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WHO’s Climate Friday Edition Change report NEWS points to Guyana's

AIETEUR

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

October 29, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 44

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vulnerability to rising sea levels

Opposition submits motion on comprehensive studies for US$900M gas-to-shore project Exxon dumping sewage, oily water, other pollutants …sends hazardous waste to overboard Haags Bosch 'after treatment' Chinese mining company to start-up underground operation in November - to bring experts to train locals

Pres. Ali launches four-month long consultation for draft of new Low Carbon Development Strategy

The protest continues for change to ExxonMobil’s contract.

Exxon CEO hauled before U.S. Committee on Climate Change misinformation In December 2018, VP Jagdeo, then Opposition Leader, said this to Guyana, “Our incompetent government trudged in there, unprepared and stuck us with a contract that would harm us for decades into the future. They sold our patrimony…” @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Friday October 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

WHO’s climate change report points to Guyana's vulnerability to rising sea levels

G

An Aerial shot of the impact of flooding along Guyana's coastland.

u y a n a i s particularly vulnerable to rising sea level stemming from climate change, plus regional shifts in the height of the sea. A 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) report on climate change explains.

According to the report, Guyana's initial national communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) states that the sea level, along the Atlantic Coast, is projected to rise by about 40 cm by the end of the twenty first century.

This means the sea is rising at a rate of two–four millimetres each year, counting the entire century.

The report explained that “From 1951 to 1979, sea level off Guyana's coast rose at a rate of some five times the global average (0.4 inch, or 10.2 millimetres per year)--and around six times the twentieth century average or three times the 1993 to 2009 annual average.”

Moreover, the document states that the contribution of melt-water from land ice would increase the rate of rising sea level to approximately 60 cm by the end of the next century.

Additionally, a vulnerability and adaptation assessment report in 2019, focusing on the calibration and assembly of global estimation of sea level rise,

which was carried out by a continuous series of satellite altimeter sea level measurements, revealed that the sea level has been raising over the past 17 years at a mean rate of 3.4 mm per year.

The report further states that there is considerable inter-annual variation due to El Niño and La Niña (ENSO) processes ---warm and cool phases of a recurring climate pattern across the tropical Pacific, so the rate average over a four-year period can be significantly different.

Impacts of sea level rise include coastal erosion, (flooding) ecosystem disruption, higher storm surges, population displacement, water contamination and disruption, as well as increase adverse effects on the mental health of the population.

This is not the first time that Guyana's vulnerability to sea level rise has been documented.

L a s t y e a r, a m i n i documentary on the natural phenomenon of erosion and climate change produced by REEL Guyana and its founder, Alex Arjoon, spoke to the vulnerability of Guyana's low-lying coastal region.

In his production, Arjoon talks of himself starting a national conversation about the vulnerability of Guyana's low-lying coastal region (Continued on page 22)

Kaieteur News

Friday October 29, 2021

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Exxon CEO hauled before U.S. Committee on Climate Change misinformation E

xxonMobil's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods was among a number of top oil executives hauled in to testify in the U.S. House Oversight Committee over their alleged roles in the spreading of misinformation with regards the risk surrounding fossil fuels and its link to climate change being experienced globally.

Woods in his testimony, h o w e v e r, d e n i e d t h e assertions, saying that his company “does not spread disinformation regarding climate change″, as he and other oil company chiefs countered congressional allegations that the industry concealed evidence about the dangers of it.

Testifying at a landmark House hearing, CEO Woods said ExxonMobil “has long acknowledged the reality and risks of climate change, and it has devoted significant resources to addressing those risks.″ The oil giant's public statements on climate “are and have always, been truthful, fact-based ... and consistent” with mainstream climate science, Woods said.

Woods was among top officials from four major oil companies testifying yesterday as congressional Democrats investigate what they describe as a decadeslong, industry-wide campaign to spread misinformation about the role of fossil fuels in global

warming.

The much-anticipated hearing before the House Oversight Committee comes after months of public efforts

by Democrats to obtain documents and other information on the oil industry's role in stopping climate action over multiple decades.

The appearance of the four oil executives — from ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP America and Shell — has drawn comparisons to a highprofile hearing in the 1990s with tobacco executives, who famously testified that they didn't believe nicotine was

Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil testifies via video conference during a House Committee on Oversight and Reform hearing on the role of fossil fuel companies in climate change, Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

“These oil companies pay lip service to climate reforms, but behind the scenes they spend far more time lobbying to preserve their lucrative tax breaks,“ Committee Chair, Carolyn Maloney addictive.

“The fossil fuel industry has had scientific evidence about the dangers of climate change since at least 1977.

Yet for decades, the industry spread denials and doubt

a bout the harm of its products — undermining the science and preventing meaningful action on climate change even as the global climate crisis became increasingly

Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, speaks at committee hearing on the role of fossil fuel companies in climate change, Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

dire, ″ said Reps. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif.

“For far too long, Big Oil has escaped accountability for its central role in bringing our planet to the brink of a climate catastrophe.

That ends today (yesterday),” said Maloney, who chairs the Oversight panel.

“This hearing is just the start of our investigation,” added Khanna, who leads a subcommittee on the environment.

“These companies must be held accountable.”

The committee released a memo yesterday charging that the oil industry's public support for climate reforms has not been matched by meaningful actions, and that the industry has spent billions of dollars to block reforms.

Oil companies frequently boast about their efforts to produce clean energy in advertisements and social media posts accompanied by sleek videos or pictures of wind turbines.

“Today's staff memo shows Big Oil's campaign to 'greenwash' their role in the climate crisis in action,” Maloney said.

“These oil companies pay lip service to climate reforms, but behind the scenes they spend far more

time lobbying to preserve their lucrative tax breaks.″ Maloney and other Democrats have focused particular ire on Exxon, after a senior lobbyist for the company was caught in a secret video, bragging that Exxon had fought climate science through “shadow groups” and had targeted influential senators in an effort to weaken President Joe Biden's climate agenda, including a bipartisan infrastructure bill and a sweeping climate and social policy bill currently moving through Congress.

Keith McCoy, a former Washington-based lobbyist for Exxon, dismissed the company's public expressions of support for a proposed carbon tax on fossil fuel emissions as a “talking point.”

McCoy's comments were made public in June by the environmental group Greenpeace UK, which secretly recorded him and another lobbyist in Zoom interviews.

McCoy no longer works for the company, an Exxon spokesperson said last month.

Wo o d s , E x x o n ' s chairman and chief executive, has condemned McCoy's statements and said the company stands by its

commitment to work on finding solutions to climate change.

Testifying along with Woods were Chevron CEO, Michael Wirth, BP America CEO, David Lawler, and Shell President, Gretchen Watkins.

“Any suggestion that Chevron has engaged in an effort to spread disinformation and mislead the public on these complex issues is simply wrong,″ Wirth said.

Maloney and Khanna sharply disputed that. They compared tactics used by the oil industry to those long deployed by the tobacco industry to resist regulation “while selling products that kill hundreds of thousands of Americans.″ “Spare us the spin, ″ Khanna advised the oil executives. “Spin doesn't work under oath.″ Kentucky Rep. James Comer, the top Republican on the Oversight panel, called the hearing a “distraction from the crises t h a t t h e B i d e n administration's policies have caused for the American people, ″ including higher gasoline prices.

“The purpose of this hearing is clear: to deliver partisan theater for primetime news, ″ Comer

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Friday October 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

Superefficient oil agreement The Chief Executive Officer of Hess Corporation, John Hess, had a lovely moment in the sun. CEO Hess spoke of the “superefficient” oil agreement with Guyana, and we at this publication say that Mr. Hess was not exaggerating (KN October 28).

If anything, he could be charged with understating matters a bit, so favourable is the oil agreement, to which he referred, for Hess and other foreign oil powers. Because it is “superefficient” in terms of breakeven price, and the outstanding returns promised to shareholders, this means that somebody is getting less, or next to nothing in one of the most terrible deals in the century long history of oil.

That somebody is a country and its people. Guyana is the loser. What is “superefficient” for Hess and Exxon and others is super-crippling for Guyana and its hundreds of thousands of hopefuls.

CEO John Hess had the stage all for himself, and he had all the meat for the quarterly earnings call. American companies live and die by this most watched, most sensitive of metrics. Wall Street analysts can be brutal, and CEOs fear them, when they have bad news, such as falling short of expectations of analysts, not meeting targets set. It can be a baptism of fire, with share price tumbling when bad news is delivered; and the heads of CEOs on the chopping block, when they come across as clueless, or lacking what it takes to get their companies on the right track. That is, deliver on what was promised, present what is realistic, and articulate in an authoritative manner what is accurate.

Mr. Hess would have done his homework well, knowing full well that he would not be looked upon too kindly, if he appeared to be fudging the facts. On this occasion, John Hess of Hess Corporation had all the ammunition on his side and going for him.

He had so much that he was gracious enough to allow his company’s Chief Operating Officer, Greg Hill, to join in the festivities, and help share out the holiday cookies. It was that kind of atmosphere in the recent earnings call.

In COO Hill’s blurb, the smooth example of a seasoned corporate pitchman, there was the gushing: “…Exxon is doing an extraordinary job I think of utilising this ‘design one, build many, strategy’ to deliver efficiencies.” Exxon and Hess must have paid several million American dollars for that piece of company froth for the consumption of Wall Street analysts.

Of course, Guyana is paying for that, but we are yet to know where it is (or will be) buried in the bills to come. The oil powers have studied their pluses and minuses so keenly that they now believe they are well positioned to manage inflationary pressures, and that “any cost increases will be rapidly recovered.”

It was along the same lines that CEO John Hess delivered his icing on the future earnings cake: “this development has simply outstanding financial returns. Some of the best in the industry…” He was talking about the US$9B Yellowtail Project, and the rosy outlook it represented. Other countries get green with envy over something like Yellowtail, while Guyana, on the other hand, gets yellow with jaundice from what weighs it down; what it loses out.

While Exxon, Hess, and partners are winning, we are losing out, and on many fronts. Hess faces Wall Street earnings, and articulates a glowing oil picture, thanks to Guyana.

Guyanese leaders run and hide, falsify and conceal almost everything material about the nation’s oil. More than a year later, Guyana’s political opposition is speechless, since it has nothing sensible or useful to say. One year and more in Government, and Guyana’s leaders of today are skating and diving for cover, with the President and Vice President getting so good at both, they could qualify for the next Olympics.

The leaders of foreign oil companies can face the public and share their good news. Guyanese leaders are so anaemic with truth and frankness that they quarantine themselves, and put on masks to seal their lips further. Oil companies have a “superefficient” agreement that guarantees profitability. Guyanese have a superbug Government to live with, which condemns them to poverty

The fight against breast cancer and all forms of cancer does not end in October Dear Editor, As we draw the curtains down on the month of October, a month that is used to create awareness on breast cancer and other types of cancer, I would like to share my experience with this dreaded disease. I don’t think we fully understand what it means to get a cancer diagnosis. A few years ago I went for my first breast examination. It was October and a neighbour encouraged me to attend a few seminars about the dreaded disease. I must say this experience was an emotional roller coaster for me. I met some of the most inspiring and brave women I have ever met. Some have fought and won the battle against breast cancer and some who were still fighting.

After some thought and a lot of convincing, I finally decided to get the examination done. To say that I was nervous was an understatement. I was scared

so much so that I could not sleep the night before the examination (felt like I was about to sit an examination). I was examined by the doctor who then said to me, “I think it would be best for you to have a breast ultrasound done.” I froze, I asked the usual questions anyone in my position would ask. The doctor went on to explain his findings to me and explained why I should get the ultrasound done.

He told me, he found lumps. At least three he said.

I was petrified. I remember seeing the faces of my girls and my mom flashed before my eyes.

I have so much to live for.

I did what I had to do. Long story short, at the end of it, a lumpectomy had to be done to determine whether the lumps were cancerous or not.

Thankfully, the lumps were benign. It was not cancer.

I had the scare of my life and it breaks my heart to

know that some women and men are not as fortunate as I have been. I can only imagine the heartbreak and fear these brave people face each day. I experienced just a mere fraction of what cancer patients face on a daily and it is an experience that has left an indelible impression on me and on my outlook on life. I went from being uncertain to being certain.

There is nothing I want more than to live to see my little ones grow into adults and take up their rightful positions in life. I want to see my mom grow old and wrinkly and I want to be there for her, to hold her hand when she needs me.

I am more appreciative of what I do have versus what I want to have. I have learned to be grateful and to be thankful for every day I am alive. I salute the wonderful women and men who wake up each day and fight against this deadly disease. I applaud

your strength and your determination.

Your determination to live and your zeal for life.

It is my hope that a cure will be found for cancer. No one chooses to have cancer and cancer does not discriminate. As we bring an end to the observances of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I would like to remind persons that the fight against breast cancer and all forms of cancer does not end here. It is ongoing.

We have to keep fighting and we must not stop supporting persons living with cancer and persons who have lost someone to cancer or is living through watching someone they love live with cancer. We must always keep them in our prayers. For those who are not sure whether to get examined or not, it is always better knowing than not knowing. Stay Safe!

Yours Faithfully, I. Ram

Maybe I am a floating onshoreoffshore human resource facility Dear Editor, I wrote several pieces recently on the different candidates for PNC leader. I only did so, because a PNC leader, whoever it ends up being, could be a step closer, to being Guyana’s leader. To repeat a prior position, however the PNC goes about its leadership business is its business, but whomsoever the leader turns out to be is Guyana’s business, thus mine, too.

Now, it came to my attention that one of the contestants took umbrage to my commentary on the merits and demerits of his

candidacy. That is his right, but it is what he resorted to that got my attention. The candidate retorted that he could give a damn about what people like me have to say, and then the self-satisfying coup de grace: he is a PPP man delivering a PPP script. In another writing I must help fellow citizens on the fine art of the nuanced putdown, through using the broad repertoire of the English Language, and not these puerilities intended as disparagements. Now, I focus on that aspect about a PPP man giving voice to a PPP script.

What I wrote must have disturbed a nerve. But to call someone who has been smeared by vile PPP leadership and their slavish henchmen is a bridge too far.

It is of someone who has nothing to clutch at, but straws. All looks pathetic with such futile posturing and pawing. And to say that I am articulating a PPP script has to take the cake, and the whole baker shop, too. For I am yet to encounter a PPP scribe or other human conduit, who appreciates the grandeur and majesty of the English Language to explore it and utilise it to the fullest. This is

despite their schooling in deceptive commie propaganda, and the coaching they get from American Madison Avenue types, thanks to the scurrilous partnership with Exxon, et al.

Having said that, I find myself in a most peculiar place. It confirms that, indeed, no man is an island.

