Guyana Times -- Thursday, June 16, 2022

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Bartica has potential for major logistics hub for mining guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5041

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

See stories on pages 3 and 7

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

US$12.7M new Region 1 ferry vessel to soon set sail for Guyana P16

Bourda drug bust

Bent St man jailed for 4 years, fined P17 $2.3M

…but must branch out to other sectors, including agri, services …teachers, nurses among residents to benefit from 500 homes

Billions more will be spent to directly assist Guyanese – VP Jagdeo Exxon’s investments in Guyana to exceed $6 trillion …as company makes by 2025 – EEPGL VP $132B in profit for 2021

Motorcyclist dies in Linden accident P16 Police bust 4 men with over 8kg ganja P15

See story on page 5

See story on page 7

Attempt to rig 2020 elections

Review focused on investigating occurrences outside GECOM’s power – Chair tells Opposition

See story on page 19

Cop charged for stealing narcotics unearthed in drug bust See story on page 18

CCJ orders GGMC to grant quarry licence to Diamond P17 Quarry 4 to face P17 Judge, jury for murder of Sophia man

“Time is now for our leaders to P18 invest in WASH” – CDC Director

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt in talks with CGX for auctioning larger parts of relinquished blocks – VP Jagdeo

…says extension to complete workplan has not been discussed

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government is currently working with Canadian company CGX Energy in order to arrange for larger sections of the Demerara and Corentyne blocks to potentially go to auction in September.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo revealed that the Government is in talks with CGX. Those talks, according to Jagdeo, are geared towards getting the Canadian company to agree to larger sections of their relinquished Demerara and Corentyne blocks being auctioned.

“We’re preparing for this.

I saw an article about what

Map of CGX’s holdings

will be up (for auction), I think they identified five areas. I don’t want to confirm or deny that now, but it’s the relinquished areas. And we’re working with CGX now on a solution. And they should issue a statement shortly that could possibly see more of the Demerara and Berbice blocks being put to the auction.”

According to the VP, the company has to meet its obligations. “…and I expect by today or tomorrow they will issue a statement on that… That issue came up the last time, and I told you there was a position. They had to meet their obligations, and we’ve had that engagement, and there should be a release soon,” Jagdeo said, adding that it looks positive in that regard.

Asked what CGX would be getting out of this deal, Jagdeo said this is being done with the blocks that are already relinquished.

Jagdeo also noted that a further extension for CGX to complete its work plan has not been discussed.

CGX had previously come to an agreement with the PPP Government for a well to be drilled in the Corentyne block by November 2021. The company announced last month that it had found oil in the Kawa-1 well it drilled last year August in that very block.

CGX, which has partnered with Frontera Energy Corporation, had said at the time that it continues to integrate detailed seismic and lithological analysis and pore pressure studies from the Kawa-1 well into preparations in advance of drilling its second well, the forthcoming Wei-1 exploration well that is expected to be spud in 3Q ’22.

“The Wei-1 exploration well will be located approximately 14 kilometres northwest of the Kawa-1 explora-

tion well in the Corentyne Block, approximately 200 kilometres offshore from Georgetown, Guyana,” CGX had said.

“The Wei-1 exploration well will be drilled in water depth of approximately 1912 feet (583 metres) to a targeted total depth of 20,500 ft (6,248 metres) and will target Campanian and Santonian aged stacked channels in a western channel complex in the northern section of the Corentyne Block.”

According to the joint venturers, the findings at the Kawa-1 well mean that the chance of finding oil at Wei-1 has improved from 29 per cent to 56 per cent. They also noted that data from the Kawa-1 and Wei-1 exploration wells will inform future activities and development decisions.

“Based on the Kawa-1 discovery and a better understanding of the tie between seismic and rock type in the northern portion of the Corentyne Block, the Joint Venture has identified additional Maastrichtian, Campanian and Santonian potential in the central channel complexes between Wei-1 and Kawa-1. The central channel complexes are the focus of ongoing technical work,” CGX had also said.

Both the Corentyne and Demerara blocks have been in CGX’s hands for some time without being drilled.

Back in May 2019, the Strategic Joint Venture between CGX and Frontera was approved to farm into two shallow-water offshore Petroleum Prospecting Licences for the Corentyne and Demerara blocks. Both of these blocks are adjacent to ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block, where multiple discoveries have been made.

The farm-in joint venture allowed Frontera to acquire a 33.333 per cent working interest in the two blocks. (G3)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, June 16 – 04:00h-05:30h and Friday, June 17 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, June 16 – 05:25h-06:55h and Friday, June 17 – 06:20h-07:50h.

Bartica has potential for major logistics hub for mining

…but must branch out to other sectors, including agri, services

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily

WEATHER TODAY

Light rain showers with instances of thunder are expected during the day and the night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to West South-Westerly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 18:14h reaching a maximum height of 2.56 metres.

Low Tide: 11:44h and 23:59h reaching minimum heights of 0.44 metre and 0.70 metre.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

04 08 09

10 13 15

FREE TICKET

15 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

05 06 17 23 26 LUCKY 3

3

5

7

5

Afternoon Draw

9

3

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02 06 09 14 18 19 20 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2022

09 10 11 12 17 13

01 02 07 16 21

4

5 Afternoon Draw

FP Afternoon Draw

1

0 Evening Draw

FP Evening Draw

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$119.80/barrel

+1.13

Rough Rice

$297.09/ton

+0.19

London Sugar

$562.00/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1833.50

$1834.50

Low/High Change

$1813.20 -1.00

$1844.70 -0.05%

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Scores of residents from Bartica and surrounding communities attended the public outreach

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has said that while Bartica has the potential to be transformed into a major logistics hub, this cannot be done without the expansion into other sectors, such as agriculture and the services industry.

He made this remark on Wednesday at a community outreach in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Recognising that Bartica is primarily a mining community, the Head of State contended that it must not be limited to this sector alone.

“You have the potential to become a major logistics hub for the mining sector. But in order for you to become a major logistics hub for the mining sector, we must be able to produce food, and we must be able to provide services, whether it's banking services, machining services, mechanical services,” he said.

“We need to create a service hub in Region Seven, but we need to do it in a very structured way, because you already have a lot of investment in Region Seven catering for the services industries, but it's not structured,”

he stated.

Moreover, President Ali pointed to the looming food crisis and Guyana’s role in combating this, especially within the Caribbean Community (Caricom). To this end, he underscored the need for all the regions to be a part, and mentioned some initiatives that Government wants to implement in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni.

“We need to work with Region Seven, with a school system, with young people, with single parents, to use technology and improve our ability to produce more food in this region, so that it can become not only an agricultural activity, but an economical and financial activity, improving disposable income for the families,” he declared.

“Our task, as a country and as a Government, is to put more disposable income in the pockets of people. Once we put more disposable income in our pocket, you will have more resources to have higher standard of living, and this is what starts building prosperity,” the Guyanese Leader noted.

Moreover, he noted that

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha would be in the Region soon to conduct an assessment on expanding the schools’ shade house programme.

“Imagine we have a school-feeding programme in all our schools. Imagine if every school now, we can have single parents who have children in those schools doing one or two shade houses in every school, and supplying the school kitchen with the food from those shade houses.

That is how you build economic opportunity, that is what you call the trickle-down effect of investment from the Government,” he stated.

President Ali went on to talk about his Government’s investments to ensure that all children have access to good quality education and healthcare. These, he noted, are two fundamental pillars on which the transformation of the country would be built.

According to the President, his administration has already started work in this regard with the upgrades of hospitals and schools. But more important than this, he outlined, is building the hu-

man resource capacity to deliver the service in health and education.

“So, very shortly, we will be coming to this region to recruit persons who want to work in the healthcare system,” he revealed.

In the same breath, the Head of State went on to highlight the importance of infrastructural transformation of the region. This, he noted, ties into enhancing the region’s tourism potential.

“The tourism potential of this region is enormous, but for that tourism potential to be realised, we have to do a few things. We have to ensure people are trained,” he said.

In fact, he noted that Government is looking to train some 6,000 persons to work in the tourism and hospitality sector. However, the President said that in order to attract tourists to the region, there needs to be transformative infrastructure.

“If we are to build tourism, whether it is day tourism or night tourism or long stay, we have to be able to build a product that is connected to a wider product, and we have to build the infrastructure that will allow us to build that product here; and we're already talking about new hinterland connections, new roadways, starting a project that can allow you to drive almost on the opposite side of Bartica,” he stated.

Another critical development in the region, the Head of State said, is the enhancement of a municipal airstrip.

“These are things that are necessary to prop up the type of investment and type of projects that we want to be delivered here,” President Ali posited. (G8)

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

I

Energy and development

t might seem strange to most of us, but the idea of “progress” as humans moving to some teleologically determined end-state is actually quite a modern idea, arising as it did during the “European Enlightenment”.

But aside from its philosophical foundations, what is quite observable (and measurable) from our present position is the correlation between “progress” and “energy consumption”. This, of course, is due to the Industrial Revolution, which started in the late 18th century and has transformed human productivity. Initially, everyone used wood to fuel that Revolution, but coal took over in the 19th century, to be soon overtaken by petroleum. But whatever is the source, one can get a very good idea of living standards in any country by the amount of energy it consumes. In 2019, when the US still maintained its almost century-old rank as the “most developed” nation, with 4% of the world’s population, it used 17% of the world’s energy.

This demand for energy in the thrust for development and progress is not going to change soon. While Gandhi’s encouragement to settle mankind’s differences peacefully might have retained traction in the modern world, his position on villages’ non-industrial development has fallen on barren soil. So, as we in Guyana at long last have obtained the wherewithal to notch up our developmental trajectory towards takeoff in our own Industrial Revolution – ironically, through the serendipitous presence of petroleum and natural gas off our shores – we have to accept that the threshold issue will be the supply of adequate energy.

While our constant “blackouts” since the 1970s might seem more of an annoyance than anything else, it symbolises our position on the developmental sweepstakes. We have been unable to supply electricity, the most fungible method of supplying energy, not only to our houses to power the devices that make our lives comfortable, but to our factories to manufacture goods for our own use and export.

Against this background, we, the citizens of this country, must appreciate the PPP Government’s decision to place energy supply right up there with roads and bridges in the utilisation of the funds from our Natural Resource Fund – at this time, holding all of our oil revenues since the beginning of its production in 2019. Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project (AFHEP), which had to be abandoned in 2013 by the Contractor Sithe Global because the then Opposition APNU/AFC announced they would not support it if they were to obtain political office, is now back on stream. The logistics of providing its projected 165MW of electricity to GPL via a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is being finalised. Power will be supplied to homes and businesses at US7.7cents/kwh, one-quarter its present rate. The Prime Minister, in charge of this sector, has also announced that there is a second hydroelectric project of the same scale on the cards.

A PPA is also being negotiated with GPL for a wind farm at Hope Beach, which will finally supply power from this source to the National Grid. Solar energy farms have already been launched at Mabaruma, and those will be multiplied exponentially across the hinterland communities. All of this “green energy” would complement the 250MW generating power plant at the Wales Development Authority (WDA), which will be fuelled by natural gas supplied by the Exxon consortium from the Stabroek Block via its “gas-to-shore” project. Among the various fossil fuels, coal is the dirtiest, followed by heavy oil. We do not use coal, and heavy oil will be phased out for natural gas, which is the least polluting.

The WDA is very critical, in that it would also be the catalyst for our transformation into a manufacturing powerhouse through the use of the natural gas as a feeder stock for the production of urea (critical for our agricultural expansion), methanol, and even synthetic proteins. The cheaper electricity should also encourage the expansion and establishment of other manufacturing concerns. Those naysayers in the Opposition who push instant gratification are anti-national.

