Guyana Times - Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Reunion Gold Corporation awards scholarships to 10 budding geologists

P18 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5187

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022

Guyana Supplier Forum a “stepping stone” in networking locals with budding oil industry – PM Phillips Page 11

…over $140B spent by Exxon, contractors since 2015 – Routledge

PRICE

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE: Republic P21 Bank rakes in US$228.4M in year-end profits – attributes profit to continued resurgence of economy post COVID

National Assembly walkout

Govt calls out Opposition P17 for abdicating responsibilities as elected leaders ...APNU/AFC is becoming more irrelevant – Teixeira

Murdered Berbice housewife bled to death from cut to ankle – autopsy Prime Minister Mark Phillips assisted in the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon to open the Forum on Tuesday in the presence of US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan, Exxon Guyana President Alistair Routledge, Ministers of Government and members of the Private Sector Commission

Election CoI

Party agents faced intimidation from APNU/AFC supporters – Shuman

P12

Page 3

– says GECOM staff were performing yoga during chaos – feared for GECOM Chairperson’s safety in locked room

Ecosystem Issuance of 500 Local services provided Content Certificates

by Guyana’s forests by year-end on track valued at US$54B – LCS Director – says over 3500 Guyanese annually – Pres Ali employed in oil and gas sector – at signing of EU €5M Forest Partnership MoU Page 7

Page 15

Freelance photographer dies after boat capsizes in Pomeroon River – President meets grieving family See story on page 9

Corentyne cattle farmer beaten after confronting cattle rustlers on P14 property

GAWU, GGB P8 ink historic Collective Labour Agreement

– paternity leave for fathers, overtime allowance highlights of agreement

2

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

3

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Wednesday, Nov 9 – 04:15h – 05:15h and Thursday, Nov 10 – 04:15h – 05:15h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, Nov 9 – 16:35h – 18:05h and Thursday, Nov 10 – 05:20h – 06:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Election CoI

Party agents faced intimidation from APNU/AFC supporters – Shuman …says GECOM staff were performing yoga during chaos …feared for GECOM Chairperson’s safety in locked room

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light cloud and light rain showers during the day. Expect thundery showers and light cloud at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-Westerly to Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 16:49h reaching a maximum height of 2.76 metres.

Low Tide: 10:26h and 22:48h reaching minimum heights of 0.6 metre and 0.45 metre.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS M

01 02 10

12 18 19

09

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

03 04 05 06 15 LUCKY 3

8

7

2

3

Afternoon Draw

3

0

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03 04

09 15

16 17 18

18

SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022

01 03 09 10 13 1

13

01 04 12 13 17

8

0 Afternoon Draw

FP Afternoon Draw

0

3 Evening Draw

5X Evening Draw 5

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change % -2.61

Crude Oil

$95.36/barrel

Rough Rice

$322.56/ton

+0.73

London Sugar

$537.80/ton

+1.32

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1710.80

$1711.80

Low/High Change

$1664.70 -1.80

$1719.00 -0.11

LJP Leader Lenox Shuman during his testimony

D

ay three of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the 2020 General and Regional Elections saw testimony from Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) Leader Lenox Shuman, who recounted the intimidation that he and his Party Agents endured during the proceedings.

Shuman, who is now the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, recalled that on March 5, 2020, he and his LJP Party Agents felt intimidated when they tried to enter the tabulation centre at Ashmin’s Building.

“I arrived at the door of Ashmin’s Building at around 10 minutes to eight.

When I got to Ashmin’s Building, instead of using the entrance I had used previously on Hadfield Street, it was barricaded off. When I got to the entrance, the Police Officers present there said ‘Mr Shuman, you cannot enter through here. You are going to have to take the entrance on Brickdam’.

“When we showed up at Brickdam, at that barricaded entrance, there were a lot of APNU/AFC supporters in the streets, taunting and pretty much throwing slurs our way. Tantamount to verbal abuse, entering into the barricaded area,” Shuman said.

Asked whether there were Police around, Shuman said there were. However, according to him, the Police did nothing to protect them.

Shuman also testified about occurrences inside the building. A common thread in his testimony is that there were numerous delays during the count. He recalled seeing Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) staff counting ballots and stopping after only a few ballots were counted, repeatedly.

He recounted that at one point, Party Agents were told by then Chief Elections

Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield that GECOM staff were tired and could not continue the count. This is despite the urgency of completing the tabulations.

The pregnancy of a GECOM staff was even proffered as an excuse to stop the tabulation. Considering the millions that were allocated to GECOM to carry out the elections, Shuman expressed shock that a proper shift system was not implemented.

Yoga

Interestingly enough, Shuman recounted encountering GECOM staff doing yoga in a room, even as chaos and disputed tabulations were ongoing the following day. Data clerk Enrique Livan, who was embroiled in controversy for leaving the main tabulation room with a laptop during the verification process for Region Four, was also present in the room.

“He was seated at a desk, with the computer slightly open… when I got there, he had stopped typing. When it left the (tabulation) room, there was no USB drive in (the laptop). When we got to the room, there was a USB drive inserted in the computer.

“When we walked into the room, on the right-hand side, there was a yoga mat with one GECOM employee lying down in what I would call a resting position. And there was also a GECOM staff standing at a printer.

And the printer was in the process of printing something,” Shuman recounted.

He noted that at the time, people were yelling that the numbers were being changed. The LJP Leader said he brought the printer to everyone’s attention, at which point the GECOM staff who was standing by the printer, went to join her

A still image taken from video showing Enrique Livan with party agents at Ashmin’s Building in 2020

colleague on the ground on the yoga mat.

Shuman proceeded to take the paper from the printer and show it to the Party Agents who were present at the tabulation exercise.

“There were a series of questions being thrown at (Livan). He was being bombarded with questions. But he said absolutely nothing. I think at one point, if I recall correctly, he pulled the (laptop) screen down, put his hand on the desk and put his head down,” Shuman recalled.

Shuman’s testimony also touched on the safety of GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh. At one point the Chairperson was sequestered from everyone else in a locked room.

He recalled going after the

Chairperson to ascertain whether she was OK, since there was a real fear that she was in harm’s way.

“After the suspicions that she is being held captive… I personally feared some harm may come to the Chair of GECOM…,” Shuman said, recounting that he was accompanied in his search for the Chairperson by then party executive of The New Movement (TNM), Dr Josh Kanhai. Kanhai was arrested that night after he breached the door to get to the Chair.

Meanwhile, CoI Chairman Stanley John put out a statement on Tuesday urging persons who are referenced during CoI testimony, to come forward if they wish to make testimony of their own and defend themselves.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 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

Blackout woes T

he complaints coming from both private citizens and the business community about the constant power outages and voltage surges have increased over the past few years. In fact, there have recently been several letters to the editor wherein persons expressed frustration over prolonged periods of blackout in their communities, with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) doing very little to convince the populace that blackouts would become a thing of the past.

Despite promises from both the previous and present Governments, that the nation would benefit from improved electricity supply, consumers are yet to see any measurable progress in relation to an affordable and reliable service. In fact, very little has changed under this Administration, who used every opportunity while in Opposition to criticise the previous Government in relation to the manner in which the electricity sector was being managed.

With the opening up of new housing schemes around the country, there is an increased demand for electricity, which means that more energy has to be generated to satisfy that demand. If serious efforts are not made to produce more electricity to meet this increasing demand, there would always be pressure on the existing systems, resulting in power surges and extended periods of blackout.

Citizens have been complaining that the unstable electricity supply has resulted in their electrical appliances being damaged; a cost which they themselves have to bear, as the power company seems to have no clear policy on compensation. Even if it does, consumers are not fully aware of such.

Likewise, businesses have been very vocal about the huge negative impact the prolonged periods of blackout have had on their operations. While it would be difficult to place a monetary figure on the extent of the economic loss resulting from unstable power, it would be correct to say that the losses in terms of downtime and lost business have been quite significant.

In addition to the disruption to manufacturing and trading, among other industries, there is also the disruption to the night-time entertainment industry.

An unstable electricity supply in any country serves as a deterrent to investors. While some large businesses in the manufacturing sector have opted to provide their own independent power supply, small businesses cannot afford to do so, since the use of alternative power supply adds significantly to operating costs.

Of note, too, is that consumers, including manufacturers and service providers everywhere, are all of the opinion that the electricity charges at present are too high, and they have made numerous calls for the rates to be lowered.

In addition to several complaints being made by residential consumers about the burden the electricity bill places on their households, manufacturers and service providers have expressed the view that they are sometimes unable to compete due to the high cost of electricity rates here.

That said, we are not oblivious to the many problems being experienced by GPL. These problems, which include line losses, particularly owing to electricity theft, have been known for decades, and have certainly had a tremendous impact on the company’s ability to provide better services to consumers.

The extent of electricity theft in Guyana is shocking, and GPL must continue to tackle the issue frontally. The costs for stolen electricity are passed down to ordinary consumers, who are made to feel the brunt of such illegal actions. All efforts must therefore be made to ensure that persons who are involved in such practices are placed before the courts. No doubt, once such issues are addressed, the company would be in a better position to perform better.

It is unacceptable that citizens are still faced with unexplained blackouts and voltage surges. In fairness to GPL, it is clear they understand the depth of the problem and how consumers and businesses are affected. However, the company, and by extension the Government, must take the necessary steps to fix the problem of blackouts once and for all. Anything less is unacceptable.

During her visit to Guyana on Monday, US Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, Rena Bitter met with stakeholders in Government to discuss issues of shared interest in the bilateral partnership between the United States and Guyana.

Bitter met with Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd, and Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud to discuss visa matters and intercountry adoptions

The development and exploitation of our natural resources

Dear Editor, I have taken notice of the headlines in the local media titled “Guyanese Still in the Dark---: As another Foreign Company boasts of gold fever in Guyana.” A host of strong emotions and feelings are reflected in, and generated as intended, as we read the headlines and article.

The subject at issue is, as it has been for a century or more, the topic of development and “exploitation” of our “potential” natural resources and the actual distribution of the direct and indirect benefits. One can sense from this and other current articles in our formal and social media, a number of intense contradictions amongst us Guyanese about those foreign companies and their shareholders; and at times some contradictions between us Guyanese, no doubt depending on our particular position and intent.

For our success in life and living, we need to be alert to, aware of and keep in focus evident contradictions and potential for conflicts; not just to dwell on them but to ascertain how true and accurate they are and to move on to resolve and reconcile them. I write this letter to present some helpful experience

to aid understanding and improve the milieu for resolving and reconciling the contradictions between the many parties and stakeholders in the development and exploitation of our natural resources I write this letter to temper the suspicions, the mixed feelings, the arguments that Guyana and Guyanese are being kept in the dark.

