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Final cost for CJIA expansion unknown but p.

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Thursday Edition

will not surpass US$200M

September 09, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 33

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

- Min. Edghill

Online readership yesterday, 95,559

Govt. touts being transparent in oil sector but actions - Int’l Analyst say otherwise New 5-Star, p.

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Venezuelan of 150-room Marriott accused murdering p.

Hotel at Ogle closer Guyanese 11 to realisation man killed in ….as EPA clears venture from EIA requirement hail of bullets p.

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Gas plant will require US$84M cable to connect to GPL grid - Study

p.

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Motorcycle gang p. Canje drill campaign goes on robbery 19 spree from Harbour to generate significant p.

Bridge to Houston hazardous waste 8 - robbed driver left with bridge toll - project document

Venezuela Govt., Opposition unite on territorial claim to Essequibo - move rejected by Guyanese politicians

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Listen to what Ex-TT Energy Minister did to Trinidad’s Oil Sector and now he is advising Guyana on our GTS Project. Also hear how they want to shut @ 11am on Kaieteur KN down and how Exxon is monopolising Guyana’s oil sector. Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Kaieteur News

Thursday September 09, 2021

Gas plant will require US$84M cable to connect to GPL grid - Study T

he proposed gas fired plant being pursued by the Guyana Government will require the power to be evacuated from that facility and sent to the Guyana Power and Light Inc's (GPL) Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS), using high voltage cables.

According to a study conducted by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), the least costly alternative amounts to just over US$80M to install a combination of 69KV and 230KV power lines to take the electricity from the power plant to the GPL Sophia substation.

According to the findings of the study done

by K&M Advisors, it was recommended that GPL construct a 69KV-only evacuation system for initial (lower) plant output, over a single 1-927 AAAC line constructed between Good Hope and Columbia, and a single 69KV line between the plant and New Sophia.

It was noted that when those line capacities are projected to be reached, the 230KV evacuation system should be constructed to augment the 69KV system.

Such a design, according to the group, would cost some US$84,672,000.

It was noted that the utilisation of 69KV only cables, would limit the country's future expansion as it relates to the Arco Norte proposal.

That proposal sees an interconnected grid being set up between Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and northern Brazil.

The administration at

present is currently looking for private partners “in designing or utilising the outputs from an NGL (Natural Gas Liquids)/LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) facility and related facilities.”

According to a recent request by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the proposed partners a re

expected to partake in the design, construction, and financing of a power plant fuelled by natural gas, where the power will be delivered into GPL's distribution grid.

The proposed plant is set to be constructed at Wales West Bank Demerara at the Wales Development Zone (WDZ), which has been

identified as the termination point for the pipeline from the Liza Area in the Stabroek Block, offshore Guyana.

The WDZ encompasses over 14,000 plus acres of l a n d o f w h i c h approximately 1,300 acres will be set aside for heavy industry/gas-related investments.

The private partners will

also be expected to take part in the operations of the establishment of a power plant to generate 150 MW, with an additional 150 MW as a second phase in addition to the establishment of an industrial park comprising industries that can utilise gas, steam and/or electricity.

Thursday September 09, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Govt. touts being transparent in oil sector but actions say otherwise T

here are two sides to transparency, says Arthur Deakin, a Co-Director of Energy Practice at consultancy Firm, America's Market Intelligence (AMI).

On one hand, Deakin says that there is transparency in what one says they will do.

But the other side of that, and perhaps the more important aspect, is what was actually achieved.

It is against this point that Deakin said in an interview on Kaieteur Radio's Guyana's Oil & You last week that the government touts about being transparent, but its actions are suggesting the opposite.

“I think that this government is very good at creating a very good image of transparency and accountability, but they are not always following through with those promises, and I think that that is where people might get distracted,” the International Analyst said.

- Int'l Analyst Deakin went on to refer to the current legislation that was passed in 2019 by the APNU+AFC administration, which governs the Natural Resources Fund (NRF). He said this legislation gives the Minister of Finance “too much” influence in the utilisation of the fund.

N o t a b l y, t h e P e o p l e ' s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government has signalled its intentions to update the oil money legislation to insulate this fund from political manoeuvrings and mismanagement.

“But from what I hear, the newly-proposed legislation is still going to keep a lot of the powers of the Minister of Finance and the Presidency.

And, it is going to raise the ceiling on spending, which is okay, but you have to have a separation between politics

and the money coming in. If not, it will be a recipe for disaster. That is extremely important and it is just one of the examples that come to mind,” the Co-Director explained.

Earlier this year, Deakin wrote on the NRF and the laws that govern same. He had indicated that the Act states that the Ministry of Finance (MoF), which is responsible for the overall management of the fund, would provide the Bank of Guyana (BoG) that is responsible for the operation of the fund, with an investment mandate pertaining to the funds.

In developing the mandate, the Finance Ministry would receive advice from the Investment Committee, a group of experienced financial experts. But currently, that

Committee does not exist, Deakin noted.

Similarly, he said, the Macroeconomic Committee, which is supposed to be responsible for analysing the future implications of public spending on the country's economic competitiveness is supposed to advise the maximum amount that should be withdrawn from the fund each year. This Committee, Deakin wrote, in addition to the Public O v e r s i g h t a n d Accountability Committee, is also missing.

He had further explained that the NRF Act also fell short in depoliticising the management of the fund. As it stands, he pointed out that the Ministry of Finance has too much control over the governance and spending of the resources. The members of the ever-so-important Investment Committee are all appointed directly by the ministry. The Minister of Finance, in conjunction with

International Analyst, Arthur Deakin Parliament, also has a final say on how the monies are spent.”

Without a more independent oversight structure, Deakin warned that the fund will be more susceptible to “political cronyism”.

Industry experts have also

pointed out that the fund lacks a medium-term expenditure framework and a clearer fiscal rule, which would allow for better planning and prioritisation of its incoming resources.

At the moment, the fiscal rule which will be used to determine how much money is spent each year from the fund has been heavily criticised for being too complex for laymen to properly supervise.

The analyst has also relayed that the current rule also fails to curb debtfinanced spending used to address short-term needs.

Additionally, he said, the Act did not create a broader fiscal framework that defined rules for public debt, balanced budgets and revenues.

Taking the foregoing factors into consideration, Deakin stressed that Guyana's oil funds are more susceptible to abuse by its politicians if the necessary systems are not in place.

Large scale polluters must help developing countries build climate resilience - Pres. Ali

P

r e s i d e n t , D r.

Mohamed Irfaan Ali, gave a scathing address to the CARICOM-Africa summit on Tuesday, about the failure of large polluting countries to own up to their responsibility to tackle climate change. He advocated for those large, industrial nations to help developing countries build resilience to climate change.

“Climate change is a serious threat which is exacerbated and further weakens us,” he said.

“Developing countries like Guyana and our sister states in the Caribbean and Africa, are facing great difficulties.

We h a v e n o t b e e n historically responsible, but we suffer the greatest and are least equipped to respond.

Our countries are bearing the brunt of increasing and more intense climate related events.”

He said the regions must advocate collectively for greater financial flows to help them adapt to the impact of the climate emergency. In particular, Ali said they should call for the establishment of a global

vulnerability fund.

The President's call at the first summit of its kind comes ahead of two major global summits - the United Nations Climate Change Conference in November, and the United Nations General Assembly next week.

To support his assertion, Ali explained that the large polluters have achieved economic diversification through the exploitation of their natural resources, and application of those to commercial activities. He pointed to this as the reason why they carry a greater responsibility.

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, made similar assertions in August during his feature address to an event by the Rice University: Baker Institute Centre for Energy Studies focused on Climate Change Aspirations and the Viability of Small Developing Countries.

“Many of these developing countries have no capability for equal burden sharing and so the justice, the fairness of this, has also eroded over time,”

Jagdeo had said.

“And these countries, historically, were not the contributors to the current concentration of greenhouse gases. Yet, they suffer the most from it. If the developed world does not commit to achieving these targets, then many of these countries will leave, as they enter the negotiations, skeptical as ever that enough is not being done.”

Countries like Guyana, which have just recently realised that they are endowed with significant petroleum resources, are facing pressure from environmental organisations and the international community to curtail their planned oil and gas production.

B u t G u y a n a ' s government is of the firm position that it has the right to exploit the resource, especially because of its record of prudent forest management and its status as a carbon sink.

“Here in Guyana, we remove more carbon dioxide than we emit, something that most countries cannot claim,” the President said

during the CARIOM-Africa summit.

“We therefore believe that we should benefit economically from this

service that our forests are providing to the global ecosystem.”

In this regard, the President said he hopes that

discussions on the rulebook for the carbon credit system will advance under the Paris agreement at the upcoming (continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday September 09, 2021

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

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

EDITORIAL

The decision of warring Venezuelan politicians puts Guyana in the crosshairs According to a July 8 Reuters exclusive: “Talks between Venezuelan gov’t, opposition set for August -sources.” It happened after wretched social turmoil and painful hardships for citizens and their families, with some level of sense slowly returning to stubborn political leaders in our neighbouring country. They did on August 13th, with both representatives of President Maduro and Opposition Leader Guaido “showing eagerness to find a common path out of their country’s political standoff” per the Associated Press. Well, they have, for Venezuelans leaders have signalled that they are now uniting over border controversy with Guyana.

Bygones are bygones over there.

Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly rejected that development, noting that Venezuelan leaders seem bent on using the border controversy with this country for deplorable reasons: Guyana as the sacrificial lamb. That may be so, but if ever there was a time and compelling cause for Guyanese leaders to bury the hatchet (not in each other’s heads), but deep in the ground, they have it now. Venezuelan leaders have presented them with one around which to gather and gain strength. As Venezuelans unite, so Guyana must work towards unity, starting right now. No more of this pussyfooting and stonewalling and going around in circles, while digging deeper holes for ourselves, and giving our enemies easy places in which to bury us.

What we have here cannot continue. Our own political leaders have been locked in a desperate war since December 2018. When will our leaders look for a common pathway out of our divisions, if only to give us a chance to stand with respectability on our own two feet? When will we start thinking and being like the Venezuelans who have selfdestructed, through internal divisions and draining national spirit? Understanding that we can’t go on this way, that we must find our own way, through our own efforts, and from our own wisdoms?

Circumstances have been rough for millions of Venezuelans, but a ray of light comes. It could be coming at our expense. The national political stalemate has compelled them to beg, to flee, and to start over wherever they can. It has been harrowing for them, still worse, if that can be imagined, for their compatriots left behind. Food shortages, skyrocketing prices, dangerous criminal activities, and general breakdown of social order have all been part and parcel of Venezuela’s turbulent existence of late. Punishing American-led sanctions have bitten hard and deep, and the earlier unwise policies of government squandered the riches of a country endowed with the largest known current reserves of oil on the planet. Venezuelans should be the kings of this region, yet they have now been reduced to its beggars and alarming unwanted presences elsewhere.

There are so many lessons from Venezuela for Guyana.

