John dies P

26 NEWS SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM No need for Guyana to worry: ExxonMobil also accountable to US Govt – former EPA Director

AMurray House- this oversight of the off- and get away with it,” Dr earnings from profacilitated panel discussion on Saturday shore operations of oil companies in Guyana’s waters. Adams also said. What he did recommend, duction in the Liza field. It was depos“As far as I know, all the data comes out of saw contributions from civil However, Adams ad- however, is that the capaci- ited in the Federal Exxon, but I don’t think I have any issues with society on how Guyana can better manage its oil and mitted that the unit has, in fact, never been set up, ty be built to ensure that Guyana has qualified peoReserve Bank of New York in March that. Exxon is not going to… they have more acgas sector, including recom mendations of 24/7 moni owing to budgetary delays. He expressed hope that ple who can do verifications of their own. This, accordof this year. An additional countability than Guyana to deal with, in terms toring on the rigs of oil companies to ensure there is no the unit will be set up under the current People’s ing to Adams, means investing in human resource. sum of $7.3 billion was subsequently of reporting numbers…“So, it’s not just they value leakages or breaches of production licences. Progressive Party (PPP) Government. So far, the Liza-1 well has accounted for all of deposited, as well as royalty payments. can willy nilly say they’re going to put eight bilThis particular recommendation came from Adams also noted that while there has not been Guyana’s oil production. The Bank of Guyana’s last However, this money has remained lion barrels of oil on their books, so they can enformer Environmental any independent verifica- half-year report, which cov- untouched, as the hance the financial appearance. They’re not goProtection Agency (EPA) tion of the oil potential of ers the period up to the end protracted political crisis that followed ing to be allowed to do that and get away with the March 2 General and Regional elec- it.” – Dr Vincent Adams attempt to set up Fund Act stipulates that pected that this legislation a system for withdrawing various committees must be will be reviewed by the curfunds. established to provide over- rent Government this year. The Natural Resource sight for the fund. It is ex- (G3)

The Liza Destiny FPSO, where much of Exxon’s oil production is processed

Director Dr Vincent Adams, who spoke of the importance of ensuring that oil companies are monitored at all times and that the State does not depend on reports from the company.

“We have to have 24/7 coverage, on-site monitoring. So that we can see exactly what’s going on. In my experience, over 90 per cent of the time, when you sit in your office and whatever the contractor is reporting, (cannot be relied on),” Adams informed the panel.

The petroleum engineer said that during his time at the EPA, they worked with the World Bank to develop a unit of “36 highly trained staff” who could provide the Stabroek Block, oil giant ExxonMobil also has to be accountable to its United States (US) Government and thus must be transparent and accountable regarding its oil fields.

“As far as I know, all the data comes out of Exxon, but I don’t think I have any issues with that. Exxon is not going to… they have more accountability than Guyana to deal with, in terms of reporting numbers.”

“So, it’s not just they can willy nilly say they’re going to put eight billion barrels of oil on their books, so they can enhance the financial appearance. They’re not going to be allowed to do that of June 2020, had previously revealed that Guyana produced over 10 million barrels of oil during the first half of 2020.

Guyana, with oil giant ExxonMobil as operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the Stabroek Block, lifting its first million barrels of profit oil from the Liza-1 well in February 2020. Oil tanker Cap Phillippe transported this lift from the Liza Destiny floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, allowing Guyana to receive its first payment the next month.

That money, $11.4 billion, constituted Guyana’s first oil revenue-based tions sabotaged any

Attorney Llewellyn John dies

Guyanese lawyer, Senior Counsel Llewellyn John died on Saturday at his Croal Street, Georgetown law office.

He was 95 years old. He married Evelyn Rose Arthur in 1956 and had five children – Helen, Richard, Dina, Marie and Hannah.

Born on January 25, 1925, Clifton Mortimer Llewellyn John spent most of his working life as a solicitor and attorney-at-law. His legal career spanned six decades and lasted until his death. He entered politics at a very young age and was part of the Forbes Burnham team that travelled to London to negotiate Guyana’s Independence from British rule in 1961.

