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AIETEUR NEWS

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CJIA US$16OM and counting...

Govt. pays

US$350,000 more

Tuesday Edition September 14, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 35

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, p.

92,517 20

for 2 new air-bridges

ExxonMobil extracts US$1.3B in first half p.

3

of 2021 Former Table Tennis Champion, Michael Baptiste, has joined the protest for change to the Exxon contract.

…as Guyana gets US$200M in royalty and entitlement during same period Ecuadorian Court orders end to flaring in Amazon

p.

14

Lamaha Man remanded Park woman for harbouring awakes to guns pointed at her 'gold heist' bandit p.

8

p.

22

36 unvaccinated Guyanese die from COVID-19 in one week p.

11

- 4 more deaths take death toll to 687

T&T company moves to increase market share with massive storage facility for oil sector - Anticipates US$200M in sales in first year p.

8

Guyana will still have to import heavy fuel for gas plant - Cabinet Papers ….viability of project also requires GPL maintained at all times

p.

2

Pres. Ali probing dirt contract instead of the owners of our Oil Blocks.

Tune into Kaieteur Radio (99.1/99.5FM) @11:00hrs to find out!

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Tuesday September 14, 2021

Guyana will still have to import ...viability of project heavy fuel for gas plant also requires GPL T

he Government of Guyana has been steadfastly propagating the idea of a gas-to-energy project that is supposed to reduce not only the nation's fuel import bill but significantly reduce the country's greenhouse gas emissions, as a transition fuel towards the goal of 100 percent renewable at some point in the future.

Wh a t h a s h owever been lost in the public debate over the pros, cons and feasibility of setting up a Natural gas electricity plant is the fact that it was never intended to be a Natural gas plant alone but in fact a dual powered plant, using both Natural gas and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO).

Th i s m u c h is documented in a Cabinet Paper back in 2018 where the Executive was being asked to finalise a landing site for the gas pipeline that is expected to pipe the associated gases to shore.

The use of a dual powered plant has also been the basis of the 2017 Energy Narrative Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)financed study which in large part also served as the basis for the gas-to-shore project being peddled by both the incumbent and recently ousted administrations.

In the Cabinet Paper seen by this publication, it was

firstly noted that it was a request for Cabinet to review and endorse the recommended site as the propos ed landing s ite location for the offshore pipeline, and development of “a Natural gas power generation facility (200MW dual fuel) with associated substation, liquid fuel storage and related facilities.”

In that document it was noted that as a national objective and commitment, Guyana has committed to 100 percent Renewable by 2025, conditional on appropriate support and adequate resources.

As such, Natural Gas “may therefore provide a new transition fuel opportunity that could reduce electricity costs and promote stronger economic growth, before hydropower is on stream and one which can coexist with hydropower as a clean energy source.

Further, LNG can be used to supply off grid generation capacity in the hinterland and other locations for domestic use and industrial development thereby fitting within Guyana's strategy to support economic development.”

In the document it was clearly spelt out that the new Natural gas-fired generation capacity should be dual-fuel and a new power plant should be located at the

maintained at all times - Cabinet Papers

A 2017 IDB-funded report had found that some GPL generating sets could also be repurposed Natural gas landing point.

Additionally, it was noted that in 2017 during a site selection process that was being undertaken with the help of ExxonMobil Guyana, it was outlined that u n d e r t h e Te r m s o f Reference the team was appointed to identify a suitable site(s) for associated infrastructure, specifically the installation of a 200MW dual fuel (natural gas and heavy fuel oil) generation plant along with associated substation, transmission network, liquid fuel storage and related facilities.

It was noted in the 2017

Energy Narrative report that at each point in time during the study, reference was made either for the conversion of existing generating sets to use Natural gas or in installing dual powered facilities given the aged equipment currently supplying the country with electricity.

According to that report, it was noted that in the initial inspection, it was determined that converting existing generation units to use Natural gas as dual fuel generators would minimise initial capital costs, take advantage of their strategic locations across the current transmission system, and potentially eliminate the need for Natural gas storage at the generation sites.

It was found too that

Natural gas storage may be advantageous to better match Natural gas supply with the electricity load shape, but further detail on Guyana's load shape is required for this more detailed analysis.

Additionally, the Energy narrative report said new Natural gas-fired generation capacity should also be dual fuel and that a new power plant should be located at the Natural gas landing point, but additional power generation capacity should also be located at the existing generation sites where feasible to optimise the use of onshore Natural gas distribution infrastructure.

As it relates to the Guyana Power and Light's (GPL) capacity, the report said all of the utility

company's listed generation units are reciprocating engines, burning either heavy fuel oil (HFO) or light fuel oil (LFO), with the exception of SkeldonGuySuCo 2 which consists of two 15 MW gas turbines fueled by sugarcane bagasse.

As such, virtually all of GPL's current installed capacity is suitable to be converted to use Natural gas as a fuel.

It was noted however that the current engines are a mix of new installations (within the past 10 years) and much older units ranging from 20-40 years old.

“While newer units could be adapted to become dual fuel (Natural gas and HFO), it is likely more cost effective to replace units that (continued on page 10)

Tuesday September 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

ExxonMobil extracts US$1.3B …as Guyana gets in first half of 2021US$200M in royalty T

he ExxonMobil led consortium operating in the Stabroek Block has already extracted some US$1.3B in crude oil from the Liza I oilfield being produced by the Liza Destiny, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

In contrast, Guyana has for the first half of the year collected a total of three one million barrels entitlements amounting to some US$200M at the average world market prices for the year.

The country in August last received payment for its seventh oil lift, to the tune of US$79,617,561.87, the largest single oil payment that the country has received to date.

That payment was for 1,047,820 barrels of oil, which was extracted from the Liza Destiny FPSO vessel on July 3, 2021.

Guyana sold its first one million barrels of crude on February 19, 2020, raking in nearly US$55 million.

In its second millionbarrel sale, the country received US$35 million, and another US$46 million as proceeds from the sale of its third million-barrel of crude, and US$49.3 million from its fourth oil lift.

In early March, Guyana also benefitted directly from

i t s p e t r o l e u m s e c t o r, receiving US$61,090,968 from the sale of the nation's fifth oil lift.

Further, it earned in excess of US$60 million from the sale of its sixth oil lift, and received US$13.9 million in royalties during the first quarter of this year.

M e a n w h i l e , ExxonMobil is also boasting that for the first half of the y e a r, i t s p e n t s o m e US$93.8M directly with Guyanese companies for services ranging from the provision of foodstuff to engineering.

The earnings we have had from the Stabroek Block since, according to ExxonMobil Guyana, for the first half of this year it produced some 20 million barrels of oil and is in fact closing in on the 50 million barrel mark, since the start of production in December 2019.

This, according to the company in a centre spread publication over the weekend captioned 'ExxonMobil Guyana Energy Update'.

With oil prices averaging US$66 per barrel during the first half of the year, it would mean that for the first half of 2021, the Stabroek Block would have yielded some US$1,320,000,000.

A c c o r d i n g t o

and entitlement during same period

The Liza Destiny currently producing in the Stabroek Block. international reports, the preliminary 2021 annual average OPEC oil price stands at US$65.74 U.S. per barrel.

This is up from US$41.47 the previous year, which was only slightly higher than the average annual price during the 2016 oil crisis.

The price has since rebounded to US$70 as of yesterday. As such, it would mean that during last year, the company would have e a r n e d s o m e US$1,260,000,000 at an average of US$42 for the remaining 30 million

barrels.

It would mean that since the start of production, the Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—led consortium would have extracted some US$2,580,000,000 in crude.

During that time, Guyana would have earned just over US$436M in royalties and entitlements under the profit sharing ag r eemen t. U n d er th e Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed in 2016, the company is allowed to recover up to 75 percent of gross production

monthly for operational expenses and recoverable expenditure to be repaid.

The company in its Energy Update over the weekend outlined that in the first half of 2021, over 20 million barrels of oil were produced from the Liza Destiny and production is “quickly” approaching 50 million barrels since first oil in December 2019.

As it relates to domestic spending, ExxonMobil Guyana in providing a local content update boasted that for the first half of the year, its total workforce was documented at 5,421 of

which 2,860 are Guyanese including some 550 females.

This, the company said, represents some 53 percent of its workforce. As it relates to direct spending locally, the company said it had expended some US$93.8M, which generated an economic impact of some US$115.5M. Additionally, it was noted that to support broader capacity building, the Stabroek Block Coventurers are also investing US$100M through the Greater Guyana Initiative.

According to the (continued on page 23)

$518M landing system, extended runway commissioned at CJIA A

n extended runway at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), coupled with a $518M Instrument Landing System (ILS), were commissioned on Sunday.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, who was among the Ministers present at the commissioning of the 3,360 metre expanded runway, explained that Guyana itself would benefit from the runway expansion since it can now be used to attract bigger aircraft and services.

According to Minister Edghill, it will ultimately open up greater opportunities for Guyana.

“Air traffic control and pilots will also benefit from situational awareness, enhanced warning, both in terms of predicting and resolving systems in the air and on the ground, an approach monitoring which will enhance airspace safety.

Guyana, the State will benefit,” Minister Edghill noted.

The Director of Air Navigation Services, Rickford Samaroo, explained that the ILS will reduce flight diversion and delays by 90 percent.

Meanwhile, the CJIA Chairman, Sanjeev Datadin, explained what the ILS and the extended runway would mean for the airport. “This

new lengthened runway will now allow those larger aircraft that have been coming to Guyana, to do so at their maximum capacity.

That would mean they can carry more cargo and of course for the commercial airlines, it means they'll be able to carry their full passenger quotas,” Datadin stated.

Datadin further said, “The ILS cost $482M, which comprises of a localiser and a glide path.

And also, a precision approach path indicator which cost $36M. This new piece of equipment allows safer landing, with airplanes coming in now able to use their instruments to tell how

high off the ground they are, at what angle they're coming in and what is their exact path.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond and Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, who previously served as Public Works Minister, along with other officials, were also in attendance.

It was previously explained by Project Manager of the CJIA Modernisation Project, Carrissa Gooding that the northeastern end of the runway's asphaltic surface has been extended by 400 metres.

This is in addition to 250 metres of the Runway End Safety Area (RESA).

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e southeastern end of the runway was extended by 690 metres, as well as an extension of 90 metres of RESA. The extended runway falls under the US$150 million CJIA expansion.

The Ministry of Public Works had entered into an agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) back in December, which would see the contractor doing US$9 million in additional works to further extend the airport at no cost to the State.

The new works involve

an extension of the airport's boarding corridor in order to accommodate the two passenger boarding bridges, providing the airport with a total of six boarding bridges capable of servicing aircrafts such as the Boeing 777, Dreamliner, the Airbus and analogous trans-Atlantic aircrafts.

It would also see the terminal building being extended to provide accommodation for additional commercial space, such as food courts and duty-free shops.

The extended building will feature a modern airport façade covering the full length of the departure terminal.

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 14, 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

Seeing occasions to bring about healing A leadership action occurred in Europe that many Guyanese will find strange, if not disagreeable. But there it was: “Spain pardons Catalan leaders over independence bid” (BBC, June 22). It teaches us several things, that is, if we are willing to learn, desire fervently to be in another place. It calls for powerful courage and authenticity at all levels of this society, ranging from the president to the entire political crowd, to the private interests people, and way down to the poor at the bottom of Guyana’s social scaffolding.

Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, did the unprecedented, even the unacceptable in some quarters.

According to the BBC, his “government has formally pardoned nine Catalan separatists who were convicted over a failed independence bid in 2017. Their crime was sedition, which is considered so serious as to be unforgivable by most governments. What occurred about four years ago “plunged Spain into its biggest political crisis in 40 years.”

The wounds are raw, the opposition to the decision of Spain’s leader plentiful; tens of thousands took to the streets in protest, and a poll indicated that 60 percent of those surveyed disagreed sharply with the action to pardon the convicted Catalan subversives.

Prime Minister Sanchez was unmoved: “With this act, we want to open a new era of dialogue and reconciliation, and end once and for all the division and confrontation.”

The PM saw his decision to pardon as a move intended to calm tensions over Catalonia. Yet other Spaniards have no tolerance for a decision that rankles.

This touches some high places and people in Spain, ranging from the country’s Supreme Court, (whose position is not binding), to powerful rightwing opposition groups, which are stubbornly opposed to it, to ordinary citizens who will have none of it.

It is a tough place for Prime Minister Sanchez to be, and a tougher one for all Spain to deal with wisely. Emotions run sharp and deep. There are plans from different quarters to appeal the decision, and a host of politicians disagree with the Prime Minister in that they see the pardons as encouraging division, and more attempts at separatism.

As for Catalans, they do not believe that the pardons go far enough, and that state repression has to go, before there can be talk of healing, and welding into one cohesive entity. It is worth mentioning that one leader of the failed Catalan independence bid was a former Foreign Minister.

It conveys how sharply roiled that society is, and how much needs to be done before questions and issues of unity and nationhood can be faced with honesty and in a measured manner, which is what circumstances in Spain require. But what is happening is that clashing voices and hard positions drown out everything else.

We present the situation in Spain, taken to another level with an independence bid, and it should be clear why we do so at this time. There is great division in Guyana today and at the worst time possible in our brief half century of political Independence. Significant segments of the population are discontented, and there is considerable shouting at each other (just like in Spain) about who is right, who did wrong, and who should be punished and not pardoned. We are wasting time, and losing steam, while aiming at the wrong enemy: each other.

But of that and to that, there is no listening.

On one side there is what we consider futile and farcical elections petitions. On the other, there is the selfrighteousness of victors of what will be, and damn those who think otherwise. We dare to think otherwise, because our enemy is not one another. Our enemy is what leaves us strangling each other, and when we are finished with that, to discover that we are poorer than before.

When political leaders pretend at a phony war with each other, and the people in the two main demographic segments wage a real bitter war against the other, all Guyana loses.

When we are about teaching lessons and getting even, then we engage in the worst of self-defeating exercises.

Meanwhile, our real enemy reaps rich harvests from our treasures, while we gore each other.

Proud to be Guyanese but the actions of some political leaders have been disappointing DEAR EDITOR, I am proud of the position Kaieteur News has taken on issues. I am proud of being Guyanese but I am ashamed of my political leadership.

Thank you for exposing corruption and promoting good governance and exposing the lopsided Exxon contract. I and so many other Indians are ashamed of what some political leaders have been doing over the last 13 months, especially in being quiet about the one-sided oil deals that cheats Guyana of over one hundred billion American dollars. We voted for change but we got an exchange or worse. The actions of most of them are self-serving. They are not Jaganites; they take care of themselves first and foremost.

Some political leadership flagrantly violate rules and norms. They show no shame for their actions. Some of them have favoured their in-

dividual or family interests to the general detriment of their community, supporters, and the country at large. They divvy up spoils of office among a few at the top and their very close friends, neglecting the bulk of the small contractors and others who campaigned and voted for them and who guarded the ballot boxes for five months.

The bulk of those who served the party during the campaign and the five months after voting have been excluded from the perks or spoils of office. Those who served with dedication, commitment, and loyalty and voters have been left with katahar.

There is much corruption in doling out contract awards.

Contracts were given to unqualified bidders. There has been a sleuth of substandard work. Trinidadian contractors have replaced Guyanese; the Trinis gave campaign money and now want their pound of

flesh. They are getting almost all the road contracts, housing contracts, building contracts at the airport and much of Exxon construction. The general population, the poor in particular, get hardly anything.

Those who speak out against corruption or bad governance are victimised or harassed and their contracts cancelled.

Not a single Minister has spoken out against corruption, not even the popular and likeable Attorney General.

Where is the voice of Ashni Singh, Frank Anthony, Vindhya Persaud and others?

