K
AIETEUR NEWS
Oil company
p.2
Tuesday Edition
chased out of Houston,
September 28, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 37
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
changes name, sets up chemical facility at McDoom
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Price $80
Online readership yesterday, 89,659
Lawyer urges Pres. Ali to disclose quantities of free oil used by oil companies Woman before court for p. 3
misappropriating friend’s $5M Superbet jackpot p. 14
Canje Block 12-well campaign…
EPA to conduct public hearing next month
p. 11
Foreigners pelt 12p. teacher with bottle Protest for change to all after owner closes bar foreign contracts continues. Despite COVID-19 concerns…
GPHC Cardiologist urges heart patients to visit hospital - says failure to seek treatment can result in severe complications
p. 13
Guyana’s oil boom leads …as US State to highest incoming 160,000 Dept. predicts jobs in traffic in Caribbean coming years
p. 8
YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO REAP 1/10th OF YOUR TRUE VALUE on Kaieteur WHEN THERE IS SILENCE, CORRUPTION and SECRECY.@11:00hrs Radio 99.1/99.5FM
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday September 28, 2021
Oil company chased out of Houston, changes name, sets up chemical facility at McDoom A
company that services the oil industry was chased out of Houston by residents in 2019, when it tried to set up a chemical facility near their homes. Now, that company has changed its name and has set up an operation at McDoom. The company, now called Champion X, was Nalco Champion back then. Nalco had wanted to set up its chemical facility on land owned by John Fernandes Limited at Area 'K' Houston, and construction had started by the joint venture. Houston residents kicked up a ruckus about the use of the land for industrial purposes when they observed that a structure was being built. They said they were given the impression that the land there would only be used for commercial purposes. A d d i t i o n a l l y, n o
environmental impact assessment was done. Following the uproar, a community consultation was held by the then Ministry of Communities at the Houston Secondary School. During the consultation, a presentation was done by Nalco, with the hope of dispelling misconceptions about the proposed facility. The company said that the facility would be a chemical storage and transfer facility, not a chemical processing facility, as some residents seemed to think. It was stressed that there would be no chemical reactions or blending, permanent storage tanks, buried chemical tanks, vapour clouds/steam, flaring, nor vent flumes. The warehouse was intended to be used for the storage of products and equipment, repackaging and filtering of chemicals, office
Part of the Champion X chemical facility (DPI photo)
space, and transportation from the facility to a supply vessel to be taken offshore. All the chemicals were to be brought from the company's manufacturing plant in Sugar Land, Texas. Despite this explanation, residents pressed on with concerns about the effect a chemical spill would have on the surrounding communities. The company, during its presentation, detailed its plan for the containment of spills and fires. The company went to lengths to explain that its experiences with these kinds of plants left negligible risk, and that its considerations found the Houston location to be the most convenient. It was not enough. Nalco Champion had to pull out of the area. It told the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it would move its operations to Trinidad and Tobago.
Champion X (DPI photo)
ExxonMobil has been making an effort to move its supply work from Trinidad and Tobago to Guyana, in a bid to placate those who demanded more contracts and jobs be given to locals. The company's Guyana President said recently that most of its
supply work would be moved to Guyana by 2022. Champion X's McDoom facility was commemorated by a ceremony last Thursday in the compound. It was attended by Exxon's production manager, Mike Ryan, as well as Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Finance Minister Dr. Ashni
Singh. Champion X's country manager Keith Hicks, also the previous Nalco Champion's country manager, gave the vote of thanks. As had occurred in 2019 with the Houston facility, no EIA was done. The EPA said that it was not required.
Tuesday September 28, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Lawyer urges Pres. Ali to disclose quantities of free oil used by oil companies I
nternational Lawyer and staunch advocate for the protection of the environment, Ms. Melinda Janki, sent President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, a letter yesterday urging him to disclose the quantity of free oil used by ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC
Petroleum Guyana Limited, from the Stabroek Block's Liza Phase One Project. In the letter seen by Kaieteur News, Janki noted that under Article 11.9 of the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), it states, “The Contractor shall have the right to use in any Petroleum Operations as
much of the production as may reasonably be required by it therefore, and the quantities so used or lost shall be excluded from any calculations of Cost Oil and/or Cost Gas and Profit Oil and/or Profit Gas entitlement.” Janki said it therefore means Guyana's share of the
GRA to relocate headquarters …no tax breaks/waivers offered to contractor
GRA Headquarters on Camp Street, formerly owned by DDL
T
he Guyana R e v e n u e Authority (GRA) is relocating its headquarters to Pattensen, Greater Georgetown, according to a recent notice published by the authority. In that notice, GRA said in its notice that it intends to apply for the procurement of consultative services and as such, “you are hereby invited to submit technical and financial proposals for providing service, which could form the basis for future negotiations and ultimately a contract between you and the procuring entity—GRA. The terms of reference and additional supplemental would be provided to potential bidders having purchased the bid documents. As it relates to the evaluation criteria, it was noted that the “employer (GRA) will award the Contract to the Bidder whose bid is determined to be substantially responsive to
the bidding documents, and who offered the Lowest Evaluated Bid Price, provided that this Bidder has been determined to be eligible and have met the qualification requirements.” According to GRA, the proposal will be evaluated and ranked on its merit in accordance with the evaluation criteria outlined in the Supplementary Information attached, and if the proposal is ranked satisfactory then it could form the basis for negotiations and, ultimately a contract “between your firm and the procuring entity (GRA).” The GRA was clear in its invitation, “if your firm does have the necessary expertise for a specific task, you may not associate with another firm or engage specialists nor experts to enable presentation of a full range of expertise required for the assignment.” It was noted too that “in order to assure the effective use of local knowledge,
support institutional development and transfer of t e c h n i c a l i t y, y o u a r e encouraged to associate with qualified organisations and/or individual specialists from Guyana for one or more tasks, in part or in full, but your firm shall be the prime consultant.” According to the GRA's notice, potential bidders are required to hold their proposal valid for 120 days, four months from the date of submission during which period “you will maintain without change, your proposed price.” Additionally, it was noted that domestic consultants and foreign consultants who are resident in Guyana: “Please note that the remuneration which you receive from this contract will be subject to the normal tax liability in Guyana.” According to the Notice published under the name of the Commissioner General of GRA, Godfrey Statia, GRA is “not bound to select any of the consultants submitting proposals.”
oil, when calculated, is not from total oil produced. As such, she asked that the relevant Minister, being Vickram Bharrat, publish the following: The total amount of oil that has been produced in the Liza Phase One Development; a monthly breakdown of the total amount of oil that Esso, Hess and CNOOC have taken under Article 11.9 since 2019; the total amount of Cost Oil; and the total amount of Profit Oil. The lawyer said these figures should be readily available since Annex C, Section Five of the Petroleum Agreement, entitled 'Production Statement' requires the Contractor to submit monthly Production Statements to the Minister showing the gross quantity of crude oil and natural gas produced and the quantities of crude oil and natural gas used for the purpose of carrying on petroleum operations. Janki further noted that the figures should be
Attorney-at-Law, Melinda Janki
President, Irfaan Ali
available up to last month, i.e. August 2021. “If August is not ready, then up to July would be good enough,” noted the lawyer. “The people of Guyana are entitled to know how much oil is disappearing under Article 11.9 so that they can make informed decisions about the future of oil in Guyana,” expressed the transparency advocate while adding, “Secrecy is one of the elements of the oil curse and undermines freedom and democracy.” Similar sentiments were recently echoed by Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram, during an interview with Kaieteur News. Ram was keen to note
that he supports the release of key data in the oil and gas sector while noting that Guyana would be at risk of serious consequences which are known to arise when opacity envelopes a nation's oil industry. “We must be acutely aware that the segments of the petroleum world characterised by opacity and secrecy are also associated with some of the most egregious cases of c o r r u p t i o n a n d mismanagement. To i g n o r e t h e s e possibilities in our developing petroleum sector would be like dancing with the Resource Curse devil,” the lawyer expressed over the weekend.
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Leadership secrecies with oil Everything in the conduct of this nation’s business is sealed in secrecy. Everything of substance, that have significant meanings and implications for the ordinary Guyanese man and woman, qualifies for being hidden away from the attentions of citizens high and low. Though we have written about it before, secrecy in national governance is simply something that cannot be spoken of in passing, and then left alone. Secrecies, as practised by powerful political leaders, must be exposed at every opportunity, which is why we speak of it again today. There are parts in the conduct of the business of the State that must be kept under wraps, with only very few people knowing. We understand that, and so do most reasonable people. But some of the pieces of information that are being withheld under the tightest lock and key by the PPP Government from the eyes and minds of Guyanese do not fall into any such category. For emphasis, we repeat this simple position of ours, because it is so far-reaching, so full of meaning: the information relative to some of the developments in the handling of this country’s business do not qualify for marking as secret, or with the name of its little brother, confidential. The related information fits into the classification of what every Guyanese needs to know. On the one hand, and from the perspective of citizens, it is material enough to their well-being and the burdens of their present and future’s existence, that they have a right to know; this is not as favour from leaders, but of what is due. While, on the other hand, from the perspectives of Government’s leaders, there should be nothing that is endangering to the welfare of the nation, or so revealing that it makes this country’s inside affairs subject to manipulations and possibly costly disadvantages. Now, we at this publication will lay out the broad specifics regarding some of the information components withheld, wrapped in leadership secrecies, and let others be the judge. We will insert our take, but will do so in a measured manner that leaves room for other thinking, similarly reasonable, because such is founded on commonsense and life’s accepted norms. There have been continuous issues by many from numerous quarters with what is nothing less than a criminal oil contract, as executed by the previous Coalition Government. The current PPP/C Government came into office and promised (it did more than that, indeed, its leaders committed repeatedly) to be open and on the table with future oil arrangements and the surrounding details. But no sooner had the words passed their lips than they closed up shop, and transformed into stonewalls of tomblike silence. The President, the Vice President, and the Minister of Natural Resources Minister all, at different times and different forums, committed to information sharing. Then, they turned right around and ate their words, as though they never said it, such never existed, and even if it did, it meant something else. Something totally different, as in the opposite, namely, sharing became withholding, transparency converted into secrecy. And this is with a focus on oil only. We have had the Payara report that political leaders in the driver’s seat committed (now the dirtiest of words) to delivering in short order. It has been a long wait, and we are still at a loss, as to why whatever it contains has to be hidden. The Payara report should have offered PPP leaders in government, the opportunity to level the playing a tad more in Guyana’s favour. Moreover, it could have opened the eyes of hopeful Guyanese that, finally, there is a government (the PPP), and an oil leader (the Vice President) who is working tirelessly and honestly and powerfully on their behalf. All of this is lost, because secrecy reigns. It is the same thick secrecy with audit and local content reports that are kept away from Guyanese, as though they are dark documents that will imperil this society. It is of expenses that citizens have to pay, either in taxes levied later, or lesser oil profits and local content priorities that never trickle down to them. Secrecies like these are beyond explanation, lack foundation. Such secrecies are killing us.
