, will be Hamilton’s first venture as a team owner. Rosberg said that, while neither man would be driving, they would still be fierce rivals but sharing a common sense of purpose. “I want to be in sustainable racing. I want to be in motorsport where the platform is being used to drive positive change,” said the co-founder of the annual Greentech festival in Berlin.”That is the most important and crucial
karting when they were 13 years old, would be just as determined to win. ”That’s the beauty of this. Our competitiveness here and our rivalry is actually the catalyst for positive change in this championship,” he said. “We hope that, as a result of the fascinating racing and challenges and rivalries, we can raise the awareness even more and have even more impact.”
PAGE 30
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 29, 2020
Imran Khwaja or Greg Barclay - who will the next ICC chairman be? ESPNcricinfo - The months of speculation are over and the contest for the ICC chairmanship is down to two men: New Zealand Cricket’s chairman Greg Barclay and the current interim ICC chairman Imran Khwaja. October 18 was the deadline to file a nomination for the position, and though a number of names were touted in the run-up, it’s not clear how many nominations were ultimately filed. Why does the ICC chairman matter - In the past, the ICC president - as the post was called earlier - used to be a symbolic role, with little power. Now, however, the chairman has far more authority and the post is an independent one. The chairman is no longer allowed to be a member of an individual board while being chairman,
and the primary responsibility is to grow the sport and take cricket forward. Why this election is important - The position was vacated in June by Shashank Manohar, who decided not to seek a third and final term, after being elected as the ICC’s inaugural independent chairman in 2016. Manohar was elected unanimously for a second term in 2018 by the ICC Board without an election. This time, though, the ICC Board failed to find a consensus candidate, necessitating the election. It is an important election because Khwaja and Barclay represent - broadly speaking - the two schools of thought of how international cricket should move ahead. Khwaja is of a camp that believes in an extra ICC event in the calendar, which will benefit those
members who depend heavily on ICC revenues. Barclay leans towards the thinking as do the Big Three - that bilateral cricket is more important and should take precedence over an extra ICC event. Those are two fairly divergent paths and the election will decide which of them cricket embarks upon. Is there a favourite? It’s difficult to say. Lawyers by profession, both Khwaja and Barclay are vastly experienced administrators and are both known for their balanced opinions. And both are popular on the ICC Board, which is where, ultimately, the votes will be cast. What do we know about Khwaja? A former president of the Singapore Cricket Association, Khwaja has sat on the ICC Board since 2008, first as a representative and then
Cardiff Half Marathon postponed until October 2021 due to coronavirus pandemic BBCsport - The Cardiff Half Marathon - already postponed from this October to next March - has been put back again. The next edition of the race will now take place on Sunday, 3 October 2021. Organisers had hoped to hold two half-marathons next year - the postponed event in March and then another as usual in October. However, they say rising Covid-19 cases and new lockdown restrictions mean it will not be possible to hold an event like this in March. The initial decision to move the race from October 2020 to March 2021 had been taken in June. The next two races will now be in October 2021 and October 2022. Organiser Run 4 Wales said it had been closely monitoring the ongoing coronavirus situation and the guidance issued by the Welsh and UK governments, whilst making arrangements to try and deliver a Covid-secure event in the spring of 2021 but that this
was no longer a viable possibility. Holding the Cardiff Half Marathon this autumn ‘really isn’t feasible’ ”We had watched with optimism over recent months as lockdown restrictions had eased and successful pilot events across the UK have demonstrated that it is possible to safely deliver massparticipation events,” said a statement announcing the latest postponement. ”It is now clear, however, against a backdrop of rising cases, freshly imposed lockdown restrictions and a turbulent winter period ahead that it will not be possible to deliver an event of this size and scale by March of next year.” Run 4 Wales now plans to deliver a number of smaller events with additional hygiene and social distancing measures in place, as it builds to the return of the Cardiff Half Marathon in October 2 0 2 1 . ”The health and safety of our
Leonard Langat won the 2019 Cardiff Half Marathon men’s race in a new record time
runners, volunteers, event team and the wider population is of the utmost importance to us. We have therefore been working closely with the Welsh Government and other mass participation event organisers across Wales and the UK to chart a safe return to events.” Since its foundation in 2003, the Cardiff Half Marathon has become the UK’s third biggest race after the London Marathon and the Great North Run. It typically sees more than £4m raised for charities and last year 27,500 runners and 100,000 spectators attended the race. The 2019 Cardiff Half Marathon saw men’s winner Leonard Langat from Kenya finish the 13.1 mile course in a new record time of 59 minutes 29 seconds. The Newport Wales Marathon has also been postponed twice. Originally scheduled for October 2020 and pushed back to October, that race will now go ahead on 18 April 2021.
