Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 27-07-2023

Huawei interested in establishing research, development centre in Guyana

By News Room’s Fareeza Haniff

in Shanghai

TECHNOLOGY giant , Huawei, has said it is interested in establishing a Research and Development Centre ( or ICT college ) in Guyana and will soon send a team of technical engineers to provide support and assess

Research Centre

The Head of State is leading a team of businessmen during a one-week visit to China and at the end of the meeting with Huawei, a working committee was formed with the ICT company, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed soon

In his remarks, President Ali implored the need for

He believes a Huawei Research and Development Centre in Guyana can cater to the entire Latin America and Caribbean ( LAC ) region

“

A Huawei AI centre in Guyana that will cater to the entire LAC region and transform one of our faculties into a Huawei Research and Development Centre and this will repo-

“A region that is hurricane prone – how can AI model hurricanes for more predictability?

“We can do it all from Guyana; we can have a centre in Guyana that helps the entire CARICOM region in terms of the predictability, modeling, impact analysis and flooding.”

According to the President, if necessary, Guyana

we can attract students from all over South America, the Caribbean and Latin America,” President Ali said

He also urged the company to establish its AI work in Guyana ’ s dense forest Meanwhile, Jeff Wang, Senior Vice President of Huawei , said the company is ready to work with the private sector and committed to establishing the ICT college

ny will be “in Guyana, for Guyana” by continuing its long-term investments into Guyana’s ICT market and fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities to local communities

Wang also praised Guyana ’ s Information and Communication (ICT) Master Plan 2030 which was kicked off by President Ali last year , and

Technology giant, Huawei has said it is interested in establishing a Research and Development Centre (or ICT college) in Guyana and will soon send a team of technical engineers to provide support and assess the needs of the country’s private sector (Office of the President photos)

the needs of the country’s private sector

This was announced, on Wednesday , during President Dr Irfaan Ali’s visit to the company’s Shanghai

Guyana to keep up with the rest of the world in terms of ICT development and urged Huawei to capitalize on this by using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

sition your company in the region,” Dr Ali said

The Guyanese Head of State believes too that AI can help the hurricane-prone LAC region

can rebrand its Institute of Applied Science and Technology

“ I want my campus to say Huawei Research and Development Centre, where

Wang gave an overview of Huawei and its recent development and discussed latest trends in ICT

He recommitted to Huawei’s stance that the compa-

expressed Huawei’s willingness to leverage its ICT expertise and experience to contribute to Guyana’s national strategy for digital transformation.

Guyana could become manufacturing hub for electric vehicles

–– President Ali engages Shanghai’s Mayor on possible investment opportunities; First Shanghai-Guyana expo soon

By News Room’s Fareeza

Haniff in Shanghai

WITH a booming oil and gas industry, Guyana has captured the attention of the world and recognising this , the country ’ s President , Dr Irfaan Ali continues to encourage investment from foreign countries

On Wednesday, during a meeting with Gong Zheng, the Mayor of Shanghai, the Head of State made a case for

Guyana to become a manufacturing hub for electrical vehicles (EV).

“ We do not want Guyana only to be a selling hub for your products, we want Guyana to be an important manufacturing hub for your products

“We want Guyana to be a natural choice as your partner in developing your industries, in moving to manufacturing and industrial development having electronic vehicles manufactured in Guyana

for the [Latin America and Caribbean] region,” President Ali said during his meeting with the Mayor at the Great Hall in Shanghai

To prove how serious he is about the manufacturing of EVs , President Ali said his government is ready to “build a shell, to invest in a shell, to host such a facility in Guyana and to have the private sector maybe have a stake in the project.”

President Ali said he is ready to expedite this pro -

cess “I am willing to commit resources to build the shell to accommodate such an investment to push development in Guyana,” the Head of State told the Mayor

In marketing Guyana as a manufacturing hub , the President said he is willing to designate an area as the ‘Shanghai Industrial manufacturing hub.’

“I have been speaking about making Guyana the Headquarters capital for

the [ LAC ] region … some companies in Shanghai can establish a footprint in Guyana so that they can have subregional headquarters in Guyana,” President Ali said.

SHANGHAI-GUYANA EXPO

Additionally , he also committed to hosting the first-ever Shanghai-Guyana exposition in a year.

“We are ready to host in Guyana the first-ever Shanghai

investment forum in Guyana, where you will bring your businesses, you will bring all your E vehicles, all your technology and we will invite all the leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean and the private sector to Guyana to have the first Shanghai-Guyana expo to have all the products and services [on display].

“We will work with you on this, and set up a committee to have this done

Guyana could become manufacturing hub...

within one year.

“This will be a very important catalyst in sending a strong signal,” the Head of State said

He is optimistic that the EV manufacturing hub can be launched at the expo next year

“The government is willing to put skin in the game, we’re willing to put up the shell for such a facility , I am sure the private sector

can raise some capital and with your help, we can do this and create a positive change.”

Meanwhile , the Mayor accepted a proposal from President Ali to establish an investment desk in Shanghai

“We’re hoping also that through your office, a specialised window that will help our Private Sector in a more targeted way we

want an investment desk set up so that we can work together with the city of Shanghai in collaborating with the many opportunities that lie ahead,” the President said.

In response, the Mayor said President Ali has his full support and he will immediately move to establish the desk.

“ For this investment window, I think it can focus on agriculture, energy and urban infrastructure we can carry out pragmatic co - operation in these areas and encourage qualified companies to conduct a twoway investment and benefit from each other,” the Mayor

noted

Other areas of investment discussed include carbon credit, agriculture and eco-tourism and developing Guyana’s shipping industry

“

We are willing to give you the opportunity here in Shanghai to build the first eco - tourism-five star tourist facility in Guyana.”

A communique based on the meeting is expected to be finalised soon President Ali is on a one-week visit to China with members of Guyana’s private sector

He is expected to meet with the Chinese President, Xi Jinping this week

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali with Gong Zheng, the Mayor of Shanghai (Office of the President photo)

Patterson on $200,000 station bail for indecently exposing himself

ALLIANCE For Change (AFC) member and former Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson was released on $200,000 bail pending further investigation, for exposing his genitals in public, and using obscene language.

On Wednesday, Patterson surrendered himself to the police in the company of his lawyer, Ronald Daniels, where the allegation of “exposure of genitals”, an offence under the Sexual Offences Act, was put to him. He was also accused of using expletives when confronted by the proprietor of the place where the incident occurred.

In response to the allegation, Daniels said on his Facebook

page that his client was opting to exercise “his constitutional right to remain silent” on the matter.

He went on to say in his post, “He is alleged to have 'intentionally exposed his gen-

itals' by urinating at a certain location, and using expletives when confronted by the proprietor. We attended the station just after 2:00pm, and the inter-

view, though short, concluded at 4:00pm.”

Patterson was subsequently released on $200,000 station

bail, as investigations continue.

In a video widely circulated on social media, someone purporting to be Patterson is seen exposing himself at a location along Railway Embankment Road, Kitty, in the vicinity of the Alliance For Change (AFC) office on July 16, 2023.

Though attempting to address the allegations through a brief post on his Facebook page, the Opposition Member of Parliament faced heavy criticism over his purported conduct. In the video seen by this publication, Patterson appears to be heavily intoxicated as he urinated on the property.

He went away, only to return later and proceed to urinate

in close proximity to several drums that were on the parapet and a short distance from the spot where he had previously committed the act.

On this occasion, however, Patterson had what appeared to be a cigarette in his mouth, and seemed to be arguing with someone, whom he later waved his middle finger at.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the matter was reported to the police, and officers visited the location, where they were able to obtain CCTV footage of the incident. This publication was also informed that a statement was taken from an individual connected with the matter.

Infrastructural developments boost accessibility in Charity

By Indrawattie Natram

THE Charity Housing area, once the Charity squatting area in Region Two, is currently undergoing massive infrastructural development.

Due to its vulnerability to flooding, President Dr. Irfaan Ali implemented several multi-million dollar projects in the area.

Vilma De Silva, the Chairperson of Region Two, reported that two community roads have been finished and a bridge is presently being built. On Wednesday, she visited the project and mentioned that the bridge was built by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) to enhance access in the locality.

She said that roads replaced “grass dams” and many persons that were squatting in the area for years could not have access.

President Irfaan Ali had listened to residents’ concerns during his visit to the community, and a

request was made for better access. A multi-million dollar bridge is currently under construction, and two roads were completed in the area.

According to De Silva, the projects are a testament to Pres-

ident Ali's commitment to improving the lives of those in the Charity community. She stated that the project has reached about 30 per cent completion and she is pleased with the work's speed.

The regional administration is constantly monitoring the ongoing projects in the Charity Housing project areas, according to De Silva. She said that the Charity area is rapidly developing with the massive infrastructural developments that are taking place.