But, in my instance, I have transformed into something altogether unimaginable, where I am not one thing or the other, but a combination of them. It is where I am not a UFO, or a resident alien, but (Continued on page 6)

Vending should be improved not obstructed Dear Editor, We need designated areas for roadside-type vending. I know, I know. We have said it many times before but just hear me out. When given enough thought, this idea starts to present some interesting opportunities.

First off there are worldfamous vending stalls in cities like New York and elsewhere.

Owning a stall on certain streets in NY is in fact a dream come true. Could we in Georgetown create the necessary planning and regulatory environment to facilitate big dreams in city vending? To solve the problem of roadside vending alongside major roads, should we be thinking authoritatively or should we be thinking creatively?

What if we created useful spaces out of uncovered drainage or run-off canals?

There are many throughout the city. They can be selected scientifically for this purpose.

Re-construct them. Add covers to them, covers that provide interfaces with the drainage underneath and surfaces for people to vend and walk upon. The spaces themselves do not have to face the roadways so they now become these walkthrough, open-air bazaars that are near to roadways but do not obstruct them in any way.

Running water can also be made available in these specially constructed spaces.

What if in the context of these interfaces, an entire industry of vending unit makers springs up? Designs for

these units can range from small to large, simple to complex and be available for every possible kind of vendor.

All of the units should come fitted with standardised attachments that “plug in” to the interfaces provided. We have a standards bureau that can support almost every detail of this. These units can be bought, sold, rented, swapped or upgraded. With a wide range of vending units, anyone can easily enter and exit the vending business.

There are so many interesting value-chain possibilities here.

Designated spaces are easier to secure, easier to maintain, can be the target of various forms of funding and upgrade and they can provide opportunities for open-air or shaded bazaars

(maybe with solar panels atop for supplementing the grid?).

People can pay a modest sum for using certain spaces.

Some spaces should remain free to use. For these optimalities we have applied sciences and where appropriate, common sense there should be nothing to fear - that is if we can think constructively instead of obstructively. Editor, should we not DESIGN our way out of our problems? Should we not BUILD our way out of disorder, inconvenience and hazard? Should we not make life EASIER for vendors and patrons? Do we not see opportunities for DIGNITY and PROSPERITY in the problem of roadside vending?

Sincerely, Emille Giddings

Friday October 29, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Equal treatment needed Recent TIP bust shows good work by the lawmen

Dear Editor, The question of same treatment by our institutions has been raised once again with the incident involving the attempted arrest of former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Paul Slowe.

Let me say that I agree that Mr. Slowe should not have been arrested. After all he returned voluntarily to answer the charges made against him. Indeed he was entering the court on his own when the arrest was attempted.

The same situation existed in the case of Dr. Ashni Singh and Mr. Winston Brassington both of whom, like Mr. Slowe, returned from abroad on their own to answer charges made against them. However, they were put in hand cuffs and had their feet chained.

More recently, the owner of Sleep Inn went to the court on his own steam to answer charges of COVID violation.

He needed to walk less than six steps but was put in handcuffs and leg iron. The

police officer who put Mr. Bacchus in chains told him he was sorry but was under orders to do so.

Clearly, we have a difference in treatment by our police and courts in how our citizens are being treated.

I wonder if Dr. Singh and Mr. Brassington were treated that way because they worked far beyond the call of duty to develop our country during a PPP/C administration. Were they punished for being PPP/C supporters? It appears so.

Mr. Bacchus is known to have many friends including leaders in the PPP. Was putting him in chains to walk about five steps a deliberate attempt to embarrass him because of his association?

It appears so.

We need to be even handed, professional and reasonable in dealing with these issues.

Stop the double standards!

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

Religion and politics in the sports mix Dear Editor, While the local scene is ablaze with the prayer controversy, on the international scene, Indians are aversed to Pakistani cricketers saying ‘namaz’ (muslim prayer routine) in front of Hindus and have called for an apology.

We have also read where some Kashmiris have been arrested for cheering for Pakistan in their game against India last Sunday.

It is an age old problem religion and politics - in the sports mix. Why must this be so?

Shamshun Mohamed

Dear Editor, Being on top of Trafficking In Person must be maintained. No slackness must be entertained. I have heard of TIP rings are in Guyana, and it seems true as I read recently of the two sting operations, one at Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, and the other at the Benhab Bar and Night Club, Better Hope North, East Coast Demerara.

The report stated that a total of seven female foreign nationals were picked up and interviewed. This is indeed good work by our law enforcers and they deserve credit for doing this kind of work.

In England, back in November, 17 people were arrested in raids across east London in an international human trafficking investigation. At the end, 29 women aged 20 to 40 were rescued in the operation.

The potential victims were taken to a “place of safety”, and the suspects, 14 men and three women, were being processed for the courts. My point is that TIP is a crime of international concern, and all countries must do their part.

According to the US Department of State’s 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report, Guyana is indeed doing its share to combat this horrible

crime. The report highlighted that Guyana retained its Tier 1 ranking for its efforts in combatting human trafficking for the fifth consecutive year with an anti-trafficking hotline in Spanish (the first of its kind in the country), and a total of 204 victims identified and given government assistance. What was commendable is the fact that Guyana and The Bahamas were again, the only two Caribbean countries to attain the Tier 1 ranking, as most of the other Caribbean countries are on Tier 2. This is something to really feel good about.

Just recently here, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s Counter Trafficking in Person (C-TIP) unit hosted a two-day training for Special Constables. So, I guess that the fruit of this input is already becoming obvious.

During the training, it was stressed that trafficking issues must go all the way to the courts, and I am most pleased that this bust seems headed in this direction.

Guyana is a melting pot in this new ‘oil and gas’ era, and the relevant authorities are well tuned to be prompt with anything to do with this horrible crime.

To be questioned more in this bust are a bartender, proprietor and a taxi driver,

who were detained by the Police to assist with investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

This point about really stepping up on trafficking was really pressed home b y Vi n d h y a P e r s a u d , Minister of Human Services and Social S e c u r i t y. D u r i n g t h e workshop, she made it clear that “Identifying the traffickers is the biggest problem, but if they’re not stopped more will join them. The only way to end this is to put these people behind bars; if they feel they can get off, they won’t stop. Let’s go out there stronger t o g e t h e r.

Trafficking in Persons is a heinous crime against people.”

Concerning the seriousness of this crime, no other than the Attorney General himself, Anil Nandlall, back in June made some strong statements, and these align with the sentiments of Minister Vindhya Persaud. The AG was emphatic, explaining that Guyana has an international obligation to curb the occurrence of

human trafficking, regardless of what stage it is being done here. He stated that “Guyana is part of a global village and Guyana, as every country in that village, is required to sign on to international conventions and is expected to execute certain protocols which are required internationally.”

As we have been noticing more and more, lots of foreigners are coming to Guyana. Most of them are quite vulnerable, as they were forced to flee because of some bad home situations. I think of the Venezuelans in this regard, and Guyana must not allow these people to be exploited in any way at all.

Neither must they themselves be allowed to exploit one another, by colluding with rapacious ring leaders.

I hope that this taste of success by our lawmen will inspire them to keep a tight noose on the situation. I also hope that it will dissuade those who are contemplating being involved in this crime, and those who are currently in it, to really clean up their act and live honourable lives.

Yours truly, Prescott Mann

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Friday October 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

Guyana in a state of political healing Dear Editor, Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s life stands as a remarkable example of what Guyanese can achieve given the opportunity. While applicable for all, his achievements are so much more meaningful and relevant to sugar workers because he himself arose out of the sugar belt. There is a president, a great leader, a great person in all sugar workers, in all Guyanese. We just need to overcome, to set aside all the negatives and distractions of everyday life, to work diligently at whatever talent we have, to become the great person that we are. As the major influencer in the economy, responsibility automatically falls on government to create the conditions necessary for transforming us into being the best that we can be. Parents, teachers stand as the other significant influencers in the type of adults we become. The majority of parents have themselves been failed by society, by their parents, their teachers, most significantly through the perpetuation of negative stereotypes, where diligent guidance would have been most effective. This is in itself an ever-present challenge which requires more dedication by parents, as many do not take the time

to understand their children and become better parents.

This said, we once again observe the PNC/R in search for leadership. This is relevant because they have also been instrumental in shaping the fortunes of Guyanese, in addition to who we are as individuals, as a people. To progress, to move forward, to develop as a people, as a nation, it is important that we evaluate available information objectively and make rational, personally beneficial decisions. Also important is that we correctly evaluate the probability of a likelihood of the PNC/R ever attaining office again within the context of our entire experience of the PNC/R in government, during its first 28 years, and its most recent term in office.

The litany of disasters in the last term alone have been truncated into the following: The PNC/R within its umbrella of APNU-AFC coalition effectively disemboweled the lives of many of its very own supporters immediately upon entry into office in 2015 with the chaotic, unplanned removal of many of the vendors in the Stabroek Market area. This was done without much, if any consultations, and left many

of these vendors economically strangled as they struggled with their lost incomes to maintain their families. Knowing well that public servants, another bastion of political support for the PNC/R, were very much in need of a review of their incomes and salary structures, the PNC/R-led administration effectively stymied efforts of public service unions, most notably the teachers’ union, scuttling the move to arbitration by an independent review panel which would have effectively granted a substantial and long overdue upgrade based on prevailing information.

This has actively cramped the welfare of teachers and their families, and other public servants and their families also, since decisions of the arbitration panel on teachers’ salaries may well have been used to advice on incomes in the rest of the public service.

The PNC/R/APNU-AFC policy in the sugar industry where it effectively denied/ delayed severance payments to retrenched sugar workers, may be considered the height of economic incompetence in some circles, but is not something sugar workers and the Indian community will ever forget, because the government’s policy of

Considerations for leadership of the PNC Party may have been linked to complex, socio- economic political issues Dear Editor, In an October 23 KN feature article on the above referenced subject, Columnist Freddie Kissoon in his usual egoistic style, prided himself by reminding his readers that he knows what he writes about because he was trained to research the material having attended two Canadian and one Guyanese universities right up to the doctoral programme. But for reason unknown, fell short of receiving the doctorate degree.

He is of the opinion that the PPP Party is a predominantly Indian Party which gave its African members real political power to make critical decisions on national objectives, visa’-vis the PNC. An African dominated party, which had powerful Indian bigwigs within its inner circle merely as “window dressing”, rather than given real and formidable influential political power to initiate policies for national changes, as the PPP Party did for its African members.

Evidence showed that some of the so called ‘Indian bigwigs’ of the 28 who are listed in the Article, as the PNC inner circle party members, took the opportunities and used the

positions afforded them to enhance their personalities and expand their networks for lucrative jobs abroad as well as to engage in carefully crafted corrupt schemes to enrich themselves instead, as some of the others did while in office, of using their limited political power to formulate and implement policies to improve the lives of all Guyanese.

With respect to Kissoon’s statement that Winston Murray was an Indian who had challenged Robert Corbin for leadership of the PNC Party, it should be noted that Winston grew up at Maryville, Leguan an Indian community with his Mother an Indian but his Father Tucker, was of mixed race. His Wife is Afro-Guyanese and before his death he lived at Jasmat Bina Terrace, Prashad Nagar.

Therefore, considerations for leadership of the PNC Party by its members appeared to have been complex, socio- economic political issues rather than serious racist curiosities as Freddie Kissoon would want us believe influenced the selection of Robert Corbin as leader for the PNC Party.

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

...Maybe I am a floating onshore-offshore From page 4 one who has mutated into a universal floating onshore and offshore phantom figure of unprecedented proportions. I say this because the PPP took first jump and declared me a PNC apologist; then, a PNC candidate for leader denounces me as a PPP agent; next, some Guyanese damn me for being Venezuelan (mortal enemy); the Venezuelans, for their part, declare me to be an overt American spy; and

some upset Americans conclude that I am a member of the Taliban. I must consult with Taliban leadership to get their assessment of this unaccounted-for soldier. Yes, Guyana’s politics has made Guyanese, from top to bottom, this mad, with foreigners joining in the frenzies. And all the while, with yours truly caught in the centrifugal upheavals.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

dalliance on payment of severance benefits to sugar workers was nothing short of economic violence. For this act alone the PNC/R is unlikely ever to see itself receiving substantial support from the Indian community ever again.

The government of the last PNC/R/APNU-AFC administration signed an oil contract which made Guyanese liable for the corporation taxes of a multibillion $US company. For the life of the company in Guyana.

The PNC/R/APNU-AFC administration has given away a significant portion of the money which Guyana was supposed to be receiving from its oil wealth, the money which could fund higher incomes, modernise our schools, university, hospitals, ministries and other public infrastructure, to the oil company in the contract. And we can all imagine that this was not given freely.

Over the period of its administration effectively ended July 2020, the PNC/R/ APNU-AFC destroyed G$111 billion in financial wealth, taking its deposits in the central bank and commercial banking system from G$78.8 billion in June 2015 to -G$31.7

billion at the end of July 2020.

This could easily be claimed as deficit spending, or invested in foreign securities.

But we fail to see the benefit of this exercise, which, unless otherwise clarified, effectively sent that G$111 billion into an economic black hole.

Not to be outdone, a careful review of articles in the news from March 02, 2020 to August 02, 2020 will show that there is ample evidence which links the PNC/R to attempts by elements within the Guyana Elections Commission to overturn the results of the March 2020 elections. More valuable than all other elements of our democracy, the PNC/R were actively involved, very probably orchestrated the entire episode at GECOM aimed at subverting our right to choose our own government. Therefore, as the PNC/R seeks out new leadership, we ask “to what purpose”?

Guyana has now entered a stage of political healing where many PNC/R supporters, myself included though not any more, recognise that they were misled on the one hand, and the PPP have come to recognise that there are many

Guyanese who, as much as they disagree with the policies of the PPP, would never consider dictatorship as a better alternative.

Governments which develop a track record for satisfying their populations are very rarely challenged successfully at democratically held elections.

The PPP may consider it opportune to extend an olive branch to so many disgruntled Guyanese, chief among these being public servants, whether it be through responding to the present wage crisis via negotiation, arbitration or unilaterally.

Also, coordinating with the private sector to create investment and jobs across the regions, or the address of pensions, and benefits for the underrepresented/under-served groups. The challenges are not insurmountable, and could best be addressed by sharing job creation as a priority with income reform in the public service. An increase was catered for in the budgets for both last year and the current. Public servants would be happy to receive these.

Yours faithfully, Craig Sylvester

Any caring Govt. would ensure that their citizens are prepared to take up all jobs as they become available Dear Editor, The statement made by the Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo that Guyana will need to import labour must be red flagged and clarity must be urgently sought.