One of John’s most significant representation in court in recent times was his involvement in the series of litigations filed after the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, when the country was plunged into a political and electoral deadlock.

John was conferred with the national award of Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) in 2015 and Senior Counsel (SC) status in 2017 – both by former President David Granger.

He was also a longstanding member of the People’s National Congress (PNC).

The party and its leader, Granger, in a statement on Saturday evening, extended condolences to John’s family, particularly his children.

He said John was elected a Member of the National Assembly and served as Minister of Local Government, Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Agriculture in the People’s National Congress-United Force coalition Administration from 1964 to 1969. During that time, he was a Member of Parliament. He later established his own party, the People’s Democratic Movement.

The legal luminary was

Llewellyn John receiving his Commission of Appointment as Senior Counsel in 2017

also a leading member of the prescriptive title practice. League of Coloured Peoples, With the passage of time, he becoming the editor of the would have represented tens “Sentinel” newspaper and, of thousands of Guyanese, later, as Assistant General moreover, the ordinary litiSecretary of the PNC, of the gants.” “New Nation” newspaper. Nandlall went on to say that John certainly made his Sympathies mark in Guyana, especially

Following news of his in the legal profession. death, condolences poured “He portrayed certain in, with many from the le- unique qualities: his style of gal fraternity taking to so- dress, his style of speaking cial media to express their and writing and his mansympathies. nerisms were all inimita-

The Guyana Association bly his. He was a hardworkof Women Lawyers (GAWL) ing and tenacious lawyer in a brief post on Facebook who championed the caussaid, “We are saddened to es of his clients with gusto inform you of the passing and perseverance. No doubt of our colleague and friend, the profession will miss him. Clifton Mortimer Llewellyn I shared a very cordial and John, C.C.H., S.C. fondly humorous relationship with known as Llewellyn John, him. I will miss him.” S.C. who transitioned home Education Minister Priya today, 16th January, 2021. Manickchand, who is also an Our condolences are extend- attorney-at-law, also shared ed to his children and all oth- a post on social media of er family and friends. May an encounter she had with his soul rest in eternal per- the veteran lawyer back in fect peace and rise in glory.” March 2020.

Meanwhile, Attorney “We were on the corGeneral and Legal Affairs ridor of the High Court Minister, Anil Nandlall re- where Chief Justice Roxane membered John as a le- George had just ruled that gal stalwart, who was one that record of the SOPs of Guyana’s first native so- (Statements of Poll) must be licitors and later became a used after displaying same Barrister-at-Law. to the political parties as per

“As a lawyer, there is no the law... I always liked Mr one who appeared in more John. This day we held dielection petitions or elec- ametrically opposed position-related cases than Mr tions on the election that John, from Independence to was extant and the madcurrent time. He was an au- ness that was unfolding but thority in the area of local I was helping him get back government law and prac- to his office. May his soul tices. He also enjoyed a large RIP,” Manickchand posted land law, conveyancing and on Facebook.

28 SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2021 Around the World

Biden’s inauguration: All 50 US States on alert for armed protests

All 50 US states and the inauguration day itself. District of Columbia Some militias have told (DC) are on alert for their followers not to atpossible violent protests this tend, citing heavy security or weekend, ahead of President- claiming the planned events elect Joe Biden’s inaugura- are Police traps. tion on Wednesday. It follows a week in which

National Guard troops Donald Trump became the from across the country are first US President to be imbeing sent to Washington peached twice. He now faces DC, to discourage any repeat a Senate trial, on a charge of of the deadly riot that unfold- “incitement of insurrection” ed on January 6. linked to the storming of the The FBI has warned of possible armed marches by pro-Trump demonstrators at A fence is being put up around the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing US Capitol by groups of his supporters on January 6. Analysts believe states all 50 state capitols. ready urged Americans to Sunday is expected to be a that saw especially hostile

The National Mall in DC avoid travelling to the capi- particular focus for protests, or protracted election battles has been shut. tal because of the COVID-19 after posts on pro-Trump and are at most risk of violence.

