Kaieteur News

K

Guyanese man NEWS who sets wife on fire captured at JFK Airport AIETEUR

p.

11

Thursday Edition September 16, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 34

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $80

Online readership yesterday, 76,364

ExxonMobil tells Govt. private investors in gas project will require incentives to survive p.

3

GRA gives Shore Base sufferance wharf status …facility now subjected to special Customs Regulations p.

3

Escalating freight Absence of cost takes bite out key personnel of local profits 13p. p.

puts GECOM at standstill 80,000 people still waiting for The protest continues for dose Sputnik V vaccine change to the Exxon contract -second Minister now says they can wait up to six months …as local manufacturing giant reports losses, to now cut costs wherever possible

16

p.

8

SWAT team invades home and shoots Essequibo businessman dead in bed p.

12

Listen to how Guyana would become worse than Africa. Listen on Kaieteur to Prof. PLO Lumumba, Director of Kenya School of Law. @11:00hrs Radio 99.1/99.5FM

PAGE 02

Thursday September 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

CARICOM Heads meet, agree to share …as Region sees 100,000 new COVID resources infections in past 2 ½ months

W

ith the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic infecting some 300,000 persons in the Region leading to some 6,700 deaths, the Head of States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), during an emergency Heads of Government meeting on Monday, agreed to share excess vaccines, personal protective equipment and testing kits.

They also agreed to a p p r o a c h t h e C O VA X Facility to grant the Community an exemption, which would allow vaccine doses from the Facility to be reallocated among Member States.

T h i s m u c h i s documented in the Communiqué issued by the Heads of States and outlines that the leaders also agreed to continue to advocate for vaccine equity and access, as well as financing and debt sustainability at the United Nations General Assembly and the United States (US) Global COVID-19 Summit,

Heads of State during the virtual meeting on Monday last both to be held later this month.

Additionally, the Heads agreed to consider the harmonisation of travel protocols, including for cruise ships.

The decisions were had, since the Heads agreed that the threat posed by the pandemic to the health, economic, education and security sectors, “was real, and called on all stakeholders to come together on this issue in the interest of the stability of the Member States and the Community.”

According to the Communiqué, the Heads of Government also met with representatives of the US and the United Kingdom

(UK) to convey the gravity of the regional situation, and to make specific requests for assistance.

They requested that the US deliver the next batch of Pfizer vaccines donated to the Region earlier than originally planned and asked for field hospitals and the accompanying equipment to help ease the current strain on health facilities in Member States.

The request to the UK, according to the Communiqué, centered on the negative impacts of the 'traffic light listing' of countries which determines requirements for re-entry to the UK given the importance of that tourism market to the Region.

During the virtual meeting, the Heads of Government also used the occasion to express deep concern at the recent increase of more than 100,000 new cases and 1,400 deaths between July 2021 and September 12 last.

The grouping during the meeting also received an update on the pandemic from the Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr. Joy St. John, who noted that since the outbreak in March 2020, the Region has seen more than 300,000 confirmed cases with more than 6,700 deaths.

Dr. St John during the meeting stressed that the (continued on page 12)

Kaieteur News

Thursday September 16, 2021

PAGE 03

Exxon tells Govt. private investors in gas project will require incentives to survive T

he Government of Guyana is currently actively pursuing private investors for joint participation in gas related projects to accompany a Natural gas fired power plant to primarily power an industrial park at the Wales Development Zone (WDZ), We s t B a n k D e m e r a r a (WBD), in addition to the national grid.

The related gas ventures such as the production of urea/fertiliser and other associate products are expected to be financially challenging and will require significant incentives on the part of the government such as tax breaks and waivers in order for any such venture to be

deemed feasible.

This much was disclosed to the administration following a site assessment that was conducted by Stabroek Block Operator, ExxonMobil Guyana.

In a summary of the findings that were presented to Cabinet in 2018, it was documented that ExxonMobil had progressed feasibility studies for the potential commercialisation of gas volumes in the event future discoveries identify suitable gas supplies above gas-to-power requirements.

It was found that “analysis has highlighted that while economics are challenged, requiring incentives, methanol and urea (fertiliser) producing

large-scale industrial facilities appear to be the more likely viable foundation industries for investors.”

As it relates to Methanol, ExxonMobil had recommended that export vessels would require deep water draft and as such pursuit of such a venture sees an export pipeline connected to offshore loading buoy in deeper water appearing to provide a viable Guyana coastline export solution.

As it relates to Urea, it was noted that granular product with viable roadbased sales domestically and potentially to immediate neighbouring countries is likely viable but screening assessment revealed the need for the construction of

GRA gives Shore Base sufferance wharf status …facility now subjected to special Customs Regulations

A supply vessel berthed at GYSBI wharf

T

he Guyana R e v e n u e Authority (GRA) has appointed the Guyana Shore Base Incorporated (GYSBI) owned by Muneshwers Limited along with the adjoining Industrial Estate leased from Guyana Realty Investments Limited as private Warehouse and a Sufferance Wharf.

This is according to the GRA in a public notice published yesterday, which indicated that the appointed was done pursuant to the Customs Act and is cited, “as the notification of the appointment of a private warehouse or sufferance wharf by the Commissioner General of the Revenue Authority.”

Under the notice, “Shore bases described in the schedule providing operation support and supply

of goods to approved companies involved in the exploration and production of petroleum and petroleum products and is hereby appointed as approved Private Warehouses and Sufferance Wharves.”

A sufferance wharf is a place other than an approved place of loading and offloading by the Revenue Authority, where a senior Customs officer may by discretion and under certain conditions allow the loading and offloading of goods.

GYSBI is ExxonMobil G u y a n a ' s l o n e Ti e r I contractor in the country and currently is the only facility providing onshore support for oil and gas operator companies in Guyana.

The company on its website boasts of offering services “such as waste management, chemical

storage, warehousing, construction, berthing of s u p p l y v e s s e l s , c a rg o marshaling area, loading and offloading, supply chain management, expatriate management, and customs services. GYSBI has expanded beyond the traditional pipe yards found in Guyana.” ​GYSBI is said to have some 350 plus employees and maintains an average of 95 percent local workforce.

At present, GYSBI occupies 130 acres of land South of Georgetown and is strategically located north of the Demerara Harbour Bridge with immediate water access and two berths. The main port consists of 28 acres of developed land.

Meanwhile, the adjoining industrial estate consists of 100 acres with 50 (continued on page 9)

extended jetty and loading berths for direct regional exports via 5000 DWT vessels requiring 3-6M water depth.

The Ministry of Natural Resources had earlier this year invited private investors to provide an Expression of Interest (EoI) to partake in Joint participation in the proposed gas-to-shore project with the government and Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana.

According to the advertised EoI, the government and EEPGL are looking for partners “in designing or utilising the outputs from an NGL (Natural Gas Liquids)/LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) facility and related facilities.”

This includes, according to the Ministry, design, construction, and financing of a power plant fuelled by Natural gas, where the power will be delivered into the Guyana Power and Light's (GPL) distribution

grid.

This is in addition to industries that can utilise Natural gas for, “Natural gas driven developments and growth.”

According to that invitation, the decision on Wales was taken after extensive evaluation of multiple sites with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited.

The Wales Development Zone (WDZ), it said, has been identified as the termination point for the pipeline from the Liza Area in the Stabroek Block, offshore Guyana.

The WDZ encompasses over 14,000 plus acres of land of which approximately 1,300 acres will be set aside for heavy Industry/gasrelated investments.

The project, according to stakeholders, is expected to see some 27 kilometres of pipeline being buried from the Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD) location to Wales, in addition to some 200 plus kilometres of pipeline from the Stabroek

Block where the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel is located.

According to the administration, WDZ will be the location for the termination of the gaspipeline measuring over 225 km from the Liza Area.

Additionally, it will involve the establishment of a gasprocessing plant (GPP) and a Natural gas liquids facility (NGL) capable of producing at least 4,000 bbl./day, including the fractionation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

With regards to the use of additional gases, the invitation detailed that responses dealing with NGLs should provide details of expectations on markets (local and regional), expected input prices, expected sale prices, level of investment on required infrastructure, proposed changes to the current configuration of the existing market, and ability to work with local partners and Government.

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Thursday September 16, 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

Democracy - what is it we have here?

The world observed the International Day of Democracy on September 15. Guyana did, and we thank the Greeks for their wonderful, fateful, construction: rule by the people. It has a clean, clear bugle note to it, lingering echoes. It compels thinking – this democracy that we have here, what is it?

What has been lived with, long endured? Is it really democracy, what men and women hasten to say that it is? Or something clearly different?

We start with the positive, what we can speak to with conviction. Free and fair election, which there was, and the evidence of the numbers justify. Some may dismiss it as ‘statistical democracy,’ but it is embraced by those who emerge victorious, including those who attach such a belated label to democracy, when they come up short. Free and fair is a good start, which leads us to the more qualitative aspects of democracy, the sometimes-visible ones, other times the intangibles.

Freedom of association is a tricky one, because being a part of the wrong associations usually result in the status of a leper, regardless of whether one is professional or partisan, or citizen or culprit targeted for coming out on the sharp, short, dirty end of the democratic stick. Numerous citizens fear being associated with what could be categorised as the ‘wrong’ people (not necessarily criminals), and fear the victimisation that are part of that toxic mix. It has happened here before; it is happening today. Call it the price of losing, or taking the wrong stand for the wrong issues that anger the wrong people - powerful people, and to that we can offer small hills of testimony. It is why so many Guyanese hesitate, will have nothing to do, with speaking openly. These are what Guyanese, on both sides of our seething political and social stew, have lived with for 60 years plus.

We wish that we could say good things of Guyana’s “pluralistic system of political parties,” but given the dummies created here, or reduced to here, this is one of the dark sides of a nation’s weak, struggling, selective democracy. We have arrangements for a pluralistic system, but currently, it is a paper provision, not an inspiring reality. The judiciary is given the benefit of the doubt for independence, definitely the highest levels, but it is a harder swallow for too many citizens governed by deep-seated perceptions of the entire system.

In those areas, those are what we can muster about some of the essentials of what not we at this publication say are the hallmarks of a democratic society, but what is enshrined in article 21(3) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations. On some other crucial elements, though, the sharply negative takes hold, and we challenge anyone anywhere to disagree with us, since this is our own hard experience at this media establishment.

We point to “freedom of expression and opinion” and “free, independent, and pluralistic media” which we lump together. It is our position that the two are closely related. It is known all over that this paper does not make a living, refuses to exist, to write of, or speak to, what leaders and their followers desire to read and hear. When the facts support, and truths are embedded, then we gladly do so.

But not when the opposite is what is present.

Outspokenness has been costly for us on several fronts ranging from finances to human resources to technology systems. The malicious and retaliatory attacks represent the continuing sinister handiworks of political authors, who are the loudest about democracy, its return and strengths. It is not democracy at its best, but worst. For if we can’t speak freely and fearlessly, what sort of democratic environment is that?

The fact is political-intellectual authors use paid attendants to dilute the freedom of the independent media, even attack it. Meanwhile, our wealth is plundered by crooked political leaders, and that they want endorsed. We say no, we can’t when we insist on leadership transparency; we experience the dirty and vile. Thus, the underpinnings of this so-called democracy crumble. All Guyanese are invited to examine closely and soberly what we presented, they are our democratic realities.

