Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 09-05-2023

Earnings from export of nontraditional crops top US$2.8M

— in first quarter of 2023,

By Naomi Parris

OWING to critical investments in the agriculture sector, Guyana earned US$2.8M (approximately G$606,112,143) from the export of non-traditional crops in the first quarter of 2023.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Guyana, between the period January and March 2023, earned US$2,880,077 from the exportation of non-traditional crops.

This accounts for produce such as fruits, vegetables, seasonings, grain crops, oil seeds, spices roots and tuber crops, among other things.

The returns from this area of exportation are a positive sign, the minis-

according to Agriculture Ministry

vative entrepreneurship programme respectively.

In addition, preparation has begun for the expansion of turmeric, ginger, black pepper, nutmeg and onions. By the end of 2022, some 62 acres of turmeric and 63 acres were cultivated.

The government further committed to provide shade house materials to farmers at a reduced cost, and increase the distribution of farming equipment, seeds, seedling, and chemical fertilisers.

Importantly, the delivery of extension services will be restructured in order to provide greater support to farmers.

try says, especially given the devastating effects of torrential rainfall in 2021 and 2022, when there

was severe flooding. A quick response from

the government enabled scores of farmers to recuperate and return to the fields to restart production.

In Budget 2023, some $2 billion was allocated to increase production through expansion in acreages, and the use of technology with the rollout of three initiatives.

The government will be partnering with the private sector to see the rollout of the three initiatives, which are: The establishment of a regional food hub, greater use of science, technology, research and development, and the promotion of agriculture in the hinterland regions.

Further investments will be made to increase the production of high-value and new crops.

To this end, the sums of $150 million, $153 million, and $200 million have been allocated for advancing the corn and soya bean project, citrus and spices project and the agriculture and inno-

In a previous interview with this publication, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had said that the government remains cognisant of the impact that climate change has had on the agriculture sector, and the ministry has been working to minimise some of the challenges.

The minister said that in addition to propagating climate-smart agriculture, the ministry is also preparing to safeguard farmers and their produce.

“For example, we are setting up more pumps, because these natural-gravity flows now are coming less and less; almost on a yearly basis, where siltation is taking over,” Mustapha said.

He related that with the threat of rising sea levels, the government is taking a keen interest in ensuring the effectiveness of various conservancies across the country.

“… So, we can store more water to irrigate rice fields and so,” Minister Mustapha said.

Milestone achievement for agricultural sector

— Guyana, India-based company sign MoU for millet cultivation

THE Ministry of Agriculture recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UPL Limited, an India-based company, making way for trials to commence for cultivation of millets.

Last March, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha visited India and participated in a round-table discussion at the Global Millet ‘Shree Anna’ Conference with his Indian counterpart, Honourable Narendra Singh, and other ministers from across the world to discuss fostering millets production in countries like Guyana to increase food security.

Prior to that, His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, disclosed during a virtual address at the Inauguration of the Global Millet Conference in New Delhi, India, that Guyana will soon commence cultivation trials for production of millets in Regions Four, Nine, and 10 to support the transition to

large-scale production of the seed locally.

In his address, the Head of State noted that millet production will help support poverty reduction efforts in the region and that the areas earmarked for the trials represent the profit zone in which similar crops like corn and soya are adaptive and being produced on a large scale.

“Guyana looks forward to strengthening its co-operation

with India to kickstart large, medium, and small-scale production of millets. India is the largest millet producer in the world, and, through collaboration, Guyana hopes to embark soon on the sustainable production of millets,” the Head of State said.

The undertaking will see UPL Limited providing technological and agriculture inputs while the government, through the ministry, will as-

sist with developing approximately 200 acres for millet cultivation.

During the signing, Minister Mustapha said that Guyana was pleased to commence trials for millet cultivation.

He noted that Guyana was leading the agriculture agenda in CARICOM in keeping with the region’s Vision 25 by 2025 and that millet would contribute significantly to those efforts.

Millets are a highly varied group of small-seeded grasses, widely grown worldwide as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food.

Tuschen family of four to get new home through First Lady’s Office

A FAMILY of four residing at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, will benefit from a new home that will be constructed through the Office of the First Lady.

A few weeks ago, First Lady Arya Ali became aware that the family has been living in deplorable conditions for several years.

The father, who was the sole breadwinner of the family, was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and had become bedridden for the past three years.

This resulted in the mother not being able to work, due to her having to attend to her husband’s needs, as well as those of her two

children, who are currently attending secondary school.

The family reportedly depended on the father’s pension, along with whatever they got from the sale of the few chickens they minded to provide for their needs.

“Their story is one which would break even the strongest of hearts,” the First Lady

expressed in a Facebook post.

After learning about the family’s plight, Mrs. Ali, accompanied by several government officials, including Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall, paid the Tuschen family a visit on April 28, 2023, whereupon a commitment was made to

build them a new semi-furnished house within eight weeks, and to award the children tertiary scholarships, through the Office of the First Lady, after they will have completed their secondary education.

The First Lady also committed to finding the wife employment through

the government’s part-time jobs initiative, while the Regional Health Office of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) has been tasked with assisting the family with medical supplies for their father. (DPI)

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha with members of the Indian delegation along with Permanent Secretary, Delma Nedd and Director-General, Madanlall Ramraj

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha and an official from UPL Limited sign the MoU for millet cultivation trials in Guyana

A family of four residing at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo will benefit shortly from a new home, courtesy of the Office of the First Lady

Consultation, adequate planning critical before Span Nine installation

THE installation of the Demerara Harbour Bridge’s (DHB) “span nine” is a massive undertaking that requires adequate preparatory measures, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill has said.

In an invited comment on Monday, the minster related that several factors must be considered before the new span is installed.

He said this is necessary in order to avoid

any disruptions to travel. Minister Edghill told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the technical team is putting systems in place for a speedy and effective installation.

“Removing the old span nine and installing the new one will not be a regular opening and closing of the bridge. The engineers have provided us with a work programme that will require several days, and we have asked them to

–Minister Edghill says

reverse and rework so that whenever we get that in place, we will be able to execute it within a minimum time frame,” he said.

The Public Works Ministry plans to engage stakeholders to ensure that the movement of people and supplies is well organised, as well as agencies including the Guyana Police Force to maintain law and order during that time.

“We are engaging, and working to find the best suitable time, and this also has to do with tide, because we need a certain kind of tide to provide the required environment for the moving and replacing,” Edghill said.

The span has been transported from drydock and is anchored south of the DHB awaiting installation.

The $1.2 billion structure will signifi -

cantly enhance the bridge’s retraction operation by enabling wider vessels to pass. Meanwhile, the newly commissioned $73 million power barge will be utilised in the interim to carry commuters from the east to the west side during the replacement period.

The DHB, which has a total of 61 spans, sustained major damage late last year after the Panama-registered oil tanker, MV Tradewind Passion crashed into the bridge, rendering it inoperable for several days.

The crash made it critical to implement a series of emergency repairs, which included the changing of two static rollers, a transom beam, six panels, and the mechanism to secure the changes.

(DPI)

Span nine being transported to its mooring location south of the DHB

US Coast Guard offloads US$10.2M in cocaine seized in Caribbean Sea

THE United States Coast Guard says the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier and Caribbean Corridor Strike Force agents have offloaded 901 pounds of cocaine in Puerto Rico following the interdiction of a smuggling vessel in the Caribbean Sea.

The US Coast Guard said the three men apprehended in the case are Dominican Republic nationals, who are facing US federal prosecution in District Court of Puerto

Rico for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance aboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States

The Transnational Organised Crime Division of the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico is leading the prosecution of the case , while special agents supporting the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force are leading the investigation, the US Coast Guard said

It said that during a patrol the aircrew of a Coast

Guard maritime patrol aircraft detected a suspect gofast vessel north of Puerto Rico

“

Coast Guard watch standers at Sector San Juan diverted the cutter Joseph Napier that arrived on scene in pursuit and stopped the 30foot blue and white go-fast vessel , apprehended three men and recovered 12 bales of suspected contraband that tested positive for cocaine,” the US Coast Guard said

“I’m extremely proud of our crew, especially the pur-

suit team, for their tactical proficiency and resiliency in stopping this drug-smuggling vessel from entering Puerto Rico ,” said Lieu -

Lara: I’m hurting over crime in T&T

CRICKET Legend, batting superstar , Brian Charles Lara , 54 , has broken his silence on the crime upsurge in the country, mostly in the Santa Cruz area.

Over the past few months there have been several killings in the Santa Cruz area, including a triple murder just last week One of the victims, Lara, identified as his childhood friend

In a statement on Sunday he said, “I was in complete shock and in dismay after watching video footage in which a childhood friend got killed whilst sitting watching basketball at a local bar in Cantaro, the once sleepy village I grew up in There is more to the video I rather not mention, but it pains me to see what was once the most beautiful village with cocoa and orange estates lining its outskirts, crumble under the burden of crime and relentless violence,” Lara said

“Like every kid back in the day, I helped myself to all the hanging fruits available, ignoring “ No Trespassing ” signs to the detriment of my butt whenever my dad found out, but that was as far as it

got,” he added Lara spoke of how feuds were settled years ago without the gun violence. “Feuds within the village or with other neighbouring villages were settled on the field of play, the only battles I knew about.”

