Chronicle E-paper 28-04-2024

APNU+AFC’s track record in oil sector ‘despicable, almost criminal’

- Natural Resources Ministry says; calls on Opposition to take responsibility for its poor performance - outlines great strides, achievements under current administration

Guyana’s historic zoo undergoes massive rehabilitation

‘Guyana will be one of the most successful deepwater developments in oil & gas history’

- Exxon’s

Darren Woods

Over 8,000 jobs created, $4.3B in loans granted in 2023

- IPED reports

Boycotting ‘we own people just plain stupid’

Volunteers, including the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, working to rehabilitate the zoo (Shaniece Bamfield photos)

APNU+AFC’s track record in oil sector ‘despicable, almost criminal’

- Natural Resources Ministry says; calls on Opposition to take responsibility for its poor performance - outlines great strides, achievements under current administration

By Feona Morrison

THE APNU+AFC coalition's record has been described as "despicable and almost criminal" by the PPP/C government, which has condemned the way in which the previous administration handled Guyana's burgeoning oil sector.

This pronouncement coincides with growing public scrutiny and disclosures about agreements, discussions, and general handling of the oil riches that have the potential to revolutionise the economy of the South American country.

The government, led by President Dr Irfaan Ali, minced no words in its assessment of the APNU+AFC's stewardship of Guyana's oil industry. Through a statement issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources on Saturday, the government responded to the Opposition’s recent falsehoods about its stellar track record in managing the petroleum sector.

The government reminded that when it assumed office in 2020, it audited the management infrastructure for the country's multi-billion-dollar petroleum sector, only to discover a deplorable state of affairs, given the abysmal five-year leadership of the APNU+AFC coalition.

According to the ministry, because basic legislative and regulatory duties were neglected for years, the nation was not ready to handle the industry.

The government also emphasised how its predecessor prioritised questionable transactions, disregarded transparency norms, and failed to put the interests of the Guyanese people first.

Lopsided contract

Key among the criticisms levelled by the current administration is the lack of transparency in the negotiation of the country’s oil contract. The government repeated that the contract was signed and negotiated in secret and is armed with a stabilisation clause that prevents Guyana from making any changes to the Guyanese people’s share. It said APNU+AFC also hid this contract from the public for one year before caving to protests from local stakeholders and unrelenting pressure from the media to release the document that remains the greatest giveaway of Guyana’s history.

While the PPP/C administration acknowledged that it is on record stating that the

contract would not be renegotiated, due to respect for the sanctity of contracts and the devastating impacts such a course of action would have on the investment climate, to ensure maximisation of value, it has proposed strengthening the legislative and regulatory framework for the sector, which it said it continues to do.

According to the government, it has embarked on prudent contract administration to ensure the most efficient development and beneficial use of the resources while also securing benefits for locals beyond direct revenues.

Prioritisation of Guyanese

The government called out the APNU+AFC for failing to pass a Local Content Act, leaving billions in oil sector expenditure to be awarded to foreign companies while locals made relentless calls for government intervention. It stated that the Local Content Act was passed in December 2021 and since this law’s enactment to date, over US$1 billion has been invested in the use and expansion of Guyanese goods, services, and skills in support of the petroleum sector.

Furthermore, it said the coalition failed to overhaul the Petroleum Act, which was 34 years old by the time the PPP/C reassumed office in 2020, as well as, failed to get the Gas-to-Energy project off the ground, despite continuous increases in national power demand.

The Petroleum Activities Act was passed in August 2023, positioning Guyana on the path of responsible, transparent and modern petroleum management, the statement noted.

Importantly, the government noted that contracts have been awarded for the Gas-to-Energy project with significant works already underway. The project, it said, will slash energy costs by 50 per cent while delivering clean and reliable energy by 2025.

While the APNU-AFC “dilly-dallied on the Stabroek Block oil audits”, under the tenure of the PPP/C government, two audits were completed for the period 1999 to 2017 and 2018 to 2020.

“As a manifestation of the government’s objective of upskilling Guyanese for the petroleum sector, a local firm was hired for the 20182020 audit. The procurement process for an audit of more costs has started and the award of a contract is imminent,” the

statement added.

Strengthened NRF

The government pointed out that it came to light that the previous administration had unjustly instituted a Natural Resource Fund (NRF) that would have produced a power-drunk minister, and which had such a complex withdrawal rule that it was criticised by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for conspiring against transparency and public understanding.