as the chair of the Associate Members. In 2017 he was elected as the deputy chairman unanimously by the ICC Board. In June this year the ICC Board once again picked Khwaja to be the interim chairman after Shashank Manohar stepped down. Manohar was the ICC’s first independent chairman, elected in 2016. Khwaja was a staunch Manohar supporter and the pair, along with the support of the majority of the Board, rolled back the Big Three revamp of the ICC, in the process creating a slightly more equitable revenue-distribution model. Khwaja is expected to take forward the vision of the ICC as the more democratic and equitable structure envisioned by Manohar. And Barclay? Barclay joined the ICC Board in 2014, nominated by NZC as a director. In 2016 he was elected NZC chairman. Quietly spoken like Khwaja, Barclay is well respected among his fellow Board members. In 2019 when Manohar created a working group for reviewing the ICC’s governance, Barclay was one of its members (the CA chairman Earl Eddings sat as the head). In 2016 the NZC, led by Barclay (who is also the chairman of the International Rugby League), voted for the independent structure Manohar wanted the ICC to adopt, which allowed Indra
Nooyi, the former Pepsico chair, to be appointed as the first independent woman director on the ICC Board. Incidentally, NZC had supported the Big Three model in 2014, but that was under the stewardship of Alan Isaac, who was then the ICC president. Barclay said NZC did not need to be ashamed of its change of stance because it was a “pragmatic” decision taken with the commercial aspects of running the game in mind. How is the voting likely to go? Barclay has the backing of the Big Three comprising the BCCI, CA and the ECB along with his home board. Khwaja is expected to have the support some of the smaller boards, most notably the PCB, but it is understood the Associates might not support him. How will the election process work? As a first step, the ICC’s audit committee vets the nominations and declares the eligible contestants. The ICC’s directors are each allowed to nominate one candidate and nominees with the support of two or more directors are eligible to contest an election. The eligible candidates then share their individual manifestos with the ICC Board before the voting begins. How many votes are there and who can cast them? Only the current directors who sit on the ICC Board are allowed
to vote. That is 17 directors: 12 Full Members, three directors representing the Associates, and the ICC chairman, the ICC chief executive officer (Manu Sawhney) and the independent woman director in Indra Nooyi. The CEO does not have a vote. Both Barclay and Khawaja can cast a vote as both sit on the ICC Board. But Khwaja can cast just vote, as acting chair of the Associate Members and not as interim ICC Chairman. Hence this election will have 16 votes. That could come down to 15 depending on the status of Cricket South Africa at the time of voting. If CSA is being run by the government at the time, it will not be allowed a vote. How will the winner be picked? According to the ICC constitution the voting will need to take place via secret ballot. The winner will need a minimum two-thirds majority, or 11 of the 16 votes (10 if there are 15). A simple majority will not be enough. There is also the possibility of the voting not taking place at all in case the Board agrees upon one of the contestants as a consensus candidate. Any other possibility? In the scenario where there is no consensus and no clear winner after the voting (twothirds majority), it is understood the ICC Board has agreed that the interim chair Khwaja - will take charge as chairman for a period determined by the board.
Hamilton ready to drive change as Extreme E team owner London (Reuters) - Six times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton looked forward on Tuesday to driving change, and accelerating a push for diversity and sustainability, as a team owner when the Extreme E electric off-road series starts in March. The Briton will be up against some familiar faces, with former Mercedes F1 team mate and rival Nico Rosberg entering his own outfit while McLaren boss Zak Brown is involved in another. ”I’ve always wanted to have my own team, I just never knew when it would be,” Hamilton, who took a record 92nd Formula One win at Sunday’s Portuguese Grand Prix and is set for a seventh title, told a series presentation. ”When I heard about this I jumped right at it, because of what the series means, what the series is going to do. It’s going to be quite powerful, I think.” Extreme E aims to highlight climate change and
promote sustainability with races in some of the world’s most remote and harsh environments that are already suffering from global warming and pollution. The five races will be held in the Saudi Arabian deserts, Senegal, Greenland, Brazilian rain forest and Argentine glaciers of Tierra del Fuego, the latter replacing a planned round in the Nepalese Himalayas. ”It gives an opportunity for me to able to merge my love for motor racing together with my love for the planet,” said Hamilton. “It’s going to keep people talking about the climate issue and inspiring us to take action... to have a championship series that will address traditional ways of racing, and the negative impact motorsports does have on the planet, and offer an alternative.” Each team will have a male and female driver and Hamilton said his would also aim to provide opportunities for those from more diverse
Lewis Hamilton backgrounds. Series founder Alejandro Agag said having Hamilton and 2016 world champion Rosberg as rival team owners was a big boost for Extreme E’s profile and he expected both to attend races. “This puts the competition on a different level,” he told Reuters.”Having Lewis and Nico makes so much easier our job of raising awareness about the problems of climate change and pollution.”
