Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05-06-2023

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday met with a team from the Saudi Fund for Development led by its CEO, Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad. The team is here on a three-day visit and will sign two loan agreements with the Government of Guyana valued at US$150 million for infrastructural development (Office of the

PPP/C Gov’t has liberated Guyanese from burdens; more development underway – President Ali

WITH more than 80 per cent of their manifesto promises already fulfilled, President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, reminded Mabaruma residents last Friday that the PPP/C will continue its efforts to enhance the lives of all Guyanese.

The president, who was at the time speaking at a public meeting, also reminded the massive crowd that it was the governing PPP/C that liberated Guyanese from the burdens invoked by the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

“My dear friends, since we came back to the office, we have put more money back into the pockets of people. We have created more jobs. We have built new industries. We have protected our Indigenous peoples’ rights. We are enhancing the welfare of women and children, the elderly and the vulnerable,” he said.

After receiving a thunderous applause for the efforts that the PPP/C has made despite their brief

time in office, President Ali mentioned several significant achievements. These include the restoration of the one-month tax-free bonus to the Joint Services, cash grants to children and the widespread employment and scholarship opportunities for citizens including those in the indigenous communities such as Mabaruma.

Additionally, he used the opportunity to urge people to reject the false promises that are being made by the Opposition and to use the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGEs) as a vehicle to "bury this horrible legacy of the PNC, APNU+AFC."

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

While revealing the plans that the government have in store, he said: “We are working on an agenda today in which every single teacher regardless of which region you are from, you will have the opportunity to study online and become a trained teacher.

“Let me make it very clear, we have offered ev-

ery young person with the qualifications to do nursing. Once you want to learn to do nursing, get registered and the government will pay all the education expenses for you to become a nurse.”

The president also stated that the government is developing a framework so that people who lack the qualifications to become nurses might instead serve as community health workers and get the chance to become nurses after gaining some experience.

He pointed out that since taking office, public servants' salaries have increased by more than 25 per cent, the VAT on electricity and water has been removed, farmers have received more than $1 billion in fertiliser subsidies, more than $7.5 billion in COVID-19 relief cash grants were distributed and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) have received higher subventions.

The Head of State added: “We have done all of this whilst we have increased our support to

the vulnerable. We have placed more than $6.3 billion of disposable income on our pensioners. We have increased public assistance from $9,000 to $14,000 per month, placing another $950 million of disposable income on the vulnerable. We are providing a $600,000 cash grant to every dialysis patient, every person that requires dialysis [and] this is costing us this year alone, more than $200 million. But we're doing this because you, the people, need it. Because we want you to have access to the best possible health care and health services.”

Exposing how the APNU+AFC/PNC held Georgetown hostage for almost three decades and stymied development, President Ali said that central government was forced to undertake all of the city's infrastructure projects.

Turning his attention to Region One, he said that it is clear that residents have witnessed under this administration, substantial growth and development,

particularly as it relates to the much-needed hinterland roads, improved health care services, agriculture support, the new hospital that is earmarked for Moruca, or the solar programme that is about to launch.

“And more recently 15 per cent of all the

earnings from the LCDS [Low-Carbon Development Strategy] went directly to our Amerindian brothers and sisters. This year alone, we have transferred directly to Amerindian hinterland and riverain communities, $4.6 billion.”

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, addresses the massive crowd during Friday’s public meeting at Mabaruma in Region One (PPP/C photo)

Region Seven will not be left behind

- forestry, mining sectors are priority, President Ali says

Applauding the President for his aggressive drive which is taking Guyana above and beyond, she said that even international dignitaries are both amazed and stunned by the nation’s rapidly growing economy.

Furthermore, she conveyed that PPP/C supporters were discriminated in all fields, such as being denied employment while the Opposition held office.

“The PPP is not vindictive; the government is not vindictive,” Minister Teixeira asserted.

In contrast to the Opposition, she said, everyone is invited to take advantage of any opportunity that the governing PPP/C presents.

MOVEMENT OF CHANGE

Meanwhile, secondary school teacher and former APNU member, Jermaine Joseph, who is a PR Candidate for the PPP/C in Bartica, commended President Ali for his efforts, outstanding work and overall just being “a people’s person”.

Joseph said that President Ali is capable of bringing the entire Guyana together, especially with his ‘One Guyana’ strategy.

“I am with the movement for change,” he affirmed.

By Trina Williams

EMPHASISNG that Region Seven has already received a tremendous injection of investments from the government, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Sunday told residents that they should expect further development to take place.

President Ali was at the time addressing a massive crowd in the township of Bartica where the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was holding a public meeting ahead of the June 12 Local Government Elections (LGEs).

According to the President, the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region has an integral role to play in bridging gaps and spearheading major integrations.

“My friends, tonight and the days ahead, you have a very serious decision to make; a decision that will impact your township, impact your life, your family’s life, impact the development of this town,” he said, while also exposing the Opposition for their constant echoing of lies and

false promises.

“It is important that we have leadership who can embrace the priority of the people; the township and the priority of the development needs as its focus and not the priority of its political propaganda and mischief,” President Ali said by way of explaining that his government is presenting a platform of trust, progress and support.

Speaking on the importance of the upcoming LGEs, he said: “Elections are about who you can trust; who delivers to you, who keeps their promises with you...” adding that given the APNU’s poor track record, “they can never claim honesty and dignity”.

Owing to the fact that mining and forestry are two of the main economic activities in the region, the president reminded Barticians of how the Opposition oppressed them, and had no interest in their well-being.

He disclosed that prior to the PPP/C taking office, the APNU+AFC’s massive tax increases had contributed to the decline of 60 per cent of all mining

operations, and, rather than advancing and developing the forestry industry, their policies led to the loss of 20,000 jobs and the sector's bankruptcy.

Noting that the government’s priority is to strengthen these two sectors, he advised the residents to support the party that cares about them, rather than one that manipulates race relations and uses them as a smokescreen for their awful record.

The Head of State continued: “When we left office in 2015, we were producing more than 100,000 cubic meters of lumber.”

He conveyed that this amount was enough to build 4,000 homes, and provide 5,000 jobs directly and indirectly, noting that the Opposition left the industry to collapse within a mere 15 months of being in office.

The president confidently assured citizens of a number of developments that the region is undergoing, including the government's plans to install more streetlights for improved security, the housing pro-

gramme's rapid progress, the large investments in health infrastructure, and the tens of millions of dollars spent on enhancing the township's water policy.

FULL SPEED AHEAD

Astonished by the massive crowd before her, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Gail Teixeira said that Guyana is: “Moving forward like never before, and we are seeing change everywhere.”

In fact, the minister mentioned that even the cash grant for schoolchildren that the Opposition had taken away is now available to everyone, regardless of their political affiliation.

“We have the best government we could ever wish for,” Teixeira emphasised as she explained that everything the government does is part of its efforts to steer the country in the right direction.

The PR Candidate urged the people of the town to vote for accountability, transparency and progress, before emphasising that it is time for Bartica to get better management.

Furthermore, he called out the Opposition’s “don't care” attitude, which stands as an obstacle in the way of the region’s development.

“They [APNU] think they have a transport over Bartica,” he said before adding, “When you’re voting for us, you're voting for accountability...”

President Ali greeting residents of Bartica before heading to Dino Square for the public meeting

Oil jumps 2 per cent on Saudi plan to deepen output cuts from July

OIL prices have jumped more than $1 a barrel after the world’s top exporter Saudi Arabia pledged to cut production by another 1 million barrels

per day from July, counteracting macroeconomic headwinds that have depressed markets.

Brent crude futures were at $77.64 a barrel, up

$1.51, or 2 per cent, at 0014 GMT after earlier hitting a session-high of $78.73 a barrel

U S West Texas Intermediate crude climbed $ 1.41 , or 2 per cent , to $73.15 a barrel, after touching an intraday high of $75.06 a barrel

Both contracts extended gains after rising more than 2 per cent on Friday as the

Saudi energy ministry said on Sunday its output would drop to 9 million barrels per day (bpd) in July from around 10 million bpd in May , the kingdom ’ s biggest reduction in years

The voluntary cut pledged by Saudi is on top of a broader deal by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies including Russia to limit supply into 2024 as the group seeks to boost flagging oil prices

The group , known as OPEC +, pumps around 40 per cent of the world’s crude and has in place cuts of 3.66 million bpd , amounting to 3.6 per cent of global demand

“ The move by Saudi Arabia is likely to come as a surprise, considering the most recent change to quotas had only been in effect for a month,” ANZ analysts said in a note

“

The oil market now looks like it will be even tighter in the second half of the year.”