Have they sold their souls?

We were so happy a year ago when Ashni Singh returned to serve as Finance Minister but have become disappointed by his silence of the many wrongs.

What passes for political leadership is appalling and must be condemned. I am ap-

pealing to decent minded people, regular letter writers of integrity, civil society and religious figures to wake up and hold the government accountable on its expenditures and in doling out contracts.

Sanctions are the only effective way to deal with politicians who are putting their self-interest and greed ahead of the country’s interests. I call on the ABCE diplomats, the US Ambassador in particular, to recommend actions against the corrupt.

The diplomats went beyond the call of duty to ensure that democracy prevails.

I plea with them to express same fortitude in ensuring that good governance prevail. I appeal to Ambassador Lynch to advise the State Department to consider visa cancellation against those involved in corrupt transactions.

Yours truly, Balram Gangadeen

The Coalition’s non-recognition of the Govt. plays right into the PPP’s hands DEAR EDITOR, There has been much agonising by the media over the failure of our main political parties to dialogue on national matters—foremostly, the fight against COVID-19.

The hurdle, of course, remains the PPP’s insistence that the Coalition must first recognise its legitimacy as the de jure government, and the Coalition’s insistence that it will not. While the case has been made that recognition is not constitutionally or other-

wise (or should not be) a precondition for interparty dialogue, recognition nevertheless facilitates political stability and normalisation. These in turn detoxify the atmosphere for political consensus and compromise.

That said, the coalition’s non-recognition of the government plays right into the PPP’s hands. Sure, the PPP has been repeatedly criticised for holding interparty talks hostage to its demand for recognition. But, in its calcula-

Open Letter to the President: Will you remove the curfew if everyone gets vaccinated?

DEAR HE, DR. IRFAAN ALI, PRESIDENT OF GUYANA I strongly believe that the government will get the full cooperation of its citizens if you announce the benchmark for a full reopening of the country and removal of the national curfew.

In today’s world, everyone likes a target rather than living in vain not knowing when this will end or what to expect. To make matters simple Your Excellency, kindly have the Hon. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, announce to the country the following in his own terms, “If we achieve 85 percent to 90 percent of vaccination rate and the citizens follow the “mask up always mandate,” the country will reopen on October 1, 2021 and the national curfew will be removed.”

By simply announcing the above target, citizens especially business owners will lobby and encourage persons to get vaccinated and persons themselves would be excited to contribute towards such an objective. Let’s face it, everyone is sick and tired of a curfew and an abnormal life.

Of course this may change if we are hit by a new variant wave but scientists have proven that vaccination works even on variants.

New York and several other jurisdictions reopened fully once a certain vaccine rate was achieved so there is a precedent.

Thank you Mr. President as always for your kind intervention.

We the citizens are pleased with your performance thus far.

Yours truly Reginald Alonzo

tion, that is a much smaller price to pay compared to dealing with the political fallout from being unable or unwilling to meet the coalition’s most-likely large demands once talks ensue. The coalition’s lone voice shouting in the wilderness about government illegitimacy is far less of a political threat to the PPP than a Coalition engaged in talks, tactically making demands, and getting them unmet. The PPP knows that this latter situation presents easy opportunities for the Coalition to mobilise its supporters and raise the country’s political temperature.

So, from a standpoint of

pure political strategy, the PPP is playing this right and the coalition is playing it very wrong. The more sensible approach for the coalition is to (i) recognise the government as legitimate, (ii) tie that recognition to the commencement of talks, (iii) work out its list of genuine demands and concerns to table at those talks, (iv) enter the talks in a spirit of consensus, compromise, and common good, and (v) take necessary action to ensure the PPP understands that the coalition has no interest in talks merely for political gimmickry and photo opportunities.

Yours sincerely, Sherwood Lowe

Electric bike users pose a threat to licensed drivers DEAR EDITOR, Road safety should be a priority! Road safety is about bringing awareness to users of the road on the various aspects of how to go about using the road, the precautions that should be taken by road users when using the road and the simple rules about using the road.

We’ve all observed that in the recent months thousands of what is called “electric bike” started to flood the markets throughout the country and very quickly it started to sell across the country. The “electric bike” can be used to transport one to a certain distance without the consumption of fuel, it is charged using electricity

which can make one’s transportation life easier. But is it making everyone’s life easier?

It must me noted that the riders of these “electric bikes” are not required to have a driver’s license or any other vehicular documents such as Vehicle Fitness, Road Revenue License or Registration Documents to traverse these “electric bikes” on the public road.

However, an average of 95 percent of these “electric bike” users that traverse the public road, blatantly ride in the lane that Vehicular Traffic (Cars, Bus, Trucks, Motor Cycles, etc.) are to be traversing. In this process (Continued on page 5)

Tuesday September 14, 2021

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Responsibility of the Government for the greater good DEAR EDITOR, I wish to state at the outset that I write this letter not as a lawyer but as a citizen of Guyana. A legal opinion on the factors that govern this topic is not appropriate here as it will be too lengthy.

COVID-19 and its variant offshoots are now rooted in Guyana and we all need to be cognisant of this and its effects as the disease has no respect for anyone. The Government has the responsibility to ensure that the nation is safe and in order to do this, regulations have been passed from time to time in which the freedom of assembly, freedom of association and the freedom of movement which are enshrined in Articles 147 and 148 of the Constitution of Guyana have been restricted.

The Government has promulgated regulations in which only vaccinated members of the public and employees are allowed into offices, banks, institutions, malls, supermarkets, etc. If not vaccinated then an appointment has to be made by members of the public to be attended and a State employee has to produce a certificate of being COVID free periodically. Article 149 A of the Constitution states that

no person shall be hindered in the employment of his or her right to work, that is to say, the right to free choice of employment.

The question to be asked is whether the constitutional rights of the citizens of Guyana have been breached.

To answer this question, one has to look at the responsibility of a government and at the Constitution. It is stated that a government is an institution through which leaders exercise powers to make and enforce laws. A government’s basic functions are providing leadership, maintaining order, providing public services, providing national security, providing economic security, providing economic assistance and safe guarding the public health.

The effect of the restrictions employed by the Government is aimed to protect the public health of the nation by indirectly forcing everyone above 12 years of age to be vaccinated.

Some members of the public are against the restrictions that they must be vaccinated so as to be able to work and that if they are to produce a certificate periodically to show that they are COVID free then they demand that

Electric bike users pose...

From page 4 license drivers have to be driving at a certain limit that the “electric bike” is going since it only has an average of 25 kmh max speed.

Also these “electric bike” users sometimes traverse the road in a very dangerous manner such as moving “in and out” of the vehicular lane to the side walk of the road. These “electric bikes” traverse the road as if they pay Road Revenue License whilst tampering with the

traffic lane, Lastly the users of these “electric bikes” traverse the road without any certifications (of the riders physical fitness to traverse the public road) and awareness (of the various rules of the road) pertaining to road safety. These “electric

bike” users pose a threat to drivers. These “electric bikes” are worse than the bus drivers in Georgetown that will overtake and slowdown in-front of you just for one passenger.

Editor, my reason for penning this letter is to request that the Ministry of Home Affairs along with the Guyana Police Force take a simple course of action. A course of action that will bring certifications and awareness to these “electric bike” users which can be in the form of a workshop for all to attend. This workshop should seek to educate these “electric bike” users of the various road safety rules and regulations, etc.

Yours truly, Randy Mangru

the Government should bear this cost. They argue that they have a freedom of choice to be or not to be vaccinated.

They say that they have a freedom to enter and work even if they are not vaccinated and the concerns of those persons who are vaccinated and would wish to work in an environment that is COVID free is no great matter. Those teachers who are not vaccinated and who are in the ranks of protestors seem to see nothing wrong for them to be with children who are not vaccinated.

I would wish at this point to refer to the Constitution of Guyana at Chapter 11 which is headed as follows – PRINCIPLES AND BASES OF THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SYSTEM where at Article 25 it is stated – Every citizen has a duty to participate in activities designed to improve the environment and protect the health of the nation.

Article 149J states as follows – (1) Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to his or her health or well-being. (2) The State shall protect the environment, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures designed to – (a) prevent pollution and ecological degradation; (b) promote conservation; etc.

These Articles in addition to the case laws of what occurred in several other jurisdictions is the basis for what the Government is doing.

It is my view that the Government is correct to take the measures that necessitate

vaccination and restrict the entry into public spaces unless a certificate of being COVID free is produced periodically. When you live in a society of persons, you are subjected to restrictions. You just cannot do as you please and whether you recognise it or not, we all have been living with restrictions for centuries now. You cannot walk naked on the road. You cannot curse or abuse or slander a person publically, you have to drive on the left side of the road, you have to be vaccinated for polio, chicken pox and other diseases as a child in order to attend school.

You have to queue up to be served, to enter into a plane, to pass through immigration and customs, to drive a motor vehicle, even to build or reconstruct on your own land. You have to pass exams before you can practice as a doctor, lawyer, engineer, teacher and other professions. Our daily life is full of restrictions which we do not recognise as such and they are not breaches of our Constitutional rights. If you want to live in a society, you have to abide by the rules for the greater good. If not then find an island and live there.

The Government has to traverse a thin line between protecting the collective health and well-being of the public and curtailing the constitutional rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution.

Our Constitution gives to the Government the responsibility of ensuring that the environment is not harmful to the health of the citizens.

The term

environment can be safely argued to also mean that the Government must enact such laws that make the citizens safe from such diseases, pollutants, viruses or other matters that may be in the environment. Without a doubt, the COVID -19 Virus is also being spread in the air and as such is in the environment. The duty of the Government is to take such action so as to eradicate or minimise the spread and would be failing in their duty, if they did not.

However when constitutional rights and freedom are being curtailed then there must be trust and solidarity between the Government and the public where both parties take responsibility. Unfortunately one has to ask the question whether politics is playing a part in some persons and organisations which are resisting the measures taken by the Government. It looks that way at times. My body, my choice! My right to choose! You cannot tell me what to do! The public relations in the fight against the disease have been poor!

Not enough education has been done! These are some of the points that those who oppose vaccinations have been touting. I have seen and heard a lot of education and encouragement in favour of the vaccine in the media and perhaps a new look at what is being published should be looked at.

Science is in favour of the vaccine and this has been recognised universally from the WHO to the United Nations. As far as I am aware

no country has stated that vaccine is not recommended.

Those who are against it should produce their scientific materials so that it can be examined. I saw in the media recently that Member of Parliament, Mr. Jermaine Figueira from APNU, downgrading vaccination and touting that herbal remedies can fight the disease. Others have asked him to produce the scientific data to back his assertion and I also join, to ask him to please educate us.

I wish to ask him if he has been vaccinated and if so why? Please tell us! My last question is to those persons who do not want to be vaccinated. That is your choice and I respect it but if you get the disease and have to be hospitalised at the public institutions and moreso at the COVID Hospital, who should bear the cost of your treatment? I estimate that if you were to be a patient and being treated at a private hospital, your bill will be in excess of $100,000 per day. Why should the State bear this cost? If you infect others and they have to be hospitalised, why should you not be responsible for the costs and loss that they suffer? I would be grateful for the answers.

Lastly, I cannot support the contention that the Government or any private sector employer should pay for periodically testing employees to certify that a person is COVID free. What absolute nonsense.

Yours faithfully K. A. Juman-Yassin S.C, A.A.

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 14, 2021

A BED OF HIDDEN AGENDAS Why should a Guyanese parent DEAR EDITOR, I stop by more frequently at the SN and KN letter columns. I chew mouthfuls, absorb earfuls, and get a stomach full of acid. There is both good and negative, with the latter dominant.

On the positive side, there are those heartbreaking stories of loss of faith, wanting betterment, anguish at environment.

Then, there are letters of despair: what of our beloved Guyana? How can the great majority be content with the crippled way we exist? These equal what I set out to do: make a public service contribution, enlighten, appeal, even educate. There was a time when I was trying to push Guyanese from writings for them to learn one new word, at least, a day.

That is now abandoned, because the ignorant like being that way. But as I continue with calls and efforts for healing and reconciliation and inclusive governance (and no citizen left crying), I applaud those, who are made of the same fine silk, and are assertive in saying so publicly.

Whether our fellows are shamed or enraged or helped by the continual doing of

such, it will be. I plan to be so without pause. There is commendation of those concerned with the environment, oil management, clean governance, principled leadership, vaccines, and so forth. Let the calls cascade, clot into a mass. I identify.

On the other hand, there is what subtracts from the opinion columns. Too much partisanship and bias, and thinly veiled prejudices; even when it doesn’t appear to be so at first glance.

I note that former highranking political officeholders, still very politically active, and among today’s writers slickly use name to commandeer space to present what are the party’s views at the core.

Moreover, these are not men noted for fluency or great literateness, which makes me suspect helpful party mill or stable of ghost writers. If they were the ones doing the raw propagandising, it would be understood.

But the daily culprits are those who outdo themselves to regurgitate unblushingly without letup what are either the government (mainly) or opposition (less frequently) lines. Men and women make a production about being in-

dependent and neutral, but their political and racial biases are so blatant, as to be beyond discussion.

They take wholesale what political leaders put out, especially government’s, and parrot without question or criticism, when such is due.

Worse still, they roll up their sleeves to defend flagrant falsehoods (transparency), look the other way at wrongdoing (EPA), and condone corruption (alternative narratives), among other glaring instances of craven partisanship.

They talk of audits, knowing that uncompromised auditors have been run off, while friendly ones in state and friendly private practice ones to look around, instead of into and deeply. They attack in the name of cult leadership, those who speak out against leadership oil malpractices, lack of leadership ethics. They employ tricks like changing the subject, ambushes, and deceptions.

I detect political campaigning, job applications, sales pitches, history lessons, racial prejudices, dishonour.

They know who they are.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Setting the record straight DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a ‘Peeping Tom’ article published in your September 12, 2021 edition headlined ‘A test for the Irfaan Ali administration.’

The article in part read as follows: ‘Soon after the PPP/ C came to office in 1992, a

WPA leader exposed the fact that a private contractor, who did business with a certain Ministry, had transferred one of his motor vehicles into the name of the son of the Minister of that Ministry. The explanation proffered was that it was a legitimate sale.

Cheddi Jagan’s failure to take condign and swift action in this matter backfired on him.

While he himself was incorruptible, corruption would later envelop his administration.’

The facts are as follows.

President Jagan did not fail ‘to take swift and condign action on the matter nor did the matter ‘backfire on him’.’

As soon as the matter was brought to his attention he instructed that the motor vehicle in question be handed

back to the contractor.

That was done. The incident occasioned the reassignment of portfolios at the ministerial level. The matter found its way in the public domain.

President Jagan took firm and decisive action against others who were found to be engaged in activities inimical to the interest of his administration’s policy in pursuit of a ‘Lean And Clean Government’ at that time.

To claim that ‘corruption would later envelop his administration’ (Oct.1992March 1997) is to sex-up the issue to make it appear credible.

Yours faithfully Clement J. Rohee Former Minister of Government

place his or her child at risk?

DEAR EDITOR, It is utterly disgraceful that the Guyana Teachers’ Union, under the directions of Ms. Coretta McDonald, has called a strike because they have been mandated by the Ministry of Health to get vaccinated or submit a 72-hour PCR test.Ms. McDonald claims that the Union is not against vaccination but is prepared to use the Union to join the political chorus holding the nation to ransom from escaping this pandemic.

There is one and only one clear path for Guyana to take in overcoming this virus. It is for a minimum of 80 percent of our population to be vaccinated, and while those who

have refused are prepared to take the risk of dying from COVID, they are a distinct minority and have no right, freedom or constitutional ground to put the majority of us at similar risk.