Thursday October 29, 2020
PAGE 31
Kaieteur News
Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav put Mumbai Indians in sight of top-two finish ESPNcricinfo - A deathbowling masterclass from Jasprit Bumrah, followed by a rollicking unbeaten 79 from Suryakumar Yadav, ensured the Mumbai Indians became the first team to reach 16 points and all but secure their place in the playoffs. After being asked to bat, the Royal Challengers Bangalore,they rode on opener Devdutt Padikkal’s fifty to move to 129 for 2 in 15 overs. At that stage, they might have been eyeing a total in the range of 190, but Bumrah’s short-ball barrage in the slog overs, headlined by a double-wicket maiden, dragged them back to 164 for 6.In their reply, the Rohit Sharma-less Mumbai started briskly, with Quinton de Kock and Ishan Kishan putting on 37 in 33 balls. However, they lost 3 for 35 and when the promoted Krunal Pandya holed out for a run-a-ball 10, the Royal Challengers threatened to turn 107 for 4 into something more than a wobble. Suryakumar’s power and placement, though, thwarted the Royal Challengers’ plans
and ushered Mumbai home. The Padikkal-Philippe union - Josh Philippe, who had replaced Aaron Finch at the top, kept jumping across off with his Steven Smith-esque trigger movement and kept accessing the leg side like he owned it. He punched Bumrah past mid-on and Trent Boult over mid-on before stepping out and lofting Rahul Chahar over extra-cover. Then, when he attempted to hit Chahar over the same region, he swung harder, lost his shape, and was stumped for 33 off 24 balls. Padikkal, too, had shuffled around his crease to upset the lines and lengths of the seamers in the powerplay. He backed away outside leg, manufactured swinging room and boundaries off Boult and Krunal. James Pattinson made life easier for him by feeding short balls into his hips or pads. Padikkal ran away to his fourth fifth of the season - and his fastest when he forced Krunal through cover-point for four off his 30th delivery. Chahar beat the outside
edges of Philippe, AB de Villiers, and snagged Kohli’s, but was picked apart by Padikkal. The left-handed opener read his legbreaks, wrong’uns and clattered 33 off 15 balls from Chahar. Bumrah bash - After giving up a four to Philippe with the new ball, Bumrah returned in the 12th over and bounced out Virat Kohli for 9 off 14 balls. He also tested de Villiers with a rapid bouncer first-up, but the batsman managed to swerve out of the way. De Villiers then scooped and pulled Pattinson for boundaries, setting up for the deathovers charge. Kieron Pollard, the captain, however, took matters into his own hands and had de Villiers holing out off a high full-toss that dipped below the waistline. Bumrah then bashed hard lengths or shorter lengths again to dismiss Padikkal and Shivam Dube in a gamechanging double-wicket maiden. His final over was similarly unhittable, but it did cost five runs, as he finished with 4-1-14-3. The Royal Challengers finished with 164,
which would be 20 runs short, according to Kohli. The Suryakumar show Mohammed Siraj and the spinners, though, gave the Royal Challengers a fillip by producing early breakthroughs. Siraj dug one short and had de Kock toe-ending a catch. Then, it was Chahal who had Kishan toe-ending catch with a slow, wide legbreak. Saurabh Tiwary and Krunal, too, fell cheaply, as the asking rate ballooned towards 10. It was Suryakumar who pricked it with his wide range of strokes. Despite wickets falling around him, he coolly kept pinging the boundaries. He hit three fours in four balls off Steyn and meted out the same treatment to Siraj. Mumbai’s designated finishers - Hardik Pandya and Pollard - made only cameos on Wednesday. It was Suryakumar himself who finished it off with a four and strengthened Mumbai’s chances of a top-two finish. Mumbai Indians 166 for 5 (Suryakumar 79*, Kishan 25, Siraj 2-28, Chahal 2-37) beat
Suryakumar Yadav had an answer to everything the bowlers threw at him ©BCCI
Royal Challengers Bangalore 164 for 6 (Padikkal 74,
Philippe 33, Bumrah 3-14, Pollard 1-5) by five wickets.
FA launches diversity code to increase BAME and female representation BBCsport - Football clubs will be required to meet a recruitment diversity target of 15% in new executive jobs and 25% in coaching roles under a code devised by the Football Association. The Football Leadership Diversity Code aims to tackle racial inequality in the English game. It also hopes to increase the number of female coaches in women’s football. Paul Elliott, head of the FA’s inclusion advisory board, says the new code will “hold football to account”. At present, only five of the 92 Premier League and English Football League (EFL) managers or head coaches are BAME. Nineteen of the 20 Premier League clubs have agreed to the voluntary code so far, with Southampton the only exception. The Saints say they are “wholly supportive” of the code’s objectives but are waiting to see how it fits in with the Premier League’s own Advanced Equality Standard before revising their recruitment processes, which they say are the culmination of a “five-year equality and diversity journey”. More than 40 clubs have signed up in total, including sides from the EFL, Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship. In doing so, the clubs agree that: 15% of new executive appointments will be from a BAME background, with 30% fe-
male.- 25% of new coaching appointments will be BAME and 10% of senior coaching appointments. - 50% of new coaching appointments at women’s football clubs will be female, with 15% BAME. - Shortlists for interview will have at least one male and one female BAME candidate, provided applicants meeting the job specifications apply. - Former Chelsea and Aston Villa defender Elliott, who helped develop the code, told BBC Sport: “We want to create greater diversity in leadership positions. ”We are trying to modernise football so it stops relying on its ‘little black book’ and group of networks and actually give equal opportunities to those who are qualified. “This isn’t about tokenism, this is about equal opportunities. To be the same as everyone else. ”What really inspired me to create the code was a comment from Raheem Sterling, when he said he looks up to the directors and senior leadership and doesn’t see people like him. “Also Jermain Defoe. He’s had such a wonderful career and has thoughts about being a coach, but wonders whether it is worth getting qualified as he doesn’t think he will get a job. ”We’ve lost three generations of players who have been denied op-
portunities, we can’t lose a fourth.” The code was developed over a five-month consultation period, with Elliott speaking to a number of leading players in the men’s and women’s game, including Harry Kane, Tyrone Mings and Lucy Bronze, to ensure it is as diverse and inclusive as possible. Clubs will have to publish their diversity data each year and, should they not meet the requirements, give reasons why. Elliott is confident more clubs will sign up once they have seen the details and economic
benefits it will bring. ”This is a journey and based on initial conversations we have had,” he said. “So I’m sure post this launch they will see not just the social and human upside of the code but the economic benefits of a diverse workforce.”Football clubs are businesses, they want to be representative of their playing base and their fanbase. “Football owns this code, this is for the whole of football so it was important our consultation reflected that.”