It has abundant amounts of precious oil and so have we. It has had one wasteful leader following the other, and so have we, too. It has had official policies that make no sense, to steer that troubled nation forward, and so have we. It now has foreign helping hands from North America and Europe that compelled leaders to the table of conversation but, in this respect, we are still to get there. We balk and paw at the air, in mulish fashion, with the moronic: legitimacy and recognition. The Venezuelans have existed in a state of near internal war for years now, but they have come to their senses. We have to do the same and, like them, detect the manipulations to which we have been subjected, the prices we pay. The longer we stay divided, the weaker we are, as our neighbours just belatedly found out. Where they just summoned the courage that forced them to stare each other in the eye, and say: ‘we are going about this the wrong way.

We are making fools of ourselves and wasting our gifts.

Losing some of the gifts claimed before the world (Guyana’s territory), while others benefit from our divisions’. It is time that Guyanese leaders and warring Guyanese get a similar mindset. We stay disunited, others take advantage of us, and we damage ourselves. We put our heads together, and the world could be our oyster. Will we, finally?

Local Content and CARICOM Dear Editor, In May of this year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, stated that when it comes to local content for the oil subsectors there will be areas carved out only for Guyanese companies including “transportation, logistics, cleaning services, food supplies, rentals, landscaping,” among others.

“This runs into tens of billions of dollars of carve-out for locals and in other cases, they will have to get a percentage of projects in

practical terms…”

Additionally, President Ali recently spoke about a local content policy exclusive to Guyana and Suriname enterprises. Both leaders must be aware that under the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, Member States are required to ensure that nationals of one Member State “have on a nondiscriminatory basis, access to land, buildings and other property situated in the territory of another Member State for purposes directly

related to the provision of services…”

There is nothing to stop a Trinidadian from buying land here, building apartments and renting to oil and gas workers.

Nor can transportation companies from the same country be restricted from offering logistical services to the oil sector, as is the case for three entities already here.

Any local content legislation or even policy position must comply with the CSME. This would

preclude such proposals as the requirement that Caribbean companies engage in joint ventures with Guyanese to conduct activities in the oil and gas sector.

While the government may be suffering from oil fever and want the most for its private sector, it should remember Guyana is still a member of CARICOM and must comply with its treaties.

Yours sincerely, Lynn Nicholas

Two captions – one of the real world on the move, the other of Guyana’s netherworld entombed Dear Editor, The two media captions are arresting. They are “Venezuela’s govt, opposition formally agree to unite around border controversy with Guyana” and “Ali maintains precondition for engagement with Harmon” from Demerara Waves (September 7) and Stabroek News (September 8) respectively. My thoughts follow.

Here the official reaction of the Guyana Government has been quick: “Guyana cannot be used as an altar of sacrifice for settlement of Venezuela’s internal political differences.” And further to that, Guyana is committed through international mechanisms to find a “peaceful resolution” to our border controversy. My reaction is that Guyana is going to so feature as “altar of sacrifice” for Venezuelan political purposes, and that the “peaceful resolution” through the recognised international court system will prove to be elusive for Guyana. But what has unfolded in Venezuela should serve as a wakeup call to Guyana’s leaders, if they care to listen, then do ore and act: heal this nation, for a start.

Still, I confess that it is inspiring how a nation, once in the throes of alleged opposition-influenced foreign intervention and mercenary invasion, even

low-burning civil war, could find ways to reconstitute at leadership levels. Its leaders could manifest the mental maturity to bond in defusing crisis situation for a way forward. There is Venezuela, and I congratulate its political captains, as I sense developing problems for my own Guyana. The land claims are not going away, but much of its treasure is in the meantime.

In Guyana, there is the incomparable absurdity of its head of state speaking for his governing group and insisting upon precondition.

What could be more selfsabotaging than that? When the nation so ferociously divided? When our vigilant, on-the-move adversary unites? When our covetous neighbour discern their loss, and work to gain ground? No country, no leader, no ruling group can be this utterly destitute of vision. Or understanding of the implications of continuing divisions. When our leaders think and function like this, then Guyana has done the remarkable: it pierces the national body with Achilles heels all over.

Regarding the land that Venezuela covets, it will still be there, with wrangling over sovereignty continuing endlessly, fitfully, I believe inconclusively. That is, until somebody takes matters to an aggressive step. It wouldn’t

be Guyana. While the land stays fixed, the sum of its treasures is depleted at increasingly accelerated rates.

If I were a Venezuelan leader, that is unacceptable.

Unallowable too. This haemorrhage of the asserted national patrimony cannot be permitted to continue indefinitely. For then, only the land will be left.

I think Venezuela knows more about how much natural resources wealth we have than we do. It knows more about crude than we will ever know. I hate to say it, but must: all the accumulated lessons of its history.

Venezuela knows the extent of our treasures, and is most agitated at the speed of ventures (AMCHAM), exploration (Exxon et al.) production approvals (Guyana and EPA). I also believe that they know the Vice President better than most Guyanese. They know that the VP is in a race, because the gems are being plucked out of the oil seabed, and possibly only pebbles will be left, which is why we now hear about possible renegotiation. Similarly, I am sure that they recognise the president for what he is, and what he embodies: a paper president, a man of sand and straw. So, they focus on the VP, he is where the action is, the decisions finalise and are implemented. When the closely following

Venezuelans study Guyana, they appreciate a diminishing asset. So, now they are in a footrace with the waves of pending American commercial invasion to strip us bare; the Venezuelans close ranks. Why squabble and string each other up in the national yard, while the house is being emptied through the backdoor next door? Why set a trapdoor for self? Venezuelans remove fences, Guyana erects them.

Venezuela lays bricks in the road, we dig them up.

Inexplicably, this is where Guyana, through its puppet president, maintains that it must remain. Divided; apart, not reconciling. Not even taking the first tottering steps. Well, the first word has been uttered: ‘precondition’ which means ‘recognise’ and ‘legitimate.’ Caustic words come, but I shelve them, settle for unconvincing. I do concede, though, that the president has a flair for messengering the absurd and transforming it into the bizarre.

My position is simple: I am the government, and governments do not beg those who lost for recognition, to accord to them the seal of legitimacy. This is compelling a pretense to lend credence to my own existence. Of that I will have none, and leaders in the Guyana Government (Continued on page 5)

Is D. Sawh Mechanical qualified to build pump station?

Dear Editor, On Sept. 2, a cabinet note approved a contract for construction of a pump station at Adventure on the Corentyne. The contract was awarded to bidder, D. Sawh Mechanical Workshop, of Bush Lot for the amount of $446,854,320.00 as stated in cabinet decision note CP (2021)09.02.5 (d)(xxvi); tender

FS: NPTAB:212/2021/21.

There are questions about this contract. Was the tender process a sham? Did D. Sawh Mechanical meet the criteria for the contract? If not, was it assured that the qualifying requirement would be ignored and as such went ahead with putting in a bid?

One of the qualifying requirements stated in the

tender is the undertaking of major civil works. D. Sawh Mechanical is known to be a mechanic.

D. Sawh Mechanical is not on record as ever building a pump station or undertaking major civil works.

Several contractors put in a bid for the job. Other bidders have a proven track record in major civil work. So how and why was Sawh Mechanical chosen for this task?

Sawh was known to be very friendly with the then coalition government getting a lot of contracts but not to build pumps. During the coalition government, Sawh was viewed as “Harmon’s right hand person.” Now he is close with PPP Ministers and top brass.

Can the President, head of the cabinet, justify awarding this contract to Sawh?

Yours truly, Jillian Adams

Thursday September 09, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Irfaan disappoints not honouring oil promises Dear Editor, This is in response to Henry Singh (Sept. 3) who couldn’t identify shortcomings of the President. Thirteen months into his Presidency and we are still to have an audit of expenses claimed by Exxon that are in the billions of American dollars. The expenses could be inflated by 100 percent. President Ali has also not delivered on promise on oil and gas on renegotiation, local content, and audit. Why is the government afraid to conduct an audit? Oil and gas business is being managed to

the benefit of non-Guyanese and a few in the inner circle of the government. If the government seeks a few percentages increase in oil royalty, its stock would increase.

Aside from shortcomings in oil and gas, there is the lopsided award of government contracts to preferred contractors with rules violations, placement of unqualified individuals in high positions, including at ministerial level. Countless examples have been exposed in the two non-government owned newspapers.

Irfaan promised to re-

...Two captions - one of the real world on the move, the From page 4 shouldn’t, if they have any self-respect left. Any such forced utterance of ‘legitimate’ would ring grievously in the record, still hollower, because of everyone knowing it has zero admissibility in the court of public opinion. Why add ridicule to rising disrespect?

But I think it is a ploy, since it serves Exxon’s interests to maintain Guyanese in a divided state and with the opposition recompensed to play along. Thus, both sides make a public show of digging in heels, while both multitudes make monsters of

the other.

To digress, the Americans and British could have looked the other way, sat around the table, and partnered with the likes of Klaus Barbie and Walter Schellenberg of Wannsee Institute notoriety, both the worst of Nazi criminals. Bu we are such fanatics that we employ semantics to camouflage ulterior agendas, can’t move one muscle towards needed a national handshake.

Indeed, oil does make men mad. Democracy and its compromises also.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

open sugar estates and restore the 7,500 jobs government employed workers plus 2,500 jobs affiliated with sugar, and 1,200 cane farmers.

A year later, no private farmer has resumed planting cane. Only 450 government jobs were created at three estates. Of those, 150 at Skeldon were told on Monday to take their accrued month leave this year in anticipation of shutting of the estate next year.

And just a dozen got private jobs affiliated with sugar were created. All the private businesses that shuttered when the estates were closed, remain closed.

No new business was opened in the estates during the PPP return to office.

Standard of living has not improved over the last 13 months. Only those in the oil and mining business have improved standard of living. Guyanese were better off under the

Presidency of Jagdeo and Ramotar. Income has been stagnant or declining from a year ago. Cost of living is at its highest since the time of Burnhamism in the 1980s.

The PPP won March 2, 2020 election because of the p u b l i c ’s disgruntlement with the Granger administration.

There was a bundle of policy blunders like closing down sugar estates, not honouring the promise of $9,000 a bag for p a d d y, c o r r u ption, and alienation of its own supporters.

Instead of embracing Indians, the coalition alienated and marginalised those who supported AFC forcing them and sugar workers to rush back to the PPP that ill-treated many Indians during its 23 years tenure.

The Indians voted against the coalition. Columnist, Freddie Kissoon, and pollster

cum frequent letter writer, Dr. Vishnu Bisram, can confirm this fact.

In 2019, Central Committee members were instructed how to vote or lose their perks and parliamentary positions. Some CC members shamelessly caved in to threat. The PPP won the Presidency by a meager margin because of the candidate.

Had it been another candidate, the PPP would have won big. And there would have been no room for the election fiasco that played out the day after the election and that lasted for five months. The coalition would have conceded defeat to an acceptable PPP candidate.