International Day of Democracy - a thought Dear Editor, Yesterday, I looked at the newspaper pictures of men and women engaged in salutes to the International Day of Democracy. I confess to sparing not one second to read what any of them said that was recorded. There was no need.

For whether political men or church men, or whatever kind they have here-not forgetting the women - I am absolutely confident that there would be not a word unworthy, not one strand of hair out of place.

This is how much like good actors, we have all become, be such pastors or politicos or pundits or panjandrums; even peasants.

We are peerless in speaking deceptively about democracy, duty, country, and integrity. And yet, this Guyana of ours is one condemned to being a society of the damned.

The President’s picture was first. He must have had a mouthful to say about democracy.

I remind him about his shallowness about one of its most sparkling components.

It is called transparency. It is not what His Excellency, President Ali, says it is, which makes a mockery of both himself and democracy.

But of the fruits of his leadership labours, which he strives so mightily to conceal, because they reveal so many ugly stories of his standards of governing, his lack of comprehension for the ideals of democracy.

Being about transparency, President Ali is not; and such is his creativity and insensitivity that he cares not how he profanes himself, heaps indignity upon his high office, in the record of his serpentine weavings.

Like an anaconda, his real presidential existence is not

easily concealable.

Notwithstanding his now characteristic emptiness about everything, including yesterday’s Global Day of Democracy, his leadership substances decry him for a pretender (deceptions), an absconder (truth), and a gerrymander (principle).

Whatever Guyana’s feeble head of state glowed with, the others were sure to mimic in their own inimitable styles.

They all sing from the same well-used hymnbook, operate according to the same deceit-riddled playbook. It matters not whether they are men or women, of state or church, it is the same sorry set, with rare exception.

Extremely rare. The results are right here. Citizens look anxiously at their leaders; it is not for relief.

It is the wise apprehension that these men and women are capable of going to any lengths to get

their way, silence anyone daring to stand in their way.

It is of knowing the devils who are neighbours, the fake political leadership friends, who must be embraced closer than enemies, so untrustworthy they are. But they call this democracy.

We are good at calling things what they are not in this country. Democracy stands at the peak, through a preponderance of the evidence.

The lies and cons of leaders cum conmen. The supporting casts in opposition hierarchy, civil society, professional variety mumble the same falsehoods without misstep, so silky smooth they all are, selfsatisfied, too.

Hence, a democracy of the words and postures of perverse men, who taint by the mere mention of them.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Govt. should be proactive in getting us back to normal Dear Editor, As COVID-19 deaths reached an alarming number, I sat many days trying to figure how our dear country can better address this crisis.

I think it’s important for us Guyanese to see this pandemic as a national crisis and nothing more. There is nothing political or racial.

The Government’s vaccine mandate is similar to that of other countries around the world.

The drastic increase in infections due to the Delta variant and a slowdown in vaccinations have pushed many governments to make COVID-19 shots mandatory for its people.

Last week, I read that leaders of the seven countries that are part of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are considering amending their respective constitutions to promote laws requiring their own citizens to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Countries including the USA, Turkmenistan, Poland, Canada, France, to name a few have instituted mandatory vaccination.

The Government of Guyana is no different, and I do believe their intention is good. If the government were to remove vaccine mandates (but required as is now the case), that a vaccine passport must be presented to conduct business, then I think people will understand the importance of being vaccinated.

When Guyana received the first set of vaccines through CARICOM, I am

sure every Guyanese wanted to be vaccinated.

What has changed now?

The problem came after the Opposition Leader made a statement about the Sputnik vaccine.

Pandemonium broke out.

I think what is needed at this time, is the government and the opposition working t o g e t h e r, a s n a t i o n a l leaders, and imploring the importance of citizens being vaccinated. I think the hesitancy is not because citizens mistrust the medical science, but rather fraught relations between the state and citizens. We need to unite if we want to eliminate COVID-19.

Every day we hear how many people are dying, how many are hospitalised at Liliendaal, and how many are in the ICU. Recently, Dr. Carpen shared some stats on how many are infected with COVID-19 and are fully vaccinated and those who received the first shot...compared to the majority...over 85 percent who are not vaccinated.

While the data was not surprising, it was disheartening to read. Last evening, I read about a couple in the USA who contracted COVID-19 and died within weeks of each other, the sad reality is that five children under the age of seven are now orphans.

Right here in Guyana, a mother and a daughter lost their battle with COVID-19, leaving five children behind. If we continue to

be irresponsible with our actions, we could end up with many orphans and vulnerable children.

Let’s look at how we can p r o a c t i v e l y address this situation, I believe the Government should institute either a full lockdown or a partial lockdown, if not, move the curfew to 6am to 6pm, close our borders, encourage employers to adapt a rotation system, use our soldiers and police officers to patrol communities and stop large gathering and parties, go back to outdoor dining, enforce the no more than 10 persons gathering and do whatever is necessary to reduce the infection rate.

While this is in place, use influencers and popular opinion leaders especially those on social media to promote the science of the vaccine and encourage people to be vaccinated. For citizens, do your own research, don’t listen to propaganda, be aware of misinformation, and visit the

CDC and PAHO websites for your information.

We are a small population; we can’t afford to lose more of our loved ones to COVID-19. Every death means a child is left without a parent, a mother or father without an offspring, a lost that you will never understand if you have never lost a loved one.

There are many other important matters, like the border issue with Venezuela.

I am sure we all read about the Venezuelan government and opposition committing to fight for our dear Essequibo.

Why can’t our government and opposition do the same with COVID-19?

Don’t be distracted, too much is at stake for Guyana.

“Guyana is we own,” let all hands be on deck to protect our country from Venezuela as we do the same to protect each other against COVID19. I am, and sure all citizens are looking forward to the return to normalcy.

Yours faithfully Shaundell Shipley

A simple fix can ease condition of road to Laluni Dear Editor, I am writing to alert the authorities about the atrocious condition of the road to get into Laluni. The road is particularly atrocious between First and Second Creeks, and vehicles find it difficult to navigate. I think this was made worse from work that was done some time

ago, where only a thin film of asphalt was placed on the road.

I think a simple grading of the road can alleviate some of the problems. Can the Minister of Local Government or his engineers have a look?

Selwyn Fredricks Laluni Settlement Soesdyke/Linden Highway

Thursday September 16, 2021

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

PNC, GTU must disassociate Regarding recognition, the Pres. must reject the opposition’s and condemn slander, mocking projection of false reality of Minister Manickchand Dear Editor, Slandering of a sitting Minister in chants and songs in the crudest and vilest of ways must be condemned by the PNC, GTU, unions, women’s groups and all civil society. I hope the female MPs of both sides of Parliament will issue a joint condemnation of such vulgar attacks. As Prime Minister Phillips said, “Most disturbing is that a sitting member of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherod Duncan, has shared this revolting song (“Priya is a wild hog”) on his social media platform. We must all join in condemning Mr. Duncan for doing so.” During the GTU teachers’ protest, there was also chanting of “Rape!

Rape! Priya trying to rape we.” I hope the Teaching Service Commission has identified the teachers from video footage to make sure they have a strong dose of “professional development” activities.

Mr. Duncan earned the nickname “Lampy/Pampy” from detractors during the five-months of attempted rigging of the elections by the PNC. People should desist from calling him “Lampy/ Pampy” but if he continues this way, I am afraid people may come up with more such similar names. How would Mr. Duncan feel if someone made a song about his dismissal as General Manager of the Chronicle because of an audit of his financial management there? Would Mr. Duncan like that? Mr. Duncan had been quite active on social media racking up a reputation for being the rabblerouser of the PNC, and perceived as

crossing borders of decency and truth, and going towards the dark side. Those who live in glass houses should not encourage throwing of stones.

Mr. Duncan also posted a note on his website that said: “Dear Vindhya: Meet me, In The Ring. Tonight 8pm.” He did not issue such an invitation to PM Philips, although Mr. Philips had also issued a denunciation of his action.

Mayor Narine must be commended for condemning the disrespectful social media posting against the Minister of Education. The mayor said, “I have stumbled on a vile and repugnant song which is purported to be directed at the Minister of Education, the lyrics of which are gross and distasteful. As Mayor of the City of Georgetown, I encourage every rightthinking Guyanese to reject this song, which must not be tolerated in our country…Our women must be protected and must not be used or abused for cheap political points. The people of Guyana must not be exposed to such crass behaviour, despite political differences.”

Blogger “Shoba Sarjoo” said, “I mean how can you all

behave in this manner calling people all sort of names, and then you say that you have common sense.” Zakir Hasildar said, “U so shameful for a man to disrespect a woman...u call that a coward...shame shame shame...u should step down as a MP for one of the highest offices of a country...have some respect for women…cuz you have mother, sister, daughter out there...”

If Mr. Duncan or anyone has issues with education policy and practice, or vaccination policy, stick to the issues.

Going off course to make ad hominem, personal attacks on a very popular, hardworking Minister has crossed the line, and should be swiftly condemned by all.

I cannot wait to see what the civil society groups would say about this despicable act, including the religious groups, Red Thread, and the women columnists and newspaper editors.

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

Dear Editor, H.E President Ali’s insistence that the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Harmon, must recognise the standing government of the day as rightful and legitimate before any talks can commence between the two is one grounded in historical and dialectical reality.

The People’s Progressive Party / Civic (PPP/C) has witnessed the rigging of elections by the People’s National Congress Party (PNC) and has endured bitter

days under the yoke of Burnham’s PNC reign from 1964 to 1992. When the change of government occurred in 1992 and because of the Carter-brokered deal, not a single PNC miscreant that inflicted heavy body blows on our people were held accountable for their racist and violent reign.

Today, we have selfproclaimed elders in chronological years only, and not by the honorific wisdom associated with African traditions, that were

responsible for some of the gravest atrocities perpetuated on us, sounding more sanctimonious than the Pope.

All because no one was held accountable and put on trial for the crimes, which they committed.

Finally, when we all thought that we would have laid the spectre of rigged elections to rest after 1992, up comes the PNC + AFC party attempting in 2020 to most clumsily rig the elections.

Now that they were (Continued on page 6)

Women have a special place in society and should be respected Dear Editor, It was good to see the chief citizen has come out swinging against the vile and vicious social media attacks purported against a sitting minister of government (INews September 14).

While the comments and stance must be commended in that matter, it has to be

observed that a similar stance was absent in dealings with the recent appointment of the acting Town Clerk.

Even though comments in this matter in no way bordered on the vile and vicious, crass and distasteful, certain actions and comments, however, can be viewed as disappointing, disrespectful

and scoring ‘cheap political points ‘.

The chief citizen is right ‘women form the backbone of our nation’ and ‘must not be used or abused for cheap political points ‘. The political colleagues of the chief citizen would do well to take heed of this.

Shamshun Mohamed

PAGE 6

Thursday September 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

AG Nandlall should remember Proverbs 16:13 - leaders and honest speech Dear Editor, It is with interest and concern that I respond to a letter prepared under the signature of Mr. Anil Nandlall, SC, MP and captioned, “seven attempts to serve legal proceedings on Ms. Ferguson have proved futile.” (Stabroek News, September 14, 2021). May I remind Mr. Nandlall of Proverbs 16:13, “Good Leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the TRUTH.” Unfortunately, I found every sentence and statement in Mr. Nandlall’s missive to be misleading, misguiding and misinforming.

Editor, I have carefully examined every sentence, statement and paragraph in Mr. Nandlall’s missive and wish to posit the following, which will give your readership a clear view of what is happening and to further state that Mr. Nandlall cannot stand to what Proverbs 16:13, so succinctly described “Good Leaders and being honest.”