Residents who are living around the project said that they are happy that the area is getting attention. They expressed gratitude for the prompt decision and said that it was something the area needed.

“The area had no development because they said it was just a squatting area, however when the President came he listened and we saw that the promise was delivered, the bridge will help us to move building

materials to our area and to improve our living condition” one resident said.

Another resident, Indal Budhoo said that he is happy for the immediate intervention. He said that he has been living in the area for 20 years and could not access any loans because it was not regularised. He is thankful to President Irfaan Ali’s intervention that persons in Charity can now breathe a sigh of relief.

In the past, whenever it rained, the residents would experience massive flooding affecting their livelihood.

Accompanying De Silva to the project site was Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit and Prime Minister Representative Arnold Adams.

Testing of new DHB Span Nine to commence soon

— works still ahead of schedule

the bridge.

Along with this, he said that workers were also able to put in place the two towers and all other hydraulic and electrical connections in place.

ule, and everything goes well, we will not twist our fingers and linger here until midnight; we know the importance of this artery and this asset, and we will give people enough notice, so they could start getting ready to use the facility,” Edghill said.

ager Wayne Watson, they are conducting ‘rebab’ works from Span 10 to 29, Span 30 to 38, and Span 39 to 61.

MINISTER of Public Works

Bishop Juan Edghill on Wednesday said that works on the replacement of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB)’s Span Nine are almost complete, and testing of the hydraulics and other systems will take place soon, before the reopening of the bridge. The minister highlighted

this during a progress update to the media while standing on the newly replaced span on the bridge.

Edghill said that after the span was put in place, engineers were able to position the cable wheel, which would move the hydraulic cable, along with the cabinet, which contains all controls for the hydraulics of

“We are now waiting to put in the two arms that would lift the ramp when the bridge is retracting. Once that is done, we will be able to start testing,” Minister Edghill said.

The testing, he said, will ensure that the bridge is retracting and closing as it should. Given the pace of work, the minister said the project is within schedule, and in some instances

ahead of schedule.

Edghill confirmed that they are not going to go beyond the time that has been requested, and will continue work to finish by the specified time on Thursday.

“We said we will finish by Thursday night, midnight, and chances are we will be opening before midnight on Thursday,” he said.

Additionally, he said that if they are to finish before the allotted time, workers will not linger until that time; they will open before.

“If we are ahead of sched-

Meanwhile, as the main works are conducted on the span, the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) is using the opportunity to conduct rehabilitation and maintenance works to various other sections of the bridge.

According to General Man-

“I am pleased to report that the works from Span 30 to 38 has been completed about three [15:00hrs] this afternoon; the other works we plan to complete in the other areas we are about 60 per cent. Those are end posts and deck plates,” he said.

These works, he said, are being primarily undertaken by staff of the DHBC.

A screen grab of the CCTV footage in question

AFC Member of Parliament David Patterson

The bridge under construction Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva on the newly constructed road in the Charity Housing area

The newly replaced Span Nine at the Demerara Harbour Bridge (Adrian Narine photos)

Minister of Public Works

Bishop Juan Edghill

DHBC General Manager Wayne Watson

Double up, or bow out!

IN a world where time is of the essence, ensuring that projects are completed on schedule is not just a matter of convenience, but an essential facet of effective governance

Guyana’s government’s zero tolerance approach to contractors who go over their deadlines is a bold step towards achieving efficient project management, and fostering development in the country

By emphasising the importance of completing projects on time, the nation paves the way for progress , enhanced credibility, and optimal resource utilisation

In recent years, Guyana has witnessed a surge in infrastructural projects, fueled by its expanding economy and increasing global interest

These ventures , ranging from road networks and public utilities to large-scale construction, form the backbone of the nation’s growth and prosperity However, to harness the full potential of these initiatives, it is imperative to adhere strictly to project timelines

One of the most compelling reasons to

uphold project deadlines is the judicious allocation of financial resources When projects overrun their schedules , they invariably incur additional costs

These overruns can stem from inflation, fluctuating material prices, labour expenses, and unexpected challenges that arise during extended project durations

By adhering to deadlines, the government ensures that funds are utilised wisely, reducing the burden on taxpayers and avoiding cost overruns that can derail even the most well-planned initiatives

Moreover , timely project completions demonstrate the government’s commitment to efficient governance It bolsters public trust, and instills a sense of confidence among citizens, investors, and international stakeholders

Last Thursday, President Dr Irfaan Ali informed contractors working on the important East Coast Demerara-East Bank Demerara (ECD-EBD) road link that it is time to “double-up” on the ongoing works in order to meet the deadline

Since the progress of works did not meet the President’s expectations, because it is not what was planned, in order to get

back on track, he told the contractors to start implementing a 24-hour shift system for seven days a week.

The efforts indicate that Guyana is becoming an attractive destination for foreign investment , fostering economic growth and job opportunities for its people A reputation for adhering to project deadlines establishes the nation as a reliable partner in international trade and cooperation

Beyond the economic benefits, on-time project delivery has a profound impact on the daily lives of Guyanese citizens

Completed infrastructure projects enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and improve access to essential services

Whether it’s a bridge that connects remote communities, or a new hospital that improves healthcare accessibility, timely completion enhances the overall well-being of the nation’s populace

The government ’ s zero - tolerance approach to contractors who fail to meet their deadlines sends a clear message that accountability is paramount While it is essential to support contractors in overcoming challenges and obstacles, it is equally

vital to enforce adherence to agreed-upon timelines Penalties for non-compliance serve as a deterrent against delays and inefficiencies, ensuring that contractors prioritise prompt execution, and mitigate the risk of delays

Nevertheless , it is crucial for the government to strike a balance between enforcing deadlines, and providing the necessary support and resources to contractors Collaborative efforts that facilitate clear communication, regular progress evaluations, and early identification of potential roadblocks are key to preventing delays, and fostering mutual accountability

By holding contractors accountable, and prioritising punctuality, Guyana lays the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future

As the nation progresses , it must continue to refine its project management strategies, maintaining a delicate balance between strict adherence to timelines, and providing the necessary support to ensure successful project delivery

Is the oil and gas governance network a legitimate organisation?

Dear Editor,

THE Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) has been given immense prominence by the publisher of Kaieteur News as an authoritative, legitimate, and credible organisation on oil and gas matters in Guyana

Yet, there is no evidence produced by the organisation, or available otherwise, corroborating its legitimacy

Interestingly , the directors of the OGGN appear to be the principal founders and are all described as renowned scholars in their respective fields by Kaieteur News. According to information on the OGGN website, the directors are: Alfred Bhulai, Dr Andre Brandli, Dr Janette Bulkan, Dennis Henry, Darsh Khusial, Joe Persaud, Mike Persaud, Dr. Ganga Ramdas, and Charles Sugrim

THE OGGN MISSION STATEMENT IS STATED AS FOLLOWS:

Oil has become a curse in many countries around the world OGGN’s mission is to advocate for rule of law, environmental protection and financial norms with respect to oil exploration and production in Guyana Oil will feature prominently in Guyana’s future for decades to come; thus we think long-term. We accomplish our

mission by:

Informing and educating the Guyanese public including the more than 50 per cent of Guyanese who live in the diaspora Engaging the local and international media to feature topics related to our mission Advocating for transparency, accountability, and good governance by raising related concerns to international organisations and governments

We measure our success by the improvement in the lives of the 41 per cent of the Guyanese population , who live below the poverty line, over the long term

(Note: According to a 2020 report by the Inter-American Development Bank, (Review of Financial Development and Inclusion for Guyana: Assessment and Options for Reform), 41.2 per cent of Guyanese live on less than US$5.50 per day

Further, it is stated on the OGGN website that it was created in the summer of 2017 as a registered non-profit organisation in New York City, United States with 501 (c). The OGGN also claims to have no political association, and that they work for the benefit of all people of Guyana

See link to the OGGN’s website here https://www.oggn.org/about/.

I can recall that the OGGN had written formally to the Government of Guyana (GoG) on several key issues in the oil and gas sphere

The OGGN is also a staunch critic of the government’s stewardship of the sector, including, on issues of governance and transparency Hence, if the OGGN wants the GoG to take it seriously, it is reasonable to expect that the OGGN can withstand scrutiny and prove that it is a legitimate organisation In order to do so, the following questions are put forward to the Directors:

Can the OGGN prove that it has been granted with a 501 (c) (3) status? If it is indeed a 501 (c) (3) status, then the principals of the organisation ought to be in a position to furnish the public with the following documentations: -

Can the OGGN publish its 501 (c) (3) determination letter that it obtained from the IRS? All organisations with 501 (c) (3) status are issued with a determination letter by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States Government (IRS).