Henry Singh rightly states that Irfaan Ali is the first Muslim head of government

in Guyana. Guyana is displayed on a map on a WION broadcast (Aug 30) as an Islamic state. There are complaints that the bulk of government contracts are going to Muslims. Henry Singh makes reference to Irfaan Ali’s educational qualification. Can Prof. Jacob Opadeyi, appointed as head of GOAL explain!

The PPP has been looking good in office because the PNC has been in disarray and taking positions that turn off the nation. Once the PNC gets its act together with a moderate, likeable leader, the PPP will find itself under severe strains.

It is not too late to honour promise to renegotiate oil contract.

Yours truly, Sharmila Ally

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Kaieteur News

GO-Invest in Trouble Dear Editor, I wish to congratulate the government, and if I may, the President and Vice President and the Attorney General for the excellent work they have done in the first year. Clearly visionary and far sighted, the government has been doing its best, but they have a few Achilles heel — one of whom is an individual at GO-Invest.

Editor, this individual has been summoning project officers from GO-Invest, much to their displeasure and annoyance, to discuss their files. He has been contacting these investors and promising them the stars and the moon in return for them using his firm and business places. This, Editor, is corruption at its zenith.

It is difficult for the PPP to condemn APNU’s corruption, albeit justified, and within their own palace the crooks proliferate. People are looking. They are assessing. And they are forming opinions. 2025 will be no walk in the park unless these sores are excised.

Sincerely, Carl Roopchand

Thursday September 09, 2021

Agri. Ministry inks over $1.3B in contracts for construction of drying facilities, drainage structures, processing facility The Ministry of Agriculture yesterday signed eight contracts totalling $1,329,392,603 for a series of projects as part of its 2021 capital programme.

The contracts were signed for the construction of several paddy drying facilities, a sluice and an agroprocessing facility, as well as the construction and rehabilitation of drainage pump stations.

While offering remarks, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said it was important for contractors to remain on schedule. As it relates to the paddy drying facilities, Minister Mustapha said the facilities were needed to improve the current system farmers use to dry their paddy. “…Rice farmers are often forced to dry their paddy on the public roads and we want to change that culture.

Although a number of these facilities already exist, some

GRDB’s General Manager (Ag), Kuldip Ragnauth (right), signing a contract for the construction of a drying facility people do not want to use them. We will be working to encourage farmers to use these facilities so that conflict with pedestrians and motorists can be avoided,” Minister Mustapha said.

Furthermore, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) signed a contract with H. Nauth and Sons for the construction of a pump station at Andrews, on the Essequibo Coast to the tune of $532,067,550, the

...Large scale polluters must From page 3 climate change conference, otherwise known as the 26th Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP26).

Notably, Guyana received a COP26-related visit over the weekend from the Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth of the United Kingdom, Anne-Marie Trevelyan.

She met with the President, Vice President, and other government officials to get an understanding of the issues they have been wrangling with.

She also visited the Mahaica River for a tour, and was told of the floods which affected the area and communi-

ties across the country earlier this year.

As the International Champion for Adaptation and Resilience for the COP26 Presidency, it is her responsibility to advocate for more action on those issues. The Department of Public Information said that she has been visiting Caribbean countries vulnerable to climate shocks for information which will inform discussions at COP26.

Guyana will field a delegation to this conference, led by Dr. Jagdeo. Guyana has agreed with its neighbour Suriname, to jointly strategise on its messaging ahead of the conference. Ali hopes that CARICOM and Africa can do the same.

rehabilitation of a pump station at Adventure in Berbice with D. Sawh Mechanical Workshop totalling $446,854,320, and for the construction of a sluice at Copoey, Essequibo Coast, with M. Sukhai Contracting Services to the tune $259,458,750.

Additionally, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Ministry of Agriculture signed contracts with A&J Construction Services to the tune of $16,889,364 for the construction of a drying facility at Black Bush Polder; with H. Nauth and Sons to the tune of $16,700,000 for the construction of a concrete drying floor at Benab, No. 63 Village, Corentyne; with TVS Engineering, Contracting and Construction Establishment at a cost of $16,949,888 for the construction of a drying floor at Cane Grove, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara; and with NP Investment for the construction of a drying floor at DeHoop, Mahaica, set to cost $17,537,100.

The New Guyana Marketing Corporation (New GMC) also signed a contract with DBL Contracting and General Supplies totalling $22M for the construction of a processing facility at Fort Wellington, Region Five.

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LU ...BLUN B T . . .

N T U N L U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T .

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N L T U B .

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N L T BB T...BLU U N L U B .

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N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . .

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Thursday September 09, 2021

Kaieteur News

Surely, we can't be this backward! This limited!

Now we are borrowing US$1.8M from the IDB “to build a strategy for economic transformation.”

That fancy phrase boils down to ONE WORD: PLAN. Plan what we are going to do with oil money and post oil. Plan how local content can prosper from this wealth.

This is as basic as A, B, C. But here we are borrowing “to build strategy….”

This is absolute asininity from those we have for leaders in Guyana.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Kaieteur News

Thursday September 09, 2021

Canje drill campaign to generate significant hazardous waste - project document E

xxonMobil Guyana is gearing to undergo a 12-well drill campaign in the Canje Block and, according to the project summary submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the activities are expected to generate hundreds of tons of hazardous and nonhazardous waste monthly.

According to the document, as it relates to hazardous waste, this includes oily residue between 31 and 77.6 tons each month. As it relates to non-hazardous waste, the

company says it envisions this at between 46 and 100 tons each month, while sanitary and domestic waste see amounts of up to 4,500 tons each month.

According to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—the waste would be generated for the various categories based on the class of drill ships that would be used, anticipated number of

support vessels and typical crew sizes normally used for deep water well drilling of this type and the planned duration of the drilling campaign.

An application for E n v i r o n m e n t a l Authorisation is currently with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for ExxonMobil Guyana to spud a 12-well Exploration and Appraisal (E&A) drilling programme in the Canje Block, Offshore Guyana.

ExxonMobil last year said it has identified considerable undrilled potential of more than 50 leads in the Blocks it operates in Guyana's offshore Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The oil major has also announced plans to do more drilling in prospects targeted in the Kaieteur and Stabroek B l o c k s .

ExxonMobil currently operates offshore Guyana holding stakes in 11 million acres along with a number of partners making up the three consortia, which own the licences.

In 2019, ExxonMobil relinquished a portion of the Canje Block under the terms of the exploration licence, reducing the size of the contract area from 6,100 square kilometers (sq. km.)

to 4,800 sq. km.

It is anticipated that with the 12 prospects identified

for exploration in the Canje Block, it will yield some 10 billion barrels of oil.

Electoral law amendments still with PPP/C executive months after draft bill promised

A

mendments to the electoral law o r t h e Representation of the People's Act (ROPA), are still under review by the executive members of the ruling People Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall SC, in a recent engagement with the press, disclosed that although the amendments which were supposed to be circulated to the public for an open consultation since June, the party leadership is still in the process of examining the suggested amendments before it can be circulated to the public.

The Attorney General said too, that he could not give a timeline as to when the draft document will be ready for public consultation.

According to Nandlall, the document has been with the leadership of his party for close to three weeks.

“I'm only one person.

The membership of the party has vast experience in the electoral process and their input is integral to ensuring that we get it right,” he said.

As part of the process of amending the election law, citizens are expected to get about three months to scrutinise and make suggestions about these

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, S.C. amendments.

I n F e b r u a r y, Vi c e President Bharrat Jagdeo had promised that the draft amendments would be ready for public consultations by June.

He had noted that “the idea is to make more transparent and to define responsibilities in the Act that are ambiguous to put in place a set of penalties for people (who) try to steal election.”

As part of electoral reform efforts, the Government of Guyana is r e v i e w i n g t h e Representation of the People Act (ROPA) to iron out

ambiguous provisions, and include penalties for persons attempting to carry out electoral fraud. ROPA contains laws specific to the conduct of elections and election related issues in Guyana.

The Vice President had noted that any right-thinking person will support this effort, adding that all Guyanese stakeholders will have a chance to have an input in the crafting of the amended bill.

Back then, Jagdeo had said that once a draft amendment bill was in place, it will be sent to the various political parties in the country, civil society bodies, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the international community, and will be available to the public.

He went on to assure that everyone will get a chance to give their feedback on the amendments, including the current parliamentary Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

“And then when that's done, a draft bill taking into account the input [received], will be presented to the Parliament, where the parliamentary Opposition will once again have an input,” he added.

Thursday September 09, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Recognition vs. Legitimacy T

he President has s e t n o preconditions for meeting with the Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon (there is no such thing as an acting Leader of the Opposition). All the President wants is for the Leader of the Opposition to say whom he is meeting with, Citizen Ali or President Ali. Under the Constitution of Guyana, the President is required to consult with the Leader of the Opposition when making constitutional appointments including that of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Chief Justice and the members of the Service Commissions.

Where the President faces a problem is that he knows who the Leader of the Opposition is. However, that person, he believes, does not recognise him as President.

In other words, the President is saying that he knows who he is meeting with – the Leader of the Opposition. But who exactly is the Leader of the Opposition meeting with if and when they engage.

The controversy revolves around claims by the Opposition that the government is fraudulent.

But having a government, which is deemed fraudulent, is completely different from non-recognition.

What is therefore needed is for a simple clarification as to whether the Leader of the Opposition recognises Irfaan Ali as the President of Guyana. Recognising Ali as President does not mean that he has to deem Ali's election

as valid.

In 1997, Desmond Hoyte refused at first to enter Parliament on the pretext that Janet Jagan was the victor in a contestable election. But he eventually crawled back into the National Assembly using semantics – a distinction between de facto government and de jure government. He said that the PPP/C was the de facto government.

The PPP under Cheddi Jagan was cheated in elections from 1968 right through to 1985. But while it deemed the government a product of electoral fraud, it did not derecognise the government.

Consultations were held between Cheddi and Burnham and also between Cheddi and Hoyte even though the government was deemed to be fraudulent by the PPP/C. Similarly, after the 2015 elections, the PPP/C said that there were irregularities. Its election petition is yet to be heard. But this did not translate to non-recognition of President Granger. The PPP/C's Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, was engaged in consultations on constitutional appointments with the David Granger administration.

I n Ve n e z u e l a , t h e Opposition Leader proclaimed himself President and was accepted by more than 60 countries as a caretaker President even though he did not participate in the elections. A number of countries did not recognise the government of Nicholas

Maduro on the grounds that the elections were not free because of the nonparticipation of a number of main opposition parties.

Maduro won the elections c o n v i n c i n g l y, b u t h i s government was derecognised not because of electoral fraud but because the Opposition parties said the conditions for a free poll did not exist.

In international law, the concept of recognition applies to states. Thus some countries are recognised as legitimate representatives and others are not. The United States for example does not recognise the State of Palestine. Guyana does.

At the political level, there needs to be distinction between legitimacy and recognition. A government can be democratically illegitimate – like Burnham's PNC was – and still be recognised.

The present impasse between the Opposition and the PPP/C government can be easily resolved by reference to the distinction between these two concepts.