Far from it. Intentions to grant, and the actual grants of any rights for exploring and prospecting are published and reported in our Official Gazette, stage by stage. Few persons have the cause and the time, at the time of publication to notice them. We tend to miss or ignore the first bell when it rings, we have no time. Understandably, everyone gets excited and “never heard of it before” when something is discovered or reported as discovered.

Everyone heard of the petroleum find of the consortium led by Exxon in mid-2015, but who took notice when about 1998 Exxon first obtained the very first Exploration License in the very deep, very far offshore, where no one had ventured before; and the five or so years of marking time as the boundary line at sea

between us and Suriname was determined?

In many ways, unless we are involved, we hardly ever take notice at the beginning. Exploration is a walk in the dark. In prospecting, you are looking in a hay stack for a needle that may or may not be there.

From experience, only one in ten to one in a hundred such ventures find something sufficiently worthwhile. Further, many discoveries come after three or more significant efforts at exploring/prospecting in that location. The knowledge obtained in previous “unsuccessful” prospecting/exploration provides a larger base upon which the next round of exploration/ prospecting proceeds.

Turning specifically to the places of gold mentioned in the article – Tassawini and Puruni – have been known places of gold for more than a hundred years and the location Harpy, I would bet, would have been known by an earlier name. Most of us would recall that most successful gold operation yet, at the Omai river in our Guyana, from about 1993 to 2005, with construction initiated and led by CAMBIOR in about 1988. Many would recall the pictures of old equipment from the earlier not

very successful attempts to profitably extract gold from that location – a German group in the 1890s and Anaconda in the 1930s.

And one may wonder how well CAMBIOR really did – they collapsed and were bought over by IAMGOLD by about 2008.

Lots of risk-taking, capital, shares acquiring money must be raised for exploration and prospecting. This in many ways may be likened to money spent buying lottery tickets.

Companies are allowed to “talk up” the good prospects of their location as long as they include the advisory that their presentations contain “a number of forward-looking statements,” that is, “hoping to win the jackpot” statements. If you bear in mind that only one out of ten to a hundred “forward-looking statements” come to something, you may understand that everyone is in a haze, no one is yet seeing clearly. It might be time to take notice and wonder about joining others in investing any savings you may have.

You never know, you may hit the jackpot, and maybe not.

Some may recall the On-Energy petroleum explorations, on-shore of the Corentyne coast.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022

5

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

PNC posturing on LGE aimed at undermining its integrity Dear Editor, The Local Government Elections would be held on March 13, 2023, and the governing PPP/Civic has already indicated that it would be participating in the elections, and would be contesting all seats in all Municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.

Opposition political parties are yet to pronounce on their participation, or the extent of their participation. This is not surprising, as it is very evident that the political Opposition has not recovered, even partially, from its electoral defeat in 2020 National Elections, and its shameless attempt to rig the said elections.

Stories in the local media and internet would suggest that main spokespersons for the Opposition, Aubrey Norton and Khemraj Ramjattan, continue to live in denial, with the false claim about the PPP rigging itself into

power, that the PPP was installed by Western powers, that dead people voted, and more. They simply cannot come to grips with the notion that they were voted out of Government because of their disastrous performance during those five years in office.

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, is making noises about a bloated voters list. Of course, he doesn’t mention the fact that the same bloated list was used in the 2015 elections which APNU+AFC won.

The PNC is well aware of the tremendous efforts by GECOM to sanitize the list as far as dead persons in Guyana are concerned.

The big question is: How to remove those deceased persons living overseas and whose deaths are not reported, thus not removed? The Opposition’s answer to this issue is to stop Guyanese living abroad from voting. The Chief Justice has ruled,

and the PPP has explained over and over again, that residency is not a qualification to be a voter. It is unconstitutional to remove from the voters list registered persons who now reside overseas.

The Opposition would have to make its position clear sooner, rather than later. Opposition supporters are looking on with interest. Many already understand that an Opposition boycott would see the PPP/C taking over all the Local Government bodies. Most Opposition councillors elected at the last Local Government Elections are quite rightfully apprehensive.

From all appearances, GECOM is going full speed ahead with the elections. Most Guyanese are comfortable with that, as they know that the robust mechanisms put in place over the years are quite sufficient to prevent voter manipulation, especially multiple voting and

The development and...

It was advertised to Guyanese; it looked very likely but it only added to our information base. It was said that a number of Guyanese had invested a total of about G$800 million in that venture.

Allow me to end saying one thing, which many of us Guyanese may dislike, but is true. We are still young and learning and questioning many of the arrangements that have become common place in exploration and prospecting circles (as I have questioned and learnt in my time). It is this, our learning situation that drives insistence on the strongest “stability clauses” (no changes to the agreement unless both parties voluntarily and freely agree). Also, whilst we may all like it to be so, we wouldn’t get everything – we need to put ourselves in the other persons’ shoes.

Towards the end of our negotiations with the utility from Saskatchewan for the privatisation of our electric utility, about 1997, the Saskatchewan media and our Guyanese media seemed

to be arm in arm. When the arrangements to settle the key remaining major breaking points were released, the Saskatchewan media seemed to be screaming to Saskatchewans “see what our people are giving away to those Guyanese” and our media seemed to be screaming to us, “See what our Guyanese leaders are giving away to those people from Saskatchewan.” I found myself filled with the contradictory feelings of amusement and anger. Those negotiations had to be dropped.

About two years later when we had to conclude an agreement with another core partner, many were then saying that the Saskatchewan arrangement was better! We have been learning.

Yes, the difficult questions always are: How much to give? Where to draw the line? How are we to know what is reasonable? I have found that we have a good guide, when we think realistically and earnestly about: (i) Throwing all foreign partners aside and doing it ourselves;

(ii) Who are the other potential partners who may give us a better deal; aware that we all go to the same schools and have learnt to do our sums the same way.

We have a job in learning to find our way in this world of seven and a half billion fellow humans, in about 190 foreign countries. There are lots of people out there who are looking to enrich themselves any way they could, many in-

voter impersonation. The intense scrutiny that takes place on voting day by political parties and local and foreign observers makes it impossible for skullduggery to take place at polling stations on the scale alleged by the Opposition.

The Leader of the Opposition and the PNC are pretending to be interested in free and fair elections; the opposite is the truth. The history of Guyana is rife with numerous incidents of vote rigging by the same PNC, which included multiple voting, switching of ballot boxes, wholesale stuffing of ballot boxes in PNC areas, etc. For the PNC to now raise the possibility of vote rigging is quite laughable.

The PNC is the only party that has been exposed so very often in the past as having been involved in the rigging of elections. The most vivid example took place just a little more than two years

FROM PAGE 4

nocent and not-so-innocent carpetbaggers trying their hands; and there are, I think, many more with whom we could partner for our mutual benefit.

Yours truly, Samuel AA Hinds Ambassador of Guyana to the United States of America and the Organisation of American States

ago, when, for five long months, before the eyes of the country and the world, the PNC attempted to steal the 2020 elections. Their present posturing can only be seen as red herrings

aimed at undermining the integrity of the elections.

How can they expect to be taken seriously?

Respectfully yours, Brian Azore

Mocha resident on harassment of NCN cameramen Dear Editor, I note that the APNU/ AFC are claiming that they did not harass the NCN cameramen who were doing their jobs by covering their meeting in Mocha recently. I also saw APNU/AFC admitting that they asked the cameramen where they were working.

I believe that is intimidation, since it was a public meeting on the street.

I also noticed the NCN statement said the cameramen were attacked by APNU/AFC Member of Parliament Nima FlueBess, who was asking who the cameramen were, and where they are working.

As a resident of Mocha, I know that Miss Flue-Bess lives in the same street in Mocha in which one of the cameramen lives. She knows that he works at NCN and she knows his family. So, for Miss FlueBess and APNU/AFC to

say they don’t know the cameraman, or where he is working, is totally wrong and dishonest.

The way I see it is that APNU/AFC just wanted to stop NCN from filming the meeting. Why would they stop NCN and then say they don’t get coverage? In this modern time, APNU/AFC must know that people get the news right away on things that are happening. That is important, and APNU/AFC must also know that media people must be free to do their jobs.

The way Miss FlueBess acted in Mocha that day is not how a Member of Parliament must behave.

What she and APNU/AFC did must be condemned by everybody.

Sincerely, Ryan Newton, Mocha Arcadia resident

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 09:55 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 18:30 18:55 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 23:00 23:30 00:00

(Sign on) Inspirational Time Cartoons Evening News (RB) Stop Suffering The Final Table ExxonMobil Offshore Diaries S2E9 Tiny House Hunters Paternity Court Divorce Court Movie - The Snow Queen 3: Fire and Ice (2016) Wheel of Fortune Raven's Home S3 E12 The Haunted Hathaway S1 E13 Indian Soaps Henry Danger S4 E8 Game Shakers S1 E18 The Young & The Restless Jeewan Ki Roti CNN ExxonMobil Offshore Diaries S2E9 The Evening News Stop Suffering Brooklyn Nine Nine Stranger Things S2 E3 Manifest S1 E9 Grace & Frankie S2 E7 Sign off

6

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022

Page

Foundation

◄

w

Eruption!

Supplies

The above was created on Desmos.com, using the equations below. You can explore more of Maths as art on Desmos for free.

• Deep baking dish • 2-litre plastic bottle • Large mixing bowl • Spoon(s) for mixing • Drop cloth or place where volcano can erupt and make a mess For the volcano “cone” • 6 cups flour • 2 cups salt • 2 cups warm water (more if needed) • 4 tablespoons cooking oil • Food colouring: mixture of red and black to make brown (optional) For the volcano “lava” • Hot tap water • Funnel • 2 tablespoons baking soda • 2 cups white vinegar • Red food colouring (optional) • 6 drops of dish detergent • Smart phone to videotape eruption (optional)

and mould the dough around it into a volcano shape. Don’t cover the hole or drop dough into it.

Now for the lava!

Fill the soda bottle most of the way full with warm water and a bit of red food colouring. Next, add 6 drops of detergent to the bottle contents.

The detergent helps trap the bubbles produced by the reaction so you get better lava.

Then add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the liquid.

Slowly pour vinegar into the bottle. Watch out — eruption time!

You can make your volcano erupt over and over by adding more baking soda and pour in more vinegar to trigger the reaction. You may need to pour off some of the “lava” between eruptions. (startwithabook.org)

Let’s get started!