Paul Elliott has been developing the new diversity code over the past five months in his role as head of the FA’s inclusion advisory board
PAGE 32
Thursday October 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
‘It’s A No-Brainer’ - Bruce in favour of Concussion substitutions in football The Gleaner - Neurologist Dr Carl Bruce says that substitutions in the event of concussion-related injuries would be beneficial to football to protect the health of players. His comments are in the context of the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) recommendation of trials for concussion substitutions starting in January for competitions that are interested in participating. The recommendation comes from the Concussion Experts Group (CEG) after their meeting on October 21, which included team doctors, medical concussion experts, and Laws of the Game experts. Bruce says that he agrees with such a framework to be implemented in football to minimise long-term effects of such injuries. “Even what we consider
to be minor concussions, they have a cumulative effect, and so in the neurosurgical committee, we have come to a conclusion that once you have a concussion, you should no longer be allowed to play that day. Because when you play having had a concussion, your brain is more vulnerable to a second concussion,” Bruce told The Gleaner. He says that athletes run the risk of cerebral (brain) swelling, or second impact syndrome, which occurs when the symptoms of an earlier concussion have not yet subsided. Additionally, he says that the culture of just ‘getting on with the game’ with such injuries can no longer be adopted. ”[We] would have grown up with players telling you to ‘Get up, shake it off, let’s go!’,” he said.
“But if you would have seen what happened in the NFL in the United States, and in boxing, the brain is most vulnerable at that time. Therefore, the concussion substitution would be highly recommended.” IFAB said on October 21 that although it is mindful of the limitations of the Laws of the Game regarding substitutions, “applying an ‘if in doubt, take them out’ philosophy would be the best solution to safeguard the health of football players.” The current laws allow for a maximum of three changes per game. However, that quota has been temporarily increased to five to accommodate congested schedules caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Most leagues and competitions have incorporated the measure.
Cricket SA brush off board crisis with announcement of season schedule BBCsport - Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced home tours for the men’s national team against England, Sri Lanka, Australia and Pakistan for the 2020-21 season, just a day after the CSA’s entire board resigned. CSA’s acting chief executive Kugandrie Govender also said the Proteas are looking to tour Pakistan for the first time in 14 years. The South African men’s team has not been in action since they beat Australia 3-0 in a home One Day International series in March. Cricket South Africa last week announced a home limited overs series against England that will feature three One Day Internationals and three Twenty20 matches from 27 November to 9 December. On Tuesday they announced they will also welcome Sri
South Africa played Australia in March in a home ODI series, the Proteas’ last international action before lockdown.
Lanka for two tests, in Pretoria (26-30 December) and Johannesburg (2-6 January). The matches against Sri Lanka, like those for the upcoming limited overs series against England, will be played without spectators because of Covid-19 restrictions. ”I would like to express my gratitude and thanks on behalf of CSA, to the boards of England, Sri Lanka, Australia and Pakistan for their agreement to these tours and assisting us in bringing the beautiful game to the South African public under the ‘new normal’ that Covid-19 has presented us,” CSA’s acting chief executive Kugandrie Govender said. Australia will arrive for three tests in February and March, with the exact dates and venues yet to be confirmed. It will
be the first Test series in South Africa for the Australians since the ball-tampering scandal of 2018 over which captain Steve Smith and batsmen David Warner and Cameron Bancroft received lengthy bans.Pakistan will play three ODIs and three T20s in South Africa in April, with the details of that trip still being worked out. CSA said they are also exploring the feasibility of touring Pakistan for the first time since 2007, which would likely be between the home Sri Lanka and Australia test series. A CSA delegation is scheduled to leave for Pakistan this weekend for a security assessment. Zimbabwe are currently in Pakistan for three ODIs and three T20 international matches, with those games to get under way on Friday.
Dunbeholden’s Andre Pryce and Tivoli Gardens’ Newton Sterling (front) come together during a duel for an aerial ball in their National Premier League game at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex on Sunday, October 20, 2019.
Bruce says that the proposed trials are necessary to acquire the necessary data to make informed and appropriate recommendations. “You always want to see how teams respond to it,” Bruce said. “You want to see whether or not people are following the protocols. You
want to see how the players who were substituted are doing. I think having a pilot trial is always good because you learn from it and refine the rules, so to speak.” Jamaica Football Federation General Secretary Dalton Wint said that he welcomes any measure that will ensure
the safety of players. “Anything that can help to safeguard players is something that I fully support and endorse,” Wint said. IFAB says that the proposal will be reviewed during their Annual Business Meeting in December “so that appropriate decisions can be taken”.