In my examination of paragraph three (3) of Mr. Nandlall’s writings, this is

what he said, “speaking for myself, contrary to the professed belief, I am unaware of Ms. Ferguson’s whereabouts or current address.” Unfortunately, I am taken aback by Mr. Nandlall’s statement and would say in my own words, what a strange and laughable response! If Mr. Nandlall is suffering from “temporary or convenient amnesia,” then I can offer him some assistance in regaining his memory. In January 2020, I brought a libel suit against Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, where Mr. Nandlall appeared in person before Justice Gino Persaud on January 21, 2021, at 13:15hrs. As I did in my previous letter to you, Editor, I reiterate that Mr. Nandlall has in his possession documents exchanged between himself and my Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Lyndon Amsterdam, bearing my current address. Therefore, Mr. Nandlall is encouraged to engage his Clerk or Officers at his Private Office, in reviewing documents and providing him with the exact and accurate address.

In the paragraph under consideration, Mr. Nandlall further stated, “the truth is after I gave full instructions

to my Attorneys-at-Law on the legal proceedings against Ms. Ferguson, I did not engage them on the issue until my attention was drawn to Ms. Ferguson’s letter.” In my honest opinion, I find such utterances convenient and should not go unnoticed. Lest we forget, it was the same Nandlall, who was initially involved in the libel suit between ‘Ferguson vs Jagdeo’; the Court granted me “Judgement” against Mr Jagdeo.

Now, these questions must be asked: 1. Why have Mr. Nandlall’s attorneys failed to inform him of the “so-called” difficulty in service to me?

2. What has caused Mr. Nandlall not to show interest in this matter over the last two (2) months, since it was reported in an article carried online by News Room on June 22, 2021?

3. Is Mr. Nandlall serious about this matter being heard in the Court?

4. Can Mr. Nandlall give reason(s) for him, his attorneys or the Marshal of court relying on the Official List of Electors (OLE) for my address, in an attempt to serve me?

Additionally, Mr. Nandlall

stated, “… on parliamentary documents -Lot 19, North Road Bourda, Georgetown.

Again, Mr Nandlall, I can be of great assistance to you.

The address Lot 19 is subdivided; hence, many houses carry the same address.

Therefore, let me and the readers know which one of the houses the marshal or marshals visited, the day(s) visits was/were made, date(s) of visits, time(s) of visits and the name of the female who advised that “no one by the name of Annette Ferguson lives there.”

In the fourth paragraph of Mr. Nandlall’s letter, Editor, he referred to several other addresses, including a dwelling located in West Ruimveldt, to which they made attempts for services. He further quoted an EE Eccles, East Bank Demerara address and claimed that the marshals attempts to serve proved fruitless. Besides, he claimed, “his Attorneys-at-Law and do verily believe that the most recent attempt to serve Ms. Ferguson was on Friday 10th day of September at approximately 10:00hrs.”

Editor, I will contend and contest at any trial the following: 1. I do not nor never dwelled at any house in West Ruimveldt.

2. That at no time on Friday, September 10, 2021, a marshal or marshals visited my residence in Eccles at 10:00hrs; since I was at home and did not hear anyone call, I did not see anyone at my gates, nor my neighbours called to say someone is/was at my gate.

In the last sentence of the fourth paragraph of Mr. Nandlall’s letter, he stated, “it is indeed more than passing strange that her letter appeared in the newspaper the very next day.” Since Mr. Nandlall has failed to explain, Editor, kindly allow me to provide him with TRUTH and FACTS I will contend or contest at any trial. The Editors at the following publications: Stabroek News, Kaieteur News and Village Voice, were sent copies of the letter on Thursday September 9, 2021, Stabroek News at 21:50hrs; Kaieteur News at 21:53hrs and Village Voice at 21:59hrs respectively and

they were published on Saturday, September 11, 2021.

Nandlall, since there is difficulty locating me, you are advised to engage the editors and sub-editors of Guyana Times, knowledgeable of my address. You are aware of the pending matter before the High Court brought by me, Annette Ferguson, against Guyana Times, for the false December 11, 2019, article “Opposition calls out Minister for lying about house lots application,” complemented with an aerial depiction of my property.

Also, you can engage the Attorney-at-Law, who took over the case (Ferguson vs Jagdeo) from you. They, too, may assist you with my address.

They can TRUTHFULLY tell you whether my address is Lot 19, North Road, Bourda, Georgetown.

Not surprisingly, Nandlal’s penultimate paragraph expressed surprise regarding my knowledge of Article 172 (4) of the Constitution of Guyana, that “No process issued by any court in the exercise of its civil jurisdiction shall be served or executed within the precincts of the National Assembly while the Assembly is sitting or through the Speaker, Clerk, or any officer of the Assembly.”

Editor, the Oxford Language Dictionary has defined a precinct as “the area within walls or perceived boundaries of a particular building or place.” Now that I have provided an appropriate definition for a precinct, I consider that Mr. Nandlall is trying to make a fool of me or believes people are stupid! I now put the following questions to Mr. Nandlall: 1. Can the entry to the Arthur Chung Conference Centre where the National Assembly currently meets be considered a “precinct”?

2. Can the exit from the Arthur Chung Conference Centre where the National Assembly currently meets be considered a “precinct”?

3. Can we consider the area designated for parking in the Arthur Chung Conference Centre compound a “precinct”?

While I wait in high anticipation for Mr. Nandlall’s

responses to answers for (13) above, as a rational and reasonable thinker, in my considered judgement, those areas do not fit into the definition of “precinct”.

Editor, as stated in my letter to you dated September 9, 2021, where I was pellucid, “there were several sittings of the National Assembly; after the publication of the article on June 22, 2021, where I attended on all occasions.”

Therefore, Mr. Nandlall should have decided with his attorneys to serve me on entry, exit, or in the parking lot at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. He is also aware of the Assembly’s schedule; hence, the marshal or marshals should have been there before the commencement of the sittings to effect service on me.

Editor, I must inform Mr. Nandlall that though I am not legally trained, I can interpret, analyse, and rationalise things for myself. If Mr. Nandlall is unaware of my academic and professional training, it will serve him well to know that I am a graduate from several renowned universities and a holder of several diplomas and degrees in several disciplines. He should also know that I am no “fool” nor I am “mentally retarded”.

Editor, there seems to be a devious and surreptitious means to go behind my back to claim judgment due to my unwillingness to accept service or avoidance of service. However, I am repeating what I mentioned in my letter on September 9, 2021, to Mr. Nandalall, “I have made myself available to be served and I am ready to respond to the claims brought against me.” Further, I will be available, as I was previously.

Let me know, DATE, DAY, TIME and PLACE! In closing, I wish to caution Mr. Nandlall that the shenanigans being attempted will not succeed. It is my fervent hope and belief that you are not inclined to mislead, misguide or misinform the Justices of the Supreme Court of Judicature.

Yours in service, Ms. Annette Ferguson Member of Parliament – APNU+AFC

...Regarding recognition, the From page 5 unsuccessful in their attempt to rig the elections, and the PPP/C led Ali government is the legitimate ruler of the day, the PNC’s mantra is that the government is illegal.

Seen within this historical context, President Ali cannot allow Harmon to get away with projecting a false reality that has no basis in facts or the law. To do so will sweep under the carpet the very act that the PNC tried to rig the elections. If we continue in this way, as 1992 has taught us, no one will be

held accountable, and all will be absolved of their wrongdoing. To place our society on a path to where they rule of law is sacrosanct, then what is lawful must be duly recognised and called so. Harmon has to recognise the government of the day as a prerequisite for any lawful engagement.

Only in this manner can we start to hold our leaders accountable and prevent them from projecting false realities.

Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

T N U L B . . .

T B N U T L N B T .

U .

L .

L T B . .

N .

U N U T L N B .

U T . .

L N N U T B .

U .

N L U BL BLUNT. B . .

T .

T T N N U .

U L . .

L B .

T B . . . .

N .

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

L B . . . .

B .

T . .

T .

N N T U N L LU U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T . .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B .

T L . .

N B T . .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B .

T .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L .

B .

UN .BLUNT. L . .

B T . . .

N T U N L . .

U B T .

L .

B .

UN .BLUNT. L . .

B T . . .

N T U N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T . . .

LU ...BLUN B T . . .

N T U N L U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T .

U B . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

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

L . .

B .

T . .

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

N .

B .

T . .

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

BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Thursday September 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

The foreign oil companies are so insulting, so reckless in violating the rights of Guyanese workers that even a union affiliated with the PPP Government is speaking out.

Workers' constitutional rights, as enshrined in our labour laws, are being trampled upon, such as the right to unionise. That means, Guyanese workers should accept whatever charity the oil companies give to them, and not be able to stand up for themselves.

If even GAWU can stand up and speak out, why can't PPP leaders?

Why are they so much in bed with whatever the oil companies do to local workers? Where is Vice President Jagdeo now, when our laws and rights are violated?

Where is President Ali, besides mouthing empty platitudes?

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Kaieteur News

Thursday September 16, 2021

GAWU, WPO, Women & Gender Commission condemn attack on Education Minister “ Lewd, vile and clearly misogynic,” were the words the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) used to condemn a publicised song purportedly directed to Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand.

But of even greater concern, the GAWU noted in a release, is “the publicising of the derogatory song by a sitting Member of Parliament (MP). We believe that the MP, as a national leader, ought to know and certainly do better. The actions by the MP, in our view, are an embarrassment

to the wider Opposition and is an insult to all Guyanese.”

According to the GAWU too, “We see the attack on the Minister as an attack on all women and the gains, which they have secured through their struggles.” Noting that the Minister, during her public life, has been a staunch advocate for women's rights, GAWU added that the attempt to denigrate her character is most unbecoming.

“The GAWU upholds the advancement of women's rights and thus we were most perturbed by the actions being touted by some as entertainment. It goes

against any sense of morality, decency and integrity, characteristics touted by the now Opposition during the 2020 elections campaign,” the release added.

The union body noted that while it recognises that in the political sphere disagreements are bound to arise, “we, at the same time, contend such disagreements should relate to issues and not personalities.”

It is on this score that the GAWU expressed dismay that the Opposition Member disagreement with the Minister has descended into a completely uncalled for

personal attack. “As a leader, the MP should be setting an example for all Guyanese, especially our youth. The attempt to score petty political points through crude antics and gimmicks does not bring any good for our nation and its people,” the GAWU added.

It went on to note that, “those who are responsible for the composition, recital and distribution of the derogatory song should collectively hang their heads in shame. Such actions are reprehensible by any yardstick and those responsible should offer an unequivocal apology to the Minister and all Guyanese.”

The Women Progressive Organisation (WPO) in condemning the attack too noted , “we see the depraved behaviour of some APNU members who instead of dealing with the issues, they are representing, have sunk to their usual low in attacking those in the current

Government.”

The video posted on social media shared by MP Sherod Duncan, according to the WPO, is crass and clearly displays sexist and misogynistic behaviour to Minister Manickchand.

“This latest behaviour reminds of callous attacks on the late Mrs. Janet Jagan when she was sworn in as President of Guyana where foul language was used by PNC members to describe her.

Last year, Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who in her capacity as Chairperson of CARICOM was not spared either. Many APNU members lambasted and cursed her out for taking a principled position on the election fiasco in Guyana.

Now, we have a sitting Minister of Education who is under attack by these very operatives. These sexists' attacks on women have not gone unnoticed.”