First, make the “cone” of the volcano Mix 6 cups flour, 2 cups salt, 4 tablespoons cooking oil, and 2 cups of water. Add food colouring to make the dough brown, if you like. The resulting mixture should be smooth and firm (add more water if needed).

Then, stand the soda bottle in the baking pan

CONTINUED FROM TUESDAY

By The Brothers Grimm

TO BE CONTINUED

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ecosystem services provided by Guyana’s forests valued at US$54B annually – Pres Ali – at signing of EU €5M Forest Partnership MoU

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has disclosed that the economic value of the ecosystem services provided by Guyana’s forests is estimated at between US$40B and US$54B annually.

He made this remark while delivering a virtual address at the signing of the Forest Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the European Union and the Guyana Government. This agreement would see Guyana benefitting from a €5 million grant to advance its efforts towards sustainable forest management and preservation.

President Ali has also said Guyana’s forests are a regional and global resource belonging to the expansive Guiana Shield, which covers some 2.7 million square kilometres and is one of the world’s largest remaining tropical rainforest blocks.

“Guyana’s forests provide critical environmental services, including carbon sequestration. They are mainly responsible for Guyana being among the handful of countries that are rated as net carbon sinks. With an estimated storage of 19.5 billion

Development Strategy 2030 commits Guyana, among other objectives, to completing and implementing a voluntary partnership agreement under the European Union Forest Law Enforcement, Government and Trade Process that will permit the trade in legally forested and certified timber with European Members,” Ali added. “The Forest Partnership between Guyana and the European Union is timely, and underscores the strong commitment in continuing the bold ambition and innovative programme on climate, environment, and forests. Guyana therefore

President Dr Irfaan Ali delivering his virtual address

tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, the economic value of the ecosystem services which our forest alone provide has been estimated within US$40 to US$54 billion annually,” the President has posited.

Reflecting on Guyana’s strong stewardship of climate and the environment, the Guyanese Leader pointed out that Guyana has launched a visionary Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030.

“This strategy details

how our forest and biodiversity can be maintained whilst the country expands green jobs. Transitioning the domestic energy supply to clean and renewable energy sources is adept to the impact of climate change,” he said.

The Forest Partnership between the European Union and Guyana has been facilitated on the margins of COP27, being held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

“Guyana’s Low Carbon

welcomes this forest partnership.”

The LCDS was first launched on June 8, 2009.

The revised version was published in May 2010 and launched in March 2013. The new LCDS is intended to continue and build upon the work started in 2008. Between 2009 and 2015, Guyana earned US$212.52 million in forest service payments from Norway, to be invested in the LCDS. This has created low-carbon jobs, enabled Amerindian villages to receive legal titles for communal lands, rehabilitated the Cunha Canal to protect against flooding; and started to equip

Amerindian and hinterland communities with renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The LCDS 2030 seeks to create a new low-carbon economy in Guyana, by establishing incentives that value the world’s ecosystem services and promote these as an essential component of a new model of global development with sustainability at its core. In Guyana’s case, it is about harnessing the value of the country’s ecosystem services to build a long-term, low-carbon diversification opportunity.

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GAWU, GGB ink historic Collective Labour Agreement

– paternity leave for fathers, overtime allowance highlights of agreement

Chief Labour Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine and General Manager of Guyana Gold Board, Eondrene Thompson sealing the deal

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) on Tuesday signed their first Collective Labour Agreement (CLA).

The 16-page agreement addresses 33 clauses on a range of matters which will see 36 workers benefitting.

Among the issues considered by the CLA are the payment of overtime, annual leave, subsistence allowance, meals allowance, hazard allowance, the mechanism for promotion, sickness leave, occupational safety and health (OSH), among a host of other conditions.

A new feature in the CLA regards the provision of paternity leave where fathers would receive one month’s leave with pay on the birth of their child. It is the first time the GAWU has been able to negotiate such a condition.

During a simple signing ceremony at the Labour Ministry, GAWU’s General Secretary Aslim Singh expressed satisfaction that the agreement was reached at the bilateral level.

He noted that through frank and full discourses, issues were fully ventilated and each side had the opportunity to make their points of view known.

This, he posited, augured

GAWU General Secretary Aslim Singh and Guyana Gold Board General Manager Eondrene Thompson displaying the agreement in the presence of the Chief Labour Officer and other officials

well for the relationship between the parties as the General Secretary indicated the Union looked forward to fruitful relations with the GGB. However, General Manager of Guyana Gold Board, Eondrene Thompson expressed the Board’s delight in reaching the point of signing the agreement.

She said the Board recognised the importance of ensuring employees were comfortable and that the discussions took place in a manner which lends to mutually satisfactory outcomes.

Chief Labour Officer, Dhaneshwar Deonarine

congratulated the parties while noting that the Ministry was pleased that the parties were able to settle the agreement bilaterally and expressed best wishes to both parties.

The GAWU in the latter of 2021 secured bargaining rights on behalf of the employees of the Board. Ever since, GAWU has been working with the workers in developing and negotiating the CLA. Apart from that, the Union has been able to address a few other issues in the interest of the workers.

The GAWU is pleased that it has been able to continue to advance the interest of workers.

Damp squib...

Y

…in Parliament

esterday, your Eyewitness explained his preparations for the sparks (or worse) he expected to fly during the first sitting in the National Assembly for a while. After all, precedent had been set for a whole new type of manoa-mano “parliamentary engagement”!! Sadly, he had to put away his popcorn, which is ruined when it gets soft – which it did. While the Order Paper was chock-full of subjects to debate, the Opposition PNC/AFC –in the person of LoO Norton - interjected that they wanted to move a motion to suspend the scheduled business and debate what he called the “urgent” need to rectify the “bloated voters list” for the LGE. Now, Norton should know better!! In fact, your Eyewitness is ABSOLUTELY certain that he knows better on the sort of motion he was introducing. He’s been around the (parliamentary) block - and then some - in his long political career. The Bible of parliamentary procedure, written by Erskine May, pronounced thusly on his proposed motion: “The matter must not be a grievance that is continuing, which does not qualify as a sufficient matter of urgent public importance.” Now the Opposition has been whining and whingeing about the “bloated” list from thy kingdom come, so it is certainly “continuing”. He knows that for such a motion to be approved, it had to satisfy three rather rigorous conditions – to ensure that the scheduled business of Parliament is dealt with.

In our Parliament, the precedent has clearly been established that the matter that is sought to be interjected must be DEFINITE, URGENT and of PUBLIC importance.

Now, this “bloated list” isn’t even a legal term, since the Opposition’s solution to their claimed “bloating” is to eliminate all overseas Guyanese from the list!! This means taking away one of the fundamental rights of citizenship – the right to vote - which the Courts have ruled is unconstitutional!!

Do they really want to go in this direction?? Well, it certainly can’t be done so cavalierly on the fly, since it would need a constitutional amendment that demands a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

But what did the PNC/AFC combine gain by rebuffing the opportunity afforded? Their positions on a host of subjects would’ve been reported in the mainline media they complain are marginalising them. They could’ve shown up the PPP on suicide, constitutional change, and trying to reduce the number of road fatalities caused by drunken and reckless driving etc. These are subjects of great interest to the Guyanese electorate. By leaving the forum to the PPP all by their lonesome, the Opposition’s hammering another nail into their coffin!!

Your Eyewitness is beginning to think that maybe there’s gotta be another leadership election in the PNC!! The AFC is already dead meat and smelling “renk”!! …on US visas Against the backdrop of the UK – the erstwhile colonial power that had ruled both countries once upon a time – removing the need for visas for Guyanese to visit Old Blighty, he fully expected that the US would match them when their Consular Officer met some Govt officials!! After all, it’s the Americans who’ve been trumpeting how good we have it now that ExxonMobil – a super-sized American company – has struck oil!!

Now that we’ll soon be the THIRD LARGEST non-OPEC oil producer in the world - and enjoying the highest per capita GDP in the world! - would Guyanese want to remain in the US, to live in dank basements?? Especially when they’ve just been regaled with news about how their favourite destination – New York City – is so crime ridden that even the rats are fleeing over to Jersey!?!

Your Eyewitness thinks that in protest against their assumption that we’re in the same boat (pun intended!) as Haitians and Venezuelans, Guyanese should stop lining up in front of the US Embassy!! …on rigging bed sheet Ever since Guyanese learned Mingo used a soiled bed sheet to project his personally tabulated SoPs, Guyanese wanted to know where Mingo sourced the bed sheet and, more pertinently, how’d it become stained!!

No answer yet!!

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

9 Freelance photographer dies after boat capsizes in Pomeroon River NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– President meets grieving family

Dead: Trevor Patrick

A

freelance photographer who is also attached to a local radio station in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) met his demise on Tuesday after the boat in which he was travelling capsized in the Pomeroon River.

Dead is 48-year-old Trevor Patrick of Charity, Essequibo Coast. At the time of the accident, Patrick and five other media personnel including President Irfaan Ali’s Communications Officer Dhanash Ramroop, and two cameramen - Keon Blades and Jose Cheddi were also in the boat.

The President had travelled to the area to assess the flooding situation. Also

President Dr Irfaan Ali consoling Patrick’s widow at the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital following the tragic accident The area where the accident took place

on the outreach was Director of the Department of Public Information (DPI), Edward Layne.

During a brief telephone conversation, Layne related that the President and a team had visited flood-affected villages in the lower Pomeroon area and were heading back to Charity when the boat that was carrying the President’s Press Team and others suddenly came into contact with something in the water and flipped.

“We don’t know what the boat came in contact with but upon seeing this, the oth-

er boats including the one transporting the President went to the aid of the passengers… all the media personnel were rescued and taken to the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital where they were checked but unfortunately, Patrick died while doctors were trying to resuscitate him.”

Layne further stated that the others in the boat were unhurt but as a precautionary measure, they were taken to receive additional medical attention.

“They are more traumatised and we could understand…It was a frightening

situation…” the DPI Director added.

However, after the accident, President Ali along with the Agriculture Minister and other officials met with the deceased’s wife and two daughters and offered their regrets and whatever assistance is needed.

“We will be in contact with the family and provide the necessary support to them… we know it is tragic and we continue to pray with the family,” Layne noted.

In addition, the Alliance For Change (AFC) has expressed sadness at the untimely death of Patrick and

extended heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, friends and the entire media fraternity.