Tuesday September 28, 2021
An audit is needed on wealth accumulation of Govt. officials Dear Editor, At the rate some government officials are accumulating wealth, before this term of office is over, they will be billionaires in American dollar terms. Not too long ago, money disappeared from the scrap metal royalties – did the money end up in Dubai or a
nearby country or in the US, UK, Canada? I appeal to the Foreign Embassies in Guyana to please have an audit done on wealth accumulation of ministers of government and other high officials in their respective countries. Is it possible to also find out how much wealth
(properties, businesses, and cash) is stored in Middle Eastern countries where there is virtually no access to information? Secrecy of wealth, illgotten loot and money laundering are highly protected in the Middle East. Is Guyana’s wealth and gold money invested or
stored in the Middle East? Is this why we are very cozy with Middle Eastern countries? Once the information on wealth accumulation of government officials is obtained, can it be publicly released? Yours truly, Jillian Adams
Stirrings of an opposition in Guyana – really? Dear Editor, I wrestle with two recent developments in the local political-personal complex. Two fringe parties suddenly found voice to signal that they are still alive, and they may not have sold out entirely. The operative combination of words is ‘may not’ which expresses where I stand. First, there was the esteemed Hon. Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly stirring from his lengthy slumber to write the Clerk of said Assembly about fair and equitable budgetary allocations for all opposition members. I am intrigued by this reconstruction of himself by the Hon. Deputy Speaker, who disappointed followers by showing up in the ranks of other political betrayers of Guyanese
voters. I recognise that this fine son of the soil is as good a political actuary as w e h a v e had, with his behind-the-scenes insurance coverage prior to the sharing out of the post-election prizes. With this latest development, my position is cynical and sharp: He certainly knows how to weigh the odds, count the costs, and nuance his timings. The questions being worked through are: what is he is angling for this time? What did he not get, that prompted him to this step? And how is he going to end up over time. It is obvious that the Deputy Speaker is not happy with his lot of the loot; so, in characteristic fashion, he sets out to right the scales. Suddenly, he is about what he should have been for from Day One: good governance, as compelled by a good opposition. He was not, still
isn’t. That is, unless there is something in it for him. Then, came ANUG, out of the blue admittedly, to call for that peculiar Guyanese institution: an inquest into the Boston/Dartmouth killing. I say ‘peculiar’ because inquests are really exercises in political leadership hypocrisy and official coverup. We have repeatedly gotten perfumed versions of what occurred in prior situations. Men who don’t recall (selectively), files that are incomplete (conveniently), and interested parties that disappear (mysteriously). Like the Deputy Speaker, ANUG big shots took the “moolah” and made for still richer pastures: one as an advisor, the other as favoured procurator. Some gifts I would refuse, no matter how longed-for, waited-upon; and particularly when such come from men
who abandon their former heroes and gods (Marx and Lenin, I say Jagan, too), as though they were used condoms. Now, I have another confession to make. Unlike the Deputy Speaker, I did have some hopes for this strange gang of less than a handful called ANUG. I felt that it could make a difference, be a real bona fide contributor. It just goes to sho w how dumb I am, too, that I couldn’t even recognise what Guyana was dealing with, when all was pontificated and deducted: the same crowd of old-time political hustlers, only with shiny faces and verbal uniforms to clothe their naked political infirmities. Hence, the conclusion: no political opposition. The official one is dead; the pretended one is in bed. Guess with whom? Sincerely, GHK Lall
A call for closing of bars and clubs, almost all violating COVID-19 protocols Dear Editor, Let me begin by commending the Government of Guyana and the Minister of Health for their efforts thus far in managing the COVID19 situation in Guyana. The Government has made available a variety of COVID-19 vaccines available to all and has managed to operationalise the Infectious Disease Hospital in a short space of time to assist in the fight against this pandemic. Further, I would also like to commend the Government for the COVID-19 Cash Grant. In these trying times, it’s refreshing to know you have a Government that cares. With that said, I move on the National COVID-19 Taskforce, the body who was given the power by the President to craft the policies and restrictions for us to follow during the time of this pandemic and to plead my case to them. I noticed that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and several businessmen and women, particularly those
who operate bars were the ones petitioning the Taskforce to allow for the reopening of businesses. Further, these bars owners even petitioned for the curfew to be moved from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. I was in support of this, since these businesspeople made a compelling argument that they would follow all protocols, and even made some suggestions of their own. Also, the loss of income was starting to impact communities and families. However, this needs to be reassessed, now. Over the weekend, bars across Georgetown, East Coast, East Bank and in Region 3, were packed to maximum capacity, no one wearing masks, s o m e p l a c e s n o t even requiring persons to produce proof of vaccination, all in breach of the COVID-19 G u i d elines, which were Gazetted for the month of September. What is very important to
note is that these bar owners/ operators and promoters/ party organisers go unpunished and, in my view, directly contribute to the raise and spread of COVID-19, since most of them close their bars at 9:30 PM. A few quick examples, the Altitude Bar located in Sandy Babb Street was overflowing with persons, not a soul with a mask on and they got away with it because they closed at 9:30. Similarly, an event was hosted at a ground on Carifesta Avenue, same situation. Another example, an event was hosted at Woolford Avenue and reports are that at least 40% of the attendees have now contracted COVID-19. Further, popular APNU supporter, now bar owner, James Bond, held a party at his bar and again, no requirement for proof of vaccination, no one wearing face masks, etc. I can go on and on, but I believe the point is made. Since June or July 2021, cases and the number of
deaths continue to rise daily. As I was writing this letter, the number of deaths was 762, while the number of active cases were over 4,000 from about one-third of the population tested. This should be of concern for any persons, yet everyone in Guyana is so relaxed as if we have beaten COVID-19. Every day in the newspapers, the Minister of Health is pleading with persons to take the vaccine and to observe the COVID19 Guidelines. As a result, I believe that the COVID-19 Taskforce should re-implement the closure of bars and all parties and such activities, until we have achieved desirable vaccination numbers and it is safe. In the current state, we are just putting an entire nation at risk by allowing these bars and clubs to be open without any monitoring to ensure they are following the protocols outlined. Yours truly, Rawle Nichols
Tuesday September 28, 2021
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Kaieteur News
Coalition claims of discrimination and extrajudicial killings are myths Dear Editor, The neo-Goebbelian tactics of the PNC and the AFC are once again surfacing with cries of racial discrimination, marginalistion of Afro-Guyanese and extra judicial killings. Guyanese are plain tired of listening to the same old lies being rehashed with the creation of imaginary political links to the PPP. All of these lies were sold to the public pre-2015, but these Coalition ‘salesmen’ are just relentless in their villainous pursuits to gain power at any and all costs. Guyana is never first! The Coalition needs to come to terms with the hard cold fact that a government is elected by the majority based on sound economic and social policies, which
foster a better standard of living for its people among other things. The achievement must speak for itself. Every Guyanese knew that the Coalition will never be re-elected for a second term because of its track record of squandermania, theft, wholesale corruption, the rising of the cost of living and growing unemployment. These ‘achievements’ are well-documented in the Auditor General’s Report and the Bank of Guyana Report each year from 2015 until the end of its term. The Coalition knew that its re-election will never take place, hence the many steps taken to rig the 2020 Elections even before it was due, for instance, the appointment of Retired Justice Patterson, the renewal
of Lowenfield’s contract and the appointment of Myers. They also placed a wrong bet on the appointment of Retired Justice Claudette Singh. There is no racial discrimination, and this is clearly manifested when one looks at the distribution of the various cash grants, employment opportunities, developmental works in the various communities and the equitable allocation of resources. The re-opening of the closed estates provides equal employment opportunities for all, regardless of race or political affiliation. I would like the Coalition to disprove this. Furthermore, at the last RDC Capital Budget proposal in Region 6, the Fyrish NDC, a PNC controlled NDC, was
SWAT SOPs were in place Dear Editor, I have followed with deep interest discussions in the media concerning the use of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit at Dartmouth, Essequibo and elsewhere between 2015 and 2019. On this occasion, what spurred my interest in the matter was the publication of a letter by a writer, who on September 24, 2021, declared; ‘Let me be pellucid. There is no written SOP in place for the Police SWAT Squad.’ Having regard to calls for a Coroner ’s Inquest and government’s commitment to conduct an impartial investigation into the Boston killing, I will restrict my contribution to clarifying whether or not the GPF’s SWAT unit has a written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). During my tenure as Minister of Home Affairs, I sought and got Cabinet’s approval to set up a SWAT unit within the Guyana Police Force. A contract was signed in October 2013 between the Government of Guyana and The Emergence Group (TEG) based in the USA in support of the Ministry of Home Affairs, to establish and train its first Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team; 27 ranks belonging to the GPF were interviewed and selected by a joint GPF/TEG management team. Following the launch of the team in February 2014, training began in earnest between March and May 2014, with graduations in specialized areas in between. In late April 2014, the Ministry wrote to the Commissioner of Police concerning the SOP for the SWAT unit. By June 2014, TEG completed and submitted the first draft of
SWAT’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to me, the then PS, MOHA and the then CoP GPF. In its overview of the SOP, TEG declared; ‘The SWAT Team is a specially selected and trained group of men and women that provides a concentration of resources and expertise at a level that could not be achieved as easily or effectively by conventional uniformed officers or fugitive investigators. It is the desire of the Guyana Police Force to have proper tactical options readily available to handle situations, for which the need for special training and tactics may arise.’ TEG continued; ‘The Guyana Police Force recognises that SWAT operations are inherently hazardous, and that successful resolution of an incident may involve decisions that affect the lives and safety of all persons involved.’ The SWAT unit SOP refers to its Mission, Joint Operation Command, Risk Management, Organisational Structure, Personnel Positions and Duty Descriptions, Crisis
Negotiations, Logistics, Technical Operations, Training, After Action Reports, Equipment Management, Use of Force, Use of Force Investigation and Protocols and Priority of Life. The 24-page SOP was submitted to the Ministry FOR INFORMATION, along with a request by the then CoP for ‘approval for the SOP to be named Standing Order No. 109 in accordance with the Police Act.’ The Ministry granted approval for the SOP to be named Force Standing Order No. 109 in accordance with the Police Act. The rest was left to the then Commissioner of Police. What is passing strange, if not troubling, was to learn seven years later and having been deployed on several occasions in Regions 2,4 and 6 and with the approval of three Commissioners of Police that ‘There is no written SOP in place for the Police SWAT squad.’ Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee Former Minister of Home Affairs
allocated over $200 million, whilst Port Mourant and Kilcoy/Hampshire were allocated far less. Res ipsa loquitur -The facts speak for themselves. At the meeting to approve this Budget, the Coalition’s Councillors fully endorsed it, since each NDC received a fair share. No one spoke about discrimination. This undeniable fact is mirrored in the National Budgets, which ensure that each and every Guyanese and every community are treated fairly, and the resources are equitably distributed. Let the Coalition prove otherwise. Furthermore, if any a person feels marginalised then that is based solely on his/her choice not to work or to be engaged in gainful employment. Marginalisation in Guyana is more of a myth propagated by the Coalition than a reality. A man cannot want to party every night and wants his life to be better. Those who are unwilling to make sacrifices do suffer. Achievements are born out of sacrifice. During the
Coalition’s misrule, inequitable distribution was the order of the days as they ensure that their support base received the lion’s share of the resources. The Coalition is once again propagating its ‘theory’ that extra-judicial is linked to the PPP/C. During its 5-year term in Government, the Coalition had all the opportunities available to them to prove this ‘theory’ correct but they could not have done that. A PNC member provided the worst excuse for this. He claimed people fear giving evidence against death squad members. He was quoted as saying that ‘You are not going to get people that easily to go and give evidence out of fear. Don’t forget that a lot of people are afraid. You have to do thorough investigations and, hopefully, with improved investigative capacity etc. We would be able to deal with those matters and many of them who still exist’. Why is it that the Coalition Government never used
resources available to them to ‘improve the investigative capacity of the GPF? The answer is simple. There was no link to the PPP; hence, there was no need to investigate further. Does anyone think that the Coalition would have squandered an opportunity to prove this link? Absolutely NOT! I fully endorsed His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali’s statement of finality when he said that ‘The propaganda that was used in the past about extra-judicial killing was dismantled.’ It is time for the Coalition to sing a new tune. The Leader of the Opposition and his team should engage their time and effort in meaningful debate and give support to policies, which foster the socioeconomic development of our country. The Opposition should not squander this opportunity to prove to the people that Guyana is first and desist from creating racial schisms. Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
Every day needs to be child protection day Dear Editor, In September, we celebrate Amerindian Heritage Month, Education Month and Child Protection Month. All of these celebrations focus largely on children and adults’ roles in safeguarding and supporting the development and protection of children. Whilst as a society, we have made some progress in highlighting the harm that children face and critically acknowledging the increasing number of reported abuse cases against children, we nonetheless recognise that every day needs to be child protection day, and every opportunity can be a learning experience for children to ensure that more adults are taking responsibility for providing adequate care and support to children.
This year as we observe and host various activities to highlight education and protection, we recognised how critical it is to have good safeguards in place which becomes particularly helpful in dire situations. Heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, we can only imagine the difficulties faced by parents who are separated from their children due to work and other reasons; ranging from finding trustworthy caregivers to ensuring that the children are keeping up with the new responsibilities placed on their shoulders, especially in the area of education. Over the years, services aimed at safeguarding children have been promoted and encouraged through partnerships. However, fundamental services, which are specific to the needs of
children and parents, have been highlighted by the voices of parents and children alike through various forum. Many concerns are being raised especially where children and parents may not have been included in the considerations when facilitating these decisions. Parents have been, over the past few months, lamenting on access to key services for children, particularly in the areas of education and social services that have been impacted in many ways as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The implications for parents and children range from parents’ inability to take care of their children, as it relates to adequate supervision, guidance and employment. As a result, children are vulnerable to varying forms of abuse including sexual abuse. There is a need for a sense (Continued on page 6)
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday September 28, 2021
Consider relief Many Guyanese have short memories; for COVID victims they must be reminded Dear Editor, The state has given flood relief grants to affected households and stimulus grants to all families plus educational grants, pension grants, and several other handout outs. May I suggest that government considers giving grant to “uninsured” victims or families of those infected and or who died from COVID-19. COVID within a family may prevent the breadwinner from earning an income, not totally dissimilar to how the flood prevented farmers from earning an income. Some households lost the sole breadwinner to COVID-19. A grant of say $25K would help alleviate difficulties in a household in the short-term. In the US and other developed countries, grants are not provided to victims of COVID. However, in the US, the government provides a funeral grant to families of up to US$10K upon submission of the necessary documents. Government and NGOs have also been doling out the equivalent of food hampers including hot meals on a regular basis. No one is excluded. For the really needy or affected, hot meals are delivered at home for free.