The Minister, the WPO

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand noted, has championed women's rights issues and has initiated progressive legislations to protect the rights of women and children as well as the WOW programme to help women.

“She is working tirelessly, implementing the Government's programme aimed at ensuring that our children are protected during this pandemic which has affected our children in Guyana and across the globe (continued on page 16)

80,000 people still waiting for second dose Sputnik V vaccine - Minister now says they can wait up to six months

A

total of 80,000 people are currently on the Ministry of Health's waiting list for the second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine. This is according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who revealed for the first time yesterday that persons awaiting their second dose of the Russian-made vaccine can wait up to 180 days or six months for the vaccine to be administered.

The Minister made this disclosure during his daily COVID-19 update.

He related that there is a worldwide shortage of the vaccine and went on to note that in spite of the delays in getting the second dose, persons should not be afraid to take the first dose of the Sputnik vaccine or any other vaccine to protect themselves against the deadly Coronavirus.

“I would encourage people to continue to get their first dose because, we are going to address this, everybody who took the first dose would be able to get their second,” he assured.

He revealed that the latest news from Russian

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony

(the Russian Direct Investment Fund) states that persons who took the first dose of the Sputnik V vaccine will be protected even after a longer interval of receiving their second dose.

Minister Anthony stated, “The Russian Direct Investment Fund had advised that you can prolong the interval between the first

and second dose up to 90 days. Now, there is more recent advice published by Reuters on the 9th July indicating that you can actually go up to 180 days.

So, [with] that interval, a lot of people who have taken their first dose would not have exhausted that long interval.”

The Gamaleya Research Centre, a Russian company which developed the Sputnik V vaccine, had previously advised that the second dose should be given four weeks after the first dose was administered. But lately, the Company stated that the gap between the two shots of the Sputnik V dose can be extended up to 180 days and it will remain effective.

Thus far, 337,030 adults (65.7 percent) of the adult population have taken their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 175,037 persons or (34.1 percent) are now fully vaccinated against the disease.

Another 18,862 (25.9 percent) children between ages 12-17 have been administered the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

Thursday September 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Right is right and wrong is wrong!

B

eware of those who try to make you feel that they are acting in your interest. Be more wary, however, of those who commit egregious acts of wrong doing and attempt to convince you that this was necessary for your own benefit.

God-fearing people have always held that wrong is wrong and right is right.

There can be double standards: a wrong cannot be a right. You cannot convert a wrong to a right simply because the victim of the wrong may have been once a wrongdoer.

There is no relativism when it comes to right and wrong. These are absolutes and opposites. And they are also universal. If it is wrong to litter, then you cannot be excused for littering simply because someone else litters.

Cheating is wrong whether it is an examination, sport or in elections.

Those who attempted to rig the General and Regional

Dem

boys seh...

D

elta landed. Not de airline…de virus. Its arrival was not unexpected. It has made its way into de society and deh wreaking havoc.

People don't need confirmation to realise dat de massive upsurge in coronavirus cases in recent times is caused by de Delta virus. Dem gat more dan 3,000 active coronavirus cases in de country right now. And dat means dat at least 60 of dese persons gonna die. Dat gan be good business fuh dem funeral parlours.

Dem boys chucking it rude today because people in Guyana ears hard. Dem

Elections or to benefit from that rigging would want you to believe that this was justified because it was necessary to keep the PPP/C out of office. But why then have an election? Why ask people to engage in casting ballots, if the ultimate intention was to win by hook or by crook, by any possible means.

People should not be fooled into believing that remaining quiet or giving support tacit or otherwise to electoral dishonesty is honourable. It cannot be and therefore the girl who on 5th March, and who upon learning that the PPP/C had won the elections and who broke down in tears, and then directed comments to Granger to “rig it if yuh gat to rig it” cannot be justified on moral grounds.

Rigging is wrong even if it is to stop the devil. If murder, for example is wrong, then even murdering the devil has to be wrong.

I would love to win a

gold medal at the Olympics or to win a major international tournament and to pass all my examinations with flying colours. But I do not want to win by cheating; that would be a pyrrhic victory.

Those who attempted to rig the elections or to benefit from this dishonesty would want you to believe that they were doing it in your name and for your benefit. But, yet, they tried to do it behind your back, without consulting you and, they then turned around and lied by claiming that their statements of polls showed that they won the elections.

They pretend to act in your name but without your approval. They may even try to make you believe that they rig on your behalf.

But they are not rigging for your benefit; they are rigging to benefit themselves and their friends. It is not you who is receiving massive concessions – land and dutyfree. It is not you who is the

Delta has touched down! Mu get delayed! ears so hard, yuh could beat drum with it.

Dem gat some people just using mask as passport fuh pass through dem workplace door. But when dem inside de office, dem nah wearing no mask and dem mixing freely with dem workmates. And nobody nah telling dem nuttin. But if a stranger try fuh pass through de gate, he gat to produce vaccination book and identification card. He gat fuh sanitise he hand, put on he mask and get he temperature check.

If de guvament can't control dem own staff in dem own office, how dem gan control wah going on in

de society where nuff people wearing mask under de chin and some nah wearing mask at all.

But Delta nah playing.

So leh dem continue.

Dem boys bin nearly drown when dem bin small.

Is de most terrifying 10 seconds of dem boys life.

Dem never panic so much in dem life.

Well, dem boys hear when yuh get seriously sick with de coronavirus, sometimes yuh does feel like yuh drowning. Yuh does be panting fuh breath and panicking, not fuh 10 seconds but fuh 10 days.

Talk half and nah mek Delta come near yuh!

GRA gives Shore Base...

From page 3 acres developed and the remaining 50 acres is currently being developed.

The GRA ahead of production in 2019 from the Liza Destiny had also appointed that Floating Pro duction Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel as a sufferance wharf that subjected the

vessel to all customs regulations, which concern sufferance wharves.

For instance, if the lessee of the vessel, ExxonMobil, wishes to load goods there, it will have to furnish GRA with particulars on the intended goods.

ExxonMobil will have to maintain certain conditions as required by the Revenue

Authority to maintain the licence allowing it to board goods on to the ship.

Those regulations are catered for in Part V of the Customs Act. The Liza Destiny is currently owned by Guyana Deepwater UK Limited, SBM's Offshore local subsidiary, but is leased to ExxonMobil.

recipient of high-paying jobs; it is their friends. It is not you who is enjoying the sweet of office; you still have to struggle each day.

So do not let anyone fool you that they are rigging on your behalf. Do not surrender your morality for the sake of those whose real interest is themselves, their friends and their cronies.

A recent book, “The Moral Economy of Elections in Africa,” argues that some leaders attempt to justify running dodgy elections therefore depends on whether their actions can be framed as being virtuous.

The authors contend that the degree to which leaders get away with electoral wrongdoing depends in great

measure on whether they can justify their actions as being virtuous. And what better way to achieve this than by pretending that the rigging is for your own benefit.

However, riggers are not your friends; they are your worst enemy. The rigging is against you because once you stay silent; once you give support to electoral fraud you are digging your own grave. Those who rig do not have to give account for what they do. Rigging becomes the permit which they need to do as they please. And once they get it, it is not easy to dislodge them because they know that with your support or silence they do not need to win and win fairly.

There are many people

who opted to stay silent during the five-month attempt to hijack electoral democracy. By their silence they were making a statement as to where they stood in respect to the elections. But some of them have now found their voices.

They will not enjoy an audience from me because what they supported by their silence was an attempt to steal every citizen's right.

And that is wrong.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday September 16, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Bill O'Reilly's book caused me to write this column F

ormer Fox News' talk show host, Bill O'Reilly, said that his new book will contain classified information given to him that may cause him to be charged. His book is on the American war on terrorism. One has to wait and see if O'Reilly will name

names. I doubt that; you have to protect your sources at all cost.

Given his profile in the US, O'Reilly would have been given i n f o r m a t i o n b y confidential sources about things the American government did.

Journalists will always be in

possession of sensitive things told by insiders for a myriad of reasons. Such a thing has existed long, long ago and will continue to.

R evealing sensitive information is a daunting task every journalist faces because of two reasons. One is could it be traced back to your source?

Secondly, though factual, could it open you to libel?

Though factual and important details should be made public so history could be recorded in a libel trial you will not be able to prove what is written.

One example is very potent. I was told by a reliable source that in the

2020 election, an A P N U + A F C candidate should not have been on the Frederick Kissoon list because of dual citizenry. No one in group of Russians came into the nine opposition parties the country during the knew this and no one in campaign to tamper with the Guyana asked a question. election on behalf of the PPP. M y s o u r c e i n t h e This was the beginning of APNU+AFC entity felt it the propaganda war to w a s w r o n g s o t h e coexist with the physical war information was conveyed to that was taking place in the me. I dropped it immediately GECOM Secretariat. because it was impossible to Interestingly, the first prove that in court. But I still c o l u m n o f M o s e s believe it.

Nagamootoo in the W hen I read what Guyana Chronicle after O'Reilly stated I reflected the March election, were on my own situation. I am the words, “Again, it was a given information all the narrow margin as in 2015. time and the lack of And when computed, the publication makes me sad unofficial projection is that because the stuff will not be the Coalition would again part of history. I am not have a one-seat majority in referring to “he say/she say” the National Assembly.” but occurrences that should The second example is form part of history. And it is one that I have written good stuff told to me by about three times before. people who were right inside The decision was made the events. by the PNC that as soon There are two aspects as the Court of Appeal gave o f t h e M a r c h 2 0 2 0 its decision on July 31 on the e l e c t i o n v o l c a n o t h a t election results, if it upheld have not been elongated the Chief Justice's decision on by the then opposition that the CCJ's decision was parties, scholars and the final and that the recount media. They simply “do not results stands, then the three exist” for obvious reason.

PNC commissioners would O n t h e n i g h t o f resign thus preventing a Tuesday March 3, 2020, s t a t u t o r y m e e t i n g o f one full day and almost G E C O M t o o ff i c i a l l y three quarters of the next legalise the results. day, leaders of the APNU Again I trust my with a few others from the s o u r c e i m p l i c i t l y a n d AFC gathered at the e x p l i c i t l y . T h e campaign office of the resignations did not take APNU on Lamaha Street, place because on that very close to the junction very Friday, President with Camp Street.

Granger based on an There were tears in the exchange with Secretary of eyes of at least one AFC State, Mike Pompeo, did not leader and one PNC r e j e c t G E C O M ' s l e ad e r. T h o s e p r e s e n t announcement. There are knew they had lost the others pieces that have not M a r c h 2 0 2 0 g e n e r a l entered the history book as elections. yet.

Right at that gathering One is that two AFC it was decided that the executives told me that results had to be fixed they were part of the giving the APNU+AFC a AFC's delegation that met one seat majority. How with the PNC's foreign unfortunate my source's election consultant, a White name will not be part of the Englishman at State House history book on modern in August 2019. Finally I saw Guyana. But I trust him. I an email from President believed him then. I still Granger advising the AFC to believe him now. find a suitable job for a Incidentally, two days frustrated Dr. Ramayya who after that congregation, had threatened to resign.

March 5, the AFC held a (The views expressed press conference hosted in this article are those of

by Cathy Hughes and the author and do not Khemraj Ramjattan in that necessarily reflect the very building in which the o p i n i o n s o f t h i s revelation was made that a newspaper.)