President Dr Irfaan Ali chats with kindergarten children during his visit to Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Wednesday for a community outreach (OP photo)

US group debunks Congressman Jeffries’s utterances on Guyana Dear Editor, The New York Guyana Democracy Project (NYGDP) has taken to task US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries for startling comments he uttered at a Guyanese religious conference on June 11, 2022 in a Brooklyn church. He pontificated: “…not everyone in Guyana is treated consistent with the principles of equal protection under the law,” adding “I will not tolerate racism in Guyana.”

The NYGDP says that these dogmatic remarks, made without the support of any evidence, are beneath acceptable norms of an elected member of a legislature.

And it is most disappointing that they come from an elected person high in the Democratic Party of the US House of Representatives.

NYGDP is led by Dr. Tara Singh, former Senior Lecturer at UG. The group pens: “As a political leader, we recognise Mr Jeffries’ right to speak out against any form of discrimination, including racism, wherever the evidence exists.

What we disagree with is when distorted information and falsehoods are expounded, and no attempt made to get to the truth.

Mr Jeffries does himself no good when he publicly acknowledges a New Yorkbased racial provocateur as his close friend. We wonder if Mr Jeffries knows that a “wanted” bulletin has been issued by the Guyana Police for this provocateur!”

NYGDP adds: “We know that politicians tend to flourish in an environ-

ment of polemics and platitudes, but this approach must change, as people are becoming smarter and looking for reason and evidence, and simultaneously rejecting emotional outbursts to explain situations. If Mr. Jeffries really wants to get a proper understanding of the situation in Guyana, we invite him to make a visit to our beautiful country”.

The organisation lists, for the benefit of the Congressman and others, factual social indicators pertaining to equality: (1) With respect to poverty and inequality, both Afro-Guyanese and IndoGuyanese, according to Professor Tarron Khemraj, have an almost similar level of poverty: Indo-Guyanese 30% vs 31.6% for AfroGuyanese, and 33.7% for the Mixed races.

(2) There are limited data on income inequality: they are at the national level. The Ginni coefficient for Guyana was 45 compared with Trinbago with a score of 39, and Barbados with a score of 40. (The lower the score, the better the income distribution). While the latter two countries have a better income distribution than Guyana, the difference is not significant. There was no score for individual ethnic group.

(3) For 28 years (19681992), the Afro-Guyanesebased PNCR had been in power, and had failed to produce the good life for their supporters as well as other Guyanese. They regained power in 2015, and has had no transformative project

to improve the lives of their supporters and others, even though they raised taxes, the equivalent to 1/3 the annual budget size. You should ask them what they did with the additional $(G)90 billion in revenues per annum that they collected!

(4) The PNCR received $(US) 18 million as Exxon signing bonus, and no one knows about the disposition of this sum.

(5) The PNCR regime

gifted GECOM’s CEO 200 acres of land as an apparent inducement to provide favourable 2020 election results. The PNCR-aligned GECOM staff were caught in bright daylight on TV trying to hijack the 2020 elections, when they blatantly falsified the electoral results for Region 4. Some of them have been indicted by the Police for criminal conduct.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Did Ministerial delegation in India visit Indentured Memorial?

Dear Editor, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and a team of four were on an official visit to India from 12-16 June, for the launch ceremony of the ocean-going cargo-cum-passenger ferry vessel being built for Guyana by M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. as part of the Government of India’s US$12.7M Line of Credit-cum-Grant project.

The ocean-going passenger-and-cargo ferry will primarily ply the GeorgetownNorth West District route.

As a matter of perhaps more than serendipity, the docks from where the ferry was launched are the very same from where 94% of the 239,000 Indian Indentured Immigrants (Girmitiyas)

departed India. A memorial plaque was installed at Kidderpore (Demerara) depot on January 10, 2011 by members of GOPIO, at which Chief Minister of W Bengal, Marta Bannerjee, other dignitaries and members of the Indian Diaspora were in attendance. The depot housed the prospective immigrants, sometimes for months, until a shipload was accumulated. The 75,000 immigrants who returned up to 1955 would have also landed on these docks.

It is hoped that the ministerial delegation took the time to visit the Memorial from where so many of our populace originated.

Sincerely, Ravi Dev

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

5

News

Billions more will be spent to directly assist Guyanese – VP Jagdeo

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ar from backing down from spending money on the Guyanese people after being criticised by the political Opposition, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has assured that billions more will be spent by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government to directly assist Guyanese and put money in their pockets.

Jagdeo explained on Wednesday that Government would continue to consult with different interest groups and be responsive to what their needs for financial assistance were. An example of this is when the Government met with the fishermen and afterwards, announced a $150,000 cash grant per fisherman in Guyana.

“We met with people from the hinterland. We met with the farmers. We’re meeting with the older folks. The President met with people with disabilities. So, as we meet with different groups, we will extend the help through consultations,” Jagdeo said during a press conference.

He further explained that the $5 billion set aside for relief measures in Budget 2022 had not been exhaust-

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

ed. Additionally, he said that while the Government had hoped for improvements in the supply chain in other countries, some were still in lockdown. This has had a trickle-down effect on countries like Guyana.

“No, the money has not been exhausted as yet. There are different groups that are being targeted. But the resources have not been exhausted… (the measures) are a constant thing. We recently removed the tax on lube oil.

Whilst we removed the tax on gas and diesel, the 50 per cent excise tax. We then started looking at what else people use in vehicles for transport.

We found lube oil, we removed that. As we find items, we’re going to try to adjust prices downwards.”

Tough period

According to Jagdeo, another issue the Government is grappling with is sourcing capital equipment used in the productive sectors, such as bulldozers and excavators. He said that while some of these are being ordered, they’ve received timeframes that stretch into next year.

“So, it is a tough period.

There is very little that you can do. Look at the US, with their might and they have a rough time tackling supply re-

sponse. So, we’re going to continue working through this to see how we can help vulnerable groups as we go along.

“And one way of doing this, outside of the $5 billion set aside, we’re going to probably spend another $5 or $6 billion for employing people. So that’s another $6 billion that will go into people’s pockets. Now that’s 10,000 to 15,000 persons ultimately, by next year, we’re looking at to target.”

As Jagdeo put it, the Government is trying to supplement income at a household level so that these persons can address their cost-of-living issues. According to Jagdeo, the Government’s hands are tied when it comes to the price for commodities like cooking oil.

Jagdeo explained that Guyana was in a slightly better position than some countries, since Guyana consumed some of what it produced. He noted that some countries were almost entirely dependent on imports.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo scoffed at calls from the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNCR) component of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton for the

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

Government to subsidise fuel importers at a press conference on Tuesday. According to Jagdeo, such calls are not carefully thought-out and exemplify a “cake shop” approach to economics.

“So, Mr Norton wants to give subsidies to bring down the price for gas. Can anyone explain how this will be done?

We removed the 50 per cent

tax… he wants subsidies now.

But he can’t explain how.”

“It is this sort of almost cake-shop approach to economics that will harm us.

Where people just say things and oh, the Government should have gotten more from the deal, but can’t tell you how, etc. Just going after that sort of thing,” Jagdeo said. (G3)

Trying to revive the dead Dear Editor, A post-mortem is defined as the examination of a body to determine the cause of death. In the context of the last congress

of the AFC party, I think there was the mistaken belief that they can revive the dead. The point I am making is: the AFC is a dead party, and the mem-

US group debunks...

FROM PAGE 4

(6) It is important that you know that despite the AfroGuyanese population account for only 29% of the country’s population, they dominate every sector of the Public Service: they account for 75% in the Police Force; 90% in the Army, 95% in Prison, 70% in Public Service, 80% in nursing, and 65% in teaching.

During the PNCR regime (2016-2020) they recruited 1,600 individuals into the army, and over 80% are AfroGuyanese. At the University of Guyana, most of the students are Afro-Guyanese, while 80% of the academic staff are Afro-Guyanese.

The NYGDP points out to Congressman Jeffries that the PPPC Government has embraced strong pro-equality practices, and has set in motion a “One Guyana” policy to promote unity and self-respect among all Guyanese.

Institutions have been established to support the One Guyana policy, such as the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), which is designed to promote harmony among

races and inquire into cases of racism. The PPPC, as a Government, has signed onto every major convention in the Western Hemisphere dealing with racial and other forms of discrimination. These conventions are now part of Guyana’s Constitution.

NYGDP’s President, Dr Singh, asserts: “Let us be pellucid; we reject all forms of discrimination, including racism, and we join with the majority Guyanese people to subscribe fully to the “One Guyana” policy, whose foundational principles are equity, fairness, and justice. The Guyanese people are smart enough to understand issues and not to react to emotive outbursts. The days of race-influencing voting patterns and race-induced violence are gradually coming to an end. Those with better ideas and issues will prevail; and those imprisoned by race victimisation theory would continue to languish and complain.”

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

bers of that party are fully well aware of the fact.

It meant ‘just that’ when they recently met.

So, pretending that this reality does not exist is only prolonging the agony of that group of individuals. And as a sure sign of this terminal illness, there were no major changes to the top posts of the AFC, as they returned the same old guard to their posts.

It was a predictable outcome of the meeting, as well as the decision to stay within the coalition.

As someone said, "Whither

shall they go" except to stay within the coalition, being an appendage to the main albatross is the safest place to be.

My analysis of that arrangement is: whether inside or outside of the coalition, their position remains the same, "dead on delivery."

I think it’s about time the AFC register themselves as a political obituary.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Still storing documents the old-fashioned way Dear Editor, The backward thinking of public officials never ceases to amaze. In this twenty-first century, MoH is storing documents the old-fashioned way, from cardboard boxes to plastic containers; and from all indications, this was a positive move.

The difficulty, as related, of locating pertinent and relevant documents did not prevail upon the officials that this method of storage was useless, impractical, pointless, and just plain unworkable.

It is unbelievable that

Ministries aren't, from all appearances, fully computerized, with the relevant programmes to aid and assist.

It is high time that Government Ministries, which expend billions of dollars and for which accountability is paramount, move to have records, documents and information digitised for ease of reference and quick retrieval. It is not a luxury, but a necessity in this modern age.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

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THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

Page

Foundation

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

CONTINUED FROM WEDNESDAY

National Grade 6 Assessment 2020 Mathematics Paper 1

CONTINUED FROM WEDNESDAY

National Grade 6 Assessment 2020 English Language Paper 1

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

500 homes to be built in Bartica – President Ali Exxon’s investments in Guyana to exceed $6 trillion by 2025 – EEPGL VP …teachers, nurses among residents to benefit …as company makes $132B in profit for 2021

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or the first time in the more-than-20 years since ExxonMobil, through its subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), began operating in Guyana, the company has registered a profit in its Guyana operations - to the tune of Gy$132 billion.

According to the company in its Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income, its 2021 revenue increased to $254 billion, while its profits came in at $132 billion. This, according to the company, reflects higher production volumes and higher oil prices.

EEPGL’s share of royalty expenses when it comes to production in the Stabroek block has been pegged at $5.8 billion, an increase of 184 percent versus 2020. Its overall expenses were also up versus 2020. This has been attributed to increased production costs and higher depreciation, both of which were driven by increased oil production.

“Lease expenses were primarily related to the Destiny FPSO lease, and were down 15 percent versus 2020. There is no other debt financing for EEPGL… In the Statement of Financial Position, at yearend 2021, assets totalled $1.3 trillion, an increase of 30 percent versus prior year, (and) mostly reflecting substantial incremental investments in the Stabroek block,” a fact sheet on the company’s 2021 figures stated.