I invite those ‘nonvaxxers’ who persist with this foolishness, to pay attention to the position taken by US President, Joe Biden, on this matter, because the US faces the same challenge.

President Biden has now resorted to utilising his considerable powers as President to mandate a wide range of measures to cause Americans, like their counterparts in Guyana, to be vaccinated.

The US is generally re-

garded as the bastion of democracy, defender of individual freedoms and rights.

But Biden, as President of the US, has recognised that his primary duty and responsibility is to protect the majority of Americans from this pandemic, as does our own President, Mohamed Irfaan Ali. I close by asking Ms. Coretta McDonald and her ‘non-vaxxer’ colleagues in the Union a simple question.

Why should a Guyanese parent place his or her child at risk of dying from COVID-19 by being exposed to a teacher who refuses to act responsibly and be vaccinated?

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Fertiliser wharf built by my father destroyed through wanton neglect DEAR EDITOR, With reference to the recent article entitled “MARAD warns about deplorable condition of fertiliser company wharf,” I wish to draw your attention to the fact that MARAD (and the public at large) is of the understanding that the wharf located at 1516 Water and Holmes Streets is owned and operated by Guyana Fertilizers Ltd./Amazon Chemicals Ltd. The wharf was, indeed, built by my father, Asad Ishoof, in the late 80’s early 90’s for the importation of bulk fertilisers to supply Guyana’s sugar and rice industries.

However, due to unforeseen circumstances and a deliberate scheme of expropriation, the wharf came to be run by negligent parties, who have held sway over all matters concerning the facility.

In the intervening decade or so, it has been allowed to deteriorate to the point whereby it is almost unrecognisable from the bustling, thriving internationalquality port facility it once was.

No wharfage of any sort that would support our new industries or expand on the much-needed local wharf infrastructure is possible in the current state. Mariners have been warned for years by MARAD to avoid berthing at the facility.

Despite multiple efforts to access, assess and effect repairs to the facility, attorneys at law on behalf of the legal representative of the company, the trustees of the

wharf and the current obdurate occupant have allowed the wharf to deteriorate to its present unusable state.

The wharf retains properties built by my father; however, unlike the significant development surrounding the property, no effort has been made to repair, upgrade or expand the facility.

As a consequence, the wharf has foundered under disinterested management and is no longer of any use for the development of Guyana’s future industries.

The wharf, long known as “Fertiliser Wharf,” belongs in the asset pool of the Sugar and Trading Enterprises Pension Scheme (STEPS) which serves to benefit former sugarcane workers.

When the wharf was built by my father, the site was a basic ‘mud flat’ as the previous facility had been burnt to the ground.

The current wharf was built at a time when no transport for the property existed; however, my father chose to invest in this important sugar industry asset, with the understanding that he would have the right to purchase that which he had developed. The intention was that the pension scheme would have not only been earning money from an investor that increased the value of their asset, but at the end of that rebuilding period, it would benefit from a handsome sale at market value, which would have been an injection of capital that the trustees could have used to increase the fi-

nancial portfolio of the pension. All while the asset served to provide the most cost-effective and important input to the agricultural sector: fertiliser.

That has not occurred for many years. As several articles in the press noted, the STEPS fund has suffered tremendous losses over the past five years, devaluing significantly and providing little to no support for former GuySuCo workers.

The trustees (and by extension their designate who has been ‘squatting’ on the wharf) have been in breach of their legal, contractual obligations to the company for many years; abusing the justice system with spurious contentions and unfounded allegations via injunction.

So much so that it appears to be a pre-determined effort to preside over the slow and wanton destruction of this particular sugar industry asset, with overlying shades of deliberate political malice.

Extrapolating from the recent article, it would seem that the wharf is best served by removal from the negligent trustees and be returned to the beneficiaries of the original STEPS fund. I remain committed to fulfilling my late father’s dream of continuing the development of this asset for the benefit of the sugar industry’s workers, whose long tenure as the economic backbone of our nation must not be forgotten.

Sincerely, Scheherazade Ishoof Khan

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Tuesday September 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

If the increased cost for the Wales site of the gas-to-shore project, as warned by Exxon, isn't a problem for the PPP Government and its oil leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, then billions in other inflated costs submitted

by Exxon do not matter, either.

Guyanese just pay, it is not VP Jagdeo who is paying.

This explains why Exxon has been aggressive with submitting expenses in any slapdash manner that doesn't meet international standards, and gets away with such rapacious practices here. It is because the PPP Government and its oil leaders do not care.

After all, it is the Guyanese taxpayers who have to pay, not them.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Tuesday September 14, 2021

T&T company moves to increase market share with massive storage facility for oil sector - Anticipates US$200M in sales in first year N

on Destructive Testers Limited (NDTL), a Trinidadian company which was established in 1990 to provide a range of inspection, testing and heat treatment services to TT's oil industry, is making moves to establish a strong presence here. The company, which registered its operations in Guyana in June 2018, has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval to construct a massive storage facility which spans 112,774 sq. ft. at Lots 1-2 Coverden, East Bank Demerara.

According to the project documents seen by Kaieteur News, the site will not require any major infrastructure and utility development as the area is generally flat and has an

existing building which will be used as office space and workshops for conducting inspections. NDTL said too that no major earthworks and waterworks will be required prior to commencing the project. It was noted that a lease agreement for the property was finalised with National Hardware Limited.

Furthermore, NDTL stated that the property which will house its offices and be its base of operation here is located at least 100ft away from the roadway and has no immediate neighbours or residencies.

It also intends to apply for approval for this property to operate and store Industrial x-ray and Gamma Ray equipment, chemicals, consumables, additional radiographic equipment, magnetic

Lamaha Park woman awakes to guns pointed at her

A

female resident, 43, of Lamaha Park, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, awoke yesterday to guns pointed at her by four bandits. The four gunmen reportedly invaded the woman home's around 03:00hrs.

The woman had reportedly secured her home and went to bed on Sunday evening leaving her

bedroom door open.

Around 03:00hrs. she was awakened by four men pointing their guns at her.

She recounted that they demanded money and valuables before using a bed sheet to bind her hands.

The men then ransacked the house and stole three Samsung smart phones valued at $165,000, a television set and a wood drill.

particle and liquid dye penetrant equipment.

Kaieteur News understands that NDTL intends to raise 100 percent of its own capital for the project. In the first year, it anticipates sales to be about US$200M with an approximately five to 10 percent growth rate in the second and third year of business.

In the initial stage of the project, only five employees would be required, the project document stated.

As it relates to the potential effects of the project on the environment, NDTL was keen to note that it ensures due diligence in all of its operations and pays

particular attention to managing the mitigation of all environmental risks.

Expounding further, the Trini company said it has implemented preventative maintenance programmes for its equipment thus preventing any impact to

land and soil from its operations.

Furthermore, NDTL said it understands that radiographic examination is ranked as a high-risk a c t i v i t y, a s s u c h , f o r radiographic inspection equipment, wipe test/leak

tests are performed on the isotopes to ensure the integrity on the equipment and the isotope is not compromised.

It was further noted that its activities do not generate any air emissions or noisy vibrations.

Fire Chief granted bail for removing firefighter's name from promotion list

F

ire Chief, Kamaladeen Edoo, was yesterday placed on $10,000 bail for a private charge which was brought against him for allegedly removing the name of a firefighter from the entity's promotion list.

The Fire Chief appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Principal Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, in the company of his lawyer, Sase Gunraj.

The private charge was brought against Edoo by firefighter Neville Cumberbatch. He was not required to plea to the indictable charge which alleges that in his role as the statutory and general superintendent of the GFS, he unlawfully discriminated against Cumberbatch by removing his name from a list of persons deemed eligible for consideration for promotion by former Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle, on January 29, 2021.

Cumberbatch alleges that his name was removed from the GFS promotion list

Fire Chief, Kamaladeen Edoo on the basis of disciplinary infractions, whilst retaining on the same list persons who were guilty of equal and more egregious disciplinary infractions contrary to the provisions of Section 5 (2) (d) Prevention of Discrimination Act Cap. 99:08.

The Fire Chief's lawyer made a bail application for his client to be released on self-bail. However, Principal Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus granted bail in the sum of

$10,000 and the matter was adjourned to October 11, 2021.

Last month about 30 firefighters had threatened Edoo with Court action after their names were allegedly removed from the promotion list due to “disciplinary infractions” for which they were reportedly punished for years earlier.

Cumberbatch is among the group of firefighters who through a lawyer, had written to the Fire Chief asking that he issue to the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, the list of all officers who have passed the necessary examinations and are therefore eligible for promotions or face a “constitutional action for discrimination.” They had given the Fire Chief until Monday August 23, last to correct the issue but since this was not done, further action was taken.

This newspaper understands that some of the firefighters, who were removed from the list, were charged departmentally and/or had their pay deducted.

Tuesday September 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

IT'S TRADITIONAL! A

grieving mother who had just lost her son related to reporters what a good boy he was. According to the mom, the lad worked for $5,500 per week. Each week he would only keep $500 for himself and give her the rest.

Upon reading this, it struck me that long ago, your first pay envelope would usually go to your mother who would determine what you got as spending money.

It was a sign of respect then for sons who had just started to work to give their salaries at the end of each week to their mother. This would usually continue until the son was ready to get married or leave the home.

But once under the roof of “Ma,” a working son would be obligated to hand over his entire salary to his mother.

Over the years, this tradition began to be watered down. Eventually, it became a custom that only your first salary should be handed over to your mother. I was never comfortable with this practice but out of respect for the wisdom of my elders, I too followed suit and when I began to work, I handed over my first pay envelope to my mom.

She took out something and gave me the rest. I said to myself that from the second week, I would not hand over the entire pay package but would instead give her just what she had taken out, assuming this to be for my board and lodge. I felt that by handing over my first pay

Dem

boys seh...

Y

'all remember de story of de wife wah did assaulting she husband in Big Market, all de while asking he, “Way yuh bin last night?”

She put a couple slaps pon he and hold he by he neck and demand to know, “Way yuh bin last night?”

Dem boys admit dem does cheat. Dem plead guilty when Big Aunty confront dem about cheating.

She find some letters dem boys bin hiding but dem boys promise never to cheat

envelope, I had fulfilled the custom in those days.

The second week came and I was paid. As a responsible and obedient child, I carefully counted out what was for Ma and pocketed the rest.

Instead of going home, I decided to have a binge with the “boys” at the corner shop. We drank a lot that day but I made certain that the money for my mother was safe and secure.

When I went home, halfdrunk, my food was waiting for me as usual on the table. I then took out the money and gave it to my mother. She counted it, looked at me, counted it again, and then asked, “What happen son, they short pay you this week?”

I explained in the best way I could that the money she had was for her and that I had the rest. I did not mention that a quarter of it had already been spent at the corner shop drinking rum.

My mother gave an understanding nod and went about her way.

For years, I continued this practice of each week, taking out my contribution to the home and giving it to my m o t h e r. S h e a l w a y s willingly accepted it without fuss. Whenever I got an increase in my salary or worked overtime, I would usually increase my contribution.

Also, on special occasions, I would ensure that my mother would get something extra. In those days, it was not unusual for

us to give our parents money f o r t h e i r b i r t h d a y, anniversary or at Christmas.

I thought I was being a good boy.

This practice continued for years until the stunning Mrs. Tom walked into my life and I told myself that I had to get married. The plans were put in stream. Then days before my wedding, I went to give my mother the usual contribution to the home.

She held my hands and said, “No more, son! You will soon have a wife and the money has to go to her.”

Then she did something that I will never forget. She took out a bankbook and gave it to me.

Puzzled, I opened it and when I saw the balance, I nearly dropped dead. With that sum, I could buy a house. I turned to her and asked why she was giving me the book.

She quietly and without much of a fuss said, “It is yours!”

“Mine?” I queried. “How is that so?”

“It is yours!” she said “But mom! I cannot take your money. You have done enough for me all these years. I cannot accept all this money in your bankbook,” I told her.

“The bankbook may be in my name, son. But the money is all yours,” she said I was puzzled. “What do you mean that the money is all mine?” I asked.

“Do you remember the money you used to give me each week from when you

If yuh sleeping out mek sure yuh gat a good friend in Scrabble again.

Some times when dem man come home late, dem wife does call dem Mother and complain. Dat is wat happen to one wife.

She call she mother, upset bad. “I'm afraid he's having an affair,” she tell she mother.

“Why do you always think the worst?” her mother asks. “Maybe he just got in a car crash or something.”

But deh gat some men who does come home next morning and still want dem wife to believe dat dem nah

bin with another woman.

Well dem boys hear bout wan incident like duh. A man come home early one morning. He wife ask he, “And where did you sleep last night?”

De husband say, “Oh at a friend's place!”

So, de wife decided to call 10 of he friends. Six ah dem said dat he spent de night with dem – and de other four say he still sleeping.

Now dat is wat yuh call loyal friendship.

Talk half and be a loyal friend!

started working? It is all there.”

My mother had saved every single cent that I had given her all those years. She had saved it for me.

She never touched it. She never complained after that first payday about how I was no longer handing over my full salary to her. She never muttered a word of protest.

All those years she was saving for me what I thought

was my contribution to the home.

That day when my mother gave me that bankbook, I learnt a lesson in life. I had thought all along that I was my own “big man.”

I hate to see good traditions go down the drain.

I hate to see young people feeling that they should be able to control their own finances when they begin

working.

I wonder just how much of the younger generation hand over their earnings to their mothers when the month comes.

(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

Tuesday September 14, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The promising rise of post 2020 African-Guyanese consciousness

T

here have been three failed attempts by the PNC and its surrogate to organise mass protest with the overt intention of creating an ambience of confrontation with the government.

The first one was the anti-vaccine protest in Georgetown that was very small. The police arrested just six persons who were marching towards the Ministry of Education.

Among those detained by the police was APNU's Buxton-based activist, Kidackie Amsterdam. The anticipated swarming of the Brickdam station did not happen.

The second one was the strike called by the Guyana Teachers Union, headed by PNC parliamentarian, Coretta McDonald. There were very small numbers of teachers who turned out.

Demerara Waves reported

the union as saying that the three-day strike was poor.

“Poor” was the adjective that the union used.

Here are the words of Ms. McDonald, “We could not get all of our colleagues to join us.” The strike has since been called off with instruction to teachers to return to the classroom.

The third episode was the protest named, “Time to shut down GT” which took place yesterday.

Wi t h t h o s e m e a g r e numbers that descended upon the Square of the Revolution, there was hardly a flicker, much less a flame.

That small group couldn't shut down a store much less the capital city. Like in the Amsterdam scenario, Aubrey Norton was arrested but there was no protest outside the Brickdam station.

In addition to these three episodes, three weeks ago, David Hinds perambulated

the streets of Buxton with the words, “undermine this government.” Hinds was alone with no passerby stopping to allow a crowd to build up.

What factors account for this loss of enthusiasm for confrontation by PNC supporters? Here is a brief analytical account. First, African people in Guyana have come to the realisation that the PNC and their surrogates deceived them for five consecutive months last year over the election results. If the deception had taken place over a two-week period, its effects could have been dissolved with the passage of time. But five months were too long and as the PNC kept changing its explanations even after 2020, African Guyanese believe that they were used and are being used.

Secondly, the rise of African resistance to the

PNC propaganda was visible in the mayhem that followed the words of David Granger and Joe Harmon in Cotton Tree in Region Five last September after two African youths were found murdered. As Indians were being attacked, emissaries were sent to African villages to come out in support but they refused.

The Granger/Harmon flame in Region Five was put out by Volda Lawrence, who independent of Granger and Harmon, travelled to Region Five with our local 007, James Bond, to lecture to African Guyanese about being misdirected.

Lawrence told them, “This is not who we are.” From thereon, from one part of Guyana to the other, African Guyanese became wary of the PNC leadership.