He added that in his days, the three Williams brothers were notorious and feared in the village, but the rest of them focused on sport and disclosed that their role models were all sports personalities

“ We were in awe of all the greats representing us on the international stage , like Sir Viv Richards , Sir Gordon Greenidge, Claude Noel, Hasely Crawford Culture and beauty were also creating waves , the likes of the late Bob Marley , Sparrow , the late Kitchener and, of course, our beautiful Penny Commission,” Lara said

“ Growing up was fun , most of the positive news we got via transistor radios stuck to our ears as one of our people from the Atlantic Archipelago achieved greatness. I never forgot my mother cooking a pot of pelau and my dad packing all of us in his white Belmont car destined

for the airport to witness the return of our gold medalist Hasely Crawford That day stuck with me and I dreamt of the same reception one day for myself It was an emotional day watching one man celebrated as he put our small country on the map just by following the dream he had as a kid,” Lara said

Lying in his room in Jaipur, India and searching for answers and solutions for his team Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, Lara confessed that deep down he is hurting as he sees his country slowly turning into a place that’s unsafe for all Trinbagonians

“Trinidad, like many other countries, faces challenges with youth involvement in crime,” Lara said He added that the issue of youth crime in Trinidad and Tobago has been a concern for many years and is driven by a range of complex social, economic, and cultural fac-

tors One of which he believes the contributing factor to be is financial worries, which he said affect many young people in Trinidad and Tobago “ Young people from low-income families may feel pressure to engage in criminal activities to earn money or support their families This invariably leads to involvement in drug trafficking, gang activity, and other criminal behaviours,” Lara said “ Yes , I understand , but still I look back with a vivid memory of my first indulgence , stealing cocoa and oranges and quiver at the consequences if I was found out I had such big dreams that these small misdemea-

tenant DeVonte Weems , Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier commanding officer

“ It was a great team effort with seamless coor-

nours were quickly brushed aside because of my steadfast focus on my commitment to become someone my village and country would be proud of the next Hasely Crawford of cricket,” Lara said “ Another factor is the breakdown of family structures , which can lead to a lack of guidance and supervision for young people. The absence of parental figures or positive role models can leave young people vulnerable to negative influences and peer pressure, which can lead to criminal behaviour I was blessed with two wonderful parents , Pearl and Bunty , who kept all eleven of us in line and motivated to make something of our lives I don’t think there is a parent that wants a life of crime for their kids but if you don’t pay attention to your offspring,

dination between Coast Guard surface, aerial, and shoreside units that resulted in a successful interdiction.” (CMC)

someone will happily do so for you,” he added Lara also fearlessly touched on the availability of illegal firearms, as also a major contributor to youth crime in Trinidad and Tobago, “Guns are often used in gang-related activity, and the possession of firearms has become a symbol of power and status among some young people .” He also mentioned the lack of access to education and employment opportunities for many young people in Trinidad and Tobago, which he believes can leave them feeling marginalised and frustrated

“Without the skills and resources necessary to succeed, some young people will turn to crime as a means of survival,” Lara said. (Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)

A Shining Star

IN recent years, Guyana has emerged as a shining star in South America, undergoing a remarkable economic transformation. This small yet resource-rich nation has made significant strides since 2020, positioning itself as a promising player in the global economy.

With its newly found oil wealth, prudent governance, and focus on sustainable development, Guyana has laid the foundation for a prosperous future.

The discovery of substantial offshore oil reserves in Guyana has been a game-changer for the nation's economic prospects. Since 2020, oil production has commenced, leading to an exponential rise in government revenues and foreign investment.

This newly found wealth has allowed Guyana to invest in critical infrastructural projects, such as

roads, ports, and airports, which will facilitate longterm economic growth.

Guyana's government has adopted a business-friendly approach, creating an environment conducive to attracting foreign investment.

Major multinational corporations have shown keen interest in Guyana, bringing with them capital, technology, and expertise to stimulate various sectors of the economy.

Recognising the risks associated with over-reliance on a single commodity, Guyana has shown a strong commitment to diversifying its economy.

The government has actively pursued investments in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and manufacturing. By leveraging its natural resources, including fertile lands and pristine ecosystems, Guyana aims to cre-

ate a balanced and resilient economy that benefits all its citizens.

In tandem with its economic growth, Guyana has prioritised social development initiatives. Increased government revenues have enabled investments in education, healthcare, and poverty- alleviation programmes, with the goal of improving the standard of living for all Guyanese citizens.

This holistic approach to development ensures that the benefits of economic advancement are shared equitably and contribute to a more inclusive society.

While Guyana's economic advancement has been commendable, it is not without its challenges. One of the primary concerns is the need for effective governance and transparency to ensure the equitable distribution of wealth.

Additionally, environ -

mental sustainability must be a cornerstone of Guyana's development strategy to safeguard its unique biodiversity and protect against potential ecological damage.

Furthermore, building the necessary institutional capacity, including robust regulatory frameworks, a skilled workforce, and effective governance structures, is vital to fully harness the economic potential and manage risks associated with rapid growth.

The government, however, has been laying the foundation to ensure that any hurdle to development is easily avoided or crossed.

Guyana's economic advancement since 2020 is a testament to its vision for a prosperous and sustainable future. With the responsible management of its oil wealth, diversification efforts, and commitment to social development, Guy-

ana is well positioned to achieve long-term economic stability and improve the lives of its citizens.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest report on Latin America and the Caribbean – “The Promise of Integration Opportunities in a Changing Global Economy,” related: “The Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region has proved to be relatively resilient in the face of increased debt stress, stubborn inflation, and uncertainty arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Income and employment have largely recovered from the pandemic, poverty has receded, and markets remain guardedly optimistic about the near future. However, headwinds have picked up, and the 2023 outlook is substantially bleaker than 2022.”

Guyana is the only country on course to record

double-digit growth this year and in the near future.

The country, according to the World Bank, is set to record real gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 25.2 per cent this year, 21.2 per cent next year and 28.2 per cent in 2025.

Despite the global situation, based on its economic performance over the past two years, Guyana has a solid foundation upon which to continue broadening its horizons and advancing significantly, especially in the medium term.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, early this year said the government’s targeted expansion of the other economic sectors, and diversifying of the economic pillar is showing direct results, due to the policy formulation and measures that have been implemented.

EEPGL’s legal obligations, environmental contingent liabilities, and GAAP

Dear Editor, FURTHER to my letter which was published by the Guyana Standard on May 6, 2023, and Guyana Times on May 7, 2023, regarding the recent High Court’s ruling in relation to the Environmental Liability (EL) matter between Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited’s (EEPGL) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as expected, the media is overwhelmed with a plethora of opinionated letters, articles and editorials proliferating the view that the High

Court’s ruling should not be appealed by the Government.

EEPGL’s legal obligation as per Condition 14 in the Environmental Permit in reference to its “financial assurance and liability for pollution and damage,” are essentially in respect of EEPGL’s and its parent company’s contingent liability.

To this end, it must be noted that the accounting treatment and disclosure of EEPGL’s / the parent company’s contingent liabilities are required to be in conformity with the “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”

(GAAP) financial accounting reporting framework.

GAAP COMPLIANCE

Of note, the parent company of EEPGL, namely ExxonMobil, is a US multinational corporation. In the United States, the GAAP reporting framework is adopted―and therefore, companies operating in the United States rely on the guidelines established in the GAAP. Under GAAP, a contingent liability is defined as any potential future loss that depends on a “triggering event” to turn into an actual expense.

There are three codifications within the GAAP guidelines that US firms

rely on with respect to the accounting treatment and reporting requirements for contingent liabilities.

These are summarised hereunder:

1. ASC 460 Guarantees: Guarantees embody two separate obligations: the contingent obligation to make future payments under the guarantee in the event of nonperformance by the party whose obligation is guaranteed, and an obligation to be ready to perform, referred to as a standby obligation during the period that the guarantee is in effect. As a result of this bifurcation of the obligation, many guarantees are now required to be recognized as liabilities on the balance sheet.

Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 460, Guarantees, consists of one subtopic: ASC 460-10, overall, which provides requirements to be met by a guarantor for certain guarantees issued and outstanding. ASC 460-10 has two subsections: general, which discusses the guarantor's recognition and disclosure of a liability at the inception of a guarantee, and product warranties. At the inception of a guarantee, the guarantor recognizes a liability for both the no-contingent and contingent obligations at their fair values.

2. ASC 450 Contingencies: Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 450, Contingencies, con-

tains guidance for reporting and disclosure of gain and loss contingencies and has three subtopics. ASC 450-10, overall, which, along with ASC 450-20 and 450-30, provides guidance on accounting and disclosures for contingencies. ASC 450-20, Loss Contingencies, which describes accounting for potential liabilities in circumstances involving uncertainties. ASC 450-30, Gain Contingencies, which describes accounting and disclosure requirements for gain contingencies.

ASC 450-10-55 points out several common estimates that do not fall under the contingency guidance: depreciation, estimates used

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EEPGL’s legal obligations, environmental

From page 6

in accruals, and changes in tax law. Loss contingencies are recognized only if there is impairment of an asset or the incurrence of a liability as of the date of the statement of financial position.