“EEPGL’s equity increased 25 percent versus year-end 2020, driven by earnings and additional equity contributions. This underscores EEPGL’s strong financial position to meet its ongoing obligations to the Government and people of Guyana.”

EEPGL Vice President and Business Services Manager, Phillip Rietema

According to EEPGL Vice President and Business Services Manager Phillip Rietema, the length of time it took EEPGL to turn a profit exemplifies the level of investment that must be made in such operations before seeing a return. He also gave a breakdown of the money Exxon has invested in its Guyana’s operations so far, and also plans to invest.

“This was the first year since our inception in 1999 that we have generated a profit in Guyana, underscoring the complexities of our business and the years of investment required before payment,” he said.

“Our total investments to date total Gy$1.3 trillion. With our partners, its over Gy$3 trillion. And the plans we have in place out to 2025 will take investments north of Gy$6 trillion. In our Statement of Financial Position, you’ll see these assets reflected in Property Planning and Equipment.”

Rietema further explained that the company’s equity has increased by 25 per cent to Gy$875 billion, driven by the company’s profitability and also investments from parent companies. The Vice President also emphasised the importance of Guyana to

Exxon.

“To ExxonMobil, I can say it’s an extremely important affiliate to us. It’s the place where we’re making some of our largest investments, and we continue to plan for significantly more investments.

As I pointed out, we’ve already invested $1.3 trillion.

We see that growing, along with our partners, to over $6 trillion, and that’s just for the four projects,” he has said.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027, with developmental drilling having been recently started on the second one, the Liza Phase 2 project. Production has already started in the second phase, with the Liza Utility floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel in operation.

The third project –the Payara Development – will meanwhile target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels, and was at one point considered to be the largest single planned investment in the history of Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Yellowtail development, which will be oil giant ExxonMobil’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, will turn out to be the single largest development so far in terms of barrels per day of oil, with a mammoth 250,000 bpd targeted.

The oil rich Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres).

Exxon, through subsidiary EEPGL, is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest. (G3)

T

eachers and nurses will be among hundreds of residents from Bartica and surrounding communities in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) who will benefit from the construction of some 500 homes.

President Dr Irfaan Ali made this announcement on Wednesday during a visit to the mining town, where he held a public outreach with some Cabinet members, including Housing Minister Collin Croal.

Prior to the meeting held at the Bartica Community Centre, the Head of State stopped at several schools and health facilities where he met with teachers and nurses as well as students.

During those engagements, President Ali disclosed that a common request made by teachers and nurses was to be part of the Government’s housing programme.

“We have just gotten 120 acres of land and we are going to be working with the people in Bartica – the skilled men and women in Bartica – the small contractors in Bartica and Region Seven.

“The skilled contractors in Region Seven, very soon – before the end of August – the Minister [of Housing] is going to come to meet to you, because we want to use that 120 acres of land to build at least 500 homes here,” he declared.

The Head of State pointed out that this initiative would have tremendous spin-off benefits for the community in a number of areas.

“That will not only deliver housing, [but] that would create tremendous opportunities in the value chain for hardware, skilled labour, transportation services. All of this would be created with this one product,” the President stated.

Meanwhile, during an interaction with residents, several leaders from various Indigenous communities in the region requested that housing programmes be extended to their villages as well. These

President Dr Irfaan Ali with teachers and students during his visit to Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Wednesday

calls were made by the Toshaos of Batavia and Karau, among others.

In committing to have this done, President Ali disclosed that during his time as Housing Minister he had attempted to introduce housing programmes in hinterland communities.

Nevertheless, the Head of State lauded the fact that Indigenous communities were now moving in this direction and was particularly pleased that they were even looking to tap into opportunities from this initiative.

It was the Toshao of Karau, Shane Cornelius, who related that not only did his village request low-income houses from the Ministry but also for the village-owned sawmill to be part of that programme.

“So, we could partner with Government to provide this housing in Karau. As you know, Indigenous peoples are one of the most poverty-stricken in the country and so we are asking to be equal with the coast in terms of the housing programme,” the Toshao stated.

In response, President Ali said: “I love the idea of using your local sawmill for the low-income houses not only for your community, but let’s have a conversation on how you can support other communities as well.”

Children

Meanwhile, upon his arrival at the Bartica Community Centre, the Guyanese Leader was greeted by scores of stu-

dents and teachers who gathered to welcome him.

During brief remarks, President Ali lauded the work teachers have been doing not only in Bartica but across the country. He reassured attendees that his administration would continue to work towards enhancing their lives through a number of programmes and initiatives.

“I want to assure teachers that I’m also going to work hard to ensure your lives improve – the conditions under which you serve the children of this country and our country will also improve,” the Head of State noted.

He further underscored the importance of having each teacher in the public system trained – a programme being undertaken by the Education Ministry – and the benefits it would bring to them not only in improving their delivery of education but also improving their benefits, such as higher pay.

Turning his attention to the children, President Ali said that the love and warmth shown to him would inspire and motivate him to work even harder and make all investments necessary for their improvement and better future.

These include upgrades and expansion to schools as well as the provision of equipment such as computers. These initiatives will go towards benefitting schools such as Precious Gems Nursery, St John Baptiste Nursery, Future Builders Nursery, Bartica Secondary, and Two-Mile Secondary. (G8)

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

20-year-old caught with ganja A 20-year-old man is now in Police custody after he was found with a quantity of marijuana in his possession on Wednesday.

Ranks from the Providence Police Station, East Bank Demerara (EBD) said about 00:15h they were on patrol duty in the Providence area, proceeding east along Red Road, when they observed the man, who was clad in a black jersey and grey three-quarter pants, carrying a blue shoulder bag.

At the time, the man was heading west, Police said, and when ranks approached him, he began acting in a suspicious manner.

According to Police, two ranks immediately exited the vehicle and approached the man and a search was carried. During the search, a black bulky plastic bag was found which contained a number of leaves, seeds, and stems of cannabis.

Police said he was told of the offence committed, cautioned, and arrested.

The 20-year-old man was escorted

Reviewing...

W …dismal GuySuCo

The

ganja

that

was

to the Providence Police Station, along with the narcotics which was weighed in his presence, amounting to 71.3

found

at

Providence,

EBD

grams.

He remains in Police custody pending charges.

ell…well…well. For the first time since Aug 2020, we witnessed a meeting involving GuySuCo in which horse dung wasn’t being shovelled at the Guyanese public. All that we’ve been getting from management was that production was exceeding “targets”; when it occurred for a week or too, then this was spun as the “beginning of the great turnaround”!!

Never mind that the targets had been revised downwards so that they were lower than a snake’s belly! And when the crop finished and those targets were still missed, no one even had the grace to show up looking sheepish at their HD!!

In the meantime, the Government had to keep pumping money into a seeming black hole, and face criticism from the Opposition that it was all a boondoggle. This would have been totally unnecessary, if only those who’d been put in charge of the turnaround plan had not tried to hoodwink the Government and the Guyanese people!! Didn’t they realise that the sugar industry isn’t a matter of playing with numbers on books and spreadsheets, where you could fudge matters ad infinitum - as in “shadow banking”??

Sugar is real…it comes from a plant named sugar cane, and is then processed in a factory to make sugar. At the end of very year - while you could’ve bobbed and weaved - you can’t hide what you produced or didn’t produce. It’s a very old story, told best in “The boy who cried wolf” -- in this case, the boy who cried “turnaround”!! After a while, even the friendliest has to read – not any writing on the wall – but the reading on tons of sugar produced! And it wasn’t good!!

How many times were we going to hear about rain? Or the floods that came with it?? Isn’t the very basis of sugar in our dear mudland drainage and irrigation, because of our peculiar topography? Isn’t that why it’s called “mudland”??

If the Dutch could solve the problem 300 years ago, why can’t we now?? We don’t need “man power” – we have machines with thousands of “horsepower”!!

Anyhow, it looks like the President’s patience has not only been worn thin – it clearly has completely evaporated!! And as one paper candidly reported, he read the Riot Act to the assembled managers of GuySuCo – from top to bottom. And being from the sugar industry, they should know - after 1872, 1896, 1903, 1913, 1924, 1939 and 1948 -- what happens after the Riot Act is read.

A whole lotta heads gonna roll, that’s what!!

What’s happening is a repetition of how Booker Tate was brought in, recommended and “modernised” Skeldon to “turnaround” the industry. They couldn’t execute, and the Government axed them too late.

And still get “bad name”. …GECOM Your Eyewitness is a tad confused. OK…OK…he knows you, dear readers, may believe this is his default mode!!

But he does have his moments of lucidity – as now!! So, help him out that it’s news our esteemed GECOM Chair doesn’t feel an overall review is necessary on what went down within the GECOM system during the attempted heist of 2020. And this for two reasons: firstly, that it should be left to the courts.

After all, the courts will address the specific matters that are in contention and are brought to them in the form of a lawsuit! They won’t be going on a “frolic and detour” - as it was so quaintly put by some old English Court – and which the Opposition Commissioners want!! Their comments would be what we call a “gyaaf” and the Trinis call “old talk”!!

And secondly, the CEO will consider the matter in his report; so, wouldn’t the Conmmission be reviewing it in any case?

When it comes to Mingoing, watch out for misdirection!! …the Ukraine War Now, it’s not just a matter of “I told you so”, but folks are slowly beginning to see that now Russia has acquired the “strategic depth” it desired from the very beginning, it’ll now be willing to end the war.

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

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THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

National Hardware opens new $400M superstore …investment speaks to confidence in economy – Tourism Minister

NHL Managing Director Eddie Boyer

National Hardware Limited’s new Superstore

N

ational Hardware Limited (NHL) on Wednesday opened its new $400 million superstore located next to its existing establishments at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

This new facility features a wide variety of hardware and industrial products in a more modern setting with spacious aisles and air-conditioning.

NHL’s Managing Director, Eddie Boyer, during the commissioning ceremony, expressed that this new store added to the company’s already impressive establishments – which he contends, provide all of the hardware needs of the

country. “…sometimes I can’t remember what we have in stock, but we have it,” Boyer remarked.

He noted that the design of this newest facility was influenced by NHL’s USbased partner, Do It Best.

“This flagship store, which has been patterned by Do It Best, was designed by Do It Best and this is their modelling…”

A unique factor to consider, Boyer explained, is that the building of the store was done by locals.

“In most countries, Do It Best normally send their people to do these stores but this one, they didn’t because of COVID and we managed

to do every single thing locally, all the designing, fitting up the racks, assembling the store, everything…and they were so surprised…,” Boyer revealed.

Meanwhile, delivering feature remarks at the ceremony, Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond posited that an investment of this magnitude spoke to the confidence of the Private Sector in the Guyanese economy.

“I’m advised that this is a significant facility, covering some 10,000 sq ft of showroom space and 4000 sq ft of warehousing space…each new establishment, each new expansion, each new investment, serves to confirm

your confidence, not only in our country’s economy but also in our stewardship of affairs,” the Minister said.

She noted too that this investment would support the Government’s aggressive housing drive.

“Many of the products, which will make their way into thousands of homes, which we, as Government, are determined to make available to our citizens, will be supplied by companies such as National Hardware.

And in order to make all these products available to citizens, Government has reduced or completely removed taxes of a wide range of building materials,” Walrond reminded.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond

“The second objective, which can be impacted by the establishment and expansion of businesses like this, is Government’s objective of developing our manufacturing sector to become locally, regionally and internationally competitive.

“It is here that we have a special opportunity through firms like National Hardware, and others like it, to develop, promote, and showcase our quality, locally-manufactured building products,” the Minister added.