Barricades are lining the pandemic, and local officials far-right online networks One of them, Michigan, streets of the capital amid said people should watch the called for armed demonstra- has erected a six-foot fence tightened security. inauguration remotely. tions on January 17, and a around its capitol in Lansing.

The Biden team had al- march in Washington DC on (Excerpt from BBC News)

“Go for it,” says 1st person vaccinated in India’s massive COVID-19 campaign

Hospital cleaning died of the disease couldn’t worker Manish even get a final goodbye from Kumar became the their families,” Modi said. first person in India to be vac- The government is calling cinated against COVID-19 on its immunisation campaign Saturday, as Prime Minister the biggest in the world and Narendra Modi launched one hopes around 300,600 peoof the world’s largest immu- ple will be vaccinated on the nisation campaigns to bring first day - a first step in adthe pandemic under control. ministering around 300 mil-

Kumar received his shot lion people with two doses in at Delhi’s premier All-India the first six to eight months Institute of Medical Sciences of the year. (AIIMS), one of 3006 vacci- With a population of nation centres established nearly 1.4 billion people, around the country. India is the world’s most pop-

“The vaccine will give me Sanitation worker Manish Kumar, who according to the officials is ulous country after China. strength and motivation to the first person in the country vaccinated against the COVID-19, Some 10.5 million people serve my hospital which has prepares to receive a dose of Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN during in India have been infectbeen at the forefront of tak- the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination campaign at All ed with the coronavirus, the ing care of coronavirus pa- India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital in New Delhi, highest number of infections tients,” Kumar said. “Since India, January 16, 2021 after the United States, and I’m feeling relieved after taking the vaccine, I think everyone should go for it.” India is prioritising nurses, doctors and other frontline workers, and Modi had tears in his eyes as he addressed healthcare workers via video conferencing. “The disease separated people from their families, kept mothers away from their children, and those who more than 151,000 have died, though infection rate has come down from a peak in mid-September. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US imposes sanctions on Cuba, citing human rights violations

The US Department of case of Cuban dissident Jose ry system and border guards. President-elect Joe the Treasury on Friday Daniel Ferrer, who was held The Cuban Government does Biden, who will take office imposed sanctions on in a prison controlled by the not recognise the legal sta- Wednesday, said during his Cuba’s Interior Ministry and Interior Ministry. Ferrer re- tus of dissidents, whom it election campaign that he its leader, accusing them of ported being beaten, tortured, often accuses of being ma- will re-establish at least part serious human rights viola- held in solitary confinement nipulated and financed by of Obama’s policies relattions. and denied medical attention American interest groups ed to the island. Biden’s ad-

The measures against at the prison. wanting to discredit the so- visers have said he plans to the Ministry and Brigadier The island’s Ministry of cialist Government. eliminate restrictions on reGeneral Lázaro Alberto the Interior oversees the in- It is not the first time that mittances and travel, among Álvarez Casas include freez- ternal order in the Caribbean high-ranking Cuban officials other measures implementing any bank accounts they nation and includes Police, have been sanctioned by the ed by Trump. (Excerpt from may have in the United firefighters, the penitentia- United States. Jamaica Observer) States and blocking any business operations with US entities. The new sanctions, which Argentina receives 2nd batch are largely symbolic, come less than a week before the end of Donald Trump’s presi- of Russia’s Sputnik vaccine dency, which has been characterised by strong hostility toward the Cuban Government. The second batch of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine arrived They will be used to complete the Sputnik treatment programme that began in late approve emergency use of the vaccine include Bolivia, Venezuela, Algeria and

The sanctions will be im- in Argentina on Saturday, al- December. More doses are ex- Serbia. plemented under the Global lowing the South American pected to arrive in Argentina Argentina’s Minister of Magnitsky Human Rights country to apply the sec- later this month and in Science Roberto Salvarezza Accountability Act and direct- ond part of the two-dose pro- February. wrote on Twitter on Saturday ed “against the perpetrators gramme aimed at inoculating Paraguay this week be- that the highly contagious of serious human rights abus- front-line health workers. came the eighth country out- variant of SARS-CoV-2 from es and corruption throughout Some 300,000 doses of the side Russia to approve the the United Kingdom had been the world,” the US govern- vaccine arrived from Moscow Sputnik V vaccine, devel- detected in a traveller who ment said in a news release. on a special flight of flag carri- oped by Moscow’s Gamaleya arrived in Argentina from