Can the OGGN publish its Bylaws on its website? It would appear that this is a legal requirement for organisations with 501 (c) (3) status, having perused the websites of other credible and legitimate 501 (c) (3) organisations such as the American Red Cross See link to website here and their Bylaws https://

www redcross org / about - us / who - we - are / governance html

Can the OGGN state its source of funding?

Can the OGGN state whether it has audited financial statements? Pursuant to the rules governing 501 (c) (3) organisations, its financial information must be publicly accessible

In the case of OGGN, it is not

Can the OGGN state whether it is an advocacy body or a Think Tank?

What are the requirements to become a member?

How can one become a member?

What is the governance structure?

Can the OGGN state whether it is a public charity or a private foundation?

COMMENTARY AND OTHER OBSERVATIONS

In order for an organisation to be granted the 501 (c) (3) status by the IRS in the United States, it has to adhere to a stringent set of rules and guidelines. Of particular note, one such rule states that a “501 (c) (3) organisation is forbidden from using its activities to influence legislation in a substantial way.”

Also, under section 501 (c) (3), an organisation must not be serving any private

Editor Navendra Seoraj

OP-ED The significance of Emancipation Day

By Norma Whittaker, former Minister of Local Government

ON the occasion of Emancipation Day 2023, I send greetings to all my fellow Guyanese, and, more so, the descendants of the African slaves.

And while some may care only for the holiday with little or no concern about the significance and meaning of the holiday , I invite you to consider and to focus not only on the holiday (August 01, 2023), but also to reflect on what this day means or is intended to mean for all Guyanese August 01, 2023 marks 185 years since the approximately 82,000 slaves in then British Guiana were freed by an Act of the British Parliament passed in 1833

While the Act ‘kicked’ into force in 1834 , there was a six-year apprenticeship period (reduced to four years) to allow for the slaves to be transitioned into a money economy i e they’d be paid for their labour during that time

History records that, in the immediate post slavery period, most of the ex-slaves removed from the plantation to fend for themselves Our history books record that some of them pooled their savings during this apprenticeship period and bought up abandoned plantations and launched what we call the Village Movement

I mention these things to draw attention to the importance of the immediate post-slavery period and the meaning / significance behind the Emancipation Day we celebrate annually

Let us see today as providing opportunity for us to consider: To what extent are we indeed free? And if indeed we are not , let us take time to consider where we are as individuals and collectively as a race/as a nation in this process of emancipating ourselves ; more so, in terms of the way we think ; for no one can really declare us free

Let us together view the occasion as a very important national event More than that, Emancipation must be viewed and observed for what it is here in Guyana - a National Event, A universal event of significance which ought to involve all of us

My friends , recall that Emancipation Day was declared a national holiday for the first time on August 01, 1994 It has since grown into a major festival in

Is the oil and gas governance ...

interests , including the interests of the creator, the creator’s family, shareholders of the organisation, other designated individuals, or other persons controlled by private interests.

None of the net earnings of the organisation can be used to benefit any private shareholder or individual; all earnings must be used solely for its advancement of its charitable cause.”

The work of the OGGN are arguably inconsistent with , and / or , have departed from their stated mission For example, the mission states that their success is measured by improving the lives of some 41 per cent of Guyanese living below the poverty line (cited from a questionable World Bank source).

While it remains unclear whether they have achieved this, if at all, and how; two of the OGGN’s principal directors have described the carbon credit sale as a fraudulent transaction perpetrated by the GoG Although the carbon credit funding is deployed to tangibly contribute to the development of the indigenous communities, the OGGN strongly lobbied against this

With respect to the work produced by the OGGN, assuming that they are functioning as a “think tank”, there is no evidence of any scholarly work produced from 2017 to present on the thematic areas that its principal founders have identified as its main focus

are woefully inadequate to be considered scholarly work emanating from such organisations To substantiate this view, another one of OGGN’s principal director argued that solar energy is cheaper than the gas-to-energy (GTE) project, and that the GoG should abandon the GTE and move straight to renewables

However, the OGGN failed to credibly demonstrate a cost comparison between the two sources , and with scientific evidence to show that solar energy is sufficient for a sustainable supply of the base-load energy requirements

Editor, these are just a few examples for illustration purposes.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Against all of the foregoing, the legitimacy of the OGGN is highly questionable. The findings, thus far, leaves one to question whether the OGGN is a fake organisation, or if it even exists.

Consequently, it is not unreasonable to conclude that the founding members of the OGGN may have participated in a deceitful endeavour, should they fail to provide the answers to the questions posed herein and, considering the requirements to do so pursuant to section 501 (c) 3

Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin

which tens of thousands of people of various ethnicities in our country participate in various activities across our country

Comrades ! Friends ! Slavery represents one of the worst examples of man’s inhumanity to man And so, even as we commemorate 189 years since the abolition of slavery in 1834, let our voices of dissent and criticism be heard as we condemn those who continually preach the ‘Gospel’ of race in our country

Those recalcitrant people are indeed guilty of continually trying to drive a wedge between the two major races in our country and could not have the good of our country, and its people at heart

We need to stop focusing on our perceived differences and focus on what we have in common , and the common goals we seek to attain; for the major races of Guyana share cultural and

historical connections and similarities.

History records that it was the so called civilized, the early Europeans , who asserted that Africans were not civilized and who consequentially captured and enslaved them in the name of civilization one of the worst examples of man ’ s inhumanity to man.

I am not suggesting or saying we must allow ancestral traditions to die To the contrary, we need to reject divisions which are driven by fear and embrace cultural differences

And so my friends, I encourage you to, once more, get involved and participate in the various Emancipation activities across our dear Land of Guyana

These would undoubtedly include, cultural programmes aimed at informing the Guyanese people about slavery ; African drumming , dancing , masquerade bands and tradition-

al calypso; learning of the history of various villages across Guyana; display of African attire; African dishes viz: metemgee, foo foo, drinks like mauby , crafts , and artwork

Let Tuesday August 01, “Emancipation Day”, serve to remind us all that this nation was founded/ rooted on slavery . We have come a long way since that time

From page 6

Norma Whittaker

–– gov’t extends schedule of 2022 licensing round to September 12

Guyana attracts strong global interest in oil blocks on auction

THE Ministry of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, has announced the extension of the Guyana 2022 Licensing Round’s bid submission deadline to Tuesday , September 12, 2023.

“ The government ’ s continuous efforts to streamline and improve the petroleum regulatory framework and the resultant comprehensive feedback received from our stakeholders have led to

this necessary extension,” the Natural Resources Ministry said in a press statement on Wednesday

Whilst recognising the new era of oil and gas development and investors’ confidence in the local economy, the government is working to ensure that this competitive licensing bids and future rounds are governed by a modern regulatory framework with improved technical and institutional capacities Against this backdrop, the government will soon supplement the model Pro-

duction - Sharing Agreements (PSAs) with a new

Petroleum Activities Bill 2023, which will not only enhance the management of the sector but also provide improved economic measures for all licensees in the bidding round , as well as future development and production operations in Guyana ’ s petroleum sector.

The round , officially launched on December 9, 2022, continues to receive strong global interest The government has benefitted from insightful feedback

during the consultation periods of the Indicative Terms and Guidelines, the draft model PSAs, and the draft Petroleum Activities Bill

The Ministry of Natural Resources, and, by extension, the Government of Guyana, remains committed to the successful execution of the Guyana 2022 Licensing Round and the strengthening of the nation’s fiscal and legal petroleum management frameworks

Populists depend on stunts rather than hard work

Dear Editor,

Yesterday , I outlined some general features of the populism and linked those to the political conduct of Kaieteur News ’

publisher Mr. Glen Lall. You may recall that I acknowledged that Mr Lall is a “talented performer.”

I would like to expand on this point with specific reference to the strategy and

style of politics associated with populists in general, combined with specific references to developments in Guyana

Let us begin with Ray Daggers , that is , if you

remember him Only a few months ago he engaged in typical populist stunt by a so-called walk across the country to show how much he is cares

As it turned out, no one else cared , and the event that was supposed to catapult him into the political arena, ended in ignominy. He then tried a protest stunt in front of OP but was swiftly relocated, and that effort imploded

What Daggers attempted to do is typical of populists They usually have no social base and because of that they rely on a series of stunts mostly to gather attention, and then hopefully to transform that attention into political capital

They rely heavily of the media for these stunts Many of you will recall that KN carried Ray Daggers live and tried desperately to make him into a known quantity

In a few days from now, another populist stunt will be attempted People are being asked to stay home The objective ? Well according to Kaieteur News Blunt page , they want a revolution (KN 7/26/2023).