Also attending the event were President of the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (AmCham), Devindra Kissoon and

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker, both of whom congratulated the NHL team on the opening of their newest establishment.

“This partnership has caused National Hardware to embark on a completely new trajectory, a trajectory of greatness of which it was always destined for,” Kissoon remarked.

“Evolution, that is what we are looking at, you’re looking at a family business that is evolving at a rapid pace and to embrace the needs of Guyana and, of course, Guyanese in general,” Tucker expressed.

(Amar Persaud)

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NEWS

Police bust 4 men with over 8kg ganja

The marijuana that was found at Baramita

F

our persons have been arrested following the discovery of over 8 kilograms of marijuana during two Police busts.

Reports are that at about 15:00h on Tuesday, Police ranks acting on information went to Barima Line in Baramita, Region One (Barima-Waini), where they contacted two unemployed men: a 24-yearold of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), and a 32-year-old of First Street Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Searches conducted on their persons and personal belongings revealed four transparent plastic parcels, each containing seeds, leaves, and stems which, when weighed, amounted to

again acting on information, on Tuesday intercepted a minibus in the vicinity of Orangestein, EBE and found therein a haversack containing 7,752.8 grammes (17 pounds) of marijuana.

Commander for Regional Division Number Three, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Siwnarine, has

The ganja that was found at Orangestein, EBE

387.7 grammes.

Both these men were arrested and placed into custody at the Baramita Police Station, pending further investigations.

Meanwhile, Police ranks,

said that at around 17:20h, ranks stopped an orange-coloured Pitbull minibus that was travelling on the public road at Orangestein.

TURN TO PAGE 16

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16 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US$12.7M new Region 1 ferry vessel to soon set sail for Guyana

The US$12.7M ferry constructed in India

A

US$12.7M ferry constructed by a company in India will soon set sail to Guyana, following the official launching cere-

named MV Ma Lisha – would bring to the people of Guyana.

“I am sure it will provide great service to the people of Guyana, and to Region One

ing in Guyana. It will be delivered to Region One, (Barima-Waini) in an effort to ease the transportation burden of residents and en-

“I am sure it will provide great service to the people of Guyana, and to Region One in particular, who depend heavily on such transportation” – Minister Edghill mony on Wednesday at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) yard in Kolkata.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, along with a Guyanese delegation, is currently in India, having gone there to attend the official launching ceremony.

Delivering remarks at the event, Edghill spoke of the benefits this new vessel –

in particular, who depend heavily on such transportation,” he expressed.

He also noted that the construction of the vessel would “aid in writing a new chapter in the ties between Guyana and India.”

The watercraft, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders, is 70 metres long – twice the size of the ferries currently operat-

Motorcyclist dies in Linden accident

S

hawn Deputron, a resident of One Mile Wismar, Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), lost his life on Wednesday at about 05:30h in an accident that occurred on the Washer Pond Public Road in Mackenzie, Linden.

Reports are that the 50-year-old Deputron was riding motorcycle CL 4030 proceeding in a southerly direction along the eastern side of the Washer Pond Public Road, but he was not

wearing a safety helmet.

The Police have said that as Deputron was about to negotiate a slight turn, he lost control of the motorcycle and it collided with a rail on the eastern side of the road, causing him to fall and receive injuries about his body.

Public-spirited persons picked him up in an unconscious state and took him to the Mackenzie Hospital Complex, where he died while receiving treatment.

Investigations are ongoing. (G9)

Police bust 4 men...

The ranks conducted a search of the minibus and the four occupants, during which, at the bottom of the rear seat, a black haversack was found containing ten (10) bulky and transparent plastic parcels containing a number of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The passengers were questioned, and were all escorted to the Parika Police Station, along with the mini-

FROM PAGE 15

bus. There, further investigations carried out led to the arrest of two of the passengers: a 28-year-old taxi driver of Charlotte Street, Georgetown and a 36-yearold labourer of Zeelugt, EBE. The two suspects were told of offence, but they both denied that the drugs belonged to them. All four suspects were placed in custody pending charges.

Investigations are ongoing.

(G9)

sure the prompt delivery of goods and services there.

The new vessel has the capacity to transport 274

India’s Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia meeting with Guyana’s Public Works Minister Juan Edghill. Also in photo is Guyana’s High Commissioner to India, Charandass Persaud

passengers, 10 cars, four trucks, ten 10-foot-size containers of cargo, and to travel at 14 knots per hour, cutting the usual travel time by half. Designed by the inhouse team of Garden Reach Shipbuilders, the vessel incorporates enhanced safety and operational features.

The agreement to procure the ocean-going passenger-and-cargo vessel from India was signed on January 13, 2021 between Garden

Reach Shipbuilders and the Ministry of Public Works’ Transport and Harbours Department through a line of credit.

Meanwhile, the Public Works Ministry will be constructing three wharves to adequately accommodate the roll-in roll-out watercraft. The new wharves will be constructed at the Barima loading area to service residents of Port Kaituma and surrounding communi-

ties. The wharf at Kumaka will be relocated in an effort to mitigate the heavy traffic caused by the market, and the Morawhanna stelling will be upgraded as it caters to persons and small cargo. The Ministry’s Transport and Harbours Department has contracted Caribbean Engineering and Management Consultants (CEMCO) to rehabilitate the wharves in the region to the tune of some $700 million.

NAMILCO products receive “Made in Guyana” certification

T

he Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Wednesday certified two products manufactured by the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) with the GNBS “Made in Guyana” certification mark.

The company can now use the GNBS-approved “Made in Guyana” certification mark on the packaging of their wheat flour (Thunderbolt)- sizes (1kg, 2kg, 10kg, 22.5kg, 45kg) and their Maid Marian self-rising flour (sizes 1kg and 2kg).

In a brief ceremony held at Parc Rayne in Rahaman’s Park, EBD, GNBS Executive Director (ag) Ramrattie Karan noted that the Bureau aims to help local businesses achieve a sense of pride and a higher level of competitiveness.

She said the mark was launched in October 2021, and at the start of this year, the GNBS began accepting applications.

“There were a number of companies that submitted their applications, and the response to the certification has been overwhelming from the Private Sector,” she said.

This certification mark will add to Namilco’s already existing ISO 9001 Certification, which was granted by SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company.

According to Karan, Namilco, being an ISO 9001-certified company, will not be subjected to civilian audit by the Bureau of Standards for the “Maid in Guyana” certification.

“It brings benefits once you are certified to an international standard, then the Bureau of Standards cannot repeat or reaudit you

MCHAM and NAMILCO staff displaying certified products

for those requirements, and that reduces costs, it reduces your staff time to be with the auditors ever so often”, she said.

Meanwhile, in her address, NAMILCO’s Quality Manager Taijawattie Williams said the mark came at a time when people are been scammed into purchasing products that are not from a specific company.

She said it is necessary that their products have the “Made in Guyana” mark, rather than just the name, expiration date, and ingredients. “…NAMILCO is the only flour mill in Guyana.

Consumers often assume that these flours are milled and packaged by NAMILCO. They are easily misled into thinking the flour is made in Guyana, and expect to hold NAMILCO liable,” Williams explained.

Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Vice President Ramsay Ali has underscored

the role Bureau of Standards Officers across Guyana must play in pushing businesses to receive this accreditation. He further highlighted GMSA’s commitment to pushing the certification mark by encouraging and working with members to receive the “Made in Guyana” certification.

“Between the GNBS and the Private Sector, it must be ensured that the mark is not just a sticker. It must be a good marketing tool that represents a company meeting standards, ensuring quality, etc. It must be a mark of business; not politics or anything else.”

Speaking on behalf of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond, Director of Business, John Edghill, noted that the Government has placed much emphasis on this “Made in Guyana” certification drive, and, according to him, it is not without merit.

“Guyana is now in the global spotlight, and in-

ternational companies are constantly seeking trading partners and investment opportunities… This places us on the world stage, not just for prominence, but at this esteemed level, demands greater expectations of our companies, processes, and standards. We are in the big league; it is no longer business as usual”, he explained.

The “Made in Guyana” certification mark is a prestigious mark which was unveiled by First Lady Arya Ali at the GNBS’ National Quality Awards Ceremony in October 2021. It is a registered mark that aims to provide recognition to locally manufactured products on the local and international markets, and is a signature of quality for authentic Guyanese products.

Among the requirements to become certified are that manufacturers are required to use at least 60 per cent raw materials from Guyana, and to employ 70% Guyanese staff. (G9)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Bourda drug bust

Bent St man jailed for 4 years, fined $2.3M A

man who investigators said was stopped with parcels containing $600,000 in marijuana has pleaded guilty to a trafficking in narcotics charge.

Akeem Henry, 25, of Bent Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Wednesday. He admitted to having 2.65 kilograms (five pounds) of marijuana in his possession on June

place of abode, was remanded to prison after denying the charge.

A quantity of ecstasy pills was found in the vehicle in which Garraway was travelling

14. In the end, Henry was sentenced to four years in prison along with a fine of $2.3 million. His co-accused, Ryan Marks, 27, of no fixed

His case will be called again on July 20.

On the day in question, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officers conducted an operation at

Orange Walk, Georgetown in the vicinity of Bourda Market and intercepted the men with a bag containing “brick-like” parcels of suspected cannabis. As a result, they were both arrested and escorted to CANU headquarters with the substance, which was later tested and confirmed to be cannabis.

The prior day, CANU and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officers during a joint operation at Number 79 Village, Corriverton, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), intercepted a vehicle in which they found parcels containing ecstasy pills. The discovery of the illegal substance led to

4 to face Judge, jury for murder of Sophia man

From left: murder accused Nicholas Hercules, called “Bucko”; Brennan Nurse; Devon Harry and Peter Lam

A

prima facie case has been made out against four persons to put them on trial at the Demerara High Court for the 2021 murder of 24-year-old Sophia, Greater Georgetown resident Keon McPherson.

Nicholas Hercules, called “Bucko”; Brennan Nurse; Devon Harry and Peter Lam are jointly charged with the capital offence and are currently on remand.

At the conclusion of a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) on Wednesday, Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool, after reviewing the evidence led by Police Prosecutor Visram Ramjattan, ruled that a sufficient case was made out against the accused to put them on trial by a jury before a Judge. They will go on trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes.

The PI was heard at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s

Court.

The accused were not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on August 15, 2021, at C Field, Sophia, they murdered McPherson.

It was reported that McPherson, of D Field, Sophia, was allegedly involved in a triangular love affair with a woman who was also intimate with another man of Broad and Lombard Streets, Georgetown. At the time of the killing, the woman at the centre of the triangular love affair resided at C Field, Sophia. The now dead man’s brother, Keron McPherson had told investigators that his brother left home about 23:50h on the day in question to go to his lover’s house. However, about 04:00h the next morning, a female contacted the Command Centre of the Police Force and reported that Keon was seen lying motionless with what

Dead: Keon McPherson

appeared to be blood on his body. As a result, Police ranks went to the scene where they observed that the man had been shot once to his left chest and right hand. He was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. As a result, the Police arrested the other two persons involved in the triangular affair. (G1)

the arrest of Christopher Dexter Garraway, 49, of Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown. The four parcels contained 400 pinkish pills, which weighed 150.7 grams. Garraway is scheduled to appear in court today. Reports indicate that in 2020, Garraway was charged with trafficking $6.5

The parcels of marijuana with which Henry was intercepted

million in cocaine. While he was found not guilty, another man was convicted and

sentenced to three years in prison and fined $19.7 million. (G1)

CCJ orders GGMC to grant quarry licence to Diamond Quarry

I

n a ruling delivered on Wednesday, the Trinidadbased Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has ordered the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to grant a quarry licence to Diamond Quarry Incorporated for quarry operations on 848 acres of land at Monkey Jump, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The CCJ found that GGMC — the statutory body with the power to grant and renew quarry licences — acted unlawfully when it subdivided the said land between Diamond Quarry and Baracara Quarries.