“Today’s news of the tragic accident has left the AFC and the nation in shock and mourning. This incident and other recent boat mishaps in our rivers bring into focus the need to re-examine our safety protocols and regulation, including the licensing regime and the competence of boat captaincy,” the AFC stated.

Further, the party stated that it is thankful for the safe return of the other media personnel and boat hands aboard during the accident

and wishes them a speedy recovery.

“As consumers, we seldom pay attention to the great risks reporters and camerapersons put themselves at to satisfy our need for information. Yet, to them, we owe a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. We will surely miss Trevor’s effort to ferret out the stories behind the story in his many pieces.”

Patrick’s body was subsequently taken to the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem. An investigation into the fatal accident was launched.

10

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

11

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana Supplier Forum a “stepping stone” in networking locals with budding oil industry – PM Phillips …over $140B spent by Exxon, contractors since 2015 – Routledge

By Rupa Seenaraine

M

aking its return to provide networking opportunities to local suppliers in the oil sector and beyond, the Guyana Supplier Forum opened on Tuesday at the Leonora Synthetic Track, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

This event is the product of ExxonMobil Guyana and the Centre for Local Business Development and is geared toward forging new partnerships and collaborations, bringing a strong focus on local content.

In his address, Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips highlighted that local businesses will be able to prepare and catapult their operations through active efforts by Government to put them first. This forum, he said, is a “stepping stone” for new partnerships.

“Our responsibility as a Government is to create a competitive and conducive business environment for all stakeholders…Our major asset in all of this remains our local content. Our speedy establishment of the Local Content Act and the Local Content Secretariat was one of the first and most significant steps that guarantee the consideration and prioritisation of our people,” the Guyanese PM voiced.

Phillips underscored that new and promising developments in the past two years have skyrocketed. The event, he noted, is the hub of potential for persons interested in becoming involved in the oil and gas industry.

“Few can deny that Guyana is currently at the forefront of many lists for business and investment opportunities due to its emerging oil and gas sector...As the industry continues to grow, there will be greater demands for goods, services, investment, and skilled labor. As a country and as a Government, we will work to ensure that our local businesses are ready to meet these demands,” he told attendees.

He said they have been working on new model oil contracts to increase benefits while requesting companies to adopt cutting-edge technology so that the environment is sustained.

“Our efforts have also included major considerations to manage our environment and our operations responsibly as part of the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 where we aim among other things, to reduce carbon emission by 70 per cent by 2030.”

However, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge spoke about the country’s vast resources and lobbied for the building of a sustainable fu-

Prime Minister Mark Phillips visiting booths at the opening of Guyana Suppliers Forum

ture. But to do this, stakeholders need to understand the opportunities.

“It’s about knowing what is coming and that’s why we’re here with our prime contractors, with a number of other suppliers, with the Government with the local chambers, to ensure that is understood what opportunities are coming, especially to Region Three.”

The forum is organised in Region Three, where the gas-to-shore project is to be laid. It will deliver 50 million cubic feet of gas per day from the Liza field through a high-pressure pipeline. The construction of a Natural Gas Liquid Extraction and a 300-megawatt power generation facility will make the country more self-sufficient in cooking gas and slash electricity generation costs by 50 per cent.

The Vreed-en-Hoop port development is also in the pipeline for the region, where seabed preparation is being undertaken to start construction of the first 20 acres. The Exxon President expressed satisfaction that local businesspersons have undertaken this project.

Routledge noted, “Today, we have more than 1000 Guyanese vendors as companies, businesses that have been participating in the oil and gas sector since 2015.

We and our contractors have spent more than US$700 million. That’s more than $140 billion with those suppliers here in Guyana since 2015.”

Direct link

Meanwhile, the Director of the Centre for Local Business Development, Dr Natasha Gaskin-Peters said this forum informs local businesses about what is happening beyond the oil sector. Now, they are directly exposed to gas-to-energy contractors; and recruiting companies.

“Local Guyanese businesses are given priority.

You have the opportunity to network with ExxonMobil as well as all of their prime

contractors to learn more about those anticipated tenders. The Supplier Forum ensures that the Guyanese firms have that direct contact that is needed when ExxonMobil and the prime contractor are as this information is very vital in you making those strategic investment decisions,” she relayed.

The Centre works with some 3000 Guyanese businesses, preparing them in areas such as procurement, the offshore oil and gas industry, building core business systems, financial management, human resource management, and supply chain management.

She added that “2023 will see greater levels of activities in Region Three as we work together with businesses and people to prepare them for the oil and gas sector as well as Guyana’s growing economy, and the opportunities to come.”

Preparation

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Paul Cheong related that the importance of having updated information on key contracts and procurement services for local contractors is necessary. He said work has been continuing to prepare these stakeholders.

“I wish to point out that the Private Sector Commission has been leading the charge in expanding its reach across the length and breadth of Guyana to get more businesses involved in the developments that are taking place here, not only in oil and gas but also in the traditional sector, such as agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining, etc.”

By the end of the year, each administrative region will have a chamber, where the umbrella PSC body can promote its interests. In this light, Cheong endorsed the aims of the forum, adding that stakeholders should see themselves as partners and not competitors.

“We believe that there is no substitute for working to-

gether. We need to stop seeing each other as competitors but rather as partners and use facilities for the bond to achieve even greater success. Our economy being the fastest growing in the world. Many opportunities are there for us as time is to benefit from what it requires, careful and well thought-out plans; plans of how to grow our businesses to take advantage of these opportunities and plans of how to improve our skill set to also take those advantages and opportunities togeth-

er,” the PSC Chairman announced.

Among the other projects in store for the region are the much-anticipated new Demerara Harbour Bridge, GAICO Marine facility, new hospitals and the two fourlane highways.

Good governance

Region Three Chairman, Inshan Ayube lauded the work of the Government, saying that good governance plays a part in shaping investors’ confidence.

“It creates a stir not

only in the imagination of the Guyanese people but also creates a stir in investors to come to this country to invest and grab the opportunities that this country has presented for investors. Today, that confidence that the world at large has in Guyana, the Government, and the economy of this country is a testimony to your presence here.”

The first Supplier Forum was held in 2018. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a virtual forum was held last year.

12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Murdered Berbice housewife bled to death from cut to ankle – autopsy

A

post-mortem performed on the body of 30-yearold Oma Davi Virasamy showed that she bled to death from a wound she sustained on her ankle.

The autopsy was performed on Tuesday by Government Pathologist, Dr Vevakanand Bridgemohan who gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage as a result of a cut to an artery of the foot.

It was reported that the mother of one of Lot 171 Bloomfield

New Housing Scheme, Corentyne, Berbice, who was pregnant at the time of her demise, had a misunderstanding with her reputed husband during which she was chopped.

Her husband, 35-year-old Mahendra Paltoo, also called “Ajay”, was arrested and interrogated during which he told investigators that his wife was in the process of making up the bed for their child when she slipped and fell on a cutlass.

The cutlass was reportedly hid-

Dead: Oma Davi Virasamy

den between two mattresses in their bedroom. Nevertheless, he related that the woman received a cut on her right ankle, and as such, he assisted her to dress the wound after which she retired to bed.

He further claimed that he woke up about 04:40h on Sunday and discovered his wife lying motionless.

However, under further interrogation, Paltoo confessed that he and Virasamy had a misunderstanding after she accused him of being unfaithful. At the time, he

had collected a bottle of alcohol from a neighbour.

He claimed that during the argument, the woman pushed him, and in retaliation, he armed himself with a cutlass and dealt her several blows about the body.

She sustained injuries to her right ankle and other parts of her body, including under her left eye.

After the confession, he took the investigators to the area in the house where he committed the act.

He remains in custody pending charges.

13

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt to construct fixed pump station at Charity to alleviate flooding – engineers to redesign area to accommodate roads for easy access

President Dr Irfaan Ali assessing flood-affected areas in Region Two

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday visited the Region Two community of Charity, on the Essequibo Coast, to assess

the flood situation there following heavy downpours on Monday.

Several areas along the Essequibo Coast in Region

Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) were flooded on Monday, thus resulting in the closure of businesses. On Tuesday, President Ali and a team

visited the area and interacted with the affected residents, listening to their concerns and promising his Government’s full support to help them return to normalcy.

Accompanied by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha; Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Lionel Wordsworth; and other officials, the Head of State promised that a permanent pump station would soon be erected at Charity – one of the affected areas - to drain water from low-lying land and thus reduce the severity of flooding.

“In relation to the flooding, we are now investing in a fixed pump station

here…”, President Ali related.

Further, he told residents that engineers would be tasked with redesigning the layout of the area, so that roads can be built to improve accessibility to homes.

He also said that in order to do so, there must be cooperation from residents.

“I can tell you now that it will be difficult…once there is a will in the community and the entire community wants the area to be regularised and are willing to make the necessary changes, then we can find a way”, the President has said.

“Ninety percent of this is in your hands. I am sending the technical people, I am going to tell them to put

down the paals and issue the notice; it is just to get the people in the community to comply with the notices. You guys have to come together, as the community, and decide with the planners where will be the main road and where will be the road network,” the President has said.

“I don’t want you to live like this; I want you to get proper roads, but you can’t get proper roads unless we do what is right,” the President explained.

A few days ago, the Hydromet Office announced that wetter-than-usual rainfall conditions are expected across all regions of Guyana for the months of January 2022 to November 2023.

Corentyne cattle farmer beaten after confronting cattle rustlers on property

Chandrapaul Hemraj in the position he would normally take while looking over his cattle

arrived at his property on horses and went straight into the cow pen. Upon seeing this, he came out of hiding and confronted them.

“12 o’clock ah night they come and tie up their horse and come in and start catching my cow. Then I come down from the tree and I ask them why they taking the cow.”

He said he told them that the animals were his and questioned their presence in his pen. “One of them run and scramble me and knock me,” the farmer related while adding that soon after he raised an alarm.

“They throw me down to

Hemraj pointing to the area where the men arrived on horses

A

fter confronting three suspected cattle rustlers on his premises at Number 64 Village, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) in the wee hours of Monday, a farmer was brutally beaten.

Cattle rustling on the Upper Corentyne is a regular occurrence. Many farmers are having their animals stolen from their pens and also from the savannahs where thousands of heads of cattle and small ruminants are being kept.

Many of these farmers had to put special securi-

ty measures in place. One such farmer is Chandrapaul Hemraj of Number 64 Village.

However, on Monday morning he had an encounter with rustlers, who, from all indications, were attempting to steal his cattle.

Upon seeing him, the men held him at gunpoint and started to assault him.