It is quite acceptable for the Opposition to believe (or delude itself into believing) that the Irfaan Ali's g o v e r n m e n t i s democratically illegitimate because dead people voted.

But that does not mean that Irfaan Ali is not recognised as the President of Guyana.

He is and is so recognised by the international community.

He holds Executive Authority – in fact full executive power.

Instead of engaging in semantics about 'installed'

Some of dem teachers boys nah gat behaviour! seh...

Dem

N

o matter wah disagreement yuh gat with yuh Minister, yuh should be civil towards dat person. But some of dem teachers wah bin protesting outside de Ministry of Education nah gat time and place. Some of dem bin daring “Priya fuh come outside and run yuh mouth.”

Priya nah gat to come outside. She gan get she pay at the end of de month. Some of dem teachers wah pampazetting gan gat to go union hall fuh strike relief.

What dem boys see

yesterday mek dem boys glad dat none of dem boys grand picknee nah gat to go to public school.

If dat is de type of behaviour wha displaying in public, dem boys nah want some of dem teacher go nowhere near dem grand picknee.

Dem boys shocked dat teachers refusing to tek vaccine. Teachers suppose to set de example because nuff ah dem children does look up to dem. But some ah dem teachers know more law and politics dan dem lawyers and politicians.

Dem boys wan remind dem of de unvaccinated elementary school teacher in California wah tek off she mask fuh read to dem schoolchildren in she class.

Within days, half de class test positive fuh de coronavirus.

And nearly all ah dem was from de front row and second row. So dem nah gat no doubt way dem picknee catch de virus from.

Thank God, dem boys was always a backbencher.

Talk half and try look fuh private school fuh yuh picknee.

and 'fraudulent' government, the Opposition could simply seek refuge in the position that Ali has been legally sworn-in as President but that the elections, in their opinion, were marred by irregularities.

The Opposition and the government in Venezuela are meeting. They are setting the stage of negotiations to allow for the Opposition to participate in elections.

Meanwhile in Guyana, the game of semantic continues. What is needed is a trusted interlocutor to negotiate a simple resolution to the present impasse.

Venezuela has had external forces seeking for years to bring about a compromise – it took time but some progress is being made now.

Surely, it is not outside of the possible for a solution to the impasse in Guyana to be broken. All it will take is for an acceptance that, notwithstanding how the APNU+AFC feels about the elections, we have a President in Guyana who was legally sworn-in following a Declaration made by the legal authority, the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission.

The Leader of the Opposition does not have to accept the democratic legitimacy of Ali to simply say that he is meeting with Ali as President. By indicating that he is meeting with Ali as the President does not imply that he accepts that Ali was democratically elected.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday September 09, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Adam Harris and I: The evidence that should change African Guyanese H

umans wherever they live would n e v e r understand the mentality of a nationality named Guyanese. I am going on to 33 years as a columnist, and suddenly, over Adam Harris, I am going to throw away my entire media career by writing an entire column for the newspaper I work for the past 25 years by inventing a tape that does not exist.

If you think I will do that you are a consummate jackass. I would never embarrass the newspaper I

have wrote for the past 25 years like this. I would never embarrass my wife and daughter like this. I am sending the tape to those who believe Harris on one condition only.

They must write a letter in the press acknowledging that if the tape does exist then Adam Harris and Mark Benschop are fooling African Guyanese and are dangerous men.

But how do you see Benschop now? Do you believe anything this man says from now on? This big

and bad man has not written a line denying he interviewed Adam and Adam said those things about me. Benschop lied to all his radio listeners when he told Adam he hasn't got the tape.

Well Benschop, I am calling you a liar again. You did an interview with Adam, in which he scandalised my character for 10 minutes based on questions you asked about me.

And you don't have the tape? Well Guyanese have finally seen what Benschop

is made of (not that they didn't know). I am waiting to read the letter in the press about me and the “fictional tape” from Benschop.

Well, if you hate me and believe that Adam never said those things and did not do that interview with Benschop, then put your money where your mouth is. Each one of you who believe Adam never said those things about me then bet your money if you have testicular courage and prove to the world you are not a

Frederick Kissoon jackass.

Lodge your money at Kaieteur News ASAP, I will lodge mine. I will then ask Kaieteur Radio to broadcast the section where Benschop and Adam went after me, then, I will collect your money and throw it in the gutter that runs alongside the Kaieteur News building.

Mind you, it was not Adam only that vilified me in that interview, Benschop got into the act too. He went on about how I have changed and asked Adam for his take on the nasty things I am writing. Now read this.

Before Adam went after me, he told Benschop that he has not read any column of mine since April 2020.

Well I guess this is my last article for Kaieteur News because I cannot see the newspaper retaining me after all the things I wrote about that tape. Well, man oh man, what kind of people African Guyanese listen to? African Guyanese need to know the nature of the people that

preach to them.

To think you did an interview scandalising me for 10 minutes then to be so idiotic to deny it. How can any human be so stupid? The tape is there. I have it.

Benschop had two other guests (African Americans) who did not show any facial expression when Benschop and Adam were attacking me.

So let's get down to business. Here is a question for Rickford Burke, Sherod Duncan, David Hinds, Jermaine Figueria, and others who criticise me – do you think no such interview took place between Benschop and Adam?

Let me ask those people on social media who hate Freddie Kissoon. Do you think there is no such tape?

And if there is such an interview what do you think now of Mark Benschop?

Benschop in the interview said I have changed. Well Benschop has changed too.

He has become a coward. He is running. But I am not done with him. I will keep writing that he should make the tape available.

Why should I give Adam Harris the tape when he could get it from Benschop?

I will only give the tape to three sets of people – the publisher and editor of the Kaieteur News, my colleagues in the media and those whose money I will collect, tear it up, then, throw it in the gutter.

What I like about this column here is the curiosity Benschop is going to get out of this.

He normally likes to use the American slang, “let's r o c k n ' r o l l ” . We l l , Benschop, let's rock n' roll.

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

Thursday September 09, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday September 09, 2021

Venezuela Govt., Opposition unite on territorial claim to Essequibo T

he latest decision b y t h e Ve n e z u e l a n Government and its opposition coalition – the Unity Platform of Venezuela – to unite on the territorial claim to the Essequibo region has been met with strong rejection from their political counterparts here in Guyana.

On Tuesday both the Government of Guyana and the A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) issued statements in which they firmly rejected the move by the Heads of Delegation for the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

According to the statement issued by the Government of Guyana, the Venezuelan met in Mexico City and signed an agreement on a number of issues including the country's longstanding claim to Essequibo.

But in the statement released by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government said that “the agreement is an overt threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.”

The statement continued

- move rejected by Guyanese politicians

The Memorandum of Understanding being signed by attorney Gerardo Blyde, head of the opposition negotiation team, Norway's Dag Nylander, head of the Facilitation Team, and Jorge Rodriguez on behalf of the Bolivarian Government of Venezuela. (https://kawsachunnews.com/) that: “Guyana cannot be used as an altar of sacrifice for the settlement of Venezuela's internal political differences.

While the Government of Guyana welcomes the domestic accord within Venezuela, an agreement defying international law and process is not a basis for mediating harmony.”

“The controversy between Guyana and Venezuela is properly before

the International Court of Justice and will remain there for peaceful resolution,” the statement added.

Added to this, Guyana's main Opposition, the APNU+AFC Coalition, in its statement too expressed concern about the agreement signed by the Heads of Delegation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

The APNU+AFC Coalition also took the opportunity to reaffirm the

sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, and reminded the parties involved that the G u y a n a / Ve n e z u e l a controversy remains before the International Court of Justice for resolution.

“We reiterate our faith in the rule of international law in pursuit of a peaceful settlement in this regard and our continued support of a national approach to safeguarding Guyana's

President Irfaan Ali sovereignty,” the party said in its release.

On Monday, Reuters, an international news agency, reported that the Venezuelan government a n d o p p o s i t i o n representatives said they had reached partial agreement during talks in Mexico City as part of a roadmap drawn up to tackle the once prosperous country's long-running crisis.

According to Reuters, a joint statement following negotiations between the two parties from September 3rd - 6th, revealed their areas of agreement related to social measures, particularly o n t h o s e a ff e c t e d b y COVID-19, and a territorial dispute concerning neighbouring, Guyana.

The news site said that the talks come after a morethan two-year push to oust socialist President Nicolas Maduro, whose opponents label him a dictator, who rigged his 2018 re-election and violated human rights to quash dissent.

According to Reuters, unlike in previous failed attempts, the current dialogue includes participation by a large group of other parties, including Norway, which led the talks, as well as the Netherlands, Russia, Bolivia and Turkey.

Meanwhile, the international news agency outlined that the Venezuelan Government and opposition representatives said in a joint statement, that talks on economic and social measures, including special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund (continued on page 16)

New 5-Star, 150 rooms Marriott Hotel at ….as EPA clears venture Ogle closer to realisation from EIA requirement T

he construction of a new, five-star Marriot Hotel and Commercial Complex at P l o t VA I , P l a n t a t i o n Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara by Trinuyana Investments Inc., 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) bringing its construction closer to realisation.

The announcement was made by the EPA recently which cautioned that its exemption status did not in any way; mean that the proposed project was approved by that body.

According to the EPA, it had screened the project's application for the grant of environmental permit, and had determined it would not

significantly affect the environment.

The company will however, be required to prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) ahead of any construction.

According to the project summary for the proposed hotel, Trinuyana Investments Inc., intends to develop a state-of-the-art, internationally branded hotel and commercial complex.

The new facility, AC Marriott Hotel, is a subsidiary of Marriott International, and will be a five-star development managed by Marriott.

According to the details provided, the proposed development will consist of a multi-storey hotel building with associated facilities including retail shops, courtyard and outdoor area,

paved parking lots and drive aisles, paved service road, landscaping, paved roads and an access bridge.

The hotel, according to the proposal, will be five stories tall over a footprint of approximately 1,093 square metres (11760 ft2, and will house 150 rooms.

Amenities will include kitchen, fitness room, lounge, library, media salon, meeting room and a reception area. Retail stores are also planned.

According to the summary, the new facility is expected to also boast a courtyard that will be constructed in front of the building and will serve as an entryway to the hotel.

An outdoor area will also be constructed in front of the building, east of the courtyard.

Paved parking lots drive

Trinuyana Investments Inc., Principal investor, John Aboud. aisles, and site roads are planned north of the building.

Additionally, a total of

114 parking spaces will be provided, while a drop off roundabout will be constructed in front of the courtyard.

The company said too, that a service road will be constructed in the west and south peripheries of the site. Areas of land are also said to be modified, and new plants, trees arid grass will be planted to enhance the appearance of the facility.

The proposed five-star facility will be sited approximately 2.5 km south of the Atlantic Ocean, and approximately 0.5 km east of the Ogle Airport, and is formerly a sugarcane plantation and consists of 2.61 acres of undeveloped land.

According to the project summary provided, the site is bordered by the Ministry

of Presidency facility (former Guyana Sugar Corporation GuySuCo facility) in the south, a drainage canal in the west and other former sugarcane plantations in the north and east.