3. ASC 440: Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 440, Commitments, contains only one subtopic: ASC 440-10, overall, which provides general guidance on financial accounting and reporting for certain commitments. The subtopic has two subsections: general and unconditional purchase obligation.

The general subsection provides guidance for: unused letters of credit; preferred stock dividends in arrears; commitments such as those for plant acquisitions; and obligations to reduce debts, maintain working capital, or restrict dividends.

The unconditional purchase obligation subsection provides guidance for unconditional purchase obligations, such as throughput and take-orpay contracts. ASC 440 applies to all entities and to all relevant transactions. However, for guidance on product-financing arrangements, the preparer should look to ASC 470-40-15 and repurchase agreements within the scope of ASC 606-10-55-66 through 5578. To determine the appropriate guidance, entities should determine first if an obligation is subject to the guidance on leases.

RECORDING

In accordance with the GAAP framework, contingent liabilities can be broken down into three categories based on the likelihood of occurrence.

The first category is the “high probability” contingency, which means that the probability of the

liability arising is greater than 50% and the amount associated with it can be estimated with reasonable accuracy.

A “medium-probability” contingency is one that satisfies either, but not both, of the parameters of a high-probability contingency. These liabilities must be disclosed in the footnotes of the financial statements if either of the two criteria is true.

Contingent liabilities that do not fall into the categories mentioned above are considered “low probability.” The likelihood of a cost arising due to these liabilities is extremely low and, therefore, are not required to be reported in the financial statements. However, sometimes companies include a disclosure of such liabilities.

EXXONMOBIL’S CONTINGENCIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022

ExxonMobil and certain of its consolidated subsidiaries were contingently liable at December 31, 2022, for guarantees relating to notes, loans, and performance under contracts. Where guarantees for environmental remediation and other similar matters do not include a stated cap, the amounts reflect management’s estimate of the maximum potential exposure.

Where it is not possible to make a reasonable estimation of the maximum potential future payments, future performance is expected to be either immaterial or have only a remote chance of occurrence. As of December 31, 2022, ExxonMobil’s total contingent liabilities/ guarantees amounted to US$7.46 billion

(ExxonMobil’s Annual Report, 2022).

With respect to the worst-case scenario concern, which is not to be discounted, should there be an event where the liability is in excess of the current insurance coverage

and the parent company guarantee, it does necessarily translate to the country becoming exposed to this liability. In this regard, an undertaking from ExxonMobil, the parent

company, is required, such that if the liability exceeds the insurance coverage and the parent company guarantee, the parent company is legally obliged to honour those liabilities.

Suffice it to state, such an undertaking is already in place, inter alia, the Environmental Permit itself. In this respect, there is a clause that followed EEPGL’s affixed signature on the permit where it states that, “EEPGL hereby ac-

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EEPGL’s legal obligations, environmental

From page 7

cepts the above terms and conditions upon which this Environmental Permit is granted and agree to abide by the Environmental Protection Act, Cap.20:05, Laws of Guyana, the Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act, 2005, and the Environmental Protection (Authorizations) Regulations, 2000, and any existing or forthcoming regulations, best practices, guidelines and standards made under this Act.”

Condition 14.1 of the permit states that, “the Permit Holder is liable for all costs associated with clean up, restoration and compensation for any

damages [sic] caused by any discharge of any contaminant, including the cost of all investigations into pollution incidents or discharge of contaminants, conducted at the instance of agency.” Therefore, even if the cost exceeds the insurance coverage and guarantee amount, the Permit Holder is still liable.

THE VALDEZ OIL SPILL

It is interesting to note that proponents of the “unlimited insurance and guarantee” argument have often relied on the BP oil spill in Gulf of Mexico to substantiate their argument. The BP oil spill is considered the largest and most catastrophic envi -

ronmental disaster in the history of the petroleum industry.

There is an overwhelming body of literature and case studies on the BP oil spill, which according to recent studies, cost in excess of $100 billion. One study showed that there was some US$60 billion in hidden costs.

Yet, it is unfortunate that to lend proper context to the discussion, to date no reference has ever been made to the Valdez oil spill involving ExxonMobil in 1989. For the simple reason that BP and ExxonMobil are two different companies and both companies are likely to have different levels

of safety standards. In fact, the case studies on BP revealed that prior to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the quality of BP’s safety standards was highly questionable, based on a historic trend of inconsistencies.

The Valdez oil spill symbolized one of the lowest points in ExxonMobil’s long history. And in contrast to the BP oil spill which was caused by an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, which occurred just over a decade ago, the Valdez oil spill was caused by an accident involving the Exxon Valdez supertanker that ran aground in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, which occurred over three decades ago. ExxonMobil took immediate responsibility for the spill and has spent over US$4.3 billion as a result of the accident, including compensatory payments, clean-up payments, settlements, and fines.

ExxonMobil had voluntarily compensated more than 11,000 Alaskans and businesses within one year of the spill.

Consequently, ExxonMobil undertook significant operational reforms and implemented a robust operational management system which it has deployed globally to prevent future incidents.

KEY TAKEAWAYS/ SUMMARY

❖ The GAAP framework does not provide for

been the subject of any catastrophic event such as BP in the Gulf of Mexico.

Dear Editor,

EVERYONE has a life and some have multiple. I've never judged anyone for their choice and always admire those who contribute to society.

Sir Mars was an excep-

“unlimited guarantee,” hence, it is for this reason that it is impracticable for ExxonMobil to provide such a guarantee. In accordance with GAAP standards, contingent liabilities of this nature (environmental liabilities), an estimate is required. Also, this type of estimation exercise is highly subjective in nature and therefore difficult to predict an accurate estimate for future liabilities arising as a result of an adverse, unforeseen event.

❖ Further to note is that in estimating these types of liabilities / guarantees, there could be multiple scenarios that can be simulated―giving rise to multiple estimates based on a variety of models. However, the GAAP framework provides for only a single scenario’s estimate and in practice, companies tend to use the scenario that generates the lowest estimate for those liabilities.

❖ An undertaking from ExxonMobil, the parent company, is required, such that if the liability exceeds the insurance coverage and the parent company guarantee, the parent company is legally obliged to honour those liabilities. Notably, this undertaking is already obtained, vizá-viz, the Environmental Permit.

Concluding Remarks:

In view of ExxonMobil’s own history dating as far back as three decades ago, the company has not

This speaks to the safety standards of ExxonMobil and considering improvements with new technologies developed three decades later. This alone would render the estimate of its future environmental liability low to moderate.

In addition, there are other stringent measures being put in place in the case of Guyana, such as the capping stack to further minimise the impact of any unforeseen environmental damage that may occur.

With that in mind, it is unreasonable and imprudent to reference the Gulf of Mexico oil spill event of 2010 that did not involve ExxonMobil, as the benchmark to estimate the future liability in the case of Guyana.

Finally, based on the foregoing discussion and analysis which extends on the contentions highlighted in this author’s previous letter, with the recent agreement for the parent company guarantee of US$2 billion together with the insurance coverage, and the acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Environmental Permit, it can be safely concluded that EEPGL and its co-ventures are in compliance with the terms and conditions therein.

Yours sincerely,

Joel Bhagwandin Public Policy and Financial Analyst

tional person, who got mixed reactions from society but successfully achieved the status as an educator.

Editor, I never got the opportunity to meet the individual, but the few videos posted of him enlightened my days.

Apart from public life,

everyone has a private life and it's sad to see such a gifted person’s life snuffed out so prematurely. My condolences to the loved ones and I hope the perpetrator pays for his/her actions.

Yours sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

Sir Mars was a gifted person

APNU+AFC administration signed over $84M in contracts before awards were issued –– under then Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs

ALTHOUGH the 2018 Auditor General’s report flagged the APNU+AFC’s Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry for signing over $46.197 million in contracts before they were awarded by the relevant authorities, the ministry continued with the practice in 2019, and signed at least $84.097 mil-

Liliendaal, and a hostel at Princess Street, Georgetown, and the provision for living quarters.

Investigations by the Audit Office revealed that while this contract was awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Award Board (NPTAB) on December 23, 2019, this was after the min-

say that they would’ve accepted that they erred,” Toolsiram clarified.

MORE IRREGULARITIES

Aside from the $19 million contract, the 2019 Audit Report would ’ve also flagged a similar procurement breach in the case

finding, and committed to refrain from such actions in the future,” the ministry responded in 2019.

However, in response to the same kind of breaches taking place in 2018, the

ministry had said: “The Head of the Budget Agency acknowledged the findings and promised to be more efficient in our planning to remedy this process.”

In 2018, under the MoI-

PA at least 42 contracts totaling $46.197 million were signed on to by the ministry with a selected contractor, prior to contractor being selected in a transparent procurement process.

lion in contracts prior to their being awarded.

The issue was scrutinised before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, during which meeting Committee Members Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo and Dharamkumar Seeraj pitched serious questions.

“How could the persons signing the contract know who the contract would be awarded to? My question to the Permanent Secretary is: Is there any information that would inform us how a contract was signed before the award, and how the person signing had knowledge of who the contract would be awarded to? What systems do you have in place that this is not going to happen again?” Dr. Mahadeo queried.

In response, Acting Permanent Secretary (PS) of the now Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (MoAA), Ryan Toolsiram said that the ministry is currently adhering to proper procurement procedures.