As a political scientist, I know something about revolutions I can assure that while Georges Sorel’s theory of spontaneity has

a great deal of credibility, July 31 , 2023 , does not qualify For spontaneity to trigger action, there must be a genuine movement grounded in grievances that have been left unattended so much so that the very legitimacy of government is in question We cannot say that about Guyana.

The PPP/C government has demonstrated that it has high legitimacy with the masses The PPP / C leadership from President Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, to the intune cabinet members who have been traversing this country day in and day out, and then on to the thousands and thousands of PPP activists at the regional , township and village levels, have been hard at work

The people are being listened to; have been listened In contradistinction to populist who are like kangaroos that jump around all day, the PPP/C have had countless outreaches in all regions in this country I have myself been on at least two dozen of them in the past year It is real The people have a voice

One thing you should know is that populist leaders and especially authoritarian populists generally

do not belong to political parties There is a reason for that When you are in a political party , you must be accountable to at least senior members of the party Right now, Mr Norton of the PNC/R is going through a challenging time precisely because he belongs to the PNC/R and must respond to issues such as signing blank cheques

The PPP leadership must also respond to the party Executive Committee and to the membership Populism, however, is based on one man who thinks he knows it all He is accountable to no one The whole thing is a one man show

Instead of a political party with rules and regulations , combined with norms and structured expectations , the populist man behaves like a king, a king with divine rights as in the Middle Ages

Entertainer populism built around stunts will disappoint the very people who are supposed to benefit from the good works of the supposedly Blessed One

This is because populists depend on stunts , rather than hard work.

Yours respectfully, Dr Randolph Persaud

Definition of accountability

SOMEONE with the name Surrendra Dhanpaul wrote a reply in the Stabroek News of July 22 in response to my column of July 21, titled: “Who is accountable to whom? In that column, I posited that the media has to be accountable to the people of Guyana just like any other institution, including the government.”

The article was about the ironic journalistic architecture of Denis Chabrol of Demerara Waves (DM), Nazima Raghubir of the Guyana Press Association (GPA) and Anand Persaud, editor of the Stabroek News (SN).

My contention is that their journalistic horizon is both ironic and hypocritical

It is ironic in that sections of the press refuse to speak about themselves when they make the news while they seek explanations from other actors that make the news

Chabrol and DM have made the news when it was revealed that a major investor in DM is a man who is insanely and vulgarly hostile to the ruling party This man writes a daily opinion piece in DM.

Raghubir refused to give her take as President of the GPA on Anand Persaud’s rejection of letters sent to SN by presidential adviser, Professor Randolph Persaud The same Anand Persaud refused to answer to the question as to who are the persons that comprise SN’s board of directors My point in that column was that we all must be accountable

Up comes Surrendra Persaud and publishes a letter titled “Gov’t is accountable to the people.” I never hear about Mr Persaud, but he did state in his letter that he is a shareholder in a media outfit named, “News Talk-Radio Guyana Ink.” I never

heard about that entity, so I looked it up and saw that it is a branch of DM

Mr Persaud reads my letter about the need for accountability in the media, lets me know he is an investor in a media house, but nowhere in his publication to SN, has he devoted even one line to the subject of the July 21 column of mine

All I can say is that Mr Persaud is a great evader or he doesn’t understand what he reads When I looked at the date of Mr Persaud’s publication on me then I understood why he barefacedly avoided the issue of media accountability It appears he may have high friends in the media world here

His letter came one day after my column. I have been in the media for 35 years now and the occasion is very rare for someone to send a letter the day before for publication the next day It does not work like that

There is always a stack of letters in the pipeline waiting to be printed Could it be that Persaud got in his letter so quickly because he was writing on Freddie Kissoon, and the paper editor was happy to give coverage to someone who was criticising Freddie Kissoon?

The rest of this column is a lecture to Surrendra Persaud about what accountability is He needs to start reading the works of the English philosopher, John Locke

That erudite philosopher was good at explaining what moral obligation is Accountability rests on the foundation of moral obligation

If Persaud is an investor in a media company then I think it would be insulting to define for him what moral obligation is He has to know what it means, so we will

stick with the subject of accountability

The title of his missive is “Gov’t is accountable to the people.” Is Mr Persaud serious? Everybody knows that But accountability goes beyond government Accountability inheres in human relations, once humans form communities and live with each other Without accountability, life will become what Thomas Hobbes once described it, “nasty, brutish and short.”

Humans are accountable to those they have power over and this includes more than the government

It includes judges, teachers, employers, spouses, and yes, Mr Persaud, the media too Of these categories, the government and media are formidable sources of influence. I cannot believe that Mr.

Persaud has never come across a saying that is over 200 years old? It goes like this – “The pen is mightier than the sword.”

I hope Mr Persaud does not think I am pompous in explaining what that means To put it briefly, it means that when you write, you can influence the thoughts of people so they can do things that a gun to their head cannot

I hope Mr Persaud knows that, in the US, there is no government-owned media, yet Barack Obama, a month ago , said that the media is slanting things against the goodwill of American society. And three prestigious organisations, in a poll recently, found that a majority thinks the media are undermining democracy in the US.

Guyana remains a role model for Sustainable Development on global scale

By Cindy Parkinson

THE President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, affirmed, at the International Energy Conference in Georgetown, that the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) is fundamental to the country’s sustainable development. He stated, in his opening remarks that the LCDS combines economic growth with community empowerment efforts.

According to President Ali, “The LCDS is not just an innovative idea; the LCDS is a demonstration of a practical strategy, and Guyana’s position is to make the LCDS a global model for sustainable development.”

Guyana is taking a number of steps with this approach that will help the nation advance

low carbon development in all spheres of society

Guyana is working on an innovative project, a forest carbon programme that allows other nations or businesses to pay for the forest carbon service provided by its expansive forests to the world

With this, the nation is compensated for maintaining its pristine forests and contributing directly to the global climate ambition and targets set

One of the joint venture partners in the oil-producing Stabroek Block off the coast of Guyana, Hess Corporation, has already committed to paying Guyana US$750 million for preserving the rainforest through a unique carbon credit programme Additionally, the indigenous villages all across Guyana will

receive 15 percent annually, of the proceeds from the carbon credit programme This programme is already in implementation

Additionally, Guyana intends to use the money from its new oil fortune to finance both its development and its switch to cleaner energy sources through its development strategy

President Ali noted: “What we have said is that oil and gas are not the answer It will give us much-needed revenue to catalyse the other sectors.”

The President also stated that although Guyana has shown worldwide leadership in the sustainable development of natural resources for over ten years, the country will continue to use its resources in ways that would advance low carbon development in Guyana He pledged that Guyana’s development strategy would serve as a prototype for sustainable development around the world

To help developing countries deal with the triple challenges of climate change, food security, and energy security, he expressed that a “new world coalition” was necessary.

President Ali stated that Guyana is aiming to prove to the world how it can balance profitable oil and gas production with its long-standing environmental commitment

The Head of State also pointed out that Guyana is aware of the challenges ahead and the resources required to overcome them

Amerindian settlements will benefit from every aspect of the LCDS 2030, including from the remaining 85% and additional to the 15 percent direct allocation to villages A few of these initiatives are already in progress in solar power, hinterland infrastructure, and education and health services to villages

The government said that it would fund income - generating activities , food securi -

ty-improving village-level programmes, and community-level low-carbon efforts

In order to guide activities in the forest sector that reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, as well as the sustainable management of forests and the conservation and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries, the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) developed the framework known as REDD+. The Architecture for REDD+ Transactions Environmental Excellence Benchmark (ART-TREES), which Guyana is participating in, is a recognised certification and accreditation framework for carbon credits

Norway has given Guyana GUY $46.2 billion, or roughly US$220 million, in results - based payments under the LCDS ’ s initial phase since 2009

These funds have been utilised in part to progress the land titling programme for all outstanding title requests, improve the nation’s low-carbon infrastructure, finance renewable energy sources, prevent flooding, and create green jobs The Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) programme has awarded absolute grants to about 13 villages, with Region Nine’s Yupukari being the most recent beneficiary In June 2022, the village’s land area was increased by 145 square miles, double its prior size 21 villages were designated, and 19 of those acquired certificates of title, the final step in the titling process

In addition to expanding low-carbon development throughout all communities in Guyana, LCDS 2030 carries on the work begun in each of these areas

( This is part of a weekly series on LCDS .) The author can be contacted at cparkinson0206@gmail.com.)

Guyana working to address inconsistencies in sentencing guidelines

THE government is spearheading a project aimed at crafting comprehensive sentencing guidelines to bring greater uniformity and fairness to the country’s judicial system, which has been a matter of great public concern for years.