Trinuyana Investments Inc. is headed by Principal investor, Trinidadian John Aboud.

Back in February last year when the investors had held a sod turning ceremony for the facility, it was explained that Trinuyana Investments Inc. will target business travellers to Guyana, especially those linked to Guyana's emerging 'Oil and Gas' sector, and the creation of the ExxonMobil (Guyana) Headquarters, which will be situated in proximity to the Eugene F. Correia International Airport.

Thursday September 09, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

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Kaieteur News

Thursday September 09, 2021

UG replaces two progs. with degree in Sustainable Tourism Management T

he University of Guyana's School o f Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) has launched a new Bachelor of Science (BSc) in S u s t a i n a b l e To u r i s m Management, adding to the list of several new programmes being introduced by the University at both the Undergraduate and Post-graduate levels for the 2021/2022 Academic Year.

T h e n e w B S c programme in Sustainable To u r i s m M a n a g e m e n t , according to a UG release, is intended to replace the Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and the Associate of Arts in Tourism Studies. It is geared towards addressing the growing needs of Guyana and the region by creating a new group of graduates who will possess the competence, knowledge, and practical skills to aid in: (1) viewing sustainable tourism as a vital mechanism to the economic development of Guyana, (2) appreciating the imperativeness of balancing tourism, the protection of the physical and social environment and economic development, and (3) respecting the historical

importance and knowledge of indigenous communities and valuing their contributions to development.

The programme is scheduled to commence online in October, 2021. It is comprised of 126 credits which are to be completed over four years (eight semesters) and will be offered both online and faceto-face modes.

The programme capitalises on Guyana's competitive advantage of being the world's number one ecotourism destination and the uniqueness of Guyana's tourism resources while satisfying the demands o f t h e i n d u s t r y. I t incorporates a strong combination of SEBI's foundational courses and specialist tourism courses.

Some of these specialist tourism courses include: Eco-Tourism Development, History and Culture To u r i s m , I n d i g e n o u s P e o p l e s a n d To u r i s m , Community Based Tourism, Facilities and Attraction M a n a g e m e n t , To u r i s m P l a n n i n g a n d P o l i c y, Tourism Entrepreneurship and Events Management, Eco-Tourism Operations Management and Marketing

Sustainable Tourism.

The BSc Sustainable Tourism was drafted by a team from SEBI under the leadership of Ms. Evelina Singh, Head of Department of Entrepreneurship and Management. The core drafters included Ms. Aletha Connelly, Ms. Camille Ishmael, Ms. Shenera Sam, and Ms. Evelina Singh. The process was supported by Ms. Tracy Alves, Academic Advisor and Ms. Tamika Profitt, Administrative Officer.

Providing a brief overview on the prospects of the programme, Ms. Singh noted: “The BSc in S u s t a i n a b l e To u r i s m Management is like no other tourism programme in the region. It is truly in a league of its own. The programme is robust and satisfies the demands of both industry and academia; it is aligned with international and regional standards; it is grounded in the protection of the environment - both physical and social; the protection of indigenous cultures and communities; and best practices in business. The future of the tourism industry is already here and it is sustainable tourism.”

The programme seeks to prepare students to be entrepreneurs and for high level positions such as: S u s t a i n a b l e To u r i s m Consultant, Sustainable To u r i s m R e s e a r c h e r , Sustainable Tourism Policy Analyst, Sustainable

Tourism Advisor, Educator, Destination Development Manager, Eco Tourism Development Specialist, Tourism Project Manager, Tourism Product Development Specialist, Marketing Sustainable Tourism Manager and Hotel/

Restaurant Manager.

Persons who are working in the tourism industry and those interested in the tourism industry are welcomed to apply for the programme. Persons who wish to pursue one of the programmes being offered

by SEBI can click on the following link: https://sebi.uog.edu.gy/acad emic-programmes.

Prospective students can also choose from over 140 Programmes including those offered at the PhD, Masters, P o s t g r a d u a t e , Undergraduate, Associate Degree, and Diploma and Certificate levels.

The University has instituted a rolling application process for the first semester of the new academic year.

Applicants can also apply for admission pending their results. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education sector, there is a choice of online or blended learning with the use of state-of-theart technologies, the release added.

Thursday September 09, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

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Kaieteur News

Venezuelan accused of murdering Guyanese...

FOR RENT

VEHICLES FOR SALE Tractor Massey Ferguson 165-$1.7M,Massey Ferguson 135-$1.1M,Ford Ranger pick up $1.3M,Ford F150 pick up $1.3M. 6825230/615-4414.

2,3 & 1 bedroom for rent @ Vreed-en-hoop, Providence,Diamond & Herstelling. Contact:6826263/643-3170.

Three bedroom apartment for rent on E.C.D.Tel:6012515.

One bedroom apartment for working couple/single person,$35,000 monthly,light & water.Call:623-0076.

2 & 3 bedroom fully grilled,concrete, parking, master bedroom in Tuschen.

Tel:#692-5525/ 660-0483

CAR RENTAL Aidan's Car Rental.Tel:2253234/628-1183.

TO LET One top flat 3 bedroom apartment.60 Sandybabb St Kitty,$55,000 per month. Call between 8-5 616-2873.

From page 11 mastermind in the murder of Rahim.

They were successful in locating El Negro but when they tried to arrest him he resisted and began shooting at the Venezuelan lawmen. The detectives returned fire and afWANTED Cleaner needed for Central Georgetown area. Please call 600-7433.

Housekeeper.Call: 624-5734.

One female accounts clerk,knowledge in POS system would be an asset.For more info.Contact:227-3580.

NB:Proof of vaccination card or a negative PCR test will be required before entering premises.

Live in general domestic $30,000 weekly experienced waitress 19-25yrs from around Ogle $20,000 wkly.610-3974.

Domestic,Operator,MechanicDoosan.Tel:223-5273/74.

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

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FOR SALE

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One male able bodied clerk.Call:693-8462/231-2029.

Males to work in the interior, ages 18-30. Call:687-7638/ 674-1767.

FOR RENT Apartment for rent.Peters Hall & Albertown.Tel:6481391/698-5800.

Fabrication Tel:690-5427.

workshop.

Vacancy for night helper (Cleaner). Call:637-6700.

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

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Carmichael st, Queenstown, La Penitence, Kuru Kuru Soesdyke. Contact: Ray's Realty 627-9685.

In all departments: Prep, Meat, Service, Kitchen. Apply: Bettencourt's Diner. Call for information:231-1368/ 223-1938.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 25-50, Car/ Van licence. Call 642-9823.

Sale! One Yacht merchandiser 140 single engine, works with gasoline. Price $3,000,000.Contact:676-6288.

LAND FOR SALE

One salesman,5 subject cxc.

Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing.

Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village.

2 truck driver for interior, must have knowledge about Foden Trucks $200,000 monthly.Call:642-2359.

1 experience cook.Call:6238654.

1 female to work/live in,must have food handlers certificate. Tel:678-2317.

Domestic Housekeeper. Job located in Georgetown. Attractive salary. Call:609-2995.

AM/PM Shift cashiers.

Math & Eng required. Send apllication to 173 Sheriff St, Campbellville,Georgetown.

Poultry/Livestock Farmers.

Live in accomodations, contact 609-2995. Send application to 173 Sheriff St, Campbellville, Georgetown.

Labourer carpenter & mason.Contact:602-9469/ 657-5800/666-2887.

Cook/Baker,Pitmen & Porter for interior location. Applicants must be experienced.

Call: 231-2250.

Trained grade 1 & 2 teachers needed. Payment will commence with experience and will be in 6 digit. 6231615.

ter a brief gun battle El Negro was dead.

According to reports, the detectives will continue to conduct raids in the area to capture the other three suspects still at large and even dismantle the rest of the '12 Disciples'.

According to the Venezuelan journalist, the gang has been terrorising the residents of San Jose de Cacahual by robbing them on the roads and even invading their homes.

Meanwhile, the Representative of the Guyanese Community in Venezuela (RCGV) headed by Mr. Hamraj condemned the murder of Rahim and called for justice on behalf of his family members.

Rahim was described as a devout Muslim who faithfully attended the mosque in his neigbourhood.

Thursday September 09, 2021

Venezuela Govt., Opposition unite on territorial claim to...

From page 12 (IMF) would continue in the next round.

"Progress was made in consultation mechanisms with political and social actors, making them as inclusive as possible," the statement said.

The news site noted too, that the two sides had already met in the Mexican capital last month for intense talks.

Following those talks, Jorge Rodriguez, President of the Venezuelan Congress and leader of Maduro's negotiating team said: "We have a long way to go, we have a lot of work to do, we have many issues to discuss, but today we have shown ... that we can say the hardest things to ourselves.”

Rodriguez said too that after the "early agreements" reached in the round, repre-

sentatives from both sides will return to the table in Mexico at the end of the month.

As a result of the progressive talks, Maduro's government is demanding the lifting of sanctions, imposed by the United States and Europe on Venezuelan officials and institutions – including state oil company PDVSA. US President Joe Biden's government has said it is willing to remove the sanctions if "meaningful progress" in opposition negotiations is made.

On the other hand, the Venezuelan opposition has called for humanitarian aid, including vaccines against COVID-19, to be allowed into the country, the freeing of supporters it considers political prisoners and guaranteed regional elections in November.

Thursday September 09, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Final cost for CJIA expansion unknown but will not surpass US$200M - Min. Edghill As the cost for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project continues to climb, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, recently stated that the final cost for the project is still unknown since it is a work in progress. However, he noted that the cost would not surpass US$200M. The Minister’s remarks in this regard were forthcoming during an interview on Globespan. Speaking of the expansion project, he said, “This was supposed to be a US$150M project; $138M financed from the China Exim Bank and $12M from the consolidated fund, taxpayers’ money.”

However, he noted that during the A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) last tenure, the initial agreement that the P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had signed with t h e c o n t r a c t o r, C h i n a H a r b o ur Engineering Company, was adjusted.

The Minister explained that Guyana was supposed to receive an airport with eight air bridges but due to the adjustments made to the contract by the previous government, the contractor only provided two of the air bridges, and two more were purchased which ended up costing Guyana close to US$2M. The PPP/C government, he said, recently purchased two additional air bridges, bringing the total to six air bridges. The additional air

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill bridges were also procured at a cost of US$2M. On Friday September 10, 2021, there will be the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly extended runway complete with an Instrument Landing System (ILS). This, he noted, the Government spent, “couple hundred million dollars to put that in place.”

The Minister also spoke about recently signing a $500M plus project to build an office complex in the airport compound to facilitate airline offices and other engagements. While totalling the spending will be done outside of the project’s original cost, the Minister said, “That will be US$150M plus counting...”

Hinting that more monies will be spent, the Minister added that, “Very soon we will be developing the car park…the sewerage system has to be addressed and we

Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) [Mike Charles’ Facebook photo] are working on that and the water treatment system also.”