Consultancy Rystad

Energy said the additional cut by Saudi is likely to deepen the market deficit to more than 3 million bpd in July, which could push prices higher in the coming weeks

Goldman Sachs analysts said the meeting was “ moderately bullish ” for oil markets and could boost December 2023 Brent prices by $ 1 -$ 6 a barrel depending on how long Saudi Arabia maintains output at 9 million bpd over the next six months.

However, many of these reductions will have little real impact as the group lowered the targets for Russia, Nigeria and Angola to bring them into line with their actual production levels

By contrast, the United Arab Emirates was allowed to raise output targets by around 200,000 bpd to 3.22 million bpd

“UAE has been allowed to expand output , at the expense of African nations, which had their unused quotas lowered under the new agreement,” ANZ said In the United States, the number of operating oil rigs slumped by 15 to 555 last week , their lowest since April 2022, Baker Hughes Co ( BKR O ) said in its weekly report on Friday Drilling has slowed since December due to weaker prices , higher costs and as companies divert spending to repaying shareholders. (Reuters)

Pump jacks operate at sunset in an oil field in Midland, Texas, U.S., on August 22, 2018 (REUTERS/Nick Oxford)

‘The face of the city is changing’ – Jagdeo

promises residents accountability, better drainage and improved infrastructure

By Naomi Parris

IMPROVED drainage, better roads and several community enhancement projects are among the commitments made to residents of several Greater Georgetown communities at a People ’ s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) community meeting at Cummings Lodge on Sunday evening.

The meeting, which was led by Vice-President and General Secretary of the PPP/C Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and several of the party’s local government candidates, saw scores of residents rallying behind the party as they unveiled their plans ahead of the June 12 Local Government Elections (LGEs).

The Vice-President, while addressing the gathering, endorsed the candidacy of several persons representing the PPP/C at the upcoming polls

“This wonderful group of people that we have as candidates, I believe they’re competent enough to run their own campaign And they’ve been doing a great job right across this city,” he said, adding that the government is waging a change campaign, not only across the capital city but across the major municipalities

“We’re contesting in all 80 local government areas; all 610 constituencies And we have already won 291 of those constituencies, because no other party is contesting here We have 13 of the 80 local government bodies even before the elections on June 12,” Dr Jagdeo said.

However , he urged supporters to not

underestimate those numbers, and to make it a priority to vote at the upcoming elections

Georgetown is one local government organ that the party has its eyes on Georgetown’s Mayor and City Council (MCC) has historically been controlled by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR),

levels in numerous instances , while the Council has also failed to deliver in line with its responsibility of taking care of the city’s roadways and drainage systems , the VP pointed out

“The reason I wanted to come here tonight is to look at you people who live in George-

and is currently under the control of the PNC/R’s cognate, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

However, the state of the city under the PNC/R’s unbroken management continues to get called into question time and time again, as Georgetown continues to descend into an increasingly deplorable state

Over the years, the garbage situation in Georgetown has worsened, reaching crisis

town and say that you see a flyer that we have circulated in Georgetown, and I want you to know that every single promise that those candidates make on the flyer the PPP will stand behind,” he said, adding:

“Every road in the city; if you have a road now that is bad, it’s going to be fixed Drainage and all those issues, more pumping capacity to get the water out faster, concrete drains We will clean up the city.”

He further promised greater accountability at the Council level, with more community involvement to ensure transparency

Mismanagement of the municipality’s funds has become commonplace, with the lack of accountability and transparency at City Hall making it impractical for Central Government to be able to continue to directly hand over money to the municipality.

While urging longstanding supporters to vote, Jagdeo urged newcomers to put their trust in the PPP/C, as they can expect greater accountability at the level of the City Council, and better stewardship of the municipality’s funds, as well as several community enhancement projects.

Saudi Fund CEO meets housing officials, visits several road and housing projects

CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, on Sunday met with officials before being given a tour of several project sites.

According to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), during the meeting, the authority’s Chief Executive Officer Sherwyn Greaves and his Chief Development Planner, Germene Stewart, delivered astounding presentations to Al-Marshad and his team, who are on a three-day visit to Guyana.

Faisal Sulaiman A Al-Khushaiban, Fahad Abdullah R Al-Haqbani and Randah Faisal A Al-Hothali are the other members of the Saudi team.

According to the CH&PA, Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal; Permanent Secretary Andre Ally; Director of Projects, Omar Narine, and other technical staff were also present.

Also, in attendance were representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Finance, including Finance Secretary Sukrishnalall Pasha, Director of Budget Sonya Roopnauth and other technical and support

staff.

Greaves delivered a comprehensive and indepth presentation on proposed projects for infrastructural development in Regions Three, Four and

Six.

This presentation was then followed by one, on the preliminary development concept for Silica City which was done by Stewart.

The delegation was then

led on a tour of several locations where the Housing Ministry is executing development works.

The tour started off at the Cummings Lodge Housing

Scheme, then to the road network linking that area to South Ruimveldt, followed by the Mandela to Eccles and Diamond Road networks. The delegation also toured the

Young Professionals Housing Scheme at Providence. Earlier in the day, the visiting delegation met with President, Dr Irfaan Ali, at State House.

Vice - President and PPP / C General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo (Adrian Narine photos)

Supporters at the Cummings Lodge meeting

Saudi Fund for Development CEO, Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad tours one of the houses being constructed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority. Also pictured is Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal (CH&PA photo)

Once Bitten, Twice Shamed!

‘ONCE bitten, twice shy’ used to be a friendly warning of the futility of repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results. But not anymore. One could apply this to the misnamed ‘A Partnership for National Unity’ that’s forever been more partisan than supportive of any aspect of national unity, from their rejection of the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD) in the 1980s, through to every other internal or external effort to plant seeds of unity.

They balkanized Guyana into partisan-controlled regions, villages and communities based on skin complexion and hair texture. Yet they, who broke with the PPP

59 years ago to permanently divide the country and its people along racial and partisan lines, are today bold enough to laughingly go to international forums such as the United Nations and claim this PPP/Civic administration is exercising ‘Apartheid’ against Afro-Guyanese.

Interestingly, just as the APNU and its allies are making their spurious and disgusting allegations, more and more of their longest-standing and strongest-backing members, in growing numbers, are deserting to join and support the PPP/Civic ahead of this month’s Local Government Elections (LGEs).

It naturally pains APNU and its chewing-gum partners to see the flow away

from its ranks into the PPP/ Civic’s wide embrace, so they continue to grab at straws to avoid drowning, in the process making all sorts of useless false claims and allegations to try to justify or explain the bleeding red haemorrhage.

As such, they have tried to use the highest court in the land – and not once, but twice – to again try to stop or slow down the speed towards the date for their next national electoral embarrassment, filing badly-prepared cases with unsupported allegations that, not once but twice, drew the sternest comments from the country’s highest judicial official, the Chief Justice. Apparently forgetting the days when they depended on

judicial and legal gymnastics to survive are long over and that Guyana is today part of the Caribbean regional judicial system that upholds international principles of law and justice in Guyana, APNU’s leaders are even willing to not only waste their time, but also that of the Chief Justice -- and the courts -- by engaging in the sort of vexatious litigation twice attempted in less than 24 hours.

The vexatious litigants have also forgotten that it was the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) that forced them to vacate government’s premises after hijacking the government for five months, from March to August, 2020, after having lost

the elections and shamelessly accused the opposition of stealing its well-deserved victory, as agreed by all overseas observer groups, bar none.

But then, that’s what stubborn people do when they refuse to learn from history, proceeding to make the same mistakes time and again, repeating the same wrong or bad strokes and expecting to score boundaries.

Fortunately, however, Guyanese electors and those wishing to be elected on June 12 have been at one mind in ensuring the continuity of progress they’ve seen halfway through the PPP/Civic’s current term at national and central govern-

ment levels, is replicated at municipal levels.

Guyanese voters have been bitten more than once and they’re now therefore understandably more than twice shy.

The losers will continue to fish for excuses and fiddle while their house burns. Meanwhile, the nation has decided to march-on, with measurable progress than mark time or in reverse, to a not-too-distant past that none wishes to return to, or to place their future in the hands of the usual suspects in these new Guyana times, when APNU and its partners have been more than twice shamed. Shame on them.