T h i r d l y, A f r i c a n Guyanese believe there is a power struggle in the PNC and that African people will be the pawns in the game.

Fourthly, African people in this land have begun to ask questions about those who

say they are fighting for them.

Teachers know Coretta McDonald i s a P N C Frederick Kissoon parliamentarian and has an agenda. The The era of “mo fyaah/slo African villages on the East fyaah” is dead. It will not Coast know that David Hinds come again because the lives in the US and hardly dialectics of Guyanese comes to Guyana. Young, politics have transformed urban African youths do not Guyana into something new. know who Mark Benschop is Even when the PNC's and if they do, they know he leadership crisis is settled lives in the US and doesn't and by some strange logic a come to Guyana. devotee of the old Hamilton Fifthly, young African Green culture is made leader, white collar workers and Macbeth's witches cannot intellectuals are not inspired brew the fire any longer. by the current PNC Guyana is entering a new leadership and will not go stage where expectations are out on the streets for them high and even if those or even support them in the expectations are dashed, the social media realm. Most new political environment of the social media cussing cannot resuscitate the age of down of the PPP and “ m o f y a h / s l o f y a a h ” .

Indians in general comes Perhaps the most curious from Guyanese living in the side of this new environment US. is whether the PNC can Sixthly, and this will call survive. for a separate column. The (The views expressed in s t r e e t i n f e r n o t h a t this article are those of the accompanied “mo fyaah/slo a u t h o r a n d d o n o t fyaah” – 1997-2006, has necessarily reflect the been gradually dissipated. opinions of this newspaper.)

Guyana will still have to import heavy fuel for gas plant From page 2 are more than 30 years old.”

It was noted that in GPL's existing generating fleet both the Wartsila and Caterpillar manufacture dual fuel engines capable of burning liquid fuels and Natural gas and that existing single fuel units can also be converted to become dual fuel at an estimated cost of US$100 per kW of capacity.

The report said too as dual fuel units, the power plants can rely on liquid fuels as a back-up in the event of disruptions to the Natural gas supply and that each existing gas power plant already has a storage tank for liquid fuels, removing the need to build additional fuel storage and relieve a potential constraint, given the limited availability of additional space at some locations.

The study found that the analysis also suggests that the Natural gas supply will be most cost effective if new generation units are co-

located with the existing units that are converted to Natural gas.

Additionally, in its report it was assumed that there was no need for Natural gas storage at the landing site or the individual power plants.

According to the report, the new and converted power plants are expected to be dual fuel, and existing power plants already have liquid fuel storage tanks and this will allow them to use liquid fuels in the event of a disruption in Natural gas supply.

Further compounding the viability of the gas-toenergy project, the report had found that putting the full power plant in a single location would also put Guyana's electricity grid at greater risk of an outage.

A fault at the station itself (mitigated by the fact that it is many smaller engines together, rather than one big turbine), or a downed transmission line between the station and the

rest of the system could disrupt electricity supply to the entire grid.

The report said that having generation at multiple locations helps mitigate this problem by locating generation nearer to the load. In this way, not all electricity supply is then lost if a transmission line goes down.

Importantly, the report noted that if the single 200MW plant were built, it would be advisable to maintain GPL's current power plants as back-up power in the event of an outage.

In addition, GPLs capacity margin requirements state that the margin must be at least as large as the two largest units in the system, as such, adding a single large power plant would increase that capacity margin requirement, potentially requiring further investment in smaller plants elsewhere to mitigate its impact on system reliability.

Tuesday September 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Tuesday September 14, 2021

FITUG concerned about “alarming” COVID-19 situation C

alling the prevailing COVID-19 situation alarming, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) in a release issued yesterday noted that “it is

hard to ignore the rising number of COVID-19 infections in our beloved c o u n t r y. ” E v e n m o r e alarming, the union body in a release noted, is the increased number of persons who have succumbed to the

dreaded virus. Though not yet confirmed, “it appears that our country is now gripped by the Delta variant which is more virulent than previous variants and is at the root of the rising infections,” it added.

Despite the several warnings, FITUG observed that “we continue to witness Guyanese adopting a lax attitude to the several measures which can safeguard them from being infected.”

Moreover, the union noted that, it is disturbing that many mature individuals have taken such a relaxed approach, potentially exposing themselves and their family members to the dreaded virus.

Additionally, FITUG is concerned about the hosting and organising of gatherings which can promote the rapid spread of the virus. Given the

rising spate of cases, it added, it is prudent in our view to ensure that gatherings are kept to a minimum and appropriate restrictions be enforced to protect the health of all Guyanese.

“Of course, our way out of the pandemic is linked to the inoculation of our people,” the union underscored, adding “disturbingly we recognise that there are many who continue to spread great lot of misinformation to the detriment of the vaccination programmes.”

It is now scientific fact that vaccination reduces the risk of severe infection and

FITUG noted that it has learnt recently that most persons have become critically ill or have succumbed either have not been vaccinated or were not fully vaccinated.

For this reason, FITUG “urges all Guyanese to take advantage of the Government's vaccination programme.” Linked to the question of vaccines, it stated, has been the recent expressions regarding regulations on unvaccinated Guyanese.

Noting that “this is a matter that is now engaging the attention of the Judiciary,” FITUG added (continued on page 13)

Row over 'jukka' leaves prisoner dead

A

n inmate on remand at the Lusignan Prison died Sunday night at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation while receiving treatment for injuries he sustained after being stabbed multiple times by another inmate.

Dead is 23-year-old Eijad Mohamed Ali of Green Heart Street, Mackenzie, Linden. He was on remand for simple larceny. Based on information reaching Kaieteur News, Ali who was remanded back in May, was housed in Holding Bay Two of the prison with several others when the incident occurred.

Sometime around 08:20hrs on Sunday, a police report revealed that he was confronted by three other inmates who accused him of stealing an improvised weapon (jukka) belonging to them. There, while he was being relieved of the weapon, a fight reportedly broke out between Ali and three other inmates. It was during that fight, one of the inmates stabbed Ali about his body.

An injured Ali was taken to the Prison's infirmary for treatment but due to the severity of his wounds, he was taken to the hospital where he later died.

The three inmates

Fatally stabbed, Eijad Mohamed Ali involved in the altercation are being held separately as an investigation into the incident is conducted.

Cops capture man who ran from car to dispose of gun in bushes

L

a s t w e e k Wednesday, cops managed to capture a man who had run from his car and threw a black plastic bag containing a gun in some bushes at Omai Landing located in the Upper Demerara district.

The man, Kevin Barnwell, 24, was yesterday remanded for the illegal possession of the firearm and six live matching ammunition.

Barnwell appeared virtually at the Georgetown

Magistrates' Courts where he denied the offence. He was refused bail after the prosecutor objected and is expected to return to court on October 15, 2021.

The court heard that on September 8, police ranks were investigating a simple larceny and were on the lookout for a vehicle that the perpetrator used to commit the act.

Barnwell was pulled over and one of the officers had asked him to step out of his car. Barnwell obeyed but

when he exited, he started to run.

The cops gave chase but had observed that while running away, Barnwell pulled out a black plastic bag from his waist and threw it in some bushes.

He continued to run from the lawmen who decided to stop and retrieve the plastic bag, which he left behind.

Inside, the cop found a .38 Taurus revolver loaded with six rounds.

Barnwell was captured some time later.

Tuesday September 14, 2021

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Tuesday September 14, 2021

PNC's Aubrey Norton on bail for illegal procession - was part of protest action to retaliate forced vaccination

P

eople's National Congress Reform ( P C N / R ) Executive, Aubrey Norton, was among nine persons who were arrested yesterday morning for allegedly participating in an illegal procession in the city to retaliate measures that encourages the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines.

According to reports, those arrested were part of a group involved in a protest action titled “Time to shutdown GT”. At the time of their arrest, they were reportedly in the vicinity of Regent Street, Georgetown.

The PNC last week had announced on social media plans for a protest at the Square of the Revolution to retaliate several issues such

as forced vaccination and high cost of living.

Yesterday, Norton and eight others were arrested for participating in an illegal procession. They were taken into custody at the Brickdam Police Station but were later released on $10,000 bail each. This publication was told that Norton is expected to appear in court on Friday to face charges for the allegations made against him.

As news surfaced about Norton's arrest, scores of protestors gathered in front the station calling for Norton and others to be released.

While persons were gathered in front of the station, several others gathered at the Square of Revolution in protest mode.

PNC's Executive, Aubrey Norton

Over the past week, several protests were held across the country. These followed government's newly updated vaccination requirement.

Among the protest action last week was one spearheaded by the Guyana Teachers Union, which saw a number of teachers on the picket line outside the

Ministry of Education.

Health workers too had held protest action after they were denied entry into their workplaces for not being vaccinated.

Scores of persons at the Square of the Revolution yesterday

Ecuadorian Court orders end to flaring in Amazon A

n Ecuadorian court has ordered an end to the flaring practice in that country affecting some 447 flares in the country located in the Amazon Basin.

T h i s m u c h i s documented in a March 9, 2021, Editorial by Antonio José Paz Cardona, a Mongabay Correspondent, which reported that Ecuador's court ordered an end to 447 gas flares by the oil industry in the Amazon.

This order was geared chiefly toward the Orellana and Sucumbíos vicinities respectively; these vicinities were predominantly affected by most of the flares in terms o f h e a l t h a n d environmentally-oriented impacts.

Cardona denoted that Pablo Fajardo, a lawyer, represented nine girls who had petitioned for the elimination of flaring by the oil industry to burn off

Mongabay Correspondent, Antonio José Paz Cardona natural gas for the aforementioned vicinities.

Apart from the girls, the lawyer also represented the Union of People Affected by Texaco (UDAPT).

He avowed that the Ecuadoran state allocated a surplus of “US$600 million

on gas imports” and the judges noted that eradicating flares would cut the state's greenhouse gas emissions “by at least 24 percent.”

Moreover, UDAPT and Clínica Ambiental (a project of the Centre of Studies and Social Action) recorded 251 cancer cases within Orellana and Sucumbíos collectively.

According to the editorial, both organisations asserted that 71 percent of such cases entailed women.

The Indigenous petitioners and plaintiffs, via the editorial, implied that “the impact of the flares violated their rights to water, health, food sovereignty, and a healthy and ecologically balanced environment.”

The petitioners also mentioned that, “the flares had negatively impacted the health of residents, contaminating the rainwater that was their only source of clean water.”

Family members

developed health issues such as cancer and some have even died as a result of immense smoke from the flaring. Reference was made to the Chevron-Texaco area, which had its first commercial well in 1967.

According to the editorial, there was a rejected injunction on May 7, 2020, against the Ecuadoran Ministry of Energy and NonRenewable Natural Resources as well as the Ministry of Environment and Water.

After which, the girls filed an appeal with a second ruling that was postponed five times.

This was because the Court claimed that no studies had established the flares' adverse impacts. However, on January 26, 2021, a successful Sucumbíos Provincial Court ruling corroborated that the petitioners' rights were ignored by the Ecuadoran

State for a “healthy and ecologically -balanced environment” free from the devastating effects of the oil flaring.

However, Cardona's editorial further mentioned that the state disapproved of the lawsuit by arguing that it would undercut Ecuador's economy, since it would be detrimental to the oil business.

Nevertheless, Fajardo made clear that the lawsuit was only attributed to the eradication of flaring but not for the deferral of oil drilling.

Another lawyer, María Espinosa, with the NGO Amazon Frontlines, implored that the eradication of flaring will reduce the prevalence of associated diseases such as cancer and also mitigates the burden on health care services in the Amazon.

However, she also stated that she hoped reparations will be accompanied by

health care for more than 250 of the Indigenous cancer victims recorded by the UDAPT and Clínica Ambiental organisations.

She further substantiated this by claiming that this phenomenon gave rise to the fact that the Ecuadorian State has breached international protocols that go against climate change.

She urged that getting rid of flares would require new alternatives and the gas could be allocated for domestic use, reinjection and power generation in oil facilities.

Furthermore, the editorial asserted that communities are hoping that another court ruling is established so as to compensate residents of Orellana and Sucumbíos.

Ultimately, the petition's objective was to stipulate “cleaner technologies in the most oil-intensive area of the country.”

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Govt. ready to work with manufacturing sector on product certification - Pres. Ali G

overnment is ready to work w i t h t h e manufacturing sector to certify their value-added products and to fuel growth in the forestry sector. This is according to President, Irfaan Ali, who made this disclosure during his feature address at the Barama Company Limited's 30th Anniversary celebration at the company's Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara headquarters on Sunday. He noted that the sector has to move towards product certification to stay relevant in an ever-changing market.

“The Government is willing to work with the sector in ensuring that we move towards product certification because we cannot speak about access to new markets or opening up new markets in isolation of the product certification.

That is a necessary tool to enter the market,” he said.

According to the President, collaboration between the Government and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) is needed. He noted that for production volume to increase, a value-added commitment, linked to quality control and consistency must be made.

Additionally, it is necessary

The President (third from left) and other officials who attended the anniversary celebration to develop a system of efficiency in the local market and a strategic formula on how local demands for value-added products are driven.

RETURNING TO LOGGING Meanwhile, General Manager of Barama, Mahendra Chand, in his presentation said that the projected log intake for next year will be between $800M and $1B from local operators, which is also expected to create hundreds of new direct and indirect jobs. He also noted that the

company is looking to finalise an investment of nearly $1B to expand its operations again, which includes returning to the logging business.

President Ali said that the Government welcomes and embraces the company's bold projections for its future. He added that his Government will do all that it can to fuel the growth of Barama and others in the sector.

EXPANSION Mr. Chand recollected that between 2015 and 2019 t h e c o m p a n y s u ff e r e d tremendously and had to

scale back its operations to just plywood production, which forced over 600 workers out of jobs.

He credits the President Ali-led Administration for its “most propelling impetus” for the company's new plans of expansion and investment.

The General Manager noted that it began with the Government lobbying for the relaxation of the Common External Tariff (CET) of imported ply in Guyana from 10 percent to 35 percent, as well as the reduction of taxes on the importation of vehicles for the industry and other

Government policies.

President Ali said that it was the Government's recognition of the decline in Barama's operations and the Forestry Sector as a whole that resulted in progressive policies.

“We are aware of the fact that Barama was forced in 2016 to relinquish its forest concession which was then divided and allocated to other players in the sector.

This forced the further downsizing of the company and a loss of investment by Barama and we have heard today that that loss of investment was to

the tune of US$15M,” the President noted.

He underscored that the Government also recognises the negative effects of the high cost of energy on the manufacturing sector. He said that this is why his Administration is moving towards the proposed gas-toshore project, the Amaila Falls Hydro Project and others in a bid to halve the cost of electricity.

“My Government is committed to supporting efforts to shift production to more value-added products.

As such, I am impressed by the efforts that I have seen today and which are being made by Barama to diversify its product line,” the Head of State said.

He added that the GMSA, the Forestry Sector, the Government and all the stakeholders need to form a consortium that is not only driven by profit, but driven by the development of the sector and the development of opportunities for the sector. The company also launched a new waterresistant plywood at the anniversary celebration.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, and Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, were also at the event.

25 Guyanese trained to translate emergency COVID-19 messages into Indigenous languages

T

wenty-five Guyanese have been trained by the Language Unit of the University of Guyana (UG) to translate emergency and COVID-19 related messages into Indigenous languages.

The 25 persons have since translated public health and emergency messages into the various local languages. These languages are Akawaio, Arekuna, Carib, Creolese, Arawak, Makushi, Patamuna, WaiWai, Wapichan and Warrau.