The 60-year-old farmer explained that due to the regular theft of his animals, he would hide in a tree and watched over his cattle.

On Sunday evening, he related that the three men

the ground and put a knife to my throat and tell me don’t move and one start cuffing me on my chest.

After I start to holla, one of them say cut he neck. I say ‘why you all gon cut my neck; you all come to thief me cow – me supposed to cut you all neck.”

The elderly man’s screams alerted a fisherman who was on the beach and went to enquire. Upon seeing the fisherman, the three intruders mounted their horses and left.

TURN TO PAGE 21

NEWS

15

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Issuance of 500 Local Content Certificates More crimes revealed – who wiped the computers clean? by year-end on track – LCS Director Who took away the cameras? ...says over 3500 Guyanese employed in oil and gas sector

T

he travesty of the attempted rigging of the results of the election in 2020 is still fresh in the minds of the Guyanese people, particularly those of us who stood unbent, resolute that the riggers would not succeed. The riggers kept the Guyanese people and democracy at bay for five long months. They brought shame to a nation. The world watched in disgust and in awe at the brazenness of the riggers. Persons with many letters behind their names, as part of the rigging cabal, were on TV and news conferences contorting themselves more than an American pretzel to explain away the many incidents of craziness that the riggers came up with to buy time and to rig the process and the results. Crimes were committed in the full view of the watching world. Many of those persons from within and outside of GECOM are in court, charged with forgery, fraud and conspiracy.

But, as the CoI into the elections’ fiasco rolls out, even Dr Leslie Ramsammy more crimes are being revealed.

The first witness called by the CoI was the Chief Elections Officer, who took up his position just a few months ago. He was not there when the shameful events took place after the elections. He revealed what many of us suspected. The new CEO confirmed that the computers which stored the images of what took place at the Ashmin’s Building, the Region 4 HQ for the returning officer, and where the declaration for Region 4 results was to be made, were wiped clean of that footage. The same thing happened with the footages from events that took place at GECOM when the returning officer and senior GECOM staff moved the activities from Ashmin’s Building to GECOM itself.

The BIG QUESTION is: Who wiped the computers clean? And when? Given the circumstances, this is a crime. This is a matter that must not be allowed to go untouched. Those responsible for wiping the computers clean clearly must be part of the conspiracy and the ugly, criminal attempt to rig the elections’ results. The present Chief Elections Officer has stated under oath that when he assumed his post, he asked for those computers. Many persons had suspected that these computers would be wiped clean by members of the conspiracy group that worked within GECOM. It is a reasonable request that was made by the new CEO. Any person worth his salt coming into the position would want to know if that footage was secured, especially since this was a suspicion that was being openly discussed by the public. The new CEO has confirmed that the footage does no longer exist because the computers were wiped clean. We all hope that the CoI would use its influence and its power to bring in global expertise that can verify when this crime occurred, and if there is any way to trace who did it.

The cameras that captured the footage themselves were removed, but not secured by GECOM. Given the importance and the events that brought so much agony, one would have assumed steps would have been taken to secure the cameras. But the cameras were removed by somebody or some people. The CEO could not answer the question that the CoI asked, and that members of the public have been speculating over since August 2020. The public has been advised that GECOM had given a private contract for the electronic recording of events that were supposed to be public events. We are not aware that the question was asked and answered at the CoI, yet we all need to know who was responsible for the cameras and the footage at Ashmin’s Building. Surely, this is not a matter for us to reincarnate Sherlock Holmes!

If this was a private contractor, then payments must have been made, and contracts must be available. Where are they? Why can we not find out who the contractor was? We need to bring the contractor in to tell us where the cameras are, and who has the footage. If GECOM commandeered the cameras from the contractor, then the contractor must tell us who in GECOM or who other than GECOM staff took the cameras and the footage. Accountability by the contractor is not an option. When were the cameras removed or became inoperable? These are not esoteric, rhetorical questions.

Answers must be provided, because these actions were part of a conspiracy and a crime, and the CoI must not leave such matters just for a report.

Crimes were committed in the period from March 2 to August 2, 2020 in the ugly, clumsy, brazen attempted rigging of elections.

Former and present Prime Ministers from CARICOM were witnesses to the shameful, disgusting events. International observers, the Diplomatic Corps, all of them, including the ABCE countries, saw the events firsthand. In the middle of the clumsy attempt to rig the results, the then Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Karen Cummings, tried to threaten the observers to rescind their authorization to observe the elections and the declarations if they do not stop their “interference”. They were expected to stay quiet and not “butt” in.

Several of the main players have been charged. Others have not been touched. But it is clear that many crimes were committed. It would be remiss on the part of the authorities to leave these crimes to fester. Elections in Guyana must never again be threatened by people inside GECOM or outside GECOM. What we do now will be critical to secure free and fair elections in the future.

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

D

irector of the Local Content Secretariat (LCS), Dr Martin Pertab related that its target of issuing 500 certificates to companies to operate in the oil and gas sector by year-end is on track.

He made this disclosure at the Guyana Supplier Forum on Tuesday during which he shared that they have been focusing heavily on registering companies to provide services in the oil industry.

“We’re receiving quite a lot. Over the past month, we have ramped up our capacity in the sense of processing those applications.

And as of now, based on our portal, we have awarded or we have received in excess of 350 Local Content Certificates, which at the end of this year, I think we

Local Content Secretariat Director, Dr Martin Pertab

are well on target of reaching over 500 Local Content Certificates.”

The Secretariat, which was set up in February,

has been making strides in several areas to enforce the Local Content Act. The Act lays out 40 carved-out areas that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese companies by the end of 2022.

The original estimate when the Secretariat was created earlier this was year was that these areas are capable of bringing $150 billion in revenues to local businesses.

Pertab expressed that these areas are being monitored, with guidelines developed for implementation.

“That is essentially the focus of the Local Content Secretariat in terms of ensuring that business, the supplies of goods and services to the industry are

prioritised for Guyanese.

Those 40 areas are tracked and there are several targets that essentially speak to the supplies of goods and services…Over the past 10 months, we have made significant strides in terms of setting up the institutional administrative and monitoring framework for the Local Content Secretariat.

In fact, we have developed several guidelines which speak to the implementation of the Act.” Additionally, he noted that there has been some improvement in payments.

Through a collaborative approach and a series of consultations and discussions with contractors, subcontractors, and licensees, payments will be made within 30 to 45 days.

TURN TO PAGE 18

16

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

17

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

National Assembly walkout

Govt calls out Opposition for abdicating responsibilities as elected leaders

... APNU/AFC is becoming more irrelevant – Teixeira

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

T

he Government has called out the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Chance (APNU/AFC) for failing to fulfil their responsibilities as elected officials after walking out of the National Assembly on Monday with critical Bills yet to be debated.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira, during a joint press conference after the walkout, said the Opposition had again failed its constituencies by failing to participate in law-making to the better-

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

ment of the society.

She emphasised that parliamentarians have an important role in decision-making in the National Assembly. A number of Bills including the Constitution Reform Bill, Suicide Bill, Bail Bill, and Restorative Justice Bill were on the National Assembly’s agenda.

“He (Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton) is abdicating his responsibility as the Leader of the Opposition when we have Bills here, Constitutional Reform which is an important one, which will allow the Opposition parties and the Government to have equal numbers,”

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill

the Parliamentary Affairs Minister expressed.

The Minister expressed the view that the mantra displayed by the Opposition at Monday’s sitting was an attempt to distract citizens from the ongoing Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events surrounding the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“The APNU/AFC cannot hide from the role they played during the March 2, 2020 elections in attempting to thwart the will of the people, the electorate over and over again for the five months.”

She also told media oper-

Members of the Opposition during the walkout on Monday

atives that the actions of the APNU/AFC are indicative of the party becoming irrelevant.

“Their behaviour once again reinforces the APNU/ AFC coalition is becoming more and more irrelevant; it is at its lowest tide as Opposition and that it has nothing to contribute.”

In addition, Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill lambasted the Opposition for leaving the National Assembly and laying the blame on the Government’s refusal to discuss the high cost of living.

“You walked out because you are intellectually lazy

and you are politically immature. You should have been standing in Parliament to say what else can be done to improve,” Minister Edghill stated.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall reminded that the APNU/AFC had made numerous promises about constitutional reform.

“I hope that the people of this country are looking on and are seeing that we have made a promise and we are in the process of delivering on that promise. The other side made a similar promise a decade ago. From 2011 to 2015, though in Opposition, they controlled the National

Assembly with a one seat majority vote. They did nothing for constitutional reform,” Nandlall said.

“From 2015 to 2020, they made compelling promises to the people of Guyana to start constitutional reform with great immediacy. Five years after, they did nothing. In the first half of the Irfaan Ali Government, this manifesto promise is halfway down the road. We cannot travel the other side.

And I want the people of Guyana to understand that.

I hope the empty benches to which I’m speaking, is not a forbearing of what is to come in this process.”

18 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Reunion Gold Corporation awards scholarships to 10 budding geologists

The 10 scholarship awardees with Exploration Vice President of Reunion Gold, Justin Vandertorn

T

en geology students from the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology were recently awarded oneyear scholarships which will allow them to continue their studies at the tertiary institution.

The scholarship funds which will benefit the students from years two to four were handed over by officials from the Reunion Gold Corporation via a simple ceremony at the Turkeyen Campus.

The scholarships are made available to honour Senior Geologist of Reunion Gold Corporation, Marian Moroney.

At the event, the univer-

Faculty of Engineering and Technology Industrial Intern Officer Anil James

One of the awardees, Garvin Douglas

sity’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Paloma Mohamed Martin expressed her sincere appre-

ciation to the company for its generosity toward students.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin

VNK Logistics Managing Director Glenis Beaton

She underlined the significant contributions made

by Moroney, noting that she would be proud of the initiative.

She also expressed special thanks to the Chairman of Reunion Gold Corporation, David A Fennel, for being the key impetus behind the awards.

According to the VC, the awardees of the scholarships, even though very deserving, should consider themselves fortunate “because this is not a scholarship that is given to any and every student, there were some stipulations, students had to be of very high sterling quality of 3.6 and above grade point average (GPA).”

Additionally, Prof Mohamed Martin noted that Moroney will be pleased to see female geology students being well represented in the selection process.

“As I looked through the profiles, I saw quite a few young ladies; and I was so glad to see that as this field is mostly dominated by men. I am also happy to see the young men as we do not want our young men to fall behind, but we want you to be equal,” the Vice Chancellor expressed.