The contractor, he said, had agreed to undertake other works on the airport at no cost to Guyana. However, according to the Minister, the company is yet to give the monetary value for those works. However, according to Edghill, his engineers have estimated the value of the works to be somewhere between US$11M and US$13M. According to the Minister, the airport was expected to be completed by December 31, 2021, but due to the constraints of shipping as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, works might not be

Man rescued by Good Samaritan on life support - One person in police custody The man, who was rescued by a Good Samaritan on Monday last, is now on life support and according to police; one person has since been arrested for wounding him.

The victim has been identified as Rajkumar Persaud, a 29-year-old carpenter of Lot 13 Zeelugt North, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Persaud is hospitalised in a stable condition at the Male Surgical Ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

On September 6, 2021 around 18:30hrs, a group of policemen visited the Leonora Cottage Hospital after a report was made that a man, who was allegedly wounded, was admitted.

Based on information received by the policemen, a 46-year-old driver of

Tuschen, EBE, rescued the injured man. The driver had reported that he was driving his motor canter along the Brother Dam, Zeelugt, EBE, around 17:30hrs. when he encountered a crowd gathering.

The driver said he stopped to see what had happened and to his horror, he saw a man lying on the road in a pool of blood. Upon closer examination, the driver saw that the man had wounds to the right side of his face and at the back of his head.

According to the individual, he tried to inquire from persons about what had transpired but was unsuccessful. The man then placed the victim into the tray of his canter and took him to the Leonora Cottage Hospital for medical attention.

Subsequently, police ranks visited the scene where

the man was found and there eyewitnesses provided them with details of the incident. As a result, the cops went to a house to look for a teen suspect of Brother Dam, Zeelugt, EBE, but their efforts were futile.

However, it was later reported that the police ranks were able to arrest a 22-yearold man of Zeelugt, EBE, for allegedly chopping the man and leaving him to die.

The youth was told of the allegation, which alleged that he chopped Persaud but the suspect denied the allegation.

Nevertheless, he was arrested and placed in custody pending further investigation.

Efforts were reportedly made to take a statement from the victim but doctors were attending to him at the time of the visit by the police ranks.

An investigation is still in progress.

completed until early 2022.

Background The airport expansion contract was signed in 2011 under then President, Bharrat Jagdeo, and was passed through the truncated presidency of Donald Ramotar.

When the David Granger administration took over in 2015, it claimed that the very defective plan needed adjustments. Then Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, had said that upon assumption of office, the APNU+AFC administration had found that only seven percent of the work was completed, with claims for US$90M casting

aspersions on the PPP/C’s management of the project.

Even with the substandard work, former Junior Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma, had revealed that the contractor spent more on certain aspects of the project than was laid out in the contract.

However, he had not shared whether the contractor spent more than the contract sum. Sharma had also said that the former APNU+AFC government would have decided whether to penalise the company for “breach of contract.”

The previous government had also said that it would not

spend a cent more on the project, but that proved to be untrue, as a change order that was seen by this newspaper indicated that the administration made at least one additional disbursement of $6.8M for the “extra time delay and costs for the prolongation of the project” by 807 days.

The order also indicated that it was a payment, not for the first, but the third claim made by the contractor.

As the country awaits the completion of the project, which falls way below expectations, taxpayers are, still obligated to repay a loan of US$138M to China, which forms part of the contract sum.

3 women are Guyana’s latest COVID-19 fatalities Yesterday, the Ministry of Health reported that three women, who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died. As a result of this, the country’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 657.

The country’s latest fatalities are that of an 81-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), a 36-year-old and a 45-year-old both from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). All three women, the Ministry reported died on Tuesday while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Further, the Ministry via its daily COVID-19 dashboard revealed that there were 289 new infections within a 24-hour period, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 27,061.

Presently there are 36 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 131 in institutional isolation, 2,476 in home isolation and six in institutional isolation. To date, a total of 23,762 persons who tested positive for the virus have recovered.

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Thursday September 09, 2021

Motorcycle gang goes on robbery spree from Harbour Bridge to Houston - robbed driver left with bridge toll

By Kellisha Hackett A gang of eight men on four motorcycles went on a robbery spree yesterday from the Demerara Harbour Bridge to Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Two of them – one a 15year-old – have since been captured by police while the other six remain at large.

Kaieteur News understands that the bandits had attacked commuters at the eastern side of the bridge around 05:00hrs. while they were waiting for a scheduled retraction to be completed.

They then continued their robbery spree by robbing a taxi driver, a newspaper vendor and her customer at Houston around 05:15hrs.

According to one of the victims, who were robbed in the vicinity of the bridge, he was waiting to cross the bridge to deliver fish to a customer.

“While waiting, I decided to come out of my car to check and make sure the fish was still properly secured in the cooler.

While checking the goods I saw a group of motorcyclists ride up the road heading to

One of the motorcycles that was used during the robbery spree the bridge and they come back down,” recounted the man.

He said that while heading back to his car he heard the sound of the motorcycle behind him but “I didn’t take it for nothing.”

“Suddenly, I felt a gun to my head and the bandit said ‘don’t move this is a robbery’,” narrated the victim.

According to the man, he

explained to them that he didn’t have anything.

However, the bandit in response said, “how come you don’t have anything and you carrying this entire load.”

The bandit then took the opportunity to search the man and relieved him of $141,000 in cash from his pocket; leaving him with just $500 to pay the toll to cross the bridge.

Another victim said that he too was in his car waiting to cross the bridge when one of the bandits came up to him and said “silence this is a robbery.”

The robbers then proceeded to relieve him of cash he had set aside to pay his daughter’s tuition fee for medical school.

After robbing a number of commuters at the bridge, the gang members then reportedly made their way to Houston. There they robbed the taxi driver, the newspaper vendor and a customer.

The taxi driver told Kaieteur News that he was taking the newspaper vendor to the location where she sells when the gang pounced on them.

He related that when the vendor was taking out the

newspapers from his car, a customer approached to purchase one. It was at this point, according to the man, that the motorcycle gang attacked. “When I look through my car window, I saw the motorcyclists ride up the road but then turned back and ride up to us,” the taxi driver detailed.

He recounted that the bandits pulled out guns and started to search them. “They rough us up and even tear up my clothing in the process making me look like a junky,” he said.

The taxi driver said they took $8,000 from him and made good their escape.

According to a police report, ranks were notified of the robbery spree not long after it occurred.

Investigators said that it was the victims who had alerted them that there was a motorcycle gang robbing commuters at the Harbour Bridge.

In a release, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) revealed that its ranks had rushed to the Harbour Bridge and were able to obtain Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage of what took place.

The CCTV footage,

The stolen items that were recovered from the captured suspects according to the GPF, showed that the robbery was perpetrated by four motorcyclists, all carrying pillion riders. They committed the robberies on the eastern side of the bridge, after which they sped off, heading towards Georgetown.

Members of the anti-crime patrol unit in Division 4A (Georgetown) were able to capture two of the suspects.

One of the motorcycles used was also seized.

Investigators reported that one of the suspects, the 23-year-old, was caught

hiding in a “dug out” filled with water at North East La Penitence while the other, a 15-year-old, was arrested at James Street, Albouystown.

Police ranks also recovered three cell phones, a pink handbag, a female make-up kit, a lip-gloss, $8,100 in cash, two lighters, two packs of cigarettes, and a bunch of keys.

Persons are being asked to visit the Brickdam Police Station to identify their belongings if they were among the victims who were robbed by the gang.

Despite MoE’s no work, no pay policy…

GTU spearheads protest against vaccination mandate

GTU representatives and teachers in protest mode outside the Ministry of Education’s Brickdam office yesterday Members of the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) and teachers yesterday commenced a three-day strike action in front of the Ministry of Education’s Brickdam office to retaliate the recent vaccination mandate that was put in place by the government.

Members of the GTU on Tuesday during a virtual meeting announced plans for the three-day strike action in hopes of having the vaccination policy for teachers rescinded.

Last Saturday the government updated the COVID-19 emergency measures in the Official

Gazette stating that any person who wishes to enter a public building, which they have lawful access to, must be vaccinated.

The Education Ministry before opening schools had issued a notice that teachers must be vaccinated before they return to schools or submit a negative PCR test once per week if they wish not to be vaccinated.

Following the COVID-19 restrictions, the GTU had indicated that it was against the vaccination mandate for teachers and had even expressed disapproval on the arrangement made for the

reopening of schools as it relates to teachers being marked absent if they cannot produce the PCR test results.

After the Union’s call for strike, the Education Ministry in a statement on Tuesday evening condemned the action by the GTU calling it “unconscionable and uncaring.”

“We condemn this action as irresponsible and not reflective of the realities of the present state of the COVID19 pandemic nor the needs of the nation’s children,” the Ministry stated.

The Ministry further noted that vaccination for teachers is not mandatory, but

stressed that for those who do not want to be vaccinated, there are other guidelines put in place, that is, to submit a PCR test.

Following the notice too which states that if teachers do not show up for work they would be marked absent, the Ministry in its statement reminded teachers that “all teachers who do not work, do not get paid.”

Taking note of the decision made by the GTU, Government in a statement noted that ‘any employee within the Public Sector who is absent from his/her place of employment as a result of the said Order (COVID-19

guidelines) will not be entitled to a salary for such day(s).”

Despite, the ‘no work, no pay policy,’ the members of the GTU protest gathered in front the Ministry of Education in protest yesterday.

Some held placards while others chant “boots on the ground, we ain’t backing down.” Some even called for the Minister of Education to come out her office.

The Union’s General Secretary, Coretta McDonald, yesterday told media operatives that the restrictions need to be lifted.

She added too that the protest is not only concerning the vaccine but other financial issues not honoured to the Union by the Ministry.

“If the Minster and her colleagues are ready to lift the restrictions in the Gazetted order, and they are ready to honour our obligations and the financial obligations, we would say to our members, return to school in full strength for both face-to-face and online classes,” she asserted Until they are ready to talk, she said, “we will continue to ask teachers to withhold their services.”

Thursday September 09, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Bandits abandon motorcycle Venezuelan accused of murdering after cops return gunshots Guyanese man killed in hail of bullets

Y

esterday, two suspected bandits on a motorcycle shot at a group of policemen that was chasing them in a pick-up along the Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) Railway Embankment. However, when the ranks returned gunfire, the men opted to abandon their motorcycle and made a run for it.

One of them, however, was not quick enough, and according to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), its ranks managed to capture him. His accomplice was successful in his bid to escape.

The brief exchange of gunfire between the cops and the men occurred around 06:15hrs.

According to the GPF, before the shootout took place, ranks from the ECD district were following up on information they received about armed robberies taking place in their division.

While patrolling in a pick-up along the Plaisance Railway Embankment, they spotted four men on two motorcycles. They suspected that the men were part of a gang of robbers they were looking for and decided to trail them.

The patrol ranks reported, that as they observed their movements and became suspicious, the men attempted to rob a

O

The motorcycle that was abandoned by the bandits.

woman standing along the roadway. It was then that the ranks closed in on them with their pick-up.