Going through the 2019 Audit Report, Seeraj referenced instances of a $19.405 million contract being awarded for the completion of a dormitory at

istry would have already signed with a contractor on December 16, 2019, a whole week prior to the award

Further, the ministry issued a Commencement Order on December 17 , 2019, once again on a date prior to the award of the contract.

“Can the PS explain to us how is it that the ministry will engage and sign a contract on the 16th December, 2019, issue a commencement order on the 17th December, 2019, and they received the approval from the NPTAB on the 23 December?” Seeraj probed

Responding to this, Toolsiram said that attempts to contact the former PS for answers in this regard have proven futile

“We were trying to engage the former Permanent Secretary so that we could address some of these things; this is clearly a breach. In their response [to the audit findings], they would’ve acknowledged this, so I can only say because we were not able to meet with the former PS, and based on the response that they would have provided in 2019, I could only

of another $64.692 million contract for the purchase of boats , engines, buses, vehicles and ATVs.

According to the Audit Report, while the award of this contract was granted by NPTAB on December 30, 2019, the contract was signed between the ministry and the contractor on December 5, 2019, more than three weeks prior to the contract being awarded.

The Auditor -General (AG) described the situation as a “clear deviation from the procurement process.”

“The intent of the Procurement Act was to promote the integrity of, and fairness and public confidence in, the procurement process, and achieving transparency in the procedures relating to procurement,” the Report said.

Responding to the breaches , the ministry issued a reply, promising to desist from the breaches, however, the breaches were already part of a pattern, and the ministry simply mirrored promises made in 2018, when similar behaviour was flagged.

“The Head of the Budget Agency acknowledged this

Mars stabbed multiple times before being pinned against a fence

–– police investigations reveal

POLICE are investigating the murder of Kirwyn Mars, a well-known entertainer and educator from New Settlers Street, Mocha , East Bank Demerara

According to a police report , the incident occurred at approximately 10:30 hours on the night of May 7 at 1654 Plantation

Providence, East Bank Demerara, where Mars was in the company of a male occupant (the suspect) in

his grey Mitsubishi RVR vehicle, registration number PZZ-6438

Enquiries into the incident revealed that Mars and the suspect had a “ misunderstanding ” that escalated, and both parties armed themselves with knives, resulting in injuries to both men

Mars attempted to escape from the vehicle , but the suspect reversed the car, hitting the victim and pinning him against a

fence on the eastern side of the street, which runs north to south. The suspect then exited the vehicle and fled on foot in a southern direction

Upon investigation , the police recovered two knives from the scene , and discovered multiple lacerations on Mars’ body,

including to the face, head, hand, shoulder, forehead, above the left eye , right side chest, and back

The body was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to the Memorial Garden Funeral Home, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted

Authorities have interviewed several individuals in the area, and investigations are ongoing

The incident has caused shock and sadness within the community, as Mars was a respected figure and wellknown entertainer and educator.

Police are investigating the murder of Kirwyn Mars

Dead: Kirwyn Mars

West Ruimveldt community to experience drainage, irrigation upgrade

RESIDENTS of the West Ruimveldt Georgetown community will finally get relief from years of constant flooding as drainage and irrigation works begin next week.

This was revealed by the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, as he conducted a walkabout in the area on Monday

During this community engagement , Mustapha had officials from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) who were at the time assessing the issues in the area to come up with solutions

He said , “ The first

thing we will do is look at a drainage plan because we understand a lot of flooding is taking place in this area.”

He added that the team, comprised of technical officials , were making notes, and as such, in the coming week, work will commence in the area following the development of the drainage plan.

The agriculture minister stated that the entire drainage and irrigation system in the community will be assessed to arrive at suitable solutions to bring relief to those residents

“We have the technical team here who are look-

ing at the drains and the canals, and before the end of next week, we will start some work,” he said

To this end , he noted that residents in the area would be engaged when this commences , will be used to carry out the manual labour necessary, and will be compensated for the work However, wherever it is required to have the mechanical job done, the NDIA team will bring in the necessary equipment and carry out those works

Earlier this year, Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance , Dr Ashni Singh, disclosed

'Demon', construction worker remanded for assaulting 'traffic cop'

BUSINESSMAN Mark

Cromwell , called “ Demon ”, and Kessee Edwards were remanded to prison on Monday, after being caught in a viral video assaulting a traffic officer

Cromwell, 41, was arrested at the Ogle International Airport and brought before Magistrate Rushell Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court

He pleaded not guilty to charges of abusive language , disorderly behaviour , and assault with intent to prevent lawful apprehension

Edwards , on the other hand, was slapped with ten charges, including abusive language , disorderly behaviour, dangerous driving, leaving his motor vehicle in a dangerous position , driving an unlicensed and uncertified motor vehicle, failing to comply with police direction, driving with prohibited tinted glass, and failing to wear a seat belt

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was also remanded to prison until May 17

The charges relate to an incident that occurred on May 5, 2023 at the Plaisance Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara,

where Edwards allegedly assaulted Police Constable Harlequin with intent to prevent lawful apprehension

According to the police report , Constable Harlequin and another officer were carrying out traffic enforcement duties when they intercepted Edwards’ heavily-tinted vehicle

Edwards reportedly refused to go with them to the police station for a vehicular inspection, and drove off at high speed, running over Constable Harlequin’s right foot in the process

Undaunted , Constable Harlequin gave chase, and

during the presentation of the National Budget that some $ 19.7 billion had been allocated to upgrade drainage and irrigation networks across the country

He noted that since entering office, the government has resumed giving the sector the attention it deserves and will continue focusing on its restoration and enhancement

the situation would later escalate when, during the scuffle that ensued , Edwards , who was by then joined by Cromwell , allegedly bit him on the left ear

Thanks to the intervention of public-spirited citizens, among them former policeman Eustace Abrams, Edwards was subdued and arrested at the scene, while Cromwell made good his escape.

He was subsequently arrested at the Ogle International Airport on Monday, while allegedly attempting to flee the jurisdiction.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha engaging a resident

Businessman Mark Cromwell

Kessee Edwards

Gov’t withdraws further $41.6B from NRF to fund national development priorities

SENIOR Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh has announced that the government has made its second drawdown this year from the Natural Resource Fund ( NRF ) in accordance with the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act, 2021

The minister indicated that pursuant to Section 16 of the NRF Act, 2021, a further US$200 million equivalent to G$41.6 billion has been transferred from the Natural Resource Fund to the Consolidated Fund to finance national development priorities

It would be recalled that in February of this year the government made

Driver

its first withdrawal for the year , amounting to US $ 200 million equivalent to G$41.6 billion

This brings the accumulated withdrawals to date in 2023 from the NRF to US$400 million, equivalent to G$83.2 billion

In keeping with the NRF Act, 2021, as part of the Budget 2023 process, parliamentary approval was granted for a total of US $ 1.002 billion to be transferred during fiscal year 2023

The NRF Act , 2021 , which came into operation on January 1, 2022, represents a significant improvement in transparency and accountability and

Senior Finance Minister

Dr Ashni Singh

overall management of Guyana’s natural resource wealth

“

The PPP / C government will continue to work aggressively through sound and transformative investments of oil resources from the NRF, utilising these resources in a clear and transparent manner to the benefit of present and future generations,” the Ministry of Finance said

arrested after pedestrian dies in Adventure accident

THE driver of a motor car is currently in police custody after he was involved in an accident at Adventure in Region Two, which claimed the life of a pedestrian.

The dead man has been identified as Budgidra Koosiall, a mechanic who resided at Adventure

The accident occurred on Sunday evening about 19:50hrs and involved motor car PSS 150 , which was being driven at the time by Aubery Lennox Tyrell, a 41-year-old ambulance driver of Lima Sands Tyrell is the owner of the vehicle

This publication understands that the car was reportedly proceeding south

Budgidra Koosiall

on the eastern side of the road at a fast rate of speed when it collided with Koosiall, who was crossing at the time

The driver told police that he tried to avoid a collision, but despite his efforts, the right front-side portion of the car hit the pedestrian, which caused him to fall on the front windscreen and then onto the road surface.

The pedestrian received injuries about his body and was picked up in an unconscious condition by the driver and other public-spirited citizens

He was transported to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead

The deceased was said to be living alone and had a speech impairment Despite his disability, he was very helpful to persons in the community.

Major enhancement works in store for Guyana’s zoo, parks

THE Protected Areas Commission (PAC) has an ongoing campaign to enhance urban parks to create a more engaging atmosphere for the thousands of patrons who visit daily.

Some of these enhancement projects are ongoing across all of Guyana’s urban parks, with the support of local and international stakeholders, while more long-term plans are being examined.

This will see the National Park, Botanical Gardens, the Guyana Zoo and the Joe Vieira Park benefitting from major and micro projects to enhance these facilities throughout this year and the foreseeable future

“The conditions of the Guyana zoo in particular , are constantly brought to the attention of management and we would like the public to recognise that we are working assiduously to improve the conditions of the zoo for both the patrons who visit and the animals who live there,” the PAC said in a press release on Monday

The commission added: “Most importantly, the PAC currently has a tender out in the print medium for rehabilitation of the animal clinic and the jaguar enclosure, which is all part of enhancing the aesthetics of the zoo in a phased approach

“Currently, our zoo does not function according to the definition of a traditional “zoo”; i e., we do not seek out and acquire animals for captive breeding or ex - situ conservation Rather, the animals currently in the zoo have been rescued from various abandoned, illegal or abusive conditions, and brought to us for rehabilitation and release.”