Thursday September 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Thursday September 16, 2021

SWAT team invades home, shoots Essequibo businessman dead in bed - Cop under close arrest

M

ajor unrest e r u p t e d yesterday at Dartmouth, Essequibo, Region Two, after ranks from the Special Weapons and Tactical Service Unit (SWAT) invaded the home of an Essequibo businessman and shot him dead in his bed.

The dead man was identified as Orin Boston, 29, the proprietor of 'Ease Meh Stress' Bar. Boston, according to investigators, was shot dead around 04:40hrs.

Yesterday, Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie, said an investigation into the shooting death of Boston by one of his ranks is in progress.

He related too that the cop who fired the bullet that killed the businessman is under close arrest.

Speaking on the matter, the Top Cop detailed that the Boston was shot and killed during a joint operation between the SWAT Unit and members of the Anti-Crime Patrol on the Essequibo Coast. The Commissioner added that the operation was geared at unearthing 'prohibited' items.

When asked by members of the press if anything illicit was found at Boston's Dartmouth home, the Commissioner said no.

Adding a bit more clarity on the issue, Deputy

Scenes at Dartmouth following the shooting of the Essequibo businessman by GPF's SWAT Team

Shot dead by police, Orin Boston Commissioner of Police in charge of police operations, Clifton Hicken, said that the SWAT team was dispatched from the GPF's headquarters located at Eve Leary in Georgetown and had arrived in Essequibo on Tuesday.

They reportedly began their operation around 02:00hrs. yesterday.

According to Hicken, they were sent to the area based on intel the Force had received. However with regards to what led them to invade Boston's home and a few other homes along the Essequibo Coast, Hicken said that he, the Top Cop and the Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, were not briefed on those details.

Blanhum noted, however,

that he has learnt that during the SWAT team's operations yesterday morning, two murder suspects were arrested at Onderneeming and two others were detained for another offence. These suspects were reportedly picked up before they invaded Boston's home at Dartmouth.

In a statement, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) stated that during the invasion, the ranks had a confrontation with Boston which led to him being shot.

His family members however are adamant that there was no confrontation between Boston and the ranks. They claimed that ranks had barged into

Former Coalition Health Minister mourns passing of broadcaster - reminds nation that COVID-19 is no respecter of persons

A

s the nation comes to grip with the recent passing of popular 93.1 Real FM broadcaster, Maxwell Thom, due to COVID-19 complications, former Health Minister and Chairman of the People's National Congress Reform, Volda Lawrence, yesterday extended her condolences via a statement.

Thom passed away on September 14, 2021 at the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown and, according to Lawrence; she was saddened upon learning of this. He was 53 years old.

“I remember Mr. Thom as a pillar of the society who impacted the lives of Guyanese over the years. Mr. Maxwell Thom as an entrepreneur led in the field of wireless and mobile technology and always remained close to the community,” she noted.

Mr. Thom, she added, is most fondly remembered as a philanthropist, athlete and host of his early morning gospel programme aired on 93.1 Real FM which brought inspiration to so many.

Throughout this pandemic, “I am constantly reminded that COVID-19 is no respecter of persons in spite of their race, class or creed. Thus, I iterate to all to take the

COVID-19 casualty, Maxwell Thom

necessary precautions in their daily lives.”

She continued by adding, “I wish to express my deepest condolences and that of the Party to Mr. Thom's family and close relatives on his passing.

May you be blessed and comforted by the time you would have spent together and may you continue the legacy that he would have left. Rest in peace, my dear friend, Maxwell Thom.”

The Top Cop and Crime Chief visiting the home of the dead man's relatives

Boston's room and shot him to his arm while he was lying on his bed.

Moreover, the relatives had called for the Force to retract its statement. Boston's wife had told reporters too that there was no confrontation and posited that it might just be an allegation made by the ranks to coverup their wrongdoing.

According to her version of the events, her husband came home around 04:00hrs. that morning, took a shower and headed straight for his room to sleep. A few moments later, the ranks invaded their home without any explanation and went straight to her husband's room and shot him.

They reportedly tried to

revive him after shooting him, but, according to the grieving woman, it appeared as though her husband was already dead. At the Suddie Public Hospital, where ranks rushed Boston, a doctor pronounced him dead on arrival.

After learning of his death, residents staged a protest by blocking roads with burning tyres and other debris during which they demanded justice for what they described as the wrongful killing of the businessman by the police ranks.

Following the unrest, Commissioner Hoppie and Crime Chief Blanhum visited the scene and met with the dead man's relatives. They

also spoke with the protestors in hope of restoring peace.

In one of the videos released by the GPF's Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), Hoppie was seen trying to comfort the dead man's relatives and appease the angry residents of Dartmouth.

He was heard saying “I know that this community ought to be a friend of the police, because I know that we are a friend of the community. So when these things happen (the shooting) it tends to separate us and we don't want that.”

As he along with Blanhum approached the road blocks, protestors could be heard shouting “you gon (continued on page 18)

CARICOM Heads meet, agree to...

From page 2 percentage of deaths “was exceedingly high among unvaccinated people with less than one percent of deaths recorded by persons who were vaccinated.”

Additionally, Heads of Government expressed dismay at the rate of vaccination in the Community and the significant incidence of

vaccine hesitancy.

It was noted, that as of September 3, according to the CARPHA, vaccine coverage in the Community ranged from 58.7 percent in Bermuda to 0.1 percent in Haiti.

“The Heads of Government noted that no country was close to herd immunity and that the increased incidence of

mutations and variants made it imperative for there to be a greater improvement in the rates of vaccination.”

As such, the CARICOM leaders “are strongly urging the people of the Community to get vaccinated, as failure to do so, puts the health sector at great risk of being overwhelmed by the surge of COVID-19 cases.”

Thursday September 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

Thursday September 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

La Harmonie residents to benefit from immediate drainage works, household solar units

P

ersons residing in La Harmonie, on the West Bank of Demerara will soon benefit from a number of government interventions aimed at improving farming and life in general in the community.

During a visit to the riverine community along t h e D e m e r a r a R i v e r, A g r i c u l t u r e M i n i s t e r, Zulfikar Mustapha, told residents that within another week, the community will benefit from much needed drainage works.

“We will look at the road but the most important thing for you, as it stands now, is ensuring you have proper drainage. Within a week from now, we'll send in a machine to do all the main cross drains as well as the seepage canal. In the meantime, we'll be looking at the road and so that we can come up with an estimate because this road will cost hundreds of millions of dollars to develop.

We have to do that project in phases. We first have to get the drainage done, so the machine will work along the road to ensure all the drains are cleared and that we fill all the

low spots first. After that is done, engineers from both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Public Works will come to do an assessment of the road so that the initial cost of moving it from He also said that a team of extension officers from the various agencies will be returning to meet with the farmers to advise them on best practices and doing agriculture in a smarter way given the effects climate change is having on traditional agricultural practices.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, who accompanied Minister Mustapha to the meeting, also told residents that each house in the community will soon benefit from household solar units after requests were made for electricity in the community.

“For us to put a substation, install transmission lines, and a generator, it will be a costly affair based on how the houses are situated. What we did, our government has embarked on getting household solar units for riverine communities.

We started it a couple of

months ago. Since we got into government we met with the Indian Government and they were funding the solar initiative. So, its 30,000 solar units that can be installed on any house.

They can power lights and even refrigerators. It's not the small units that they did in the past. That has been approved and we will sign the agreement soon. This is being done through a Line of Credit. Once that is done, we will bring them and install them on every house in the community. So, you will get electricity but it will be through these solar units,” Minister Indar said.

Residents noted that with the closure of the Wales Estate under the previous administration, many persons found it hard to sustain their families and have since left the community. Those who remained were left at a disadvantage and turned to farming to maintain their families.

Cleudigs Charles, a farmer, said that he was happy with the visit and sought the assistance of the ministers with providing the necessary machinery to help them to expand their

production.

“Today I'm very happy.

It's the first time in my life that a Minister of Agriculture has come to this area to see the plight of farmers. This area is all about agriculture.

First, everyone used to plant cane and after the estate closed everyone working with farmers but we have some disadvantages that the government can help us with. We're asking the Minister if he can provide the community with two new tractors with implements to assist the farmers. Most persons are doing plantains but the rains came and destroyed the crops but we want to do some ginger. We have some high areas where we can go into some ginger and other things like pineapple but we have to plough the land,” the farmer said.

Annand Singh, another farmer who was at the meeting, sought the assistance of the ministers with helping him to gain

access to machines that are already in the community and managed by the community's Co-op Society.

“There are some motor blowers and a tractor and when I went to ask to use it they told me I'm not a part of the Co-op, which in the society was merged with the farmers and when you go to use the equipment they are telling you that the society did not merge. We left the cane farming but we were still farming. Right now, I have a set of orange trees and due to the flood, the ants gone up in it and build nests and I can't clean them. That's why I ask for the motor blower to assist with cleaning them but they had to leff just so,” the farmer explained.

After listening to the farmer, Minister Mustapha told residents that officers from the Ministry will investigate the matter.

Minister Mustapha told residents that the President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led

government is committed to ensuring every community benefits from equal development, and that persons in general have better living standards and access to resources.

“Over the last year, Guyanese have benefitted from several direct cash transfers. Although we've made all these cash transfers, reduced taxes, abolished VAT on a number of important commodities, we have not used any of the money from the oil and gas funds.

While as a government, we are working to improve the standard of living and infrastructure in the community, we have to ensure every community in the country receives the same level of development.

As a government we have to ensure that we properly manage and distribute the country's resources effectively so that every Guyanese benefits,” Minister Mustapha said.

(Agri. Ministry)

Food and Drug Dept. looking to partner with importers

Several importers and members of the public and private sectors attended the Food and Drug forum at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Tuesday

T

he Government Analyst - Food a n d D r u g Department (FDD) on Tuesday hosted a forum at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) aimed at sensitising importers about the registration requirements for food, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices.

In a brief introduction at the start of the event, Dr. Marlan Cole, the head of the department, stressed on the need for importers to partner with his department.

In highlighting this need, he said that the Food and Drug Department has moved from a paper-based system

to a partially electronic one.

“We have partnered with the Customs Department to operate in the ASYCUDA system.

This was done some time in 2018 or 2019. This move was so that we can be more effective, efficient and responsible in our operations,” Dr. Cole noted.

The ASYCUDA system, he explained, is one that was implemented by the Customs Department to aid in the modernisation of manifest, customs declarations, accounting procedures, transit, suspense procedures, among others.

D r. C o l e t o l d t h e importers in attendance that

the entity he heads is in no way trying to make their trading difficult rather, their systems were regularised to their benefit so that there will be a level trading field for all and easier trading.

“Look at us as your partners so that you would help us to insulate our consumers against the trade of substandard food, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices.

We would in turn ensure that we put systems that are easily accessible for your trade. Though we are regulators, we are your partners and not a gate keeper that is in your way,” Dr. Cole asserted.

Thursday September 16, 2021

As COVID-19 cases soar…

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha urges all to get vaccinated C oncerned about the escalating numbers of COVID-19 cases and related deaths, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha in a statement it issued yesterday advocated for “all to get vaccinated.”

In the statement the religious body noted, “More persons are in hospital, including ICU, than ever before, placing immense strain on health systems. We note, also, the high number of unvaccinated persons who have died or suffered from severe complications due to infection with COVID-19.”