Vuelta a Espana: Primoz Roglic wins stage eight to gain time on leader Richard Carapaz BBCsport - Defending champion Primoz Roglic reduced the gap to race leader Richard Carapaz as he won the mountainous stage eight of the Vuelta a Espana. Jumbo-Visma’s Roglic moved from fourth to second in the overall standings as he cut the lead of runnerup, Ineos Grenadiers’ Carapaz, to 13 seconds. Britain’s Hugh Carthy finished fifth, dropping two places to fourth overall. The 26-year-old attacked with 5km to go on the demanding final climb, but could not live with Roglic’s late kick. Slovenian Roglic accelerated away to beat Ecuador’s Carapaz by 13 seconds, and the defending champion also took the 10-second winner’s time bonus at the finish, while Carapaz picked up a six-second bonus for coming second. Israel Start-Up Nation’s Martin, who is now third overall, finished six seconds behind Carapaz in third. The 164km stage from Logrono culminated in the gruelling ascent of the 8.3km-long category one Alto de Moncalvillo, which saw the riders climb a peak gradient of 15%. Roglic, 30, who wore the leader’s jersey for four days following his victory on stage one, countered an attack by Aleksandr Vlasov as Carapaz - who took the overall lead from Roglic on Sunday - fought to limit his rivals’ gains on the day to 17 seconds. Stage seven winner Michael Woods initially set up team-mate Carthy on the final climb but the Briton was eventually distanced inside the final 3km. Before the start of Wednesday’s stage, Roglic’s Jumbo-Visma team-mate Tom Dumoulin, who finished seventh overall at the Tour de France in September, abandoned because of fatigue, adding on Twitter that it made
Primoz Roglic lost the Tour de France on the final time trial to Tadej Pogacar in September “no sense” to continue. Stage nine of the shortened 18-stage race is a day for the sprinters, as the riders take on a flat 157km route from Castrillo del Val to Aguilar de Campoo. Stage eight result: 1. Primoz Roglic (Slo/ Jumbo-Visma) 4hrs 7mins 8secs 2. Richard Carapaz (Ecu/Ineos Grenadiers) +13secs 3. Dan Martin (Ire/Israel Start-Up Nation) +19secs 4. Aleksandr Vlasov (Rus/Astana) +25secs 5. Hugh Carthy (GB/EF Pro Cycling) + 3 3 s e c s General classification: 1. Richard Carapaz (Ecu/Ineos Grenadiers) 32hrs 31mins 6secs 2. Primoz Roglic (Slo/Jumbo-Visma) +13secs 3. Dan Martin (Ire/Israel Start-Up Nation) +28secs 4. Hugh Carthy (GB/EF Pro Cycling) +44secs 5. Enric Mas (Spa/ Movistar) +1min 54secs.
Thursday October 29, 2020
PAGE 33
Kaieteur News
Disappointed in not playing more games From page 29 Robinson’s youth career came when Guyana beat the West Indies U-19 which was led by Bajan Sherwin Campbell. Robinson, a brilliant fielder and a passionate ‘team-man’, played four games for Guyana in the Shell/Sandals Trophy Regional50-over tournament. He took 2-13 from four overs on his debut against the Leewards at Blairmont in 1994 before playing his final three games the next year. He finished with four wickets for 126 runs at an average of 31.72 and an economy rate of 5.72. Known as an all-rounder at club level for Malteenoes where he scored a century against Police, Robinson failed to do his batting ability justice, managing just seven runs from two innings. Robinson was born on June, 28, 1971 in Georgetown and played his cricket in the 1980s and mid-90s when the standard of club and Regional Cricket was very high. Robinson grew up on the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate on the West Coast Demerara with his mother Rosamund June Robinson and father George Leslie Grandison Robinson and is the eldest of three siblings; Grandison, Kenon (now deceased) and Katina Robinson. ”My dad was working at Demerara Distillers Limited and I spent my preteen years in Uitvlugt. It was a great lesson of growing up in a multi cultured environment on the estate, going to church just off the estate and going to schools in the area. I have treasured memories with families and friends while going to school there because we (Grandison and I) were among the very few black kids at Met-en-Meer Zorg Primary school. Things like playing marbles (Gam), hop-scotch, fishing and messing with cows and horses and then running for your life when they turned in your direction, were memorable childhood experiences” Robinson said with a chuckle. There was a playground and a swimming pool at the Estate so learning to swim became a must and as typical kids, things like racing to see who is the fastest runner and swimmer, helped in creating that desire to be the best” Robinson continued.Robinson, whose brother Grandison played Badminton for Guyana, started at Execeter’s Nursery before attending the Met-enMeer Zorg Primary school on the West Coast of Demerara. He then moved to the City and went to St. Margaret’s Primary School. After going to the Central High School he was transferred to St. Stanislaus College after one year. ”Sports was not big in School I was growing up on the West Coast and when I got to St. Margaret’s Primary, I was extremely intimidated by all the other kids, being the country boy. But I found my comfort zone in athletics. I remember when I got to 4th standard, I wanted to do anything athletic so for a brief period, joined the ballet team (all girls) because there was jumping” Robinson posited.