Those that can no longer survive in the wild are rehabilitated and provided a safe space in the zoo to live out the remainder

of their lives Over the coming weeks, the public will learn more about the zoo and its function as a Rescue Centre

“Additionally, our zoo has served as a wildlife education centre in the past, using our animal ambassadors to encourage conservation and teach wildlife education to youths along the coast

“Our efforts are centred on ensuring our population and visitors alike become familiar with our local wildlife to be more knowledgeable about our home-grown biodiversity and natural wealth,” the PAC said

Several enhancement projects have been approved for the urban park and the Guyana Zoo under the 2023 budget, including projects to improve drainage, security, lighting and our animal enclosures

“ We have already begun working on some of these projects, and there has been improvements in the walkways and enclosures in some parts of the zoo,” the PAC related

In the coming months, the team will be working with stakeholders and contractors to continue those renovations

“As part of those efforts, our engineer and team met with interested contractors on May 3, 2023, to discuss works on a jaguar enclosure and rehabilitation of our animal hospital,” the PAC said

The commission will also be launching discussions with interested stakeholders from the public and private sectors and the business community, who would hopefully lend their support to enhancing the zoo.

“We will be announcing more information as time progresses, and inviting stakeholders to meetings to discuss how we can work together,” the PAC.

Leopold Street residents get 'hands-on' with block-making training

THROUGH the community - based Employment Stimulation Project, the Ministry of Housing and Water ’ s Central Housing and Planning Authority ( CH & PA ) pro -

vided 56 sacks of cement, sand , and equipment to enhance the skillsets of and employment opportunities for vulnerable residents , particularly youths

The training , led by Deputy Director of Community Development , Donell Bess - Bascom and Projects Engineer Esan Barry, focused on quality assurance and standard

techniques for producing concrete blocks The blocks produced will be used in the ministry ’ s housing programme and even allow residents the opportunity to construct

their own housing units!

This initiative is part of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s commitment to the community and follows successful training with residents in Mocha, East

Bank Demerara, participants from the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities ( GCOPD ) and the Ruimveldt Parent Support Group

Through

the Community-based Employment Stimulation Project, the Ministry of Housing & Water-Central Housing & Planning Authority provided 56 sacks of cement, sand, and equipment to enhance the skillsets of and employment opportunities for vulnerable residents, particularly youths (Ministry of Housing and Water)

$115.9M in old-age pension still unaccounted for by GPOC

SOME $115.931 million that was previously handed over to the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) for the encashment of oldage pension vouchers still remain unaccounted for, and will most likely have to be written off as unrecoverable since the Audit Office has deemed the reconcilia-

— 2019 Audit Report reveals

tion practically impossible.

The unaccounted sum was among several issues dealt with when the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) resumed meetings on Monday.

The committee deliberated on matters in the 2019 Audit Report under the former Ministry of Social Protection

now Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MoHSSS).

According to the 2019 Audit Report, at the end of December 2019, records showed that the GPOC owed the ministry $944.367 million; however, the corporation’s records showed its balance as owing $732.684

million, a difference of $211.683 million.

Included in the $211.683 million was a recurring balance of $115.931 million deemed an unreconciled difference, and used as a balancing figure.

Officials from the MoHSSS and Auditor General Deodat Sharma were

grilled by PAC member, and Minister of Public Works

Bishop Juan Edghill on Monday, as he sought answers regarding efforts to reconcile the $115.931 million, and what steps are being taken to avoid future recurrence.

“How do we account if this is still outstanding? Why do we still have $115 million not reconciled? What occurred that led to this occurring?” Minister Edghill questioned.

Permanent Secretary of the MoHSSS, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar acknowledged that there were lots of errors with the ministry’s cash books, and going back for a number of years, the books were not balanced or prepared properly.

However, she affirmed that the books are being balanced correctly from month to month. The ministry currently has a total of 72,441 pensioners in its system, with old-age pension currently being $33,000 per month.

A former Chairman of the GPOC, Edghill gave a reminder that some years ago a decision was taken to close the MoHSSS’ ongoing accounts and effectively draw a red line and restart the ministry’s books to ensure transparent accounting, going forward.

He questioned how the ministry could still continue to be plagued with issues in its transactions with the GPOC.

The MoHSSS issues monthly vouchers for old-age pensions to Guyanese who are 65 years and older, with the pensioners being able to cash their vouchers at post offices across the country.

The MoHSSS provides the GPOC with the money for encashment of the vouchers, and the GPOC has to account for the money against the vouchers that are paid out.

In 2010, over 20 GPOC

employees were made to repay over $1 million that was defrauded from the post office.

Minister Edghill said that aside from the MoHSSS, the GPOC also encashes vouchers for the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and there have never been cases of unreconciled amounts between GPOC and the NIS.

He, therefore, could not comprehend why the issue was occurring with the MoHSSS. Turning to Sharma, Edghill asked if he had any answers regarding why the ministry’s books, as regards the GPOC, still continued to have difficulties.

“With regards [sic] to paragraph 1,022, I would like to get an update from you on what is happening, what are the findings and why are we still here?” Edghill asked.

Sharma explained that the $115.931 million represented a total of unreconciled differences across a number of years, and reconciliation has not been possible as the post office cannot provide validated documentation for the monies.

“The information that the post office is providing is uncertain. They have figures there of who owes who, but they are disclaimed figures. We were able to bring the audit of the post office up to 2021,” Sharma said.

The Auditor General, however, agreed that reconciling the amounts was a lost cause, as it was now “difficult if not impossible to complete,” given the current situation.

Edghill asked PAC Chairman Jermaine Figueira to flag the situation in the PAC report as a matter of urgency that needs to be remedied.

“We can’t have this situation continuing,” Edghill said.

Minister of Public Works

Bishop Juan Edghill

Permanent Secretary of the MoHSSS, Shannielle HooseinOutar

President calls for corporate support of footballers

H.E. Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has called on corporate Guyana to throw their support behind Guyana’s Golden Jaguars football team.

The President, via his Facebook page on Monday, called on those in the relevant agencies to come to the rescue of Guyana’s senior national football team.

“I am calling on corporate Guyana to back our national footballers, both men and women, in their quest to bring glory to our country. I am confident in their ability and will spare no effort in giving them the best possible chance at being the best they can be. It is the shift from the unimaginable to the imaginable that needs us all to get on board.”

Let’s go Golden Jaguars!!, he continued.

The president has been a strong advocate for local sport, holding several meetings with athletes over the past year to address concerns within their disciplines.

RACING TIPS

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Fraser-Pryce wins 2022 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year

(Sportsmax) - The sixth time is the charm for Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who, on Monday was named 2022 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year in Paris.

The 36-year-old track star, considered the greatest female 100m sprinter of all time, was rewarded for an incredible season during which she won an unprecedented fifth 100m world title in Eugene, Oregon and created even more history by becoming the first woman to run under 10.7 seconds for the 100m, a record seven times in the same season.

After opening her season in Nairobi, Kenya, the twotime Olympic gold medalist ran times of 10.67, 10.67, 10.66, 10.67, 10.62 and 10.65 to cap an amazing season.

She also won a fifth Diamond League 100m title during the season.

“I was thrilled to be nominated alongside such inspiring female athletes,” said Fraser-Pryce, who got the nod ahead of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, footballer Alexia Putellas, tennis star Iga Świątek, swimmer Katie Ledecky and alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin for the prestigious award.

“To win this award, voted for by some of the greatest sportsmen and women of all time, is just amazing. This is the sixth time I’ve been nominated in this category, so to finally hold the Laureus statuette in my hands is one of the greatest honours of my career.”

Fraser-Pryce is the third Jamaican athlete to win the award. Elaine Thompson-Herah won in 2022 for her exploits in 2021, while Usain Bolt won in 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2017.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday May 09, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) M S Dhoni: 17 – 15 catches; 2 stumpings (CSK)

(2) 167 for the first wicket: Chris Gayle & Tilakaratne Dilshan (RCB vs Warriors)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who has struck most sixes in IPL cricket to date?

(2) Which non-wicketkeeper has claimed most catches in a single IPL season to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Fraser-Pryce wins the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Award for 2022

Man-of-the-Match Russell gives KKR cameo

CMC – Andre Russell lashed a Man-of-theMatch cameo to propel under-pressure Kolkata Knight Riders to a last-ball win over Punjab Kings here Monday and climb to fifth in a clustered Indian Premier League standings.

Entering the contest at Eden Gardens with six defeats in 10 matches, KKR chased down a tricky 180 to get home by five wickets, with Russell scoring 42 from 23 balls, batting at number five.

The West Indies all-rounder plundered three fours and three sixes but perished to the penultimate delivery of the match when he was run out at the non-striker’s end attempting a sharp

single with Rinku Singh.

With two runs needed from the final ball, the 25-year-old Rinku belted a high full toss from leftarm seamer Arshdeep Singh behind square for four, to trigger the KKR celebrations.