PNC heading to meltdown

Dear Editor, IT appears that the PNC and APNU are heading for a historic meltdown. No one would be surprised when those little parties that are hanging on to APNU also begin to bolt. Political survival usually brings out the commonsense in people.

The PNC has been in a lot of trouble, with people of star quality exiting at a rapid pace. Weeks ago it was Patricia Chase-Green and Keith Ferrier, who bade them adieu. They were followed by Ronald Backer who recently followed suit. And now, in what must be described as a diastrophic moment, Barbara Pilgrim, a most trusted member, has jettisoned the party for the PPP. These crossovers are without doubt based on the rudderless leadership of the PNC and the APNU coalition.

Readers should know that while the PNC has been ridding itself of whatever little inclusionary members they have, the PPP/C is doing the opposite. President Ali and PPP General Secretary Jagdeo have insisted on diversifying not only party membership and support, but also its list of candidates. Take a look at the list below: Odayson

Audwin Ashby, Jeremy Garrett, Quincy Anderson, Wilburn Lashley, Alana Persaud, Terry Albert Marques, Caeron Andrew Harte, Andre

Dmitri Jackman, Arsenio

Javon Beaton, Coleen A. Sampson, Alfonso Fidel De Armas-Archbold, Stephen Anthony Jacobs, Asha Wallace, Jewula Angela Cesar, Dion Yonge, Faye Andrea Matthews, Ronetta A. Small, Delroy N. Williams, Malcom Ferreira, Trichria Richards, (Georgetown) Forbes Moore,

Ava Smith, Paul Tyndell, Rawlin Teitch, Shurdon Murray, Dwayne Charles, Oneika Williams, Ryan Richards, Audwin Rutherford, Erol Roethof, Melinda Fredericks, Renna Fredericks, Sharmella Solomon, Candacy Allicock, Nathoya Benn, Reycia Nedd Sherry Fyffe-James, Sancha Halley, Kenisha Dey-Venture, Nikita Roberts, Rufina Allicock, Akeba Richmond, Tanella Croal, Trevon Yaw, Warren Wintz, and Lorna Hall.

This is only a handful of the candidates brought into the PPP to broaden the base of the party, something that both President Ali and the PPP/C General Secretary committed to when they last spoke at Babu Jaan. I call on all PPP/C supporters to vote for the candidates above.

The PNC has three real problems. First, and

foremost, is its myopic understanding of the ways in which rational actors behave. The PNC (and WPA) still believe that the figment of the imagination called race, can and will be their trump card forever. We know that human beings eventually become utility maximizers as society modernizes. The PNC is pushed by ethnic nationalists from New York, Arizona, and elsewhere to hold the line on race, the latter narrowly defined. Traditional supporters of the PNC are refusing to go along with the script. The same cannot be said for the WPA because they do not have any supporters. The AFC sold out a long time ago and lost its shirt!

Secondly, Mr. Norton is turning out to be an abysmal failure as Leader of the Opposition. “Turning out to be” might not be

an accurate construction because a sizeable number of the PNC top-brass had warned about Norton’s lack of capacity for leadership.

Some reports indicate that Annette Ferguson has predicted Mr. Norton’s days are numbered. The two of them will have to sort that out, but in the meantime, the LGEs will take place.

Finally, the PNC and APNU will enter rapid meltdown because of the positive energy generated by the PPP leadership. This is a party that has a solid list of achievements, a solid development plan, and an unremitting commitment to diversity and inclusion. It is regrettable that absentee observers like Nigel Westmaas have taken to accusing Afro-Guyanese supporters who join the PPP/C, as ‘this and that’ labels I do not care

to repeat here.

Dr. Westmaas is like an absentee landlord who comes in occasionally to collect the rent, in this case as intimated by Freddie Kissoon, a little praise from the mulatto upper middle class which Westmaas seems to know by experience. Westmaas’ absentee race entrepreneurship will yield nothing because while Guyana is changing, he is stuck in the past. Those who are stuck in the past, are likely to remain in the past.

Guyana is on the move. To be more accurate, however, while the country is on the move, some of its historic institutions such as the People’s National Congress, are on a bridge to nowhere.

Sincerely

Dr Randolph Persaud

IDPADA-G made false assertions to UN forum

Dear Editor, REFERENCE is made to your article in Sunday Stabroek of June 4, 2023, regarding differences in positions advanced by the Government of Guyana and IDPADA-G to the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.

Firstly, to cut through all of the noise, which unfortunately tends to obscure the real issues of fundamental importance, I reiterate that the Government of Guyana fully supported the work of the forum and many of its recommendations, which we believe have the potential to contribute to the upliftment of people of African Descent

These recommendations include calls for extending the International Decade for People of African Descent, the crafting of an actionable declaration on the rights of people of African Descent , the demand for reparatory justice for the genocide and other atrocities associated with chattel slavery of Africans and the slave trade, and the recommendation for the UN to live up to its own rhetoric and to provide support to the Forum comparable to that extended to other Special Procedures

These and other recommendations supported by the Government of Guyana are critically important to establish a formal framework without which achieving progress for the advancement of People of African Descent would be immeasurably more difficult

That said, our work at the Forum was regrettably made unnecessarily difficult by having to treat with false assertions made by representatives of IDPADA-G, principally though not exclusively through the interventions of Messrs Darren Wade and Nigel Hughes

In speaking to the thematic discussion on transnational

migration , Mr Wade told the Forum, completely unsupported by evidence, that government perpetrates

“discriminatory practices towards Haitian migrants whilst favourable treatment is extended to nationals of India, Bangladesh and Nepal, among others ”. Mr Wade further claimed, again without evidence, that Haitians and Africans are excludedfrom Guyana while “persons from the a forementioned states are welcomed ”. Having, in front of the international community , falsely accused his country of discrimination against Haitians as opposed to Indians, Bangladeshis and Nepalese, Mr Wade then went on to single out Guyana in CARICOM as a state which imposes a requirement for visas for Haitian nationals purportedly in violation of our obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas

Mr Wade did not disclose to the Forum that not only Guyana but also eleven other signatory states of the Revised Treaty have visa requirements for Haitian nationals in place

I take this opportunity to remind the public that the decision to reinstate the visa requirement was made as a result of substantial evidence that Haitian nationals were being trafficked through Guyana by organised gangs and that the problem of trafficking in Haitian nationals was publicly recognised in 2021 by both the then Chairman of CARICOM, Rt Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and the then Secretary - General of the Community , Ambassador Irwin La-Roque

I further remind that in 2021 , the Attorney - General, in speaking to the issue, disclosed that data from the immigration department showed that of the 42,100 Haitian nationals recorded as arriving in Guyana between

2015 and 2017, only 3,913 had been registered as legally departing leaving some 38,187 such nationals who could not be accounted for Our concerns about trafficking are further justified when considering the existence of cases where Haitian nationals were found abandoned in remote areas of Guyana

We thus wholly rejected Mr Wade ’ s contention that the Guyana government is somehow unique within CARICOM in requiring visas for Haitian nationals and hisimplicit allegation that our policy is motivated by racism

For his part, Mr Hughes claimed to the Forum that the only progress ever made by the state of Guyana in terms of redress for historical injustices against persons of African Descent was a Commission of Inquiry into Land established by then President Granger and complained that no recommendation of the CoI was implemented

As far as we are aware, the said Commission of Inquiry neither completed its work nor submitted an official report We were, however , taken to task for the non-implementation of recommendations that appear to have never been made

Mr Hughes also accused the government of taking “no action on the Dutch apology for the benefit of Guyanese”. The facts of the matter are first that the apology issued by the Dutch government to its former colonies makes no commitment whatsoever to any tangible benefit , reparations or otherwise to the descendants of enslaved Africans

Secondly , Guyana was not included in those countries to which the Dutch extended the apology despite being a colony of the Netherlands for over two centuries

Finally , I note that the Guyana Reparations Committee , which receives a government subvention as a

consequence of our commitment to the CARICOM Reparations effort, is working on advocating for Guyana to be included in the Dutch apology and for the descendants of enslaved peoples to be consulted in its content

It is ironic that the Reparations Committee, which is working on trying to secure the very benefits that he has called for , was explicitly disparaged by Mr Hughes in his statement to the Forum when he said that reparatory justice and equity require more than just “support to the CARICOM Reparations

Committee ” and “ photo opportunities with African Guyanese”.