A token grant cannot address a family’s financial needs during the pandemic, but it nevertheless provides immediate succour to families that have been affected by a loss of income of breadwinners and or other productive members. The current third wave of the pandemic is raging across the country. No other scourge in living memory has taken such a huge a toll of 700 dead and over 30K infected in 18 months. The proposed ex gratia outlay would be small in the coming budget but it would help many families. As an aside, to mitigate future natural disasters (like flooding) and pandemics, government should set up risk insurance for businesses and workers as is done in developed countries. Workers in the US and in developed countries (including their overseas territories like in the Caribbean) received some 60 percent of their income as a result of loss of jobs over the last 18 months. In the US, the payments come from the government’s unemployed insurance fund. A similar fund can be considered for poor countries like Guyana. Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram
Dear Editor, As the famous proverbial phrase reminds us, ”old habits die hard.” This is simply defining or referring to the PPP/C Regime. From August 2, 2020, nothing has changed from their initial twenty-three (23) years, preMay 2015. Many Guyanese have short memories; therefore, it is necessary to remind them of the many a t r o c i t i e s committed by the PPP regime. The leadership of the PPP/C constantly boast of being democratic, transparent, accountable and professes to be w i t h o u t “ s i n . ” Yet, the scripture reminds us in John 8:7, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone ...” Can those in the leadership affirm this? Honest opinion, they cannot! The PPP/C regime barefacedly violates and tramples the Laws of our Land, and this has gotten worse since their instalment into government. The Laws of Guyana are clear and should be upheld by ALL. Therefore, good governance, transparency and accountability cannot be selective, especially by those in the seat of government. In examining the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act No. 20 of 2003, Section 67 (1) elucidates, “the Minister shall present to the National Assembly within sixty (60)
days after the first half-year of each fiscal year a report on the year-to-date execution of the annual budget and the prospect for the remainder of that fiscal year.” We are now in the last quarter of 2021, and the regime is yet to comply with Section 67(1) of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. As of September 22, 2021, it is precisely two hundred and four days (204) since the approval of the 2021 Estimates and Expenditures (budget). In retrospect, the sixty days (60) requirement for the tabling of the mid-year report has succeeded by one hundred and forty-two days (142). Therefore, Editor, the regime completely violates the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. Moreover, the National Assembly is currently in recess since August 10, 2021, and the mid-year report has not yet been tabled. Many have chastised the APNU+AFC Government for its style of governance of our beloved Nation. However, the Coalition’s policies were guided by the rule of law. Therefore, I can boast that the Coalition government addressed many of the debilitated policies and framework, which we inherited to put our Nation back on a positive and respected footing. I can only guess, with the country’s
Video evidence not taken into consideration Dear Editor, It is incomprehensible that with live video evidence available of the robbery of the off duty police officer and despite allegedly the haversack being found in his possession, the suspect was
released on bail (News Room, Sept 27). This is just bizarre as it seems the video evidence is not taken into consideration in arriving at the bail granting decision. Shamshun Mohamed
current state, Guyanese can decipher the better steward between the two governments to manage the affairs of Guyana. Editor, say what they want about the Coalition. During our tenure in government, former Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jordan, ensured compliance with Section 67 (1) of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. After every budget from 2015 to 2019, mid-year reports were laid in the National Assembly. I have no recollection of PPP/ C while in government before May 2015, had reports tabled, particularly for 2012 to 2014, since I was part of the tenth Parliament. As a legislature with basic knowledge in economics, our nation’s economy’s outlook is troubling. It is underperforming, and the expectations of exponential economic growth seem to be a long way ahead. The 2021 budget theme, “A path to recovery: Economic Dynamism and Resilience,” was full of expectations. However, the Nation awaits the tabling of the overdue mid-year report to critically and thoroughly examine the performance of all the sectors. This delay makes one assume that performance
across the sectors may be abysmal. Hence, the withholding of a detailed report on Guyana’s Economic Performance for 2021. Several International Financial Organisations projected exponential growth for Guyana during the first and second quarters; CARICOM Business Newsletter, Vol., 4 No. 13 (April 2021) reported that Guyana is projected to have a 26.0% at the end of 2021. In June 2021, World Bank projected a 20.9%, while IMF projected a 16.4% for 2021. May I remind the PPP/C regime of their obligation to the people of this land to inform them of the country’s economic performances relative to the projections? I close by reminding the PPP/C Regime that as a group that conveniently lauds the word ‘democracy,’ however, they should consider practising true democracy, which is accountability to the people. I, therefore, call on Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh, to uphold the tenets of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, specifically related to the matter, ventilated and table the mid-year report of 2021 to the National Assembly. Yours in service, Ms. Annette Ferguson Member of Parliament – APNU+AFC
...Every day needs to be child protection From page 5 of returning to normalcy for the families. This can be achieved through decisions that are not too disruptive to children and their families’ everyday lives. Critically, the decisions on when and how often children should be in school, particularly young children, must consider supporting working parents, who are looking for safe places to leave their children. Hence, there is a need for the
inclusion of parents’ concerns in these decisions, as these policies will affect their everyday lives and safeguard children. “Together let’s keep them safe!”- Child Protection Week, 2021 Best regards, ChildLinK Inc. NGO National Coordinating Coalition Inc SASOD Guyana Patentia Achievers SOCDA
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 Tuesday September 28, 2021
Kaieteur News
The Minister of Health says that over US$5000 (more than GY$1M) is being spent for each hospitalised COVID-19 patient. If all that million plus is spent on patient care, we would applaud it. But because Guyana has this long dirty history with money when politicians and bureaucrats are involved, we listen out for any whispers of skullduggery with the people's money. If spent totally on patients, which sounds reasonable, then we applaud.
But since patients and the public have long been shortchanged and shafted by Guyanese Governments, we find it hard to trust what politicians say in public. What is usually in private is a different story.
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Tuesday September 28, 2021
Guyana's oil boom leads to highest incoming traffic in Caribbean B
etween 2013 and 2018, travellers f r o m t h e Caribbean were recorded as having the highest increase in migration to Guyana when compared to those from
Venezuela, Europe, and the United States of America (USA). This is according to a recent report from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) titled
…as US State Dept. predicts 160,000 jobs in coming years Planning for Prosperity: Labour Migration and Guyana's Emerging
Economy. The study was implemented by IOM in consultation with Project Development Consultancy, u n d e r t h e We s t e r n Hemisphere Program (WHP), and was funded by the US Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. The study was a first of its kind that investigated how labour management and labour migration, with an emphasis on fair and ethical recruitment, factor into Guyana's future considering the recent economic growth due to its new petroleum sector. The report was launched, this past week, during a virtual and in-person seminar at the Pegasus Hotel, with participants from the study including the private sector, government agencies and international community. The report also revealed a steady increase of travel to Guyana from the Caribbean with Trinidad and Tobago, followed by Haiti and Suriname, having the highest inflows to the country between 2018 and 2020. It was noted too that in 2018, persons arriving and departing Guyana from the Caribbean numbered 137,433, while persons from the United States, the next largest travel group for that
period, amounted to 89,456. “The labour study attributes these travel trends to Guyana's emergent oil and gas industry, and subsequent sectors, where it is estimated that up to 160,000 jobs will be in demand in the coming years, far beyond the supply available in Guyana.” Such findings, according to IOM Guyana Chief of Mission and Coordination Officer for the Caribbean, Robert Natiello, indicate that the dynamics of migration in Guyana are changing as the country is positioned to be one of the largest oil producing countries in the Western Hemisphere. The IOM official explained that Guyana's main assets have traditionally been its natural and agricultural resources, which continue to be key contributors to the country's e c o n o m y. H o w e v e r, Guyana's labour force will be transformed to help supply the demand in the oil and gas and peripheral sectors. “As the labour force in Guyana is expected to be transformed…The Guyana labour migration study highlights that the demand for labour in the mediumterm will not only come from the oil and gas sector but also from peripheral sectors such as construction, hospitality and tourism,” said the Chief of Mission.
He added that, based on these findings, it is imperative to engage the private sector, and other stakeholders on labour migration and ethical recruitment as they will directly be impacted by this transformation. Following the presentation of results by lead research consultant, Richard Rambarran, a panel discussion was conducted to provide a better understanding of how different actors view their role in the development, management and governance of labour and migration in Guyana. Panelists included Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, Private Sector Commission Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Capital, Jairam Petam, International Labour Organisation Specialist, Francesco Carella, and IOM Specialist, Michela Macchiavello. The facilitated discussion engaged the private sector, government agencies and other stakeholders on the recent findings of the new labour m i g r a t i o n s t u d y, t h e transformation of labour in Guyana as a result of the growth in the oil and gas sector, and the important role labour migration will play in the transformation of the Guyanese economy.
The Panel discussion on the Guyana Labour Study: (from left) IOM Specialist, Michela Macchiavello, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, Private Sector Commission Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Capital, Jairam Petam, Facilitator and IOM Programme Support Officer for the Caribbean, Brendan Tarnay, and (on screen) International Labour Organisation Specialist, Francesco Carella.
Tuesday September 28, 2021
Kaieteur News
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The public health system is in crisis O
ne of Guyana's foremost visual artists wrote a heart-rending letter in yesterday's edition of the country's daily newspapers. He related that recently he suffered a 'stroke' and was admitted to a private hospital. But not being a person of means, he had to request a self-discharge because he could not afford to be hospitalised at the private hospital. The doctor attending to him offered to refer him to the Georgetown Public Hospital whose services are free. But the artist, despite suffering a life-threatening sickness, opted not to go. He explained that his mother died because of poor care at the GPHC and he does not intend to go down that way. As such, he made a plea for assistance. His story is the plight of many, who are forced to seeking medical treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. It is either these patients go to the GPHC or return home and die. Not much of a choice there! The GPHC is a nightmare institution and has been that way for a long time. The service is lousy, and if you are admitted to a ward, your family had better be prepared to come and check-up on you regularly. The GPHC is not singular in this regard. The GPHC is symptomatic of the state of Guyana's public health institutions. No wonder there is such a
Dem
boys seh...
D
em Boys come across wan article but nah know weh it come from. But it suh nice and appropriate fuh Guyana dat dem boys gat fuh share it with y'all. Dem boys wan yuh fuh read and think bout it De question fuh answer is: “Wat is de difference between wan 'Ordinary' Tief (OT) and a 'Political' Tief (PT)?” First, de 'ordinary' tief does steal yuh money, yuh bag, yuh watch, yuh gold chain, yuh cell phone, yuh
high level of lack of public confidence in the public health system. People with the means to pay for treatment do not usually go to the GPHC. It may cost them a leg and fortune but they prefer to do so than to endure the tribulations and hassles associated with seeking public health care. If a comparison is made between the public healthcare system and the private healthcare system, it would be recognised that in terms of treatment here is not much difference. The public health system and the private hospitals are virtually on par when it comes to the quality of the treatment given. But where the difference lies is in the quality of service, the waiting time, nursing care and access to diagnostic services. When it comes to these four areas, the private healthcare system is leaps ahead of the public healthcare system. There is a certain private hospital in Georgetown. If your bank book is not fat, do not go there. You have to pay for everything and the service does not come cheap. But the service is topclass. From the moment you step through the door, you are attended to by a courteous and helpful nurse of assistance. In contrast, when you turn up to a public hospital, you are ignored. You stand there and nobody comes and asks how they can help. You look around hoping that you will catch the attention of one of the staff members. But they look through you as
if you are an open door. Then when you do ask someone for assistance, they shout at you and tell you to go and sit on the bench. And you sit and sit and wait and wait for hours until finally you get the service and then you have to go and do tests and sit and sit and wait. When that is finished, you have sit and sit and wait until the test results are returned. Then you have to sit and sit and wait and wait to see the doctor again. And then when he is finished, you are sent to the pharmacy and there is another wait there. This is the merry-go-around to which you are subjected to at public healthcare institutions. If the government wants to reform the public health system, it has to begin looking at the quality of the service the patient receives prior to and after seeing a doctor. Once you fix that, there will be an improvement in public confidence. But unless the ill-mannered staff members become more courteous and helpful, the private health care system will continue to thrive. There was a poor woman who used to have to attend a clinic at a public institution. She suffered from hypertension. And every time, her clinic day approached, her pressure would skyrocket. The reason for this is just thinking about what she will have to endure at the clinic, stressed the woman out. But if she had money, she could go to a private hospital.
De difference between an ordinary tief and a political tief money, etc. But de 'political' thef does snatch yuh future, yuh career, yuh education, yuh health and yuh business. Second, de 'ordinary' tief does decide who to rob. But as strange as it sound, you yuhself does pick de 'political' tief to rub yuh. Yo u d o e s p i c k d e political tief – de same person wah gan snatch yuh future from you and yuh children. Third, de police does chase de 'ordinary' tief. He gan go after he with all he
gat. But de police does protect de 'political' tief. De political tief nah gat to run and hide. Fourth, we does cuss down and want beat de 'ordinary' tief. When we catch de ordinary tief, it does be blows fuh so and nuff bad words. But we does fight one another over de 'political' tief. So answer me fass, who civilised and who is de jacka#*$? Talk half and laugh at de other half.
There is a lot of money being made by private healthcare providers. And the doctors within the public health system who moonlight at these hospitals are smiling all the way to the bank. There is a symbiotic relationship between the public health system and the private healthcare system.