“There was a little chaos on the back end there with me getting run out wanting to finish the job,” Russell said. “But we have a finisher in Rinku and I was very proud of him.”

Captain Nitish Rana topscored with 51 from 38 balls while English opener Jason Roy struck 38 from 24 balls, Rinku ending on a 10-ball unbeaten 21.

Punjab Kings had earlier gotten 57 from captain Shikhar Dhawan as they reached

179 for seven from their 20 overs, after opting to bat first.

The left-handed opener struck nine fours and a six, helping to inspire a 53-run fourth wicket stand with Jitesh Sharma (21), which pulled his side around from 53 for three in the sixth over.

Dhawan was eventually fifth out in a slide that saw three wickets tumble for 20 runs but Shahrukh Khan (21 not out) and Harpreet Brar (17 not out) added a vital 40 off just 16 deliveries in an unbroken eighth wicket stand.

Russell’s solitary over cost 19 runs while West Indies counterpart Sunil Narine also went wicket-less in a four-over spell that leaked 29 runs.

Maddison – Leicester were not hungry enough

In reply, Roy put on 38 for the first wicket with 21-year-old Afghan Rahmanullah Gurbaz (15) and a further 26 for the second with Nitish who then put on 51 for the third wicket with Venkatesh Iyer (11), as KKR stitched together crucial partnerships.

When Venkatesh and Nitish fell in the space of 10 balls with only nine runs added at 124 for four in the 16th over, KKR found themselves wobbling but Russell entered to dominate a 54-run stand with Rinku, which swung the chase in the hosts’ favour.

KKR are one of five teams in the standings on 10 points, just six points adrift of leaders Gujarat Titans.

Kishan replaces KL Rahul in WTC final

(ESPNCRICINFO) - IS -

HAN Kishan has replaced the injured KL Rahul in India's squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at The Oval in June. Rahul, the captain of Lucknow Super Giants, had been sidelined from the rest of the IPL and the WTC final with a thigh injury. A decision on Jaydev Unadkat, who had hurt his left shoulder while training in the IPL, for the WTC final will be taken later, according to a BCCI statement.

Kishan is uncapped in Test cricket, but has played 14 ODIs and 27 T20Is so far, and was also part of the Test squad for the home series against Australia before the IPL. He is the second wicketkeeper in India's WTC squad behind KS Bharat, who had recently made his Test debut against Australia in February this year in the absence of Rishabh Pant. He played six innings in the four Tests for a total of 101 runs with a high score of 44.

Kishan has played 48 first-class matches so far for 2985 runs at an average of 38.76 with six hundreds, and in the recent Ranji Trophy season he played just two games and scored 180 runs while averaging 45.

As Rahul had announced

earlier on social media, he will now undergo surgery and will subsequently report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehab.

Rahul's LSG team-mate Unadkat is also out of the rest of the IPL with an injury. He then travelled to Mumbai for scans and visited one of the specialist consultants appointed by the BCCI.

Who should be India's wicketkeeper in the WTC final?

Umesh Yadav has also joined the injury list, having hurt his hamstring during Kolkata Knight Riders' game against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 26. The fast bowler has not played for KKR since, but has resumed "low-intensity bowling". The BCCI's medical team is work-

ing with KKR's staff to get Umesh fit and is "closely monitoring" his progress.

In the injury-enforced absence of both Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane might return to India's XI, having last played a in Test in January 2022. Former India coach Ravi Shastri had backed Rahane's inclusion in the squad, underlining Rahane's desire to play Ranji Trophy as one of the key differentiators. Rahane's return means his county championship debut with Leicestershire is likely to be pushed back after initially committing to play eight red-ball games and the entire 50-overs competition. Cheteshwar Pujara is already in the UK and is in excellent form, having scored three centuries in four games for Sussex in county cricket.

Meanwhile, batters Suryakumar Yadav and Ruturaj Gaikwad, and seamer Mukesh Kumar have been named as reserve players for the WTC final. Among them, only Suryakumar has Test-match experience, having made his debut against Australia in Nagpur in February.

India squad for WTC final: Rohit Sharma (capt.), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Ishan Kishan (wk).

Standby players: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav.

(BBC) - LEICESTER City forward James Maddison believes his side were "not hungry enough" after their Premier League survival hopes suffered a blow with a 5-3 defeat at Fulham.

Victories for fellow strugglers Everton and Nottingham Forest later on Monday saw the Foxes slip into the relegation zone, now two points from safety with three games remaining.

"[I'm] hurting, this was a big game for us and we were not at it," Maddison told BBC Match of the Day.

"We didn't start the game well enough. We need to do the basics well."

Fulham opened the scoring through a Willian freekick before strikes from Carlos Vinicius and Tom Cairney powered them into a 3-0 half-time lead.

Cairney added another after the restart before Harvey Barnes pulled a goal back for the visitors, who then saw Jamie Vardy miss a penalty in the 66th minute.

Willian re-established Fulham's four-goal lead with another fine strike before Maddison netted Leicester's second with a spot-kick and Barnes scored a late third.

"We were not hungry enough to want to win the game," added Maddison.

"It is tough. No easy game in the Premier League, it is a cliche but so true. We will keep fighting, we will keep trying to put it right."

Maddison later sought to clarify his post-match comments on social media, saying: "When I say not hungry enough I mean aggressive and on the front foot in duels, not us wanting to win or realising the importance.

"We were not good enough today and we've only got ourselves to blame and apologise for that. But, as someone who sees the work we are doing every single day to try and put this right, it's not down to attitude or application."

Woeful Leicester booed off at half-time

Leicester are desperate for points and, with matches against Liverpool and Newcastle still to come, Foxes fans would have circled Fulham away as a must-win fixture in their battle to avoid the drop.

But against a side who had lost three of their previous four matches at home, they were woeful in the opening 45 minutes.

"The first half was nowhere near good enough," Leicester boss Dean Smith told BBC Match of the Day. "We gave away goals we shouldn't give away at this level.

"I didn't see that coming. We have been fairly resolute in the five games we've had with the exception of Everton."

The Foxes fell behind in the 10th minute when keeper Daniel Iversen misjudged Willian's wide free-kick and the ball bounced underneath him before nestling in the bottom corner.

Vinicius' goal finished off a fine counter-attacking move before Cairney scored on just his third league start of the season with an impressive curling finish.

Ishan Kishan is uncapped in Test cricket • PTI

Tom Cairney scored his first Premier League goal since netting against Crystal Palace in October 2020

GCB Launches academies in three Essequibo committees

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), broke new ground on Saturday, April 29, 2023, with the historic academy launched in three committees in Essequibo. This historic event ushered in the establishment of an essential Youth-Player Development Program under the Essequibo Cricket Board's administrative structure, in their committee areas of North Essequibo, South Essequibo, and Wakenaam. The launches were held at Walton Ground in North Essequibo, Zorg Ground in South, and Good Success Ground in Wakenamm.

The Academy initiative was outlined in the GCB Five-Year Strategy Plan by the GCB President and executives on their ascension to the GCB office in 2020. The program which required thorough planning, will realise the implementation of eighteen academy programs nationwide. Each of the Essequibo Cricket Board’s affiliate committees will have an academy program. These Committees are North Essequibo, South Essequibo, Wakenaam, Pomeroon, Bartica, Laguan, and East Bank Essequibo.

Similarly, it is intended for the Demerara Cricket Board to have five academies in their affiliate associations, of West Demerara, East Bank Demerara, Upper Demerara, Georgetown, and East Coast Demerara. The six academy locations for Berbice, are West Berbice, New Amsterdam Canje, Lower Corentyne, Central Corentyne/Bushlot, Upper Corentyne, and Berbice River.

The academy program will place emphasis on the holistic development of players; ages seven years old, to 17 years old, covering technical development and skill acquisition activities, physical fitness, applicable medical fitness assessments, laws of cricket, and appropriate lifestyle guidance including those on diet and nutrition, etiquette, and communication exercises with players on relevant media relations.

The academy program will also place emphasis on posi-

tive self-concept, discipline, and commitment, the understanding of group dynamics, and the value of teamwork.

The academy program will be conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 15:30 hours to 17:30 hours, and on Saturdays from 8:00 hours to 11:00 hours. Understandably, there may be slight adjustments in the training time to facilitate the unique needs of the individual academies. The significance of the academy program is the brainchild GCB President, Bissoondyal Singh.

At the initial launch at Walton Hall in Essequibo, the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) President, Vice President of GCB, and Director of Cricket West Indies, Deleep Singh commemorated the event by giving open remarks. President Deleep Singh, in his remarks, was adamant that the Academy will play a big role in the rejuvenation of cricket in Essequibo. He pointed out that the aim of the Academy is to focus on honing the skills of players who may be lacking fundamentals or to further enhance any possible skills that the young cricketers may possess.

President Deleep Singh was high in praise to the GCB President and executives, thanking the GCB for implementing the same program which he viewed as both worthwhile and timely. Also, the ECB President thanked the coaches, parents, and students (players) for turning out in their numbers to be a part of such a historic event hosted collaboratively by the GCB

and ECB.

ECB President Deleep Singh, concluded by reiterating, that the focus of the Academy on the key areas of player development of young players is a huge factor in the effort and drive to nurture and develop the talents of youths ages seven years old to 17 years old, and encouraged the players to make full use of the opportunity.