Realising that the cops were hot on their trail, the men reportedly aborted their mission and sped off on their bikes. The patrol ranks gave chase but the riders of the motorcycles headed in different directions to avoid being caught. Nevertheless,

the ranks zeroed on one of the motorcycles and stayed on its trail.

The GPF in a statement revealed that the pillion rider of that motorcycle pulled out a gun and discharged several rounds at its ranks. When the cops returned fire, both the rider and the pillion rider reportedly jumped off the motorcycle and started running.

The patrol ranks continued to pursue the men but in the end, they were only able to apprehend one. The ranks also seized the abandoned motorcycle.

Technological upgrade for Magistrates' court - Statements to be typed not written

O

ver the years, technology advancements have been playing an important role in different sectors. As such, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., recently revealed that the Magistracy will soon receive an upgrade in which a voice recording system will be installed to translate witnesses' (voice) evidence to text.

This new upgrade will eliminate the longhand notes that Magistrates' usually take when evidence is being given to the court. The AG, made that disclosure on a Globespan interview on August 30, 2021.

In fact, the AG stated that, that system is already in place in the three High Courts – Demerara,

Essequibo and Berbice. He noted too that the system is also in place at the Court of Appeal.

“In my last stint as Attorney General, I had commenced a programme whereby we equipped a number of courts in the High Court and Court of Appeal with automated voice recording system,” Minister Nandlall stated.

According to the AG, the system that is already in place takes the voice recording from the court, and within hours a written script is available for a small fee.

To this end, he noted that the same will be done in the Magistrates Courts across the country.

Moreover, he disclosed that he had recently met with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar

Ali-Hack, S.C.; Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hippie, among others, to discuss a new initiative he has undertaken.

The initiative he referenced is one where an I n t e r- A m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) funded programme will equip the police stations with the requisite hardware, so that the prosecution statements that must be handed over to the defence in criminal trials will no longer be handwritten, but typewritten.

“This is a big initiative. I have to put computers, typists, and printers in all the police stations across the country, so that statements are in print and not in police handwriting, where you have difficulties in reading,” the AG further stated.

ne of the four men accused of gunning down a Guyanese man and injuring his wife in Venezuela, was reportedly killed when Venezuelan police opened fire on him on Tuesday.

The Guyanese man identified as Rishad Rahim was shot dead around 03:00hrs on Monday while driving out with his wife from his residence located in San Jose de Cacahaul, Sector April 11 Parish, San Felix.

Rahim and his wife were reportedly heading to a gas station to fuel up their vehicle when four men attacked them in what is believed to be a robbery attempt. He had resisted

Gunned down in Venezuela, Rishad Rahim

them and tried to flee but the men opened fire and a bullet struck him to his neck killing him instantly while his wife was injured.

Venezuelan detectives in the district had identified the gunmen as members of a gang called the '12 Disciples'.

Kaieteur News was informed yesterday by a Venezuelan Journalist that one of the suspects who had attacked Rahim that morning was identified as 'El Negro'.

Venezuelan detectives decided to conduct raids in the area and managed to track down the suspect who they believe was the (continued on page 16)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday September 09, 2021

Thursday September 09, 2021

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Kaieteur News

King and Motie star as Warriors move back into top four

Brandon King found some form with the bat (CPL)

CPL - Guyana Amazon Warriors moved back into the top four of the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) table with a 17-run victory over the Saint Lucia Kings.

The Amazon Warriors won the toss and elected to bat first, but they had to overcome an early wobble to post a competitive total lead by Brandon King’s enterprising 77.

In reply the Kings looked as if they were in cruise control when Roston Chase and Tim David put together a big partnership but excellent death bowling tightened the screws and the Kings succumbed to the pressure.

Having been supplanted in the top four by Jamaica Tallawahs earlier in the day, Guyana needed a win to

Thursday September 09, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you might want to try something completely new.

If you've never done this before, why not try expressing yourself through dance?

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) If you're not already so inclined, Taurus, why not try expressing yourself through song? Even if you're convinced you have a tin ear.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Gemini, you may discover today that you have a talent for something you've never even thought about before.

If you always stick to what you know, how will you ever experience anything new?

CANCER (June 21–July 22) New channels of communication may open up for you today. A female author whose work you enjoy could release a new book, Cancer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today brings the opportunity to see things as they are and not as you'd like them to be. It's easy to fool yourself sometimes, but you can only get away with that for so long before the truth comes out.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today your creativity might be stimulated by some free time. You can try and save it for later, but you may not feel the same way then. Try to apply your creativity to a faster or more efficient way to do a particular job or make a dull job more exciting.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You probably have a knack for listening to other people and noticing when they need help or a shoulder to cry on, Libra. Today may be excellent for you to help another person out.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) It's possible that someone will question your motives or wonder whether or not you're genuine, Scorpio.

Don't take it the wrong way.

You don't take everything at face value either.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today's a good day to work toward the goals you've set, Sagittarius. The aspect of the day influences your ability to focus on the necessary steps to achieve what you want. No goal is too big!

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may watch the clock today, Capricorn. It can be hard to focus on tasks when you're thinking about relaxing, but do your best.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) If someone you know is going through a rough time, Aquarius, they could come to you for support or advice.

People see you as genuinely PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) With some leisure time on your hands, you'll find an opportunity to start fresh in some area that has challenged you, Pisces. Find the courage to examine your attitudes toward adverse situations.

reignite their competition.

However, three early wickets in the PowerPlay put them on the backfoot as Wahab Riaz and Jeavor Royal made the early breakthroughs.

King came to the Amazon Warriors rescue with his first Hero CPL 50 of the season but other than Nicholas Pooran’s 25 no batsmen was able to stick with King.

Once King fell for his sparkling 77, Odean Smith was able to add some maximums to take Guyana to a challenging total of 151.

Saint Lucia Kings were circumspect in their early reply and found themselves three wickets down with 43 runs on the board. Gudakesh Motie’s parsimonious spin bowling saw him take 2/12 from his four overs to keep the Amazon Warriors well in the hunt. Roston Chase and Tim David put together a boundary laden partnership of 75 from 63 balls but just as it seemed they would take the Kings home, Naveen Ul-Haq and Odean Smith bowled four excellent overs to seal two crucial points for the Amazon Warriors.

Scores: Guyana Amazon Warriors 151/6 (King 77, Pooran 25; Wahab 2/16, Royal 2/17) Saint Lucia Kings 134/6 (David 47*,

...Narayan and Priyanna From page 21 Narayan and Priyanna then attended their first International tournament to start off their Olympics Dream - Mexican International Challenge 2021 in Aguascalientes, Mexico from September 1-5, where they both played at a very high level and gained higher rankings points leading up to their quest for the 2024 Olympics.

Pan Am Singles Rankings: Narayan - no.31 Priyanna- no.39 Pan Am Mix Doubles Rankings: Narayan & Priyannano.24 They are now preparing for the ACAC & CCAA Championships in Canada where they both were Finalist at the Provincials and 4th Placed at Nationals.

The Guyana Badminton Association would like to thank the following for making their international appearances a success: Ministry of Youth Culture & Sports - High Level Training in Canada, GOA - High Performance Club in Canada, Mexican International Tournament (Priyanna), New Amsterdam Badminton Club - Mexican International Tournament (Narayan).

Chase 40; Motie 2/12, Smith 2/12) by 17 runs.

Remaining preliminary fixtures: Thu 09 September 2021match 23 Barbados Royals v Trinbago Knight Riders Warner Park 10:00 Am Behind Closed Doors Thu 09 September 2021match 24 Saint Lucia Kings v Jamaica Tallawahs Warner Park 07:00 Pm Buy Tickets Sat 11 September 2021match 25 Saint Lucia Kings v Barbados Royals Warner Park 10:00 Am Buy Tickets Sat 11 September 2021match 26 Jamaica Tallawahs v Guyana Amazon Warriors

Warner Park 02:30 Pm Buy Tickets Sat 11 September 2021match 27 Trinbago Knight Riders v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Warner Park 07:00 Pm Buy Tickets Sun 12 September 2021match 28 Barbados Royals v Saint Lucia Kings Warner Park 10:00 Am Buy Tickets Sun 12 September 2021match 29 Guyana Amazon Warriors v Jamaica Tallawahs Warner Park 02:30 Pm Buy Tickets Sun 12 September 2021match 30 St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Trinbago Knight Riders Warner Park07:00 Pm Buy Tickets

Caribbean Premier League standings TEAM M W L STKNP 8 5 3 TKR 7 4 3 SLK 7 4 3 GAW 8 4 4 JT 7 3 4 BR 7 2 5

PT 10 8 8 8 6 4

NRR -0.619 0.983 0.154 -0.248 0.214 -0.480

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Kaieteur News

Thursday September 09, 2021

Thursday September 09, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

Narayan and Priyanna Badminton Lee stars again as South Africa take ODI series lead with comfortable Programme restarts win over Windies Women

Two of Guyana’s most decorated athletes and Top Badminton players, Narayan and Priyanna Ramdhani are back on the international stage after a few Months in Guyana on Holiday from their University and College where they are on Badminton Scholarships in Canada.

They are both back in Canada after a few events in the local and international arena.

While in Guyana, they Both won the National Badminton tournament, conducted the Shuttle Time programme at two Schools in Linden and two in Berbice, Air Badminton at the University of Guyana and the N exgen G olf Academy in Georgetown.

They also assisted the local players to get their game play to a higher standard.

Priyanna was then selected by the Pan American Badminton Federation to attend a HighL e v e l C a m p i n Aguascalientes, Mexico August 23-August 31. Both (Continued on page 19)

SportsMax - Lizelle Lee produced another matchwinning performance as South Africa Women earned a comfortable victory in the opening match of the CG Insurance One-Day International Series. The powerful opener top-scored with a purposeful 91 not out as the Proteas easily reached 157-2 off 39.3 overs. This was in reply to West Indies 153 off 46.4 overs.

Lee’s innings earned her the CG Insurance Player of the Match award following up on her CG Insurance Player of the Series award in t h e r e c e n t T 2 0 Internationals. The experienced opener made her 21st half-century at this level and laid the perfect platform for the run-chase as she faced 127 balls and hit 10

Narayan and Priyanna Ramdhani display their hardware.

Niyonsaba signs off season with impressive 5,000m win ZURICH, (Reuters) Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi finished a frustrating season on a high with another impressive victory over 5,000 metres on a temporary city-centre track in the opening session of the two-day Diamond League final yesterday.

For the third time in two weeks Niyonsaba outkicked Kenya’s Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Hellen Obiri to take the honours on a curtain-raiser evening before today’s main event that features a galaxy of stars.

Niyonsaba, 800 metres silver medallist at the 2016 Olympics, is banned from her preferred distance because of naturally high levels of testosterone. She moved up to 5,000m at the Tokyo Games, only to be disqualified for a lane infringement in her heat.

She spoke this week of the lack of support she had received in stepping up to the longer distance, but, just as in Brussels last week and over 3,000m in Paris, she had too much speed for Obiri.