The easy transmissibility and deadly nature of the new mutations warrant extra precautions and

ensure the utmost safety of devotees who are worshipping in mandirs across the country, the Dharmic Sabha noted, “We urge the members of the Hindu community to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines of masking and social distancing but, more i m p o r t a n t l y, t o g e t vaccinated.”

To ensure safe worship in the mandirs, persons are advised that they will have to present proof of vaccination/vaccine cards

understanding of the critical importance of being vaccinated, the statement added.

While vaccinations are not compulsory and remain a choice, the Dharmic Sabha

underscored that they are the most important medical interventions that can save lives and prevent complications from COVID19.

Cognisant of the need to

before entry to Satsanghs and services and to wear masks at all times. The alternative, the Dharmic Sabha added, is for mandirs to hold virtual Satsanghs to cater for all devotees safely.

“Some of our important observances that attract large numbers of devotees are forthcoming, notably Navratri and Diwali. For us to enjoy and observe these sacred days to the optimum and safely, it is necessary for the maximum number of persons to take the

vaccines,” the Dharmic Sabha outlined.

It continued, “As the world and our country battle the COVID-19 virus, we want to ensure that all our Guyanese brothers and sisters remain safe and protected. Together we all need to fight against this virus with the mechanisms at our disposal. The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha reiterates our support for the vaccination drive as a critical form of protection and lifesaving intervention.”

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News WANTED

FOR RENT

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.

One bedroom apartment for working couple/single person,$35,000 & $32,000 monthly,light & water.

Call:623-0076.

Business: Wellington St, South Road Georgetown, Paradise East Coast. Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685.

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

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.

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.

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE Robb,Charlotte,Norton Street,Kitty,Sheriff,Ogle, Betterhope,Enterprise & Diamond.Contact: Ray's Realty 627-9685.

LAND FOR SALE

SERVICES

Versailles 61x123=7503sq ft, 18m not negotiable.No agents please. Tel: 600 6617.

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040

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

Installation, Repairs and parts for AC,Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc.Call Nick#656-0110.

WANTED

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

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.

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.

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

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

Tel:223-7165.

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

Wanted land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie or anywhere on the West Coast.

Tel:673-7087.

One male night security guard.Tel:226-0772/225-9304.

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

Salon assistant,female age 24-40, no experience required however would be a plus 500-6008 between Wed-Sat 9AM-4PM. Experience Carpenters and Mason.Contact: RJD Construction 614-7669/628-5738.

Mini Bus and Taxi Drivers.

Call:225-3234/628-1183.

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.

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.

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

For persons to assemble bicycles.Apply at Alabama Trading ,65 Robb St Bourda.

For experience Sales Clerk.

Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St Bourda.

For Carpenters and Masons.

Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St Bourda.

For porters.Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St Bourda.

For a packaging machine operator. Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St Bourda.

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

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

Merchandiser,Factory Worker,Porters.Call:2277714/640-0673 or email info@vgiworld.com.

FOR RENT Fabrication workshop.Tel: 690-5427.

TO LET Rooms to let in Albertown.

Call:225-3234/628-1183.

Hotel Attendant & Receptionist. Call:231-0951/6400673oremail: info@ vgiworld .com.

Thursday September 16, 2021

Absence of key personnel puts GECOM’s work at standstill Staff deficiency at the Guyana Elections Commission GECOM has essentially brought the work at the Commission to a standstill. Kaieteur News understands that among those vacancies that exist at GECOM is that for Chief Elections Officer (CEO), a Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Chief Accountant, Legal Officer, Research Officer and Logistics Manager.

When contacted yesterday, People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) appointed GECOM Commissioner, Bibi Shadick, explained that the absence of such key personnel can see the operations of the Elections Commission “grinding to a halt.”

She explained that the Commission has been in discussion over the issue of filling the vacancies but the officer responsible for providing the information has been slow in responding to the requests of the commissioners.

“There are quite a few vacancies for senior positions.

We have been demanding the detailed job description for the positions but the HR Manager has been slow in providing the information. It was only today (yesterday) at the statutory meeting that we were able to examine what they were looking for. We have now demanded the drafts for the advertisements of those vacancies, which should be made available by weekend,”

PPP/C appointed GECOM Commissioner, Bibi Shadick.

Shadick said.

In the interim, Shadick emphasised that the lack of key managerial staffers such as the Chief Accountant can put GECOM in an embarrassing position.

“We have rent payments for buildings that GECOM occupies around the country, outstanding since January. We don’t know when the landlord will say time’s up for GECOM, they want their building. So filling of those posts has now become a priority. We have cheques that cannot be signed and the Ministry of Finance holding off on accounts because there is no accountant to do the transaction and pay GECOMS bills,” she added.

Added to this, Shadick noted that the Commission’s plans to host Local Government Elections later

this year may not materialise.

“Personally, I don’t see that happening. Local Government Elections cannot be held if we don’t have any of the necessary personnel.

We have no registration commissioner; no one to sign off on ID cards, there is no Chief Elections Officer do to the necessary preparations in time for an elections, at year end,” she said. Shadick’s comments follow a notice published by GECOM last week in which the Commission announced to the public that it has temporarily suspended the production of National Identification (ID) cards due to a vacancy for a Commissioner of National Registration.

The national ID card is used as a proof of identity, and citizenship in the conduct of business transactions, if such proof is required.

However, GECOM noted that the suspension of the production of ID cards will remain in force until a new National Registration Commissioner is appointed and a signature is obtained for use on the cards.

In the interim, the Commission apologised for the inconvenience caused, and requested the patience and understanding of the public as it works to resolve the issue in the shortest possible time.

Ministry records 9 more COVID-19 deaths Yesterday, the Ministry of Health reported that there were nine more COVID-19 related fatalities. As a result of this, the country’s COVID19 death toll has moved to 701. According to the Ministry, the latest fatalities are that of six unvaccinated persons, two partially vaccinated persons and one fully vaccinated person.

The fatalities are an 84year-old and 64-year-old both from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), seven

men, a 76-year-old from Region Five (MahaicaDemerara), a 66-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), a 73-year-old, a 52-year-old, 76year-old, a 20-year-old and a 44-year-old all from Region Four.

The Ministry reported that all nine persons died over an 11-day period (September 5 to 15) while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Meanwhile, in its daily COVID-19 dashboard, the

Ministry noted that during the last 24-hour it assessed, 298 new cases were recorded, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 28,532.

Presently, there are 31 patients who are admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 142 in institutional isolation, 3,000 in home isolation and 19 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 24,658 who tested positive have recovered.

...GAWU, WPO, Women & Gender Commission From page 8 negatively”. Also condemning the attack on the Minister was the Women and Gender Equality Commission, which in a statement pointed out that “in a democracy such as ours where we have a government and an opposition, we expect, as a 55-year-old nation, more mature and civil engagements, particularly when there is disagreement. The current attacks are crass and unbecoming.”

As it condemned all those involved in the creation and dissemination of the song and its accompanying video, the Commission noted that, “what is disappointing is the

role of the women who participated in the creation of the featured song which was aimed at disparaging a female Minister.” “We have fought for the right of women to be in decision-making. Instead of name calling, MPs should be more concerned with issues that ensure that rights of all citizens are respected and that the developmental trajectory of this country is accelerated,” the Commission added.

Even as it underscored that Guyana has an admirable record of recognising women's rights and much work has been done to increase the stature of

Guyanese women, the Commission in its statement noted, “We should encourage and support all women who are in the corridors of power seeking to craft policies and legislations to advance our society.”

The Commission is, therefore, concerned that the current atmosphere would act as a deterrent to young women aspiring to hold public office.

“We call on the Parliament of Guyana to discipline the sitting MPs who engage in disparaging behaviour. We also call for the police to investigate any offence committed under the Cybercrime Act,” the Commission added.

Kaieteur News

Thursday September 16, 2021

PAGE 17

Guyanese man who sets wife on fire captured at JFK Airport

In police custody: Ganesh Sheocharran Hospitalised with severe burns, Sandramma Raju

By Malisa Playter-Harry

C

ollaborative efforts between law enforcement officers in Guyana and the United States resulted in the arrest and return of a man who is wanted for attempted murder committed on his wife, Sandramma Raju also known as 'Roma' and 'Sandra', a 29-year-old Lab Technician attached to the Skeldon Public Hospital.

The wanted man, Ganesh Sheocharran, was taken into police custody yesterday morning after he was denied entry into the US, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said in a statement.

Police said that they received information that Sheocharran, for whom a wanted bulletin was issued last night, managed to board a flight to the US at 17:26hrs on Tuesday, September 14, 2021.

On learning of this, the Guyana Police Force then made urgent contact with law enforcement officials in

the US and informed them that Sheocharran was wanted by local police for the crime committed on his wife.

When the suspect arrived in the US, he was denied entry, apprehended and sent back to Guyana on a Caribbean Airlines flight.

That flight arrived at approximately 06:54hrs yesterday morning (September 15). Local police were awaiting his arrival at the airport and he was arrested and placed in custody.

A wanted bulletin was issued for Sheocharran Tuesday night after he was reported to have set his wife on fire following an argument at their home in Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice. She was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where she is said to be in critical condition –approximately 98 percent burns about her body.

In a statement issued by the US Embassy in Guyana, Ambassador Sarah-Ann

Soldier arrested for rape of girl, 14

A

Lance Corporal of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is presently under investigation after being accused of raping a 14-yearold girl at a location in Region One. The police in a statement yesterday revealed that the act was committed sometime between September 14, 2020 and September 15, last.

It was further stated that a preliminary investigation into the matter revealed that both the girl and suspect

shared a relationship for about a year.

After the matter was reported on Tuesday, it led to the arrest of the GDF rank. Following the police report, the GDF in a release confirmed the allegations made against one of its ranks and indicated that an internal investigation has been launched into the incident.

“The Force wishes to reiterate and assure this nation that it does not condone these actions,” the GDF asserted in its release.

Ly n c h p r a i s e d t h e cooperation of local and foreign authorities and said that “it is this kind of collaboration that will make our region safe for all Guyanese. Congratulations to all who were involved, as the rule of law is our collective responsibility.”

Meanwhile, Subramani Raju, the father of the hospitalised woman, told reporters that he and his wife received word about their daughter at approximately 12:30 Monday morning. The man said that his grandson (the injured woman's nephew) had called to tell them that “aunty get burn.”

The man said that he asked his grandson how and the child replied, “she throw kerosene on she skin.” On hearing this, the father said

that he rushed to the house and took his daughter to the hospital.

“She is doing very bad...about 98 percent of her body burn. She said she throw the kerosene on herself, my grandson said since 9 the Monday night dem rowing and me na know if the passion in she mek she come down and I don't know if the man tell she if she want dead or what. But what me get to understand, he light she pon fire when she throw the kero and he wait till she burn up.”

The father said that Sheocharran and his daughter have a five-yearold daughter who is currently staying with other relatives. He revealed too that the couple has been together, “on and off,” for the past six years.

Years of abuse and control According to the woman's parents, the couple always had issues and Sandramma would usually tell them and then she would move back to their house at No.1 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Her mother Anita Jailall, said, “she does pack all her stuff and come away and you know me does think she guh stay forever. She does work Skeldon Hospital and he

Anita Jailall and Subramani Raju, the parents of the hospitalised woman does drive hire car and he does go and wait fuh she, suh she does feel shame because her workmates does come.

He does go and pick she up without permission when dem fight and so she does go in he car and she does come way with he and then she does come and pick up all her stuff and gone.”

Jailall said that on many occasions when her daughter visited, she would notice black and blue marks on her hands but she would always say that she accidentally hit it.