This statement is worrying because there has been no plan or policy unveiled by this administration to address our current unemployed and u n d e r e m p l o y e d demographic. The Bureau of Statistics has pegged our overall unemployment rate at 15.4% and our youth unemployment rate at 31.8%, which is double the average world unemployment rate of 8.15 % and double the average world youth unemployment rate of 13.6% respectively.

Any caring government would first ensure that their citizens are being prepared to take up all jobs as they become available, or at least as many as possible, before there is a pronouncement on the importation of labour. There has been no public engagement on this matter to consider a methodology that ensures Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora are the first beneficiaries of all job opportunities. We have not

yet heard of any policy initiative to significantly reduce our unemployment rate as jobs become available or are we as Guyanese left to fend for ourselves as foreign companies continue to import all levels of labour. Even worse, this is clearly happening with full approval of the current administration given that a work permit is issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs for every foreign national employed locally.

There is much concern about the increase in crime over the last year. Why is this happening? To what social and economic variables can this be attributed? The pandemic has affected the employment of some, the government has fired many and now there are cases of persons who desperately need public assistance being removed from the list and deemed no longer eligible.

This with the 14% increase in food prices has to be seen as a recipe for the increase of poverty, which has a ripple effects that we often times ignore.

That the Vice President would not only ignore the aforementioned but refuse to address them as urgent issues that can debilitate an

entire society and instead choose to pronounce on the importation of labour, must be seen as a direct slap in the face of all Guyanese. It is also a clear indication of the priorities of the Ali administration; quick business deals are prioritised over strategic human resource development.

The work permits given out between 2016 and 2019 in the oil and gas and mining sectors total 3670. This should be used as a guide of how many people need to be trained in particular areas so that over time the number of work permits in these areas could be significantly reduce.

What we are hearing from the Vice President is the complete opposite. It appears that a decision was taken to import labour rather than assess the gaps that exist and methodically work to ensure that Guyanese are positively impacted by the economic expansion that is taking place.

We must not accept this.

We must make it clear that the importation of labour without a plan to effectively employ all eligible Guyanese of employable age will not be condoned.

Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, MP GNB

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Friday October 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

“A bad deal is a bad deal, regardless of who is in power.”

That is what Ms. Melinda Janki said and we fully agree with her.

Why are PPP/C Government supporters now tongue-tied?

Why do Guyanese tie themselves into knots over elections and other stupidities, while our leaders are lying to us?

Our leaders, it would seem, are doing nothing about the bad oil deal, other than bowing down to Exxon?

PAGE 07

Friday October 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

The Company's Project Summary Cover Page.

T&T Company to set up 'well drilling' support base …as EPA exempts company from Environmental Studies A Trinidadian company looking to set up shop in Guyana to provide drilling support services to offshore oil operators in Guyana's

Exclusive Economic Zone, has been exempted by the Environmental Protection A g e n c y ( E PA ) f r o m c o n d u c t i n g a n Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its intended facility.

The Company, We a t h e r f o r d , Tr i n i d a d Limited (Guyana Branch), a Reliability & Maintenance (R&M) Services for the Oil & Gas Industry, has proposed to build the facility at Tract G4-G5, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

According to the EPA, it screened the company's application for the grant of environmental permits and determined that it will not significantly affect the environment.

As such, the proposed project is exempt from the requirement that an EIA be conducted.

The EPA, however, stated that, “it must be noted that these decisions are in no way indications that the proposed projects are approved by the EPA.” According to the project summary provided to the E PA b y We a t h e r f o r d , “ We a t h e r f o r d Tr i n i d a d Limited - Guyana Branch will be providing Well Construction Services (Tubular Running Services, Fishing & Re-Entry & Well Bore Clean Out Services) & Completions Services (Liner Hangers, Sand Control Screens & Cementation Equipment) to Guyana Operations and will deploy Reliability & Maintenance (R & M) services for customers in the Oil & Gas Industry.”To this end, it was explained that the location at Land of Canaan will be used to store tools and equipment until they are transported offshore, conduct servicing and maintenance work, test equipment and pressure testing, and the general maintenance of the tool and equipment.Pegged as an US$2.5M investment, We a t h e r f o r d s a i d t h a t financing would be used to prepare the site for operations and will employ between 25 to 30 employees during operations: a combination of HSE staff, lifting equipment

operators, labourer, security, and administrative staff with 70 percent of the staff working Offshore.

The company said Energy for its operations will be provided by the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), whilst water would be sourced from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

“Waste is expected mainly Household Waste (paper, food etc.), Scrap Metal and Hazardous Waste (oily rags, oily gloves and oily coveralls),” according to the Company.

It did, in its project summary, indicate that waste will be separated into the different categories (paper and cardboard, kitchen waste, plastic bottles, hazardous waste and scrap metal). Household waste will be stored in covered colour coded waste bins for weekly removal by waste services provider.

Hazardous waste, it said, will be destroyed by one of Weatherford's and EPA approved service providers and scrap metal sold to Weatherford's approved and the EPA scrap metal vendor.

The company, in its summary, boasts that it is “the leading wellbore and production Solutions C o m p a n y, p r o v i d i n g integrated solutions across well stages and customer domains to the oil and gas industry.”

A c c o r d i n g t o Weatherford, “we integrate trusted technologies with innovative ideas to help finish wells earlier and produce more for longer. We have a substantial global network of people, service bases, manufacturing facilities, and technology and training centers in more than 100 countries.”

The company's range of production-enabling technologies include evaluation services, directional drilling services, secure drilling SM services, cased hole completion systems, expandable technologies, intelligent completion technologies, production optimization systems and all major forms of artificial lift.

Kaieteur News

Friday October 29, 2021

PAGE 09

Stress is not good for your health!

A

s far as is known, the duties of the Clerk to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) are clerical in nature and involve mainly taking minutes of the proceeding of the Committee. It is therefore hard to imagine how the unprofessional conduct of any member of the PAC can create problems of stress for the Clerk or Clerks.

No matter how unprofessional is the conduct of the members of the PAC that should be of little bother to the Clerks unless the unprofessional conduct is directed to the Clerks and not to the accounting officers who usually appear in front of the PAC. Even if the members of the PAC are hostile towards each other, this can hardly create stress in a professional Clerk.

An explanation is therefore required as to the nature of the unprofessional conduct which is responsible for affecting the mental health of the clerical staff to the Committee. The public should be given that explanation.

A professional Clerk would take the notes of the meeting and try to do so efficiently. So, it matters not who shouts or screams or quarrels, the Clerks should be able to do their work without getting emotionally involved. However, if the unprofessional behaviour is directed towards the Clerks, then this is another matter and all the more reason why an explanation should be offered as to the cause of the Clerks'

stress.

What will cause stress is for Clerks to be required to work two sittings per week.

This is highly unreasonable.

Given the length of each sitting and the fact that questions and answers are fired and responses to ad nauseam, it is too onerous for there to be two sittings each week. The Clerks simply would not be able to complete writing up all the notes and whatever else is required before the next sitting.

The Chairperson cannot expect for the clerical staff to be able to complete their work if there is more than one sitting per week. This is far too heavy a schedule for the Clerks and may explain the source of their stress.

The PAC is required to examine the accounts presented by the Auditor General's Report, showing the appropriation of sums granted by the National Assembly to meet public expenditure and such other accounts laid before the Assembly as the Assembly may refer to it. Anyone who has had a look at the Auditor General's Report would recognise that it is a voluminous document and to have to go through all of those accounts takes a great deal of time and energy.

The Chairperson has to also recognise that the other members of the Committee may have other professional responsibilities, including working as Ministers within the government. They cannot be expected to devote two

days per week of their time to interrogate public accounts.

Indeed, one sitting per week is also a long stretch. Sooner r a t h e r t h a n l a t e r, t h e Committee Members are going to complain about the heavy workload and the burden it is placing on their physical and mental health.

If there is any group of persons who should be complaining about stress, it should be the accounting officers of the various Ministries who are required to appear in front of the PAC. During the tenure of now President Irfaan Ali, the PAC became embroiled in theatrics with, in some instances, accounting officers being asked to leave.

Someone needed to inform the then Chairman, Irfaan Ali, that he was out of order to be doing this.

Accounting Officers are not accountable to the legislature; it is their Ministers who are supposed to be accountable. They are there to answer questions and provide information and explanations and regardless of their answers, they should not be subject to be asked to leave the meeting or told to only come back when they have certain information.

The PAC therefore has to understand its role and that of the accounting officers in terms of the separation of powers. It should disabuse itself of the notion that it has jurisdictional authority over the accounting officers in the sense that it could demand explanations. No such authority exists and therefore

boys Jumping seh... ahead Dem

Lang ago, when yuh wuk in a place long, yuh does eventually get promote. And when yuh wuk long enough yuh could eventually reach de top, no matter if yuh bin start at de bottom.

But these days, yuh could start at de bottom, at de middle and even lil below de top, yuh nah gat no guarantee dat yuh get to de top. Dem politician does gat plenty friends wah does always deh pestering dem about appointing dem to some wuk. And dem does oblige and be unfair to dem odder worker.

Is look like dah wah

happen to wan gal at de NSEE- NOTHING. De gal bin acting as de top person and den suddenly dem bring somebody lower fuh tek de top wuk. Dat can't be fair.

Lang ago, everybody used to wait fuh New Year's Day fuh see who gan get promote in de civil service.

Nowadays if yuh start at de bottom, yuh might end up retiring at de bottom. Is sheer outsider coming and jumping yuh. Promotion scarcer than hen teeth.

It remind dem boys about dem friend wah used to wuk in a supermarket and get promote. He go home and

bin boasting all weekend to he wife about de promotion.

She get so tired of hearing him dat she tell he, “Dah promotion nah mean nothing, dem even gat a supervisor fuh peas.”

De man decide fuh check and he call de peas section and ask if he can speak to de supervisor of peas.

De person on de odder end ask, “Canned or frozen?”

Talk half and ask dem wah get big wuk about dem age.

there is no need for the constant theatrics within the sittings of the PAC. A compromise is needed to allow for the work of the PAC to continue, to ease the workload on the Clerks and allow for the government Ministers to have enough time for their other official duties. One way to proceed would be for each side to

select a few Ministries and Departments which they wish to examine and to prepare a shortlist. The two sides can then cut this shortlist to a manageable level.

In this way, the number of sittings can be made less and shorter. This would ensure that the backlog is eventually cleared and that the stress and

workloads on all sides are reduced to manageable levels.

(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

Friday October 29, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

AFC has made the decision to leave coalition with APNU M y e m a i l i s fredkissoon@yahoo.com.

Please feel free to request a confidential 17-page document of the AFC which was submitted and accepted on Sunday, October 10, 2021 to the executive meeting of the AFC which was poorly a t t e n d e d .

T h e recommendation is that the AFC leaves the coalition with the APNU. That proposal will be put to the congress of the AFC which is to be held in March next year.

I am not going to state the names of the two authors.

Both are very high-level AFC personalities, one being a foreigner. When the document gets into the hand of the press, it is for Guyanese journalism to dissolve its permanent mediocrity and request the AFC to level with the

Guyanese people on the contents of that document.

I am suggesting to readers that this is an oxymoronic document with huge areas of sadness and colourful moments of surrealism. Just one example of oxymoron should suffice.

Its opening statement points to electoral irregularities that question the actual, legal election result of March 2020. Yet throughout the paper, the authors cite colossal mistakes that caused the voters to turn away from the AFC. In terms of sadness, the authors reflect in maudlin ways how powerful and phenomenal the AFC became as the embrace of the AFC by the Guyanese people began spreading from 2006. The surreal parts are deeply disturbing. Please read how blind these authors

are to the graphic political realities of Guyana, to the extent that you feel that they are literally living in the past.

The foreign guy from the Caribbean that co-composed this document is not familiar with the intricacies, vicissitudes, and labyrinthine nuances of Guyana's political sociology.

It is a manifestation of ignorance on the part of the AFC's leadership to ask this gentleman to compose a dossier on the way forward for the AFC in 2021.

The research contained in the paper is not grounded in reality. What is the reality?

The dialectics that produced an effective, effervescent and successful third force have also made the AFC a thing of the past.

It is likely that in March next year, the AFC congress will accept to pull out of the

coalition. But if the AFC was dead when it was in power, if the AFC was dead when it got nine parliamentary seats for free from the PNC in 2020, why would the AFC rise from the dead in 2022 when the dialectics have rendered it extinct?

Here is an interesting part of the document that will cause you to laugh. I quote: “AFC members should protect the AFC as an institution even if they have grave reservations about views expressed by members or decisions taken and not leak confidential and internal discussions to the media. Such activities should be subject to party discipline to show its total opposition to such actions, which should be deemed 'anti-party'.”

Well I got news for those failed performers that constitute the AFC. Even your executive members think that it is time the leadership goes, so three of them supplied this document to me with the definite expression of publishing it.

Now here is a dark side to this document that could be a Freudian expression of class and Frederick Kissoon colour.

Please read that when it breaks with the carefully the following words: “The Charrandas PNC, it will lose its nine issue must be dealt with and seats to the PNC: “There is closed as it continues to an electoral law and a duly linger and haunt the AFC as executed agreement that a party.” But why was there allowed the APNU+AFC to no mention of the Dominic be in parliament with a Gaskin story? Gaskin did c e r t a i n l e v e l o f s e a t more damage to the AFC than allocation. The AFC needs to Charrandas. The AFC's employ detailed examination official position is that there of that situation to determine were too many irregularities the legal position in relation in the March 2020 election for to its parliamentary status.” there to be a declaration of a There are many fantastic w i n n e r . B u t G a s k i n moments in that paper, contradicts that official praising the current qualities of attitude of the AFC. See his the AFC. The authors can Facebook posting of July 17, seriously be accused of living 2020 in which he was in the past. Those qualities pungent, graphic, pellucid, have long evaporated and c o r u s c a t i n g , a n d Guyana has moved on. The pyrotechnical that the AFC is dead. It cannot be election was rigged and resurrected.

(The views expressed in Clairmont Mingo this article are those of the participated in the fraud.

I will end with one more a u t h o r a n d d o n o t quote from the document in necessarily reflect the which the AFC anticipates opinions of this newspaper.)

Friday October 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

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Friday October 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

Opposition submits motion on comprehensive studies for US$900M gas-to-shore project Opposition Member and Shadow Minister for the Petroleum Sector, David Patterson, submitted a motion to Parliament this week, which calls for an independent and comprehensive set of studies on the PPP/C Government's US$900M gas-to-shore project. The initiative, which will feed off of approximately 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day from the Liza Phase One and Two Projects in the Stabroek Block, is expected Opposition Shadow to come on stream by 2026.

Minister, David Patterson In the meantime, Patterson has challenged the decision of the PPP/C agricultural zones.