”My male friends laughed at me and did not let me be part of anything they were doing. So that ended as quickly as it started. Then came school sports where running and swimming were involved and that’s where I saw my opening and from there, got my true liking for sports and when cricket was brought in I was able to make the team” informed Robinson who played football, basketball, badminton and cricket at school.”My dad was a very good cricketer who accepted a scholarship to attend Queens College. He led a QC schoolboys’ team against an English touring team and was the first schoolboy to lead a team against a foreign touring team. I also remember us traveling to England when West Indies toured there. My aunt and uncle lived in Surrey and we would stay with them and watch cricket on the television, this was in the 1970’s. I wanted to be any one of the fast bowlers of that era and any of the great batsmen who took down teams with their aggressive and dominant approach. I had never seen that dominance from guys who looked like me and I fell in love with cricket.” Robinson stated.”It had to have been 1981 so I would have been 10 years old when I joined Malteenoes. I was at Central High School in Thomas Lands and the cricket field was always crowded with students playing every sport. The ball would be hit into the Malteenoes ground and it was a decision to leave the ball there because of a gutter that had to be crossed. I did one day and was on an actual cricket ground that looked like those you’d see on TV that fired my desire to want to belong to that club” said Robinson.Robinson made his first division debut in 1982 against GYO after he was the substitute fielder in the Case Cup team. “I was 12th man and with the game being played at DCC, rain fell on the East Coast where one of our players lived and thinking it was raining in Georgetown, was absent when the teams were declared. MSC’s Captain, Carl Armstrong, selected me for the game and I got 3-9 and will never forget that experience” Robinson said. Mr Claude Raphael was the President in 1984 when the MSC youth section was formed and Robinson was named Captain.”A group of us decided to ask the groundsman, Mr Abrahams (AB), if we could play on the corner because the school ground was crowded, he agreed and as more cricketers started coming over, he decided to start a junior programme and bought a book for us to register and my name was the first.” Robinson disclosed.”My years of U-16 was a great stepping stone because our team would win two innings games in one day. It taught me what it felt like working to get those victories with the tools we had and more importantly as a captain, that was my best memory of that era” Robinson. ”I was disappointed that I was not given the National U-19 Captaincy before because I felt that the captains I’ve had at Malteenoes like
Carl Armstrong, Linden Dodson, Orin Hudson, Nezam Hafiz and Neil Barry, all left strong traits and I knew I was ready.It so happened that 1990 someone was picked as captain but refused so I was the other option...I can still remember how angry I was and how many times I cried but nothing happens before it’s time” Robinson opined. Robinson’s most memorable moment playing for Guyana at the U-19 level was at Sabina Park in 1987. “I remember playing against Jamaica and you (this writer) and I bowling long spells, especially to Robert Samuels who was stuck in the in the 90s as we bowled lots of maidens. None of us wanted him to get that hundred off us. I remember after we struggled with the batting in the 1st innings and I fought hard to keep my wicket with pride. The moment that was satisfying to me was after the game, Jimmy Adams came into our dressing room and said he was happy to see how resilient I was in trying to put up a fight and that he had come to shake my hand...yes, a selfish moment in defeat but it felt good getting some “Bly” from a someone like him.” Robinson.”It was always that thing of knowing if you were among the top wicket-takers and making runs and always working hard at being the best in the field, I always thought that nothing’s going to stop you from kicking doors down, but that was not always the case.Malteenoes had been producing cricketers to represent Guyana at U-19 and senior levels. Being among a group that made national U-19team at 14 in 1986 and could not make the senior team until 5 years later, I felt mentally exhausted but determined to prove it was a mistake it didn’t happen earlier. Definitely I was disappointed in not playing more games. You feel like a sprinter where you work all year but you only get one opportunity to enter the big race. Similarly, there weren’t many opportunities other than one 4-day tournament and one limited overs tournament per year. To be able to feel you’re coming into your own and not getting the full break to do this felt frustrating” lamented Robinson. “At youth level we played the two innings format but I was only selected for the 50 overs format at senior level. Different styles and approach but the significant difference I found was now instead of coming up against guys trying to make the West Indies team, you’re now up against actual West Indies players and you had one chance to get it right” added Robinson.His most memorable moment at senior level was getting 2-13 on debut and winning the Semi Finals against Barbados the following year in Barbados. “Captain Carl Hooper kept me on… telling me the ball is mine and giving me lots of confidence even though the ball was wet, gripping and spinning was tough but he made me know that what I was doing was working and I deserved to be there, the most powerful feeling you can get from your captain” said Robinson who enjoyed bowling
more than batting. Robinson revealed that Carl Hooper and Andy Jackman were the best batsmen he has bowled to. “Hooper was able to hit you so effortlessly batting in the crease or using his feet while Jackman was the most complete batsmen I’ve seen. His anticipation when to use his feet is something only spinners can marvel how quick on his feet he was. ”The fastest bowler I faced would be between my 1st year of youth cricket and the Windwards at senior level. Going out to face Cleve Joseph and getting rocked in the helmet 1st ball, felt like a bullet hit me before I could go into the hook shot. Then against the Windwards, Cameron Cuffy gave me one so quick, it disappeared off the pitch to the top of my bat handle as I was caught at fine leg” said Robinson. Robinson migrated in 1995. “Didn’t seem like things were going to change and I am guilty of not feeling motivated to compete as hard as I would usually do to fight for a spot. I remember whenever I felt like my back was against the wall, my training became more intense because nothing was going to stop me from making a team. But I started to feel