Further , given Mr Hughes’ representation to the Forum that funding to IDPADA-G was withdrawn “based on the perception that the organisation held an opposing view to the government ,” it is perhaps doubly ironic, that the Guyana Reparations Committee, which receives government financing , is headed by Mr Eric Phillips, who is not exactly known to hold opinions aligned with those of the government Editor, from our experi-

ence before the Forum and elsewhere, it is hard to avoid the conclusion that the conditions of people of African Descent are of secondary importance to the principal movers behind IDPADA-G and are instead seen as a convenient vehicle for the realisation of thinly veiled political ambitions

Sincerely,

Hon Oneidge Walrond, M.P Head of Delegation , United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

President Ali expresses sympathy to India following horrific train crash

GUYANA’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali, has expressed sympathy to India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his people following Friday’s tragic and horrific train crash in the state of Odisha.

In his letter which was shared by the Office of the President on Sunday, President Ali said he was deeply saddened.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, I extend my sincere con-

dolences to you and the people of India, and especially to all those affected by this devastating incident.”

He asked PM Modi to convey his sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to all those injured, wishing them a swift recovery. In times of such tragedy, it is important for us to come together as a global community and offer support to one another. I want to assure you that Guyana

stands in solidarity with India during this difficult time,” the letter said.

The train crash is said to be the worst incident of its kind in decades. Some 275 persons were killed.

According to a Reuters report, over 800 persons were injured as a result of the crash even as it noted that rescue operations were continuing.

Reuters said that a preliminary report indicates that the accident was the result of signal failure.

Rescuers searched the wreckage for survivors following the train crash which is said to be the worst of its kind in the country’s history

Financial Analysis Report of EEPGL, HESS and CNOOC Financial Statements – FY 2022 a contextual analysis

Summary GUYANA’S net take inclusive of local content spend together with the government’s take cumulatively as of 2022 amounted to G$697.7 billion or US$3.34 billion representing 34.3 per cent of the cumulative net operating cash flow for the period 2019-2022― which stood at G$2.033 trillion. Of this amount, the cumulative net cash flow transferred to the parent companies amounted to a meagre G$6.4 billion or US$30 million representing 0.31 per cent of the cumulative net operating cash flows for the period.

The cumulative net cash flow of EEPGL, HESS and CNOOC for the period 20192022 revealed that Guyana earned a total of G$424 billion or US$2 billion cumulatively for this period which represents 21 per cent of the cumulative net operating cash flows for the same period. Conversely, the oil companies have repaid a meagre G$6.4 billion or US$30 million to their parent companies which represents less than 1 per cent of the cumulative net operating cash flows for the period FY 2019–FY 2022. Effectively, this means that the oil companies are reinvesting almost 100% of the net cash flows generated from the operating activities in Guyana in new exploration activities and to develop future projects into production. This is especially important since there is a limited window in which to extract these resources in view of the global energy transition agenda that is likely to have an impact on global demand for crude and ultimately resulting in lower crude oil prices in the future. And equally, it is crucial for Guyana to maintain the current pace and momentum in the industry aimed at enabling the country’s sustainable economic transformation and development agenda.

1. Background

The financial analysis presented herein is a contextual analysis based on the consolidated audited financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2022, for Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Hess Guyana Exploration Limited (Hess), and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CNOOC).

The objective of this report is to bring clarity and context in respect of the fi-

nancial results of the oil companies’ activities in Guyana’s emerging petroleum industry. There have been several media reports on the local subsidiaries’ financial results wherein, for example, the gross earnings was reported incorrectly as the net earnings.

It should be noted that the audited financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Therefore, in order to derive the net earnings for the oil companies and the government’s take accordingly, the reported earnings ought to be adjusted by applying the fiscal terms pursuant to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that governs the Stabroek block. For ease of reference, the fiscal terms are stated as follows:

i) 50/50 profit share,

ii) 75 per cent cost recovery ceiling, and

iii) 2 per cent royalty

The analysis also sought to illustrate a global perspective by comparing the local operator’s, namely EEPGL’s financial indicators relative to the parent company's (ExxonMobil) global financial indicators. The results demonstrate the extent to which the net earnings in the Guyana market contributed to the global net earnings, assets, and net operating cash flow. This is an especially important perspective for the Guyanese stakeholders since many observers and analysts have propagated the view that the Guyana’s oil and gas earnings account for a substantial portion of the parent company’s global earnings. The findings confirmed that this is not the case at this point in time.

2. Discussion and Analysis Crude Oil Production

Citing the National Budget Speech, 2023, the oil and gas sector is estimated to have expanded by 124.8 per cent in 2022, with a total of 101.4 million barrels of oil produced, compared with 42.7 million in 2021. The Liza-Unity Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) began producing in early-2022, increasing the number of FPSOs currently producing to two platforms. In 2023, it is anticipated that a third FPSO, Liza-Prosperity, will commence production by the end of this year. With these three FPSOs, production capacity is forecasted to reach 560,000 barrels per day (bpd).

Natural Resource Fund

Profit oil accounted for thirteen (13) lifts of 1-million-barrel oil cargoes in the year 2022 in comparison with five (5) lifts for 2021. Profit oil amounted to G$262 billion and royalty amounted to G$32.2 billion for the year ended December 2022. The total assets of the NRF stood at G$298 billion as of the end of 2022.

Variance Between NRF and Financial Statements

Readers will observe that in the analysis presented, there is a notable variance between the profit oil and royalty reported in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) versus the same as per the consoli-

statements for the NRF when compared to the consolidated financial statements for EEPGL, Hess and CNOOC.

The other factor that would have contributed to the variance is the difference in exchange rates used for the conversion of USD/GYD by the Bank of Guyana, which was at a rate of $208.43, and whereas the average market exchange rate was at a rate of $207.76.

Guyana’s net take inclusive of local content spend together with the government’s take cumulatively as of 2022 amounted to G$697.7 billion or US$3.34 billion representing 34.3 per cent of

per cent of the net cash flows generated from the operating activities in Guyana in new exploration activities and to develop future projects into production. This is especially important since there is a limited window in which to extract these resources in view of the global energy transition agenda that is likely to have an impact on global demand for crude and ultimately resulting in lower crude oil prices in the future. And equally, it is crucial for Guyana to maintain the current pace and momentum in the industry aimed at enabling the country’s sustainable economic transformation and development agenda.

billion, reflecting an increase of 350 per cent or G$1 trillion over the previous year. However, by virtue of applying the fiscal formula in accordance with the terms and conditions of the PSA for the Stabroek block, the net operating profit amounted to G$234.4 billion or US$1.12 billion for EEPGL, Hess and CNOOC, while profit oil and royalty amounted to $272.6 billion or US$1.3 billion for the Government of Guyana (GoG). Consequently, the Government’s take is G$38.2 billion more than the net operating profit earned by EEPGL, Hess and CNOOC.

The consolidated statement of cash flow analysis for FY 2022 revealed that the

dated financial statements for 2022 when the fiscal formula is applied.

To this end, the average price of crude oil in 2022 that applied to the government’s share of profit oil and royalty was US$99.8 per barrel. However, it can be extrapolated that the financial statements of EEPGL, Hess and CNOOC for 2022 was prepared based on an average price of US$90.5 per barrel.

Hence, this partially explains the variance between the profit oil and royalty reported in the audited financial

the cumulative net operating cash flow for the period FY 2019-FY 2022―which stood at G$2.033 trillion or US$9.8 billion. Of this amount, the cumulative net cash flow transferred to the parent companies as repayment of initial equity capital invested amounted to G$6.4 billion or US$30 million representing 0.31 per cent of the cumulative net operating cash flows for the period.

With the aforementioned in mind, this means that effectively the oil companies are reinvesting almost 100

The consolidated statement of comprehensive income for EEPGL, Hess and CNOOC revealed gross revenue for FY 2022 at G$1.9 trillion or US$9.15 billion, representing an increase of G$1.36 trillion or 251 per cent over the previous year. Operating expenditure amounted to G$507.9 billion and represented 26.53 per cent of gross revenue, down from 42 per cent of gross revenue in FY 2021.

Operating income before tax for FY 2022 amounted to G$1.4 trillion or US$6.7

net cash flows generated from operating activities amounted to G$1.552 trillion, the net cash outflows from investing activities amounted to G$812 billion and the net cash outflows from financing activities amounted to G$754.9 billion. Thus, with an opening cash balance for the period of G$18.5 billion, the net cash and cash equivalents as at the end of FY 2022, amounted to G$3.29 billion.

Having examined the cumulative statement of cash flows for the period FY 2019

Financial Analysis Report of EEPGL, HESS and...