Managing Director of VNK Logistics - the company that provides logisti-

cal services to Reunion Gold Corporation - Glenis Beaton noted that Reunion Gold is always willing to give back to society.

On the other hand, Vice President of the company, Justin Vandertorn highlighted that the corporation is very keen to support the geology industry in Guyana.

“Getting good geologists in our industry is what we do well because we like to do events like this, and we like to support the university. We like to support students and we want people to understand what they are getting into when they come into an exploration career because an exploration career can be very rewarding,” Vandertorn related.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Verlyn Klass explained that the students were selected from the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of her faculty.

“We allowed all of our students to know of the offer and we encouraged them to apply. We looked at their GPA and we would have awarded those with the highest GPAs.” “I, therefore, extend my congratulations to all of them for getting these scholarship awards. I understand

UG’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology Dean, Verlyn Klass

someone shouted when they got the call, so, I know they are all grateful and we are very grateful to Reunion Gold for this offer,” Dean Klass further added.

Industrial Intern Officer, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Anil James also expressed thanks to Reunion Gold Corporation for providing the scholarships to the students.

Responding on behalf of the students, one of the beneficiaries, Garvin Douglas stated, "I was very excited when I received the call because honestly, I would have never expected to get an opportunity like this; it is quite spectacular because it inspires me, and I am sure it inspires other persons here to push until the end.”

The students who were awarded the scholarships are Claire Ceres, Chantel Setal, Sherri Ann Welcome, Fonda Major, Luanna Boodie, Shyon Niles, Hendricks Fernandes, Talissa Rawlins, Garvin Douglas, and Judiah Jomaine.

Also present at the ceremony were the Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Basheer Khan and other officials from the university.

Issuance of 500 Local ...

FROM PAGE 15

Recruitment

The Director further explained that the Secretariat is paying attention to recruitment, since the prioritisation of Guyanese is not only limited to companies providing goods and services to the industry.

The Secretariat had targeted 836 new employments between March and December but as it stands, 1125 new jobs were allocated, thus surpassing its target.

“Of the 1125 new jobs, 858 were filled by Guyanese. We have not only achieved our annual target within six months but on that target, almost 100 per cent was met by Guyanese nationals, taking the total amount of Guyanese in the industry to 3689.”

Some 80 per cent of those positions were within the technical field, which has a high demand.

“Going forward, the in-

tent of the Secretariat is to have that open discussion, work with key stakeholders as we strengthen the local content, and close all possible loopholes. The idea is that while we continue to prioritise Guyanese nationals, it must be done in a sustainable manner. And again, we will reach out to the contractors and subcontractors and key stakeholders as we move the local content agenda forward,” he explained.

NEWS

19

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PM Mottley pushes for transatlantic bridge between Caribbean, Latin America & Africa to develop & manufacture pharmaceuticals

P

President Dr Irfaan Ali

rime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, during a virtual meeting on the sidelines of COP27, which is being held in Egypt, discussed the furthering of pharmaceutical equity for global public health with President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The key recommendation emanating from the meeting is an inter-governmental South-South cooperation initiative aimed at the development and manufacture of 60 per cent of all essential contemporary pharmaceuticals for the populations of Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa within their respective continents by 2040.

It is intended for the cooperation to initially focus on next-generation oncological drugs and preventive and therapeutic vaccines, as well as on modalities for women’s health. It is also stipulated that all manufacturing sites related to this endeavour would be in full compliance with the relevant stipulations of the COP21 Paris Agreement.

The leaders of the countries and organizations which have launched this initiative have emphasized that all interested countries in the Caribbean, Latin American and African regions are invited to join.

Prime Minister Mottley, during the meeting, related that it is a truly historic moment, as, with a great sense of urgency and understanding, South-South Cooperation rose to the fore to address matters of global public health.

“I want to dearly thank President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President Paul Kagame, and President von der Leyen for recognising the importance of this venture, and congratulate all stakeholders who have been instrumental in developing this pharmaceutical trans-

Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley

atlantic bridge between Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean,” she added.

President Ali has said he is honoured to be part of this groundbreaking initiative, which is indeed a testimony to true South-South cooperation. He related that, from the outset, he congratulated his colleague Mia Amor Mottley for stewarding this cause, and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda for his role in advancing this partnership, which would provide the opportunity for the peoples of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean to have access to pharmaceuticals developed within their own regions.

Further, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, posited that health is a top priority for citizens wherever they live, and, as such, the EU is committed to supporting its African and Latin American and Caribbean partners in boosting their own capacities to produce vaccines, medicines, and health technologies.

“This will increase the resilience of their health systems, and contribute to economic growth. Thanks to close cooperation between all the necessary actors: the public authorities, the scientific community and the Private Sector, we will get there quicker”.

President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, has said the progress made towards pharmaceutical equity in Africa is a result of the partnerships both within the continent and beyond.

“We would like to see more of this kind of practical cooperation between the Caribbean and Africa, and look forward to supporting this endeavour,” he disclosed.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained that one of the most important lessons of the pandemic is that manufacturing capacity for medicines, diagnostics, vaccines and other tools is concentrated in too few countries.

“At the World Health

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen

Assembly last year, WHO Member States approved a resolution for strengthening local production of medicines and other health technologies,” he disclosed.

“International networks can play a crucial role in expanding local production, such as this new partnership between Latin American and the Caribbean and Africa.

I welcome today’s communiqué, which emphasises the importance of expanding not only manufacturing capacity, but also regulatory capacity, with technical expertise and the trust of communities. I’m also pleased to see the commitment in the communiqué to establishing new manufacturing capacity with a strict net zero emissions’ rule,” he added.

Meanwhile, Prof Dr Senait Fisseha has said the Caribbean and Latin America can learn from the tremendous progress African countries have made in vaccine manufacturing in the past two years. She also noted that African countries can learn from the innovative ecosystem LAC countries have created around commodities such as pooled procurement mechanisms as well as the Revolving Fund for vaccines.

“Today we had the opportunity to consider how we can expand these efforts beyond vaccines and oncology into areas like reproductive health. We all face common challenges in reproductive health – teenage pregnancy, maternal mortality and morbidity, and unsafe abortion, among other things; and, like with vaccines, we currently rely heavily on imported medicines and commodities, putting our supply security at risk.”

The ceremony was witnessed by Acting Director Dr. Ahmed Ogwell Ouma of Africa CDC, President Dr Werner Hoyer of the European Investment Bank (EIB), and KENUP Foundation Chairman Holm Keller.

WHO Director General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame

Professor Dr Senait Fisseha

20

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

21

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Republic Bank rakes in US$228.4M in year-end profits

– attributes profit to continued resurgence of economy post COVID

R

epublic Bank has announced a US$228.4 million profit being recorded by the year ended September 30, 2022, a 16.7 per cent interest compared to 2021 that the company attributed to society bouncing back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, Chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL), Vincent Pereira, announced that while the figure represents an increase of US$32.6 million or 16.7 per cent over the 2021 reported profits of US$195.8 million, it is also US$8.1 million or 3.5 per cent below the 2019 reported profits of US$236.7 million.

“This performance reflects the impact of the Group’s expansion, revenue diversification and cost management strategies, the

RBL Chairman Vincent Pereira

uptick in economic activity as well as the increase in yields in the US dollar-denominated financial instruments held across the Group,” the statement said.

The Chairman further noted in the statement

that over the past financial year, the countries in which RFHL operates have continued to relax their COVID-19 protocols.

This means borders and schools were re-opened, restrictions on gatherings and public mask mandates were removed and almost all commercial activities resumed.

“The resulting resurgence of economic activity, especially in the tourism-dependent economies, augured well for the Group.

Throughout this period RFHL continued to serve its stakeholders, providing support to our customers as they navigated new challenges to their business model. We also worked to improve the customer experience through increased investment in our digital offerings.”

“During 2022 we strengthened our sustain-

ability focus, adding capacity and execution capability to the Group through the creation of an Office of Sustainability. Additionally, through our Group flagship Power to Make a Difference Programme we are forging new, valued partnerships with NGOs and groups whose specific focus aligns to the pillars of our sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) effort,” he further announced.

He explained that by continuing their focus on being a responsible and sustainable bank, they hope to play a role in actively shaping a more sustainable future for all. Meanwhile, the Board of Directors have declared a final dividend of US$0.52 (2021: US$0.45) per share.

This brings the total dividend to US$110.1 million or US$0.67 (2021: US$0.60)

Guyana, Suriname to soon meet on matters, including fishing licence standoff

– Foreign & Agriculture Ministers, technical officers to attend

T

echnical teams from Guyana and Suriname will soon meet to discuss a number of matters and find a way forward for increased collaboration. One of the critical matters on the agenda will be the fishing licence standoff.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd explained that teams from Guyana and Suriname will soon be meeting. While a venue has not yet been established, he explained that the delay in Guyanese fishermen being provided with licences to fish in Suriname’s waters will be on the agenda.

“We’re preparing to meet shortly, Guyana and Suriname. A team comprised of Foreign Ministers, Agriculture Ministers, as well as technical officers.

So, we’re planning to meet again to work on the strategic dialogue platform, which we established in 2020. The fishing licence is just one agenda item on that comprehensive agreement. So, it’s a work in progress,” Minister Todd said.

According to the Foreign Minister, the matter must be resolved in a mutually beneficial and timely manner. He also explained that while the meeting is a scheduled one, there have been competing issues that have been engaging the attention of his Ministry.

Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd

“I think both the Foreign Ministers and Agriculture Minister in Suriname, they’re very cognisant of the fact that this is a very important matter. We’ve also reiterated the fact that we have to have it resolved, to bring a speedy resolution.

Because it’s been lingering for too long. And we have citizens who have been affected,” the Foreign Minister added.

Despite promises by Suriname at the bilateral level to issue licences to Guyanese fishermen to operate in their waters, this has not materialised. In fact, licences were supposed

to have been issued in 2021.

Suriname, for its part, has urged Guyana to await the diplomatic channels.

Following the high-level meeting in Guyana during August 2021 between President Dr Irfaan Ali and Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, the two leaders issued a joint press statement indicating that the age-old issue of licences for Guyanese fisherfolk to operate in Suriname’s territorial waters would be addressed.

These fishermen operate from the Corentyne coast and have to use the Corentyne to get access to

the Atlantic where they get most of their catch. The Corentyne River is considered Surinamese territory. A situation had arisen whereby the licences were being issued to Surinamese businessmen at US$100 per year and rented to the Guyanese fisherfolk at US$3000 annually.