The parliamentarian said, Government to have the landing of the pipeline from too, that no investigation nor the offshore Liza Projects to study has been conducted to Wales as being baseless, u n d e r s t a n d t h e since there is no data or study environmental and safety that publicly exists to support risks from pipeline leaks and such a decision. In his ruptures, which may be motion, Patterson outlined c a u s e d b y d e f e c t i v e that the Wales location will c o n s t r u c t i o n , a g i n g , require a 110km long corrosion, seabed land forms, pipeline to be laid along the mudslides, hurricanes, faults, seabed, as well as 27km on fractures, and seismic land, which will pass through a c t i v i t i e s , s u c h a s residential, commercial and earthquakes and volcanoes.

He was keen to note that gas leakages and exposures in the marine environment have been shown to be highly toxic to fish, and living organisms and the ecology, which could devastate the fishing industry.

Further to this, Patterson said it has been determined in a March 2021 United States Bureau of Environmental Enforcement (US Offshore oil & gas regulator) comprehensive report that the technology has not matured, and is not reliable enough to ensure the integrity of deep-water pipelines and detection of subsurface leaks.

He said, too, that no new study has been conducted to investigate the economic, social and environmental renewable alternatives, such as solar, hydropower, and wind, including an energy mix with phasing, thereof.

Speaking to other areas of concern, the former Minister said that the proposed Wales facility is located at the mouth of the Demerara River which has a very shallow draft and where 90% of the

commercial marine traffic operates. He said such a location would exacerbate the safety and environmental risks that would result from the worsening marine traffic congestion.

Additionally, he said the publicly stated costs for the pipeline will make this the single largest infrastructure project in the country's history.

Taking the foregoing points into consideration, he called for comprehensive studies to be conducted by independent and internationally recognized consultants. He said the scope of studies should include an investigation to understand the geological, environmental, and safety risks with mitigating actions, from pipeline leaks, ruptures, and movements that may be caused by defective construction, aging, corrosion, seabed, land forms, mudslides, hurricanes, tsunami, faults, fractures, and seismic activities, such as earthquakes and volcanoes; and analyses of the available technology for real time monitoring of the deep-water pipeline to ensure its integrity and reliable detection of subsurface leaks as well as the environmental, safety and health risks with mitigating

AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan

actions associated with accommodating the gaps in technology.

The politician also said that such studies should seek to investigate the health, safety and environmental risks with mitigating actions posed by the shallow draft and worsening marine traffic congestion at the mouth of the Demerara river; an analysis of the economic, social and environmental renewable alternatives such as solar, hydropower, and wind, including an energy mix with phasing, thereof; consistent with our overall effort to achieve a low carbon economy and compliance with the Paris Agreement on climate change; and finally,

an economic analysis including the total estimated project cost of the gas-toshore project alternatives covering energy mix and phasing approaches.

When completed, he said these studies should be submitted to the Parliament's Natural Resources Committee which shall, after examination, present a report to the National Assembly.

Patterson is of the firm conviction that the gas-toshore project's final decision should be put on hold until the National Resources Committee presents its report for debate and approval. His motion was seconded by AFC Co-Founder and Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan.

National Task Force mulling implementing fully vaccine mandate - Minister Anthony The Minister of Health, D r. F r a n k A n t h o n y, yesterday revealed that the National COVID-19 Task Force is considering implementing a fully vaccinated mandate for persons desirous of visiting the country and for persons living here.

The Minister, who made the announcement during his latest COVID-19 update, said that the “fully vaccinated” requirement is becoming a mandate that most countries are requesting now from travelers wanting to enter their borders.

“Well fully vaccinated is becoming now what countries are going to accept and if you need to travel out of Guyana , let's say you are going to the United States, from the 8 of November you must be fully vaccinated, meaning that you have to get both doses of the vaccine,”

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony. he explained.

To enter Guyana a person must be vaccinated or present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel, as defined in the gazetted order; vaccinated means having one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

According to Minister Anthony, the Taskforce is considering changing the

definition of “vaccinated” in the order to mean fully vaccinated, which is having taken both doses.

“The Taskforce here we are considering …because our definition of vaccinated was that, if you got one dose of your vaccine. The task force is currently examining whether or not to implement fully vaccinated or what measures to take, so we will see when those orders are out whether those changes would have been made,” he noted.

He added, too, that once that is changed, the requirement would go for everybody. Similar to the travel requirement, persons living here are required to have at least one dose of a vaccine to access all public buildings. However, this can all change if the definition changed in the updated Official Gazette of COVID-19 measures.

Friday October 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Friday October 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Pres. Ali launches four-month long consultation for draft of new Low Carbon Development Strategy

By Kiana Wilburg Even as plans continue to ramp up for massive oil production offshore in the Stabroek Block, President, Irfaan Ali is still pushing ahead with efforts for a cleanenergy economy by 2030.

Just yesterday the Head of

State launched the draft of his new Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which is available via this website: https://lcds.gov.gy/, and will be subjected to a four-month long consultation process.

During his address to the nation, the President was

keen to note that the draft LCDS 2030 advances a vision first articulated in 2008 by the then President, and now Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo. Dr. Ali shared that the vision was further developed in 2009 when it was encapsulated in the world's first low carbon

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during his address yesterday

development strategy from a developing country.

Though the vision was birthed some 12 years ago, Ali said it remains valid today – and continues to rest on two fundamental questions: How can Guyana harness the opportunities of low carbon development to prosper at home? And, how can Guyana lead the way to globally relevant solutions to the biggest challenges of our time, including energy security and climate change?

The President then proceeded to outline how the LCDS 2030 will ensure this

happens in three phases.

Expounding in this regard, President Ali said that from 2022-2027, a near tripling of electricity demand will be met through a combination of natural gas and the Amaila Falls Hydropower project on the main national grid, coupled with a major expansion of solar power with batteries on the rural networks. By the end of this period, he said the Essequibo Coast, Linden, Leguan, and Wakenaam grids will be integrated with the national grid. The Head of State said, too, that the Bartica, Lethem, Port

Kaituma, Madhia, and Matthews Ridge grids will be almost exclusively powered b y r e n e w a b l e e n e r g y.

Alongside the work on the country's grids, the President said all hinterland villages, about 200 villages with a total population of just under 100,000 people – will undergo an electrification programme by about 2026.

He said this work has begun already in villages across the country, included Seba, Waramadong, Paruima, Kurukabaru, Whyaka, Mission Capoey, Lake Top Capoey, Annai, St Monica and Karaburi. Finally, Ali noted that the transmission and distribution network will undergo a massive upgrade to manage the forecasted electricity demand and meet the standards expected of a modern power utility company. Ali stated that the second phase will begin from 2027 to 2032 and will see further increases in electricity demand being met by continued replacement of Heavy Fuel Oil, expansion of wind and solar power, and the commission of Guyana's second hydro plant, the site of (Continued on page 22)

IDB has largest share of Guyana's debt …as exchange rate leaves country at risk of higher repayments

T

h e I n t e rA m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) has the largest share of Guyana's external debt and according to the government's mid-year report on the country's finances, its greatest worry is that fluctuations in the exchange rate of the U.S. currency could place the country at the risk of servicing a higher debt burden.

This is since all of Guyana's external debt service payments require the use of the U.S. dollar, either for direct payments or indirect, to purchase other foreign currencies to facilitate repayment of other debts incurred.

C o n s eq u e n tly, “ th is currency represents the greatest source of exchange rate risk in Guyana's debt portfolio,” the report said.

It was noted, however, that in order to alleviate the interest risk, interest rate conversion options are continuously being explored with the IDB for

consideration where appropriate.

This publication had reported yesterday that for the first half of this year loans from the IDB increased 10 fold compared to the corresponding period last year.

According to the information contained in the Mid-Year Report for 2021, monies received from the IDB in loans increased 10 fold, from US$5.2 million in the first half of 2020, to about US$55.5 million for the corresponding period in 2021.

The report stated, about 75.2 percent of the latter amount was allocated to combating the economic and social ramifications of the pandemic.

Addressing the nation's total debt stock, the report highlighted that the increase “was largely due to positive net flows (disbursements less principal repayments) from the IDB, driven by disbursements, under two loans agreements geared at combating the COVID-19

pandemic.”

According to the report, at the end of June 2021, multilateral creditors held 64.2 percent of external Public and Publicly Guaranteed (PPG) debt, bilateral creditors 33.4 percent, and private creditors 2.4 percent.

The report cautioned that the entire external PPG debt portfolio is denominated in foreign currencies.

As such, “exchange rate fluctuations may have a considerable impact on the value of the external debt stock in Guyana dollar terms, as well as debt service costs.”

The U.S. dollar, the report said, remained the most dominant currency in the external PPG debt portfolio, comprising 72.3 percent as at June 30, 2021.

It was noted however that, “exchange rates are closely monitored by the Bank of Guyana and, as necessary, monetary policy actions and administrative measures are instituted to maintain exchange rate stability.”

Kaieteur News

Friday October 29, 2021

An Example of some of the waste transfer accessories being employed at GYSBI.

Exxon dumping sewage, oily water, other pollutants overboard …sends hazardous waste to Haags Bosch 'after treatment' Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana –has confirmed in its latest Cradle to the Grave Waste Management Analysis that it is dumping a quantity of waste produced from its off shore operations overboard.

This is in addition to s e n d i n g — a f t e r treatment—hazardous waste to the Haags Bosch Landfill (HBL) aback Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

According to the document, “All wastes generated from offshore operations are either treated and discharged offshore or sent to onshore facilities for recycling, treatment, or disposal/discharge.”

Identified among the waste that is dumped overboard on a regular basis, is Bilge water that has 15 parts per million (ppm) hydrocarbon oil content.

In addition to the highly dangerous Produced Water, EEPGL said it is also dumping overboard treated sewage, food waste, and other materials, including cement, barite, bentonite, calcium carbonate, gravel pack and sand.These are in addition to various tank wash waters, slops, and other wastewaters that pass static sheen or other tests, mud and drill cuttings, along with water-based mud and drill cuttings.

The company was quick to note that, “all of these wastes are subject to some type of pre-treatment and/or monitoring prior to discharge overboard in accordance with permit requirements,

international conventions, relevant international standards, or best industry practices.”

The pre-treatment method varies between Noble drill ships and the Stena drill s h i p s o r t h e installation/FPSO vessel operations, but the technologies employed are similar, according to EEPGL in its document.

According to the company, not all of the hazardous waste is treated and dumped, since some is sent back to shore where it is offloaded at the Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI), where it is received by RAMPS Logistics.

The company said that after treatment, this waste is then deemed nonhazardous, and then shipped to HBL, where it is currently being disposed of appropriately.

It was noted by EEPGL that after the untreated waste is offloaded at the GYSBI f a c i l i t y, Ti g e r R e n t a l s Guyana (TRG) treats and transports non-hazardous wastes received or generated directly to the HBL for disposal. “TRG transports the treated wastes to HBL in bulk bags, which are secured (tied/closed) to prevent tampering at the disposal site, whereas other wastes, including wood, cardboard, paper, etc. may be transported in bins.”

According to EEPGL, TRG may also transport other wastes, such as batteries to an off-site third-party metal recycling facility, Eternity Investment Inc.

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Friday October 29, 2021

Friday October 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

NGO raises funds to help homeless, single-parent mom

The construction of the new home for the single parent mom and her children.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat (AMJ) is an international community that strives to preach the message of 'Love for all, and Hatred for none'. In keeping with one of its objectives 'to relieve poverty and sickness, and the suffering of those affected, amongst others, by disease, natural disaster, war and other conflicts,' the organization was successful in its attempt to raise funds and materials to assist a single-parent mother of three, who lost her home to a fire earlier this year.

The Imam, Fahd Peerzada, who is the lead organizer of this project was able to collect funds from contributors in both Guyana and Canada, successfully raising over $100,000 in

the process.

The AMJ community believes in the longawaited Messiah to come as Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, India. It has always preached its message of love, and is on the forefront of providing aid and relief to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Thus, they are trying to help all those in need in Guyana.

On Wednesday, the AMJ, along with the Mayor of Linden, the Region Ten Police commander, and professionals in the media, visited the site where the home is being built.

The visit was to witness the construction, and raise awareness regarding the ongoing project, so that others may also have the (Continued on page 21)

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RCC presents reports to Speaker on issues affecting children The Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) in its reports for the period of 20172018 and 2018-2020, highlighted several issues affecting children across the regions of Guyana.

Copies of documents were presented to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, by members of the RCC on Wednesday.

Chairperson of the RCC, Aleema Nasir said that members of the commission had to travel to Guyana’s 10 administrative regions, and meet with many communities and state actors in order to compile the report. She explained that the RCC is very distressed at some of the findings in the regions, especially since there is a lot of neglect, abuse, and incest happening to children.

“There are a lot of things that are happening to our children, a lot of them are not in school, especially now with COVID, a great many of them are not in school, they are not exposed to schooling of any sort,” Nasir told the media.

The Speaker of the House, in accepting the reports, said that these would be tabled as soon as parliament resumed sitting. No date has been set for that resumption.

Chairperson of the RCC, Aleema Nasir hands over copies of the report to Speaker of the National Assembly flanked by staffers of Parliament and members of the RCC.

Chinese mining company to commence GKMS advocates for Cancer awareness, underground operation in November prevention in latest community programme - to bring Chinese to train locals Aurora Gold Mines (AGM), piloted by its Chinese owner, Zijin Mining Inc., is about to commence underground mining operations next month.

At least this is what the company’s department of Corporate Office, Compliance and Government Relations, related to Kaieteur News after its local employees noticed that new living quarters were being constructed at AGM. Local workers became worried after observing this and, through the National Mine Workers’ Union of Guyana (NMWUG), they questioned “Is this an indication of a plan to import Chinese workers such as drivers and operators? Jobs which Guyanese can do and are in need of?”

The workers reportedly heard rumours circulating that the new buildings being prepared are for Chinese nationals, who will be coming

to gradually replace them.

Concerned that it might be true, they related their observations and fears to the NMWUG’s president, Sherwin Downer.

A letter of complaint was sent out by the union on behalf of the local employees demanding an explanation and answers.

Zijin, in response, stated that it has noted the reports of a letter of complaint emanating from a workers’ union and revealed that the new living quarters is being built to accommodate more than 150 workers in the coming months.

There are currently 1000 employees working at AGM, of which over 800 are Guyanese.

Zijin added too that the reason behind the decision to increase its work force is because “another phase of its mining operation is about to get underway”.

One of the personnel from the company’s Corporate Office explained that this next phase of operation is underground mining, and related that the new employees will comprise of both expats and locals.

The personnel said that the underground mining operation is expected to commence in late November, and explained that the beginning stages are for the construction and layout of the mine.

As regards to the locals being replaced by Chinese nationals, the company official gave public assurance that this will not happen, while pointing out that one of his company’s requirement or policy is that 95% of its workforce must be local.