On March 28, 2014, Diamond Quarry applied for a quarry licence pursuant to section 89 of the Mining Act in respect of the aforesaid acres of land. Prior to the application, the regional court explained, Diamond Quarry did the necessary research to satisfy itself that the land applied for was not legally held or applied for by anyone. On July 19, 2014, GGMC surveyed the land, and on to September 15, 2014, issued a cease work order against Baracara Quarries in respect of its occupation of a portion of the land at Monkey Jump for which Diamond Quarry had applied.

The Land Administration Manager of the GGMC represented to Diamond Quarry that its application would be processed as soon as the statutory documentation was submitted and verified. On September 14, 2014, GGMC published in the Official Gazette a Notice of Intention to grant a quarry licence to Diamond Quarry. That notice required that any person claiming any right or interest in the area to be granted lodge with the Commission a petition objecting to the grant of the licence within 21 days after publication.

No one lodged an objection within 21 days, or at all, the CCJ noted. As such, on October 15, 2014, the Commission requested and was supplied with additional documents by Diamond Quarry to process its applica-

tion.

Application

The CCJ said the Commission indicated to Diamond Quarry that it had ‘favourably considered’ its application. Just over three months later, at a meeting convened by the GGMC on February 10, 2015, the Commission stated that, many years earlier, Baracara Quarries had applied for the same land for which Diamond Quarry had applied. The report of the meeting, compiled by the Commission’s Land Administration Manager, represented that the Commission had accepted two quarry licence applications for the same land, and that the land would be subdivided between Diamond Quarry and Baracara Quarries.

Diamond Quarry then challenged the GGMC decision in the High Court, alleging that its decision to subdivide the land was grossly unfair, discriminatory, and based on mala fides and favouritism.

Baracara Quarries was not a party to the High Court proceedings, but the Commission submitted an affidavit in answer sworn by its Land Administration Manager, alleging that a portion of the area for which Diamond Quarry had applied had been occupied and quarried by Baracara Quarries for several decades.

Then Chief Justice Ian Chang, on March 12, 2015, granted: (1) an order of certiorari directing the GGMC to quash the decision to subdivide the land for which Diamond Quarry had applied;

(2) an order of mandamus directing the Commissioner to grant Diamond Quarry a quarry licence over the said land; and (3) an order of prohibition preventing the GGMC from granting a quarry licence or any other licence to any other person or corporate entity in respect of the said land.

However, GGMC appealed Justice Chang’s decision to the Court of Appeal of Guyana, and Baracara Quarries applied for and was granted leave to intervene. During those proceedings, Baracara Quarries deposed that it occupied the land applied for by the other company for over five decades; that the land was home to 12 of its employees; and that it had undertaken substantial infrastructural work on the land.

Baracara Quarries also deposed that in 2006 it made a Monkey Jump licence application, but that the publication was in error, in that the coordinates gazetted by the GGMC were different from that contained in its Monkey Jump licence application. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and upheld the decision and orders of Justice Chang in all respects, except for the order that GGMC issue the licence to Diamond Quarry.

Instead, the Court of Appeal remitted the application to GGMC for its consideration according to law.

However, the Court of Appeal made clear that Diamond Quarry was entitled to the licence as a matter of fact, and that Baracara Quarries had no legitimate expectation to the land.

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18 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Time is now for our leaders to invest in WASH” – CDC Director

T

he Civil Defence Commission (CDC), in collaboration with the Health Ministry and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday launched a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) training which will benefit a number of officials attached to those agencies.

The training will be held at the CDC’S Headquarters at Thomas Lands, Georgetown, and will see persons from these agencies, as well as other relevant authorities, such as the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), being trained in securing clean and sanitary water during times of disaster.

CDC’s Director General, Major Loren Benons, speaking during the opening ceremony of the training, highlighted the various impacts

Irfan Akhtar, Deputy Representative at UNICEF for Guyana and Suriname

Director General of the Civil Defence Commission, Major Loring Benons

and risks associated with the lack of sanitary water.

“The risk of children’s health, when over 700 children under the age of 5 die from diarrhoea caused by poor sanitation, hygiene and water every day; risk of maternal health when millions of mothers who give birth in health facilities without basic water sanitation and hy-

giene are at risk of infection and disease; risk of education when girls are kept home because of the lack of separate toilets or hygiene facilities in schools; risk of growth because parents cannot prepare healthy (meals) for their children without safe water and children’s bodies remain lacking in nutrients; and the risk to entire economies,” he

Chief Medical Officer Dr Narine Singh

explained.

“The time is now for our leaders to invest in WASH. Every living being must have access to safe and potable water and basic sanitation, needed to clean and wash their hands,” he added.

Deputy Representative at UNICEF for Guyana and Suriname, Irfan Akhtar, reasoned that this train-

ing comes at a critical time, as Guyana is facing severe flooding in some regions.

“This training comes at a very important time, as we, the region including Guyana, (are) having very heavy rainfall which is leading to the floods in several areas, especially in hinterland areas and remote areas. It’s an important time to talk the talk of our preparedness or readiness to respond to the floods.

As we know, every season brings floods. With the climate change, extreme weather events having increased in frequency and intensity… every year the same problem…so, it’s very important that we should be prepared and ready to respond to those needs of water sanitisation,” he said.

He also noted that water crisis can be caused by sever-

al other factors, which training will help in respond to tackle.

“Water crisis is not only because of floods…Guyana is the land of many waters, but there is shortage of water because of drought, because of access to the water transportations,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh, noted that the training would prepare the relevant agencies to better respond to disasters that prevent access to clean water.

“In all emergencies, whether they’re man-made or natural disasters, if we can predict them, we can prepare for them and we can handle them…once we can prepare; so, when we are presented with these emergencies, we are there to provide these services.”

CCJ orders GGMC to grant...

Cop charged for stealing narcotics unearthed in drug bust

FROM PAGE 17

GGMC’s appeal

Charged: Police Detective Sergeant of CID Elfannando Newman

P

olice Detective Sergeant Elfannando Newman, who has been accused of stealing cannabis sativa which was unearthed during a drug bust, has been charged and placed on $100,000 bail following an investigation done by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Represented by attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon, Newman appeared before Diamond/Grove Magistrate Sunil Scarce on a charge alleging that he stole 3,122 grams of marijuana from the Timehri Police Station, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The Administration of Justice Act was applied, and he pleaded not guilty.

It is alleged that between February 27, 2021 and March 1, 2021, at the Timehri Police Station, being employed by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as a Sergeant of Police, Newman stole three large, bulky parcels of cannabis

The narcotics that were allegedly stolen

sativa, with a total weight of 3,122 grams, which had been taken into possession by him by virtue of his employment.

As a result of a civil forfeiture investigation conducted by SOCU in September 2021, ranks went to the Timehri Police Station to conduct further investigations, and it was revealed that a quantity of cannabis that should have been lodged by Newman was never lodged, and was stolen.

The investigation revealed that, on February 27, 2021, ranks stationed at the Highway Police Patrol Base searched a motorcar that had three occu-

pants inside -- two males and a female -- and found three large parcels containing the narcotics.

One of the males, who was the driver of the car, offered the rank who found the narcotics $2M in cash and three ounces of gold to forego the matter, but the rank refused his offer.

The narcotics and suspects were escorted to the Timehri Police Station and handed over to Sergeant Newman, who weighed the drugs and claimed that it weighed 3,122 grams.

Newman failed to lodge the narcotics that were handed over to him, and is alleged to have stolen them.

Baracara Quarries did not appeal the decision of the appellate court. Rather, GGMC appealed to the CCJ against the entirety of the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

Diamond Quarry cross-appealed only that part of the Court of Appeal’s judgement relating to the decision to set aside the High Court’s order of mandamus directing the Commission to issue or grant it the licence.

Baracara Quarries did not enter an acknowledgment of service, and took no part in the proceedings before the CCJ. The regional court considered four issues, namely: (1) whether Baracara Quarries had applied for the same land for which Diamond Quarry had applied; (2) whether the Commission had made a decision to subdivide the land; (3) whether Diamond Quarry had a legitimate expectation to be issued a quarry licence; and (4) whether Diamond Quarry was entitled to an order of mandamus directing that a quarry licence be issued to it.

The CCJ held, first, that the 848 acres of land for which Diamond Quarry had applied to conduct quarrying operations had not been the subject of an application for a quarry licence by Baracara Quarries.

The CCJ said it appeared clear from documentary evidence proffered by GGMC that Baracara Quarries applied for 1200 acres in Monkey Jump, but that this was to the north of the 848 acres applied for by Diamond Quarry.

On the issue of subdivision, the CCJ concluded that even though this was an issue that would have benefited from cross-examination, there was enough evidence in the documents and sur-

rounding circumstances to reach the determination that, on a balance of probability, GGMC had made the decision to subdivide, and that Diamond Quarry was always displeased with that decision.

Substantive legitimate expectation

The CCJ next considered the doctrine of substantive legitimate expectation. It held that where a public body gave an unambiguous assurance to a claimant that the claimant would enjoy the substance of an existing policy, it would be unfair to the claimant to allow the public body to change or abolish the policy, unless some overriding public interest was shown to justify the change.

In the present case, the apex court noted that Diamond Quarry had received the unequivocal assurance from the GGMC that its application had been favourably considered, and that the Notice of Intention to Grant the licence would be published. “That notice was published, and there was no objection to the grant of the licence by anyone, and no claims of public interest had been proffered to justify frustrating [Diamond Quarry’s] expectation that it would be granted the licence,” the CCJ emphasised.

Finally, the CCJ noted that a finding of a substantive legitimate expectation did not always warrant the grant of

mandamus to give effect to that expectation. However, in cases where there was only one lawful outcome, it said a mandatory order could be given to require that result.

According to the CCJ, the course of conduct between the parties and the written assurance given by GGMC represented a clear and unambiguous promise from which the Commission could only resile for reason of some overriding public interest, and no such reason was presented.

In light of this, the regional court held that “the only lawful outcome was therefore the grant of the licence to [Diamond Quarry].”

Accordingly, the CCJ dismissed the GGMC’s appeal, upheld the cross-appeal, and issued consequential orders, one affirming the orders of Justice Chang, another reaffirming the costs orders made in the courts below; and a final order ordering the GGMC to pay Diamond Quarry the costs of the appeal.

The CCJ’s five-Judge Bench comprised its President Justice Adrian Saunders, and Justices Maureen RajnauthLee, Andrew Burgess, Jacob Wit, and Winston Anderson.

Senior Counsel Hari Ramkarran and Attorneyat-Law Kamal Ramkarran appeared for GGMC, while Senior Counsels Edward Luckhoo and Timothy Jonas, and Attorney-at-Law Eleanor Luckhoo appeared for Diamond Quarry.

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

19

News Attempt to rig 2020 elections

Review focused on investigating occurrences outside GECOM’s power – Chair tells Opposition Commissioners

G

uyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n ( G E C O M ) Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh has reasoned that any review focused on investigating actual occurrences during the 2020 elections by the electoral body would be outside the scope of its power.

However, she noted that should the intention of a proposed review be to consider if there are, in fact, potential weaknesses in the processes employed by GECOM for the conduct of elections and to propose improved methods or processes for future elections, then this can and should be undertaken.