The problems of the former are allowing the latter to expand. The more problems the public healthcare system have, the more money the private doctors and hospitals will rake in. And while at present, the treatment between public healthcare and private health care institutions is comparable, in the long-
term, the public health system is going to decline to the point where it might collapse. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Tuesday September 28, 2021
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Amanza Walton Desir versus Sherwood Lowe
I
came home from walking with my dog and saw my wife flicking the TV channels, so I asked her to continue so I could see if there were matches in the English Premier League. I wanted to know if Ronaldo was playing. So I stumbled on a programme featuring the usual suspect, David Hinds. He had with him Aubrey Norton and Amanza WaltonDesir (AWD). This lady is barefaced. I would hope by
now African-Guyanese have seen through AWD. She was fulminating against the government urging people to denounce “this installed regime.” I must have done six columns (please Google them using her name) on AWD proving the complete invalidity in her pronouncement that Indians cannot think for themselves, they are a mentally lazy people so they swallow the things the PPP told them and is telling them.
There is some understanding if an academic had made that adumbration. Academics will go in iconoclastic directions and at the end of the day, you throw up your hand in despair and yell out, “he has to prove that theory.” This is what academics do and they have to prove their revisionist interpretations. The “mentally lazy” pronouncement of AWD became egregious because she belongs to a predominantly ethnic organisation and represents that party in parliament. That party, along with its rival on the other side of the ethnic fence – the PPP – has been trying for the past 70 years to capture the imagination of their supporters and they both sermonise them with their own theories. It is simply a moral wrong to accuse the leadership of one of those ethnic outfits that they are fooling their constituents when you are doing the same. This is the cul-de-sac AWD ended up in and for
some strange reason, there wasn't an investigation by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) into her misdeed even though when I first exposed AWD, I received an email from the head of the media monitoring unit asking for the tape. His name is Remington Eastman and here is what he wrote to me: “The program will be analyzed in its entirety, and if found to be in breach of any of the statutory laws governing the peddling of racism in the country, a wider investigation into the matter will be done by the ERC. Rest assured that the findings of any investigation and the action(s) taken by the ERC on issues brought before the Commission are always made public and are a matter of public record. This issue will follow the same guidelines and be given due process.” I never heard back from the gentleman. AWD did the great escape. But this is Guyana. AWD has not stopped her approach to African Guyanese. She said on the programme that the government was installed. That is not true. That cannot be proven. People voted out the APNU+AFC in an
election that no country's leadership in the entire world, Frederick Kissoon no country's lawmaker, not even I am reproducing what one, on the globe and no recognised international Mr. Lowe penned in a recent organisation has even hinted letter: “The coalition must that the election results was confront the reality that a majority of its supporters questionable. Hakeem Jeffries, the have accepted, at various Black congressman, who stages since March 2020 that was seen in a photograph it lost the last election with AWD at the New York properly. Should the coalition rally of the PNC diaspora leaders therefore admit rally, has not helped her electoral defeat, expect no party's crusade. great drama and trauma He has issued no statement rejecting the among party supporters. The results of the elections. Why claims of “cheated not is AWD telling Black people defeated” have long worn in this country that the thin. Most supporters now see current administration was installed? I am saying with it as only political posturing pellucid enormity that is r a t h e r t h a n a s i n c e r e assertion.” fooling people. Why has Mr. Lowe gone C o n t r a s t t h e demagoguery of AWD with in this direction? Because he the observance of Sherwod probably told himself that he Lowe. Mr. Lowe's PNC is not a party leader and he is c r e d e n t i a l s n e e d n o not prepared to fool people expounding on. He was a that support the party that he supports too. AfricanPNC parliamentarian. Guyanese are not mentally His political loyalties are lazy. They must choose the to the PNC and they are conspicuously contained in intellectual mind of Lowe his letter to the newspaper over the conspiratorial the past 20 years. I worked as instinct of AWD. (The views expressed in a fellow academic with Mr. Lowe at UG and I would this article are those of the classify his politics as a u t h o r a n d d o n o t African-driven and pro- necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) PNC.
Tuesday September 28, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday September 28, 2021
GuySuCo staffers protest payments to 'top brass' …as field, factory workers get ignored S
everal workers of the Skeldon Estate supported by the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) yesterday staged a picketing outside of the estate calling on the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to end its discriminatory benefits practices. According to GAWU in a public missive yesterday, “the workers are protesting a decision by the sugar company to pay gratuity to employees at the managerial, supervisory, and clerical levels while denying similar payments to workers employed in the field, factory, and allied areas.” The union said, “The workers are at a loss for the Corporation's decision for their exclusion. They charged that they, like the other benefitting groups, were offered fixed-term contracts and, therefore, see no reason for them not to benefit from the payments awarded to the other workers.” According to GAWU, “having learnt of the situation, GAWU addressed the matter with the GuySuCo Head Office.”
As such, the union reported that despite several rationale arguments advanced, the sugar company by letter of September 23, 2021, said it “could not agree to offer similar benefits to the workers.” G AW U s a i d , “ N o r e a s o n o r explanation was provided by the Corporation for its decision and that the workers having learnt of the Corporation's adamancy on the matter became deeply upset and felt cheated. They indicated to GAWU that they felt lesser to their colleagues at the other levels of the estate.” It was noted that in the meantime, “GAWU is advancing its representation and will seek the involvement of the Ministry of Labour through conciliation.” According to the GAWU missive, “the Union and the workers also urge GuySuCo to soberly review its position and to treat all workers equally. Indeed, we believe given the relevant sections of the Prevention of Discrimination Act such call is not unfair or imprudent.”
Workers employed at the Skeldon Factory picket what they consider discrimination
Foreigners pelt teacher with Knife bandit caught on bottle after owner closes bar camera robbing cop,
A
2 9 - y e a r- o l d teacher was pelt to the head with a glass bottle while he was out drinking with his friends at a bar located at Leonora, West Coast Demerara last Sunday. According to reports, the victim and three of his friends were at a bar having a drink when, around 21:00hrs, the bar owner notified them that he was ready to close due to the
COVID-19 curfew. The bar owner then proceeded to another table where a group of men and women, believed to be foreign nationals, were gathered speaking in a foreign language to enlighten them about his decision to close. Upon doing so, the four men and two women started to behave in a disorderly manner. As a result, the teacher went over to them
and asked that they desist from behaving in such a manner. A scuffle then ensued between the victim and one of the suspects, causing his chain to burst and his T-shirt to damage. The owner then became angry with the foreigners and proceeded to put them out of his premises. The four men in retaliation started to pelt glass bottles, one of which hit the victim on his
forehead. Subsequently, they entered a white Toyota 192 and made good their escape. The victim then made a report at the Leonora Police Station where he was handed a medical certificate and escorted to the Leonora Cottage Hospital for medical examination. He was seen and examined by a doctor on duty, treated and sent away. Checks were made for the suspects but they were not found.
gets $300,000 bail Charged, Shamar Davis
A
lleged cop robber, 21-yearold Shamar Davis, a mason of Guyhoc Squatting Area, Georgetown, yesterday made his first court appearance for two armed robbery charges and was placed on $300,000, bail. The alleged serial robber appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts. He denied the charges that were read to him. The first charge alleges that on September 24, 2021 at Water Street, Georgetown, while being armed with a knife, he robbed off-duty cop, Rohan Persaud, of two cell phones valued $62,000, a
haversack valued $8000 and $70,000 in cash. Kaieteur News had reported that on the day in question, around 06:45hrs, Davis was caught on camera in front of Muneshwers Limited on Water Street robbing the policeman of his belonging. He was seen wrestling Persaud to the ground. It was reported that while the policeman was walking towards the bus park, the defendant, armed with a large knife, was seen running behind him before grabbing his haversack. He managed to corner the cop close to one of the stalls (continued on page 16)
Tuesday September 28, 2021
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Tuesday September 28, 2021
Bandits assault Berbice Woman before court for misappropriating friend's ranger, wife in $5M Superbet jackpot home invasion
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o l i c e a r e investigating an alleged robbery under arms that occurred at Plantation Warren, No.19 Village, Corentyne Berbice on Sunday at 18:30hrs. The victims have been identified as 58-year-old Franklin Baker called "Frankie" and his 68-yearold wife, Lilowttie Baker. Kaieteur News was informed that two masked men, one armed with a cutlass and another with a gun, had confronted Frankie at his gate as he was about to exit. According to Lilowttie, "Last night me and my husband were sitting down and then my husband said he was going to see if Noel put a watchman on the hymac and he came out and approached the gate and opened it and came back for the cycle. Me barely see the cutlass hoist up and dem ah push in back Frankie in the yard." The woman said her husband asked the men, "Wah happen to ayuh bai? Wah happen?" before one of the men held the cutlass to his neck and the other held a gun to her head. Lilowttie said her husband held onto the cutlass, which caused him to
Franklin Baker
Lilowttie Baker receive a wound to the left palm of his hand. He then shouted for help from his neighbours but the bandits quickly pulled him into the house and dealt him several cuffs about his body. The bandit with the gun then pushed Lilowttie to the ground and demanded that she handed over her earrings and other jewellery that she was wearing. She complied even as her husband was relieved of what he had. The woman disclosed that it was her brother-in-law
who caused the bandits to panic when he used his cutlass to hit a canter truck that was parked on the road. They escaped into the backlands, as a result. Both victims were escorted to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where they were treated and sent away. Among the items taken by the bandits were one Samsung Galaxy cellular phone valued $40,000, two pairs of gold earrings valued $20,000, one gold bangle valued $80,000 and one Samsung cellular phone valued $50,000. Police said checks were made for the perpetrators but there were no sightings. An investigation is ongoing.
Fight over dog in bed leaves one dead
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etectives investigating the murder of Pradesh Ramgobin, 33, also known as Avinash, have learnt that he might have been killed in a fight over a dog in a bed. At least this is what the prime suspect in his murder told them while being questioned. Relating this bit of information to Kaieteur News was Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum. The suspect is an acquaintance of Ramgobin and was the first to notify the man's relatives that he was dead. Ramgobin was found dead in the suspect's home located at Hope Estate, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Wednesday last around 09:00hrs. While being interrogated, the suspect claimed that a fight had ensued between them at his home sometime after they had returned from a “lime” a short distance from
Dead, Pradesh Ramgobin his home. The suspect alleged that it started after he had thrown a dog on the bed where Ramgobin was reportedly sleeping. Ramgobin, the suspect continued, had lashed him first to his left foot and right hand with a cutlass. He further alleged that it was during the fight that Ramgobin fell to the floor and remained motionless.
Crime scene experts, who had examined Ramgobin's remains at the crime scene, had reported that it bore two chop wounds and other injuries. Additionally, they noted that the body was found clad in a blue underwear lying on a bed surrounded by blood. Ramgobin was last seen alive last Tuesday leaving his home around 17:00hrs to go to the “lime” with friends. Police had reported that he would normally consume alcohol with his associates but when he failed to return that evening, his mother became worried. The following day around 08:30hrs, the suspect visited her home and informed her that her son was dead. She, along with other relatives, reported what they were told to police and ranks were dispatched to location where Ramgobin's remains were.
57-year-old businesswoman is currently before the court for misappropriating her friend's $5M Superbet Jackpot. The defendant, Wendy Callender, a resident of Lot 1743 Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, was charged last Friday with larceny by bailee – which simply means that she was solely entrusted with money to carry out a specific task but fraudulently converted the cash to her own benefit. She made her appearance at the Wales Magistrate's Court on Friday before Magistrate, Faith McGusty, and pleaded not guilty to the offence which alleges that she fraudulently converted her friend, Devin John's Superbet Jackpot winnings to her own use. The Magistrate granted her $100,000 bail and she is expected to make her next court appearance on October 10, 2021. According to the facts of the matter, John, 36, is accusing Callender, who runs a Superbet Franchise at Tuschen, of betraying his trust by stealing his money. John claimed that he had played the Superbet Jackpot at Callender's business place and had won over $5M on September 9, last. He showed his ticket to the woman, and fearful that he might misplace it, he decided to leave it with her that day. The plan was that she would assist him the following day to cash the ticket at the Superbet's Head Office in Kingston, Georgetown. Things went according to plan and Callender and her son
The winner of the Superbet Jackpot, Devin John accompanied him in a taxi to transact the business. The taxi driver reportedly helped him to cash the ticket. After receiving the money, John alleged that he gave the taxi driver $21,000 for his assistance. John told investigators that he also gave Callender and her son $100,000 and $500,000 for their help too. According to John, he then headed to a store where he bought himself a cellular phone, a 32-inch smart TV and a small music player which totalled $140,000. They then travelled to Parika where his intention was to see if he could put the remainder of the cash into a bank account. However, this was not possible since he did not have an ID card. He claimed that Callender had offered to put it in her account but he did not agree to that. He, however, trusted her to keep the cash as he wanted use the money to complete his house.