A c c o r d i n g t o information obtained from UG, Charro Albert, Tatiana Famey, Alim Hosein, Dillon Mohamed, Rosemarie Ramitt, Charlene Wilkison, Samantha Thomas, Ovid Williams, Berbice Rocke,

Silverius Vitus Perry and Shondell Rodrigues all received certificates of achievement.

Certificates of recognition were awarded to Sandra Austin, Romario Hastings, Akeem Henry, Colleen Frazer, Eileen Charles, James Thomas, Marybeth Singh, Gloria Duarte, Leah Camsimero, Ian Paul, Norman Cox, Maglenis Medina and Derrick Henry.

During a virtual award c e r e m o n y, L e c t u r e r C h a r l e ne Wilkinson explained that the training to translate key COVID-19 health and emergency messages started a year ago.

"We in the Guyanese Languages Unit including our overseas members who belong to the University of

the West Indies wondered how we can intervene to turn, as the Buddhists would say, turn poison into medicine," Wilkinson explained. "We approached the Ministry of Health and said look people have to get information in the languages that they understand and we are here and willing to work with you to translate any advisories that you want to go out to the public."

The eight-week training was done virtually with University of the West Indies Professor of Linguistics, Hubert Devonish. Among the challenges, Professor Devonish explained, was translating the “complicated sciences and concepts,” into local languages.

"I felt very strongly that this was one occasion when

the world, when we, as speakers of these local languages, needed to be connected via our own languages, because there was stuff going on out there, and that stuff was coming at us."

The evolution of the pandemic brought different challenges to this project, Professor Devonish explained, as the group navigated how to translate terms like viruses and germs to languages that did not cater for those words.

"We got something in place, we got people who are aware, who have recognised the importance of understanding what the other world, the outer world people saying, in the outer world style and then trying to integrate us into it,” he said.

“Because we have to understand 'the talk' because in the end, we have to decide at this critical point whether to take the vaccine or not, what is the benefits, so we got to have a discourse, a discussion in our languages,” Professor Devonish added.

Professor Devonish recalled that during the training, there were real-life scenarios of tribes travelling from one location to another for information on pandemics.

With this translation project, he said there has been the creation of a level of intelligence about “what are the decisions they need to make,” about the pandemic and vaccinations, “they need to understand this in a deep way, not simply

take the vaccine, go and tek vaccines, wash yuh hand,” he asserted.

UG Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Paloma Mohamed, welcomed the training as well as the creation of a manual for future use. “The fact that you spent time developing a system and a manual that would help us to replicate this with more people, is really I think fundamentally important,” she pointed out.

The Ministry of Health has been producing a number of public service announcements that range from preventative measures to myth busters surrounding the vaccination process.

These public service announcements are set to be translated in the various languages.

PAGE 20

CJIA US$16OM and counting...

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 14, 2021

Govt. pays US$350,000 more for 2 …as opposition questions new air-bridges suppliers credentials T

he People's Party Progressive/ Civic ( P P P / C ) administration under the Ministry of Public Works recently awarded a contract for US$2M to a local company named Total Solutions for the supply of two additional air-bridges for the long ongoing Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) project.

Information coming to light, however, indicates that the Ministry paid some US$350,000 more for two air-bridges than the previous administration had paid for the same facility.

Former Minister of the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, in light of the disclosed figures for the new air bridges for the rehabilitated CJIA, recently made public the decision by his A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) to purchase two air bridges at the same specifications for US$350,000 less than what the current administration is expending.

Additionally, members of the previous APNU+AFC government are also questioning the credentials of the company.

According to the document disclosed by Patterson, two boarding bridges inclusive of two fixed link extensions were purchased and installed in 2018 at a cost of US$1.6M some US$350,000 less than the current contract indicated, that is, close to a 20 percent increase with no justification of the new contract.

The new air-bridges are for larger code D & E size

Former Minister of the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill. aircraft. These are the widebodied aircraft used for transatlantic flights.

Patterson made it clear, however, that the previously installed air bridges were procured to m e e t t h e s a m e specifications.

Kaieteur News had reported, that as the cost for the CJIA expansion project

AmCham announces successful election...

From page 11 Production Guyana Ltd. / E X X O N M O B I L – M r.

Alistair Routledge Machinery Corporation of Guyana Inc. (MACORP) – Mr. Guillermo Escarraga Baker Hughes Guyana Inc. – Mr. Narvan Singh HESS Guyana Exploration Ltd. - Mr. Alex Mistri National Milling Company of Guyana Inc. (NAMILCO) – Mr. Fitzroy McLeod Massy Distribution Guyana Inc. – Mr. Navindra Thakur

Fix It Hardware, Black and Decker – Mr. Paul James In-Ventive Capital Logistics – Ms. Sarah Shaffie Praetorian Executive Protection Services Inc. – Mr. Dallas Thomas G e o rg e t o w n A m e r i c a n University – Ms. Melissa Varswyk Halliburton Guyana Inc. – Mr. Vahman Jurai Social Rank Media – Mr. Rosh Khan Queens Atlantic – Mr. Ravi Ramcharitar

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 24X7. 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 APNU+AFC's last tenure, the initial agreement that the PPP/C had signed with the contractor—China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC)—was amended.

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 more.

The PPP/C government, he said, recently purchased two additional air bridges, bringing the total to six air bridges. The additional air bridges were also procured at a cost of US$2M. Meanwhile, Minister Edghill on Sunday, during a commissioning ceremony for the extended CJIA runway, said that the Opposition is making a “mountain out of a m o l e h i l l ” s i n c e To t a l Solutions is a reputable company that the supplier of the air-bridges, China International Marine Containers (CIMC), directed them to.

“We went directly to the supplier for the purchase of the air-bridges, CIMC. CIMC has supplied more than 7000 air-bridges to more than 300 airports, including to the USA, Canada, Chile and other parts of the region.” “ T h e i r l o c a l representatives who they redirected us to when we went to them, is Total Solutions.

That is where we will get the after-sale services and all the things required to keep the airport and air-bridges f u n c t i o n a l , ” M i n i s t e r,

The document released by Former Minister Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.

Edghill stated.

According to Minister Edghill, the money for the air-bridges was budgeted for in the 2021 national budget.

He therefore questioned why the Opposition was unaware of that. Approved in the National Budget for 2021 is a $2.5B allocation for the CJIA modernization project under which monies had been earmarked for the provision of two boarding bridges among other expenditure for the airport project.

Minister Edghill also used the occasion to point out that the air-bridges the APNU+AFC had procured during their time in office are in fact of poor quality.

He said that the airbridges “periodically break down” and in one case, they had to “cannibalise one airbridge to get parts for another.”

“The issue they're seeking to make into a big issue is the signing of the contracts for the two additional air-bridges.

When we paid US$150

million in the agreement, we were expecting to have eight air-bridges. When APNU+AFC went into office and remodelled the contract and reduced the scope, we ended up with four air-bridges,” he noted.

“Two were paid for by China Harbour. And they came back to Parliament for a supplementary to pay for the additional two. So apart from that, they increased the contract amount by over $300 million for the additional airbridges.

So, we had to approve that in Parliament. The excuse they gave at the time is that the contract did not provide for air-bridges,” Minister Edghill further expounded.

He further explained that after the PPP/C administration returned to office in 2020 and came to an agreement with CHEC for the additional works, one of the things the Chinese company agreed to was to build the corridor that would facilitate two additional air-bridges.

“We, as a Government, have to provide the two bridges to adjoin to those corridors to facilitate us moving to six air-bridges. I don't know where they (APNU+AFC) got the impression that China Harbour was supposed to provide the air-bridges.

There was never any confusion in our mind.

APNU/AFC agreed that any additional air-bridges besides the two that China Harbour put in would have to be paid for by the Government of Guyana,” Minister Edghill highlighted.

Based on the PPP/C Government's agreement with the Chinese contractor, the expansion works are expected to be completed by this year-end.

T h e P u b l i c Wo r k s Ministry had entered into an agreement with CHEC back in 2020 of December, which would see the contractor doing US$9M in additional works to further extend the airport, purportedly at no cost to Guyana.

Tuesday September 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

AmCham announces successful election of New Board Members

T

he American Chamber of Commerce in Guyana (AmCham Guyana) recently disclosed that it was able to successfully elect and install its new Board of Directors following its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last week at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Kaieteur News had reported that at the helm of the Chamber is prominent a t t o r n e y a t l a w, M r.

Devindra Kissoon of London House Chambers.

But the latest release from AmCham noted other

appointments such as the C h a m b e r ' s F i r s t Vi c e President - Mrs. Iman Cummings of Corum Group, Second Vice President - Mr. Shyam Nokta of EMC G u y a n a , T h i r d Vi c e President – Mr. Eduardo Reple of Guyana Marriott Hotel; and Treasurer - Mr. Fitzroy McLeod of NAMILCO. Members of the newly elected Board represent a diverse blend of American and local companies, including multinationals and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMES) from all major industry sectors in

Guyana.

See below for the full list of board members and companies London House Chambers – Mr. Devindra Kissoon Corum Group – Mrs. Iman Cummings Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) – Mr. Shyam Nokta Guyana Marriott Hotel – Mr. Eduardo Reple SOL Guyana Inc. – Mr. Earl Carribon Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Co. Ltd. (GTT) – Mr. Eshwar Thakurdin Esso Exploration & (continued on page 20)

36 unvaccinated Guyanese die from COVID-19 in one week - 4 more deaths take death toll to 687

T

he Ministry of Health (MOH) yesterday recorded four more fatalities as result of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the total number of deaths from the pandemic to 687. The Ministry pointed out that the four deaths were that of women who were all unvaccinated. Their deaths are now added to a list of 36 other unvaccinated Guyanese who succumbed to the dreaded virus during last week alone.

The latest fatalities, according to the Health

Ministry, are a 78-year-old and a 46-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), a 62-year-old from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and an 87-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

A d d i t i o n a l l y, a dashboard released by Ministry revealed that another 123 people have tested positive for the virus in the last 24-hour period, taking the overall number of infections since March 2020 to 28,099.

The new infections were recorded in Region One

which has four cases, Region Two - 12 cases, Region Three - 13 cases, Region Four - 71 cases, Region Five - three cases, Region Six - two cases, Region Seven - two cases, Region Eight - 11 cases and Region 10 - five cases.

Further, the MOH noted that there are 26 patients receiving critical care in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 153 in institutional isolation, 3,011 in home isolation and 16 in institutional quarantine. A total of 24,222 people have recovered to date.

Linden man succumbs after garbage truck crashes into his motorcycle

A

23-year old resident of Linden is now dead after a Linden Mayor and Town Council garbage truck crashed into his motorcycle on Sunday afternoon.

He has been identified as Adrian Andrews of 112 Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wi s m a r, L i n d e n . T h e accident occurred around 12:45hrs on the One Mile Public Road.

According to reports, motor lorry GWW 9089 driven by Rawle Stanton, a driver attached to the Linden Mayor and Town Council Wa s t e M a n a g e m e n t department, was proceeding west on the northern side of One Mile Public Road when he stopped to pick up

garbage, after which he drove off and attempted to turn south across the road.

It was then that he ended up in the path of Andrews' motorcycle CK 8951, which was proceeding east on the northern side of the road.

The front of the motorcycle collided with the right side front of the motor lorry, causing the Andrews to fall into a drain on the northern side of the road. He sustained head injuries as a result.

The injured motorcyclist was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A breath alcohol test was conducted on the driver but no trace of alcohol was

found. However, he remains in police custody assisting with the related investigation.

Meanwhile, in an official statement, the Office of the Linden Mayor expressed regret over the accident and extended condolences to the family of the deceased.

The statement said that after the accident, emergency procedures were immediately activated and officials from the Constabulary Department are actively cooperating with the Guyana Police Force in its investigation.

An internal investigation is also underway to determine the circumstances that lead to the unfortunate accident.

Second Vice President, Mr. Shyam Nokta of EMC Guyana

First Vice President, Mrs. Iman Cummings of Corum Group

Attorney-at-Law and AmCham President, Mr. Devindra Kissoon

PAGE 22

Tuesday September 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

Man remanded for habouring ‘gold heist’ bandit VEHICLES FOR SALE Tractor Massey Ferguson 165-$1.7M,Massey Ferguson 135-$1.1M, Ford Ranger pick up $900,000, Ford F150 pick up $1.1M. 682-5230/615-4414.

CAR RENTAL Aidan's Car Rental. Call:6281183.

WANTED Delivery, Lorry license driver. Tel:621-9356.

Able body porters needed.Apply@Why Pay More Trading,7 Public RD Houston E.B.D with application.

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.

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

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Installation, Repairs and parts for AC,Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc.Call Nick#656-0110.

Appliance repairs/service for Refrigerator,Washing Machine, Stove, Treadmill, Dryer, Pressure pump, Oven, Deep Fryer.Call:694-9733.

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

Laboureres to work at Ice House, $3500 per day.

Tel:223-7165.

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

Salon assistant,female age 24-40, no experience required however would be a plus 500-6008 between Wed-Sat 9AM-4PM. 16-18 yrs old youths to train for metal & enginering. Living quarters will be provided.

Tel:227-1813/672-1703.

Appliance/equipment repairs and service to Bakery, Restaurant,Hospital equipment, Remote gate, Backwash & filtration system.

Call:694-9733.

Ultraviolet Driving School covid-19,September $8,500 for 5 sessions for beginners course and refreshers course.Whatsapp:602-2583.

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

FOR RENT Fabrication workshop.Tel: 690-5427.

A newspaper vendor was yesterday remanded for harbouring a man wanted in connection with the multi-million-dollar gold heist at Wallison Enterprise on August 6, 2021.

The newspaper vendor, Akeem Rajkumar, 31, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.

It is alleged that on August 7, 2021 he received and harboured Antonio Maraj knowing that the man had committed a felony.

Rajkumar pleaded not guilty to the charge but according to the prosecutor in the matter, the defendant had admitted to police that he harboured Maraj and even assisted him in the heist.

In fact, Rajkumar had told investigators that Maraj had VACANCY

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

Call: 231-2250.

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

FOR SALE

The wanted ‘gold heist’ bandit who was harboured

by Rajkumar.

Vacancy for 1 professional and experience hairdresser located on East Bank Demerara Grove Market Street. Call:652-5800.

Cook/Baker,Pitmen & Welder/Serviceman for interior location.Applicants must be experienced. Call: 231-2250.

Caribbean Cinemas Providence seeks Managers, Customer Service, Cashiers.

Great benefits, flexible h o u r s . E m a i l : hrmanagerguyana@gmail. com , 645-0944.

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

One live in Nanny to take care of kids and home. Must be fully vaccinated. Contact:682-8251.

One heavy duty diesel mechanic to work in the interior.

Meals and accomodation provided.

Contact:680-2702.

Mini Bus and Taxi Drivers.

Call:225-3234/628-1183.

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

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

Rooms to let in Albertown.

Call:225-3234/628-1183.

TO LET

Akeem Rajkumar at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

given him the gold they stole from the business place located in Kitty, Georgetown to cut up in pieces. He reportedly told detectives that he was paid $100,000 to cut the gold into three pieces.

Due to the seriousness of the offence, Rajkumar was refused bail by the magistrate and will return to court on October 19, 2021.

The man who he harboured, is one of three men still at large for the multi-mil-

lion-dollar gold heist at Wallison Enterprise on August 6, last. Around 10:05hrs that day, three men posing as gold dealers had entered the business place. They sported a parcel of gold they wanted to sell and while negotiating a price for the gold, they held the employees at gunpoint.

They handcuffed their victims with plastic zip ties and carted off $38M in cash and $20M worth of raw gold.

The men had also stolen

cell phones and it was one of the stolen phones that had helped detectives to crack the case, recover some of the stolen cash and arrest some of the suspects.Currently on remand for the heinous crime are Keyon King, a Guyana Defence Force rank, Delroy Jackson and Peon Lee, both security guards of the business establishment.Still being hunted by police are Maraj, Jamal Dazel and Daquan King.