Justice Singh made these positions known in writing following a request made some five months ago by the Opposition Commissioners that an internal investiga-

Three Opposition Commissioners. From left are Desmond Trotman, Vincent Alexander and Charles Corbin

tion be launched into the events of the 2020 elections.

In her decision, the GECOM Chair said that it was important that a distinction be made between a re-

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Biden criticises oil companies over gas prices

P

resident Joe Biden has demanded oil companies explain why they are cutting gasoline production in a letter viewed by Reuters, as prices soar to record highs right in the middle of the summer driving season.

In the letter written to gas companies including Marathon Petroleum, Valero Energy, Exxon, Phillips 66, Chevron, BP, and Shell, Biden criticised them for cutting back on oil refining to rake in higher profits.

"At a time of war, refinery profit margins well above normal being passed directly onto American families are not acceptable," Biden said.

He added: "The lack of refining capacity – and resulting unprecedented refinery profit margins – are blunting the impact of the historic actions my Administration has taken to address Vladimir Putin's Price Hike and are driving up costs for consumers."

Energy costs are dramatically rising in the US, partly as a result of Russia's war against Ukraine. Average gas prices in the US hit a record high of US$5 a gallon for the first time, data from the AAA shows, up about 63 per cent from the same time last year. US crude oil, meanwhile, has surged 82 per cent in the same time.

Prices are surging across the West Coast, with an average price of US$6.435 in California and US$5.55 in Washington.

It adds to the problem of red-hot inflation in the US that has driven up costs of essential goods and services for many American consumers. In May, the US Consumer Price Index unexpectedly rose by 8.6 per cent -- the highest inflation rate since December 1981.

Increasing pressure from Biden follows his recent attacks on energy companies for pulling in huge profits as Americans pay record prices at the pump. Recently, he singled out ExxonMobil, saying they've "made more money than God this year and, by the way, nothing has changed."

He further complained that his Administration's plan to focus on ethanol and biofuels was a useless strategy in helping to bring down gas prices.

High crude oil prices are one problem, but bottlenecks at oil refineries are making it worse. Refineries were struck hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many shutting down operations in both 2020 and 2021. To that effect, the inability to ramp up production is putting further pressure on gas prices, prompting analysts to say there are no quick fixes to the current crisis.

(Excerpt from Business Insider)

view of GECOM’s processes in effectively conducting an election and an investigation into what actually transpired during a particular election.

She said Article 163 (1) of the Constitution, the Supreme Law of Guyana, stipulates that the High Court has exclusive jurisdiction to determine questions relating to the validity of an election. GECOM is not a court of law and, therefore, has no authority to determine whether an election was lawfully conducted, and no such power was conferred on it under Article 162 (1) (b).

“A perusal of Articles 162 and 163 shows that the Constitution clearly and sharply separates the functions of GECOM and the High Court respectively in matters of electoral laws.

The Commission does not have, and cannot clothe itself with, the powers of a Court of Law to examine and re-examine witnesses or to procure official documents to determine the truth of the allegations contained therein. Any such question can only be determined by way of an election petition filed

in the High Court,” Justice Singh said in her submission on the issue.

According to her, two of the questions raised in relation to whether GECOM should conduct a review of the 2020 elections are: the voting of persons who could not have voted, whether because they were dead or out of the jurisdiction, and the absence of documents which are required by law to be present in ballot boxes from a number of ballot boxes.

Validity of votes

According to Singh, in relation to the first question, which is essentially an issue of the validity of votes, Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act, Chap 1:03 calls on the Chief Elections Officer to calculate the total number of valid votes of electors which has been cast for each list candidate.

The term valid votes received judicial interpretation, she noted, from the highest court of Guyana, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) at paragraph [45] of the decision of Mohamed

Irfaan Ali v Eslyn David.

Singh, in her submission, noted that although the Chief Immigration Officer submitted a list of names or persons who were alleged to have been out of the jurisdiction on Election Day but yet appeared to have voted, such information cannot be regarded as established facts, but can only be tendered as evidence for determination by a court of law. Such a court can determine the credibility of such information by calling witnesses and subjecting them to cross-examination. These witnesses would be no other than immigration officers who would have to tender the Entry and Departure documents of those persons and also their identity must be ascertained from their travel documents.

“The most that GECOM can do in this regard is to examine its processes to see whether there are gaps or weaknesses in its processes that make it possible for votes to be counted for persons who could not have voted.

This requires no more than an examination of the processes currently employed in light of the claims made, and a determination of whether there is potential for such to have occurred. If there is, then the Commission can consider what adjustments can be made to improve the system,” Singh said.

Missing documents

She added that as regards the 47 ballot boxes which were devoid of certain documents which ought to have been placed in the boxes by law, the validity of these claims and the consequences of whether or not they were valid were not matters that could be properly ventilated by the Commission. Again, that is the jurisdiction of an

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

election court, where witnesses could be called, examined and cross-examined, and documents tendered.

“GECOM can, however, examine and strengthen its processes if necessary, and place greater emphasis in the future on ensuring that they are fully complied with by all of its staff, so that such things cannot happen in a future election.”

According to Justice Singh, she is of the view that any review focused on investigating actual occurrences during the 2020 elections by GECOM would be outside the scope of the Commission’s power and a circumvention of the law questioning the validity of an election.

“However, should the intention of a proposed review be to consider if there are, in fact, potential weaknesses in the processes employed by GECOM for the conduct of elections, and to propose improved methods or processes for future elections, then this can and should be undertaken. There is, in fact, an established mechanism whereby the final report of an election, which the CEO must cause to be prepared – this report can be analysed and be the basis for such a discussion,” she said in her decision.

Ukraine ignores Sievierodonetsk ultimatum, urges faster arms deliveries

U

kraine ignored a Russian ultimatum to surrender the eastern city of Sievierodonetsk on Wednesday as the United States announced more weapons for Kyiv, which warned that arms deliveries were taking too long.

Sievierodonetsk, now largely in ruins, has become the focal point of the war.

Russia had told Ukrainian forces holed up in a chemical plant there to lay down their arms from Wednesday morning as it fights for control of eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine says more than 500 civilians, including 40 children, remain alongside soldiers inside the Azot chemical factory, sheltering from weeks of Russian bom-

A man holds his baby inside Azot chemical plant's bomb shelter, where people have been hiding from shelling since the beginning of the war, in Sievierodonetsk, Luhansk region, Ukraine (Reuters/ Marko Djurica/file photo)

bardment. Russian-backed separatists in the area say up to 1200 civilians may be inside.

The Mayor of Sievierodonetsk, Oleksandr Stryuk, said Russian forces

were trying to storm the city from several directions, but the Ukrainians continued to defend it and were not totally cut off, even though all its river bridges had been destroyed.

"The situation is difficult, but stable," he told Ukrainian television. "The escape routes are dangerous, but there are some." He made no reference to Russia's ultimatum.

Moscow said it had opened a humanitarian corridor from Azot on Wednesday to allow civilians to escape to Russian-controlled territory.

It accused Ukraine's forces of disrupting that plan and using civilians as human shields, which Kyiv denies.

"There are no obstacles for civilians to leave... except for the decision in principle by the Kyiv authorities themselves," Russia's Defence Ministry said in a statement.

Reuters was unable to verify that claim. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Anger will get you in trouble. Sort through your options and put negativity aside. A positive attitude will give you a better advantage in a competitive or challenging situation.

(March 21-April 19) Don't ruin a good thing by overanalyzing your next move. Go with the flow, and utilize your time and skills to your advantage. A personal change will raise your profile. Check all the details.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Take care of your to-do list, and be proud of what you accomplish. Don't give anyone the chance to take advantage of you or steal your thunder. Listen carefully.

(May 21-June 20) Timing is everything, and staying current will ensure that you live up to your promises. You'll make your life easier if you think before you overdo it physically, financially or emotionally.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Broaden your interests, gather information and use your skills, experience and knowledge to help others. Focus on what you can do, not on the impossible.

Take care of your responsibilities.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Get out and do your part to network, and, most of all, have some fun. Refuse to let people with negative attitudes get in your way. Love who you are and do your best.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Concentrate on money matters, health and contracts. A steady pace and a good understanding of what you can accomplish will help you advance. You can avoid problems via compromise.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) If you reach out to friends and relatives, you'll be the recipient of valuable information that will help you make a good purchase or investment. Share your thoughts with a loved one.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Dig in and don't stop until you are satisfied. Spend more time at home making adjustments that add to your comfort. A meaningful relationship will go through a transformation.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Don't get involved in other people's dilemmas. Focus on what's happening at home, and make changes that put your mind at ease, save you money and encourage you to feel good about yourself.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Share your thoughts, and make decisions based on the responses you receive. Changing how you live or deal with loved ones, finances and health matters will have lasting effects on your life.

Think less and do more. If you spend too much time hesitating, you won't accomplish what others expect. A personal change will turn out better than anticipated.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

A

s part of a comprehensive developmental programme for the ancient county of Berbice, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) would be unveiling a major countywide coaching programme for secondary schools.

The programme would be officially launched early in July with sponsorship with one of the leading companies in Guyana. BCB President Hilbert Foster held discussion with the Chief Executive Officer of the company, and was able to obtain a sponsorship of one million dollars for the historic coaching programme, which would start

21

BCB President Hilbert Foster

in the new school year starting in September.

Foster noted that the programme would involve twenty-two secondary schools in Regions Five and Six. The vibrant BCB President has said that the schools would be divided into five sub zones - West Berbice, Lower Corentyne, New Amsterdam/ Canje, Upper Corentyne, and Central Corentyne. A battery of coaches, including Winston Smith, Julian Moore, Travis Hardcourt, Delbert Hicks, Leslie Soloman and Balram Samaroo, would spearhead the programme, which would last

until March 2023.

Each sub-zone would undergo days of intense coaching with the coaches, with special emphasis on batting, bowling, fielding, wicketkeeping and physical fitness.

The coaching part would be the second of three different segments of the comprehensive programme, with the first being the donation of gear and uniforms to all of the schools.

The multi-million-dollar donation would be done in conjunction with overseas Guyanese Lochan Samkarran, while the third and final part would be the hosting of five

tournaments via the inter-zone system. The coaches, after the end of the three segments, would then select a forty-man squad consisting of both males and females for further training.

Every student attending the camp would also receive a copy of the BCB historic coaching manual. Foster has said that the BCB also intends to train at least one teacher from each school in basic coaching techniques, so that they would continue working with the students in school.

The BCB President hailed the upcoming school programme as another major red-letter

day in the history of Berbice Cricket, and predicted that it would have a positive effect on the development of Berbice cricket. The main aim of the school programme would be to look for new players, to develop existing talent, and to return the schools to their status as the nursery of the county's cricket.

The sponsor of the programme would also provide promotional materials and uniforms for the coaching staff.

The BCB has Guyana's most active cricket development coaching programme with the hosting of the Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme for

clubs, and the board also hosts clinics for the different aspects of the game on a regular basis.

The BCB has also invited legends of cricket to conduct sessions with its players, including Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Jimmy Adams, Dr Desmond Haynes, Roland Butcher, Reon King and Clyde Butts.

Foster and his marketing team are also currently working to obtain sponsorship for another countywide coaching programme for students in primary schools, and expect to make a major announcement soon.

GPF HQ inter-department table tennis competition…

Immigration Department emerge victorious

T

he Guyana Police Force Headquarters interdepartment table tennis

competition concluded on Friday June 10th, 2022 with the Immigration Department copping

first place, and the Tactical Services Unit coming in second. The Police Band Room finished in

to captain India in Ireland T20Is

-Rahul Tripathi gets maiden call-up

H

ardik Pandya has been appointed captain of a 17-member India squad named by the Selection Committee to take on Ireland in two T20Is later this month.