FROM PAGE 9

to FY 2022, the cumulative operating income for the period amounted to G$1.693 trillion. Notably, for the years 2019 and 2020, cumulative losses were reported of G$25.8 billion. The cumulative net cash inflows from operating activities amounted to G$2.033 trillion for the period or US$9.8 billion. The net cumulative cash outflows from investing activities amounted to G$2.033 trillion, and the cumulative net cash outflows from financing activities for the period amounted to $6.441 billion or US$31 million.

Importantly, it must be noted that the net cash outflows from the investing activities are essentially the cash outflows reinvested in Guyana for both exploration

activities and development of new projects for production within the Stabroek block.

Whereas the net cash outflows from financing activities represents the cash flows remitted to the parent companies, representing repayment of invested capital contributed by the parent companies. As such, the oil companies reinvest 99.69 per cent of their net operating cash flows and profits into the Guyana market as previously explained. This means that less than 1 per cent of the net operating cash flows from Guyana is utilised for dividend payments to shareholders by the parent companies.

The lack of ring fencing in respect of the fiscal framework was one of the main criticisms at the outset

of the renegotiated Stabroek block PSA. The ring-fencing requirement is typically applied to oil and gas fiscal regimes with income taxes as part of the fiscal framework. In the case of Guyana, the Stabroek block PSA does not have an income tax component, per se, save an except for a nominal corporate tax.

Thus, the ring-fencing provision, for this reason, is not necessarily applicable because its purpose is usually to determine the taxable income in a given fiscal year.

In hindsight, there is another important dimension that stakeholders should consider wherein the lack of ring fencing is an incentive favourable to Guyana. With the imposition of ring fenc-

ing, the cost of capital would have been higher than the current cost of capital and it would have restricted the current fast-paced development of future projects.

To this end, the lack of ring fencing is enabling future projects to be financed from the cash flows generated from Guyana’s operations, which is cheaper, versus sourcing capital from shareholders’ equity and employing higher levels of debt financing which would be more expensive as well.

The local media, many local and external analysts and industry observers held the view that the Guyana market accounts for a substantial portion of EEPGL’s parent company’s net earnings globally. However, the illustration in the analysis herein confirms that this is not the case, which is an important perspective for the Guyanese stakeholders.

In this regard, EEPGL’s parent company, namely ExxonMobil’s comprehen-

sive income for FY 2022 amounted to US$56.234 billion of which EEPGL’s comprehensive earning for the period amounted to US$522 million, thereby representing 0.93 per cent of ExxonMobil’s global net earnings. Also, the net cash flows from operating activities of EEPGL represents 4.6% of the net cash flows of the parent company; the total assets of EEPGL represents 2.93 per cent of the parent company’s total assets; and the cash and cash equivalents as of the end of year for EEGL represents 0.05 per cent of the parent company’s cash and cash equivalents at the end of year.

ii) That the oil companies and the government are united in keeping cost recovery numbers hidden according to one local media report.

About the Author

3.

Concluding Remarks

Overall, the analysis invalidates the following contrary views of other analysts and political commentators where:

i) EEPGL and its co-ventures raked three times more profit than Guyana for the period FY 2020–FY 2022, and

Joel Bhagwandin is a public policy/financial analyst―and an experienced financial professional with more than fifteen years’ experience in the financial sector, corporate finance, financial management, consulting, and academia. He is actively engaged in providing insights and analyses on a range of public policy, economic and finance issues in Guyana over the last six years. He has authored more than 300 articles covering a variety of thematic areas. Joel has also written extensively on the oil and gas sector. (Author’s professional profile on LinkedIn can be accessed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-bhagwandin-57481470/.)

Distribution of ‘Because We Care’ cash grant starts today

THE Ministry of Education will, today, begin the distribution of the $40,000 ‘Because We Care’ cash grant to parents in all 11 education districts.

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, had announced, last week, that over 214,000 children from public and private schools will benefit from the annual cash grant which includes the school uniform and supplies voucher.

“As you know we promised that we would give every family financial assistance every year. This year, that sum is $40,000 per child,” Manickchand said during a live broadcast.

This amounts to some $8.6 billion in disposable income being made available to families nationwide.

Every public and private school child from nursery one to Grade 10, who is on

a school’s register and is attending school is eligible to receive the grant.

Children entering nursery school this year must have been registered by April to be eligible.

Meanwhile, students who will be entering grades 12 and 13 in the new school year will receive their grants in October upon completion of their registration.

Persons can uplift the cash grant from their children’s school or from the cluster where the school is located.

If parents or guardians are unable to uplift their grants on the scheduled date, they can visit their respective regional education office to uplift the grant at a time that is convenient to them.

Additionally, persons can authorise a third party to uplift the grant on their behalf, if they are unable to do so

themselves.

Persons are reminded to walk with the relevant identification documents, which include either a national identification card (ID) or a passport.

If a person cannot present a valid form of ID, one can provide a verification letter that has been verified by the school’s principal, village leader or Toshao.

The distribution exercises will be conducted under the watchful eyes of the Auditor General’s office.

This year, $94.4 billion was allocated to the sector to further boost access to quality education.

The government has made significant progress in the last three years, proving its dedication to guaranteeing Guyanese have access to educational opportunities at every level.

Health-screening programme to be implemented in schools at end of June

AN expansive health-screening initiative will be launched in schools nationwide through a joint effort by the Ministries of Health and Education.

The programme will be rolled out by the end of June, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony announced on Friday at the launching of the national

we have targeted 27,000 nursery school children to be completed before the year comes to an end ,” Minister Anthony explained

There will be a package of services provided to all schools, where each child will be examined They will receive dental and eye care, among other

classrooms while simultaneously mitigating potential learning setbacks

The government wants to foster an understanding among young individuals about the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle and consuming a nutritious diet

The initiative seeks to proactively prevent the

expansion of the HEARTS Initiative for the management of cardiovascular diseases , at the Pegasus Hotel

The aim of the programme is to ensure the nation ’ s children are offered preventive care and opportunities for healthy lifestyles , through early detection of any health-related issues

“ We ’ re starting that programme this month and

services

“ For persons at nursery , they ’ ll be screened once during that nursery period, then during primary we’ll screen again and then at secondary they’ll get another screening So, over time , we will have the data to compare and to also intervene,” the health minister stated

The programme also seeks to tackle the diverse challenges present in

onset of diseases and promote overall well-being

Meanwhile , Coordinator of the Chronic Disease Unit , Dr Dianielle Drepaul stated that health programmes aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle choices have already been rolled out in Regions Two and Nine The unit aims to target 55 schools in 2023 and eventually all schools. (DPI)

Fogging exercise commences in Region Two

THE Ministry of Health’s Environmental Health Unit in collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region

Two recently commenced a massive fogging exercise in the region

Several villages, including Anna Regina , Charity and Paradise have already benefitted from the exercise.

Senior Environmental Officer Shaleena Baksh in her comments to this publication called on residents to cooperate with the team conducting the exercise

Baksh said that residents of each community are sensitised before the team begins fogging

“ We need this for the region We listened to the complains [sic] and we are delivering,” she said

The team is currently dealing with the area stretching from Walton to Sparta and will then move on to the

area stretching from Dannielstown to La Belle Alliance

The fogging exercise will help reduce vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chagas, which are carried by mosquitoes, ticks and flies.

From left: Director of the Department of Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health, PAHO/WHO, Dr Anselem Hennis; Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and PAHO/WHO Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Dr Luis Codina

Pathetic propagandizing that must always be confronted

DO you know how many times I have written in this country, you have to beat your own drum, and you must do it because no one is going to do it for you?

This is Guyana where hypocrisy and double standards are overbearing.

Flawed creatures in this land will sing praise to their sycophants while ignoring those whose values they deliberately overlook because it suits their mentality I could offer you literally dozens of situations where I was the first to notice and publicise what I notice –people and organisations whose motives are suspect

So, we come to a man named Desmond Thomas who founded an organisation named Election Reform Group (ERG) three months after the horrible and horrific ordeal of five months of election rigging in 2020

My curiosity deepened as the months went by about ERG because it would expound on elections but missing from all the enunciations is any mention, even cursory, of the five months of election tampering

So what I did in early 2021 was to consistently request that the ERG offer its interpretation or even opinion on the 2020 general election. To date, the ERG has simply, absolutely and barefacedly abstained from any comment whatsoever on one of the worst attempts to hijack an election by a losing party anywhere in the world in the 21st century

I concluded that the ERG should not be taken seriously because it is a civil society group that is not objective I was proven right when the amendment to Representation of the People’s Act was promulgated The Act decentralises the counting process in Region Four because of the largeness of the electorate

Before the amendment , there was only a tabulation centre

Opposition politician

Timothy Jonas when asked about that change said that he sees it as merely administrative Implacable critic of the PPP regime, Christopher Ram echoed the same sentiment when the question was put to him But the ERG, who is supposed to be objective and independent views the establishment of

more than one tabulation centre as a conspiracy

I have made up my mind after that biased position that the ERG had its agenda Now here is the latest episode in the politics of Desmond Thomas in a letter to the press I quote him; “ This approach ignores the critical institutional failures which is where our main obstacles lie . Were it not for those failures, we did not have to wait for oil money to develop.”