E’bo businessman hands over cash to bandits after severe beating A popular businessman from the Anna Regina community in Region Two was forced to hand over $700,000 in cash to bandits on Sunday after a severe beating.

Recovering from the injuries he had sustained from the beating is Janack Dharia better known as ‘Sanko,’ who told this newspaper yesterday that the experience has traumatised him.

Kaieteur News understands that around 19:30hrs. two men armed with guns entered Dharia’s shop located at the bottom flat of his home.

One of the men held the businessman at gunpoint, while the other held two of his customers hostage.

Recounting the experience Dharia said that the gunman then made his way around the counter, grabbed him by the neck, and forced him to the upper flat of the building.

“One of the gunman lock off me neck and carry me upstairs, and for that period, what I can recall is that ah lost consciousness about three times. I try to talk but I could not,” related the businessman.

Dharia continued that while in the upper flat of the building, the bandit demanded cash and began to beat him “mercilessly.” Apart from the cuffs and kicks he

Injured E’bo businessman, Janack Dharia

received, Dharia recalled being whipped with a gun as well.

After the beating, the businessman reportedly led the bandit downstairs and instructed his son to hand over $700,000 to the gunmen.

“After I tell me son give them the money, they see the phone cards in the cash register, and they take that too,” added the businessman.

This newspaper learnt that it was at this point that Dharia’s neighbours became suspicious that something was going on at his shop.

They reportedly left their homes and rushed over to see if he was in danger.

Dharia recounted that one of his neighbours ran into the shop and one of the gunmen pointed their guns at him but when they saw more persons entering they decided to run away.

“One of the neighbours run in the shop, and he point the gun at the man but after they realise that people becoming aware of what going on, they run out the side door,” Dharia recounted.

The neighbour reportedly gave chase but the men managed to escape.

Dharia believes that had it not been for his neighbours, the bandits probably would have killed him and his son.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 14, 2021

PAGE 23

Linden businesses support second ‘lockdown’ to retaliate mandatory COVID-19 vaccination Businesses in Linden for the second time, closed their doors as a form of protest against the mandatory vaccination policy set out by the government. The ‘lock down’ initiative is being pushed by a private citizen, Apostle Nigel London, with support from the region’s elected officials. Businesses both on the Wismar and Mackenzie shore, including those providing essential services, closed their doors in support of the movement. Public transportation was also not available.

According to London, “it is not a political movement but a people’s movement” and called on residents to remain resolute to the movement until the policy is reversed.

While many businesses are of the belief the lockdown will allow the government to change its policy, some are of the opinion that it will also affect the business community of Linden. “Pertaining to the lockdown, I think it is the right step and as long it lasts, the more pressure the government will be under and you would see that they would start making proper deci-

sions,” one businessman said.

Another businessman sharing contrasting views, expressed his disapproval towards the movement but complied out of fear of victimisation. “Remember Linden is a highly political town, you do one different move and you are labelled as you ‘support the PPP’, but is not that you want to lockdown, but to avoid the whole talking and people watching you different and looking like a sell out or a black sheep, you have to close but to me, this hay is just we oppressing we self, nobody but we self ain’t gone feel it,” the businessman said.

Meanwhile, President of the Linden Chamber of Industry Commerce and Development, Victor Fernandes, said that such a move, more so if it is indefinite, will further negatively impact the economy of the region. He said he understands the adverse effects the Gazetted order will have on businesses in Linden and is therefore calling on all and sundry to comply by getting vaccinated. Such orders, he said, is not only placed on

Many businesses kept their doors closed in Mackenzie, Linden yesterday.

Linden but the entire Guyana and in fact, the entire world.

“It’s global, if you look all over the world, it is the same thing. It is universal whereby we all would be affected in every facet of our business unless we comply. We have a responsibility as business owners to operate in accor-

Probe to be launched into retired nurse’s death at COVID-19 hospital The circumstances surrounding the death of a retired nurse at the COVID-19 Infectious Diseases Hospital is set to be investigated. An official attached to the Ministry of Health told this newspaper that efforts are being made to inquire into the matter even as steps are underway to expand capacity at the Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara facility to accommodate the influx of COVID-19 patients.

Family members of Vanessa Maynard, a 56-yearold retired nurse, who died at the COVID-19 Hospital on Thursday, had complained bitterly of the treatment meted out her at the facility. This newspaper was told that the nurse had been battling diabetes and, according to reports, had not received the COVID-19 vaccine at the time of her demise.

Nurse Maynard spent approximately 11 days at the COVID-19 facility before she succumbed to the illness. Her relatives had told a news conference on Friday that she was not being attended to regularly at the hospital. As a result, they said that she had resorted to paying the nurses to do small favours including warming her food and taking her to the bathroom.

According to the family, Nurse Maynard was taken to the Georgetown Public Hos-

Nurse Vanessa Maynard.

pital on Sunday, August 29, 2021, after feeling unwell. A number of tests were conducted at the hospital and the following day, the nurse was transferred to the Liliendaal Hospital. At the time of the transfer, the patient was reportedly dealing with a foot ulcer that had to be taken care of. However when she arrived at the hospital, nurses took more than a day to clean the infected area.

After waiting for so long, Nurse Maynard reportedly told the staff at the Liliendaal Hospital that she would change the wound dressing herself if provided with the gauze and the iodine. “She told them, I am a nurse, just bring the gauze, just bring the

iodine, I’ll do it myself, because when she opened the bandage, she saw that it was green. It had become infected,” her daughter had told the news conference.

Kaieteur News understands that since then, the hospital administration in anticipation of an increase in admissions over the next few days moved to boost its staff capacity with in excess of 20 nurses working per shift daily.

An additional 18 nurses have been reassigned to the Ocean View facility to assist with the management of patients. This is in addition to nine additional doctors who have joined the current compliment of 13 doctors who work per shift.

dance with the law; it is also a personal responsibility to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones, if we are safe, our family and our associates and those whom we come into contact with, will be safe and we would have a community that is safe,” he said.

Fernandes urged business owners to follow credible information on the vaccines and to dispel the myths.

Despite this call from the Chamber President, Region 10 still remains one of the lowest vaccinated regions.

Some residents have used several platforms to express their concern over the measures imposed by government, which they describe as draconian. They believe that the measures will negatively impact their means to a daily bread; not because they did not take the vaccine, but because their clients and customers did not.

Several business places have since sent out notices officially informing their staff, clients and in many cases tenants, of the Gazetted order and its enforcement. For example, the management of the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN), which is the business incubator in Linden and has scores of businesses renting

spaces, has informed tenants that as of yesterday, persons cannot enter the building without a vaccination card or a negative PCR test. This means that there will be a significant decrease in business transactions for tenants who will still be required to pay rent for their business spaces.

Desiree Peters, a business owner, told Kaieteur News that the new measures have “raised her pressure” and she is hoping there is a reversal.

“Right now, this thing raising me pressure because I know sale will go down big time for me. We now trying to raise back from the pandemic and then this will take us many steps backwards, like I don’t know what to do,” Peters said.

Expressing concerns over the matter were community leaders and loggers of the Upper-Berbice district. The district is one that relies heavily on the logging sector, following the closure of the bauxite company, RUSAL. Regional Councillor, Keisha Griffith McKane, who resides in Ituni said that logging is the community’s main source of income. She is moreover pleading with the government to reverse the policy and to invest more in providing laptops or tablets and

internets hubs for the outlying communities.

McKane added that the close-knit community of Ituni and loggers of the logging association have therefore refused to allow the Gazetted order to divide the people of the logging community.

Jean Williams, a logger of Hururu, said that the Guyana Forestry Commission is currently not transacting business with unvaccinated loggers or those who fail to provide a negative PCR test.

“Bearing in mind, we just went through a natural disaster and there is no other means of employment, it will have a great effect on the people,” Williams said Karil Smith, a health worker and also an entrepreneur of Landern’s Ville, Upper-Berbice River, expressed concern for her village which relies heavily on logging.

“We are faced with the flood, RUSAL situation, so it’s a whole lot going on for us. They (Guyana Forestry Commission) refuse to do stump inspection, so basically, it would cripple the economy,” Smith said.

The residents are, therefore, calling on the policymakers to reverse the policy earliest.

ExxonMobil extracts US$1.3B in first half...

From page 3 company, “…over a decade, this (initiative) will develop the local workforce, advance education and improve healthcare to support sustainable economic diversification.”

Meanwhile, as it relates to future developments, with the Liza Unity FPSO en route to Guyana, the company said, “once delivered and safely moored to the seafloor, Unity will steadily ramp up to a production target of 220,000 bpd.”

As it relates to the oil majors' third development— Payara—ExxonMobil Guyana in its update said its first development well was spudded in June last, and the offshore Subsea, Umbilicals, Risers and Flowlines installation began in the third quarter of this year.

The FPSO's—Prosperity—topside module fabrication is currently underway in the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore. That vessel has a production target of 220,000 bpd with a projected start up

in 2024.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the consortium's fourth development in the Stabroek Block—Yellowtail—it was noted that this project is currently being designed with a production target of up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day, “possibly the largest volume yet for a single development offshore Guyana.”

According to ExxonMobil Guyana, “production is anticipated to begin in 2025, pending regulatory and government approvals.”

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 14, 2021

Tuesday September 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

Court dismisses request to strike out legal challenge filed over Town Clerk's appointment

J

ustice Joann Barlow yesterday dismissed a request to strike out the legal challenge filed over the appointment of interim Town Clerk of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), Candace Nelson. Justice Barlow examined three issues in relation to the matter which was heard at the High Court yesterday.

The first issue dealt with the request for dismissal of the matter filed by Nelson's attorney, Pratesh Satram.

The judge denied this request stating that the Court will need to inquire into the merits of the matter before a decision is taken. The second issue related to the application for injunctive relief filed by attorneys representing the Georgetown Council to temporarily stop Nelson from performing the duties of Town Clerk until the hearing and determination of the court matter. Justice Barlow also refused this

Interim Town Clerk, Candace Nelson

application in view of the wider public interest. Using the Court's discretion, Justice Barlow outlined the impact that granting a request to stop Nelson from performing her duties would

have on the entire functionality of the municipality.

In refusing to grant the injunction, Justice Barlow noted that since the Town Clerk holds a critical post in the Council, if the application should be granted, the effects on the Council's operations would be dire.

The judge therefore chose a date to schedule hearing the matter and ordered that the defendants – the interim Town Clerk and the Local Government Commission –file their defence within 14 days for the substantive matter. The claimants were instructed to reply if necessary within seven days of the defence.

The substantive matter is fixed for the 6th October, 2021 at 15:00hrs for further Court Management Conference (CMC).

On July 27, 2021, the Local Government Commission (LGC), the a p p o i n t i n g b o d y, h a d

GCCI embraces Local Partners and Local Content in production of GEC-X

T

he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has announced its partnership with the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) as an organising partner for the upcoming Guyana Energy Conference & Exhibition (GEC-X).

This was detailed by the GCCI in a release in which it also announced that its supporting partners for the conference include the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), the Private Sector Commission of Guyana (PSC) and the Tourism and Hospitality Association (THAG).

The GEC-X, now slated for 14th and 15th February, 2022, seeks to embrace full local content in its planning,

organising, production and delivery.

The partnership of the GCCI with GOGEC, and with support from the GMSA, the PSC and the THAG, creates the first l o c a l l y o rg a n i s e d a n d executed Energy Conference in the history of Guyana.

This watershed moment, according to GCCI, is buttressed by the Conference's use of local suppliers which will ensure that maximum benefit

accrues to the local private sector through ensuring in-country value retention.

Further, all surplus made from the conference will remain in the coffers of the local Business Support Organisations (BSOs).

This, the GCCI noted, will be channelled towards supporting the organisations' private sector development programmes and continued work to lift the standards and capacity of the local private sector.

The GCCI, GOGEC and other local private sector umbrella organisations anticipate this conference, “our signature event, to have overwhelming support as we seek to drive national development in partnership.”

FITUG concerned about “alarming”...

From page 12 that “as a responsible organisation, the FITUG will refrain from offering any comment but await the decision of the Courts. In the meantime, we believe, as

individuals we must take every precaution to protect ourselves. We urge social distancing, regular sanitation and wearing of appropriate masks correctly.

Such efforts together with

vaccinations could lead us out of the pandemic and allow our lives to return to what they once were. Already too many lives have been lost and we should all seek to be our brothers and sisters keeper.”

demoted Sherry Jerrick to Deputy Town Clerk for reportedly not performing her duties satisfactorily.

LGC commissioners reportedly voted to revert Jerrick to her previously held position and later made a decision to appoint Nelson as the Interim Town Clerk.

However, the Council had moved to the High Court to block the appointment.

According to documents filed through the Council's legal team, the defendant, Nelson, since her installation as Acting Town Clerk, “has taken a number of disruptive actions, which pose serious ongoing breaches that compromise the sanctity of

the operations of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown.”

Furthermore, according to the court documents, Nelson sought to suspend a tendering process that had commenced months prior to July 28, 2021, and allegedly sought to influence the records of statutory meetings of the M&CC of Georgetown by deleting matters from minutes of meetings, as well as seeking to dictate the contents of the agendas for subsequent meetings of the council.

“It is feared that if the implementation or further implementation of the decision is not suspended,

Candace Nelson will further disrupt the activities of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown,” the grounds for the application stated.

Moreover, it is being claimed that the conduct of Nelson, who is purportedly acting under the power of the LGC is “inimical” to the best interests of the M&CC, the infrastructure of the City of Georgetown, and the residents of Georgetown.

Citing that Nelson is acting without proper authority, the Council said that her actions have been continually disrupting the smooth and efficient functioning of the M&CC.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 14, 2021

Tuesday September 14, 2021

New PCB chief names Hayden, Philander coaches for T20 WCup ISLAMABAD (AP) — Former Pakistan captain and renowned commentator Ramiz Raja was elected unopposed yesterday as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board for three years.

One of Raja’s first decisions was to appoint former Australia test opener Mathew Hayden and South African fast bowler Vernon Philander to Pakistan’s coaching panel for the Twenty20 World Cup next month.“Mathew Hayden can bring in aggression

to this team,” Raja told reporters in Lahore. “Hayden has World Cup experience and is a world class player.”Hayden has been signed up as batting

consultant for the tournament in the United Arab Emirates, while Philander will be the bowling consultant.“I know Vernon personally,” the 59year-old Raja said. “He has a know-how of the bowling and he has a very good input.”

Hayden and Philander hired by the PCB after head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis stepped down soon after the tour of the West Indies, citing fatigue due to life in a biosecure bubble during international matches.Last month, Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his role as patron of the PCB, nominated Raja to the govern-

ing board. He was unanimously elected during a meeting in Lahore.Khan and Raja were teammates on the 1992 World Cup squad that beat England in the final.

“One of my key focuses will be to help introduce in the Pakistan men’s cricket team the same culture, mindset, attitude and approach that once

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Stay positive and radiant today, Taurus. This is a great day for you to take control. Connect with others on group projects and feel free to offer creative input.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) People may be tired of your harsh attitude, Gemini. This doesn't mean you should necessarily change your ways or who you are. Just be more aware of how your words affect others.

CANCER(June21–July22) You may feel the need to act aggressively regarding this climactic period in your life, thanks to long-term trends.

There's expansive energy today encouraging you to take action, Cancer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Try not to be harsh and judgmental today, Leo. You don't understand others' perspectives and the codes they live by. Differences are no reason to find fault with people. You have a powerful personality that's perceptive and creative.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Long-term trends are coming to a favorable point for you, Virgo. This is a good day to examine them and make some moves forward in pursuit of your goals. There's a great deal of energy working in your favor today and asking you to take charge and lead.

made Pakistan one of the most feared cricket playing nations,” Raja told the governing board members.The 59year-old Raja, whose elder brother Wasim also represented their country in test matches, is the only fourth former Pakistan international cricketer to head the cricket board.