“Sometimes me does see black and blue on she hand and she does say how she walk and hit herself so she never talk that he hit she...” the mother disclosed.

The parents revealed too that for the past few weeks, they hardly saw their daughter and that “he was

controlling her.” According to the mother, on Saturday, Sandramma had visited their home but did not speak to her brother who was there.

“Saturday, she come and the granddaughter does come and when she come for she daughter, she na even break a word to she brother.

And when me go home, me son start cry because he feel it so much because is just the two of them. The two does gree so nice but I dunno what the man do she. He was keeping her away from us,” Jailall asserted.

According to Jailall, seeing her daughter in such a state is “nerve racking”. She disclosed too that while medical professionals have indicated that her daughter has a slim chance of survival because of the extent of the burns, she is optimistic that she will make it.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Thursday September 16, 2021

Media houses adopt guidelines for responsible reporting on suicide Members of the media at the consultation exercise before adopting the guidelines for responsible reporting on suicide.

A representative from Kaieteur News signed on to the document.

S

uicide is a significant mental health and social inequality issue by which thousands of people in Latin America and Caribbean lose their lives, annually.

In 2014, the World Health Organization cited Guyana as the country with the highest suicide rate in the world.

However since then, Guyana's suicide rate has declined significantly due to a number of factors including responsible media reporting which provided helpful insight instead of

harmful information to the public on the mental health issue.

Following a consultation exercise at the residence of the British High Commission, Bel Air G a r d e n s , G e o rg e t o w n , yesterday editors and representatives of several media houses adopted a number of essential guidelines, which would assist with reporting on suicide as a mental health issue.

The representatives of media houses who signed on the guidelines for responsible reporting on

suicide were presented with several scenarios for reporting on the sensitive topic.

During the discussion, participants were given expert advice and recommendations suitable for reporting on matters of

suicides; they were given options for presenting the stories in a more helpful and productive manner.

The guidelines were drafted by the Guyana Press Association with assistance from the British High

Commission and experts including Head of the Mental Health Unit, Dr. Util Richmond-Thomas, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Paloma Mohamed, and Counselling Psychologist, Raiza Khan.

Deputy High Commissioner, Ray Davidson, was instrumental in ensuring that training for the media on mental health and these guidelines were done.

The adoption session (continued on page 19)

Escalating freight cost takes bite out of …as local manufacturing giant reports local profits losses, to now cut costs wherever possible T

he escalating cost for freight services for shipping raw materials into Guyana is beginning to take its toll on local businesses, eating away at profit margins.

This much is being reported by leading domestic manufacturer, Sterling Products Limited in its interim Financial Report for 2021 made public yesterday.

In that report, Sterling's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Andrew Pollard, S.C., reported that during the first half of this year, “we have seen an increase in the cost of production which affects our Gross Profit margin considerably.”

According to Pollard in his Chairman's report to shareholders, “this increase was due to the escalating freight cost on the global market which increased the landed cost for key raw and packaging materials.”

As such, Pollard reported that expenses for the period ending June 30, was some

Sterling's Board of Directors Chairman, Andrew Pollard, S.C. $501.3M, an increase of some $26.6M over the corresponding period last year.

“The main reasons for the increase are employment costs, marketing and distribution expenses, depreciation and maintenance expense,” according to Pollard.

The Chairman in his

report noted that while there was an 8.4 percent increase in turnover amounting to some $143.7M more than the corresponding period last year, profit before tax was recorded at $81.4M. According to Pollard, this represents a downward result from the $85.7M earned for the corresponding period last year.

Profit after taxation for the period under review was recorded at $56.9M compared to $59.9M for the same period in 2020.

Pollard in his Chairman's report noted too that the Board and the entity's management “…are actively pursuing consolidation of the company's current business and development of new product lines in addition to employing strategies to reduce our cost of operations and cut costs wherever possible in order to deliver acceptable returns to you.”

The report by Sterling comes even as the administration earlier this

year put measures in place aimed at cushioning the effects of the increased cost of shipping items into Guyana.

On August 9 last, the Office of the President issued a press release stating that President Irfaan Ali had instructed that freight charges were to be reduced to pre pandemic levels (March 1, 2020) in the calculation of Customs Duties, Excise Taxes and Input Vat on goods imported.

The public missive had stated that the government

had been monitoring the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household income, the private sector and the economy as a whole and had noted the marked price increase in shipping costs from various countries.

It was noticed that in some cases, the price for a 20-foot container moved from US$2,500 to US$15,000 while the price for a 40-foot container moved from US$3,500 to over US$20,000.

The administration at the time noted that these price increases are due to increased shipping and freight fees as a result of the global COVID19 pandemic were being passed on to the consumers.

“Due to having observed that Guyanese were being forced to pay these increased prices, the President had decided to announce the tax relief. Consequently, the relief is to be applied to any invoices from August 1, 2021 and is set to run until January 31, 2022,” the release added.

SWAT team invades home, shoots...

From page 12 kill a man jussa” while another could be heard wailing “why dem kill we nephew?”

Commissioner Hoppie has since vowed that a thorough investigation into the shooting incident will be conducted by the Force's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

O p p o s i t i o n L e a d e r,

Joseph Harmon, and opposition Members of Parliament have since issued statements calling for an independent investigation in order to bring satisfaction to Boston's family members.

The Top Cop has assured that an independent probe will be done. During the press conference yesterday, Hoppie expounded that the

investigations into the matter will be completed within the shortest possible time, and ranks found accountable for the shooting will be answerable. Up to press time yesterday Essequibo police along with the Fire Service were working to bring an end to the protest action and have the Dartmouth Public Road cleared.

From page 18 saw addresses by Human Services Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, and British High Commissioner, Jane Miller. At the session, several pieces of resource papers were shared among the representatives of the media houses including the Samaritans Media Guidelines for Reporting Suicides.

The guidelines serve as an advisory to the press in their purpose to reinforce industry codes of practice and editorial policies to support journalist and programme makers in producing the highest standards of covering of suicide. They offer practical recommendations and tips for covering the topic in what is a challenging and evolving media environment.

The guidelines are informed by extensive international research into media portrayal of suicide and wide consultation with media professionals, academics and those with lived experience.

The document noted, among other things, that since suicides are preventable with timely, e v i d e n c e - b a s e d interventions, appropriate

reporting on suicide can lead to overall better outcomes.

The document, which was part of the consultation for the adaptation of the guidelines for covering suicide stories, advocated for responsible media reporting into national suicide prevention strategies for countries.

According to the paper, while sensitive reporting can inform and educate the public about suicide and the sign to look out for, there is strong and consistent research evidence that some forms of news reporting can lead to increases in suicides.

“Media coverage can influence how people behave in a crisis and their beliefs about the options open to them. Research shows that certain types of media depictions, such as explicitly describing a method and sensational and excessive coverage can lead to imitational suicidal behaviour among vulnerable people,” the document outlined.

For example, the Samaritans Media Guidelines pointed out that within five months following media reports of Actor Robin Williams' death by suicide in the US in 2014,

there were 1,841 suicides deaths in the country as compared the same period from the previous year.

In contrast, the document says some forms of reporting can help save lives.

It continued that: “Coverage describing a person or character seeking help and coming through difficult time can serve as a powerful testimony to others that this is possible and can have a protective influence over audiences…”

Further, the document noted that, “Stories can highlight that suicide is preventable and direct vulnerable people to sources of support. We know from international research that when media guideline are followed this, has a positive effect by improving reporting standards.”

Additionally, it was pointed out that suicide is a very complex topic that presents a distinct set of challenges for journalists, who must balance reporting on a sensitive issue and informing the public while considering what influence coverage may have on vulnerable people, including the possibility of imitational behaviour.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Thursday September 16, 2021

Thursday September 16, 2021

Young Warriors capture another championship Fresh from the ten-ten competition trophy, Young Warriors continued to prove their authority having claimed the 100-ball championship which culminated last Saturday at Greenbrier Public School ground in Brampton.

Under the auspices of the Canada Premier Softball Cricket League (CPSCL), Young Warriors brushed aside Shawson Sports Club by six wickets.

They kept Shawson to a decent 104-6 from the 100 deliveries and then responded with 106-4 with 40 balls remaining.

Their effort was spearheaded by Randy Roopnarine with a responsible 47 and the consistent Canada-based Guyanese Rofel Boodhu who made 41. The two also

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

The victorious Young Warriors team strikes a pose just after the match. participated in an impressive and steady 52-run thirdwicket stand.

Earlier, Young Warriors won the toss and elected to field. Shawson lost wickets at regular intervals but there was a sense of dynamism from

Ricky Haripersaud who helped stabilise things by scoring 41. There was no other meaningful contribution apart from veteran player and Berbice-born Aftab Shamsudeen with 18. Nishal Singh ended with the best

Thursday September 16, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may have been worried about money lately, Aries.

Today a family member could make an expenditure that you view as unnecessary and irresponsible.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today you might spend a lot of time looking for a lost object, Libra. This item may only have sentimental value.

Still, it's important to you that you find it.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today you might find it necessary to turn down an invitation to a social event, Taurus, and the host might for some reason seem offended.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A minor quarrel or separation could take place with a love partner, Scorpio, probably over something that seems trivial. It's likely to get your dander up to the point where you may never want to see this person again.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Have you been doing a lot of walking lately? If so, Gemini. This could affect your energy level considerably, not to mention your ability to get any work done.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) An event could find a current or potential love partner paying a lot of attention to others, Cancer. You might feel neglected and unloved, as though your friend is doing this to hurt you.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Do you sometimes go about things backward, Leo? Are you caught up in the rat race of trying to have more money and security with the idea that eventually you'll earn the freedom to do what makes you happy?

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) An angry call from someone who lives far away might catch you off guard today, Virgo. In your mind, the person has no reason to be angry and is blowing things out of proportion.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Too much stress from overwork could have your nerves on edge today. When someone makes an offhand remark, you might see insult where none is intended.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Squabbles may break out among members of your group, Capricorn. You might wonder what the big deal is since what they're arguing over seems rather silly.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Someone may skip out on responsibilities today, Aquarius, causing extra tasks to fall to everyone else, including you. This might stir up some anger and resentment and it's definitely going to cause more stress.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) If you've been planning to set off on a trip soon, make a list of what you need to do beforehand and check off each task as you complete it.

figures of three wickets for 38 runs from two overs (20 balls).

Boodhu, Jashua Singh and Satrohan Doodnauth also snared a wicket each.

The winning team received a trophy, compliments of Wazeer Dahar of Royal Lepage Vision Realty and $500, thanks to Andy Building Service, while the runners-up took home a trophy as well and $250, courtesy of Artie Ruplall of AA Spotless Cleaning and Master Financial.

In addition to those prizes, Young Warriors collected gold medals and Shawson, the silver medals, also sponsored by Wazeer Dahar. Roopnarine was adjudged the MVP for the final while Boodhu captured the MVP for the tournament which had 10 teams.

Meanwhile, Young Warriors will be back in action this Saturday again clashing with Toronto Knight Riders for the Grand championship trophy. The venue for the contest is McCandless Park, also in Brampton.

LBI, Savage register victories in NYSL tourney LBI and Savage registered victories when the New York Softball League 20over competition continued on Sunday last at ground five, Baisley Park.

LBI defeated Alliance by five wickets. Batting first, Alliance managed 144-9 with Shailendra Shameer scoring 41 and Kenrick Marques 29.