The statement cited the er Aerolineas Argentinas. Institute. Other countries to abroad. (Excerpt from Reuters)

OILNEWS

France’s Total quits top US oil lobby in climate split

France’s Total SE on Friday became the first major global energy company to quit the main US oil and gas lobby due to disagreements over its climate policies and support for easing drilling regulations.

Total said it would not renew its 2021 membership with the American Petroleum Institute (API) following a review of the lobby’s climate positions, describing them as being only “partially aligned” with its own.

The high-profile departure from the most powerful energy lobby comes ahead of sweeping changes in policy direction in the United States, with incoming President Joe Biden promising to tackle climate change and bring the country to net-zero emissions by 2050.

“As part of our climate ambition made public in May 2020, we are committed to ensuring, in a transparent manner, that the industry associations of which we are a member adopt positions and messages that are aligned with those of the Group in the fight against climate change”, Total Chief Executive Patrick Pouyanné said.

The withdrawal highlights a widening rift between Europe’s top energy companies, which over the past year accelerated plans to cut emissions and build large renewable energy businesses and their US rivals Exxon Mobil Corp and Chevron Corp that have largely resisted growing investor pressure to diversify.

Chevron has no plans to leave the API, company spokesman Sean Comey said. Exxon was not immediately available for comment.

The announcement puts pressure on Total’s European rivals BP and Royal Dutch Shell to follow suit after resisting the move in recent years.

BP, Shell and Norway’s Equinor on Friday said they are reviewing memberships in trade organisations and how they align on climate-related issues. Shell spokesman Curtis Moore said “API is moving closer to Shell’s own stated views” on climate change.

European oil companies have in the past pointed to the API’s role in formulating industry safety and operating standards as their rationale for remaining with the group.

However, in its reasons for leaving the group, Total cited the API’s support for last year’s rollback of US regulation on emissions of methane, its differing views on pricing carbon, as well its lack of support for subsidies for electric vehicles.

The API thanked Total for its membership, but noted that it does not support subsidies for energy, saying it distorts markets.

“We believe that the world’s energy and environmental challenges are large enough that many different approaches are necessary to solve them, and we benefit from a diversity of views,” the API said.

The group has defended its record on tackling carbon emissions, noting that the industry’s technological advances have helped it cut carbon dioxide and methane emissions rates in large oil-producing regions.

Total last year announced plans to cut its carbon emissions, with the aim of reaching net-zero emissions from its operations and its energy products sold to customers in Europe by 2050 or sooner.

Growing investor pressure has spurred Europe’s top energy companies to outline plans to curb emissions and boost renewable energy output. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Dilbert

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Make adjustments before someone asks you to or puts in a complaint. Be the one to make a difference or to do something that will make others feel good. Take the high road.

Don't take anything for granted. Strive to look your best and do whatever you can to make others feel good. An unusual offer or surprise will help you adjust to the changes taking place around you.

GEMINI

(MAY 28June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

You'll learn from an experience with a friend or relative. Don't trust anyone with sensitive information. Take care of personal matters yourself and develop opportunities on your own.

The change someone makes will motivate you to try something new and exciting. A partnership will broaden your horizons and make you realize you don't have to do everything alone.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Don't act in haste. A job posting may look enticing, but read between the lines and you'll discover it's not a step up. Don't feel pressured to make a change prematurely. Take your time.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

A physical change will lift your spirits. A trendy look, a couple of selfies and a social media platform will draw plenty of attention. Spending quality time with someone will warm your heart.

Before you spend money, make sure you have enough in the bank. Taking on an unnecessary debt will leave you stressed about upcoming bills. You can have just as much fun on a budget.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Putting in the hours will pay off. Working from home has its benefits, especially when you have a tight schedule. Don't let someone's uncertainty leave you confused. Make necessary adjustments.