“I love challenges. I have

a lot of resilience and determination,” Niyonsaba said. “I stayed behind most of the race, this was my tactic. I am still learning after switching from 800m.”

Her time of 14 minutes 28.98 seconds will not be recognised as official because the race was run on a temporary, four-laned 560 metre, banked track in the city centre.

“It was a new experience, we did not know where we can start to kick and accelerate,” Obiri said.

The track also caused confusion in the men’s race, as a large gantry placed 25 metres beyond the barelynoticeable finishing line, left the leaders hammering on far after the clock was stopped.

It did not effect the result, however, as Ethiopia’s 20year-old Berihu Aregawi finished strongly to win in an unofficial personal best of 12:58.65. Birhanu Balew of Bahrain just pipped Kenyan Jacob Drop for second.

Double Olympic champion and world record holder Ryan Crouser finally claimed the Diamond League shot put title with a

throw of 22.67 metres, completing an American double as Maggie Ewen won the women’s with 19.41.

To k y o O l y m p i c champion Mariya Lasitskene of Russia took the women’s high jump, her 2.05 metre leap being the best by anyone this year.

S w e d e n ’s T h o b i a s Montler won the long jump with a final round leap of 8.17 metres and Serbia’s Ivana Spanovic was victorious in the women’s event with 6.96.

After the relatively lowkey proceedings yesterday, the action will be of a different magnitude when it switches to the city’s Letzigrund stadium for the main night of the “Weltklasse” meeting in front of 20,000 fans today.

There will be finals in 25 events, with the men’s and women’s 100 metres top of the bill.

Each Diamond League winner will collect $30,000 half the prize in 2019 - and automatic entry into next year’s world championships in Eugene in the United States.

fours and a six. She added 88 in 22 overs with Laura Wolvaardt who again looked in good touch before she was bowled by Anisa Mohammed for 35, which came off 65 deliveries.

The West Indies had one other success when Sune Luus was trapped leg-before wicket to left-arm spinner Qiana Joseph without scoring.

In the first half of the match, West Indies found the going challenging. Lefthander Kycia Knight topscored with 39 off 78 balls, but was run out by a superb throw from Mignon duPreez at deep square leg.

Deandra Dottin, looked set for a significant score as she raced to 38 off 36 balls, but was well caught at longoff by duPreez, which gave

leg-spinner Dane van Niekerk her first wicket. The South Africa skipper ended with 2-23 off her 10 overs to put pressure on the West Indies middle and lower order.

The two teams will return to the same venue on Friday for the second match of the five-match rubber.

First ball is 10 am (9 am Jamaica Time).

Scores: West Indies Women 153 all out (46.4 overs) Kycia Knight 39 Ayabonga Khaka 7.4-3-17-2 Deandra Dottin 38 Dane Van Niekerk 10-1-23-2 South Africa Women 157/2 (39.3 overs) Lizelle Lee 91* Qiana Joseph 8-0-26-1 Laura Wolvaardt 36 Anisa Mohammed 8-1-31-1

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Brilliant batting by Teddy Bishop drives rising stars to special win Windies Cricket - Teddy Bishop scored a magnificent match-winning century which guided West Indies Rising Stars U19s to a sensational victory over England Young Lions in the third match yesterday.

Set a target of 240, Bishop showcased him tremendous skills with the bat as well as powers of concentration and ability to cope with the pressure to make 133 as West Indies scored 241-8 off 47 overs to win by two wickets with three overs to spare. He faced 117 balls and hit 20 fours to control the run chase. His century came off just 85 balls and included 15 fours, and he carried on until he was the seventh wicket to fall with the score at 227 – with just 13 away from victory.

Bishop told CWI Media: “It feels really great and most important a win for the team. This innings is really

special for me … my first century for the West Indies.

It’s important to get a win for the team. The bowlers did really well for us in the morning, so the batters had to make sure we backed it up.”

He added: “The plan was to keep ticking it along to hit the gaps and to keep my partners in the game and keep talking to them. We can take a lot away from this game with this win. We were two-nil down so now we got a great win today and we are back in the series.”

Bishop shared a crucial partnership of with vice captain Giovonte Depeiza for the fifth wicket which took the score from 118-4 to 191-5 before Depeiza was run out for a patient 21 off 51 balls. This was Bishop’s second top-class knock in a row, as he followed up the equally brilliant 97 not out from 104 balls in the previous match on Monday.

Rovman Powell, Andre Russell fire up Tallawahs as Patriots stumble again Teddy Bishop showed his class in scoring 133 to see the Windies U-19’s to victory. (CWI)

The result was set-up by the West Indies bowlers who were disciplined after England won the toss and chose to bat. Left-arm seamer Nathan Edward came in for his first match and grabbed two early wickets, while left-arm spinner Anderson Mahase

Thursday September 09, 2021

(2-42) and pacer McKenny Clarke (2-52) maintained the pressure.

The series will now switch to the Polo Field in Canterbury for the next three matches. First ball on Friday is 10:30am (5:30am Eastern Caribbean Time/4:30am Jamaica Time).

ESPNcricinfo - Jamaica Tallawahs kept their hopes of involvement in the knockout stages of the CPL alive with a 22-run win over Saint Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the early game at Warner Park.

Shamarh Brooks top-scored for Tallawahs with 43 but they were grateful to a pair of six-laden cameos from Rovman Powell and Andre Russell to get them up to a challenging score after being inserted at the toss.

Defeat was table-topping Patriots’ third in a row - after they had started the tournament with five successive wins - and left them with two fixtures against Trinbago Knightriders, currently lying in second, with which to confirm their progress to the semi-finals.

A target of 170 was only a few runs more than the 167 Patriots had chased in the fixture between these sides a week ago. But Sherfane Rutherford, Player of the Match on that occasion, missed out after splitting the webbing on his hand and regular captain Dwayne Bravo was also not fit to return.

Chris Gayle, the stand-in skipper, was one of two Patriots wickets to fall in the Powerplay, as they limped to 34 for 2 with just four boundaries. Evin Lewis was caught behind off Migael Pretorius for 5 and Gayle was bowled by Chris Green’s first ball, leaving Devon Thomas and Joshua Da Silva with a rebuilding job to do.

It was arguably a brief the pair took too seriously, as Patriots reached 56 for 2 at halfway - needing a further 114 at almost two runs a ball.

Da Silva hit Veerasammy Permaul over long-on for six in the ninth over and took the same bowler for a brace of fours in the 11th, before benefitting from two drops in as many overs.

He was eventually run out for 28 off 31 in the 13th,

and although Thomas responded by hitting six and four off Carlos Brathwaite, when he top-edged Permaul to short third the asking rate had risen to 79 off 35.

Dominic Drakes and Fabian Allen cleared the ropes a few times to keep an unlikely win just about within range but Pretorius finished with 3 for 26 as Tallawahs closed out their third win of the tournament after a run of three straight defeats.

Tallawahs made a solid start to their innings, with Kennar Lewis clubbing the second and third balls of Allen’s opening over for six.

Lewis departed in the Powerplay to Fawad Ahmed’s second delivery hoicked heedlessly straight to deep backward square leg - but Brooks kept things ticking as Tallawahs reached 74 for 2 after ten overs, Kirk McKenzie the other batter to fall.

The wheels began to come off for Patriots when Powell thrashed Drakes for back-to-back sixes over the short leg-side boundary as the 11th over cost 18.

Powell struck two more sixes in Allen’s next over, before miscuing another cross-batted heave into the off side; then Brooks began to find his range as Drakes leaked 13.

Worse was to come as Paul van Meekeren was mangled for two fours and two sixes by Russell in an over that included two wides and a no-ball and went for 24. Drakes and van Meekeren responded well at the death, conceding just seven runs from the 19th and 20th overs, but Tallawahs already had enough.

Scores: Jamaica Tallawahs 169/8 (Brooks 43, Powell 37; Fawad 2/14, Jaggesar 2/20) beat St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 147/8 (Thomas 35, da Silva 28; Pretorius 3/26, Permaul 2/31) by 22 runs.

Kaieteur News

Thursday September 09, 2021

PAGE 25

Demerara Mutual Life Group Golf tourney set for Saturday at LGC

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xciting action is set for Lusignan Golf Course, East Coast Demerara on Saturday when the Demerara Mutual Life Group annual tournament commences at 12:30hrs. The tournament is dubbed “I am with Dem” and will begin using the shot gun style whereas all groups of players will tee off simultaneously from different holes so as to comply with covid guidelines.

The competition will be contested over 18 holes which will be divided into two sections, front line and back line. Prizes will be awarded for the best net score in the front line and back line, and overall first, second and third places as well as nearest to the flag.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, which was held yesterday at Dem Life location at Robb Street, President of the LGC Patanjilee Persaud said that this tournament will give the players much needed preparation for the

upcoming Guyana open tournament which is set for October 30 and 31. He added that the response has been good following a break in the sport due to rain and they are looking forward to a successful and exciting tournament.

“Members are eager to get back on the course, we had 31 players in last weekend tournament and we are hoping to get a larger participation this week. The interest has increase and the course is in very good condition. There has also been an increase in the number of female participants,” he added.

Club Captain Patrick Prashad gave an overview of the tournament and has extended an invitation to s t a ff m e m b e r s o f t h e sponsors.

Prashad expressed gratitude for their support stating that they are very appreciative for the joint sponsorship.

Demerara Life Sales and Marketing Executive Sharmela Ramsammy said they have been associated

Maxim Mangra of LGC accepts the cheque from Dem Life Sales and Marketing Executive Sharmela Ramsammy in the presence of from left Patanjilee Persaud, Patrick Prashad and Dem Life CEO Melissa De Santos.

with the sport for over 10 years and they are happy to be able to sponsor the annual tournament once again.

GBA presents $2M worth of equipment to Gyms

GBA President and Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle (centre) makes the presentation yesterday. (Photo compliments of Rawle Toney)

T

he Guyana Boxing Association yesterday presented over $2M worth of equipment to their affiliated boxing gyms, compliments of the sport’s global governing body, the International Boxing Association (AIBA).

Fifteen gyms were the beneficiary of the AIBA’s generosity under current president Umar Kremlev. The presentation was done

by GBA president, Steve Ninvalle, in the boardroom of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. “Guyana has received, so has several countries within the Englishspeaking Caribbean, Central America, North America, Asia and Europe and across the world. We are very happy to have this injection which will assist us greatly in the development despite being in the middle of a pandemic,” Ninvalle told reporters and other

gym members that gathered yesterday.

Ninvalle, who also serves as Guyana’s Director of Sport, said AIBA’s input will “assist us in remaining the number 1 boxing nation in CARICOM.” Ninvalle heaped praises on Kremlev, adding that if the Russian remains at the helm of global amateur boxing, AIBA’s 204 members will see the advancement of the sport.

“On behalf of the GBA, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Kremlev.

Guyana will continue to support his initiatives and we do hope that he can continue supporting Guyana, the Caribbean and our initiatives,” Ninvalle said.

The GBA boss said visits will be made by the Association to ensure that the equipment is used for its intended purpose.