Charged for misappropriating her friend's Superbet Jackpot, Wendy Callender Two days later, John related, he visited the woman's home with the taxi driver but she could not be found. Still not bothered, he decided to obtain an estimate for his home. He then made contact with woman who showed up some time after. However, when it was time to pay the contractors to do the job, Callender did not have the cash. When questioned further about the money, John said that she began making excuses that it was spent to purchase things for him. He claimed that when he asked for the receipts she could not produce them either. As a result, John was forced to report the matter to the police. Investigators turned up at the woman's home and, according to reports, all they found was $1M stashed in a safe. That sum was lodged at the Leonora Police Station and Callender was arrested.
Motorbike bandits caught on camera robbing woman at M&M’s kitchen door
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aptured on CCTV camera robbing a woman on Sunday last at the M&M Snackette’s kitchen door, were two motorbike bandits armed with a gun. The delinquents pounced on the woman around 08:30hrs on Sunday as she was making her way to work at a location in Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD). According to the woman, she was walking along the street located besides the snackette, just opposite
- Fired shot before escaping the Demerara Harbour Bridge, when she spotted the bandits heading towards her. As a result, the woman told Kaieteur News that she tried to seek refuge in the snackette’s compound. She recalled opening the gate of the snackette’s side entrance and waited a few minutes. Thinking that all was clear, she decided to step out but soon realized that the bandits were still there waiting to launch their attack. Upon seeing them, the
woman said that she turned back and ran into the compound. This time however, the bandits pursued her into the M&M’s premises and cornered her at the kitchen door. She said that she started to scream as they relieved her of her hand bag which contained her bus fare and cell phone. The employees at the snackette rushed to her assistance but the bandits reportedly fired a shot to scare them off as they escaped.
Tuesday September 28, 2021
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Judge to rule this week on DPP's appeal of Magistrate's decision O
n T h u r s d a y, Justice Franklyn Holder will rule on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, appeal of Senior Magistrate Leron Daly's decision to have former Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers' matters be tried indictably instead of summarily. The DPP had initiated legal proceedings in the High Court seeking orders to quash the Magistrate's decision to hold a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the electoral fraud case against Myers. According to the case which was filed on behalf of the DPP through attorneys, Darshan Ramdhani QC, Glenn Hanoman, Ganesh Hira, George Thomas and Mark Conway, the applicant seeks a declaration that the decision made by Magistrate, Daly to hold a PI into the misconduct allegations, engages the provisions of Article 144 of the Constitution with the likely result that the case may not be tried within a reasonable time. As such, the DPP asked for an order of certiorari to quash Daly's decision to hold a PI into Myers case on the grounds that it is irrational, ultra vires, illegal, without legal foundation, without
legal authority and contrary to natural justice. The DPP also seeks a declaration in accordance with the Judicial Review Act that in the circumstances of the charges, and in compliance with the constitution, that the two charges against Myers proceeds by way of summary trial. The DPP also asks that Magistrate Daly reconsider her discretion afresh under Section 61 of the Summary Jurisdiction Procedure Act Cap 10:02. On the grounds to support her application, the DPP relied on Article 187 of the Constitution, which she notes gives her office supervision over all criminal matters within Guyana. Further, the applicant explained that the charge against Myers is classified in criminal procedure as a 'hybrid offence,' which can be heard and determined indictable or summary – heard and determined by the Magistrate's Court. On February 11, 2021, the Magistrate ruled that the two charges for misconduct in public office against Myers will remain indictable which would require her to conduct a PI to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant a trial in the High Court. The charges against
Myers allege that between March 4 and March 14, 2020, in Georgetown, while being a public officer, she willfully misconducted herself together with Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, and others, to declare a fraudulent account of votes for the March 2020 General and Regional Elections which amounted to a breach of the public's trust in the office of the DCEO of GECOM. She is currently on $300,000 bail for the two cases. Magistrate Daly has since embarked on holding a PI to determine whether there is enough evidence against Myers for her to face trial in the High Court. The Magistrate had reasoned, inter alia, that the case should not be tried summarily “since the matter is a very serious matter.” In court documents, the DPP contends that the course of Magistrate Daly's action will lead to undue delay of the proceedings. According to the DPP, the Magistrate failed to consider that the High Court could impose no greater penalty than the Magistrate's Court on any conviction for the offences and erroneously preceded on the basis that the High Court could in certain circumstances impose a greater penalty for offences charged than was possible
2 cops found guilty of raping woman at Turkeyen Police Station
T
wo policemen were yesterday found guilty of raping a woman at the Turkeyen Police Station on January 1, 2018. The two convicts, Delon Chapman and Leon Ashby, who are no longer members of the Guyana Police Force, were found guilty of the rape by a mixed 12-member jury. Earlier this month, the men pleaded not guilty to the charge before Justice Joann Barlow when their trial commenced at the High Court in Georgetown.
However, at the conclusion of their trial yesterday, the jury found the men unanimously guilty of engaging in sexual penetration of a female without her consent. Following the guilty verdicts, Justice Barlow remanded them to prison until October 14 for sentencing, probation report, and victim impact statement. The two rape convicts were represented by lawyer Ravindra Mohabir, while State Counsel, Nafeeza Baig, led the case for the prosecution.
A c c o r d i n g t o information previously reported, the incident occurred when the woman went to the Turkeyen Police Station to make a report against an individual who had thrown a squib on her son. The victim had reported that Chapman and Ashby were on duty at the time. The woman claimed she asked to use the washroom which was at the top flat of the building and while there, the two officers attacked her, took turns in holding her down and raped her.
for a Magistrate to impose. The DPP said that the Magistrate in her ruling stated that the charges against Myers were serious and should be heard indictable, likening the offences to charges for robbery under-arms.
However, the DPP noted that the decision of Magistrate Daly offends Article 144 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, which provides that all Former Deputy Chief criminal cases should be Elections Officer (DCEO), afforded a fair hearing within Roxanne Myers. a reasonable time.
PAGE 16 WANTED
Poultry/Livestock Farmers.Live in accommodations (single person). Canal No.1 West Bank Demerara. Call:609-2995. LAND FOR SALE Versailles 61x123=7503sq ft, 18m not negotiable.No agents please. Tel: 600 6617.
SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Goodluck Electrical/Solar: Residential and commercial wiring,generator installation,AC installing etc.Tel:660-5796/673-8606. Appliance repairs/service for Refrigerator,Washing Machine, Stove, Treadmill, Dryer, Pressure pump, Oven, Deep Fryer.Call:694-9733.
Carmichael st, Queenstown, La Penitence, Kuru Kuru Soesdyke. Contact: Ray's Realty 627-9685.
FOR RENT One secured two bedroom apartment in B.Field Sophia. Contact Maureen 650-8827 & Colin 621-5781.
Business: Wellington St, South Road Georgetown, Paradise East Coast. Contact Appliance/equipment repairs Ray's Realty 627-9685. and service to Bakery, Restaurant,Hospital equip- 2 and 3 bedroom apartment ment, Remote gate, Backwash house unfurnish and furnish, & filtration system. Call:694- Vreed-en-hoop, Providence, Diamond. Call:604-6664,2169733. 2299. House plan drawing and estimate. Call K.Lakeram, Building Contractor 2160671,692-8464/Whatsapp 622-0267.
WANTED
FOR SALE
2 truck drivers to work in interior,must have knowledge about Foden trucks. $200,000 montly. Call:6422359.
Foreign use outboard Motors Yamaha 40HP, 50HP, 25HP,200HP.Selling cheap, 668-2541.
Wanted land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie or anywhere on the West Coast. Tel:673-7087. Truck Drivers,tutor for 10 yrs old.Contact:223-5273/74.
TO LET
Fitter/Machinist,Welder Fabricator, Mechanic, Apprentice. Apply in person at: Technical Services, Industrial Site Eccles.
Seamstres,Tailor wanted. One bedroom apartment with Tell:691-1918 whatsapp. bath & living room. Cummings Lodge E.C.D. Cook to work in interior. Call:222-0401 or 673-2467 Call:698-4064. whatsapp 516-805-2048. Experienced Canter Driver/ Expeditor $25,000 weekly. Call:675-0587/223-1229. Female counter clerk, Secondary education. Call:2260772. PROPERTY FOR SALE Robb,Charlotte,Norton Street,Kitty, Sheriff,Ogle, Betterhope,Enterprise & Diamond.Contact: Ray's Realty 627-9685.
Tuesday September 28, 2021
Kaieteur News
TRUCK DRIVERS TO WORK WITHIN THE INTERIOR. MUST KNOW TO OPERATE BEDFORD TM TRUCKS. CONTACT 2235273,223-5274. Security officers Male & Female 18+ Lamaha St,between Waterloo & Parade. Call:2234172. Male & Female worker for car wash in town.Call:669-4676.
Drivers license(with Motor Lorry).Tel:227-5286-9,6214992.email:survival. humanresources@gmail.com. Sawman,Pitman,Jetman,Cooks to work in the interior.Contact :223-5273/223-5274 Diesel Mechanic to work in the interior. Call:223-5273/ 223-5274. Excavator operators to work in the interior. Contact:2235273/223-5274. One experienced counter clerk between ages 30-40 at Sheriff St location.Call:6234242 or 666-3146. One night watchman Lilliendal area from 5PM5AM between 30-60 age. Call:623-4242 or 666-3146. Labourers to work on cash crop farm,Salary $4,500$6000 per day. Tel:695-6139/ 638-7420.
VACANCY Merchandiser,Factory Worker,Porters.Call:2277714/640-0673 or email info@vgiworld.com. Hotel Attendant & Receptionist. Call:231-0951/6400673oremail: info@ vgiworld .com. Driver & Porter to travel in and out of the interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call:231-2250. Vacancy for 1 professional and experience hairdresser located on East Bank Demerara Grove Market Street.Call:652-5800. Maid to cook and clean for East Bank.Call:615-9132. Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 25-45, Car/ Van licence. Call 642-9823. One clerk for Eccles office , grade 1 or 2 in Maths & English knowledge of Quickbooks. Call: 642-9823 oremail:techserigy @yahoo.com. Vacancy for: 1.Skilled Mason 2.Skilled Carpenter. Contact:602-9467,657-5800,6662857. Vacancy exist for maintenance workers and labourers. Contact:621-6969/ 615-7784. Farm workers in Timehri E.B.D,living accommodation provided.Tel:661-1585/6172032. Persons to assemble bicycle. Apply at Alabama Trading,65 Robb St Bourda.
Health Minister urges patients to report medical malpractices Minister of Health (MoH), Dr. Frank Anthony, is encouraging patients to report matters of medical malpractices. Medical malpractice is the legal cause of action which occurs when a medical personnel commits a negligent act or error, which deviates from standards in their profession, thereby causing injury to a patient. While appearing on a recent interview with Globespan, the Health Minister disclosed that the public hospital and doctors have been sued on multiple occasions in the past for medical malpractices and noted that this will continue to happen once there is evidence of malpractice. As such, he stated that once a doctor commits wrong doing, there are two processes the patient can follow. Firstly, he explained that the patient or a relative of the patient can go to the Medical Council's website and lodge a complaint. According to the Health Minister, once that complaint
is lodged, the Council will then initiate a process of investigation. “They [Medical Council] will review it and if they feel that it is not a case of medical malpractice then they will probably reach out to the person and explain their views on the matter,” Minister Anthony added. The Minister explained that in some cases, the matter will end there and in other instances, the matter will be put before a disciplinary committee, which is chaired by a judge. A hearing of the matter will then be conducted where the patient will give his/her evidence and the doctor that is being accused of malpractice will also have to give evidence. Dr. Anthony further explained that at the end of the process, one of the most severe things that can happen is that the doctor will lose his/ her licence to practice medicine in Guyana. However, the Minister noted that if patients still feel that they have not gotten justice, they can go to the courts,
which he noted is the second way in which the medical malpractice matters can be handled. Based on reports, most patients have used the court method for medical malpractices. Almost 10 years after renowned pioneering engineer, Melvyn Sankies died, Geoffrey and Jean Sankies, his siblings, filed a multi-milliondollar lawsuit against Medical Arts of Thomas Street, Georgetown, and well-known surgeon, Dr. Sheik Amir, over the death of their brother who had undergone a surgery at the institution. It was reported that Sankies died on August 25, 2011 at the age of 73, hours after he was admitted to the Medical Arts Centre for a hernia operation. As a result, the deceased's siblings, who were appointed administrators of their brother's estate, and are seeking damages and pecuniary compensation for injuries their brother sustained while under the care of the medical facility, which resulted in his death.
Health Ministry records 10 more COVID-19 deaths - 30 patients in ICU Yesterday, the Ministry of Health reported that 10 more persons, who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID19) disease, have died. As a result of this, Guyana's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 772. The country's latest fatalities are that of seven unvaccinated persons, a fully vaccinated person, a partially vaccinated persons and one whose vaccination status is unknown. The fatalities are that of three women, a 65-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), a 56year-old from Region Six (East VACANCY Trained grade 1 & 2 teachers needed. Payment will commence with experience and will be in 6 digit, 623-1615. Carpenters & Painters.Apply at Alabama Trading,65 Robb St Bourda. Sales girls to work at Dian's Deli food outlet.Call:6217862. Hardware & Home Decor Sales rep at Innovations America. Contact Rohan #226-9416/19. Experience will be an asset. Vacancy exist for cashier at Innovations America. Contact Rohan #226-9416/19. Vacancy exist for bond delivery personnel/porter at Innovations America. Contact Rohan #226-9416/19.