Email correspondence sent from high officials in the Surinamese Government, to their Guyanese counterparts, revealed that Suriname had promised Guyana, that the fishing licence for Guyanese to fish in Surinamese waters would have been issued on January 1, 2021.

In the email dated December 13, 2020, which was seen by this publication, Surinamese Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Prahlad Sewdien had written to Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, informing him that the fishing licences would be issued from January 1 of the next year and that they would try to have preparations completed within two weeks.

The email also acknowledged the list of fishermen that Mustapha had sent to Sewdien, while also suggesting various actions that should be taken to complete the process of issuing the licences, under Surinamese law.

per share for the fiscal year, an increase of 12.5 per cent in total dividend payment over 2021, and in line with the 2019 dividend payment. At a closing share price of US$20.96, this dividend represents a dividend yield of 3.21 per cent (2021: 2.93 per cent). The final dividend will be paid on December 1, 2022, to all shareholders of record on November 17, 2022.

“Within an environment that presented both

challenges and uncertainty, the Group has delivered a good performance for the year ending September 30, 2022. This success could not have been realised without the talented, resilient, and dedicated staff across each of the fourteen (14) countries in which we operate. For their continued high level of commitment and their dedication to our customers, I am truly grateful,” Pereira concluded.

Mocha duo charged for robbing barber

A

teenager was among two persons charged for a home invasion earlier this month in Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Adrian Forris, 32, a taxi driver; and Daniel Bradford, 18, both of First Street Mocha, EBD, were arrested on Thursday

by Police of Mocha Police Outpost and charged with robbing Jermaine James.

It was reported that the duo broke into the home of James and escaped with several pieces of electronic devices and cash to the tune of $496,000.

As such, they were ar-

rested and appeared at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

Bradford indicated that he is 17 years of age (no form of evidence was produced to support this). However, the Magistrate discharged the charge against him.

The charge was read to the second accused, and the Administration of Justice Act was applied.

He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of $100,000. The matter was then adjourned to December 1.

Corentyne cattle farmer beaten after...

FROM PAGE 14

Hemraj explained that he knew two of them. They left behind a cellular phone, a bag, and a rope.

Without hesitation, he immediately went to the Number 62 Police Outpost and reported the incident along with the names of the intruders.

Many farmers who have suffered at the hands of rustlers on the Upper Corentyne have been reluctant to report the matter to the Police, alleging collusion with some law enforcement officers and the criminals.

According to Hemraj, rustlers have over the years carried away dozens of his animals. He posited that cow rustling on the Upper Corentyne has become concerningly rampant.

“One time they carry away 184 from me one time.

Now they carrying away 4 and then 5 and then 4 or 2...

So they carried them away.”

Now, he said, he has just over 20 heads. Several special breading bulls that he purchased were also stolen and slaughtered.

Meanwhile, animal rights activist Gobin

Harbhajan is of the view that law enforcement officers are not doing enough to protect cattle and other animal farmers.

He told Guyana Times that sheep and goat farmers on the Upper Corentyne have also been facing difficulties in recent months.

“Cattle farmers are complaining, it is every other night they are losing animals and it is very sad that some of these cases would have been reported to the Police and I don’t know what is happening...”

He said some farmers have already sold their animals as they can ill afford the heavy losses.

“A cow would take one year to drop and then the calf would take four to five years for it to get to a size to sell it. I would like to see the law enforcement agency clamp down and start to catch some of the culprits.”

Harbhajan is urging farmers to cooperate with the Police and provide them with the necessary information so that the perpetrators can be caught and prosecuted. (Andrew Carmichael)

22

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022

New Zealand, Pakistan clash in 1st T20 World Cup semis today T

here are parallels.

They may not mean anything, but they're there, if you're the kind of cricket fan who looks for them. And if you're a Pakistan fan, you're always looking for parallels to 1992.

Well, here are a couple. New Zealand began their tournament with a big win over Australia. New Zealand topped their group table (yes, there were no groups in 1992, but let's not nitpick), losing only once before the knockouts. New Zealand's #4 was, and is, the tournament's leading batter (according to no less an authority than Smart Stats).

And then we come to Pakistan. Pakistan were all but out of this tournament, only for forces beyond human comprehension - Qudrat ka Nizam*, you might say - to carry them into the semi-finals.

They came there fuelled by pace, left-arm swing and wrist-spin, among other things (things that don't quite match, just like the 92

theme). They come here as tigers who are cornered no more.

There are other ways to look at this contest, but we have a detailed Tactics Board for that.

It'll tell you that batting first could be a significant advantage; that New Zealand would want to bowl short and into the pitch at Pakistan's batters; that Shaheen Shah Afridi vs Finn Allen could be a key battle.

All of that will play a role in tomorrow’s (Wednesday's) clash at the SCG, but there will also be other forces at play, at least in our imagination. New Zealand's history in World Cup knockout games. The history of New ZealandPakistan knockout games at World Cups. Qudrat ka Nizam. The law of nature.

Whatever will be will be as nature wills it. * After Pakistan's loss to England in the third T20I in Karachi in September, their head coach, Saqlain Mushtaq, reacted in inimitably philosophical manner at his post-match press conference. "Qudrat ka nizam hai, hum kya kar sakte hain? [It's the law of nature, it's not in our control]" Widely mocked in social media in the immediate af-

termath of their utterance, the words gained an entirely new connotation after South Africa's shock upset at the hands of Netherlands paved the way for Pakistan to reach the World Cup

Boult have been in four World Cup finals across the three formats, but they're yet to get their hands on a white-ball trophy. This could be their last chance, and they could do some-

Nawaz in mind. Expect an unchanged XI, barring any last-minute injuries.

New Zealand (possible): 1 Finn Allen, 2 Devon Conway (wk), 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Glenn

batting-friendly of the three pitches that have been used so far in Sydney.

There is a small chance of rain on Wednesday morning, but the weather should clear up by the time the

semi-finals.

thing about it if they get the new ball moving around against Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who are under immense pressure individually and as an opening combination at this tournament.

Mitchell Santner has only bowled seven balls to left-hand batters at this World Cup so far. Pakistan have the tools with which they can put him under pressure, if they deploy Shan Masood and Mohammad Nawaz at the right time. Much as they did to counter the threat of Shakib Al Hasan, they could promote Nawaz up the order and hold Mohammad Haris back.

Kane Williamson (31 off 36 balls, one dismissal) and Daryl Mitchell (13 off 15 balls, one dismissal) have struggled against legspinners at this World Cup. How they handle Shadab Khan through the middle overs could be a key battle.

Phillips, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 James Neesham, 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Tim Southee, 9 Trent Boult, 10 Ish Sodhi, 11 Lockie Ferguson.

After their narrow defeat to India in their opening game, Pakistan decided to sacrifice the extra batter in order to play the fourth quick. As tempting as it may be to strengthen their batting depth in a knockout game - by bringing in, say, Asif Ali for Mohammad Wasim - it seems unlikely they'll change a combination that's worked for them.

Pakistan (possible): 1 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 2 Babar Azam (capt), 3 Mohammad Haris, 4 Shan Masood, 5 Iftikhar Ahmed, 6 Mohammad Nawaz, 7 Shadab Khan, 8 Mohammad Wasim, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 11 Haris Rauf.

match is scheduled to start.

(Cricinfo)

In the spotlight

Tim Southee and Trent

Prime Minister’s Softball Cup

Azeem Khan has spoken about the recently held Canada Cup 1, played under the auspices of the Ontario Twilight Softball Cricket League. It was another reflection of the steady growth of softball cricket. According to Khan, the next three-day soft-

ball extravaganza is set for 2024, and he is calling on teams to again participate.

“It was a terrific tournament we had in Canada, and we saw players coming from Guyana, New York, Florida, Orlando, and participated, and that shows our love for the game. And

◄FROM PAGE 23

every major softball tournament, like the Prime Minister’s Softball Cup, is fascinating. I personally encourage players and teams to go at these events, and I must extend an invitation to all of them for our next Canada Cup,” he has said.

Team news

New Zealand resisted the urge to pick the offspin-bowling allrounder Michael Bracewell against left-hander-heavy teams during the Super 12s stage, so it seems unlikely they'll pick him with Masood and

CLASSIFIED ADS SERVICE Pandit Balaji: He is an expert in clearing problems like: Marriage, love, relationship, business, jobs, court case, health, bring back loved ones, remove black magic.

100% guaranteed results and He has permanent suggestions and solutions for lifetime within 3-5 days. Contact +592 698-8091.

Pandit Hari Krishna: Are you suffering from love problems, relationship, Family, Children, wife and husband, business, jobs, lucky number, remove negative energy, bad luck, visa, health?

Pandit Hari Krishna gives you permanent suggestion and solution within 5 days. Contact +592 678 4062.

Pitch and conditions

Teams batting first have won five out of six games played at the SCG so far at this World Cup. But there's one factor that could reduce the impact of the toss: the pitch that will be used for the semi-final is the same one that hosted the Super 12s opener between Australia and New Zealand.

It was the flattest and most

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call: 223-7230-1 Ext 50

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

AAG’s annual South American 10K Road Race…

23

20th edition for November 20 staging from Montrose to National Park

T

AAG President, Aubrey Hutson

he Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has decided to postpone the staging of the 20th edition of the South American 10K Road Race in Guyana by two weeks; thus, the event has been put off to November 20th.

The race was initially set for Sunday, November 6th 2022, but consideration has been given to scores of the country’s top athletes who had been engaged in competition all last week at the

Joint Services Sports - especially those who have a liking for the distance races – and there is intention to effect changes that would enhance the quality of the event, thus it has been rescheduled for Sunday, November 20th, 2022.

In a comment invited by Guyana Times Sport AAG President Aubrey Hutson further clarified the reason behind the decision to postpone the Race. He said: “With all the track

and field activities that’s been going on in Guyana right now - as you would know, the Joint Services Championships is a really large championships, even bigger than our National Seniors Championships - it really and truly would have put the AAG to task in organizing and making sure they have a properly run meet.

To come two days after and do an event like the South American 10K would’ve been very difficult.

“So, we requested from World Athletics and the South American Confederation, and they agreed for us to move it to the 20th of November.”

Divulging that the Panama leg of the South American 10K is set for November 12, Hutson said this has added to the reasons behind choosing the 20th. However, the AAG boss is confident that the new date is best suited for optimal viewership.

“Moreso now than the

6th that we were slated for, [being able to host the event] because it gives them a little more time, coming out of all the international competition. Today was the New York Marathon, which a lot of people were focused on,” the AAG Boss explained.