This is crass ignorance about the Third World and the role of colonialism coming from someone who puts his Ph D designation in economics behind his signature in his letter The institutional failures were as a result of colonial degradation exacerbated by lack of development assistance

Post - colonial nations experienced not only the pain of underdevelopment ( one hopes Thomas read Rodney ’ s “ How Europe Underdeveloped Africa ”) but systematic institutional distortions of which I will offer two examples

The Pakistani political theorist, Hamza Alavi wrote that post colonial countries inherited an overdeveloped coercive state apparatus because colonial maintenance of hegemony necessitated large armed formations

The second example is from education The colonial left a cultural infrastructure where the university curriculum emphasised the social sciences and the humanities rather than medicine and science Imagine we live next to the mighty Atlantic and UG never developed a diplomatic or degree programme in sea defence or oceanography Schools taught French rather than Swahili and Hindi

Now here is the intellectual mediocrity and paucity in the scholarship of Desmond Thomas laid bare for all who have read his letter. I quote him again ; “ And unfortunately, the country continues to experience what Professor Nigel Westmaas calls “societal decay at all levels” in Demerara Waves.”

Nigel Westmaas left Guyana about 30 years ago

Westmaas has never written any academic article in a book or refereed journal on

the politics and sociology of Guyana Thomas takes a letter written in an online outfit by Westmaas which is owned by a man insanely hostile to the PPP leadership and finds it appropriate to quote This is a man whose

group, the ERG, intends to educate Guyanese on election reform Let me leave my readers with both my emotions and my opinions

Thomas and his outfit cannot educate Guyanese on anything Westmaas cannot analyse even one day of

politics in Guyana because he does not have the research experience to write on Guyana

I will agree with Thomas and Westmaas on social decay

It exists in Guyana It is hidden and dwells in places

you would not believe

It can be found in organisations that Westmaas belongs to, in civil society groups that Thomas belongs to and in the private media that is an embarrassment to professional journalism.

Frederick Kissoon

Gov’t aiming to commence telepathology programme at GPHC within three months

IN an effort to effectively manage cancer patients in Guyana , the Ministry of Health is aiming to implement a telepathology programme at the Georgetown Public

Hospital Corporation (GPHC) within the next three months

The ministry is working along with the Mount Sinai Health System to develop this programme

locally

Telepathology uses telecommunications technology to facilitate the transfer of image - rich pathology data between distant locations for di -

agnosis , education , and research Minister Anthony made the announcement Friday last, while outlining initiatives being undertaken by the government

to address the issue of non-communicable diseases in Guyana

“Right now, the turnaround time for pathology slides was probably three months and that’s looking at the most optimistic scenario in the public sector. We have to change that,” he stated When implemented , the programme will reduce the time for patients to be diagnosed from months to days

“ Instead of waiting three months for somebody to read a slide, we can probably get back the results in seven days and that would make a tremendous difference to that

patient and the outcome,”

Dr Anthony explained Similarly, the ministry is collaborating with Mount Sinai to establish an oncology centre to treat all cancer patients in Guyana

Three additional mammogram machines will be procured before year-end to expand the capacity for early detection of breast cancer The machines will be installed at various healthcare facilities across the country , as the administration continues to implement preventative steps to lower the incidence of cancer locally (DPI)

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony

$43M GWI office for Region One

THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has invited the submission of bids for the construction of a regional office in Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini).

According to a document released by GWI, some $43 million has been budgeted for execution of the project.

The construction of the office will allow GWI to reach residents in Region One more easily , and provide them with enhanced customer service and improved water infrastructure, to ensure a more reliable supply of water

It can also allow for increased access to clean water, enhanced water systems management, more economic opportunities for Region One residents and improved health and sanitation of households and buildings in the region

Contractors interested in executing the project can purchase a complete set

of bidding documents from the cashier at GWI, Shelter Belt at Vlissengen Road and Church Street, Bel Air Park, Georgetown, for a non-refundable fee of $5,000

Bids must be deposited into the tender box located at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board , Main and Urquhart Streets , Georgetown, on or before Tuesday, 6th June 2023, at 9 am, at which time they will be opened in the presence of the bidders or bidders’ representatives who wish to attend Late bids will be rejected by GWI

In November 2021 , Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, said the construction of an office in each region will improve GWI’s functionality and ensure the comfort of staff

The offices will bring economic opportunities to the various regions (DPI)

EPA holds walk, exhibition ahead of World Environment Day

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on Sunday, hosted their annual Green Walk and Exhibition, as part of its activities for World Environment Day, which will be observed today.

This year, the occasion will be celebrated under the theme, ‘Solutions to Plastic Pollution’.

The walk, which was lead by an EPA contingent, started at 06:00 hours at Camp Street and North Road, Georgetown, and ended at the National Park tarmac. Among the participants were employees of several

government agencies, and reputable companies, who have all recognised the need for collective responsibility and effort to ensure there is a sustainable, plastic-free future.

Prizes were also up for grabs for the best banner, largest contingent, uniformity, and of course, the best chant.

According to the EPA, the event was more than just a walk and exhibition as it presented an opportunity for like-minded individuals to connect, and to support sustainable businesses at the exhibition, as well as to

engage in meaningful conversations.

The EPA, within the past few weeks have held or participated in several activities that are geared at spreading awareness about the environment, and how we can all help to take better care of it.

One such event was a panel discussion which was hosted last Friday by EMC Foundation. Additionally, the EPA hosted an International Day for Biodiversity Art Exhibition at the National Gallery of Art (Castellani House) in Georgetown.

The EPA contingent at the Green Day Walk (Photo courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency)

American Racing Tips

Finger Lakes

Race 1 Pentangell

Race 2 I Love Jaxson

Race 3 Preferred Outcome

Race 4 The Catillac Kid

Race

Race

Four medals for Guyana at Boyce Elite Pro Classic

TEAM Guyana represented the Golden Arrowhead well at last weekend's Roger Boyce Elite Pro Classic Bodybuilding, in Barbados, with Nicholas Albert winning Gold in the 190lbs class.

Darius Ramsammy earned the sliver medal in the up to 184 pounds category.

Guyana's only bronze medal was earned by Julio Sinclair in the over-200 lbs class category.

Meanwhile, Rosanna Fung, competing in her first professional competition since capturing pro status at Caribbean & Central America (CAC) championships in 2022, finished second in the Bikini Wellness category and carted off a rewarding cash prize.

Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan despite fifties from Zadran, Shahidi

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Despite fifties from Ibrahim Zadran and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan were rarely in the hunt as Sri Lanka levelled the series, recording a commanding 132-run win in the second ODI.

Wanindu Hasaranga and Dhananjaya de Silva picked up three wickets apiece, while Dushmantha Chameera put in a sterling shift at the top of the innings to pick up figures of 2 for 18 on his return to the one-day side.

Set an imposing target of 324, Afghanistan began sluggishly, much of which was down to the tight lines and lengths of Chameera and Kasun Rajitha. By the 15th over the visitors had crawled to 56 for 1, the required rate already beyond 7.5 an over. The idea presumably was to get set and make up the difference later on - Afghanistan certainly do have the firepower for such a plan. Sri Lanka, however, were equal to it, repeatedly striking at crucial junctures.

After Chameera had given the hosts an ideal start

in defence of a stiff total, picking up Gurbaz in just the fourth over, Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim put on 51 for the second wicket, only for Shah to be trapped LBW by Dasun Shanaka just as the

nal 20 overs of their innings. But having done well to bring themselves somewhat back into the chase, the launch that was promised never materialised. Ibrahim was caught behind off

was a foregone conclusion.

It was a win that would give the Sri Lankan think tank a lot of satisfaction as each player executed their plans to perfection, starting with skipper Shanaka who won the toss and elected to bat on what looked a quality batting track.