INDIA CRICKET CHIEF DEFENDS...

From page 31 either.

“How long can you stay confined to your hotel rooms?

Can you stay locked at your home day in and day out?”

Tuesday September 14, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't let others push you around today, Aries. People may talk themselves up, but there's little behind the words.

Be careful that you don't misfire. This is a day to care about you and your needs.

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This isn't a day to sit around and wait for good fortune to come to you, Libra. It's time to make it happen. Get off the couch and get moving.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Get ready for action, Scorpio, because today could be a fastpaced adventure sure to keep you on your toes. Your desire to fight and conquer is probably much stronger than usual, and communication with

others is the very thing that will fuel this fire.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) It may seem like people are trying to pick fights with you today, Sagittarius. Any opposition you encounter may have a loud roar, but in reality, there's very little bite to fear. Keep in mind that arguments may be unsubstantiated.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Kick up your heels and get moving, Capricorn. The fast-paced energy of the day is just what you need to get things done. You're ready to take action.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) It may seem like everyone else has a purpose and project except you, Aquarius. While everyone is charging out of the gate, you may still be unsure that this is the race you want to run.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This is a great day for you, Pisces. You'll find that longterm trends are coming together harmoniously. Connections are being made when you share good times and laughter.

he said.“You can’t be restricted to a life where you go from the hotel to the ground and return to the hotel. This is humanly not possible.”

Ganguly also dismissed talk that the match had been cancelled to protect the Indian Premier League, which resumes in the United Arab Emirates on September 19.

The BCCI “will never be an irresponsible board,” said Ganguly.Several former players, including ex-England captain Michael Vaughan, linked the match cancellation to the short time between the Test and the IPL

GCB Rubbishes CWI Selection ...

From page 33 explanation of the reasons for these omissions together with the selection policy information used.The impression is created that there is no selection criteria document or it is a closely-guarded secret that cannot stand up to scrutiny.”

The release continued, “The GCB is perplexed with the contention by CWI selectors that Sherfane Rutherford is unfit. CWI should advise the Caribbean cricket public regarding the standard and schedule for fitness tests for regional cricketers.The GCB holds the view that Rutherford is game-fit as clearly indicated by his outstanding performances in the 2021 Caribbean Premier League (CPL)

and his selection to the Sunrisers Hyderbad team in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The GCB regards the issue of Rutherford’s fitness as an excuse to exclude one of the talented young cricketers in the Caribbean.The CWI selection panel has disappointed Guyana and the Caribbean at large. The GCB (as a shareholder of CWI) is insisting that the selection panel be accountable to all cricket institutions and stakeholders in the region and to justify this latest selection fiasco. Failure to do so, the GCB calls on CWI to dis-

miss the selection panel and to replace it with a more competent one which will represent the best interests of West Indies cricket.”

Battle for supremacy in DVA A Division ...

From page 33 championship aspirations, while Eagles will look to national players Quacy Matheson, Trevon McRae, Kristoff Shepperd and Dester Hoppie amongst others to help them lift the title.

While Achievers have the leading scorer in the competition, the list is dominated by

Eagles with four of their players in the top five.

Velasquez leads the chart with 49 points, followed by the Eagles quartet McRae (44), Matheson (44), Shepperd (33) and Adriel Moore (33).

Completing the top 10 scorers are Vance Harding of Castrol Strikers and Achievers pair Geno Carroll and Corwyn Richards, all on 27 points each; Klondyke Rodney with 25 and Kirby Richards of Castrol Strikers on 21.The games will be streamed live on the Guyana Volleyball Federation’s Facebook Page from 19:00hrs each night.

Reggae Girlz manager Jean Nelson dies...

From page 31 the Reggae Girlz who have lost a matriarch. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” the JFF’s statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) also expressed grief at Nelson’s passing.

“As the first official President of the Jamaica Women’s Football Association and the Manager of the National Senior Women’s Football team, Jean was loved by many and displayed her passion and love for the game of football through her years of service to the sport,” KSAFA said in a statement released Sunday.

“Jean was a close personal friend and former coworker and we both shared the love for the beautiful game of football,” said KSAFA President Wayne Shaw.

“It was her passion. She has served the country with distinction and she will be greatly missed. Condolences to her daughter Renee and family members and the football fraternity.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones and we honour her legacy. May her soul rest in eternal peace, the KSAFA statement said.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Tuesday September 14, 2021

FIA will investigate latest CONCACAF urges caution over Wenger-backed World Cup plans Hamilton-Verstappen collision

S

portsMax - FIFA has been urged not to push through a decision on holding the World Cup every two years by CONCACAF, which called for all nations to be given chance to weigh in on the matter.

The current men’s FIFA international match calendar ends in 2024 and Arsene Wenger is seeking to shape a new schedule in his role as FIFA’s chief of global football development, but his plans have been met with opposition.

CONMEBOL said on Friday that South American nations are firmly opposed to a biennial World Cup, and CONCACAF – which governs the sport in North and Central America and the Caribbean – underlined the importance of all voices being heard in the debate.

A CONCACAF statement read: “Meetings between FIFA officials and the Confederation and, separately, CONCACAF Member Associations, will take place in the coming weeks.

“Our initial analysis is that we recognise the merits of creating entirely new international men’s, women’s, and youth football

calendars which are underpinned by fewer international windows, reduced travel for players, friendlies being replaced by meaningful matches, and a more balanced structure for the overall benefit of football development globally.

“We will continue to look at these proposals constructively, with an open mind, and in the spirit of positive engagement.

“CONCACAF welcomes the fact that FIFA’s chief of [global] football development, Mr. Arsene Wenger, has been transparent in sharing his vision and we are currently studying how the proposed changes would impact football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. “ W h i l e C O N C A C A F ’s immediate focus is on its own region, we also believe in the importance of being part of the global football family and we will listen to the views of football stakeholders in all parts of the world. It was in this spirit that CONCACAF was supportive of UEFA and its European football stakeholders when recent threats to their own club competitions

structures were explored.”

UEFA expressed strong opposition to the plans for a biennial World Cup, warning of a possible boycott if the plans go ahead.

W h i l e C O N C A C A F ’s statement did not show the level of clear opposition to the plans that came from UEFA and CONMEBOL, it urged caution nonetheless.

“Football in all parts of the world should be given an equal opportunity to play a part in the development of what is a FIFA international football calendar.

Now is not the time for fearmongering and neither is it right that this process should be dominated by the interests of a few, or that more weight should be given to one particular region over others.

“We encourage not only our fellow confederations but also all members of the global football family to come together and work collaboratively to create FIFA calendars and competitions that have benefits for the development of the game in all regions across the world.”

(Reuters) - Formula One's governing body will investigate Sunday's Italian Grand Prix crash between title contenders Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton because it was 'unusual', according to race director Michael Masi.

The Australian said that although the collision was relatively lowspeed, the FIA's safety experts would still take a look.

The crash had Verstappen's Red Bull lift up off a kerb and land on Hamilton's Mercedes with the inside of a rear wheel hitting the seven-times world champion's helmet through the protective halo.

"Incidents that are different, so it's not necessarily high G impacts or anything like that, but are unusual, we do look at," said Masi.

"Our safety department does look at them in detail, investigate and see what we can learn and what we can improve for the future. That's how we have a whole lot of the safety features that we have today, and will continue to evolve into the future.

"We are already collecting all of the data, so we have all of the information and that will all go to our safety department together with any photographs and anything else we have along the way."

The Monza stewards blamed

championship leader Verstappen and handed the Dutch 23-year-old a three place grid drop for the next race in Russia.

Hamilton said it had been a shock to be hit on the head and the titanium ring had saved his life.

"I'm so, so grateful that I'm still here. I feel incredibly blessed. I feel like someone was watching over me today," said the Briton.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said the halo had saved Hamilton's life and Red Bull boss Christian Horner agreed the device, made mandatory in 2018 to considerable opposition from some drivers, had done its job.

"It was a very awkward accident and you could see Max's car ride up the Mercedes and I think without the halo there would've been no protection for the weight of that wheel coming down on top of Lewis," said Horner.

"I think the halo has again demonstrated its purpose in Formula One."FIA president Jean Todt posted on Twitter a photograph of the Red Bull on top of the Mercedes with the comment "Glad the halo was there".

Several F1 drivers have credited the device for saving their lives, including Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and former Haas racer Romain Grosjean.

South Africa Women take unassailable 3-0 lead in CG Insurance ODI Series ST. JOHN’S, AntiguaThe West Indies Women lost the third CG Insurance ODI against South Africa Women by 8 wickets at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. Batting first, West Indies Women posted 157 all out in 48.4 overs. South Africa Women reached 158/2 in 36.4 overs to achieve victory.

West Indies Women’s interim captain Anisa Mohammed told CWI Media, “I think the batters need to step up and make some runs for us. 157 runs in a 50-ver game... you’re only going at three runs per over which is easy pickings for a team like South Africa. I thought Williams and Dottin played really well today but again, they need that support... a couple others to step up and stay there with them.”Mohammed added, “A lot of people have been saying that South Africa have gone past us but I keep saying to the team I don’t believe that. I believe that we’re just not playing our best cricket, look back at the third T20I and South Africa weren’t able to beat us, so if

we come out here on a game day and play our best cricket, South Africa is not going to beat us.”

The two teams will switch venues to the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground for the remaining two matches on Thursday September 16 and Sunday September 19. First ball is at 10am local time (9am Jamaica Time).

Fans in the Caribbean can watch the all of the CG Insurance ODIs live via the Flow Sports app with live radio commentary is available on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel.

Fans can also follow live ball-by-ball scoring in the www.windiescricket.com live match centre.

Scores: West Indies Women 157 all out (48.4 overs) Deandra Dottin 71 Shabnim Ismail 10-0-31-3 Rashada Williams 37 Ayabonga Khaka 9.4-2-22-2 South Africa Women 158/2 (36.4 overs) Lizelle Lee 78* Qiana Joseph 7.4-2-24-2 Laura Wolvaardt 53.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 14, 2021

PAGE 29

Kieron Pollard’s onslaught helps Knight Riders finish top of the table ESPNcricinfo - A powerpacked pyrotechnic show from Kieron Pollard helped Trinbago Knight Riders sew up top spot on the CPL table with a four-wicket win over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Knight Riders looked in danger of finishing third on the table, leaving them vulnerable to weather in the semi-finals, having slumped to 52 for 3 in the ninth over chasing Patriots target of 148. But Pollard plundered 51 off 22 balls to make the chase a formality.

The result meant Trinbago Knight Riders will face fourth-placed St Lucia Kings in the first semi-final while Patriots finished in third on the table and face Guyana Amazon Warriors in the other semi-final.

Pollard struck his first two balls for six off Jon-Russ Jaggesar to ease the tension.

Two overs later he clubbed Jaggesar over the rope three more times to take 23 runs from the over to reduce the required run-rate from well over eight per over to just on a run-a-ball.

He cruised to his halfcentury in just 20 balls setting a new Knight Riders record for the fastest half-

Kieron Pollard took charge of the chase.

(Getty Images)

century in their history. He fell shortly after for 51 but the damage was done.

Despite a couple of nervous moments, Isuru Udana steered the side home in the 19th over finishing with 25 not out from 16 balls.

P o l l a r d ’s i n n i n g s overshadowed a phenomenal spell from Fawad Ahmed, who took 2 for 16 from his four overs to put Patriots in a position to close out the game.

Earlier, Ali Khan took 3 for 19 from four overs while Udana claimed 2 for 28 to

ensure Knight Riders were chasing less than 150 on an excellent batting surface.

Patriots’ innings stalled through the middle overs despite Joshua Da Silva’s 50 off 45 balls and Dwayne Bravo’s excellent cameo of 25 off 13 balls at the back end of the innings.

With Evin Lewis resting after his century the previous night, Da Silva got off to a brisk start alongside assistant coach Jonathan Carter, who was called in as an injury replacement at short notice. The pair scored

Reggae Girlz manager Jean Nelson dies after short illness

game, even in its infancy, led her to drive relentlessly for its organization and development locally. She was one of the driving forces who started the first women’s football league circa 1990, the JFF said.

Nelson was the manager of the senior women’s team, the Reggae Girlz, for many years and managed Jamaica’s first and only team to the FIFA Women’s World

Cup in France in 2019.

“Usually when the anthem plays, I close my eyes because it’s so deep so I expect it to be very touching.

I have always wanted to serve my country; it’s fulfilling, it’s an honour,” Nelson said then.

“The Jamaica Football Federation sends sincere condolences to her family and friends and especially (Continued on page 27)

Joshua Da Silva made a half-century Sep 11, 2021 © CPL T20/ Getty Images

Anderson Silva stuns Tito Ortiz with wild first round KO Yahoo Sports - Anderson Silva wasted no time on Saturday night in Florida.

He ended Tito Ortiz’s boxing debut almost before it even got going.

Silva — in the co-main event of Triller Fight Club’s card led by Evander Holyfield and Vitor Belfort — beat Ortiz in the first round with a wild knockout punch.

Ortiz, the former UFC champion who had missed weight by five pounds coming into the contest, had Anderson Silva needed less than 90 seconds to knock out Tito Ortiz on Saturday night. (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Nelson (centre) died after a short battle with cancer.

SportsMax - Reggae Girlz team manager Jean Nelson has died after a short illness, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) announced on Sunday. Nelson, who was the first official president of t h e J a m a i c a Wo m e n ’s Football Association passed away on Saturday.

Nelson, a former player, was a stalwart and a giant in her support of women’s football. Her love for the

51 in the Powerplay after the early loss of Chris Gayle but the innings slowed through the middle overs.

Khan put the brakes on conceding eight from his first two overs and had Carter dropped twice. He was rewarded later in the innings when Da Silva scooped him straight to short fine to give him the final word in their verbal battle.

Khan then removed Sherfane Rutherford with a searing yorker that ripped out off stump before Fabian Allen chopped on to hand Khan his second-best figures of the tournament.

Bravo stood firm smashing consecutive sixes from Ravi Rampaul to lift the total up to 147. Udana’s consecutive wickets in the 19th over, including Bravo, helped give Knight Riders a very chasable target.

Scores: Trinbago Knight Riders 150 for 6 (Pollard 51) beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 147 for 7 (Da Silva 50, Khan 3-19) by four wickets.

backed Silva into a corner early — though he wasn’t very productive doing it, as he threw several slow shots that Silva seemed to manage with ease.

Then, after slipping out, Silva landed a huge right hand blow that threw Ortiz off before capping it with a left hook to send Ortiz down to the mat just 1:21 seconds into the fight.Anderson Silva wasted no time on Saturday night.

Silva came up with a huge knockout win, sending

Tito Ortiz to the ground in the first round of their bout in Florida with a huge left hook.

Silva has now won twice this year since he left MMA, following his split-decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June. Ortiz hasn’t fought since an MMA bout in December 2019, when he beat Alberto Rodriguez via submission. The 46-year-old was most recently the Mayor Pro Tem in Huntington Beach, California, though he resigned amid multiple controversies.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Tuesday September 14, 2021

Warriors one win away from 6th CPL final Oshane Thomas knocked over Chris Gayle in a brisk spell © Getty Images

Battle Patriots in 2ndsemi-final today at 2:30 PM

By Sean Devers The Guyana Amazon Warriors are one win away from qualifying for their sixth final of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) which is scheduled for tomorrow.

The Warriors have reached the Final in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018 & 2019 and were always the Bridesmaid but never the Bride.