SAGITTARIUS A sensitive situation will (Nov. 23- surface with a friend or rel-

Dec. 21) ative. Listen, but don't make promises or take on other people's problems. You'll be disappointed by someone you thought was trustworthy.

CAPRICORN Don't let an outsider inter(Dec. 22- fere in your personal life. Be

Jan. 19) a good listener and mull over suggestions, but when you make a decision, do whatever you feel is best for you and your loved ones.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- Feb. 19)

Dig deep, gather facts and be ready for any opposition that comes your way. Look for the good in everyone, but don't be gullible when dealing with someone who exaggerates.

PISCES

(Feb. 20Mar. 20)

A reward will come your way if you are kind and compassionate. You may get a second chance to make a wish a reality. Romance is in the stars, and a personal pact looks inviting.

Red Force fielding strong squad for Super50 tourney – Pollard, Pooran, Bravo among outstanding stars

The selectors are obviously relying on experience as the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force contest the CG Insurance Super50 Cup, to be staged in the Caricom State of Antigua and Barbuda from February 7 to February 27.

The 15-man squad announced includes Jason Mohammed, who is captaining the WI One-Day International (ODI) squad in Bangladesh in Pollard’s absence; along with all-rounder Akeal Hosein and opener Kjorn Ottley, who are both with the Windies ODI team for the three-match series against Bangladesh.

Accomplished all-rounder Kieron Pollard, left-handed batsman Darren Bravo, and the ever-improving Evin The Red Force are fielding a strong team in this tournament Lewis as well as the prolific out of the tour of Bangladesh The selection panel, and Richard Kelly Jnr, also wicketkeeper-batsman over COVID-19 fears - are comprising Chairman Rajendra named veteran opener Nicholas Pooran - who all opted included in the Red Force team. Mangalie, Mahadeo Bodoe Lendl Simmons, mesmeric off-spinner Sunil Narine, “WI selectors should not wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, leg-spinner Imran Khan, and fast bowler Ravi Rampaul in be fixated on conditions” the squad. Rounding off the squad are left-arm spinner Khary Pierre – says former fast bowler Tony Gray and the fast-bowling pair of

Anderson Phillip and Jayden Seales – the only person yet to represent T&T at the senior level.

Opener Tion Webster and middle-order batsman Jyd Goolie, who showed good form in the recent practice matches, failed to make the cut.

The Red Force were beaten semi-finalists in the 2019 edition of this tournament, which was played in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. The West Indies Emerging Stars were the overall winners, and there was no Super50 Cup in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Red Force Squad: Kieron Pollard (captain), Darren Bravo (vice-captain), Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Jason Mohammed, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin, Imran Khan, Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul, Jayden Seales, Kjorn Ottley, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre.

Technical staff: David Furlonge (coach), Sebastian Edwards (manager), Lyndon Knights (physiotherapist), Clinton Jeremiah (trainer), Kelly Sankar (masseur).

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The West Indies squad in training

Former West Indies fast bowler Tony Gray has said he believes it is a mistake for selectors to get caught up with selecting teams based on conditions.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) Chief of Selectors, Roger Harper, recently set off a firestorm with an explanation that promising fast bowler Chemar Holder had been left out of the Test squad for the Bangladesh tour in order that an extra spinner could be included to exploit conditions.

The decision was all the more vexing for some, considering the absence of Jason Holder, who was typically part and parcel of a four-pronged pace bowling attack, and Chemar Holder’s promising debut in New Zealand, where he took two wickets in trying circumstances.

For his part, in addition to pointing out that Bangladesh are exceptional at handling spin, Gray pointed to the fact that a multitude of pace bowlers had done well on Asian pitches for several decades.

“I think that they (selectors) are fixated on the conditions. You cannot be fixated on the conditions,” Gray told the Mason and Guest radio programme. “I played my first Test series in Pakistan, and I got 14 wickets in three games. You want the mindset to be there. If you are telling a young fast bowler -- for example, who can bowl some 90-miles-an- hour deliveries -- that you are not going to perform well because of bowling conditions that are not really suited to your pace and your style of bowling, then you are doing the wrong thing!” he explained.