The Chinese nationals that are being brought in, he said, are to train the locals to do the underground mining.

He explained that currently there are no underground mining experts (Continued on page 24)

The underground tunnel

The underground mining site at AGM

Cancer awareness, screening and support for survivors have been added to the social priorities being championed by Grace Kennedy Money Services (GKMS) Ltd. In its latest community initiative, GKMS – agents of Western Union and the home of Bill Express – is assisting with breast cancer screening for 300 women through a donation of 250-thousand dollars to the Guyana Cancer Foundation.

Troy Williams, Country Manager for Grace Kennedy Money Services, Guyana, explained the company’s support as a “natural fit”.

“Our remittance and bill payment services touch the lives of persons of every age and economic status, including teachers, nurses, pensioners, policemen, farmers, service industry workers, businessmen and many more across all walks of life. In similar fashion, cancer does not discriminate, underscoring the need for greater access to early detection and treatment services.”

Williams noted that, while there is considerable funding

globally for cancer research, education, prevention and treatment, much more is required within Guyana to battle the disease.

“Children, women, unemployed & low income earners are often worst hit.

This latest donation, therefore, is naturally aligned to our heightened focus on reaching the most vulnerable among us,” he added.

Ms. Bibi Sadeeah Akhtar Hassan, President of the

Guyana Cancer Foundation, expressed her gratitude for Grace Kennedy’s financial contribution. She said the funds would directly support screening procedures, such as mammograms and sonograms at the Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital – an initiative that runs until March 2022.

The Guyana Cancer Foundation’s mission focuses on services for medically under-served cancer patients.

...NGO raises funds to help From page 17 opportunity to help in this charity project. The home is coming along quite well, but still requires more work.

A few months ago, a fire destroyed the home of the Cato family living in Mackenzie. The mother, Shellon and her three children, ages 14, 10 and 6 had nowhere to go. The Government has since provided the single-parent mother and her family with a temporary shelter at the Dorfolk Home in Retrieve, Linden.

However, this did not suffice as a long-term solu-

tion for the mother and her children. She was fortunate to locate a piece of land in the Amelia's Ward New Scheme on which she could build.

Since then, Shellon and others have worked tirelessly to help build her intended new home. They have even been camping outside the building without any electricity for days, so that the project can be completed soon. It is worth mentioning that her children have started school and make the commute to attend school in Mackenzie.

PAGE 22 VACANCY

Exist for cashiers & supermarket helpers at Nirva Super Store. 49 Sheriff & Craig Street.

Must be vaccinated.

FOR RENT Two bedroom apartment to rent on E.C.D.Tel:601-2515.

VEHICLES FOR SALE Toyota Pitbull bus for sale.

Call: 669-1852. AC-CD magrims 2.7, negotiable.

WANTED One cook and one kitchen assistant for interior locations. Call: 698-6200 SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040

FOR SALE Transported house lots for sale.Gated community,4Mil per lot.Call:671-9015/6221957.

Used household furniture & wares. Good condition. Tel: 669-6623.

D o b e r m a n & Germanshepherd mix pups for sale. Contact Devi: 6392828, if interested.

Restaurant equipment for sale: Freezer, chiller, refrigerated showcase, tables, chairs, etc. Whatsapp: 608-7452.

Prices negotiable.

1 full time Industrial mechanic to manage workshop at JFWW Network Outlet.

Call:622-1957, 671-9015, 2336997.

One or two bedroom Apt or flat, around Albertown, Queenstown or Bourda.

Tel: 669-6623.

Female ages 25-40 to take care of elderly male in Trinidad. Accomodations provided. Call: +1 (868) 4894087 Armed & unarmed Security Officer with Military & previous experience. Day & night shift coverage. Contact: 231-6052 Customer Service Rep/ Dispatcher, must be familiar with locations around Georgetown. Call: 621-9356.

Minibus & Taxi drivers to work & keep. Call: 225-3234/ 628-1183.

Office/Accounts Clerk to work in Meadow Bank, preferably with previous experience. Call:227-5222.

One male security night guard. Tel: 225-9304/2260772.

FOR RENT Vreed-En-Hoop junction, place to rent for Office, Bond, Hair Salon other.

Call: 603-6400.

1 private security person to work at People's Choice Restaurant. Tel: 679-9449 Drivers & Office Clerk. Apply at Survival lot 10 Vlissengen Road, Newtown, Kitty.

Three bedrooms, two toilets & baths. Water included, $75,000 monthly. Available Nov 1st 2021.Tel: 667-4570.

Furnished house to rent, Republic Park Phase-1. Contact: 610-0910.

Friday October 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

Exist for Security Officers, Male & Female. 18yrs & above. Contact: 223-4172/6320099.

1 Graphic Designer (IC) & 1 IT Network Engineer. To apply, visit:facebook.com/ bbwisp.internet.guyana or call: 647-7875.

Cook/baker, Kitchen Assistant, Servicemen & pitmen for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 6182020 or 231-2250.

One general domestic.Must be able to prepare vegetarian meal.

Apply at Alabama Trading,65 Robb Street Bourda.

Senior accounts clerk,Sales clerk & Cashier.Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda.

Trained grade 1 & 2 teachers needed. Payment will commence with experience and will be in 6 digit.

FDA recommends the administering of the J&J vaccine booster shot During his weekly COVID19 update on Tuesday, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony noted that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that about fifty-two days after persons have received their single dose of the Johnson & Johnson (J & J) vaccine, the

The Ministry of Health yesterday reported that four more persons, who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID19) disease, have died. As a result of this, the country’s COVID-19 dashboard has moved to 904. According to the Health Ministry, the country’s latest fatalities involve three unvaccinated persons and a fully vaccinated person, who all died between October 22 and October 28 last, while receiving treatment at a medical institution.

Those who succumbed to the virus were:

Shop for rent opposite StewartvilleSecondary School.Contact: 649-2179.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area.Call:615-9132.

1 two bedroom concrete house to rent at Diamond.

E.B.D. Call: 680-6194.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 25-50, Car/ Van licence.

Call 642-9823.

3 bedroom, upperflat & lower flat. Newly renovated, in residential area with parking. 266 New Market Street.

Call: 610-5472.

Auto Electrical apprentice age 19-25 yrs. Apply in person, Lot 120 Forth Street Albertown G/Town or call: 610-0340.

TAXI SERVICE Infinity 24 Hrs taxi service.

Bath settlement, W.C.B. Tel: 655-3037/ 687-0352/ 328-7998.

Troy: 609-8105, around Georgetown, Airport, etc.

CAR RENTAL

two men, a 64-year-old from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and a 67-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and two women, a 56-year-old and a 58-year-old from Region Four. Further, in its latest COVID-19 dashboard, the Ministry recorded 98 new cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 35,350. The dashboard also shows that 23 patients were admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with another 70 in institutional isolation, plus 2,832 in home isolation, and 10 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 31,521 recoveries have been recorded.

...Pres. Ali launches four-month long

Persons to assemble bicycle.

Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 From page 14 which will be identified in the Robb Street Bourda. coming years.

One female cleaner. Apply at After 2032, the President Alabama Trading, 65 Robb said the expansion will be Street Bourda. driven by prevailing market Experienced & Qualified Man- conditions, but it is likely that ager/Supervisor for Food Re- battery technology will be tailer. Send CV to Alabama sufficiently advanced to enTrading, 65-67 Robb St. able solar and wind plants to Bourda. provide new capacity increases, while contributing to For truck drivers, must know further downward pressure how to operate Hiab & have on electricity prices. knowledge of Georgetown.

Further details are set out Call: 223-5273-4/621-5907 in the LCDS 2030 – but in sum, Exists for Porters. Call: 223- the President said this energy transition will achieve a level 5273-4/621-5907 that very few, if any, countries Experienced carpenter & ap- have achieved. He said also prentice. Contact: 624-9507/ that cheaper electricity will be 624-9509/624-9508. supplied, and that supply can Vacancy exist for delivery increase fivefold with emisdriver, E.C.D. Tel:692-6768/676- sions staying essentially flat.

The President said, “The 1363. energy transition will form the Maintenance workers & backbone of the broader low labourers to work with carbon transition outlined in P.S.G.C.S. Preferably from the LCDS 2030. Small and E.B.D. Call: 621-6969/ 615-7784. medium businesses will be supported to create low carFarm workers in Timehri, living bon jobs and economic opaccomodation provided. Tel: portunities. A dedicated 15% 661-1585/617-2047. of funds from forest climate services will be invested in Amerindian communities' priorities, including land titling

Fully furnished three bedroom house and rooms in Albertown. Call: 225-3234/ 628-1183.

for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), finalized approval for the vaccine booster strategy. With the authorization of the J & J booster, persons who received that vaccine can seek a booster, no more than two months after having received their first single dose.

Fully vaccinated man among 4 new COVID-19 deaths

TO LET VACANCY

booster shot can be administered. Minister Anthony stated that his Ministry is currently examining what this entails, but for the time being the J&J vaccine would remain a single dose. An article posted to the FDA’s website, states that the FDA, along with the Centers

PEN PAL

Aidan's Car Rental. Call: 225- Male seeks female 18-38 to live 3234/628-1183. with or marry. Call: 603-9085.

and capitalisation of the Amerindian Development Fund to implement Community Development Plans.”

He added, “Low carbon infrastructure will be expanded – including transportation, digital infrastructure, e-Governance, and social inclusion. The urban built environment – roads, drainage and water infrastructure, among other areas – will be improved in all our towns.”

President Ali was keen to note that consideration will be given to international architecture and urban planning competitions for Georgetown and Silica City to match the unprecedented anticipated growth with high standards of urban planning.

Additionally, Kaieteur News understands that the LCDS 2030 will support entrepreneurship and innovation.

He further said that the Protected Areas System will be

expanded, and will see the creation of an International Center for Biodiversity.

Furthermore, the President said work will resume on the restoration and maintenance of our important mangrove forests. “In 2022, work will start on the implementation of Guyana's Climate Resilience Strategy and Action plan, which was produced using revenues received under the Guyana-Norway partnership. Work will re-start to implement the strategy and upgrade sea defences, irrigation systems, build agriculture systems that are more resilient and address the threat to public health from climate change,” Ali disclosed.

All in all, Dr. Ali said that LCDS 2030 captures how the next decade in Guyana's development will leave a positive transformative impact on the country.

...WHO climate change report From page 2 among the younger generation.

Arjoon explains that Guyana's coastline is part of the much bigger ecosystem of the continental coastline, from the mouth of the Amazon in Brazil to the Orinoco in Venezuela; and it faces this constant cycle of erosion and accretion.

He noted that Guyana's natural sea defenses are placed at risk by the erosion of the coastline, and that could only redound to the detriment of the communities scattered across the low-lying areas.

He explained, too, that while efforts have been made to grow and maintain the mangroves on Guyana's coastline, there is only so much that that

can hold when erosion takes its toll.

“Over the years, we have seen a significant decrease in mangrove forests, leaving our coasts directly exposed to wave impact,” Arjoon said; adding that, in conjunction with erosion of the coast's mud deposits, there is another issue, which is the constant and unprecedented melting of ice and snow in colder regions, caused by a frightening gradual rise in global temperatures.

“This melted water is discharged into our oceans. Global sea levels are predicted to rise between one and four feet by the end of this century.

And with every millimeter, Guyana's border wall approaches a point of irreversible collapse,” he stated.

Kaieteur News

Friday October 29, 2021

PAGE 23

Confessed killer escapes from Lusignan prison

Confessed killer Kapildeo Gangadin, 24, yesterday reportedly waited until all the prisoners at the Lusignan Prison were a c c o u n t e d f o r, b e f o r e making his escape from the quarantine section by using a cloth pole to scale a back fence.

Gangadin confessed to investigators that he killed two men, Ganesh Persaud, 19, also known as “Chris” and Mukesh Mangra aka “Paul” and was remanded to p r i s o n o n We d n e s d a y October 20, for both murders.

In keeping with COVID19 protocols at the prison, Gangadin, was reportedly placed in the quarantine section and would have been kept there for fourteen days before being transferred to one of the holding bays.

However, Gangadin, had been harbouring his own objective, which was to

escape from the facility.

According to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), the confessed killer carried out his plan and reportedly escaped around 04:05hrs, after a routine check was made by the guards in charge at the time.

Routine checks are made to ensure that all the inmates held at the facility are accounted for.

After it was discovered that Gangadin had escaped, investigations were conducted and the investigators learnt that he had tampered with his quarantine housing unit to gain access to the back of the prison.

The confessed killer then used a cloth-pole to scale the fence located there and swiftly moved through the prison's farms, before reportedly jumping over the gate, and disappearing though a dumpsite located

aback the facility.

The GPS stated that members of the joint services then launched a manhunt for him and ranks patrolled the entire outer perimeter of the prison, but up to press time he was yet to be recaptured.

Joint services ranks will continue their patrols, and the GPS warned the public that it is a criminal offence for anyone to assist the escapee in eluding the lawmen.

It was advised, too, that if anyone has seen the confessed killer or knows where he is, that individual(s) should make contact with the nearest police station, or call 911.

Gangadin was arrested on Friday, October 15, after allegedly murdering 19year-old Ganesh Persaud for his gold chain around 17:00hrs that day at the Deals on Electronics Store

The Quarentine section from where Gangadin escaped.

located in Strathspey, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

While in police custody, Gangadin confessed to stabbing the youth and scrambling his gold chain.

The confessed killer also admitted that he killed Mukesh Mangra, a fisherman, who was 24years-old at the time of his death, in January 2020.

Mangra was reportedly stabbed five times and his personal belongings stolen.

Prison escapee, Kapildeo Gangadin

Police still awaiting Maintenance of EPA legal advice on Permanent building to cost $6.7M Secretary's bribery matter - Engineer's Estimate 3 weeks later…

Three weeks after the Permanent Secretary (PS) attached to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs was caught in a sting operation collecting a bribe from a contractor, the police are still awaiting legal advice on the matter.

Sharon Hicks, 42, of 811 Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara (WBD) was arrested at her Quamina and Thomas Streets, South Cummingsburg office on Thursday October 7, 2021 during the police operation.

According to the Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is awaiting legal advice on the matter.

Also, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Chambers, Liz Rahaman, confirmed with this publication that the file is still with the chambers. She noted, “It's at the DPP's office and it is being given legal attention.”

Kaieteur News had reported that the sting operation was setup after a businessman, who usually provides security services to the Ministry, reported to the police that the PS was demanding money from him

Sharon Hicks, the Permanent Secretary, caught collecting a bribe.

Procurement and Tender Administration Maintenance works, painting and repairs Board (NPTAB). For this project, 12 bids slated for the Environmental Protection were received.