Berbice- Corentyne) and a 55year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and that of seven men, a 49-year-old from Region Seven (Cuyuni – Mazaruni), a 65-year-old and 75-year-old from Region Five (Mahaica- Berbice), a 79-yearold, a 56-year-old and 48-yearold from Region Three and a 36-year-old from Region Four. According to the Health Ministry, all 10 persons died over an eight-day period (September 20 to 27) while receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, via its daily COVID-19 dashboard, the Ministry within the last 24hour period recorded 88 new infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 31,236. Presently, there are 30 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 134 persons in institutional isolation, 3,743 in home isolation and six in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 26,557 persons, who tested positive for the virus, have recovered.
Knife bandit caught... From page 12 located in front of Muneshwers Limited but was met with resistance from the lawman. Davis then began assaulting the man and dealt him several blows to his face with the knife as he kept pulling the haversack. The brief scuffle continued until the bandit wrestled the cop to the ground. He then used the knife to cut the straps of the haversack and pulled it off from his victim before making good his escape. The police prosecutor told the court that last Friday at the Sophia Bus Park where the defendant sells drinks and water, a police rank saw him and informed him that he is wanted at the police station. The court heard that the police rank, while taking Davis, to the station were met by another rank who also ac-
cused Davis of assaulting him as well. In a video seen by this publication, three policemen were seen cornering the defendant to the wall as they tried to arrest him. Davis was seen in the video arguing with the officers before he spat in one of their faces. This led to the officer cuffing Davis in his face multiple times. Magistrate Bess placed Davis on $150,000 bail for the first charge. A second charge was then read to Davis to which he denied. The latter charge alleges that on May 10, 2021 at Croal Street, Georgetown, while being armed with a knife, he robbed Stephan Muniram of his cell phone valued $125,000. The defendant was placed on $150,000 bail for that charge also and the matters were adjourned to October 4, 2021.
Tuesday September 28, 2021
Kaieteur News
PAGE 17
Canje Block 12-well campaign…
EPA to conduct public hearing next month
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he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that next month it will be holding, a public hearing into Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited's (EEPGL) 12-well exploration and appraisal campaign in the Canje Block. When ExxonMobil had sent in its application for approval several weeks ago, the EPA had announced that no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be required. But this only attracted scathing criticisms from several industry stakeholders who are of the view that the project will have a significant impact in terms of emissions release on the environment. In light of this, the agency will be holding a public hearing to listen to the concerns and enquiries raised against its decision. Kaieteur News understands that the public hearing which is set for
October 14 at the EPA's head office at Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown will involve representations from the appellants, the developer and other key stakeholders. Following this, the Environmental Assessment Board will deliberate on the findings and prepare a report with its decision confirming or setting aside the EPA's decision. The Canje Block is operated by EEPGL, ExxonMobil's subsidiary. The other partners holding working interests are MidAtlantic Oil & Gas, Inc., JHI Associates (BVI), Inc., and Total E&P Guyana B.V. The Petroleum Agreement covers approximately 26,806 km2 or 10,350 square miles. According to the project document seen by Kaieteur News, EEPGL had conducted a 3D seismic survey of the Canje Block in 2016 and a subsequent Environmental Baseline Survey (EBS) was
conducted in 2018. Based on such work through 2019, a number of perspective prospect areas were identified. The same or similar support vessels that are being used to buttress current exploration and development drilling activities in the Stabroek Block will be used to support the drilling of the additional 12 exploration wells in the Canje Block. In terms of aviation assets, the existing fleet of six helicopters will continue to be utilised to support the six drill ships as well as ongoing Liza Phase Two Offshore Subsea Umbilical Riser and Flowline (SURF) installation operations. Additional crews are also being added in order to have the ability to fly simultaneous crew change flights. In 2019, ExxonMobil relinquished a portion of the Canje Block under the terms of the exploration licence,
Kaieteur
Stabroek
reducing the size of the contract area from 6,100 square kilometres (sq. km.)
to 4,800 sq. km. It is anticipated that with just over a dozen initial prospects
Canje
identified for exploration in the Canje Block, it will yield some 10 billion barrels of oil.
Exxon's subsidiary now a defendant in case challenging carbon emissions petroleum agreements with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and its parent c o m p a n y, E x x o n M o b i l Corp. Under these agreements, the applicants contend that Esso will produce large Guyanese scientist and quantities of petroleum which lecturer, Dr. Troy Thomas when burnt, would create large amounts of greenhouse gases which would in turn, sso Exploration and Production c a u s e c l i m a t e c h a n g e Guyana Limited m a k i n g G u y a n a ' s (EEPGL), a subsidiary of environment unsafe and ExxonMobil, has been added unhealthy. The proceedings were as a party to a case filed by Scientist and University of brought against the Guyana Guyana lecturer, Dr. Troy G o v e r n m e n t w h i c h i s T h o m a s , a n d Q u a d a d represented by Attorney DeFreitas over the impact of General, Anil Nandlall, SC. However, Esso - as a party ExxonMobil's carbon emission in the development which had a very substantial of oil fields offshore interest in the subject of the proceedings and its outcome Guyana. The applicants, Dr. filed an application to be Thomas and DeFreitas, a added to the litigation in order young man from the South t o o p p o s e t h e o r d e r s Rupununi, have brought the requested by Dr. Thomas and proceedings alleging that DeFreitas. The Applicants, through their constitutional rights to a safe and healthy environment their Counsel opposed Esso's have been contravened by application as they contended the Guyana Government's that Esso's presence before decision to enter into several the Court was unnecessary.
E
They did concede, nonetheless, that if Esso was to participate in limited scope, the Court had discretion to allow this. Justice Franklyn Holder heard arguments in the matter. He ruled yesterday that Esso ought properly to be added as it had a material interest in the proceeding and its outcome. Meanwhile, the case refers to the overwhelming scientific evidence of the devastating effect of greenhouse gas emissions, pointing out that oil and gas production has been adjourned to June, 2022, when it is expected to come for case management in the High Court. In his application, Dr. Thomas is contending that Guyana is particularly vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels while ocean acidification threatens the Guyanese livelihoods that depend on healthy marine ecosystems. According to Dr. Thomas: “Guyana is a carbon sink. The Guyanese people are not responsible for climate change, but we are already
suffering the effects. Climate change, ocean acidification and rising sea level pose existential threats to the people and State of Guyana. As a scientist, I urge people to look at the evidence and to face reality.” The case also cites Guyana's international obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement in support of its claim for declarations that emissions from oil and gas production make the environment more harmful to health and wellbeing in violation of Article 149J of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a healthy environment and requires the State to protect the environment for present and future generations. Article 149J specifically states that: (1) everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to his or her health or well-being. (2) The State shall protect the environment, for the benefit of present and future generations, through
reasonable legislative and other measures designed to – (a) prevent pollution and ecological degradation; (b) promote conservation; and (c) secure sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development. The legal team consists of Ms. Melinda Janki and Mr.
Ronald Burch-Smith, with support from Richard Lord QC at Brick Court and Joshua Jackson of Cloisters in the UK for the applicants. The Attorney-General, Nandlall, appeared for the State with Mr. Chevy Devonish, State Counsel, and Mr. Andrew Pollard, SC, Edward Luckhoo, SC, and Ms. Eleanor Luckhoo appeared for Esso.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 18
Tuesday September 28, 2021
Despite COVID-19 concerns…
GPHC Cardiologist urges heart patients to attend clinic - says failure to seek treatment can result in severe complications
F
ear of COVID-19 has been one of the reasons that several heart patients have not been sticking to their clinic dates or visiting the hospital when they need treatment. This worrying state of affairs was highlighted yesterday by Interventional Cardiologist at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr. Michael Chin. Failing to seek timely medical attention, he explained, could result in severe complications. Dr. Chin's revelations
were forthcoming yesterday during an interview with media representatives that was conducted in the hospital's Libin Room. The doctor, at the time, was addressing issues the GPHC cardiology department has been facing due to COVID19 as it relates to matters of the heart. He noted that the delay in seeking medical care by these patients has not only been occurring locally but it is a trend studies have found in other countries as well. The delay, he said, is due to people's fear of developing
COVID-19 or being exposed to it. It was revealed that patients with heart attack, stroke and other medical emergencies, if they delay medical care, this can lead to more complications and untimely death. “For example, for somebody who has a heart attack…if that patient presents late to hospital, the longer that person waits to receive treatment, more damage is occurring to the muscle. And as such that leads to severe damage to the heart and lead to significant
heart failure that can be lifelong and even be fatal,” Dr. Chin explained. According to the doctor, the sign of a heart attack includes severe chest pain, which is usually persistent and may radiate down the arm and neck. This is then complemented by sweating, dizziness and shortness of breath, he related. “If you are having these symptoms and there are persistent, they occur for 10 minutes, 15 minutes and 20 minutes and is ongoing, do not stay at home,” he pleaded.
Moreover, Dr. Chin is advising persons to come to the hospital, where they can be treated with the relevant medications that can “break down the clotting and help restore blood flow to the heart.” He also stressed how important it is to seek attention early as it helps in early detection so as to reduce the associated risks. As Guyana gears to join the rest of the world tomorrow to observe World Heart Day, Dr. Chin noted that delayed medical attention is one of the problems that is expected to
GPHC's Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Michael Chin. be addressed by raising awareness. “That is one of the things we would like to bring across as we celebrate World Heart D a y, t o d o n ' t d e l a y treatment, come early so that you can receive lifesaving treatment,” he asserted. World Heart Day will this year be observed under the theme: “Harnessing of digital media to promote awareness, prevention and m a n a g e m e n t o f cardiovascular disease.”
Motorcyclist killed Joiner dies after reportedly in Palmyra accident falling and hitting head
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elatives of a 29-year-old joiner, Lakhram Deroop, of Lot 95 N o . 7 2 Vi l l a g e , U p p e r Corentyne, Berbice are mourning his death after he reportedly fell, hit his head and died Sunday night. Deroop resided with his girlfriend and his sister-in-law, Eshwarie Chetram, said that her home is located in the same yard. On the night in question, she said that Deroop had gone out to imbibe with friends at a nearby shop in the village, while his girlfriend stayed over at her house.
The section of the car that collided with Rahim's motorcycle
A
69-year-old man was killed following an accident yesterday morning on the Palmyra Public Road, East Canje, Berbice. Dead is Abdool Rahim, of Lot 102 'A' Woodley Park, West Coast Berbice. According to police, Rahim was proceeding south along the eastern drive lane on his motorcycle CF 4743 when the driver of motor car HC 8500 attempted to overtake him. The left side front of the car collided with the right
Abdool Rahim's mangled motorcycle
side of the motorcycle and caused Rahim to fall onto the windscreen of the car, shattering it in the process. The motorcyclist sustained in ju r ies th at lef t h im unconscious and motionless on the roadway. The police and the ambulance arrived sometime after and Rahim was taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver is in police custody and a breathalyzer test that was done read zero. Investigations are ongoing.
She said they were watching television when they heard a knocking at the door. "He come and call... then we open the door after and we see him on the ground. Like he fall down, he wasn't moving," Chetram said. She added that attempts were made to revive him but that was unsuccessful. They then took him to the Skeldon Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Chetram said that Deroop had a bump on his head when he was found on the ground, leaving them to deduce that he fell and hit his head.
Dead, Lakhram Deroop
Tuesday September 28, 2021
2021 World Classic Powerlifting C/ship
Petterson-Griffith’s quest for glory ends before it begins due to visa challenges The President and Secretary of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF), Gordon Spencer and Roger Rogers had pulled out all the stops to gain successful nomination for Guyana’s #1 Powerlifter, Carlos PettersonGriffith to attend and compete at the 2021 World Classic Powerlifting Championships currently underway in Halmstad, Sweden. Confidence was high from Petterson-Griffith’s and the Federation’s perspective for this nations lone representative to do himself
and Guyana proud. Corporate support was not lacking with some business entities and the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission taking care of the athlete’s expenses. Unfortunately though, the covid-19 world pandemic has brought with it its share of challenges which has put paid to Petterson-Griffith’s chances of attending. The athlete yesterday issued a statement expressing his disappointment but is still very optimistic of making his
World Championship quest possible, next year. This is the second time that the athlete is missing World’s, the first time was due to him being suspended from the sport for competing in an unsanctioned competition in Barbados which was not a member of the IPF at the time, Barbados is now a member. The strongman who recently returned from competing at the 18th Annual NAPF/FESUPO PanAmerican Regional Powerlifting Championships where he captured gold medals in both the 93kg Open
Tuesday September 28, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Experiments combining creativity and technology could lead to opportunities to increase your income. You're receptive to new ideas and willing to make an effort to put them to work for you.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) An unexpected visit from a friend you haven't seen for a while could bring up longforgotten memories. You could confront hidden psychological and emotional issues.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today you might be more attracted to unusual art forms. Perhaps exhibits of local artists have caught your attention, or you may be developing a taste for alternative music.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today you may fall in love at first sight. Perhaps with someone you've never met before or an old friend you suddenly see in a new light.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) An old friend you may not have seen for a long time could come to visit today. This should be a surprise, but you'll probably be glad to see this person.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Exciting new developments make you upbeat about your career. Perhaps the Earth-shattering solution you've been searching for suddenly happens, or an enthusiastic potential partner appears on the scene.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) An unexpected invitation from a friend could have you taking a short trip, perhaps to visit this person. Conversations with friends should prove interesting and enlightening.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Interest in art from distant lands might capture your interest today, possibly through the influence of friends.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) New career opportunities appear on the scene to reawaken your ambition. You might come across some unusual possibilities for advancement that you've never considered before.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Purchases for your home might be one of your projects today. Your aesthetic sense is very high right now and your good taste at a peak. You're likely to be more attracted to the unusual and unconventional than usual.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today you may plan a long journey to a place you've never been, probably in the company of a lover or close friend. The excitement of making the arrangements brings you closer, and a great time is promised.