This year they would be aiming to clear the final hurdle but first they have to get past the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots today in the second semi-final at the Warner Park in St Kitts from 2:30pm.

Defending Champions and four times winners Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) oppose St Lucia Kings in the morning game at 10:00am in what has been a very competitive tournament.

For the first time all of the matches were played on one ground and fully vaccinated fans were allowed to enter the smallest International cricket venue in the Caribbean.

The Warriors began by beating TKR by nine runs in the opening game before losing their next two matches to the Patriots.

Warriors then defeated TKR in a super over after both teams ended on 138-9 off 20 overs before losing to Kings.

They beat Barbados Royals but lost to the same opposition in the next match before winning their last three matches to finish in second place on 12 points from six wins and four losses from 10 matches.

TKR finished at the top of the table while Patriots ended third and St Lucia Kings fourth. Jamaica Tallawahs were fifth and Barbados Royals last.

While the bowling is good with three Warriors bowlers among the top five wicket-takers, the inconsistent batting is the biggest worry.

Only once, when Mohammed Hafeez (70) and Shimron Hetymer (52) shared in 101-run second wicket, has two batsmen scored fifties in the same match.

Chanderpaul Hemraj, who featured in a 103-runs partnership for the first wicket with Brandon King who made 19, finished unbeaten 105 when the Warriors beat the Royals by nine wickets, was their only other century partnership.

However, the Warriors only managed three other half-century stands with the highest being an unbroken 67-run eight wicket partnership between Shepherd, who hit a magnificent 72 from 31 balls and Motie (5) after the pair joined forces with the Warriors on 75-7 in the last match on Sunday.

Although Hemraj became one of three centurions in the in the sixth round, he failed to reach another fifty and has 227 runs from 10 innings.

Skipper Nicolas Pooran, Warriors’ leading run-scorer with 237 runs from 10 matches including 75 in the ninth round, is the only other Warriors batsman to reach 200 runs.Shimron Hetymer scored a responsible 54 in the Warriors’ opening win against TKR and followed it up with a wonderfully constructed and mature 52 in the third round but quickly fell back into his ‘old ways’ as his other eight innings produced just 67 runs.Hafeez (179), Hetymer (173) and Brandon King (162) reached 150, while fast bowling all-

Sherfane Rutherford will be another key player involved in this match. (CPL T20 Ltd.2021)

Shimron Hetmyer fields during recent action in the CPL. (CPL T20 Ltd.2021)

rounders Odean Smith (117) and Romario Shepherd (108) were the only others to pass 100 runs in the team.

Pakistan International Shoib Malik has only managed 61 runs with a top score of 23 but he has played all 10 matches since wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble is the only other recognised batsman in their squad.The Warriors’ highest score in 10 matches is 166-3 but they have only reached 150 on two other occasions, while they were skittled out for 98 against the St Lucia Kings.

Today the Warriors batsmen will have to step up collectively against a team which, under the new leadership of Dwayne Bravo, won their first five matches including both of their games against the Warriors.

Shepherd has been very impressive with both bat and ball and is tied with TKR’s Ravi Rampaul with 18 wickets despite missing two games.

The Berbician, who has won

three Man-of-Match Awards, will spearhead the bowling attack and should get support from the genuinely quick Odean Smith who has 16 scalps.

Pacer Naveen-ul-Haq with eight wickets, should offer pace support to Shepherd and Smith, who could consider themselves unfortunate not to be in the T20 World Cup 19-man squad.

The spin department will be taken care of by leg-spinner Imran Tahir (13) and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie who has eight wickets with Hemraj’s useful leftarm spin, offering Pooran another spin option on what should be a good track.

The Patriots have a powerful batting line up on paper and will back on Evin Lewis who has scored an unbeaten 102 and two fifties in 343 runs. And along with Guyanese Sherfane Rutherford, who has three fifties in 226 runs, should lead the Patriots’ charge with the bat, Keeper Devon Thomas has scored one half-century and is the

other Patriots’ batsman to reach 150 runs with 196 and is also expected to play a key role with the bat.

Josh DaSilva, used as a Keeper for a few games, made a fifty on Sunday against TKR, opening the batting with Chris Gayle, who has just managed 123 runs with a highest score of 42.

The Universe Boss turns 42 on September 21 and has looked uncomfortable against quick short pitched bowling but the Warriors will be mindful of his ability to hit big sixes, while Fabian Allen and Dwayne Bravo are also capable of quick scoring on the small ground.

The Patriots bowling will be led by 23-year-old left arm fast bowler Dominic Drakes. The son of former West Indies pacer Vasbert Drakes is the Patriots leading wicket-taker with 13 victims, while pace support could come from Sheldon Cottrell and Bravo.

Left-arm spinner Allen, leggie Fawad Ahmed and 35-year-old offspinner Jon-Russ Jaggesar should provide the spin for the host team.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 14, 2021

PAGE 31

India cricket chief defends Sunshine, Cambridge players’ England Test boycott Jaguars through to AFP - India cricket chief Sourav Ganguly has insisted his country’s players must not be blamed for the cancelled Test against England ahead of flying to London this month to try to arrange a new match.

India were leading the series 2-1 before the final Test was called off just two hours before it was supposed to start, because of fears in the India camp over a coronavirus outbreak.

“The players refused to play but you can’t blame them,” the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) told Kolkata daily The Telegraph.

“They feared they must have contracted the disease and were dead scared. It’s not easy staying in a bubble.

Of course, you have to respect their feelings.”

Ganguly, who said he will fly to London on September 22, also acknowledged the financial hit suffered by the English board.

ORSCA 20-overs final

Sourav Ganguly was elected president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India in October 2019 (AFP/Punit PARANJPE) “They have incurred a lot of losses and it’s not going to be easy on the England and Wales Cricket Board,” he said.“Let things settle down a bit, then we can discuss and decide. Whenever it’s held next year, it should be a oneoff match since it cannot be a continuation of the series anymore.”

Reports say India have offered to stage the match next year when they visit England for one-day and

Twenty20 games.

The Covid-19 crisis in the India camp erupted after head coach Ravi Shastri and other support staff contracted the virus and were isolated.Concerns spread among the team because India captain Virat Kohli and other players had attended the launch of Shastri’s new book ahead of the Oval Test.

But Ganguly said Shastri should not be singled out (Continued on page 27)

Sunshine and Cambridge Jaguars are the two finalists for this year’s Ontario RoundArm Softball Cricket Association (ORSCA) 20-over final to be held on Saturday at Marvin Heights School ground, Mississauga, Toronto.

At the semi-final stage played on Sunday, also in Toronto, Sunshine beat arch-rivals Masters by a thrilling five-wicket margin while Cambridge Jaguars roared to a comfortable 51-run win over Fuzions Sports Club.

Masters took first knock at the invitation of Sunshine and set up a challenging 178-5 from the 20-overs while Sunshine, in reply, reached the target for the loss of five wickets with 5.3 overs unused.

Rajkumar Budhram hit an impressive 61 for Masters which included four sixes and three fours, while the experienced Kumar Doodnauth slammed a cameo 55 laced with five sixes. Former Guyana and West Indies youth player Hemnarine Chattergoon led the way with the ball grabbing three wickets for 24 runs from his allotted four overs. Rajesh Willy claimed two for 36 also from his maximum four overs.When Sunshine batted, opener and Canada-based Guyanese Anil Etwaroo plundered eight sixes in his aggressive 54 while Azam Haniff and Chattergoon chipped in with 28 and 26 respectively. Doodnauth returned with the ball to take 2-32 in his four-over outing.

And Jaguars rattled up a sufficient 158 all out off the 20-overs while Fuzions Sports Club was left hanging at 107-9 when the 20overs expired.

Vijay Jhappan hit a top-score for the victorious combination of 38 while Jerry Pooran scored 34 and a useful 21 from Shilendra Singh. Veteran player Sanjeev Ramnarine snatched three wickets for 22 runs off four tidy overs.

He was ably supported by Aafroze Aziz who collected 2-9 off four overs too.

When Fuzions appeared at the crease,

Hemnarine Chattergoon only Syed Hamid put up a fight with 22.

Singh returned with the ball to snare two wickets for 16 runs from 2.4 overs. Richie Shivrathan also picked up two wickets but conceded 36 runs from his four overs.

Meanwhile, according to the president of ORSCA Mitchel Bacchus, the championship game is set to begin at 1pm. He further informed that there will an exhibition game between an over-50 and under-23 teams.

Kavita Sukhoo, the 18-year-old will appear in the match. Sukhoo is the lone female cricketer that represented a club in this year’s tournament since the formation of the ORSCA, ten years ago.

Bacchus also took the opportunity to say the association will be hosting its presentation dinner and dance on October 23 at Sagan Banquest Hall, Mississauga. Several high-profile chutney singers are expected to grace the occasion including USA-based Guyanese Terry Gajraj and Omesh Singh who is currently residing in Canada.

Pooran lauds Shepherd for courageous knock

C

aptain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Nicholas Pooran has commended all-rounder Romario Shepherd on his unbeaten 72 against Jamaica Tallawahs on Sunday.

His innings led the Warriors, five-time finalists, to a 14-run victory and secured their place in the semi finals.

Speaking after the contest, Pooran said Shepherd innings was special and the team needed it.

“That was a courageous knock, he has been working really hard and he is having a very good CPL so far. I have been telling him just get that one score and today we needed him and that’s what big players do, all my respect for that innings. The players are really happy for him, we were in a hole and he dug us out,” he added.

Pooran stated that they will continue to work on improving their weaknesses and confidence as a group.

Shepherd was pleased with the innings

and stated that he has been working hard on his game and wants to keep improving going forward. “We are not done yet, we need to continue and hopefully reach the final. We have been in the finals for five times, but we haven’t won it as yet so we know the feeling and we are pushing hard to try and get that first title,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tallawahs skipper, Rovman Powell said they strayed a bit at the back end of their bowling and lauded Shepherd. “I think it was pretty good start from the bowling unit, we talked about getting it right in the first five or six overs, however at the back end we kind of strayed a little from our plans, but Shepherd played well,” he noted.

He said had the middle order stood up it would have been a different game. Powell acknowledged that there are a lot of positives from the tournament including the batting of Kennar Lewis.

He also said that Kirk McKenzie played well for the first outing. (Zaheer Mohamed)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Tuesday September 14, 2021

We will be looking for that complete team performance - GAW Skipper Pooran T

By Zaheer Mohamed

he Guyana Amazon Warriors have been the most consistent team in the history of the Caribbean Premier League. They have reached the final on five occasions, but have not yet taken the title. Their last appearance in a final was in 2019, a year in which they played unbeaten until they failed to cross that final hurdle, losing to Barbados Tridents by 27 runs. Their opponents in today’s semi final, St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots finished runner-up four years ago, and will be looking to relive their earlytournament form.

Speaking at a press conference held yesterday, Warriors skipper Nicholas Pooran said they are happy that they have qualified for the semis and he will be hoping for that complete team performance. “I am very happy that we have qualified, we haven’t had the best of tournaments when it comes to consistency, but we are happy that we can put some wins together in the last couple of days. At some point in time we have been

Dwayne Bravo celebrates after getting rid of Shimron Hetmyer © CPL T20/Getty Images

Rayon Griffith

struggling with the bat and someone is always putting their hands up and that’s fantastic to see. We can’t control certain things we just have to sit and plan and hope to execute,” he added.

Mohammad Hafeez has been recalled by the Pakistan Cricket Board and will miss the rest of the tournament and Pooran said that he will surely be missed.

“He has been doing well for us. We can’t control certain things and we have to accept it,” he noted.

The skipper stated that they have been working hard and will continue in the semi finals. “It’s just another game and it’s doesn’t matter if we bat first or second, we just have to do both properly,” he pointed out.

Pooran, also West Indies

white ball Vice Captain stated that he has been enjoying the captaincy. “I am gaining some experience, it’s tough at times and it’s something I like. I like challenges and I have been chatting with Polly (Pollard) and Dwayne (Bravo) a lot on captaincy.”

He lauded Romario Shepherd on his performance in their last

game.

“Not a lot of guys can do what he did after taking two blows on the head. That’s the kind of passion we want to see as team mates and fellow West Indians, it’s very inspiring for us and we are happy for that.”

Pooran commended Coach Rayon Griffith.

“Griffith has been fantastic, we have been on the same

page throughout the tournament and that’s something any captain would want. We have a good relationship.

He has been doing a good job being the head coach for the first time. He has the respect of the players as well and I am happy for him, and that something we as a franchise always wanted.”

Patriots Captain Dwayne Bravo noted that this is fresh start and whichever team turns up best will win and said they can’t look at what happened earlier in the tournament.

He said that he is pleased with the performance of Sherfane Rutherford. “This tournament has opened some doors for him. He just has to stay committed and his chance will come. He will be disappointed that he is not in the team but he will be there.”

The Captain said he is pleased to see Romario Shepherd doing well. “I always try to pass on knowledge and to see the way the youngsters have been performing is a pleasure.”

Bravo stated that they will try to pick their best combination depending on the opposition. He noted that there is not much time to recover and having good bench strength is important.

“I believe in all my team mates and as captain I try to instill that kind of positive energy towards the group a n d g i v e t h e m opportunities,” he lamented.

Tuesday September 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

Young Achievers vs Eagles

Battle for supremacy in DVA A Division league begins tonight The Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) will host its best-of-three League finals of their A Division league from tonight with game one spiking off at 1 9 : 3 0 h r s a t t h e C l i ff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Homestretch Avenue between table toppers Young Achievers Volleyball Club and Eagles Volleyball Club.

Achievers finished top of the League with 14 points, three more than second placed Eagles; The other

team in the DVA A Division league; Castrol Strikers, finished in the cellar position on five points.

The second game of the finals is scheduled for this Friday, September 17, and if needed, game three will be hosted on September 21, all at Castroll, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

Achievers will bank on national players Juan Velasquez, Creston Rodney and Klondyke Rodney amongst others to carry their (Continued on page 27)

GCB Rubbishes CWI Selection Process …..questions competence of the selection panel

Chanderpaul Hemraj In a release to the media, the Executive and members of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) once again expressed their extreme concern with the continuous omission of Guyanese players from representative teams of Cricket West Indies (CWI) as well as from the players’retainer contracts of CWI. “On May 17, 2021, the GCB had cause to issue a strongly-worded press release and also a letter to the CEO of CWI, Mr. Johnny Grave, detailing our concerns with the selection process. We requested that CWI furnish the GCB with the criteria used for the retainer contracts as well as the selection of our players to CWI representative teams.

In response to a request by the GCB directors, (CWI), CEO Johnny Grave stated that there was no requirement or obligation for

Gudakesh Motie

Veerasammy Permaul CWI to explain the decision(s) of their selection policy. The present selection process appears riddled with inconsistencies, clearly s u b j e c t i v e a n d discriminatory.

Because of the noticeable omission of our playersRomario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul and Chandrapaul Hemraj, we reiterate our call for an (Continued on page 27)

PAGE 33

Round-robin play between Eagles (right) and Young Acheivers.

Romario Shepherd also captured three wickets after his batting exploits. (CPL)

t r o Sp Nicolas Pooran is pumped following a wicket.

(CPL T20 Ltd.2021)

Warriors one win away from 6th CPL final Battle Patriots in 2ndsemi-final today at 2:30 PM Odean Smith celebrates a wicket Sep 11, 2021 © CPL T20/ Getty Images

Evin Lewis was the star of the show, making 102 from just 52 balls. (CPL)

GCB Rubbishes CWI CONCACAF urges Selection Process caution over

CONCACAF is not very keen on the Wenger-backed World Cup plans.

…..questions competence Wenger-backed of the selection panel World Cup plans

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