Agency (EPA) building, is expected to cost During the same opening, bids were also $6,791,400, according to the engineer's opened for electrical works, another project estimate. which falls under the EPA maintenance The cost was revealed yesterday during works. the opening of tenders at the National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Electrical works to the EPAlocated at Ganges Street, Sophia.

Painting and repairs to the EPA main building and guard hut before she signed-off on his invoices.

Hicks and the businessman's father had a deal in which she would help him secure a contract with the Ministry and, in return, he pays her $200,000 a month. After the businessman's father died, he took over his father's business and that is when Hicks approached him to strike the same deal with him, to which he first agreed.

However, after reportedly paying Hicks for

three months, he became tired and reported the matter to the police. A sting operation was subsequently setup and marked notes were handed over to the PS by the contractor while in her office. After Hicks collected the money, a plainclothes police rank walked into her office, identified himself, and cautioned her. She was then told of the allegation and arrested.

Hicks was later sent on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

PAGE 24

Friday October 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

Senior US general warns China’s military progress is ‘stunning’ as US is hampered by ‘brutal’ bureaucracy (CNN) - In the wake of China’s test of a hypersonic missile, the second most senior US general said Thursday that the pace at which China’s military is developing capabilities is “stunning” while US development suffers from “brutal” bureaucracy.

The outgoing Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General John Hyten, echoed Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s characterization of China as a “pacing threat” while calling Russia the most imminent threat.

“Calling China a pacing threat is a useful term because the pace at which China is moving is stunning,” Hyten told reporters at a Defense Writers Group roundtable Thursday morning. “The pace they’re moving and the trajectory they’re on will surpass Russia and the United States if we don’t do something to change it. It will happen. So I think we have to do something.”

“It’s not just the United States but the United States

and our allies because that’s the thing that really changes the game,” Hyten added. “If it’s the United States only, it’s going to be problematic in five years. But if it’s the United States and our allies I think we can be good for a while.”

Hyten’s comments come a week after a US hypersonic test failed and as tensions between the US and China remain high over the issue of Taiwan. He reiterated US concern voiced by his direct superior, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, about the recently reported Chinese hypersonic test which Milley called “very close” to a “Sputnik moment.”

When asked about the initial Financial Times report on the hypersonic test, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the August test was “a spacecraft, not a missile.”

Hyten said his successor will need to focus on ‘speed’ Hyten is set to retire next month and, in what will likely be some of his last public

remarks as Vice Chairman, he encouraged his as-yetunnamed successor “in everything that he touches to focus on speed and reinserting speed back in the process of the Pentagon.”

Hyten previously served as commander of US Strategic

...Chinese mining company to commence From page 21 in Guyana and, as a result, Zijin’s parent company will be sending in five experts from China to train and work along with the locals.

The five Chinese nationals are expected to arrive in Guyana sometime in mid-November.

Zijin in its official statement that was sent to this publication assured, “We continue to invest in the development of our local workforce and recently engaged a Guyanese company to conduct a fourday Supervisory and Leadership Training session at the mining site. We look forward to future similar engagements”.

AGM was previously owned by a Canadian company, which had begun underground mining exploration operations in 2019 after receiving clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA’s clearance had granted the company up to 2,500 metres of underground exploration, as well as test mining for 300,000 tons of ore and, it was reported back then, that GY$5Billion (US$25M) is expected from the first three years of exploration.

A year later, however, the Chinese company bought AGM from the Canadians for

The New living quarters being constructed at the mine.

US$238M. The company also inherited the rich deal the government had signed with the Canadians.

The deal allows Zijin to rent Guyana’s gold lands for GY$1000 per acre per year.

The company also enjoys tax waivers, and is even granted

the privilege to determine how much royalty it pays Guyana for its gold.

AGM is located in the Region Seven area, and it is dubbed one of the largest gold mines in Guyana and the world, with an estimated reserve of 6.54 million ounces of gold.

Command, where he was in charge of the nation’s nuclear stockpile and monitored strategic threats to the United States.

“Although we’re making marginal progress, the Department of Defense is still unbelievably bureaucratic and slow,” Hyten said. “We can go fast if we want to but the bureaucracy we put in place is just brutal.”

Hyten declined to elaborate on what’s known about China’s hypersonic missile test over the summer, simply confirming that a test occurred and “it’s very concerning.”

But he made clear that Russia is the most imminent threat to the US because of their more than 1500 deployed nuclear weapons, saying that China has roughly 20 percent of that.

The hypersonic and nuclear weapons China are building, Hyten said, are only partially to do with Taiwan. Rather, they’re “meant for the United States of America.”

“We have to assume that, and we have to plan for that, and we have to be ready for that, and that’s the position they’re putting us in with the weapons they’re building.”

Earlier on Thursday China reiterated its long-standing opposition to any official and military contact between the United States and Taiwan,

responding to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s remarks during a CNN exclusive interview. Speaking with CNN Tuesday, Tsai became the first Taiwan leader in decades to confirm the presence of US troops on the island for training purposes and said the threat from Beijing is growing “every day.”

“The Chinese military capabilities are much greater than that” single test, Milley told Bloomberg News.

“They’re expanding rapidly in space, in cyber and then in the traditional domains of land, sea and air.”

US has carried nine hypersonic tests compared to ‘hundreds’ by China Hyten pointed to the development of hypersonic weapons to highlight the stark difference in approaches by the US and China. He said the US has carried out nine hypersonic tests in around the last five years while the “Chinese have done hundreds.”

“Single digits versus hundreds is not a good place,” Hyten said. “Now it doesn’t mean that we’re not moving fast in the development process of hypersonics, what it does tell you is that our approach to development is fundamentally different.”

Hyten also criticized the American attitude toward

failure, arguing that it has curtailed development.

“We’ve decided that failure is bad,” Hyten said.

“Nope, failure is part of the learning process. And if you want to get back to speed, you better figure out how to put speed back into [sic] and that means taking risk and that means learning from failures and that means failing fast and moving fast.”

A failed test of a hypersonic glide vehicle last week underscored Hyten’s point. A rocket booster, used to accelerate a glide vehicle to hypersonic speeds, failed, the Pentagon said, and the rest of the test could not proceed. Officials have started a review of the test to find out why the rocket booster failed, and there is not currently a scheduled date for another test.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, meanwhile, has learned the lesson of failed tests to speed up development, Hyten argued.

Unlike Kim Jong Un’s father, Hyten said, “He decided not to kill scientists and engineers when they failed, he decided to encourage it and let them learn by failing. And they did.

So the 118th biggest economy in the world — the 118th — has built an ICBM nuclear capability because they test and fail and understand risk.”

Former New York governor Cuomo charged with sex crime (AFP)— Former NewYork governor Andrew Cuomo was on Thursday charged with a misdemeanour sex crime for forcible touching, a court

spokesperson said. The charge is the first to be filed since the once-powerful politician was forced to resign in the summer following a slew of sexual

harassment allegations.“A misdemeanour complaint against former governor Andrew Cuomo has been filed in Albany City Court,” said Lucian Chalfen, a spokesman for the New York state courts, describing it as a “sex crime.”

Kaieteur News

Friday October 29, 2021

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Over 5000 children infected with COVID -19 since beginning of pandemic - Health Minister Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said that a total of 5,594 children have tested positive for COVID19 in Guyana since the beginning of the pandemic.

Minister Anthony made this announcement at a forum on Sunday while speaking on Guyana's efforts to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

Dr. Anthony noted that positive results for children were made mainly as a result of PCR tests.

The Health Minister explained that, “this is a worrying situation because of the long term health risk of COVID-19 called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C), which is likely to affect children infected by the virus.”

MIS-C is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. MISC can be serious, even deadly, but most children who were diagnosed with this condition have gotten better with

medical care.

Minister Anthony explained that “scientists are still learning about what causes MIS-C and therefore we should be cautious”.

While Guyana has not yet confirmed a case of MIS-C, Dr. Anthony said that the cases with children are being closely monitored for any developments.

“We are seeing persons or children testing positive.

Because I think for some people, it's a myth that children are not going to test positive and things like that.

That's far from the truth; MIS in children is something that was first observed in Europe, and since then pediatricians around the world have been asked to keep a close eye on this.

So, when you see children who test positive for COVID or even if they have a history of COVID, the idea is to look for the signs and symptoms of MIS,” he said.

L a s t J u l y, M i n i s t e r Anthony reported a worrying trend in the hospitals, where

children are being hospitalised with a more severe form of the virus.

Back then, it was reported that over 1500 children between the ages of onemonth to four years have contracted the virus. Of that figure, some 523 children between the ages of five to nine years tested positive, with 273 of them boys, and 251 being girls.

It was also noted, that children between 10 to 14 years represent the largest grouping of young people that have been infected with the disease. Some 756 tested positive, with 342 being boys, while 414 were girls.

While reiterating that it is a disturbing trend, the Minister had urged parents to ensure their children follow all the COVID-19 guidelines, which is to ensure that they practice good hand hygiene and maintain the six feet physical distancing, to reduce the chances of them contracting the virus.

Several children have since died of COVID-19,

Four remanded for businessman's murder

Three juveniles are among four persons, who were remanded yesterday for allegedly killing a businessman.

The businessman, Keith Hohenkirk, an amputee known as 'One Foot' was found dead on Sunday at his Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) home.

Four persons reportedly confessed to killing Hohenkirk while robbing him. They all appeared at the Leonora Magistrate Court yesterday to face a joint murder charge.

The suspects are a 20year-old mason identified as Colin Jackman, a 17year-old girl and two teenage boys, ages 16 and 15, respectively.

They were jointly charged with the indictable offense by Magistrate Zameena Ali-Seepaul, who remanded them to prison until December, 1, 2021.

Jackman was taken to the Lusignan Prison, while the juveniles were sent to the juvenile holding centre in Sophia, Georgetown.

According to reports, it was the teenage girl who

Murdered businessman, Keith Hohenkirk first confessed to the crime and implicated the three others.The teen was arrested together with her mother.

During the interrogation she buckled and told detectives what transpired. The teenager said that she, along with three males, had planned and carried out a robbery on the businessman on his premises.

Cops began hunting for the three males and eventually captured them.

When confronted about Hohenkirk's murder, they also admitted to killing the man.Hohenkirk was discovered by one of his neighbours around 06:39hrs

lying on his bed, with his hands bound and his mouth gagged.

An autopsy performed on Hohenkirk's remains showed that his killers had beaten and choked him.

The businessman died as a result of blunt trauma to the head, which was compounded by compression injuries to his neck.Hohenkirk lived alone and operated a small grocery shop at the front of his house. He was last seen alive sitting in his veranda by one of his neighbours around 18:40hrs on Saturday.The neighbour who found him said that the following day, around 06:39hrs, she had gone over to his place to check up on him.

She noticed that his front door was unlocked and decided to enter his premises. Upon entering she saw his entire hall and kitchen areas were ransacked. Further checks were made and Hohenkirk was found in one of the bedrooms lying motionless on his back, with his hands tied with clear scotch tape, and his mouth covered with a piece of cloth.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony administers a COVID-19 immunization shot to a child. including a seven-month-old boy who succumbed to complications because of the infection in September.

As it stands, the Ministry of Health has rolled out an immunization programme under which over 26,000

children have received their first shot of the Pfizer vaccine and over 17,000 have received their second.

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1Friday 202 ,92October rebotcO29, yad 2021 irF

Police Force aims to establish aviation unit - Head of Strategic Planning Unit

Head of the Guyana Police Force's (GPF) Strategic Planning Unit, Assistant Superintendent (ASP), Nikola Kendall has announced that the GPF is aiming to establish an aviation unit.

“Plans are…on stream and proposals were submitted for us to have an aviation unit. There's so much to come, which I don't want to divulge, because the plans are still in development and it needs to be approved, so I don't want to go into too much,” she explained.

ASP Kendall expressed this concern in a recent interview on the Tuesday edition of the Guyana

Police Force radio programme, “Police and You”.

“I can say that positive, constructive, modern, technological, futuristic strategies are in place from the GPF,” she posited.

However, she further explained that the marine patrol capability of the GPF will soon be enhanced with the establishment of a marine unit in Region Six to protect Guyana's borders and deter piracy.

“As our new strategic plan rolls out, you will also see implementation of marine units set up in other regional divisions so

that we can better patrol our water ways, so that we can monitor our borders because you always hear this talk about porous borders, unchecked borders, and unmonitored borders. So, the aim is to ensure that our borders are safe and secured.”

The People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration since taking office, has invested heavily in strengthening the country's security forces. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali in September handed over 50 vehicles to the Guyana Police Force to bolster its

responsiveness.President Ali also commissioned a BELL 412 EPI helicopter for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to enhance its current transport fleet and security capabilities.

Guyana has also purchased a 'purpose built' vessel which will be used by the Guyana Coast Guard (GCG). A down payment of $618 million of $2.3 billion has already been made to a United States company, Metal Shark that is constructing the vessel. The vessel will patrol the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in light of recent threats.

Head of the Force's Strategic Planning Unit, Assistant Superintendent (ASP), Nikola Kendall

Friday October 29, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Friday October 29, 2021

Friday October 29, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Empty stadium for Reggae Boyz, USA clash ‘Dropping Gayle now wouldn’t be right’

SportsMax - Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz will face another empty stadium for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against the United States, after a request for permission to have fully vaccinated fans attend the game was denied by the government.

The Jamaicans are scheduled to face the United States in a crucial encounter on November 16, as the team looks to push itself back into contention for a spot at next year’s World Cup. So far, the team is the only country not to allow fans into the stadium, in some capacity.

However, with an estimate of just 12.4 percent of the population being fully

- Windies batting great Lara believes batsman should be given proper send-off

vaccinated Jamaica also has the lowest rate of any nation in the final round and is the

only one below 20 percent.

According to a recent press release the denial was based

Friday October 29, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Regardless of how much the storm seems to be raging out of control, you will be able to handle it. Have confidence in your grounded nature.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Hold on to your hat, Taurus, and be ready for some action. You're coming to a critical point in your emotional cycle when your heart feels heavy.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) In a string of intense emotional dramas, the last thing you need is one more. Unfortunately, it looks like you're going to get just that.

Once again, an incredible romantic scenario is coming to a head, and your emotions are in turmoil.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) There's a great deal of grounding energy in your world today, which might work to smother your fire.