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Kaieteur News
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Some unexpected but welcome communications could come your way, probably from a lover or close friend. Planning for a pleasant, exciting journey is indicated.
Classic (Raw) and Equipped segments was not able to obtain the Schengen Visa to travel to Sweden despite all efforts being made the by the GAPLF for him to obtain same; the Federation also issued a statement. Petterson-Griffith in his statement noted, “This makes two years I will be missing the World Championships even though I was fully prepared. I know in my heart that I would have placed within the top tier of the best 5 lifters, and it is a disappointing feeling knowing that it was out of my control having everything in place to travel aside from the Visa. Nevertheless with every setback there is an even greater comeback and I know I will be competing next year at the World Championships with God’s Grace. My focus now is for the future and to prepare for the upcoming South American Championships in Ecuador, which will be my redemption and where I will be able to showcase some of the preparation I have put in place for World Championships. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation and thanks to all the people that supported me, namely the NSC specifically the Honourable Mr. Charles Ramson, Mr. Steve Ninvalle, Fitness Express, Mr. Jamie McDonald who has been with me from day one, MVP Sports, Guybisco and DeSinco Trading and those that would like to remain private. I would like to end with a quote by Mr. Anderson Silva, “A Champion is defined by the adversity he overcomes.” I would also like to encourage our young athletes and the ones who are hungry and pushing for greatness to keep pushing and never give up and to always remember the comeback is always stronger than the setback.”
...MSC played no part in ‘Silent From page 22 Club on Thomas Road after the promotor of outdoor party ‘Silent Vibes’ breached several Covid-19 protocols including breaking the 10:30 PM curfew and not adhering to the mask wearing guidelines. The promotors rented the ground from Malteenoes for Saturday Evening for a fete called a ‘Silent Party’ an event which is popular in the USA. It entails the revellers using head phones provided by the promotors which play the same music which only they can hear, thus the term ‘silent Party’. Malteenoes in their agreement for Rental mandated that Silent Vibes adhere to all covid-19 regulations in addition to agreeing that no Vehicles or bottles would be on the ground which has been earmarked as a possible practice venue should Guyana win its bid to host matches in next year’s U19 World Cup. A security deposit which would have been refunded once the ground was in a similar condition after the Event to what it before. Silent Vibes broke all the of the stipulations in the agreement in addition to breaking down a part of back fence when a section of the large crowd tried to escape being caught by lawmen. A large number of them were escorted by military bus
to the police station to be charged for breaking the Covid protocols. After the ‘Silent Party’ was reportedly approved by the Task Force and the Guyana Police Force and payments were made, Malteenoes had no further part in the event. The club, which was founded in 1902, plans to seek compensation for the damaged fence from Silent Vibes, who yesterday issued a letter of apology to the Task Force. After the story was made public on the Newsroom Facebook page Sunday, President of Malteenoes, Deborah Mc Nichol, presently in the USA, commented on the issue: “I’m so disappointed. The approval was given based on the approval they said they received from the Task Force and the police. I particularly stated that my concern would be for them to abide by the rules,” said Mc Nichol. “Unbelievable. I’m so upset they could never ask for anything again. Lawlessness…on behalf of the Malteenoes Sports Club we apologise to the Nation that this happened at our club and state that we condemn the breaking of any law of Guyana,” stated Mc Nichol, the only female President of a club which plays first division cricket in the Caribbean.
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Tuesday September 28, 2021
RHTYSC Namilco Thunderbolt Flour team co sponsors Rose Hall Town 51st anniversary celebration
The winning RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour team pose with the 51st anniversary trophy. With the 2021 cricket season been placed on suspension by the Berbice Cricket Board due to instruction by the National Task Force, members of the Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour under 21 and First Division teams are expanding their personal development and community outreach programmes. The teams which are sponsored by the National Milling Company of Guyana {Namilco} of Agricola, East Bank Demerara have some of the best cricketers in the country. As part of their highly successful outreach programme, the teams from the 19th to 24th of August joined hands with the Mayor and Town Council of Rose Hall Town to celebrate the fifty first anniversary of Guyana smallest township. Rose Hall attained the
Town Clerk Natasha Griffith and RHTYSC Secretary Hilbert Foster hands over cycles to youths.
status of township on the 20th of September, 1970. On that same date in 1990, the RHTYSC was founded by the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Youth Club and has since developed into Guyana leading youth and sports club with an unmatched list of activities and achievements. The week long celebrations began with a 20/20 cricket match on the 19th of August. RHT Thunderbolt Flour defeated their counterparts from Rose Hall Canje by eight wickets to win the 51st Anniversary Trophy, while on the 21st they co-sponsored the donation of four cycles to deserving youths in the township, Art competition with primary school students and the donations of educational materials to students. Five outstanding workers from
the Rose Hall Town Post Workers were honored on Thursday under the club first ever Tribute to Postal Workers Programme, while six senior citizens received food hampers on Friday. The teams along with other RHTYSC, MS members on Saturday would complete their role in the anniversary by under taking their second Clean up the Beach project. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, Mayor of Rose Hall Town Dave Budhu and Town Clerk Natasha Griffith are expected to lead the clean-up of the popular beach. The highlight of the celebrations was the hosting of a special presentation ceremony where five outstanding former leaders of the town received the Vic Persaud Award of Excellence. The
awardees were Alex Foster, Winston Hope, Bhadenauth S o m r a h , Vi j a i R a m o o a n d Chattergoon Ramnauth. Minister of Local Government Anand Persaud and Mrs Carol Persaud handed over the awards and also unveiled a street sign for the Persaud Street in memory of the late Vic Persaud, former Chief Protocol Officer of the Office of the President. Persaud was a resident of the town and is the first of only three residents to have received national awards. The award and the street naming ceremonies were both sponsored by the teams in memory of Persaud, who was very close to the club. Over the years, the RHTYSC had fully sponsored the Rose Hall Town week on least five occasions and had also sponsored the 175th
anniversary of the Rose Hall Village in 2017. Among the projects and activities undertaken over the years were health clinics, youth and job fair, children playfield, Tribute to Heroes, children parade, day of sports, public exhibitions, curry duck competition, video documentary, evening of music, fitness walk, monuments, construction of scoreboard and a forty pages booklet on the history of the township. Members of the RHT Namilco teams include Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Clinton Pestano, Jonathan Rampersaud, Eon Hooper, Junior Sinclair, Shawn Perriea, Keith Simpson, Shemaine Campbelle, Khemraj Mahadeo, Delbert Hicks, Slyus Tyndall and Mahendra Gopilall.
Running Braves win team competition The curtains fell on the 2021 National Youth & Junior Championships which was held at the National Track & Field Center (NTFC) at Leonora last weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and it may be the last Track meet held in Guyana for a while. Head of Athletics Guyana (AG), Aubrey Hutson, during an invited comment, hailed the event as successful despite getting last minute approval which the association is grateful for since other sport bodies would’ve been denied with the rising cases of covid-19 in Guyana being the bugbear. The AG body will now sit down and deliberate on the team that will represent Guyana at next month’s S o u t h A m e r i c a Championships in Guayquil, Ecuador with some athletes making some good cases for
AG boss pleased with last weekend’s meet
Osrick Pellew won the boys’ under-20 100m race.
selection with their performances last weekend. Among the weekend’s top performers were Keliza Smith that completed the 100m & 200m sprint double to go along with a second place in the women’s under20 long jump.
Ezekiel Newton of Bladen Hall Secondary was the fastest young man in the under-18 category with wins in the iconic 100m & 200m events. Analisa Redmond of Super Upcoming Runners won the women’s under-20
long jump with a distance of 5.40m. Karese Lloyd also made light work of her opponents in the girls under-18 winning both the 100m and 200m races with times of 11.97s and 25.21s respectively. Okenoko Pascall won the
boys’ under-20 Shot Put with a distance of 13.51m which was some mark off his season’s personal best of 15.06m. Cromwell Williams of Hopetown Flames was second with 10.31m, while Shawn Daniels of Super Upcoming Runners was third with 7.94m. Cadassie Fraser of Hopetown Flames won the boys’ under-20 Triple Jump with a distance of 14.77m, while Stefan Roach that won at the South American under23 trials was second with a distance of 12.49m. Carifta Gold Medalist Anisha Gibbons didn’t disappoint and her girls’ under-18 winning Javelin Throw of 41.23m was almost double the distance of second placed Prince Cato who registered 24.13m while Shirley Davis was third with 12.96m. Running Brave Athletics
Club sprinted away with the under-20 boys 4×100 relay ahead of Bladen Hall Multilateral Secondary School and Hopetown Flames ‘A’ that finished third. Osrick Pellew won the under-20 boys 100m dash in a time of 10.99s with Trevon Hoppie second in 11.69s and Kurt Rudder third in 11.85s. Aaliyah Headley won the girls u-20 3000m more than a minute ahead of her competitors. In the team competition, as expected, Running Braves Track Club finished with the most points to take the bragging rights for a year with a final tally of 294 points which was almost five times that of the surprise second place finishers Bladen Hall Multilateral with 77 points after edging out Hopetown Flames that finished third with 74 points.
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Berbice FA/ATC kicks off in style at Scotts School Ground Equipment handed over to sustain and develop sport By Franklin Wilson The Berbice Football Association (BFA) led by President Sherwin Forde on Sunday last at the All Saints Primary School Ground oversaw the launch of their Academy Training Center where dozens of players, male and female attended. Attending the grand launch was Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde and Executive Member Dion Inniss along with New Amsterdam Mayor, Winifred Heywood and Officer in Charge of the New Amsterdam Prison, Udistair Holigan among other Officials. The sun was out in all its glory and so were the young players who hailed from as far as Orealla, Corentyne, Rosignol, West Berbice and New Amsterdam. GFF’s Wayne Forde in remarks after handing over equipment (Under the MFAP Initiative) to President Sherwin Forde which would contribute to the smooth administering of the ATC and football in the Association, expressed thanks to the BFA for the remarkable job they have been doing to revive the game in the Ancient County led by its President. He also expressed gratitude to Mayor Heywood
Flanked by a number of players, GFF President Wayne Forde (center) hands over one of the footballs to BFA President Sherwin Forde in the presence of Mayor Winifred Heywood (left), GFF’s Dion Inniss (2nd left) and OC of New Amsterdam Prison Udistair Holigan, right. and OC Holigan for making the time to attend the event noting that it is important partnerships of this nature that will contribute to the sustainable development of football. “I know that football plays a very important role in the lives of the young people across this community and region if I may add. While we’ve had to scale back tremendously from our on field football activities over the past almost two years, we feel very confident that in the not so distant future we will be back to the pitch.” The BFA President noted that Sunday’s activity was a small step in the direction of getting back to on field play
but in order for that to be accelerated, care and respect must be exercised when it comes to the covid-19 pandemic. “The Guyana Football Federation has taken the bold decision to encourage all of our members to be vaccinated. I would like to seize this opportunity to encourage all of Guyana to be vaccinated.” Speaking on behalf of the Berbice community, Mayor Heywood said it was a true joy and privilege to be sharing and being a part of such a historic programme as it was the first of its kind in the Ancient County. Mayor Heywood said she took time out from
another event to attend Sunday afternoon’s activity especially because she is a lover of sports. “This afternoon, I would want to congratulate the Guyana Football Federation and the Berbice Football Association on this initiative; I really appreciate and it is saying to me that football has a long, long way to go. I trust that these gifts that would have been given will be used the way it should be used for our kids.”
Mayor Heywood also encouraged the BFA to put in extra work on encouraging more girls in the sport, sharing that she was in G e o rg i a r e c e n t l y a n d admired the amount of girls that were at a football event she attended. BFA’s Forde conveyed his Associations’ thankfulness to the GFF, Mayor and Town Council and the New Amsterdam Prison for their sustained support over the years which
augur well for the future development of the game and empowerment of the youths. “To the young footballers, to the upcoming footballers, to the upcoming executives of clubs, let us take note that what is happening here today, it is just the start for things to come in the future. I can promise you that with this equipment here, we can only go forward and we will be going forward.”