The GCB's Territorial Development Officer Colin Stuart during the launch, urged the players across the three academies to focus not only on the game but also on the process of themselves becoming ‘pros’ while giving them insight on how to approach the game. The ex-West Indies pacer pointed out that while the technical aspects are crucial to the player’s development, the fact that cricket is considered to be played with 90 per cent of the players of mental prowess, heavy emphasis must be placed on players’ abilities to consistently execute tasks well. This consistency must suffice within the varied play conditions that will be presented from match to match within and outside of one’s country.

Further, Stuart called on young players across the respective Academies to, over time show the necessary skills needed to be a professional cricketer, locally, regionally, and internationally. He stressed, that outside of the technical aspects of cricket, like batting, bowl-

ing, and fielding, the need to execute tasks properly albeit on or off the cricket pitch is essential, as it helps to build one's professional approach to achieving regular success.

Stuart indicated to those present at the launch, that the academy coaches and other suitable personnel will, in addition to the technical and physical fitness aspects of the game, address the critical related components of the game on the laws of cricket, etiquette, player communication with media, sportsmanship, and player commitment.

Additionally, the launches held in Essequibo on Saturday, April 29, 2023, were graced with the presence of ECB executives and several ECB coaches from across Cinderella County, including the likes of ECB Vice-President Elroy Stephney, former national youth Manger Nazeer Mohammed, all of whom appeared overwhelmed with joy by the new doors which are now opened for players in the Essequibo Region. Both Stephney and Mohammed thanked the GCB for their massive support.

The coaches present at the launch noted that with such an Academy platform available, it will be easier for players to refine their abilities by virtue of dedication and training toward attaining set realistic goals that will put them in a better position to perform consistently well in matches, and thereby making it easier for them to become visible to

the committee/association, county, and national selectors.

The GCB President Bissoondyal Singh, who could not have been present at the academy launch in Essequibo on Saturday, April 29, 2023, due to another pressing high-level engagement that was previously scheduled, expressed his and the GCB's executive happiness in the realisation of the implementation of a critical component GCB 5-Year Strategy Plan, in the academy program.

President Bissoondyal Singh in his worded submission for presentation at the launch in Essequibo, stated that the Academy initiative was given significant priority by the GCB executives, given the identified gaps in the player development pathway, and the conceptualised benefits of the academy program to the players. In the case of the former, at times players are selected for national teams with technical deficiencies, and lower fitness levels than required in relation to set CWI/GCB benchmarks and their mental applications which it is perceived can be greatly improved. Consequently, apart from conducting national inter-county tournaments, the GCB has prioritised the academy program to eliminate, or greatly reduce some of these aforementioned deficiencies.

The GCB is of the view, that the academy program carried out for its intended purpose will assist play -

ers to make the respective national teams with higher levels of technical, and physical fitness abilities, and with greater levels of appropriate mental applications. The latter is necessary to be inculcated in players since players are required to adapt to various match conditions, whether it be related to pitch, team opposition, and or crowd.

President Bissoondyal Singh thanked the ECB President and executives, as well as the chairperson and executives of the North Essequibo Cricket Committee, South Essequibo Cricket Committee, and Wakenaam Cricket Committee, for leading the way in getting the groundwork done to implement the same program and urged that they remain steadfast in assisting the GCB through its marketing committee to acquire funds to support and sustain the academy program.

Additionally, President Bissoondyal Singh thanked the youth players, and their parents and guardians for demonstrating an interest in being a part of the academy program, and reassured them that the GCB will continue to explore avenues that will lend support to the development of the players’ needs and requirements.

The GCB is encouraging the parents and guardians, and corporate Guyana to embrace and support this valuable nationwide academy program.

Section of Particiants of the GCB-ECB Academy Launch for the South Essequibo Committee at Zorg Ground

GCB President Bissoondyal Singh

BCB/ Ali’s Bakery Under-17 tournament…

Seven teams emerge triumphant

THE Berbice Cricket Board/ Ali’s Bakery Under-17 knockout tournament bowled off last Friday with several impressive performances.

The teams which advanced to the next round after claiming their respective wins were Achievers A, Cotton Tree, Rose Hall Canje, Albion A, Rose Hall Town Bakewell, Port Mourant and Upper Corentyne.

The Port Mourant team defeated Radha Krishna at the Port Mourant Ground last Friday. They had a 385run lead with an an overall score of 485 runs for 6 off 50 overs. The standout players were Rampertab Ramnauth and Jhonathan Rampersaud who scored 195 runs and 115 runs respectively.

Meanwhile, Upper

Corentyne defeated Albion B at the No 72 Ground with a 62-run lead and a total of 211 runs in 36 overs. Their scorers were Gibran Yacoob who scored 51, Kemraj Sukhwa who scored 24 runs and Aaroon Yacoob who scored 18 runs.

Achievers B/ Bush Lot United then lost to Cotton Tree at the Cotton Tree Ground with a score of 199 all out. Their top batsmen were Shoaib Gaffoor and Roshait Sarjoon with 28 runs each and Arif Bacchus with 22 runs. While their top bowlers were Tulsieram Ramchan with 5 for 13 and Shahadon Mohammed with 2 for 28.

RH Canje CC then defeated East Bank Blazers by 216 runs at Canje with a total of 311 for 9 off 50

overs. Their main batsmen were Avishkar Persaud with 119 and Sanjay Algoo with 47. They also had notable performances from their bowlers Odwin Cort with 2 for 72, Shamar Semple with 2 for 52 and Josh Sampson with 2 for 41.

RHT Bakewell crushed Skeldon Community Centre in their match up at the Area H Ground. RHT led with 88 and an overall score 191 all out in 48 overs. Their victory was aided by Rondy James with 32 runs, Mario Butcher with 30 runs, L. Chaitnarine 3 for 9 and M. Baichan 2 for 29.

Albion A bested Guymine by 440 runs at the Jai Hind Ground with an overall score of 469 for 7 from their allotted 50 overs. Their star players were Afraz

Budhoo 105, Ari-Afrizal Kadir 94 and Damion Cecil 57, as well as with D. Hope 3 for 69 and T. John 2 for 51.

While Achievers A squeezed by Bath with a five-wicket win and a total 108 for 5 in 21.5 overs. Ezekiel Rogers 38, Collis Hardcourt 30 and Nathan Karamchand 17 set the pace and Christopher Baldeo 3 for 16 and Sataydeo Ramnarine 2 for 15 secured their win. The highlights of the opening round were centuries from Rampertab Ramnauth, Rampersaud Ramnauth, Afraz Budhoo and Avishkar Persaud while five wicket hauls were taken by Deeraj Ramjit, Aryan Darat, Tuslieram Ramcharran and Nathan Karamchand.

Salvi appointed domestic head coach

(ESPNCRICINFO)

Omkar Salvi, currently an assistant bowling coach with the IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), was on Monday appointed as the head coach of the domestic Mumbai senior men's side for the upcoming season.

Former Mumbai batter Vinit Indulkar was appointed as the batting coach of the Mumbai senior men's team while former wicketkeeper-batter Onkar Gurav was named the fielding coach.

The appointments were made by the Cricket Improvement Committee (CIC), headed by former India batter Lalchand Rajput with Sahil Kukreja and Preeti Dimri as the other members.

Salvi replaced Amol Muzumdar at the helm of the 41-time Ranji Trophy winners. Salvi has previously worked as the bowling coach of the Mumbai team before joining KKR.

City not looking for revenge against Real Madrid

-

He is the brother of former India bowler Aavishkar Salvi.

Among other appointments, Rajesh Pawar was named the Under-23 men's head coach while current India captain Rohit Sharma's coach Dinesh Lad was named the head coach of the Under-19 team.

Sandesh Kawle was given charge of the Under-16 boys side while

Nilesh Masurkar was appointed as the head coach of the Under-14 boys team.

Former India women's cricketer Sunetra Paranjpe, who played three Tests and 28 ODIs, was named the head coach of the Mumbai women's senior team.

Jayesh Dadarkar will be the Under-23 coach while Ajay Kadam and Aparna Kambli were appointed

as the head coaches of the Under-19 and Under-15 girls’ sides.

Along with the appointment of Sameer Dighe as the MCA Academy in-charge, Vinayak Mane was made the batting coach while Pradeep Sunderam and Mandar Sane were named the bowling coaches. Sunil Lingayat was appointed the fielding coach.

(BBC) - PEP Guardiola says it would be a "huge mistake" for Manchester City to look for "revenge" against Real Madrid in their Champions League semi-final.

City led 5-3 on aggregate in the 90th minute of last year's semi-final second leg, but Madrid remarkably fought back.

City boss Guardiola urged his team to use the rematch to prove they can beat the holders and eventually land Europe's biggest club prize.

"We're not here for revenge, we're here for an opportunity," said Guardiola.

"What happened, happened in the past. It would be a huge mistake to think about that.

"The lesson we learn from last year is not revenge, it is learn about what happened, get a good result, perform well and give the opportunity to leave the tie open in Manchester."

After a 4-3 victory in the home leg last season, City extended their lead in the Bernabeu when Riyad Mahrez hammered in a 73rd-minute strike.