more like, I’ll be playing cricket in Canada as a pro so the fight was now in a different race. I remember Neil McGarrell coming along and me saying, this guy is really good...that’s like when a boxer getting knocked out starts to not wanna get hit, the fight’s taken out of him and not trying to discredit Neil because he was on another level at that time and deserved everything that came his way. Getting into the First-Class team would automatically qualify you for an English contract but fight was beaten out of me and I felt comfortable settling to be a pro in Canada” Robinson admitted. ”Coming here (Canada) and playing for two years before, part of our contract included working at different companies which could’ve been from easy work to fairly tough work. The change from being here playing cricket during the afternoons and weekends while working and doing social everyday things during the other parts of the days and nights made the transition not too difficult” added Robinson Robinson has been working with a Transportation Company for the
last 21 years but his cricket days were cut short after he was seriously injured on the job when he was almost squashed by two trains and now lives with herniated disks but lucky to be alive. ”I believe when we played, we were forced to work harder for the opportunities because they were so far and few, we knew it was go all out or we’d miss our chances and if we made that break through, we’re stuck in that limbo of holding on to something we were never prepared for by anyone or the very few who were driven beyond that scope were forced to figure it out on our own. The players of today have more chances because the choices are a lot more available. However, there is the need for more coaching in the different areas, our administrators aren’t willing to accept that to get our cricketers ready to compete at the next level, there is a need to invest in the other areas where we’ve been falling short. The investment in more coaching and coaches, there has to be financial assistance for clubs for them to be able to help produce quality cricketers. With the kind of money that’s available for cricketers today, there should be a heavier push for the West Indies to have a stronger force at developing our own brand and I don’t mean to compete against things like the IPL but get financial investors involved and create an engine that brings cricketers to want to be a brand for their clubs which will help us develop more physiotherapist and coaches. We want a million-dollar quality performances from players getting pennies to build the brand” he lamented. ”The thing I remember when I joined Malteenoes was someone asked what will be our legacy and at that time, we took that to heart and built something that was unique which was separate from what the guys before us had built. So to the young players today with all the technology and tools they have available to them, find your own version of what you want to be remembered by, make your own mark and be as dominant and let no one get in your way from doing something you love and enjoy into what you can get paid for while making a comfortable living from it” Robinson advised.
PAGE 34
Thursday October 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
Fitness Test competed for Referees nominated for 2021 FIFA List
Sherwin Johnson, Gladwyn Johnson and Kleon Lindey. The Guyana Football Federation on October 24 successfully conducted the Fitness Test for Referees who will be nominated for the 2021 FIFA List of Referees. Under strict COVID-19 protocols at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, WCD, the test was supervised by Member Assocation Fitness Instructor, Lindley Langhorne, who was assisted by Fitness Trainer Tyrone Tyrell and Refereeing Department official Winston Manjet. The participating referees were Sherwin Johnson and Gladwyn Johnson, along with Assistant Referee Kleon Lindey.
Former FIFA Assistant Referee, Trevor Porter, was invited but pulled at the last moment due to injury. Maurees Skeete also did not take the test due to injury; however, she will be re-nominated provisionally and will have to pass the test when she becomes fit. In an invited comment, Instructor Langhorne said: “Despite the global pandemic, it’s a pleasure to see the level of commitment of our referees through the fitness test, and this was demonstrated with their successful completion of the test. The participating referees demonstrated that they are capable of living up to the standards of FIFA offi-
cials and are well prepared to handle match situations when called upon.” Mr. Langhorne reiterated that the test presents an opportunity for referees to demonstrate their fitness capacity and this can be easily translated into a game setting. Head of Refereeing, Mr. Dion Inniss, said: “Though our Match Officials have been inactive for several months, I was very impressed with the level of fitness they demonstrated on Saturday; it shows a great sense of commitment and dedication, which are qualities necessary to succeed in refereeing. I wish them well in 2021 when we hope to return to the field.”
Djokovic, Thiem prevail in Vienna Dominic Thiem
Field Level Media - Top-seeded Novak Djokovic recorded eight aces while defeating fellow Serbian Filip Krajinovic 7-6 (6), 6-3 in the opening round of the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, Austria. Djokovic delivered 39 winners in his first appearance at the event since winning the title in 2007. Home-country favorite Dominic Thiem, the second seed, also prevailed in straight sets, posting a 6-4, 7-5 triumph over Vitaliy Sachko of Ukraine. In other matches, Chile’s Cristian Garin defeated Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 6-7 (9), 6-3, and Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov notched a 7-6 (6), 6-3 victory over Russian Karen Khachanov. Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, Great Britain’s Daniel Evans and Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego also advanced. Astana Open - The Czech Republic’s Jiri Vesely fired nine aces while stunning fifth-
Novak Djokovic seeded American Tennys Sandgren 6-4, 7-6 (7) in a first-round match at Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.Sandgren had 13 aces and converted 36 of 43 first-service points in defeat. Vesely next plays Egor Gerasimov after the Belarusian outlasted South Africa’s Lloyd Harris 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (3). In other matches, Italian qualifier Andreas Seppi defeated Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev 6-3, 1-6, 6-3; Japan’s Yuichi Sugita knocked off Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 in a battle of qualifiers; and Finland qualifier Emil Ruusuvuori was a 6-2, 6-0 winner over Kazakhstan wild-card entrant Timofey Skatov.