2021 World Classic Powerlifting C/ship
GAPLF issues statement on Petterson -Griffith not being able to attend
Windies Women Head Coach Courtney Walsh lauds young bowlers but calls for greater consistency
S
portsMax - West Indies Women Head Coach Courtney Walsh was impressed by the young bowlers, Qiana Joseph and Sheneta Grimmond, who performed well in the recent series against South Africa but insists that there is a need for greater levels of consistency from them. Joseph, the 20-year-old left-arm spinner from St Lucia, was the leading wicket-taker for the West Indies Women with five wickets in the four ODI matches she played at an average of 19.40 and economy rate of 3.38. Speaking to the media late last week, Walsh lauded J o s e p h ’s p e r f o r m a n c e during the series. “Obviously, Qiana has played before but it’s the first time we were looking at
her to play the role she did and she did it in both competitions; very, very satisfying,” Walsh said. “We haven’t had a leftarm spinner for quite some time, most teams struggle against that or have that in their set up, so from a coaching perspective, it was something I had been very keen to have a look at and she has answered the right questions. “She did well, it was very satisfying with her performance and how she went about it so it is definitely something to work on to give us those options with the bowling.” Grimmond, the 23-yearold right-arm off-break bowler from Guyana, played in just two matches in the ODI series but four wickets at an average of 13.00 and an economy of
3.66. “Grimmond came into the last two games and did well in the last game from a bowling perspective, so that is also another good question answered,” he said while also singling out Tr i n i d a d i a n K a r i s h m a Ramharack for praise on the strength of her best bowling figures of 3-8 in the T20 series. “Ramharack did well in the T20 in the game she played and won Player of the Match, so these are some of the positive signs, what is lacking is the consistency and that is what we have to work on and which we will keep working on,” Walsh said. “We want them to execute more consistently and once that is happening then it will give us more chances of winning games.”
Carlos ‘The Showstopper’ Petterson-Griffith (right) and GAPLF President, Gordon Spencer. The highly anticipated, and eagerly awaited performance of Mr. Carlos ‘The Showstopper’ Petterson-Grifith at the Wo r l d ’ s C l a s s i c s P o w e r - l i f t i n g Championships currently underway in Sweden, did not materialise. The Guyana Delegation was unable to acquire a Schengen Visa to enter Sweden, the host country of the Championship. This is in spite of endorsements from the organisers and Sponsors. No effort was spared in the Federation’s attempt to secure visas. The GAPLF worked through and with many stakeholders, both local and overseas to resolve the issues. However, the extant regulations on travel to the Sweden in light of
the pandemic seemed insurmountable for the Guyana delegation. Nonetheless, the Federation is appreciative of the efforts of the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports through the Director of Sports, for offering yeomen support to Team Guyana and all other sponsors who would have contributed to Team Guyana in anticipation of our participation in the Championship. The Federation will continue to offer its athletes the exposure and opportunities they merit and looks forward to the continued support and partnership of all stakeholders to make this possible. President, Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) stated in his statement.
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New Sports Club formed in Berbice
Oshelle Welch
Veera Latiff
T
h e E d i n b u rg h Village in Berbice is set to be buzzing with sports with the formation of the East Bank Berbice Sports Club that was formed on August 29th this year. The EBBSC that is headed by William Farley have set out to not only promote the development of Sports in the community but also to enhance the community as a whole. In an invited comment with Kaieteur Sport, Farley mentioned that all are welcome, even from other communities to join the EBBSC that is based in the
William Farley
Guyanese Boxer Dexter Marques
Christina Seepersaud
Edinburgh Community Center ground and the club is committed to help in any way possible the members of their community with any assistance they may need. Farley mentioned that himself and the club are very passionate about promoting women sports and women in sports and in order to help foster that inclusivity the entire elected executive of the EBBSC except himself are all women. The other executive members include first vicePresident; Deborah Ward, second vice-President Veera Latiff, Treasurer; Deyon Taylor, Asst. Treasurer;
Christina Seepersaud, Secretary; Oshelle Welch and Assistant Secretary; Tameda August. Farley mentioned that currently, there is a lot of work needed to be done on the ground which has the potential to host cricket and football matches and the marked out solid surface for Basketball, Volleyball and Tennis. However, rehabilitative works along with equipment is needed for the Community Center to reach its full potential and Farley has already began to engage the relevant stakeholders to reach that goal.
MSC played no part in ‘Silent Party’ Event after rental of ground
By Sean Devers The year 2021 has been a year of many challenges. One such challenge has been making Gairy St. Clair’s vision of bringing a world title fight to his home country of Guyana a reality. With COVID-19 raging around the world and international travel still on hold for Australians, he has no choice but to postpone the event that was planned for later this year. The Gary St Clair Superhero fight night Promotions was set to stage a pulsating International Boxing card which was first scheduled for (May 26) Guyana’s Independence Day and could be shown on a Payper-view channel. However, the Card has been postponed thrice as the Covid pandemic executed several unanswered body blows to St Clair and his organising team but while battered and bruised and wobbling on the ropes due to the concerted assault, Fight
Promotors issue apology to Task Force for breaching Covid protocols
MSC President Deborah McNichols By Sean Devers On early Sunday morning the National Covid Task Force stopped an Event at the Malteenoes Sports (Continued on page 19)
The Silent Vibes apology letter.
Aug 2022 set for St Clair Superhero fight night Promotion Boxing Event suffers TKO from Covid pandemic
Tameda August
Debra Ward
Tuesday September 28, 2021
Ex Guyanese World Champion and Boxing Promoter Gary St Clair with his belts
Night Promotions is not throwing in the towel. “It’s disappointing and upsetting, especially for the young fighters who have been training so hard in Guyana,” St Clair says. “This was going to be the biggest night of their lives, their chance to be the best in the world.” COVID-19 has been a major obstacle to overcome in order for St Clair’s dream of a world title fight in his beloved country to come true. While not being affected by the virus itself, it has affected the former IBO world champion’s ability to travel back to Georgetown, as Australia’s international borders are currently closed and residents are not able to leave the country, with thousands of Australian citizens currently stranded overseas. Vaccination rates in both Australia and Guyana have also played a major role in the postponement of the event, which was to be the
night for two world title fights. The Cliff Anderson National Sports Hall in Georgetown is locked in as the location and requires all its attendees to be fully vaccinated before entering. St. Clair understands that many people are still hesitant to get the vaccine, but believes that with a little more time up his team’s sleeves this will not be an issue. In addition to this, all of St. Clair’s team in Australia will need to be vaccinated in order to travel when the international borders reopen. Like many places in Guyana, vaccination will also be a requirement for entry into many venues in Australia, including Gairy St. Clair Boxing Fitness Gym and Gairy St. Clair Superhero Fight Night in Australia. St. Clair’s 19th Superhero Fight Night is another event that has had to be postponed, as it was to be held in November and will now be in March. “I love Guyana so much, and it is always on my mind,” St Clair continues. “I miss it, I have my family and my kids there, and can’t wait to get back there to see everyone. It’s been a very disappointing time.” However, in true St. Clair fashion, he is not giving up. “We will now hold the fight night in August of next year, which feels like a much better time. By then everyone should be vaccinated and we will be able to travel over. We just need to get COVID-19 out of the background and then we will be good to go.” T h e Wo r l d B o x i n g League (WBL) has informed St. Clair that they will hold the world titles, which ensures that Guyanese fighters, Dexter Marx and Elton Dharry will each still be fighting for the championship in August.
Tuesday September 28, 2021
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BCB fulfills commitment to sub associations and umpires body - Total of $350,000 handed over
Respective prize winners with their accolades.
BCB Treasurer Dr Cecil Beharry hands over financial grant to WBCA President David Black.
T
he Berbice Cricket Board has fulfilled its commitment to three sub associations and the umpires association in the county of Berbice. BCB President Hilbert Foster, during recent outreach visits and meetings with the clubs in the Upper Corentyne and West Berbice areas, had committed the board to making a historic financial grant to the sub associations. Foster had also made a similar commitment to the Imran Moakan led Berbice Cricket Umpires Association. The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association led by Dennis D’Andrade and the We s t B e r b i c e C r i c k e t Association whose President is David Black each received one hundred thousand dollars, while the Berbice River Cricket Association would shortly visit the board office to uplift a contribution of fifty thousand dollars. The BCUA also collected one hundred thousand dollars which would be used for training of umpires as the BCB strives to uplift the standard of the game across the county.
Foster has encouraged the association to double its membership as the current amount of umpires available is not enough for the large amount of tournaments organised by the vibrant board. The BCB President stated that his administration values the contributions of umpires and as such, would work along with the association to fulfill its mandate. The BCB is also expected to hand over caps and t-shirts to the umpires shortly with sponsorship provided by Minister of Agriculture Zulifar Mustapha. The WBCA would use the financial grant to purchase cricket balls for the nine clubs in the area. The clubs includes Blairmont, Bath, Cotton Tree, Bush Lot United, Bush Lot Rising Stars, Cotton Tree, D’Edwards and Paradise. The BCB recently handed over a three hundred and twenty four thousand dollars pitch covers to the area, while clubs in West Berbice have also benefitted from cricket balls, catching cribs, cricket gears, stumps, water pitchers, rain coats, scorebooks, bicycles and
BCB Secretary Angela Haniff hands over grant to Ameer Rahaman of the Umpire Association.
five grass cutters. A cricket academy for youth players would also be held shortly as the BCB pushes ahead with a c o m p r e h e n s i v e development plan for the county. The UCCA would use its financial grant to assist in the administration of the game in the largest sub association in the county, between Black Bush Polder to Moleson Creek. A total of twenty eight teams make up the sub association. They included Skeldon Titans, No 72 Cut and Load, 73 Young Wa r r i o r s , S c o t t s b u r g , Dukestown, Rama Krishna, No 43 and Crab Wood Creek. Teams in the area have received over three million dollars worth of items from the BCB over the last three years including balls, scorebooks, cricket gears, six grass cutters and catching cribs. The BCB and UCCA have also organised numerous tournaments for teams in the area at different levels- under 19, 100 balls, 20/20, 40 overs and fifty overs. The Berbice River Cricket Association is the smallest of the sub associations in the county with four teams. The teams are Ebini, Sand Reef, Wiruni and Kimbia. Funds handed over would be used to provide balls for the clubs. WBCA President David Black expressed thanks to the BCB for the financial grant and for the interest in the development of the game in the area. UCCA President Dennis D’Andrade hailed the cooperation of the Foster led BCB as unmatched as never before has his sub association benefitted like it did over the last four years. Both Presidents committed their association to working along with the BCB to develop the game even more in the future.
Persaud claims Farmsup Golf title Guyana Open male champion Avinash Persaud carted off the Farmsup golf title on Saturday last at the Lusignan Golf Course, East Coast Demerara. Persaud registered a gross score of 67 h/c 0 net 67 to win the tournament ahead of Naresh Sarwan with a Gross 84 h/c 16 net 68 and Mike Mangal who landed a Gross 74 h/c 6 net 68, in that order. The Front 9 was won by Gavin Todd with a Gross 41 h/c 19 net 32, while the Back 9 was taken by Naresh Sarwan with a Gross 39 h/c 16 net 31. Troy Cadogan won the Nearest to the Pin prize. Persaud sent an early warning to his rivals who will be competing in the Guyana open tournament scheduled for October 30th and 31st.
Members of the Lusignan Golf Club have expressed gratitude to Farm Supply for its generous support. The LGC has noted that players who participate in tournaments from September 18 to October 25 will be eligible for consideration for free entry as a player into the Guyana Open Tournament via a competition format. The points for free entry will be for the first 10 best net scores for each tournament. Points will also be awarded to the top five players of the day, based on their net scores. The player who accumulates the most points at the end of the exercise will be declared the winner, and can participate in the Guyana Open without having to pay the tournament fee.
Lalta Narine to be laid to rest today Following the news that plunged the Guyanese Boxing fraternity into disbelief with the passing of former National Boxer Lalta ‘Coolie Bully’ Narine, who had recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic, only to succumb to the underlying condition of Malaria, the former boxer will be laid to rest today. Narine was just 52 years old. In a tribute to Narine appearing in this newspaper from his daughter Melissa, she noted that, “We lost Bodo to gastro intestinal hemorrhage and ulcer with underlying conditions of malaria. He was a lover of people. If you knew Bodo, he was definitely a light in your life. Despite what it cost him, physically, emotionally or financially, he made everyone happy and consistently did that throughout his life. He had the biggest heart and his kindness was unmatched. The best brother, the best father, the best son, the best uncle, but most of all the best husband.” Always known to be selfless, Lalta impacted the boxing fraternity and the lives of many in various ways. His funeral will be held today, Tuesday, Sept 28, 2021 at his farm located on the Soesdyke Linden Highway. Persons desirous of paying final respects to Narine can call 695-1356 for directions.
Lalta Narine