Whatever happens, don't let the embers burn out.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Take pressing matters to the hilt today, especially when it comes to romantic issues and emotional needs. You have all the data you need to make a valid point. You have a whole battalion of facts to back you up, so fire at will.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) As you try to express your opinions today, you may have the feeling that someone is kicking sand in your face, Virgo. Like a kid on the beach, you have nothing but the raw elements to use to defend yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your boat is likely to be rocked today, to the point where you and all of your belongings could go overboard. Be prepared to swim ashore. Grounding and stability are the keys to maintaining a healthy attitude.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Calm down and get centered. This is an extremely sensual day that's likely to pique your emotions. You're apt to receive input from each one of your senses.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today is your day to shine in every way. There's a concentration of energy in your favor, so act boldly and without hesitation.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your heart and emotions are on the same page, Capricorn, but they may not be on the page you want them to be. It could be that you're reminiscing about an event from the past.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Let your sensual, nurturing instincts shine through, Aquarius. Rely on your sixth sense. If things start to get rough, remember that you have the ability to keep your cool.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A solid grounding is apt to be extremely important to you today, Pisces. Hearts may be broken or won, depending on how well you play your cards. Keep in mind that the slow and steady contender is most likely going to win this race.

on concerns regarding the capacity and logistics required to ensure that only vaccinated persons were allowed inside the stadium.

The decision caught Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) boss Michael Ricketts off guard as, according to him, the football body had harboured optimism of having fans return in some capacity for the upcoming round, following positive talks with government entities.

“We had discussions with persons from the Ministry of Health and we would have put our ID unit in motion. In fact, one suggestion was that we would merge both ID entities so that once you apply for a ticket the JFF could say to you we can or cannot verify your vaccination,” Ricketts told TVJ. “We put everything in place, all the plans. We made several site visits. We were working closely with IPL on how to have the patrons seated. We had a meeting and went through all the protocols and that gave us the confidence that we would have been permitted to have fans.”

The government has indicated, however, that the proposal is under review and the request could be granted in time for the January round of matches. The team is currently in 6th place on 5 points, three outside of an automatic qualifying spot.

...GVF Powerzone Championship on From page 31 Lucris Brummel, Latchman Gurdin, Jared Jhingree, Jason Seelochan, Marcellous Hector and Shaquan Lucas.

Young Achievers Khemraj Singh, Juan Reynoir Calzado, Tyrese Farley, Geno Carrol, Corwin Richards, Klondike Rodney, Ryon Mangru, Rick Ritchie, Wendell Austin, Ryan Munroe, Creston Rodney, Devendra Samaroo, Victor Rogers and Kevin Vieira.

SportsMax - West Indies batting great Brian Lara does not believe it would be a good idea to drop an out of form Chris Gayle at this point, despite the player’s struggles at the T20 World Cup thus far.

The 42-year-old batsman has faced heavy scrutiny in recent weeks and has managed just a total of 25 runs in two heavy losses for the Windies at the tournament so far. The storm of criticism surrounding the batsman, however, extends beyond that.

Heading into the tournament, Gayle had struggled to look like anything close to the player who has scored over 14,000 runs in T20 cricket. In the last 16 matches, the batsman has averaged 15.93 and scored 239 runs with a strike rate of 13.80, well below his career average of 138.46.

Despite that, however, Lara, considered one of the game’s greatest ever batsmen, believes the player could still have a role to play in the team and should remain a part of the line-up at this point in time.

“Chris Gayle is already in the World Cup and his experience and the fact that he can pass on something to the younger players is key,” Lara said recently on Star Sports. “I personally believe that Chris Gayle has to be given a proper send-off. This, I think, is his last tournament.

Dismissing Chris Gayle at this stage of the tournament, I am not sure it’s the right thing. I would like to see some sort of nice approach for the rest of the tournament.

I think he can still make an impression on the younger players even if he doesn’t score,” he added.

Kaieteur News

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Friday October 29, 2021

“Beyond Greatness” unveiled as new 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup slogan to headline competition’s brand identity Insidethegames “Beyond Greatness” has been unveiled as the slogan to headline the new brand i d e n t i t y o f t h e F I FA Wo m e n ’s Wo r l d C u p Australia and New Zealand 2023. Launched at a live show, broadcast by Optus Sport in Australia and Sky TV in New Zealand, the brand “includes distinctive cultural elements, bold new slogan and rich sonic identity,” it has been claimed.

The slogan, “Beyond Greatness”, aims to unite and inspire globally through the Women’s World Cup, which will next be joint-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in 2023. The identity is said to incorporate a “vibrant new visual approach” that reflect the “rich colours of the two hosts, building a palette based on the rainforests, earth, mountains, cities, and water of the two countries.”

Thirty-two colourful squares comprise a motif central to the brand. This motif represents the expansion to 32 teams in the competition and the indigenous populations of both nations.

Fatma Samoura, FIFA Secretary

General, said: “Women’s football continues to grow and Beyond Greatness, the new slogan perfectly captures where FIFA wants to take the female game in the hearts and minds of football fans worldwide Beyond Greatness.

“The new brand identity beautifully reflects the expansion of the tournament from 24 to 32 teams and evokes the colours and diversity of the national team strips taking part in the ultimate women’s football competition. “We can’t wait for it to begin!” An official song, titled “United”, was also released. Crafted by electronic musician and producer Kelly Lee Owens, it is said to have been inspired by the same values that the slogan was borne out of. FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Chief Executive Dave Beeche said: “Unveiling this dynamic and innovative brand is a key milestone for the host countries in the journey to 2023.

“We are proud to see our Mâori and Indigenous Australian cultures play a key role in the creation of this powerful and unique global brand. “We believe

it’s a fitting symbol of our plans to deliver a tournament that will not only take players and fans Beyond Greatness, but continue the incredible momentum already underway in the growth of women’s sport and gender equality.

“Australians and New Zealanders are looking forward to extending our famous ‘down-under’ hospitality to all visitors, to celebrate the world’s biggest female sporting event in our beautiful countries.”

The 2023 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to take place from July 20 to August 20 2023. For the first time in the competition’s history, the event will be hosted by two countries and features an expanded field of 32 teams.

Russell Westbrook ejected as LA Lakers blow big lead in defeat by Oklahoma City Thunder

Russell Westbrook (centre) had 20 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists, but also 10 turnovers.

BBCsport - Russell Westbrook was ejected as the Los Angeles Lakers blew a 26-point lead to lose 123-115 against his former side the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Lakers led 56-30 during the second quarter but the Thunder hit back to take a 97-95 lead at the third quarter buzzer before staying clear.

Westbrook recorded his first triple-double for the Lakers since joining in August but also had 10 turnovers. He was ejected late on for a second technical foul. It was the 32-year-old guard’s first appearance for the Lakers in Oklahoma City, where he spent the first 11 seasons of his NBA career.

LeBron James missed his second straight game

because of an ankle injury.

Fellow star Anthony Davis scored 30 points but could not prevent the 2020 champions from losing a third game in their first five matches. Shai GilgeousAlexander led the Thunder with 27 points to help them secure their first win of the season.

Elsewhere, reigning champions the Milwaukee Bucks were beaten 113-108 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo hitting 40 points.

The Brooklyn Nets, another pre-season favourite for the title, suffered their third defeat of the season as they were beaten 106-93 by the Miami Heat.

L a s t y e a r ’s b e a t e n finalists the Phoenix Suns lost for the second game in a row as the Sacramento Kings secured a 110-107 win.

We d n e s d a y ’s N B A results: Orlando Magic 111120 Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets 93-106 Miami Heat, New Orleans Pelicans 99-102 Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors 118-100 Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics 107-116 Wa s h i n g t o n W i z a r d s , Milwaukee Bucks 108-113 Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder 1 2 3 - 11 5 L o s A n g e l e s Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers 116-96 Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns 107110 Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers 79-92 Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kaieteur News

Friday October 29, 2021

Brusches Basketball Foundation donate backboards to Mackenzie Primary School

PAGE 31

Headmistress Ms. Camille Cummings at centre (front row) along with James Brusche (standing right) pose with Teachers and students following the Basketball clinic.

T

he Mackenzie Primary School received a pair of basketball backboards through the US based Brusches Basketball Foundation (BBF) and Luckie Lawson, a past resident of the area where the school is located in Kara Kara, Linden.

The presentation on Tuesday last took place on a miniaturized concrete court in the compound of the Schooland was done by former National Captain James Brusche to Head Te a c h e r M s C a m i l l e Cummings.

Brusche informed that every other year the BBF conducts clinics for school children in Guyana and his siblings who are also former National players, Clifton and Michael, who created the foundation, are committed to the development of the game locally.

Prior to conducting the basketball clinic, 25 boys and girls were presented with uniforms, compliments of the BBF. Speaking with the kids at the clinic, James Brusche said, “We hope this will help you in the future as

basketball is life, people from all walks of life have played it....we hope these few exercises we are going to give you today will do you well, being away from your laptops and gadgets.”

Attending the presentation was Regional Chairman of Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Mr. Deron Adams

who lauded the efforts of the BBF, noting its significance from the point of view that persons in the Diaspora were giving back.

“A child’s involvement in sport helps to improve many things, social interaction, confidence and of course it improves his thinking, because of course, you have to listen,” Adams

said.

He congratulated the Brusches Basketball Foundation for mirroring his vision to assist those children in various communities, through training.

Chairman Adams said he looked forward to government implementing programmes with various

Coaches employed to impart their knowledge at the N u r s e r y, P r i m a r y a n d Secondary schools, knowing that Linden and the region have been producing top class athletes over the years.

In accepting the two imported backboards, Headmistress Ms. Camille Cummings, thanked the Brusches Basketball

Foundation and donors on behalf her staff, parents and pupils. Ms. Cummings assured James Brusche that they would take good care of the equipment.

The basketball clinic allowed the kids to learn the basics in passing, dribbling and shooting which was conducted by Brusche, assisted by Caeron Sealey.

Kaieteur News

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Friday October 29, 2021

Head Coach Dover names under-20 Men’s Squad for Concacaf Qualifiers Head Coach Wayne Dover has selected his final squad for the 2022 Concacaf Under-20 Championship qualifying rounds in November, following an extensive talent identification process that ranged from the remote hinterland in Guyana to the North American Diaspora.

Guyana has been drawn in Group D of the Concacaf qualification process with matches against the Cayman Islands (November 6), US Virgin Islands (November 8), and Nicaragua (November 10) to be played in the Dominican Republic.

The winner of each qualification group will

progress to the round of 16 finals tournament next year.

“With the national men’s U-20 team encamped, it gives us, as the coaching staff, the opportunity to work closely daily with the group with the aim of building a formidable squad to compete in this year’s CONCACAF Men’s U-20 Championship qualifiers in November,” said Coach Dover, whose coaching staff includes Golden Jaguars Assistant Coach Charles Pollard, former national player Anthony Benfield, and Guyana Football Federation Goalkeeping Coach Eon DeVeira. “The technical staff of the team are very

optimistic about our chances of qualifying for the next round,” former Golden Jaguars Head Coach Dover said. “Of course, we’re cognizant of the fact that it will not be an easy group to negotiate our way out of, but we’ll give it our best shot.”

The diverse 20-man squad features four players from Santos FC, three from Georgetown FC, and three players from Fruta Conquerors, including star forward Omari Glasgow, who shone in his first appearances for the Guyana Senior Men’s National Team in FIFA World Cup qualifiers earlier this year. Two upcoming stars from

‘Use Gayle at top of order or not at all’ - former fast bowler insists batsman’s lack of mobility an issue further down line-up portsMax F o r m e r We s t Indies fast bowler Andy Roberts insists that based on his strengths and weakness, under pressure batsman Chris Gayle should not be picked for the team if batting below position number three.

The 42-year-old has typically opened for the Caribbean team but has featured at the number 3 position in the last couple of years. Against South Africa, Gayle batted even further down the order after coming in at 4.

Overall, batting down the order has failed to really bear fruit for the batsman, in West Indies colours, to date.

Gayle had an impressive showing batting at number during the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign for Punjab Kings XI but has not managed to replicate that kind of form this season or for the regional team. In 17 matches batting at the number three position or below, for the West Indies, Gayle has managed a total of 239 runs, at an average of 15.93 and a strike rate of 113.80. He has a high score of 67 runs.

At the World Cup, having

S

Andy Roberts

played against England and South Africa so far, Gayle has scored 13 runs from 13 balls, against England, and 12 runs from 12 balls against South Africa. “If Chris is going to bat below number three then he has no right to be in the team,” Roberts told the Mason and Guest radio show. “What is he going to do when you need to rotate the strike more as the overs keep going. Chris’s strong point is batting at the top of the order where he can set the

pace by playing his natural game, which is hitting straight.

“If you watch the last few games that he played he tends to use up a lot of dot balls, and not just in the World Cup, that dates back a while. He takes his time now to try and get in, instead of before from ball one, ball two, you would have to put the field back because he is timing the ball so well.

(Currently) He is struggling for timing.”

Rupununi Football Association clubs, one from Grove Hi Tech (East Bank Football Association), and seven based overseas in the United States and Canada football pyramid also made the cut.

The vast majority of the Guyana-based players has progressed through the GFF’s Academy Training Centre (ATC) programme, a first-of-its-kind football development initiative in the Caribbean region, which provides elite, structured and age-appropriate coaching for talented girls and boys across the GFF’s nine regional associations.

For example, Devon Padmore, Jerome Harrigan, Sealon Sue, Darron Niles, Kevin Mullin, Brandon Solomon and Solomon Austin have performed consistently well throughout the ATC age groups, as well as standing out in GFF youth competitions, such as the U15 and U17 tournaments which have been made possible by financial support from the Pele Alumni and Namilco.

Santos FC goalkeeper Ronaldo Blair has trained regularly with the Guyana senior men’s squad, while n e w c o m e r Yo h a n c e Douglas, an attacking midfielder from Marist College in New York state, caught the eye during diaspora trials and is currently plying his trade as a freshman at the highest level

Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover

Omari Glasgow of college soccer (NCAA Division I) in the United States.

The Guyana-based contingent of the U20 preliminary squad has been engaged in intense, structured preparations for the qualifiers since September, most recently beating GFF Elite League teams Milerock FC and GDF in friendly matches, with a final warm-up game against a select national U23 men’s side on Thursday, October 28. The final squad departs Guyana for the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, November 3. “The preparation has gone pretty well since the start,” Dover said. “In the early weeks, we focused on fitness, an area that a strong emphasis always needed to be placed on. In the following weeks, the focus shifted to technical passing drills and tactical organisation in defending.

During the last two weeks, we dealt with general team organisation and patterns in attack.

“The players are starting to adapt well to the teachings, as was demonstrated in the two friendly games played on Sunday and Tuesday,” he added. “The technical staff’s focus for these two games was primarily on how the team play as a unit rather than the final results.

However, a win is a win in any part of the world, and we were happy for the wins because they will lend towards boosting morale.”