Acknowledging the seriousness of the problem, the Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, S C., addressed the project following a poignant column written by Freddie Kissoon , a prominent columnist for this newspaper

In his column , Kissoon lamented the lack of consistency in sentencing guidelines , which has led to perplexing and sometimes lenient sentences for serious crimes

During his online programme , “ Issues in the News,” on Tuesday, Nandlall highlighted the pressing need for a standardised approach to sentencing

“ Many members of the public , letter writers in the newspapers , public commentators , lawyers , not to mention victims of crime , have often expressed the view that sentencing patterns in Guyana are not uniform,” the Attorney General affirmed , echoing the sentiments of Kissoon

He shared Kissoon’s example of the 2019 brutal murder of Canada - based Guyanese Vivekanand Narpatty and his employee Harry Prashad, at the Sunsplash Holiday Beach Resort , located at # 63 Village, Corentyne Berbice The assailant received a surprisingly lenient sentence of only four years

In this case, the assailant, who was 16 at the time , was charged in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act

Now , that the felon is an adult, he is afford-

ed certain protections because he committed the crime while he was a juvenile.

Although he was indicted with the capital offence of murder, the killer, now 20, had opted to plead guilty to manslaughter

Nandlall stressed the importance of this issue, especially in a society where there are violent robberies , home invasions, and banditry

He said that such heinous crimes “must raise eyebrows,” and should warrant much harsher penalties, as they have caused incalculable damages to families and the psyche of the nation

“ People , like me , Ministers of Government, Members of Parliament, public officials when we do outreaches , and we walk the streets of this country , and we interact with the ordinary men and women of Guyana, these are the things that they tell you, these are the things that they tell me,” Nandlall said while highlighting the widespread concern shared by the Guyanese populace.

Despite his role in the government , Nandlall clarified that he does not possess the power to influence sentencing decisions, as the judiciary remains independent

However, he underscored the importance of establishing sentencing guidelines based on the gravity of the crime, the extent of the cruelty, the prevalence of the offence, and other relevant factors

Nandlall said that public opinion and pressure from various sectors of society have led to the commissioning of the US $ 8 million Inter - American Development Bank ( IDB )- funded Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) programme specifically tailored to the realities of Guyana

“The judiciary is central to this process because it’s the Judiciary that will have to hand down the sentences So, input from the judiciary is crucial in this whole process,” Nandlall said

The ongoing project, supported by the IDB , involves extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including members of the Guyana Bar Association, the Guyana Police Force , the Director of Public Prosecutions , and the Judiciary

The aim is to examine similar sentencing guidelines implemented in the Caribbean and other jurisdictions to develop guidelines suitable for Guyana ’ s unique context

“ I believe that the consultative engagements have concluded except with the judiciary Hopefully, that will be done shortly Then we can have those sentencing guidelines available for propagation ,” Nandlall added

He pointed out that the judiciary is central to this process because it will be the body that will have to hand down the sentences

As the consultative engagement reaches its conclusion , the Attorney General said that he is optimistic about the positive impact these sentencing guidelines will have on the judicial system

While the challenges may be significant , he added the PPP / C - led government ’ s leading proactive approach to addressing this issue demonstrates its commitment to ensuring justice for all citizens and fostering public trust in the country’s legal system.

The recent case of Raymond O ’ Selmon , who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the 2019 fatal stabbing of 34-year-old Nadina Ka-

–– Attorney General affirms

lamadeen, whom he had stalked for months after she refused his advances , had sparked much outrage calling for the sentencing guidelines to be addressed

O ’ Selmon , 54 , formerly of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was indicted for murder but had opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

Kalamadeen, a mother of five, was reportedly

stabbed multiple times about the body by her attacker.

That incident, which occurred in North Sophia , was witnessed by her two young children . Relatives and eyewitnesses had told this newspaper that the man had been trying to get the woman’s attention for a long time, but, on each occasion, he received the “ cold shoulder.”

Attorney General (AG) and Minster of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S C

Guyana has one of the best forest management systems globally

Forestry Commission affirms; debunks Kaieteur News article on ‘falsehoods’ related to concessions, projects within the sector

Below is the full statement from the Guyana Forestry Commission in response to a recent Kaieteur News article:

“THE Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) takes this opportunity to clarify the management of the country’s forestry sector following an erroneous article published by Kaieteur News on July 25 , 2023.

The article in question is a product of the publisher’s many deceptive rants titled, “Foreign companies ‘raping’ Guyana’s gold and forestry sectors.” The piece is laced entirely with inaccuracies aimed at mislead-

ing the Guyanese people in a sensationalist attempt to boost paper sales

Firstly, it is extremely false to spew that foreign companies operating in Guyana ’ s forestry sector are awarded contracts to construct roads and bridges while simultaneously “ exploiting ” the nation ’ s resources Further, it is an equally damaging falsehood to say that those companies are, in turn, barring locals from “setting foot” on the roads and bridges

We wish to categorically state that no foreign company operating in the forestry sector has ever been given a contract to build roads and bridges Companies , both foreign and local , develop roads within their concessions for their own private use

This has been a long - standing tradition Most of the roads used by forestry-related companies are built and maintained by the Government of Guyana Readers may recall that

as part of Budget 2023 – a whopping $ 781.9 billion and Guyana’s largest budget ever passed – over $4 billion was allocated to build, upgrade and maintain hinterland roads and bridges

In keeping with procurement requirements , all projects were publicly advertised with the contracts publicly awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

Further to this, a major road corridor – the US$190 million Linden to Mabura road network is being constructed by the government , along with new bridges from Linden to Kurupukari These road networks are open to all Guyanese and foreign companies operating in all sectors and are part of the government’s transformative agenda of enhancing infrastructure across the country

The newspaper and its publisher also fallaciously stated that foreign companies are given duty-free privileges to conduct [their] large operations. Kaieteur News and its publisher should be well aware that all heavy-duty equipment such as log loaders, skidders , bulldozers , among others , that [ are ] utilised

in the forestry and other sectors are duty-free

Hence, no special privileges are given to foreigners, or as a matter of fact, any company Duty - free concessions on heavy-duty equipment are legally obtained and can be accessed by any individual or company foreign or local operating in Guyana

The Guyana Revenue Authority is responsible to affording these concessions The GFC wishes to set straight , as well , that there are over 550 concession holders, small and large, operating in the logging sector

Currently , there are only five foreign companies holding concessions in the forestry sector Added to this, the current level of production is way below the threshold or allowable cut, thereby debunking the deceptive statement that the resources are being exploited

Guyana has one of the best forest management systems globally and the rate of deforestation is among the lowest in the world . Had it not been for Guyana’s low level of deforestation , along with prudent forestry management practices , Guyana would not have been able to secure a lucrative space

in the carbon credit market

Readers may recall that, in December last year, 33.5 million tonnes of carbon credits were certified and placed on the market for sale . This was soon followed by the sale of credits valuing a minimum of US $ 750 million to Stabroek Block Partner, Hess Corporation

A portion (15 per cent) of these funds has already been made available to Indigenous villages for livelihood activities , thereby transforming the lives and economic sustainability of hinterland villages across Guyana

This singular benefit alone contradicts Kaieteur News’ mischievous assertion that there is disregard for the welfare of the Guyanese people and that the nation’s citizens “struggle to secure a meal.”

In light of the foregoing , the GFC , and , by extension , the Ministry of Natural Resources, encourage Kaieteur News , and in particular its publisher, to kindly reach out to the respective entities to seek facts pertaining to the management of Guyana’s natural resources sector The ministry remains accessible and transparent to all those who seek information.”

ICT Scholarships available

THE Government of Mexico, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID), and the international company HUAWEI Technologies Co Ltd., call for students, professionals, and academics interested in Information and Communication technologies to obtain the scholarship “ HUAWEI - SRE 1,000 Talents for Digital Development in Latin America and the Caribbean: Closing the Digital Gender Gap”.

The scholarship aims to promote the development of digital talents to strengthen their competitiveness and reduce the digital divide

In this regard, the Embassy has announced that from June 20th to August 19th, 2023, the call for the programmes will remain open

The programme, which is aimed at women and men from Latin American and Caribbean countries , will be im -

parted online in English and will provide HCIA international certification Those interested must have previous knowledge of or background in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering

To register and get more detailed information about the programme, please visit the following link: https://www gob mx/amexcid/ documentos / huawei - sre - 1-000 - talents - forthe - digital - development - of - latin - americaand-the-caribbean-third-edition

The Embassy wishes to indicate that interested candidates must submit their application electronically through the Academic Cooperation Management System (SIGCA) (https://sigca.sre.gob.mx/login) before August 19, 2023. Please note that applications will not be accepted by any other channel

Guyana looks to expand, strengthen

strengthen ties with China

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, arrived in China for a one-week visit. During the visit, the Head of State will meet with China’s President, Xi Jinping and other government officials. Members of Guyana’s business community are also in China and will participate in a number of sessions with major Chinese companies. (Office of the President photos)

Caribbean, Latin American states need stronger partnerships to address food insecurity

Mustapha tells UN food summit; says countries need accelerated initiatives to achieve SDGs

MANY countries in the western hemisphere are battling food insecurity and with statistics showing an increase in the struggle, wider collaborations among the Caribbean and Latin American nations will be needed , Guyana ’ s Agriculture Minister , Zulfikar Mustapha, has said.