The squad, which features a maiden call-up for Rahul Tripathi and a return for Sanju Samson, is conspicuous by the absence of India’s Test team regulars, who’ll fly directly to England to prepare for the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston.

Pandya, who has been elevated to the vice-captaincy, has served as Rishabh Pant’s deputy in the ongoing series against South Africa, after original captain KL Rahul was ruled out with a groin injury. The 28-year-old Pandya has recently led Gujarat Titans in their title-winning debut season in the IPL. Experienced swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar will serve as Pandya’s understudy in the leadership group.

Among those players playing in the South Africa T20Is but will miss the assignment in Ireland are Pant and Shreyas Iyer, who will sync up with the Test squad.

Replacing them are Samson and Tripathi, who enjoyed prolific seasons with the bat in IPL 2022.

Samson hit 374 runs at a strike rate of 147.24 and captained Rajasthan Royals to the finals of the tournament, while Tripathi has been one of the leading lights in an otherwise forgettable season for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring 413 runs at a strike rate of 158.23.

India will play the two T20Is at Malahide on June 26 and 28.

VVS Laxman will serve as the head coach on tour, and will be assisted

by Shitanshu Kotak (batting coach), Sairaj Bahutule (bowling coach) and Munish Bali (fielding coach). (Cricbuzz) Squad: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik.

Hardik Pandya

third place after their hard-fought victory over the IT Department in the playoff position.

The competition was coordinated by the Guyana Police Force Sports Secretariat in collaboration with the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), and was hosted at the Police Officers’ Mess at Eve Leary. The umpires were drawn from GTTA, and they ensured the smooth flow of the competition.

This table tennis competition, the intent of which was to unearth new talent within the Guyana Police Force, has been restarted after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, and the competition

commenced on Wednesday, June 8th, 2022 with teams from respective departments of the GPF. The Immigration Department team comprised national talent Corporal Nigel Bryan, Constables Sampson and Romain, and W/ Constables Anthony and Fraser; while the Tactical Services Unit team comprised Sergeants Etwaroo and Looknauth, Nathaniel Giddings and Lance Corporal Shako Wilson. The Band Room team consisted of Colwin Nelson and Lance Corporal Michael Smith Jr. Sergeant 19962 Dharampall Etwaroo has been awarded the

La Liga file Man City & PSG complaint to UEFA

L

a Liga have filed complaints to UEFA regarding Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain for “continuously breaching” financial fair play (FFP) regulations.

The Spanish division made an initial complaint in April regarding Premier League champions City, and have followed it up with another complaint about French giants PSG. La Liga also cited conflict of interest regarding PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, due to his role as European Club Association Chairman and his role as the organisation’s delegate to UEFA’s Executive Committee.

In a statement, La Liga said their complaint was due to the fact that the clubs are “continuously breaching” FFP regulations, and La Liga believe that “these practices alter the ecosystem and the sustainability of football” and “only serve to artificially inflate the market with money not generated in football itself.”

Confirmation of the complaints falls after a big month for both clubs, with PSG

Most Valuable Player despite his division gaining second place in the competition.

Trophies were given to the winning team in recognition of their efforts and the excitement they brought to the game.

President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), Godfrey Munroe, and Sports Development Officer (retired) Deputy Superintendent Colin Boyce was present at the headquarters’ inter-department table tennis competition. (GPF)

confirming a new contract for star striker Kylian Mbappe prior to Real Madrid’s Champions League success and City landing Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund – with both players previously heavily touted for a move to Spain.

Both City and PSG have previously been investigated

PSG boast the two most expensive transfers of all-time with their captures of Mbappe from Monaco and Neymar from Barcelona in 2017, with the deal to sign the Brazilian costing €222 million.

Last year, City made Jack Grealish the most expensive Premier League transfer in

for allegedly breaching FFP regulations, with both clubs fined in 2014 and having transfer spending limited – but a ruling to ban City from European competitions due to “serious breaches” was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport after appeals from the English side.

history with a £100m transfer from Aston Villa.

Despite La Liga’s complaints about the spending of the two clubs, Spanish sides dominate the list of the most expensive signings in football history, with five of the top ten all seeing a Spanish side complete the signing. (Sportsmax)

22

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

arics donates $100k to

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

support Chess Olympiad team

M

arics and Co. Ltd, the home of Honda in Guyana, has donated $100,000 towards Guyana’s National Chess Team’s participation in the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad, to be hosted in the birthplace of chess - Chennai, India.

This donation will go towards hosting of the fundraising dinner for the team, which will be held on Saturday, June 25th, 2022 at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel at Providence,

East Bank Demerara.

The Olympiad is the biggest chess event in the world, with over 150 countries set to participate. Guyana has been fielding players to represent the country at the Olympiad since the 1970s, and has not missed a single Olympiad since 2014.

Some of Guyana’s best chess players, selected after a series of qualifying tournaments, are CM Taffin Khan, FM Anthony Drayton, Roberto Neto, Loris Nathoo and Ethan Lee; they will all be playing

in the Open category at the Olympiad. Sasha Shariff, Pooja Lam, Anaya Lall, Jessica Callender and Nellisha Johnson will be playing in the Women’s category.

Notably, this is Guyana’s first ever team to include a player with a disability through deaf chess player Anaya Lall, who beat out a number of far older and more experienced players to earn her spot. At 12 years old, she is also the youngest member of the team.

The team is expected to

travel next month to Chennai, the venue for the 44th Chess Olympiad, the first-ever to be held in India. Chennai, a 382-yearold city, known for its rich culture heritage and history, also boasts modern medical and engineering amenities as well as educational institutions.

The Guyana Chess Federation is again registering its extreme thankfulness to Marics and Co. Ltd, which has been a faithful supporter of chess in Guyana.

Marics has been a sponsor since

2020 towards the then planned CARIFTA Junior Championships, which were consequently postponed due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.

Marics is the authorised distributor of all Honda products in Guyana.

Marketing Manager Ms Anjanie Hackette has said, “Marics & Co Ltd is pleased to assist with sponsorship of the Guyana team to the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India. We wish the team well.”

Demerara Cricket Board’s U17 tourney…

Joseph credits GCA for Georgetown U17’s undefeated streak …stresses on the importance of sports and education

Georgetown U17 team

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Demerara Cricket Board U17 tournament is off with a bang, and the Georgetown U17 unit has thus far recorded an unbeaten streak, with three games having been won and one game having been washed out.

Coach of this Georgetown U17 side, Kenroy Joseph, has noted that the camp is energised by this streak of good fortune, and would be aiming to uplift the trophy at the end of the tournament.

Joseph has also stressed

on the importance of players managing their education while participating in sports.

In an interview with this publication, Joseph was asked his view on the team’s unbeaten streak, and he said, “The camp is very energetic, very energised, we are a family! Most of the guys played against the New York State team before we played the under-17, and we were undefeated there also.

We won all our games, and we drew the two-day games. Most of the guys are very talented in the Georgetown area, and I must commend the Georgetown

Net Rockers FC install IMC

…Ramson comments on MSC modernisation

Cricket Association, through Transport Cricket Club’s Shaun Massiah, who moulded most of these youths through Transport and other clubs.

“GCA is very active, as they have lots of competitions where the kids are allowed to play.

Most of the players have played together, so when a team is picked, we work as a team and gel straight through; so, hats off to the GCA.” Joseph also disclosed he is hoping that players like Alvin Mohabir, left-arm pacer Dellon Ramsaroop, Shilo Adams, Jaden Campbell, Jaden Dowlin, and many other talented players that need experience make it to the Demerara team; and if not there, the President XI team, which would propel their careers into the Guyana Under-17 team.

He also showered praise on the talented 15-year-old Jonathan V a n

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr (4th from right) sitting in the Net Rockers FC meeting

N

et Rockers FC, after three months with an Interim Management Committee (IMC), will then head to the polls to elect an executive for the popular football club, based in Linden.

This was determined at a Net Rockers FC meeting that was hosted on Sunday last at the Wisburg Secondary School in Wisroc, Linden. Overlooking the proceedings on Sunday was Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) official Jermaine Forrester.

Upon taking the decision that an IMC will be installed for a three-month period, Akanni Blair was named as interim President.

The rest of the IMC executives include Gordon Paine the First Vice President; Ray Fraser, Second Vice President, Yonessa Welcome-Mercurius, Secretary; Monty Jones, Treasurer; Onita Harry, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer; Eyon Wills, Technical Director and Coach;

and the Committee Members are Nikita David and Britney Edwards.

Also in attendance at the Net Rockers meeting was Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. Concerned persons took the opportunity to quiz the Sport Minister about the state-of– affairs, with regard to the Mackenzie Sports Club G r o u n d , which has been described as dilapidated and run down over the past few years.

Responding to the inquiries about MSC’s rehabilitation, Ramson indicated that he will “work towards this being achieved before the end of the year”.

Lange, whose explosive batting has seen him clearing the LBI ground with ease. He explained that while Van Lange is talented, he does need some work on his fitness, which is the case with every cricketer. He said coaches should be focused on fitness and mental strength, rather than on the talent of a player.

Joseph explained that the high point of his career is coaching the Georgetown U17 team, as he moved through the ranks starting as the University of Guyana coach and present Muslim Youth Organization coach.

“As MYO coach, I have a facility to use, and I am able to garner and watch and learn more and ply my trade better, as I have a facility to use. I just want to continue coaching; hopefully, I get Demerara, and if not that, the President’s XI team, so I can vie for a spot in the Guyana National U17 side, as it has always been my goal to coach a national side. If not the coach, the manager of the national side, as I am a final-year Public Management student at the University of Guyana.

“I think I am the only coach in Guyana with a degree. As a matter of fact, a distinction in Public Management; so, I have the experience along the lines of organisational management” Joseph shared.

Joseph further stressed on the importance of fitness, as he has made it his mantra of leading by example. He explained that he personally uses himself as an example to motivate the players and show the players the

T

Gudakesh Motie stands a chance of playing his first international Test match today

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has extended a congratulatory message to Gudakesh Motie on his maiden call-up for the West Indies Test team.

West Indies will play Bangladesh in a two-Test series from June 16 to 28, 2022.

The 27-year-old Motie, who hails from Albion, Corentyne, Region Six, earned his call-up following outstanding performances for Guyana in all formats of the game during the past year. The left-arm spinner has played 34 first-class matches for Guyana and West Indies ‘A’ teams, and

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Georgetown U17 Coach, Kenroy Joseph importance of fitness, especially those who are interested in playing high-level cricket.

Joseph also said, “Fitness is it! As you all know, there are various levels of fitness; the higher the level you go, the higher it gets. So, these guys have to put in the work now, as these tests are done at every level of national cricket,” he posited.

He further went on to state the role of education in sports, hence why he is aiming to complete his degree at the University of Guyana. He indicated that education and sports go hand in hand, and said he is optimistic that the Guyana Cricket Board understands the importance of having educated cricketers, as this would help them play pivotal roles as leaders and expand their thinking capacities.

He said it is important that they finish their studies while they continue to train, and while this may seem difficult, Joseph is convinced that it would be easy as, “once you start the journey, you will be able to complete it”.

has taken 117 wickets therein, with best figures of 6-20.

In the recently concluded West Indies Championship, Motie struck his maiden firstclass century against eventual champions Barbados in a shotfilled 110 to showcase his improving batting prowess.

Motie made his international debut when he played a T20 International match against Pakistan at Karachi on December 16, 2021.

The President and Executive members of the Guyana Cricket Board would like to extend best wishes to Motie as he looks to make his mark in Test cricket.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

I

n anticipation of its upcoming 2022 season, the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has solidified deals with MITTCO and Creamy Novelties.