Abdool Mulla claimed 3-30 and Vijay Singh 2-18.

LBI replied with 149-5 in

17.5 overs. D. Ramlall struck 86 while C. Rampersaud scored 61. Shameer took 2-5.

Savage beat Street Kings by one wicket in their encounter. Street Kings took first strike and made 97 all out in 19 overs. M. Singh scored 28, J. Vaughn 26 and K. Kumar 21. Savage replied with 98-9 in 19.2 overs. S. Ulla made 28.

The competition continues on Sunday.

...Dominic Drakes’ stunning From page 21 with 37 and 25 respectively, building a bridge for the entry of Drakes. At a tournament which has had traditionally lopsided finals with the result decided well before the final over, Drakes produced far and away the most thrilling CPL ending of all. From one win and a last-place finish in 2020, Patriots had also

capped arguably the most remarkable one-season turnaround in CPL history with their maiden championship.

Scores: St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 160/7 (Drakes 48*, Da Silva 37; Riaz 2/36, Chase 1/17) beat Saint Lucia Kings 159/7 (Cornwall 43, Chase 43; Naseem 2/26, Fawad 2/32) by three wickets.

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

Thursday September 16, 2021

School of the Nations head Ms. White excited to have golf on board A student of School of The Nations trying her hand at golf.

School of the Nations rolled out their aggressive Physical Education agenda for students returning to class after a long layoff with the fully covid-19 compliant sport- Golf.

The partnership with Nexgen Golf Academy is off

to a flying start as students from all grades were given their first experience in Golf with PE teacher Mr. Cheeks and NGA President Aleem Hussain rolling out the green carpet to teach dozens of students how to putt. Ms. White, Principal of the Primary School Division said “We are all excited about this opportunity and as you know our students are very competitive, so expect to see us performing at the highest levels.” The School plans to use the Academy for training, competition and other sporting events as a part of the programme.

In addition to regular classes, students from the

Special Education department were also given lessons and the sheer joy on their faces made the entire event worthwhile.

School of Nations is one of the leading private schools in the country and will offer golf as a part of their school curriculum and as an after school activity. Students from every level will be able to compete in Guyana Golf Association sponsored events with the hopes of earning a spot on the national and Olympic team. Hussain said he expects great things from the Students and will devote as much of his time and resources to making this a fun and rewarding

experience all. “Parents and students will eventually compete side by side as we see Golf becoming the leading family played sport in the country.”

Over the past year, the G G A u n d e r H u s s a i n ’s leadership has donated millions of dollars in equipment to schools across the country and opened access to thousands of new players, many of whom would never have had a chance to play golf.

The golf academy is open daily from 9 am and can accommodate up to 60 persons per hour whilst observing strict covid-19 guidelines.

Thursday September 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

Dominic Drakes’ stunning onslaught seals St Kitts & Nevis Patriots’ maiden CPL title The allrounder smashed an unbeaten 48 off 24 balls to deny the Kings in a last-ball thriller ESPNcricinfo - The experienced old pros of Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis and Dwayne Bravo may have helped propel St Kitts & Nevis Patriots into the 2021 CPL final, but it was the young guns - Dominic Drakes, Joshua Da Silva, Fabian Allen and Sherfane Rutherford - who got them over the line as the tournament host franchise chased down a target of 160 off the final ball to beat St Lucia Kings by three wickets for their first CPL title.

Drakes shone brightest when it mattered most, striking an

unbeaten 48 off 24 including the winning runs off the final ball.

The Patriots looked like they may have frittered away the final at 95 for 5 in the 14th over when Bravo fell to David Wiese. But Drakes produced an audacious death-hitting display to rally the Patriots in the last five overs. With 55 needed off 30 balls, Drakes pumped David Wiese back over his head for six, then went inside-out over extra cover off Wahab Riaz to end the 17th, bringing the equation down to 31 off 18.

Kesrick Williams then made a costly error to start the 18th, bowling his first ball completely off the pitch for it to be ruled a no-ball, and Allen flicked the free hit past short fine leg for four.

Allen fell to start the 19th, pulling Wahab to deep midwicket, but Drakes crossed with the ball in the air and delivered a hammer blow next ball with the shot of the day, spanking a short ball over the cover ropes again for six. Starting the final over on strike with nine to win against Williams, it came down to five off two

balls before Drakes powered another sizzling drive flat over extra-cover for a onebounce four to level the scores. Williams speared in a yorker on the legs off the final ball of the match but Drakes was able to flick it away to short fine leg and scamper a tight single to clinch the championship.

The win was set up by a tidy bowling effort by the Patriots after the Kings had chosen to bat first at the toss.

Rahkeem Cornwall (43 off 32 balls) and Roston Chase (43 off 40 balls) did well to help rebuild the innings after

Andre Fletcher and Mark Deyal both fell cheaply in the powerplay. But Chase appeared to grow frustrated at being unable to capitalize on quick singles and twos while partnered with Cornwall at the crease. After Cornwall fell to Allen off the first ball after drinks to start the 11th, Chase was unable to kick on with either Wiese or Tim David, who both fell cheaply to spin. When Chase was bowled by Naseem Shah to end the 18th at 128 for 6, it looked like the Patriots would have an easy chase on their hands.

But Keemo Paul breathed life back into the match with an inspired cameo, clubbing three sixes off Drakes to start the 19th, and then another off Naseem in the final over to give Kings a late boost and a fighting chance. They continued that fight early in the second innings as Chase bowled Gayle with an arm ball for a duck before Wahab snuffed out the red-hot bat of Lewis with a short-ball trap to deep midwicket for 6.

But Da Silva and Rutherford rebuilt the chase (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Thursday September 16, 2021

GFF hails launch of Rupununi FA Academy TC as vital for youth development

L

ethem: The President of the Guyana Football Federation has hailed the launch of the Rupununi Football Association (RFA) Academy Training Centre (ATC) as “an important first step in a clear pathway for hinterland players to be channeled into the national programme”.

Attending the restart of the Rupununi ATC with GFF Youth Development Officer Bryan Joseph and U20 Men’s Head Coach Wayne Dover, President Wayne Forde praised President Rayan Farias and the Executive Committee of the RFA for the “remarkable” work they have put in so far to develop the sport across Region 9.

“It is my solemn hope, with the support of the wider community, the village leaders and other stakeholders within the region, that more young boys and girls will make it to the national teams of Guyana and go on to represent their country, region and villages with honour and

Football officials at the launch of the Rupununi Football Association Academy launch. distinction,” Forde said.

The GFF-funded ATCs create a national network and development pathway for youth football with professional coaching for girls and boys in the Federation’s nine regional associations.

Through its groundbreaking Members Financial Assistance Programme (MFAP), the GFF is providing all the resources necessary to deliver continuous youth programmes and competitions for the first time.

“We are handing over

full ownership of this ATC to the Executive Committee of the RFA,” Forde continued.

“Through M-FAP, the GFF will continue to pay the ATC staff, and provide all the equipment and funding necessary for our forthcoming inter-academy tournaments.

We w i l l a l s o b e conducting quality control visits along with child protection training. I would like to wish the RFA family every success in growing the ATC programme in the coming years by opening up more centres across the

region.”

The RFA is the sixth GFF regional association to relaunch its ATC under a devolved structure which sees the management of the programme transferring to the regional associations, with resources and support provided by the GFF. Regional associations responsible for Upper Demerara, West Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank Demerara and Bartica have also restarted their ATC programmes, with all activities conducted in compliance with strict COVID-19 protocols. For

example, ATC staff must be vaccinated before taking part in any training sessions.

GFF Youth Development Officer and former national player Bryan Joseph, who is responsible for the day-today oversight of the ATC programme, said the GFF was excited about the prospect of seeing new talent emerge in the Rupununi, a region that is renowned for its deep passion for football.

“The Executive Committee of the RFA has shown great commitment to take on the significant challenges posed by the geographical make-up of the region, but we’ve seen the passion of the people and their communities,” Joseph said.

“The technical team at the RFA will continue to fine tune the operations of the academy as they work towards ensuring that the best players in the region benefit from this programme,” he added. “The RFA has a good compliment of equipment to execute the work of the academy and significant strides are being

made to ensure that we build up coaching capacity to make full use of that equipment.”

RFA President Farias called on the regional authorities to join forces with the RFA to help create the leading football academy for youth development in Guyana.

“I would like to express my deepest appreciation to President Forde for empowering the RFA’s Executive Committee and the wider Rupununi football family with the much needed financial and material resources which will allow us to accelerate the growth and development of the beautiful game across the region,” Farias said.

“Our members and all stakeholders across the region will continue to work very hard to ensure that many more boys and girls from Region 9 will be given the best possible chance to make Guyana’s national teams and represent our Rupununi at the international level,” he added.

Kaieteur News

Thursday September 16, 2021

PAGE 25

Team Eagles are off to a flying start in the DVA A Division league playoff finals.

DVA A Division finals

Eagles have one hand on trophy A

ction got underway on Tuesday night from 19:00hrs at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Homestretch Avenue when the finals of the Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) A division league commenced with a keenly contested spike-down between Eagles Volleyball Club and Young Achievers Volleyball Club.

And, after five grueling sets, Eagles were flying high as they drew first blood in the best of three series with a hard fought 3-2 win over Achievers that had finished the group stage at the summit of the points table.

The game was nothing

but exciting as two of the best volleyball clubs in Guyana put on a great show which was streamed live on the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) Facebook page.

Young Achievers came out swinging in the first set of the game and made light work of Eagles 25-17.

However, the Eagles outfit has shown that it has grit throughout the tournament and the persistent side then bounced back to claim the second and third sets 25-18 and 25-16, respectively.

Knowing their task ahead, Young Achievers came back stronger in the fourth set to win it 25-22.

This forced the game into a fifth set tie breaker which

Fence construction moving apace at the GFF Office Building, Dadanawa Street, Section ‘K’ Campbellville.

saw Eagles dominating achievers and grabbing the decisive game 15-7.

The top performers of the match were Quacy Matheson with 17 points, Trevon McRae with 13

points and Adriel Moore with 10 points.

Eagles player and GVF competitions committee member, Kristoff Shepperd, mentioned that, “It was a great game, the competition

Eagles Quacy Matheson about to spike against Achievers on Friday night in game one of the DVA A Division finals.

was very intense but we know the job isn’t finished as yet.

So it’s back to the drawing board we go to formulate our plans to seal the deal and become league

champions.”

Game two of the finals will have its first tomorrow from 19:00hrs at the CASH and that game will also be streamed live on the GVF’s facebook page.

GFF building and office enhancement into final phase As the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has now entered the final phase of the rehabilitation of the entities secretariat with the construction of the fence and according to President Wayne Forde, construction of the parking area will follow soon.

The Federation office building which is located at Dadanawa Street, Section ‘K’ Campbellville, was recently renovated to the tune of some 12 Million dollars with staff and visitors n o w en jo y in g mo d er n amenities. And this includes the complete paint over of the building, installation of a server room which houses the new information technology platform that connects the entire football

fraternity; installation of security and surveillance systems; construction of a welcoming and comfortable reception area for the members and general public; enhancement of the board room, additional wash rooms, staff dining area as well as purchasing new furnishings.

Forde commented of the ongoing works: “My goal is really to create a fully functional corporate environment that is representative of what the exceptionally talented and dedicated staff is doing. We also want everyone that visits the office to experience the professional standards we are working hard to embed into the culture of the organisation.”