Bassarath talks up Bravo for vice-captaincy role Port of Spain, Trinidad, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president, Azim Bassarath, has backed experienced left-hander Darren Bravo for the vacant post of vice-captain of the Test side. With convenor of selector, Roger Harper, confirming recently that no vice-captain had been chosen for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, Bassarth said the 31-year-old Bravo’s experience would make him an excellent choice to fill the role. ”I would support Darren Bravo as the vice-captain of the West Indies team,” Bassarath told i95FM Sports. ”Darren captained Trinidad and Tobago during the last regional four-day tournament and all of those who followed that tournament will know the excellent job Darren has done with Trinidad team. ”Darren has motivated his players and I believe that Darren had a great impact on the youngsters in the team who would have played during the course of this past regional four-day tournament. ”I think looking at him on the field, he’s one of the persons who can really motivate and inspire the youngsters. If I had a choice, definitely I would go with Darren Bravo for vice captain.” Bravo was one of three players recalled to the Test side
Left-hander Darren Bravo.
for the two-Test series against the Black Caps after opting out of the historic tour of England last July with concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. The Trinidadian is one of the most experienced batsmen in the Test side with 54 Tests, with only opener Kraigg Brathwaite (62) having played more matches. However, Bravo has played only five Tests over the last 18 months following a 2-½ year break from the game over a fallout with then Cricket West Indies president, Dave Cameron.He has averaged only 13 since his return to Test cricket, however, and it led to
his axing for the one-off Test against Afghanistan last November. Brathwaite has performed the vice-captaincy role in recent years and led the side in the third Test against England in the Caribbean last year when Jason Holder was suspended. The world number one Test all-rounder Holder, who has led West Indies in 35 of his 43 Tests, will again oversee the tour of New Zealand. West Indies players are currently assembling in Barbados and are set to depart on Tuesday night for the November 27 to December 15 tour which also comprises three Twenty20 Internationals.
Japanese Government developing anti-drug smuggling device for Tokyo 2020 insidethegames - The Japanese Government are in the midst of creating a device that detects the presence of stimulant drugs in a person’s body, in an attempt to prevent drug smuggling at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.As reported by NHK World-Japan, the machine uses radio waves to detect the drugs inside a person and is said to take just one minute to complete. This device does not cause any physical harm, it is claimed, and involves the individual being scanned with the detector, similar to the metal detectors used in airport security.A video from NHK World-Japan also shows an individual being required to sit on the scanner too, suggesting it is able to detect
Penalties for drugs smuggling are strict in Japan ©Getty Images substances smuggled through the anus. Japan’s Finance Ministry is looking to have the devices ready to roll out in international airports prior to the start of the Games, which are currently scheduled for July 23 to August 8 2021.Prior to the Rio 2016 Olympics, drug smuggling arrests in neighbouring Peru with at least 98 smugglers being arrested at the international airport in Lima between the months of January and August 2016. Authorities had also confiscated 19.6 tonnes of narcotics, the vast majority of it cocaine and cocaine paste, by
August that year, up 25 percent from the same period in 2015. The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics will follow shortly after the Olympics, from August 24 to September 5, with authorities aiming to keep these anti-drug smuggling initiatives for both Games.Japan is regarded as one of the strictest developed nations when it comes to its drug laws, with foreign nationals being handed sentences between six and 17 years for drug trafficking with work - with some even longer. People can be arrested for testing positive for drug use by Japanese police too.
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 29, 2020
Disappointed in not playing more games for Guyana - Says Ex-Nat left-arm spinner Glen Robinson
Robinson (2nd right sitting) played five years at U-19 level for Guyana. By Sean Devers Forty-nine-year-old Glen Robinson lives in Canada with his wife Jacqueline whom he married on October 12 1996 and his 21-year-old son Jayden after migrating to North America in 1995. He represented Malteenoes, Demerara and Guyana at both youth and senior levels before playing professionally for Vikings CC in Canada. Robinson made his National U-19 debut in Trinidad in 1986 and in the last of his five years at the U-19 level, led Guyana to third with two other teams when Barbados won the 1990 tournament in Trinidad. Given the Captaincy after Paul Persaud (who led the team the year before in Guyana) turned down the job, Robinson’s team played unbeaten in the tournament but Guyana conceded first innings points to Champions Barbados.
Glen Robinson in the Canadian Leagues.
In 1990, an Australian U-21 team was touring the West Indies with players like Michael Bevan and Shane Warne. They beat the Guyana U-19s but the highlight of (Continued on page 31)
PAGE 35