“So, I think they have been fixated on conditions, and there are other things to take note of; for example, the strengths of the op- position: the Bangladeshis are very adept at playing spin bowling.” (Adapted f r o m Sportsmax) Jason Holder to lead

Barbados Pride …as 15-man squad announced for Super50 Cup tourney

The Barbados Cricket Shamarh Brooks and Shai Association (BCA) Hope, all of whom opthave announced ed against touring with that Jonathan Drakes and the West Indies team to Akeem Jordan, both 26, Bangladesh for three ODIs have been selected in the and two Test matches, have Barbados Pride’s 15-mem- been named in the Barbados ber squad to contest the Pride squad. West Indies Super50 Cup Chemar Holder, who renext month in Antigua& cently made his Test debut Barbuda. in New Zealand, but has

It is the first time that ei- only been included for the ther man would appear in a ODI leg of the Bangladesh Pride uniform, but they are tour, is also in the Pride not strangers to the senior squad. level of West Indies domes- Barbados Pride tic cricket competitions. Squad: Jason Holder (cap-

Omitted from a provi- tain), Joshua Bishop, sional squad of 22 players Shamarh Brooks, Jonathan named two Mondays ago are Carter, Roston Chase, Leniko Boucher, Camarie Dominic Drakes, Jonathan Boyce, Miguel Cummins, Drakes, Justin Greaves, Zachary McCaskie, Roshon Keon Harding, Chemar Primus, Shamar Springer Holder, Kyle Hope, Shai and Tevyn Walcott. Hope, Akeem Jordan,

Drakes, a former West Nicholas Kirton, Ashley Indies Under-19 batsman, Nurse. and pacer Jordan have Management: Head played 14 and 16 matches re- coach Dexter Toppin, spectively for the Combined Assistant coach Corey Campuses & Colleges (CCC) Collymore, Manager in the same competition Wendell Coppin, over the past two seasons. Physiotherapist Dr.

Additionally, Jason Jacqueline King, Video anaHolder, Roston Chase, lyst Jamar Layne.

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31 ‘Super 16’ tourney will return this year-end

– promises GFF President Wayne Forde

When the ‘Bounceback Football’ tournament was concluded and the afterthoughts were shared, football enthusiasts were left with much to be figured out.

Is this the new ‘YearEnd Extravaganza?’ Will this collaboration continue? And especially when Kashif Muhammad expressed that they’re hoping to ‘take back’ the 1st of January as a football date, persons wondered: Are they going to take over now? What happens to that tournament that was hosted last year? Will there be gressive agenda to develop the game of golf in Guyana, President of The Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy, Aleem Hussain, confirmed that the acquisition of land to establish the first of 5 uniquely designed golf courses was completed this week.

The facility is set to be located close to the Vreeden-Hoop area, just off the main road for easy access to public transportation, parking, and future growth.

Partnering with Mr. and Ms. Ronald Sami, the GGA was able to sign a longterm deal that would see the facility begin construction immediately, with hope for completion in a few months.

“What is the value of bringing the immeasurable joy of being able to play golf to thousands of children in a way that will shape their perception of life, opportunity and values forever?” asked Hussain, as he outlined that based on the innovative model they created, it will cost less than G$2,000/month for the kids to learn and continue enjoying the sport!

How is this possible? Well, according to Hussain, The Guyana Golf Association have, in less than 12 months and during one of the toughest periods, accomplished the greatest growth of the sport in the country’s history!