The game plan leading up to this series had been one of using anchors to lay the platform and explode at the death. In game one, Sri Lanka had done part one well enough but the required explosion never arrived.

Ibrahim Zadran brought up a 69-ball half-century•AFP/Getty Images

was able to accelerate, Mendis hung around long enough to get in a few big blows on his way to a 75-ball 78.

It was Mendis' partnership with Sadeera Samarawickrama - one of four changes from the opening game - though, that would prove to be the defining one of the game. After a circumspect start, having meandered to 145 for 2 by the end of the 30th over, the next seven overs would see 54 runs scored, and the run rate begin to pick up for the first time in the innings.

Their partnership, 88 off

86, injected impetus into an innings that had been flagging for large parts, mainly due to Sri Lanka's propensity to rack up dot balls. The Lankan innings would see 133 dots bowled in totaldown from 158 in the first game, but still cause for concern.

While Mendis and Samarawickrama would fall before the final onslaught, Shanaka, Dhananjaya and Hasaranga would keep the foot on the gas, as Sri Lanka charged towards what would be an ultimately winning total.

pair might have been looking to accelerate.

This brought Shahidi to the crease, and what followed was a period in which Afghanistan looked the most threatening. The pair put on 84 off just 89 deliveries, and while that was still not enough to keep the required rate from rising, it was setting a platform for a late charge. Sri Lanka, after all, had scored 178 runs in the fi-

Dhananjaya in the 31st over, and then a few overs later he would pick up Shahidi as well, trapping him plumb in front.

From that point on it was a veritable procession as the rest of the batting struggled to come to terms with the variation offered by Sri Lanka's bevy of spinners.

Azmatullah Omarzai struck a few lusty blows towards the end, but by then the result

Here though cameos from Shanaka, Dhananjaya and Hasaranga pushed Sri Lanka beyond the 300-mark, with Hasaranga in particular relishing the role of late-order destroyer in his 12-ball 29. Having long struggled in the death overs, Sri Lanka plundered 109 runs in the final 10 this time around.

Prior to that, steady fifties from Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis had laid the platform. While Karunaratne fell before he

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday June 05, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Dwayne Bravo-140 wickets (116 matches)

(2) Ravindra Jadeja-5/16 (vs Deccan Chargers)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) When did the WI and the United Arab Emirates first contest an ODI game against each other?

(2) Who were the captains involved?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Rosana Fung

Julio Sinclair

Darius Ramsammy

Nicholas Albert won Gold

Kusal Mendis scored his 21st half-century • AFP via Getty Images

King century steers West Indies

(ESPNCRICINFO) - A CLASSY 112 from Brandon King and a three wicket-haul from Keemo Paul powered West Indies to a resounding victory as they chased down 203 with 88 balls to spare against UAE, in the first of the threematch ODIs in sultry Sharjah on Sunday. While Paul was playing an ODI after almost a year, King marked his promotion to vice-captaincy with a match-winning performance.

Kicking off a new era for West Indies under new captain Shai Hope and new head coach Daren Sammy, the visitors looked untroubled

chasing in testing conditions, on a pitch offering turn and uneven bounce. The win comes as a boost to West Indies as they prepare for the ODI World Cup Qualifier later this month in Zimbabwe.

King's maiden ODI hundred came off 107 deliveries and he also ‘stitched’ a crucial 91-run match-defining stand for the second wicket with Shamarh Brooks to crush UAE. Highlights of his innings included his three clean sixes against legspinner Karthik Meiyyappan in the 34th over of the innings. Overall, he hit 12 fours and four sixes.

West Indies started the

chase on a brisk note with five runs an over and maintained the run rate throughout their innings. Though it was not a difficult target on paper, West Indies had to play on a tough pitch in humid conditions. After losing Johnson Charles early for 24, Brooks played a supporting role with his 44 off 58 deliveries. Leftarm spinner Aayan Khan was able to keep West Indies at bay for some time, but it wasn't enough to stop King. With Keacy Carty, he put on 54 runs with 47 of those runs coming off his bat.

Hope hit two consecutive sixes off Meiyappan in the 36th over to seal the deal for

his side.

Debutant Ali Naseer's fifty steers UAE to 202

A fighting fifty from teen debutant Ali Naseer helped UAE put 202 on board after a collapse in the middle order.

Winning the toss and opting to bat, UAE lost both openers inside the first three overs. Paul struck in his second ball when he bowled the home captain Muhammad Waseem for a duck. Left-arm pace bowler Dominic Drakes, who made his West Indies debut alongside spin allrounder Kavem Hodge on Sunday, then picked up his first ODI wicket by breaking through the defence of Aryansh Shar-

Peterson-Griffith is set for the World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships

CURRENTLY, Guyana’s most accomplished strongman, Carlos Peterson-Griffith, is set to represent the Golden Arrowhead at what will be the biggest annual World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships slated for June 11–18, next in Malta.

Guyana will be one of the 65 nations present at these championships, with over 400 lifters, 37 referees, and 257 other officials, making it the largest and most diverse participation in any Open Classic World Championship ever.

Peterson-Griffith will be battling the best in the world in the 93kg class and has been preparing for this championship for quite some time. The President, Executive, and Members of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) would like to wish this marquee athlete the best in Malta.

Peterson-Griffith noted that it is a great pleasure and journey once again to be representing Guyana at the highest level of the sport that he loves.

"Not just for carrying the entire nation but more so as an individual who has always been willing to pursue greatness. And besides pursuing greatness, I must say that on this journey, it’s not all about me, but more so about the people who have encouraged me, taught me,

and continue to teach me and support me throughout. I will endeavor to continue doing my best to make all proud."

He notes that training has been great, and it’s time to showcase to the world and his home country what

he is capable of.

GAPLF President, Franklin Wilson, commented that he has been following Peterson-Griffith’s rise in the sport for years and, now at the helm of the body, is privileged to be supporting the athlete at a different

ma in his second over.

Vriitya Aravind took his time but stabilised the innings with a 70-ball 40, assembling a partnership of 31 off 54 with Rameez Shahzad for the third wicket. The stand was broken when Rameez had to retire hurt in the 12th over following a blow on his helmet off Odean Smith's bowling. Aravind hit a few elegant cover drives and put on 44 runs with Asif Khan for the fourth wicket before being dismissed by legspinner Yannic Cariah when he nicked the ball to the wicketkeeper. He also became UAE's highest run-getter in ODIs with this knock.

level.

"As a Federation, we are well aware of the passion and dedication that Carlos brings to the platform. He is devoted to the sport and always strives to be the best. We look forward to him doing well for himself and Guyana. We also know that his performances continue to be an inspiration to young and upcoming athletes. The powerlifting fraternity, and by extension, Guyana, stands with Carlos and will be repping for him whilst in Malta."

The Federation would like to express profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., the National Sports Commission, and the Guyana Olympic Association for supporting Peterson-Griffith’s participation at these championships.

The athlete is also expressing gratitude to Fitness Express, Superior Concrete, MVP Sports, Space Gym, and a few other individuals who have all contributed.

"I would also like to thank the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation for making it possible for me to make this journey to compete for my country. Thank you all."

Peterson-Griffith is set to wing out on Sunday and will be competing on June 14.

From 100 for 2, UAE suffered a collapse of four wickets for 29 runs. That included the wicket of Rameez, who returned to bat after retiring hurt. Cariah was tough to score off in the middle overs and conceded just 26

runs in his seven overs. UAE, though, bounced back in the final phase of the innings, courtesy of Naseer. Coming in at No. 7, the left-hand batter provided the late push needed to cross the 200-mark. Naseer, 19, showed determination with little support from the other end and went after left-arm spinner, Hodge, hammering two sixes in the 41st over, one over midwicket and another - a slog sweep over wide long-on en route his half-century. Smith, Drakes and Hodge then kept him quiet for a few overs before Naseer ‘held out’ to long-off - Paul's slow offcutter from outside off stump doing the trick. His 52-ball 58 knock consisted of five fours and two sixes. For West Indies, Drakes, Smith, and Cariah ended with two each and Roston Chase took one.

PPP/C $1M Linden ‘One Guyana’ Beach Football finals decided

SWAG and YMCA in men’s final, Speightland face Superstars in women’s title

Swag men will battle YMCA as Speightland collide with Superstars for female honours following the semifinals of the People’s Progressive Party / Civic $1M Linden ‘One Guyana’ Beach Football championship.

The semi-finals were played outside the office at Mackenzie, Linden on Saturday night.