But two late goals from Madrid substitute Rodrygo dramatically sent the tie into extra time, with Karim Benzema completing an incredible turnaround for Carlo Ancelotti's side by scoring a 95th-minute penalty.

"I'm not a big fan to talk about experiences as a positive or negative way," said Guardiola.

"Of course we have the same managers and 80 per cent same players on both sides, but these are completely different games.

"We played exceptional at

home, it could not have been better. In Madrid we played - not exceptional - but good. We did everything to reach the final but it is football."

Guardiola confident City will land Champions League Little over a year since the 3-1 defeat, City have returned to Madrid for Tuesday's first leg of this season's semi-final.

The Spanish side - who went on to beat Liverpool in last year's final - go to Manchester for the second leg on 17 May.

"The difference this year is the second leg is at home. I'm not sure if it is an advantage or disadvantage but I think everything will be decided in Manchester," said Guardiola.

City are aiming for a Treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup, having moved clear of Arsenal in the domestic league and already booked their place against Manchester United in the Wembley final on 3 June.

Madrid look almost certain to miss out on the Spanish La Liga title to Barcelona and, having won the Copa del Rey on Saturday, it means they can put most of their focus on trying to be crowned European champions for the sixth time in the past 10 seasons.

Former Barcelona manager Guardiola conceded last year's exit in Madrid was "tough", but says City remain on track to achieve their biggest goal of winning the Champions League.

"One day we will get it. We will get to the final and we will win it. We come here this season to do it," Guardiola, whose side lost to Chelsea in the 2021 final, said.

Ajinkya Rahane led Mumbai in the last Ranji Trophy season with Amol Muzumdar as coach • PTI

Since last year's defeat in Madrid, City have added Erling Haaland (far left) to their ranks and the striker has scored 51 goals this season

GCA’s NBS 40-over 2nd division weekend round-up

By Sean Devers

EIGHT matches were contested in the GCA’s New Building Society (NBS) 40 overs second Division cricket tournament in the city over the week-end.

At the Police Ground Eve Leary MYO beat Sophia by six wickets yesterday after making 141-4 in reply to the 137 all out made by Sophia.

Malcome Morris was the only batter to offer token resistance with 22 while Kishan da Silvia made 18.

Keon Morris had 5-30 while Jonathan Rampersaud and Sagar Heritaramani took two wickets each for MYO, who were led by 42 from Omesh Danram, 37 from Zynul Ramsammy and 29 from Ershad Ali.

At MSC, the home team, by 63 from Nkosie Barker and 58 from Shaquille Mosely made 267-9 as Joel Gilkes (3-43) and Andel Manoharlall 2-58 where the wicket-takers for Agricola who were 72-4 in 14. 2 when

rain stopped play.

Nasrudeen Ally made 38 as Marcus Watkins had 3-14 and Trevon France 1-4, taking the other wicket to fall.

Fifteen overs have to be bowled to constitute a game but there was some uncertainty about the result being an abandoned match since Malteenoes are claiming that the Agricola batters were called off of the field before the Umpires asked for the covers to be brought out.

At GDF, the Soldiers made 215-9 with Kurt Lovell (58), Quincy McPherson (36) and Keith Simpson (29) being the main scorers.

Thaddeus Lovell took 3-19 while Devon Lord and Krisna Singh had two wickets each for GCC, who reached 152-7 in 28.2 when rain stopped play.

Skipper Ryan Hemraj scored 49 while Lennox Andrews took 3-39.

At DCC, DCC beat Bel Air Rubis by seven wickets after making 177-3 replying to Bel Air Rubis’ 176 all out.

Andrew Samaroo hit a

well compiled 61 while the burly David Mohammed threw his bat around and walked into the pacers in his cameo unbeaten 31 to help his team for 96-8 to their eventual total.

Ezekiel Wilson followed up his 4-for on Saturday with 5-18 while Dexter George had 2-20.

DCC were led to victory by fluent 56 from Brandon Jaikarran and an unbeaten 48 from Nkosie Beaton while Jonathon Van Lange chipped with an unbeaten 23

On Saturday, at Police, the host beat Diplomats by 151 runs.

Led by a brilliant unbeaten 116 from 77 balls with seven fours and five sixes from Pernell London, 75 from 41 balls with two fours and eight sixes, 39 from Chemroy Kendall and 38 from Troy Benn, Police amassed 318-4 off 40 overs.

Diplomats were bowled out for 167 in 34.1 with extras contributing 35, Shemroy Griffith (22) and Nigel Simpson (15) being the main

scorers.

Benn returned with the ball to take 3-31 and London had 3-33.

At QC, MYO beat QC by 99 runs despite 92 from Anthony Lim.

MYO led by fifties from Dhanram (55), Ramsammy (76), Yekini Favorite (60) and Heritaramani (53), made 320-8 in 40 overs as Mohammed Nassir and Carl Kumar took two wickets each.

QC in reply made 221 all out in 34.4 overs as Lim fell seven short of a century.

At DCC, the host beat Everest by 47 runs after making 179 and dismissing the visitors for 128.

Shemar Yearwood (37) and Van Lang (31) were the main scorers for DCC as Nityanand Mathura took 3-36.

Wilson (4-21) and Wavell Allen (3-23) did the damage with the ball as only Denish Mangal and Kishan Tracy (32) reached 30 in a losing effort for the Camp Road side.

Third week of Sheltez Tennis Club tournament concluded Rebel TC’s players in the winners' circle

THE third week of the Sheltez Tennis Club concluded on Sunday Evening on the East Coast of Demerara with the players from the Rebel Tennis Club producing tournament winning performances in the U-10 red and U-14 Orange ball competitions.

The U-18s is scheduled for next week end while the U12s will go into action the following week end as the devolment of the future of Guyana’s Tennis continue.

Nathan DeNobrega won the Boys U14, Christin Richmond won the Girls U14, Samara Siland won the Girls U10 Orange Ball.

Niomi Erskine is the Girls U14 runner up, Al-

Leclerc says Ferrari ‘struggling like crazy’

exander Parkinson is the Boys U10 Orange Ball runner up and Breyanna Younge is the Girls U10 Red Ball runner up.

Coach Andre Erskine, who recently returned from tours with Rebel Tennis Club’s youth team

in Trinidad and Barbados, proudly stated that his charges were again in the winner’s Circle in the Sheltez tournament in the Boys U-14 and Girls U-10 categories.

“The tournament has given my players, espe-

cially the younger ones, more experience in competition. We wish to the see more local tournaments that will develop our youth’s mental toughness,” revealed Coach Erskine.

Erskine, himself a player, explained that Sheltez tournaments are only played on the East Coast of Demerara and at the GBTI Courts at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara where his club is located.

“As much as both Nathan and Christin won their respective finals, there is so much work to be done on their overall game” disclosed Coach Erskine. (Sean Devers)

(BBC) - CHARLES Leclerc says Ferrari are "struggling like crazy" with a car they do not understand this year.

Leclerc finished seventh in Sunday's Miami Grand Prix, while team-mate Carlos Sainz dropped from third on the grid to finish fifth.

"We have a car that is so incredibly difficult to be on the limit. We are very, very far away," said Leclerc.

"I struggle to find an explanation as to why we are so far away in the race and so close in qualifying."

Leclerc had the onelap pace to start the race on the front row in Miami but crashed in qualifying. On race day the Ferrari exhibited its usual lack of pace.

"We are competitive in qualifying but once we come to race day we are struggling like crazy," Leclerc, 25, said.

"The window of our car is so narrow and whenever you get a little bit out it has huge consequences on the balance.

"It's from one corner to the other and even in one corner sometimes you can have huge understeer which goes to huge oversteer and this is not ideal to have confidence in the car."

The car was also very sensitive to wind, Leclerc added.

He said: "We have a lot of work to do. We need to find something. We have been struggling in the race since a little time now and we need to come up with some issues."

He and team-mate Sainz said that the car was also exhibiting different behaviour on different types of tyre - and

team boss Frederic Vasseur said that it was also different for each driver.

"With Charles we were much more performant on the hard (tyre), and with Carlos much more performant on the medium," Vasseur said. "And from one lap to the other we were a bit inconsistent."

Leclerc said: "It's always an unknown whether the car is going to react well, whether the tyres are going to be in the right window.

"This is just very difficult also as a driver to gain the confidence and to adapt your driving because you get from one set to the other and the car is completely in a different window."

Leclerc was Red Bull driver Max Verstappen's closest challenger for the world title last year, before their season imploded with a series of race-management and strategy errors.

Those mistakes led to former team principal Mattia Binotto losing his job over the winter.

Ferrari entered this season expecting to be able to fight Red Bull for the championship again but find themselves in fourth place in the constructors' championship after five races, also behind Aston Martin and Mercedes.

They introduced a new floor in Miami but it had little effect on the car's competitiveness. Further upgrades are planned for the next race, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on 19-21 May, the first of three races on consecutive weekends.

Nathan DeNobrega won the Boys U14, Christin Richmond won the Girls U14

Charles Leclerc finally got past Haas driver Kevin Magnussen with 20 laps to go, taking seventh place behind Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes

President Mohamed Irfaan Ali during the kickoff of one of many football tournaments

Andre Russell carves the ball over the off side•May 08, 2023•BCCI