Mustapha who chairs the Caribbean Community ’ s ( CARICOM ’ s ) Ministerial Task Force on Agriculture was , on Wednesday , addressing several regional stakeholders at the ongoing United Nations Food Systems

Summit + 2 Stocktaking Moment in Rome, Italy

During a panel discussion with colleagues from the United Nations, Guatemala and Peru, Mustapha highlighted that , while efforts were being made, the Caribbean region continued to be among the most affected by food insecurity , with statistics showing an increase from 59.5 per cent to 60.6 per cent in the past year

However , to address this , the Caribbean , he said, had been rapidly implementing programmes and collaborating to address the challenges collectively He reminded

stakeholders of the ongoing 25 by 2025 initiative to address the region’s US$6 billion food-import bill

“ What we have in CARICOM is a strong political commitment and a clear plan of action; vision 25 by 2025 is an initiative to address the reduction of CARICOM’s US$6 billion food-import bill by 25 per cent by 2025

“ We focus on all aspects of the food systems, including the production of primary commodities, mobilising of resources and technical support , promoting cross - border investments , removing non-tariff barriers to trade,

and implementing policies that enhance regional transportation and logistics for agriculture,” Mustapha said Those initiatives , he further related , must not only be applicable to the Caribbean but extended to the Latin American region

“ It all starts with a conversation and willingness for partnerships

…Guyana is open to assisting our fellow sister countries in whatever way we can . We have commenced bilateral engagements and also actual work with a number of

See page 18

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

Caribbean, Latin American states need stronger partnerships ...

countries in the Caribbean, Barbados , Trinidad and Tobago , St . Vincent and the Grenadines to name a few,” he said.

Mustapha further expressed hope that the conversations and discussions held at the three-day conference will see fruitful partnerships being undertaken to address the food insecurity challenges

“I encourage all to work together to identify transformative policies and actions to advance the agenda with a focus on leaving no one be-

hind It is my hope that our engagement today would be part of the building block for a lasting memento in support for system transformation , zero hunger and sustainable development ,” Mustapha said

ACCELERATED ACTION

He also issued a call for accelerated action to be taken as the timeline for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was fast approaching

The SDGs, also known

as the Global Goals , were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all persons enjoy peace and prosperity.

With just seven years remaining to achieve these goals, Guyana has already started making efforts to mitigate the challenges affecting the country and its people

“We have started by increasing budgetary allocations to agriculture by 150 per cent , we are investing in infrastructure farm to

market roads, drainage and irrigation , laboratory and necessary structures , and agro-processing to assist our farmers to develop further so that the capacity can be built ,” Minister Mustapha said

Additionally, the country has seen an increase in private sector investments especially in the local food production sector Those investments, he said, were being done through targeted programmes that integrate other sectors

“ Guyana strongly advocates that our approach to food security must be targeted and must involve

the integration of the agriculture , health , education and technology sectors along with climate change mitigation so that food security can be better guaranteed,” Mustapha said

He further reiterated his call for the stakeholders in the Western Hemisphere to collaborate on various programmes to address their specific needs and to achieve their goals collectively

“If we can work collectively and work as a team, and work as one region , Latin America and the Caribbean, we can be a joint force to be reckoned with,” Minister Mustapha said

In September 2021 , the United Nations Secretary - General convened a Food Systems Summit to launch bold new actions as part of the UN’s Decade of Action to achieve the SDGs initiative

The aim of the summit is to transform the way the world produces, consumes and thinks about foods within the context of the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development and address challenges of poverty, food security, malnutrition , population growth , climate change , and natural resource degradation.

Stakeholders during a panel discussion at the ongoing United Nations Food Systems Summit+2 Stocktaking Moment in Rome, Italy (Ministry of Agriculture’s photos)

PM Phillips acknowledges technical expertise, teamwork skills obtained through ‘Tradewinds’

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips , who is performing the functions of the President was , on Wednesday , briefed on the ongoing 38th iteration of Tradewinds exercise at the Air Station London, Timehri.

Subsequently , Prime Minister Phillips attended a joint military tactical exercise at Base Camp Stephenson, praising ranks for demonstrating their technical expertise and teamwork

skills obtained throughout the exercise

During a wing ceremony, the Prime Minister presented several military ranks with badges for GDF

Basic Paratroopers , GDF

Free Fall Badge , France

Free Fall Badge and the US

Basic Paratroopers Badge

Tradewinds 2023

( TW2023 ) is a Caribbean - focused multi - dimensional exercise conducted in the ground, air, sea, and cyber domains, which provides participating nations

opportunities to conduct joint , combined , and interagency training focused on increasing regional co - operation in complex multinational security operations

The Prime Minister , along with visiting Governor of Bermuda, Rena Lalgie, and United States Southern Command , General Laura J. Richardson and several other dignitaries were also expected to tour a number of sites under TWD23

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of the President was, on Wednesday, briefed on the ongoing 38th iteration of Tradewinds exercise at the Air Station London, Timehri

Hess records US$119M profit

as Guyana oil barrels help company offset low prices

AMERICAN oil producer, Hess Corporation reported on Wednesday that it made a net income of US $ 119 million , or US $ 0.39 per share, in the second quarter of 2023 This represents a significant dip in reve -

nues when compared with net income of US$667 million, or US$2.15 per share, in the second quarter of 2022

Hess explained that the US $ 548 million decrease , reflective of an 82 per cent

decline in adjusted after-tax profits, was due to lower realised selling prices Be that as it may, the oil producer noted that higher production volumes in Guyana and the Bakken kept its balance sheet out of the red zone

Hess noted that net production was 387,000 barrels of oil equivalent (boepd) in the second quarter of 2023, compared with 303,000 boepd, proforma for assets sold, in the second quarter of 2022, primarily due to higher production in Guyana and the Bakken

Expounding on the production numbers for the Bakken, Hess said it was 181,000 boepd in the second quarter of 2023 compared with 140,000 boepd in the prior year’s quarter

Hess said this reflects increased drilling and completion activity, higher Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) and natural gas volumes received under the percentage of proceeds contracts due to lower commodity prices, and higher uptime after weather-related shut-ins in the prior year’s quarter

The American explorer said NGL and natural gas volumes received under the

percentage of proceeds contracts were 22,000 boepd in the second quarter of 2023 compared with 7,000 boepd in the second quarter of 2022 due to lower realised NGL and natural gas prices increasing volumes received as consideration for gas processing fees

During the second quarter of 2023, the corporation said it drilled 32 wells, completed 28 wells, and brought 30 new wells online

With respect to production at Guyana ’ s Stabroek Block where Hess holds a 30 per cent working interest , the company said net production from the Liza Destiny and the Liza Unity floating production , storage, and offloading vessels ( FPSOs ) totaled 110,0002 barrels of oil per day (bopd) in the second quarter of 2023 compared with 67,0002 bopd in the prior-year quarter

Hess said the Liza Unity FPSO , which commenced

production in February 2022, reached its production capacity of approximately 220,000 gross bopd in July 2022 In the second quarter of 2023, Hess also said it sold nine cargos of crude oil from Guyana compared with six cargos in the prior year ’ s quarter

With Guyana and the Bakken as the star players in its asset portfolio, Hess Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ), John Hess maintains that his company is well positioned to deliver industry -leading cash flow growth and financial returns to shareholders while safely and responsibly producing oil and gas to help meet the world’s growing energy needs

A comprehensive report on the company ’ s fiscal performance is expected to be presented by Hess and other executives during its 2023 second-quarter earnings call shortly. (OilNOW)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday July 27, 2023)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD - 83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Everton Weekes - 207 (First Test, Trinidad, 1953)

(2) Dilip Sardesai - 212 (First Test, Jamaica, 1971)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What was the result of the recent WI/IND Test series?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Series?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

RACING TIPS

English Racing Tips

Doncaster 09:30 hrs Beauty Choice

10:05 hrs Harry’s Halo

10:40 hrs Stormy Waves

11:15 hrs Lunar Bird

11:45 hrs Golden Maverick

12:20 hrs Le Reveur

Sandown

09:10 hrs Libra Tiger

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10:15 hrs Soprano

10:50 hrs Nothing To Sea

11:20 hrs Botas

11:55 hrs Kamanika

Newbury

13:15 hrs Lenny’s Spirit

13:45 hrs Hot Fashion

14:15 hrs Be Prepared

14:45 hrs The Fandango

15:15 hrs Ranger Thunderbolt

15:45 hrs Typical Woman

Irish Racing Tips

Leopardstown

11:37 hrs Ten Deep

12:12 hrs Ylang Ylang

12:47 hrs Chicago Fireball

13:22 hrs Honey Girl

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15:22 hrs Oranmore

American Racing Tips

Saratoga

Race 1 Price Is Truth

Race 2 Miss San Gabriel

Race 3 Arella Star

Race 4 Vitemi

Race 5 Veronica Greene

Race 6 Dreamery

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South Africa racing Tips

Turffontein

08:15 hrs Tayooba

08:50 hrs What A Honey

09:25 hrs Lady Elliot

09:55 hrs The Kop

10:30 hrs Nothingelsematters

Pakistan extinguish any hopes of Sri Lankan victory

AN Abdullah Shafique double-ton and a rapid Agha Salman century were the major highlights in a day in which Pakistan grounded down and extinguished any lingering hopes Sri Lanka might have harboured of winning this Test. The visitors' commanding performance on day three saw 385 runs scored for the loss of just three wickets.