In the women’s semifinals, Superstars dispatched of Dynamo 2-0, thanks to Naomi Williams who sent the winners ahead in the 2nd minute and Patsy Walker’s strike in the 6th.

In the other female semifinal clash that evening, Speightland crushed Nurses 9-2 in an emphatic display of ruthless scoring led by National Under 20 footballer Sheneesa Cornelius who banged in four goals in that victory.

Kyandi Smith added a double and single strikes came from Danacia Williams, Nikita Wayne and Lakeisha Pearson.

Natasha

Headley

and

Janella Gildery netted the two goals for the Nurses.

To reach the men’s final, tournament favourites, Swag, had to turn back the challenge of Young Gunners twice that night, first in a preliminary round game where they won 2-0 thanks to Donovan Francis’ brace.

Both teams eventually met in the semifinal clash and this time the score-line read 4-2 for Swag, with Francis netting twice once more, to complement a brace from Colwyn Drakes.

Devante Tappin scored both goals for the losing Young Gunners.

In the other men’s semifinal, YMCA had to overcome R9, handing them a 5-3 loss. Jamal Bentick and Kevin Gittens both got the double for the winners while Jahu Regis and Jona Simmons each had a goal for R9.

Earlier in the evening, R9 scored a polished 4-0 win over Kara Kara united with Andre Mayers, Jona Simmons, Tasha Rich and Julian Regis being the scorers.

The finals are set for next Saturday at the same venue in Industrial Area, Mackenzie, Linden.

Carlos Peterson-Griffith (right) and Romeo Hunter who is preparing for Junior Worlds in August/September

Dharry, Marques register contrasting wins

‘Return of the Scorpions’ boxing card well supported

was caught with good rights; but Roland would survive a fight in which there were very few periods of entertainment

With the fans on their feet and pulsating reggae music emanating from the speakers, the fourth round began and Marques

With the win, Marques moves his record to 21 bouts, 18 wins and 3 losses.

In the lone women’s bout on the professional card, Superflyweight Natalya Delgado, produced an exhibition of excellent boxing and clean punching in her victory over Venezuelan Estefania Matute over six rounds.

This bout had the raucous capacity crowd on their feet with the Quacy Craig Sound System blaring Spanish music in-between rounds as the boxers showed how far ahead Central, Latin and South America’s female boxing is from the Caribbean.

few punches in the three rounds. Abiola, on the other hand, was all over Boodram with flurries of powerful shots to body and head, but she just could not find the knock-out against the exhausted “Trini.”

A minute’s silence was observed for the Madhia fire victims before the first bell, while Abiola Jackman and 13-yearold Keyon Britten from VBG received awards for being the best Junior boy and best female respectively in the amateur division.

By Sean Devers

ELTON Dharry and Dexter

‘the Kid’ Marques registered contrasting victories when the curtain came down on the well supported Bris-O Promotions

‘Return of the Scorpion’ ProAm Boxing Card just after 1: AM on Sunday morning at the National Gymnasium.

Darry, the 37-year-old USAbased Guyanese Bantamweight pugilist, improved his professional record to 34 bouts, 27 wins and a draw, when he registered a less than convincing unanimous win over Colombian Ramos Roland in the main bout over eight rounds.

The Colombian kept dancing out of range and demonstrated good evasive tactics to last the full eight rounds as Dharry failed to use his right hand enough against the south paw Roland, in a fight which lacked

any real consistent, aggressive intent from both boxers.

The first four rounds saw few ‘big’ punches as the fighters were content to trade pawing jabs while in the third round Roland was caught with a couple of body shots, but Dharry never went in for the kill.

In the fifth round Dharry came out in aggressive mode and caught his man with a few good rights to the mid-section as Roland was backed up on the ropes before Dharry scored to the head in the dying stages of the round.

In the sixth round Dharry threw more shots to Roland’s body, but the Colombian demonstrated good defence and moved around the ring well, making Dharry miss his right hooks. Both boxers were warned for clashing of heads.

Dharry kept moving forward, Roland ‘tied him up’ but

for the fans.

Dharry used this fight as a warm-up for his crack at the WCB Silver Belt, which is set for Everest on June 15.

Meanwhile, in the main supporting bout, Marques, who turns 38 later this month, was clinical in his destruction of Luis Carrillo in their Super Bantamweight fight scheduled for eight rounds.

The “fast and furious” Marques looked in prime condition and never allowed Carrillo to settle into a rhythm.

Round two saw the Guyanese pepperng his opponent with nice combos to his body and head and in the third stanza, the Colombian was caught with a wicked right to his head, but he countered with some good shots of his own.

followed up a left jab with a brutal right cross to send Carrillo to the canvas in a minute and three seconds into the round. Marques jumped on top ropes to acknowledge his screaming fans in the stands.

ExxonMobil U14 Boys and Girls Football Tournament…

In the female amateur international bout there were mixed fortunes for the Jackman siblings with little sister Abiola beating her Trini opponent LeeAnn Boodram, while Alisha lost to Jamaican Britney McFarlane, who avenged her loss to Alisa in Trinidad just before the global pandemic struck.

Alisha was outboxed and outpunched by the vastly improved lass from Reggae Country as the Guyanese threw very

In the other results in the professional fights, Anthony Augustin was knocked out in the first round by the 286-pound Bajan Emmanuel Anderson, who was making his pro debut on the back of 208 amateur bouts, while Terrence Adams lost to Ricardo Blackman from Barbados

In results of the other amateur bouts; Aleojoundre Young lost to VGB stable mate Gladstone Winter, Britton beat Curtis McDonald (RHJ) and Kenroy Hamilton (RHJ) defeated Joel Hinds (VBG)

Quarterfinalists decided

THE quarter-finalists of the 2023 Edition of the ExxonMobil U14 Boys and Girls Schools’ football tournament have been decided, following the round-of-16 action on Saturday

In the boys segment, Bush Lot, Patentia, Christianburg Wismar, Bartica Secondary, Westminster Secondary, Waramuri, New Central and Chase moved onto the next round of competition.

Meanwhile, the winners of the five Girls’ Groups, who automatically booked quarterfinal spots were

Waramuri Top, Tucville, Ann’s Grove, President’s College and Bartica, while the best second-place finishers were Charlestown, New Central High and Marian Academy.

The quarter-final round in both divisions are scheduled to be contested on Saturday, June 10, when the semi-finalists will be decided.

At stake for the victors in the two categories are the championship trophies, along with $300,000 towards a school project, while the second, third, and

fourth-place finishers will have to settle for $150,000, $75,000, and $50,000, respectively, all for a school initiative, along with the respective trophies.

The tournament serves as a platform for identifying talented players who can potentially represent Guyana at the international level.

This tournament is organised by the Petra Organisation, sanctioned by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) with support from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Demerara Distill-

ers Limited (DDL), Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) and MVP Sports.

See Full details below

Bush Lot 5 vs East Ruimveldt 3

Bush Lot

John Fullerton 02

Quancy Fraser 30,31,32,38

East Ruimveldt

Gary Primo13

Jaden Abrahami 11

Jerimiah Low 18

Patentia Secondary 2 vs Cummings Lodge Secondary 1

Patentia secondary

Jairam Ashmid 9

Kemraj Hemnauth 16

Cummings Lodge Secondary

Cleon London 30

Christianburg Wismar 2 vs Dora Secondary 0

CWSS

Pharez Noble 22,23

Mc Kenzie High 0 vs Bartica Secondary 1

Bartica Secondary

Riley Tracey 39

Westminster Secondary 3 vs Mariam Academy 1

West Minister secondary

Raheem Romney 12

Michell Singh19

Semien Mc lean Mariam Academy

Nyhl George 40

Waramuri Primary Top 1 vs Fort Wellington Secondary 0

Waramuri secondary

Bradley Williams 55

Chase Academy 3 vs Dolphin Secondary 0

Chase Academy

Tyrell Walcott 31

Daruis Chester 28

Ranny Yaw 40

New Central High 4 vs Vergenoegen 2

New Central

Caedon Whyte 57

Trevor Gordon 26, 31

Vergenoegen

Devon Williams 17,18

Elton Dharry (left) backs up Romos Roland on the ropes but could not find the KO punch (Sean Devers photo)

Nataly Delgado (right) beat Estefaania Utute in an entertaining contest (Sean Devers photo)

A section of the crowd at the National Gymnasium (Sean Devers Photo)

Dexter Marques follows up a left Jab to KO Colombian Luis Carrillo with a right to his head (Sean Devers Photo)