They have facilitated opening of a Golf Academy & Driving Range in Georgetown that allowed them to attract and teach 556 new players in 6 months, and more excitingly, introduced the sport to the school system so that over 100,000 children aged 6 to 18 years would have access to participate in golfsome sort of rivalry for the lucrative date? GFF President Wayne Forde

However, swirling ques- ly stages, but I can say to hopes to improve upon, tions have been dissipat- you that it is going to be the Forde hinted at the possied by Guyana Football GFF Super 16 Cup,” Wayne bility of televising the event Federation (GFF) President Forde has declared. as had obtained with the Wayne Forde, who under- Continuing, he said, Bounceback tournament. took to bring some clarity “Well, I think we have some Additionally, he revealed to the situation this past great ideas. The GFF ‘Super that organisation of the week. 16 Cup’ is going to be boost- tournament would spawn a

In an engagement on the ed up for this year. We are number of partnerships. Sean Devers Sports Watch having serious discussions “Now that we have seen programme on Kaieteur with potential partners, and that we have the talent to Radio, Forde confirmed that we feel very excited about televise a game, then that the GFF’s ‘Super 16’ tour- what we’re going to be able has formed part of the plannament would be back this to deliver.” ning and discussion,” he year-end. While expressing that disclosed. “So, I would say

“Many of those dis- there are a number of as- that in maybe a few weeks, cussions are in their ear- pects that the Federation or maybe a few months, we will be making a formal announcement on ‘the YearEnd’ tournament, but I can say to the general public that it’s going to be the GFF Super 16 Cup, with some other partnerships to really delive r the quality of competition that we know the general public has been longing for,” he disclosed.

The Kashif and Shanghai Organisation would definitely be involved in those collaborations. Revelation of this fact would quell a lot of fears of history re peating itself. For now, it’s safe t o say gone are the

days when two ing.

With strong partnerships established with major companies and organisations in order to promote the game, and supported by a donor system to provide equipment for learners, the need for golf facilities is in high demand. The GGA plan to build and equip five (5) unique golf facilities around the country, so they can provide training and equipment for as many as 6,000 new players.

To enhance interest in the sport, the GGA plan to create weekly tournaments and activities for these new players, all with the intention of building a national football organisers ‘battled for the right to use January 1’.

GFF President Wayne Forde has noted, “Part of those discussions are with the Ministry of Culture,

Youth and Sport; the K&S (Kashif and Shanghai) Organisation, one other part -

ner… and we’re getting ready to engage some other

corpo rate entities to put togeth- er a broad partner- ship.”

Based on the utterances of the Football Boss, there is no intention to stir up any old grievance. In fact, according to Forde, he is focused on the unifying force that football has proven to be.

Portion of the Land

team that would represent Guyana internationally. And hopefully, there would eventually be an Olympic team fielded by Guyana.

This newspaper has been privy to discussions between the GGA and a major international golfing entity with which talks are underway to potentially host a major golf event in Guyana. Hussain has said he could not confirm at this time, but he did not rule out the possibility of it happening.

The GGA is capitalising on the fact that golf is one of the few COVID-compliant sports in the world to grow the game and bring world-

“My ideal philosophy around this ‘Year-End’ football is one wherein we can bring the entire fraternity and all of our partners under one big camp and deliver something we can all be proud of. Football is a force that unites, and no one that wants to lead football should try to perpetuate bitterness and tension and rivalry, and some of the experiences that have been ‘not so good’ for the image of the sport,” he posited. However, he emphasised that the GFF has a mandate that includes the sanctioning and organisation of football in Guyana.

“I believe there appears to be a willingness on all sides to really come together to do something well. The GFF is the sole authority for football in Guyana. We regulate and dictate and organise the annual calendar, and we’re always willing to engage our partners and our stakeholders so that the best possible football experience can be had for ozur nation,” Forde reminded. (Jemima

Nexgen Global acquires land for first golf facility on West Coast Demerara

In keeping with its ag-

GGA has partnered with Ronald Sami and his wife

Holmes)

wide attention to the country by accelerating the interest and number of golf courses to increase sports tourism. This will benefit hotels, restaurants, taxis, airlines, eco-tourism, car rentals and souvenir sales nationwide.

The first exciting event for the Nexgen Golf Academy 2021 season is scheduled in two weeks, and it is expected that major prizes will be up for grabs.

For more information on the sport, or to learn the game, visit the Academy and Driving Range, located on Woolford Avenue, or call 645-0944.