By stumps, Pakistan had amassed 563 for 5 and a lead of 397, with the only question remaining being one of when exactly the declaration would be made. While there are still two full days of cricket left to play, it's unlikely the weather will allow for the full six sessions to play out.

At the crease at the close were Agha on a 148-ball 132 with Mohammad Rizwan alongside him on 37 off 61. Rizwan had been drafted in as a concussion sub after Sarfaraz Ahmed had copped an Asitha Fernando bouncer on the back of his helmet; he batted on following the blow, but had to retire hurt following a late onset of symptoms.

As for Sri Lanka's bowlers, they toiled all day for little reward. The three main

attacking options -- Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis and Asitha Fernando -- were all taken for triple digits. And the few wickets that came, only arrived after significant damage had been done, and at an agonisingly slow rate -- one per session. A brief glance at the session scoring rates tells its own story, with each progressively expunging any life out the Sri Lankan attack; the morning session saw 95 runs at 2.92 per over, the middle session 124 runs at 4.43 per

over, and then in the final session Pakistan plundered 166 runs at 5.03. Pakistan's list of partnerships, meanwhile, read as follows: 13, 108, 89, 109, 25, 124 and 95. If those numbers weren't enough, there were records to tack on too. Saud Shakeel, who racked up his sixth Test fifty in seven Tests, in the process became the first batter in the history of Test cricket to score fifty or more in each of their first seven Tests - Shakeel also has two hundreds to his name. Ab-

dullah Shafique became the highest scoring opener at the SSC, to go along with his maiden Test double ton, and there probably might have been some sort of record for collective mental anguish caused to the opposition, had we some sort of device to measure such a thing, as Babar Azam directed his wards to just bat and bat and bat.

But this is not to takeaway from the batting itself, which was far from tedious. In fact, one could argue it's

some of the most effective going around. In hindsight, the pacing of the day's play seemed tailored to sussing out any potential Sri Lankan ambitions of reeling themselves back into the game.

The morning session, as highlighted by the aforementioned scoring rate, was a slow burn. It took 13 balls for the first scoring shot, a pull to the backward square leg boundary, and then the next 18 deliveries saw just two runs scored. Boundaries would litter the session, but in general it was a cautious one by the visitors. Crucially though, they had lost just the wicket of Babar.

But as the day progressed and the afternoon sun began to beat down harder, so did Pakistan's batters. Shafique would prove the constantdefending stoically, lofting majestically and easing pressure like a well-oiled valve. At the other end was where the dynamism was sought. Shakeel was the initial foil, but once he fell business really picked up.

Pakistan's lead at that point was a touch over 150, with quick runs the order of the day. Enter Sarfaraz, who would crack three boundaries in his 22-ball

stay before being ruled out of the Test. Agha would follow and he would scarcely slow down. His fifty came off just 50 deliveries, his century off 123; by the end of play he had notched 15 fours and six.

Shafique, meanwhile, continued to play like he had done throughout the innings, knocking over the strike with the odd boundary thrown into the mix. Only once he reached his double-century, did he play a shot in anger, slicing one high to mid-off.

But like with each wicket that preceded it, this one only brought more pain for the hosts, as concussion sub, Rizwan, matched Agha's intensity, and the visitors piled on ever more runs.

There was speculation a declaration might have been forthcoming in the final hour before stumps, but now the wait is to see if there will be one made overnight. Sri Lanka might be looking forward to the reprieve, but unless rain intervenes, they still have a substantial grind ahead if they're to save this Test.

Henderson to leave Liverpool after 12 years

(BBC) - Jordan Henderson has confirmed he is leaving Liverpool after 12 years, before an expected move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.

The 33-year-old midfielder looks set for the Saudi Pro League in a deal worth £12m plus add-ons.

Posting on his Instagram account, Henderson said: "Just know, I will always be a Red, until the day I die."

Henderson captained Liverpool to their first Premier League title in 30 years in 2020.

The England international also lifted the Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during his time on Merseyside.

Henderson will link up again with ex-Liverpool captain and former team-mate, Steven Gerrard, who is man-

ager of Al-Ettifaq. He flew out with the Liverpool squad to their training camp in Germany earlier in July, although he did not play

in either of their pre-season matches after an initial offer of £12m was accepted.

The midfielder joined the Reds from Sunderland

in a deal worth £20m in June 2011 and made 492 appearances for them, scoring 33 goals and registering 57 assists.

Speaking in the video filmed at Anfield, Henderson said that it was hard to leave his boyhood club more than a decade ago but "when Liverpool come knocking, you don't say no".

He added: "I can't lie, there have been hard times, really hard times. But when I look back at my career at Liverpool, it will always be the good times that I remember."

Henderson highlighted the Champions League final in Madrid in 2019 when they beat Tottenham to secure the club's sixth trophy in the competition as his "favourite night", and said there were "no words" to describe the support during the parade around the city.

He called the supporters "the best in the world" adding "there can be no doubt, there is no doubt".

Henderson did not address his move to Saudi Arabia in the video.

Fans have been posting messages of thanks to Henderson across social media following the release of the video, while Stonewall, the LGBTQ+ charity which organises the Rainbow Laces campaign, has thanked Henderson for his support.

However, Henderson has been criticised by some for the move to Saudi Arabia, including Liverpool's LGBT+ fans group Kop Out, who urged him to reconsider.

Fellow Reds midfielder Fabinho has also been linked with Saudi club Al-Ittihad, who made a £40m bid for the Brazilian on 15 July, but his move looks to be in jeopardy with negotiations continuing.

In 2020, Jordan Henderson captained Liverpool to their first Premier League title in 30 years

Abdullah Shafique celebrates his maiden Test double-ton, while a pleased Agha Salman looks on (AFP/Getty Images)

GAPLF & World athletes pay courtesy call on Minister Ramson

- Plans for athletes and general development discussed

HAVING taken over the administration of the sport back in March of 2023, members of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF), along with two athletes met with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Charles Ramson Jr. on Monday afternoon last at the Sport Ministry’s Boardroom.

President Franklin Wilson, Secretary Roger Rogers, and Treasurer Maxwell Denny were the Executive members, along with Carlos Peterson-Griffith who enjoyed a successful sojourn at the Annual World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships held from June 11 – 18, 2023 in Malta.

Romeo Hunter and Dominic Tyrell (virtually) also attended the meeting. The two athletes are set to represent Guyana at the IPF World Classic & Equipped Sub Junior And Junior Powerlifting Championships to be held from 24 August – 3 September 2023, in Cluj Napoca, Romania.

The meeting afforded both parties the opportunity to share an outlook for the collective development of the sport in Guyana.

Minister Ramson shared the Government of Guyana’s policy on sports development, highlighting the focus on infrastructure and capacity development aimed at affording athletes the best opportunity for development

and success.

He assured the Federation that where an athlete has the potential and likelihood of succeeding at a competition, the Ministry will support him/her within its resource availability. It was acknowledged that the cost of participation is on the higher end of the scale; this is a constraint for which much work is needed to

overcome.

The Ministry has pledged to work with GAPLF with a view to acquiring equipment to outfit for competition and training purposes.

Federation President Wilson briefed Minister Ramson on activities for this year including the novice and Intermediate competitions which have already been completed as well as

plans for the annual FESUPO Regional Powerlifting Championships slated for 6th to 10th September 2023 in Lima, Peru.

World Juniors and IPF World Classic & Equipped Masters Powerlifting Championships from 8th – 15th October 2023 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia where three athletes: Nadina Taharally, Roger Rogers, and Gordon

Windies face India as Kensington hosts 50th ODI

Spencer will attend.