He added, “So, we want to have our own little niche of the audience that’s going to be out there.”

While confirming that international athletes are still going to make the trip, even the AAG boss could not contain his excitement regarding the competition he anticipates for Guyanese track stars. Hutson shared excitedly, “We’re hoping still to see a lot more of the South American countries representing, we know there’re a lot. Even internally, we have a lot of scores to settle coming out of Joint Services: which athlete really is our best on the road?

And so (we opted to) give them a chance to rest and come again.”

The new route for the South American 10K will see athletes beginning at Montrose, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), trav-

JB Latchmansingh Road, then on to Thomas Lands and into the National Park in Georgetown, where the finish line would be near

The South American 10K is expected to be an athletics extravaganza on November 20

elling along the northern carriageway to the Kitty Roundabout, then on to the

the gym rather than the Children’s Monument.

(Jemima Holmes)

BCB/Jafferally MP West Berbice 20/20 Tournament 2022…

D’ Edward Cricket Club defeat Achievers to lift title -MP Jafferally renews sponsorship for 2023

Player of the Finals, Romesh Boodram, receiving his award

T

he D’ Edward Cricket Club last Sunday successfully defended their BCB/Jafferally MP West Berbice 20/20 title when they easily defeated their Achievers counterparts by eight wickets in a match played at the Shieldstown Ground in front of a large and colourful crowd.

Tournament sponsor Faizul Jaferally, MP, and President of the West Berbice Cricket Association, David Black, having spoken to both teams before the game commenced, D’ Edward CC, under dynamic leadership of Jaipaul Heeralall, won the toss and elected to field on a lightning-fast outfield.

Achievers were rocked with the departure of Quacy McPherson for a duck in the very first over, when the score was at 1 for 1; and it took a crucial innings of 63 from the experienced Raffel Estraudo to steady the Achievers’ ship after the talented Shamal Angel was dismissed for 10 with the score being at 32 for 2 in the 6th over.

Estraudo struck five delightful boundaries and received support from Atherley Bailey and Carlton

Nurse, whose respective scores of 16 and 22 helped to rescue the Achievers from the position of 130 for 4 to eventually being all out for 155 scored in 18.2 overs.

Bowling for D’ Edward, Rickey Moore took 3 for 27 from 3.3 overs, Navindra Rampersaud took 2 for 36, and Akash Harrilall took 2 for 22. Devendra Lalsa and Keith Fraser each took a wicket, for 29 and 25 runs respectively.

In response, D’ Edward CC raced to 78 without loss in the tenth over, as Altaz Khan and Romesh Boodram savaged the Achievers bowling attack. Khan was dismissed for 31 by Stephen Adams off the fourth ball of the eleventh over, when the score was at 78 for one.

Boodram was joined by K. Bissoondyal, and they took the score to 143 before Bissoondyal was dismissed for 33. Victory came in the 18th over when Boodram smashed Angel for a huge six to end on 71 not out, while Heeralall Bridgelall was eight not out.

BCB President Hilbert Foster hailed the tournament as a resounding success, and also expressed gratitude to the Government

Member of Parliament Jafferally for his sponsorship of the tournament.

A total of 14 teams had participated in the tournament, and Foster informed the gathering that the countywide BCB/Dave West Indian 40-Over tournament would start on Sunday, November 13, with more than 90 teams.

MP Faizal Jafferally has hailed the outstanding leadership of Foster, and announced to loud applause that he would continue the sponsorship of the tournament and a Cricket Trust Fund once Foster remains head of the BCB. Jafferally also congratulated D’ Edward on retaining their title, and wished

The winning D’ Edward team posing with MP Jafferally and BCB officials

Achievers all the best in the future.

Other speakers at the presentation ceremony were BCB Competition

Chairman Leslie Soloman and WBCA President David Black. The winning team and runner up received trophies and financial priz-

es. Romesh Boodram was named Best Batsman and Player of the Finals, while Ricky Moore copped the Best Bowler Award.

Prime Minister’s Softball Cup backed to be a success P

resident of the Ontario Twilight Softball Cricket League, Azeem Khan, is backing the 2022 Prime Minister’s Softball Cup competition to be successful.

Action in this competition is set to begin on Friday November 10 in Georgetown, Guyana, and be at fever pitch over three consecutive days, with 26 teams competing in the male category and four in the female. The Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc, in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, is staging this sixth edition of the tournament.

“I am happy to be given the opportunity to wish the tournament good luck. I am confident the guys will do a fantastic job again, and good luck to all the participating teams,” Khan, a longstanding softball

President of the Ontario Twilight Softball Cricket League, Azeem Khan administrator, has declared.

Two teams from Canada are slated to compete in this tournament. They are: Softball Cricket Canada, which would play in the Masters Category,

and Softball Cricket Canada which would feature in the Open Category, round-arm bowling only.

“I want to wish the Canadian teams every success as well,” Khan has said.

“I know they will be competing very hard and make us in Canada very proud.” Khan has served as a longstanding President of the functional Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs.

Ten teams will be contesting in the Masters Category in the Prime Minister’s Cup, and the winning team would be pocketing $600,000. For the Legends, eight teams have confirmed their participation, with the champion side claiming a prize of similar worth.

“Great to see all these prizes at stake! That shows the game of softball has grown tremendously, and it is good

also for the players, spectators and sponsors; so, I know it will be another spectacle when it comes to softball,” the Canadabased Guyanese Khan has declared.

Other players from Canada are expected to represent various teams at the mega-event. Stalwart softball player Bobby Parasnauth will be leading Regal in the Masters Category, and will be accompanied by another experienced softball cricketer, Aftab Shamsudeen.

Prominent batsman in Canada, and former Guyana youth player, Troy Gobin, is included in another Guyanabased side. Veteran player Hemnarine Chattergoon will be captaining the Canadian Masters, while Ameer Khan is set to be at the helm of another side from Canada.

TURN TO PAGE 22►

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022

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

Shivnarine Chanderpaul inducted into ICC Hall Of Fame

–– CWI, GCB congratulates Guyanese batsman

W

est Indies cricket legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul has been announced as one of the new members of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) Hall of Fame on Tuesday afternoon in Australia (Monday night Caribbean Time). He has thus joined the list of fellow cricketing icons who have received this prestigious honour.

The ICC has announced that Chanderpaul would be joined in the Hall of Fame by Pakistan legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir and England trailblazer Charlotte Edwards; and Cricket West Indies (CWI) President and ICC Director Ricky Skerritt has paid tribute to Chanderpaul.

“On behalf of all West Indies cricket stakeholders, I congratulate Shivnarine ‘Shiv’ Chanderpaul for receiving the highest honour of his career to date. Shiv’s story exemplifies all that is good about him and the game of cricket – his hard work, commitment, adaptability, and his resulting growth and achievements on and off the field. His love for the game is unmatched, and he demonstrated throughout his two decades on the field that he was the man for all seasons.

“From the early days in the Under-19 setup in Guyana, Shiv showcased his immense batting talent. He honed his skills, and worked tirelessly to become the number 1-ranked batsman in the world. He embodied the statement ‘heights of great men reached and kept

were not attained by sudden flight’. Shiv toiled hard to improve, and, at every stage, was able to re-invent his game to meet the demands.

“We salute Shiv for his immense contribution to West Indies Cricket and world cricket.”

Chanderpaul has said: “It’s an amazing honour to follow the footsteps of many legends and so many other great cricketers of the past.

I’m grateful for the recognition, and would like to enjoy the moment with family, friends, and, most importantly, the West Indies cricket fans and fans around the world who passionately supported me throughout my career.”

Barely a month ago, on October 2, 2022, the West Indies Run Machine Shivnarine Chanderpaul was inducted into the USA Cricket Hall of Fame.

Chanderpaul couldn’t attend that function, as he was integrally engaged in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as the head coach of the Jamaica Tallawahs. A wonderful cricketing brain, Chanderpaul shifted his focus to coaching in 2016 after his retirement, and, in 2020, launched the Chanderpaul Cricket Academy along with multi-discipline coach and USA Cricket Hall of Famer Mr Jatin Patel.

This year, in his first season as the coach of Jamaica Tallawahs, he earned the rare distinction of taking the team all the way to the championship title. The year 2022 has been a good year for Chanderpaul, and

as the head coach of the USA Women's Under-19 Team, he led the team to the West Indies Zonal tourney, where the USA U-19 girls finished undefeated in the six-team tourney.

West Indians previously inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame are: Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir Learie Constantine, Joel Garner, Lance Gibbs, Sir G o r d o n Greenidge, Sir Wes Hall, the Most Hon. Desmond Haynes, George Headley, Michael Holding, Rohan Kanhai, Brian Lara, Sir Clive Lloyd, Malcolm Marshall, Sir Viv Richards, Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Garry Sobers, Courtney Walsh, Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Frank Worrell.

(Modified from Windies Cricket)

GCB congratulates Shivnarine Chanderpaul on being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame

T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has congratulated Shivnarine Chanderpaul on being inducted into the International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who is familiarly called “Tiger”, is the father of Tagenarine Chanderpaul, known as “Cub”, who recently gained selection to the West Indies Test Squad for the 2022 Tour of Australia.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul made his first-class debut for Guyana against the Leeward Islands at GCC, Bourda in the 1991-1992 Red Stripe Cup. In his 385 first-class matches, he accumulated 27,545 runs at an average of 53.17, with the highest score being 303 not out against Jamaica at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica.

He played 423 List A matches, and aggregated 13,439 runs at an

average of 41.99, with the highest score being 150.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, whom most would agree batted courageously and defiantly throughout his career, amassed 11,867 runs from 164 Test matches at an astonishing average of 51.37, with the highest score being 203 not out against South Africa at GCC, Bourda. He hit 30 centuries in his Test career, and registered two double cen-

turies. He played 268 One Day Internationals (ODIs), aggregating 8,778 runs at an average of 41.41, and a strike rate of 70.74, with the highest score being 150 against South Africa in the 1998 West Indies Tour of South Africa.

Additionally, Shivnarine Chanderpaul recorded strike rates of 98.85 in 22 T20 Internationals and 80.65 from three IPL matches. He was occasionally used for his leg spin to

break partnerships, and this enabled him to collect 9 Test wickets and 14 ODI wickets.

The President and Executive members of the Guyana Cricket Board would like to extend heartiest congratulations to Shivnarine Chanderpaul for this prestigious induction into the ICC Hall of Fame, and look forward to his continued contribution to the development of cricket across the West Indian region and beyond. (GCB)

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.