MITTCO had the following to say about the development: “Musical Instruments of Trinidad & Tobago Co. Limited (MITTCO) proudly announces our sponsorship of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for three consecutive seasons, from 2022-2024.

“Already revered as one of the world’s most popular T20 cricket tournaments, with a fanbase of over five hundred million (500,000,000) viewers, the CPL continues to be a much-sought-after multimedia platform for showcasing the Caribbean’s lifestyle and culture.

As such, we are delighted for the opportunity to launch MITTCO to the world on such a prestigious stage.

“During the one-month

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

period of the tournament, which runs from August 31 – September 30, both CPL and steelpan fans alike will be able to visit our booths and learn more about MITTCO and the manufacture of steelpans in Trinidad & Tobago. The sweet sounds of pan will be played at all games by talented local and regional musicians.

To this end, we are thrilled to be named as the Official Musical Instrument for the CPL T20 tournament.

“Trinidad & Tobago is renowned the world over as the birthplace of the steelpan, and we at MITTCO look forward to writing our chapter in this incredible story of our National Instrument that is steeped in a legacy of rich history and culture.

Our newly commissioned facility in Diego Martin, Trinidad is spacious, modernised, and well-equipped. Here, we aim to manufacture best-in-class steelpans utilising traditional

CPL is now in business with Creamy Novelties

methods that have been handed down through generations.

We employ remarkably skilled and experienced pan artisans who are highly respected and well versed in their craft. It is with love and a great sense of pride in our country and culture that we present our locally manufactured steelpans to the world.

“CPL is undoubtedly a

A lot more work still needed for upward mobility of Caribbean Women’s cricket - Matthews, Bruce and Schultz are leading players

global brand that touches the households of all communities of people, irrespective of who or where they are. This is reflective of the history and evolution of the steelpan, which prior to the CPL, had already captivated thousands of musicians and enthusiasts around the world.

As such, it is expected that under the stewardship of MITTCO and the avenues provided through our partnership with the CPL, our National Instrument will be afforded greater opportunities for sustainability and investment.

“We are ecstatic about this historic partnership, and look forward to treating CPL fans and steelpan aficionados to the vibrant, energetic, and unforgettable rhythms of

Trinidad & Tobago’s National Instrument as we celebrate the Caribbean’s favourite sport as the tournament’s official Music Makers!”

Creamy Novelties had the following to say about the development: “Creamy Novelties Limited is excited to announce our sponsorship of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for three consecutive seasons, from 2022-2024. As a proud Caribbean brand that is manufactured in Trinidad & Tobago, we are thrilled to be named as the Official Ice Cream for the CPL T20 tournament.

“We will be on hand to sweeten the day for all cricket fans as they share in the exhilaration and energy that is CPL cricket. There will be

Organizer Edison Jefford

Back Circle won the 2022 Magnum Independence Cup

23

interactive zones at all CPL games where fans can sample delicious treats and interact with our Brand Ambassadors.

“Creamy Novelties has been delighting tastebuds both locally and throughout the Caribbean since 2018. With a dynamic and increasing portfolio of delectable treats that include ice cream and frozen novelty items, our aim is to provide products of exceptional taste and quality that are enjoyed by persons of all ages. Our focus on innovation and excellence is a strong motivating factor that has contributed to the growth, success, and continual evolution of our brand.

“Our partnership with the Caribbean Premier League, which is renowned for its creativity, diversity, and riveting display of sportsmanship, is a strategic and beneficial one, which is expected to increase the brand’s visibility and strengthen its foothold in both existing and emerging markets, as the CPL boasts an established presence internationally.

“We believe that there is no good party without ice cream, and are eager to share with fans of Creamery Novelties and CPL alike in the celebration of cricket as the sport of the Caribbean, as we Live a Little and create sweet memories together!” (CPLT20)

Jamaica won the T20 Blaze tournament

By Brandon Corlette

A

total of six teams battled at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, EBD for five rounds in the Cricket West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze tournament. Jamaica and Barbados finished with 16 points each, but Jamaica won the tournament with a better net run rate, despite losing to Barbados in the head-to-head match.

While the surface at Providence was on the slower side, the level of Women’s cricket is still not up to the best of standards. Only four batters scored more than 100 runs in the five-round tournament.

The batting performance has reflected on the level of cricket being played.

Hayley Matthews was the best batter with 191 runs in five matches, scored at an average of 95.5. Natasha McLean, who scored 83 in the fifth round for Jamaica, ended with 130 runs at an average of 26. Captain Stafanie Taylor made 116 runs at an average of 23, and Guyana captain Shemaine Campbelle made 108 runs at an average of

36.

Speaking from first-hand experience in Guyana, a lot more focus should be given to female cricket. This must be so from getting more players involved at the grassroots level in schools, to selecting these players to play more local tournaments at the club level, and to introducing a franchise system. Women cricketers must be training collectively regularly, and academy contracts should be awarded to national players, and even prospective national players.

In Guyana, female cricketers play an inter-county tournament that is dominated by Berbice year after year. Berbice is the only county that focuses more on female cricket, the collective effort countrywide is lacking.

The female cricketers are encamped when the tournament is close, therefore the team preparation is insufficient.

In the bowling department during the T20 Blaze tournament, Barbados seamer Shanika Bruce claimed nine wickets in five innings. Bruce, who never played for West

Indies at the senior level, looked promising while bowling the new-ball for Barbados. She had a best bowling figure of 3-13 at an average of 8.66. Her economy rate was 3.90.

Guyanese left-arm spinner Kaysia Schultz claimed eight wickets in four innings. She had a best bowling figure of 3-13, at an average of 6.87, the best in the tournament. Her economy rate of 3.92 came with a strikerate of 10.5.

Another young Barbadian seamer, Aaliyah Alleyne, had eight wickets as well. Forty-yearold Pearl Etienne had seven wickets, while Shakera Selman and Corraine Howell had seven wickets as well.

West Indies are currently ranked number six in the world in both Women’s One Day Internationals and Women’s T20 Internationals. The Women’s Super50 tournament is expected to start on Thursday June 16, but the weather conditions in Guyana are still uncertain.

Based on reports, that Super50 tournament will be played at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.

M

agnum Brand Manager Jamal Baird, along with Organizer Edison Jefford and other coordinators, is set to officially launch the Magnum Tonic Wine’s ‘Unfinished Business’ one-night futsal tournament that is set to be contested on Saturday, June 18, at the National Park Tarmac in Georgetown.

Today’s official launch of the redemption tournament is set for ANSA McAL’s Head office at Beterverwagting (BV) on the East Coast of Demerara, where the exciting details of the futsal event are expected to be disclosed.

Witnessing the hype that the Magnum Independence Cup Futsal tournament had generated last month at the May 21st final, wherein Back Circle pipped tournament favourites Sparta Boss 6-5 in the championship game, the buzz was so well received that Baird decided that the top four teams would be invited back to settle the score once and for all.

As such, Back Circle, Sparta Boss, and third and fourth place finishers Gold is Money and Bent Street respectively, will be involved in the one-night event this Saturday.

Magnum Brand Manager Baird, who is being credited with the ‘Unfinished Business’ idea, confirmed that the tournament is as a result of the overwhelming support and clamour by the fans for a final resolution, given the thrilling and unpredictable conclusion of the semi-final stage, and eventually the finale.

According to Baird, all systems have been finalised for what is expected to be a momentous and monumental night of action. He added that the competing sides emanate from historically proud football communities, which have supported the brand fervently.

He revealed that the brand, which has a growing influence in the communities and grassroots movements, “prides itself on listening to its constituents, which gave rise to the idea and eventual reality of staging the tournament dubbed ‘Unfinished Business’.”

Jefford has again discussed the positive feedback that the Independence Cup received.

“The feedback that the tournament officials and sponsors received from patrons regarding the conclusion of the semi-final section and the

grand finale necessitated a oneday event to officially settle the outcome and proverbial bad blood between these hyper-competitive and storied teams. We believe that these experiences should be relived, given the sea-saw of emotions experienced by the respective fandoms,” the tournament Coordinator has said.

Jefford added this about the readiness of Saturday evening, “At the moment, all systems and structures are in place for the staging of the event. The tournament was created out of this idea and concept of providing the fans with another opportunity to support their teams, to witness a replay of the semi-final round and the possible finale on one evening. That is how the idea of ‘Unfinished Business’ was created. It was simply done with the teams and fans in mind.”

The winners of Magnum’s ‘Unfinished Business’ are set to receive a $300,000 grand prize, while the second-placed team would have to settle for $150,000. The third and fourth-placed finishers would pocket $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

arics

donates $100k to support Chess Olympiad team

Page 23

CPL is now in business with MITTCO

Page 22

Marics Representative Khemraj Jaikarran handing over the sponsorship cheque to GCF Secretary Marcia Lee

WI vs Bangladesh: Test 1 of 2…

Kemar Roach added to WI Test squad K

Kemar Roach has been added to the WI Test squad following a fitness assessment

emar Roach has been included in the West Indies squad for the first Test match against Bangladesh, to be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in the state of Antigua and Barbuda.

This experienced fast bowler has passed a fitness assessment and has been added as the 13th player ahead of the start of the Padma Bridge Friendship Test Series, presented by Walton. The match bowls off today, Thursday 16 June. The first ball is scheduled to be bowled daily at 10am (9am Jamaica).

Roach has made a full recovery from an injury sustained while playing for Surrey in the English County Championship. Roach is the highest ranked West Indies bowler in the ICC rankings and is currently the West Indies’ leading wicket-taker in Test matches. He brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the bowling attack with an impressive record of 242 wickets in 72 Test matches at 27 runs apiece, and he is also the leading wicket-taker at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium with 43 wickets.

His career best fig-

ures of 6-48 came against Bangladesh in 2009, while his best figures at the venue are 5-8, which also came against Bangladesh in 2018.

Head Coach Phil Simmons has said: “It’s brilliant that he’s fit for the Test match.

He’s always an inspiration for the younger players we have here, and he’s ready to go. With 250 wickets around the corner, we’re happy with what he brings to the table, not just on the field, but in the dressing room as well.

“I’m glad he’s fit, and (I’m) looking forward to seeing him getting out there and doing what he does so well.”

Fans can purchase tickets for the two-match series via the new WINDIES TICKETS service presented by Mastercard, and on Windies’ websites. Tickets start from US$6/EC$15 for mounds/grounds entry, with general admission seating available for just US$15/ EC$40.

In addition to being able to choose and pay for your seats in advance, the service allows fans to save their purchased tickets to their device for ticket scanning at the venue, avoiding the need for queues

and travel to the box offices. Fans registered for the WI Insider fanmail and on the WINDIES TICKETS service will receive promotional discounts when they buy tickets online for this series as well as the forthcoming T20I and ODI games in the Caribbean.

FULL SQUAD

Kraigg (Captain) Jermaine (Vice Captain)

Brathwaite Blackwood

Nkrumah Bonner John Campbell Joshua Da Silva Alzarri Joseph Kyle Mayers Gudakesh Motie Anderson Phillip Kemar Roach Raymon Reifer Jayden Seales Devon Thomas

Reserves

Tagernarine Chanderpaul Shermon Lewis

WI and Bangladesh Captains Kraigg Brathwaithe and Shakib Al Hassan ahead of the first Test

MATCH SCHEDULE

Padma Bridge Friendship Test Series, presented by Walton * June 16-20: 1st Test – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua. Local start time 10am/9am Jamaica * June 24-28: 2nd Test – Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St Lucia. Local start time 10am/9am Jamaica.

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