The Federation assured the Minister that its vision prioritises the principles of good governance and aims to make the body a model sister Federation.

Also, the Federation noted that it will always aim to have the broadest eligible representation at all times to ensure the best athletes are representing Guyana.

Peterson-Griffith brought the Minister up to date with his exploits attained at the Annual World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships in Malta where he landed a silver medal in the deadlift and a bronze in the squat. He also ended 6th in the 93kg Class which attracted some 38 lifters.

This competition was the biggest in IPF history, with a total of 65 member nations taking part and over 400 lifters, 37 referees, and 257 other officials. It was the largest and most diverse participation in any Open Classic World Championship ever.

Hope hopes to rebound from W/C qualifiers disaster

By Sean Devers

Today, West Indies put their pride on the line when they take on India in the first of three CG United One Day Internationals (ODI) powered by YES BANK at the Kensington Oval from 9:30hrs.

West Indies have made several changes to the side that failed miserably in the World Cup qualifiers for what will be their first ODI series since that disastrous trip to Zimbabwe.

This will be the 50th ODI at the Kensington Oval; West Indies’ very first Test venue.

The last time the two sides met there, India beat West Indies by seven wick-

ets in 2002 despite an unbeaten 76 from Skipper Carl Hooper and 44 from fellow Guyanese Ramnaresh Sarwan.

The last ODI fixture at the venue resulted in a loss for the home size to New Zealand with their last win coming against the same team in the first of the threematch fixture.

West Indies and India have played each other 139 times in ODIs with India winning 70 and losing 63; two of those ending in ties and four in no-results.

This record means that the Rohit Sharma-led team should start as favourites in the three-match series which culminates on August 01 in Trinidad.

The last eight times

these two teams met in ODIs, India were victorious in every game.

It was rainy on Tuesday, but yesterday the heat was almost unbearable; today’s forecast has rain on the cards.

The outfield looks good despite the recent ‘Crop Over’ concerts held on ground with the track expected to be good for batting and a bit of bounce on offer.

According to the head curator, the pitch had some grass but it was rolled into the surface which suggests that 300 could be scored if any team bats well.

The selectors have recalled Shimron Hetmyer and fast bowler Oshane Thomas. Fast bowler

Jayden Seales and leg-spinner Yannic Cariah have been included following their rehabilitation from surgery while left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie is also included, having recovered from injury.

The West Indies welcomed the return of Hetmyer, one of their most talented but temperamental batters, who played the last of his 47 ODIs almost two years ago.

This is the 26-year-old’s best format in which he has five tons and four fifties but unfortunately for the home team, the talented Nicholas Pooran, who played with some success in Zimbabwe is now unavailable, as is the experienced Jason Holder.

All-rounder Kemo

Paul is still injured while Shamarh Brooks, Royton Chase and Johnson Charles have been rested from the side which played in the qualifiers.

A lot will rest on Captain Shai Hope, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Vice-Captain Rovman Powell, Alick Athanaze and Hetmyer with the bat.

West Indies could go with three quicks in Oshane Thomas, Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales or one of the fast bowlers could make way for all-rounder Romario Shepherd. Off-spinning all-rounder Sinclair and Motie are the spin options on offer.

India, who played their first ODI against the West Indies in 1979, started their

Caribbean tour with a onenil win in the Test series; rain on the final day in Trinidad possibly saving West Indies from a two-nil defeat.

These ODIs could be important for India ahead of the Asia Cup before they host the World Cup in October/November considering India lost their previous ODI series against Australia by 1-2 just before the IPL.

At 36, Sharma returned to form in the Test series, which could give India a solid start while young guns, Ishan Kishan, and Shubman Gill, along with Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson could spearhead the batting while Ravindra Jadeja is also set to play today.

Minister Ramson receives a token from Carlos Peterson-Griffith in the presence of (from left) GAPLF Treasurer, Maxwell Denney; GAPLF president, Franklin Wilson; Secretary Roger Rogers; Oudit Seenarain, and Romeo Hunter

Assuria Insurance gifts motorbike for MVP at Kares One Guyana T10 Blast

THE Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the Kares One Guyana T10 Blast will ride off with a brand new motorbike, compliments of Assuria General and Life Insurance Companies.

Valued at more than G$250,000, the organisers welcomed the support from one of Guyana’s leading insurance companies.

The handing over was done Wednesday at the company’s headquarters at 33 Church Street, Georgetown.

Sanjiv Nandlall, Assuria’s Senior Supervisor for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Marketing, expressed immense joy in collaborating with the organisers, noting it is a tournament that he predicts to be “very exciting” and expects a massive following to attend over the two days.

Representatives from the company are expected to be at the venues to further inform the public about their secure and affordable packages.

Co-Director of the tournament, John Ramsingh, thanked Assuria for the support, noting it was more than a noble gesture, as he highlighted the support from corporate Guyana and President Dr. Irfaan Ali is paving the way for the tournament to

blossom in years to come.

The tournament features 32 teams with representation from all regions except Region Nine.

Several active and former national players will feature for their teams over the two-day extravaganza.

Preliminary matches will be staged at the Police Sports Club, the Guyana Defence Force, Queen’s College Ground, YMCA, and Transport Sports Club, while the finals will be held at the Everest Cricket

Ground on July 30.

The first-ever champions will pocket G$1M, while the losing finalist will collect G$300,000.

The two losing semi-finalists will walk away with G$100,000 each. There will also be prizes for outstanding individual performances.

Additionally, there will be a celebrity match before the championship match when the winning side will be rewarded G$200,000, which will be do-

GFF boss happy with phase one progress

at D’urban Park stadium

nated to a charity of their choice.

In what has turned out to be the perfect family-oriented event, the organisers have promised to set up a specially designated area, the Kids Zone.

The children will enjoy free rides in the child-friendly zone, including a bouncy castle.

In partnership with Banks DIH Limited, ice cream, soda, snacks, and water for the young will be free.

Admission is free to all venues.

Five karatekas earn black belt from GKC

THE Guyana Karate College (GKC) held a simple but significant presentation ceremony yesterday at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue and Camp Street, where deserving students and members of the college, who attained Dan Ranks in April of this year, were presented with their International Black Belts and diplomas.

There were five recipients of black belts, including eight-year-old Azari Samuels. The others are David Hackett, Shawn Jemmot, Gobin Kumar and Balram Daas.

During the ceremony, Hackett and the youngster Samuels, bravely demonstrated some ‘Tachis’ before having a quick chat with the media.

Samuels, who is now entering the fourth grade,

thanked his parents and his sensei for his success.

In an invited comment with 5th Dan Sensei Laurence Lowe -- Samuels’ teacher -- he noted that, “Azarri is a very determined

young man, very competitive and usually the first one there (at training). His drive has allowed him to achieve his black belt at this very young age.”

Sensei Lowe noted that

Azzari, who began karate at the tender age of three years old, is the model student and he hopes that his commitment and success can help inspire upcoming and aspiring karatekas.

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) president, Wayne Forde, on Tuesday gave local contracting firm, McGregor’s Real Estate Development Inc., a positive review of the land clearing and filling work done at the D’urban Park Football Complex presently under construction.

Forde visited the site to assess progress of Phase One of the works, which covers the clearance, levelling and sand filling of half of the 7.3 acres of land leased to the Federation for 50 years to build a modern football stadium and Technical Centre in the heart of Guyana’s capital city, Georgetown.

“We are very pleased with this phase of the work,” Forde told the media during his site visit. The local contractor won the $23.6M bid to ready the land acquired in 2018 for Phase Two, which covers major construction works over the next few years.

The land on which the multi-million dollar world class D’Urban Park Football Complex is being built was low and prone to flooding. The second half of the land will be levelled and filled over the next few months.

Phase One, which commenced in April, has experienced minor delays due to inclement weather and sand unavailability.

However, Forde explained that the site is now ready to be used by young footballers in the surrounding neighborhood with the first grassroots activity set to kick off this summer in partnership with the Georgetown Football Association (GFA).

The D’urban Park Football Complex, which is being funded by the One Concacaf Fund, is the centerpiece of President Forde’s infrastructural development vision for Guyana.

The entire project is expected to be completed in four years.

New Bike for MVP! From left: Co-Director of Kares One Guyana T10 Blast, Yusuf Ali; Sanjiv Nandlall, Assuria’s Senior Supervisor for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Marketing; Fiona Sooklall (Fire and General Insurance); Co-Director of Kares One Guyana T10 Blast, John Ramsingh; and Nandanie Persaud (Marketing, Sales and Social Media Officer) at the company’s Church Street headquarters

Azzari Samuels does a demonstration during the presentation ceremony (Adrian Narine photo)

GFF president, Wayne Forde (right) and other officials