In its last game in Group D, the squad will be hoping to exact revenge on regional rivals Nicaragua, following a nail-biting 1-0 defeat to the Central American side in the last edition of qualifiers for the 2020 competition. That narrow loss cost Guyana a place in the final tournament, despite commanding victories against Montserrat, S t Vi n c e n t a n d t h e Grenadines, and the US Virgin Islands. The 2020 tournament was eventually cancelled due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kaieteur News

Friday October 29, 2021

Guyana, Honduras start CU17WQ on right foot

B

radenton, Florida – Both Honduras and Guyana kicked off Group C of Concacaf Wo m e n ’s U n d e r - 1 7 Championship Qualifying with victories yesterday at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

The day started with Guyana taking on Anguilla and the ‘Lady Jags’ looked set to take an early lead in the 20’ from the penalty spot, but Anguilla GK Dainelle Proctor made a big save to keep things scoreless.

Guyana kept pressing, though, and were rewarded for their efforts shortly before halftime when Sue Edwards pounced on a loose ball in front of goal and scored to hand Guyana a 1-0 lead in the 44’.

Anguilla hung tough thanks to some more excellent goalkeeping from Proctor, however Guyana kept things clean in their own defensive end to earn the 1-0

Sue Edwards

victory.

Head Coach Akilah Castello commented: “We were happy to start the Concacaf U17 women’s competition with a win. The players worked very hard to implement the Coaches instructions and execute the game plan. We were unlucky to not get a few more goals during the match. We face a very formidable opponent in Honduras on Saturday and the staff continues to prepare a game strategy to deal with the technical and tactical challenges that team presents. I am very proud of the players and staff and I am looking forward to the continued development of this group of players.”

Meanwhile, in the day’s other game, Honduras used a strong second half to down Turks and Caicos Islands, 70. It took until the 41’ before Las Catrachas could unlock

the Turks and Caicos Islands defense, with Geleen Alexa Lopez Banegas scoring her first of two goals to give her side a 1-0 lead. Larissa Arias scored her first of a pair of goals on the day right before the halftime whistle in the 45+1’ to double the Honduras advantage to 2-0.

Arias and Banegas were back at it in the second half, with goals in the 48’ and 60’, respectively, to make it a 4-0 affair with a half-hour remaining. Susan Loany Henriquez Palma then bagged a brace herself with goals in the 62’ and 77’ before Ericka Cardenas Pavon rounded out the 7-0 scoreline with a goal in the 87’.

All four teams from Group C will return to action tomorrow with Guyana clashing with Honduras and Anguilla facing Turks and Caicos Islands.

AIBA World Boxing Championships

Allicock beaten by Juntrong in Featherweight fight

Keevin Allicock (right) did not do enough to earn victory

C

aribbean and 2 0 2 0 To k y o O l y m p i a n Keevin Allicock lost to Rujakran Juntrong in the Featherweight (57kg) division in the 2021 AIBA W o r l d B o x i n g Championships at the Stark arena in Belgrade, Serbia, yesterday.

Boxing in the fourth bout of the evening session

on day four of the Championships, the 22year-old Guyanese from the FYF Gym in Albouystown could not do enough to move forward in the competition.

Earlier in the afternoon session, United States’ teenager Jahmal Harvey delivered the main upset of the session when he eliminated Uzbekistan’s

defending AIBA World Champion Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov to advance in the Featherweight division.

Guyana’s other hope to advance to medals rounds; Desmond Amsterdam will go into action tomorrow.

Efforts to get a comment from GABA Technical Director Terrence Poole, Coach of the Guyanese pair, proved futile.

PAGE 33

The Aussies openers set the foundation for the successful chase.

Openers, bowlers shine in Australia’s convincing win over Sri Lanka ICC - With their second win of the tournament, Australia go second in the Group 1 table with four points, only behind England who are ahead on net run rate. Faced with the task of chasing 155 for the win, Aaron Finch and David Warner made a bright start to the innings, scoring 63 in the Powerplay, the highest in the tournament so far.

Hasaranga brought Sri Lanka back into the game in the middle overs, accounting for the wickets of Finch and Glenn Maxwell, but a sensational half-century from Warner and a late cameo from Marcus Stonis helped Australia secure two points with seven wickets and three overs remaining.

Earlier, Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s unbeaten 26ball 33 powered Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 154/6, who, at one stage were 94/5.

Asalanka, Perera lead recovery - Having chosen to bowl first, Australia made early inroads through Pat Cummins, who came back strongly after being hit for a four by Pathum Nissanka in the third over, striking in the very next ball.

Nissanka tried to take the aerial route but failed to time the ball well, skying it straight into the hands of a back-peddling David Warner at mid-off. Walking in at No.3, Asalanka set the tone for Sri Lanka by smashing Cummins for two consecutive fours.

Aaron Finch’s decision to bring Glenn Maxwell on

as a match-up for the lefthander didn’t work as he would have liked. Asalanka smacked a four and a six, thus taking the off-spinner out of the attack. Perera too got in on the action, taking Marcus Stoinis on in his first over for consecutive fours.

Australia strike back Adam Zampa finally broke the stand in his second over; Asalanka’s flat slog sweep went straight into the hands of Steve Smith. The wicket of Asalanka triggered a minicollapse as Sri Lanka, who were 78/1 going into the drinks break, found themselves at 94/5 three overs later.

Brought back into the attack, Mitchell Starc responded brilliantly to being hit for a six by Perera, knocking over the southpaw with a searing yorker.

Avishka Fernando’s lean patch with the bat continued as he tried to hit his way out of the rut, only to sky it to the safe hands of Smith.

In the very next over, Hasaranga burnt a DRS after being given out caught behind, immediately reviewing the decision.

H o w e v e r, t h e r e p l a y s showed a big spike as the ball went past the bat, as Starc scalped his second wicket of the day.

Early onslaught from Finch, Warner - Aaron Finch and David Warner set the wheels in motion in the very first over of the chase, hitting at least one in every over of the Powerplay. The skipper found the boundary

twice in the first over off Chamika Karunaratne.

Warner, at the other end, ensured Maheesh Theekshana doesn’t settle in, making his intentions clear with a reverse sweep for a four. Lahiru Kumara was expensive in his first, with both the openers smacking two boundaries each as he went for 20 runs in the fifth over.

Australia make it two in two - Warner ensured that the two quick wickets did not derail Australia’s chase, finding boundaries regularly en route his fifty. By the time Shanaka dismissed Warner in the 15th over, the asking rate was down to 5 runs per over. Stoinis walked in and smoked two fours and a six to finish things off in style as Australia secured a convincing win over Sri Lanka.

Australia 155 for 3 (Warner 65) beat Sri Lanka 154 for 6 (Asalanka 35, Zampa 2-12) by seven wickets.

Fixtures - Fri 29 October Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah We s t I n d i e s v s Bangladesh Dubai International Stadium, Dubai Pakistan vs Afghanistan Sat 30 October Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah South Africa vs Sri Lanka Dubai International Stadium, Dubai Australia vs England

Kaieteur News

PAGE 34

Friday October 29, 2021

Capobianco Field, Roosevelt Island, named for Guyanese tennis legend aribbeanLife George Hugh Braithwaite, was t h e f i r s t Guyanese sports personality to become world-renowned, winning more than 70 table tennis titles in the United States and overseas, including a run that can only be described as magical as for 27 straight years he won at least one US Open or closed title, said retired Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United States, Ambassador Rudolph M. Ten-Pow. Te n - P o w, f o r m e r President of the UN Tennis Club, who joined family, friends and colleagues, on Oct. 23, to remember Braithwaite and dedicate a section of Capobianco Field, Roosevelt Island where concrete Table Tennis tables are positioned, recalled along the way Braithwaite was crowned the Caribbean Men’s Singles Champion, and won the Doubles and M i x e d D o u b l e s championship, and in 1989 was inducted into the US Table Tennis Hall of Fame.

The former diplomat praised the extraordinarily talented sportsman, who was also a track star, saying, “This was a man who played for Prime Minister Chou-inLai and Chairman Mao-Tse Tung of the People’s Republic of China and President Richard Nixon, as part of the so-called ping pong diplomacy in 1971 that helped put an end to the international isolation of China, thereby changing the course of history.”

“George was an

C

George Braithwaite at the 2013 United States National Championships (Photo:Malcom Anderson)

outstanding table tennis player, but we’re also honoring his memory here today because he was an outstanding human being. I think that’s the lesson that George would want us to take away from his life.

Work hard to develop your talent but then be generous in sharing that talent with others,” said Ten-Pow. Celebrated with poem “Dance to the Chief,” a choreography by Alan Good, and the song, “My Way” by Michael Henry, Braithwaite who lived on Roosevelt Island for many years was called a consistent player, who made table tennis a part of his life.

Family friend Luz Maria Brissett, who competed with the genius, said Braithwaite, who took up the sport later in life was always in great physical shape, meticulous, and the most dedicated player in US history, winning events in his 50s, and artfully performed his beautiful game throughout the country.

Braithwaite, who graced the cover of Ebony, Times Magazine, and was featured in numerous publications, and who gave television interviews, even becoming a sportswear model, and ballroom dancer, also started a coaching club.

“He was the best player in China Town, and the most decorated in US history,” said Brissett, adding that, the old tennis racket he found in the UN, was the beginning of a long and phenomenal career, after he began playing the sport in Guyana.

Thomas Hu, Chief

From left, Table Tennis player, and retired United Nations staffer, Mark Anthony with family members, Sean Braithwaite, Barbara Christiani, Tracy Christiani, Sharon Braithwaite, and George Braithwaite Jr. at one of the tennis tables dedicated to George H. Braithwaite’s legacy, positioned in a part of Capobianco Field, Roosevelt Island.

Executive Officer of American Youth Table Tennis Organization and host, who worked with a team to bring the commemoration and dedication of a section of the field to fruition, said he met Braithwaite, fondly referred to as “The Chief,” when he was a teenager.

“I met the Chief in 1987, while helping to run the Greater Table Tennis league.

My mentor introduced him to me, when I was a beginner, and he was an elite player, so I was lucky to have been able to play with the chief.”

“We practiced together and became good friends. I was away in Hong Kong, and when I came back in 2015, and reconnected, we

practiced once a week. The Chief was not only a tennis player he also shared a lot of wisdom with me. He was one of the wisest men that I had ever met. He had a great impact to me.”

“I am honored to have been a part of this commemoration. The Chief deserves more than what we have done for him. He sacrificed his whole life for table tennis, like me growing up. There is no one in this country like him. I am honored, said Hu. Track and field enthusiast, Mark Anthony, who worked at the UN with Braithwaite from 1978, was

honored to meet Braithwaite, described as a humanitarian, someone who arrived at tournaments three hours ahead, to greet fans and sign autographs.

He said he admired the c h a m p i o n f r o m a f a r, intimidated by his brilliance, but eventually got to know the tennis phenom, who also shared track and sprinting techniques.

“George was a phenomenal player and l e a d e r. H e h e l p e d t o coordinate the UN games in parts of the world, and the inter-agency games in New York. I respected and wished to be like him when I grew

up, a friend, a colleague and a gentleman,” said Anthony.

The afternoon of tributes was punctuated with high praise for “The Chief” as Michael Reff said in his chorus. “To the Chief who has demonstrated that sports and character go hand in hand, and as a human he is the highest rated, and ratings are something ‘ping pongers’ understood.”

Other testimonials, came from Andrew Gorsira and Friends, and honorary guests Matilda Ekholm, Victor K r u p i n s k i , a n d Wi l l y Leparula. George Hugh Braithwaite died on Oct. 23, 2020. He was 86.

Guyanese Heyliger in Canadian team for T20 World Cup Qualifers Former Guyana youth player Dillon Heyliger has been included in Canada’s Squad for the upcoming International Cricket Council 2022 Men’s T20 Wo r l d C u p A m e r i c a s Qualifiers to be held in Antigua and Barbuda from November 7 – 15.

The fourteen member squad is as follows: Navneet Dhaliwal (Captain), Dillon H e y l i g e r, J a t i n d e r p a l Matharu, Shreyas Movva, Salman Nazar, Rayyankhan Pathan, Cecil Pervez, SanaUr-Rehman, Junaid Siddiqui, Kaleem Ravinderpal Singh, Hamza Tariq, Harsh Thaker, Saad Zafar and Aaditya

Dillon Heyliger Varadharajan.

The squad will be accompanied by six officials: Carlos Ragoonath

– Manager, Amarinder Bhinder – Coach, Assistant Coaches Khuram Chohan and Daulat Khan, Ankur Sahrama – Physio and Dinesh Mahabir – Analyst.

Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Panama and the USA will be the other seven nations participating in the Antigua & Barbuda hosted 7-day tournament which will be played in a round-robin format.

The tournament’s top two teams will progress into the two eight-team global qualifiers for the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be played in Australia next November.

Kaieteur News

Friday October 29, 2021

PAGE 35

GVF Powerzone Championship on this Sunday at CASH The Competitions Committee of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) has been busy and this weekend action returns to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) for the body’s inaugural Powerzone Championships which will see four clubs participating.

Those clubs are Castrol Strikers, Eagles Volleyball Club, Port Mourant Training Center and Young Achievers Volleyball Club. However, Competitions Committee member and national player Kristoff Shepperd, in an invited comment with this newspaper, revealed that the vision for the event is to have as much as 10 clubs participating next year with larger cash prizes.

This year, a total of $150,000 in cash prizes will be up for grabs with the teams battling for a top prize of $100,000 while the tournament MVP will cart off

Kristoff Shepperd $50,000. The GVF has announced that action will serve off at 09:15hrs sharp on Sunday and strict covid-19 protocols will be in place. In addition, the games will be live-streamed via the GVF Facebook page which has been customary at the last two tournaments. Eagles Volleyball Club, which won the Demerara Volleyball Association ‘A’ Division title last month will enter this competition as the favourites but Shepherd revealed that he expects competition to be a bit more intense, especially since there is prize money up for the taking.

The GVF has released the team lists for each team which follows: Castrol Strikers - Vance Harding, Quyntin Williams, Nicholas Khan, Omari Joseph, Andre Jagnandan, Shane Jones, Mickel Besson, Osworth Dash, Lerone Souvenir, Devon Bowman, Kirby Richards, Clement Choo-shee-nam, Fernando DeAgerila and Breyon Barnett.

Eagles - Dester Hoppy, Carlos De La Toore, Kristoff

Shepperd, Quacy Matheson, A d r i e l M o o r e , Tr a v i s Stanley, Trevon McRae, Ian

Bagot, Jaleel Roberts, Richard Telford, Michael Adolph, Domonic Bowen,

Akeem Bowlin and Bepaul Bandoo.

Port Mourant -

Shemroy Ross, Devendra Latchman, Ronaldo Bobb, Levi Nedd, Daniel Joseph,

Steffon Norah, Andy Rohoman, Dequan Gray, (Continued on page 25)