These developments, the statement noted, unfolded in the aftermath of the coalition's ousting via a No-Confidence Motion, during which they clung to power, attempting to subvert democracy and execute a thwarted plot to manipulate the will of the people.

The government said that a strengthened NRF Act was passed in 2021, with robust provisions to improve transparency and accountability such as forming a Board of Directors, a nine-member committee for effective oversight, and mandatory publication of petroleum revenue reports in the Official Gazette, with 10 years’ imprisonment for non-compliance.

Hidden signing bonus

The coalition is under fire by the government again, for its lack of transparency regarding a signing bonus related to Guyana's oil sector.

According to the government, the coalition not only hid the US$18 million signing bonus paid by ExxonMobil but lied about its existence, and said it was a gift when caught.

The government said the Petroleum Activities Act clearly stipulates the instances where signature bonuses may be applied and the process for doing so.

“This was enforced for the 2022 Licensing Round where the minimum signing bonuses of US$10 million for shallow water blocks and US$20 million for deepwater blocks were defined in the requisite Gazette Notice and the published Terms of Reference. These efforts further underscore this Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.”

No review of EIA

Moreover, the coalition has been flayed for granting the Liza Phase One Environmental Permit on the same day they received the 1500-page Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project. “Not only does this prove they performed no review, but the

permit also violated the law, as it was given a 20-year term despite the law allowing a maximum five-year term.”

The government has ensured that the permits were brought into compliance with the law. All permits are now subjected to a rigorous review process.

APNU+AFC must answer for its record

Before the APNU+AFC ventures to heap coals on the continuous improvements in the sector, the government said the Opposition must first answer for its record.

According to the PPP/C administration, it is tone-deaf for the Opposition to say that the government is not administering the Stabroek Block

government has continued to provide ongoing vigilance, adaptation, and community engagement which are crucial to ensure that the petroleum sector serves as a catalyst for broad-based economic development in Guyana.

Additional achievements

In an effort to encourage ethical methods of oil and gas extraction, the government has completely redesigned its system of environmental licenses.

These include establishing cradle-to-grave waste management, charging a US$50 flaring fee, requiring the presence of an in-country capping stack, requiring the subscription to another contingency plan, and requiring the treatment of produced water to international

Landmark legislation addressing oil spills is in progress, complemented by the establishment of an Oil and Gas Department at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and the launch of a petroleum website for public updates.

The government is investing in institutional strengthening, including the development of technical capacity within entities like the

contract as it should.

It noted that this demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the issue, while highlighting that the APNU+AFC faced years of public outcry to institute a Local Content Act and audit ExxonMobil’s costs.

The ministry explained: “Effective contract administration involves rigorous monitoring and oversight of offshore operations to ensure compliance with the agreement’s terms, and utilization of the terms to secure benefits for the people of Guyana.”

“These are arguably two of the most critical contract administration needs, but they were ignored. Today, Guyana’s petroleum sector is governed by a modern legal framework, improved contracts, and environmental stringency. The PPP/C administration has made substantial progress in rectifying the governance deficiencies inherited from the APNU+AFC era.”

These efforts have not only stabilized the sector but also positioned it for more sustainable and inclusive growth, the statement added. The PPP/C

standards.

The historic first licensing round in Guyana has begun, and this year's announcement of awards is anticipated. Based on industry-wide standards, the government has unveiled two updated model Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs).

These include better financial terms, like a new royalty rate of 10%, a lowered cost recovery ceiling of 65%, and a 10% tax on petroleum profits for concessions in both deep and shallow water.

The government has strengthened the Field Development Plan (FDP) review process which takes a minimum of seven months. This now entails a more detailed review which has led to more fulsome submissions in line with international standards and stringent Petroleum Production Licences.

A US$2 billion parent company guarantee for oil spills and a US$600M per occurrence insurance package have been secured, enhancing spill response and inspection capabilities.

Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Local Content Secretariat and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Additionally, the Gas Monetization Strategy is nearing finalization, while over 1,200 Guyanese are undergoing training for oil and gas sector opportunities, with a focus on nearshoring.

A significant allocation of $420.5 million has been earmarked for training programmes, aiming to prepare up to 4,500 individuals for jobs in the sector by 2026.

The Guyana Technical Training College in Port Mourant, Berbice, inaugurated in early 2024, will equip participants with hands-on experience in practical operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks.

Through partnerships with oil-producing nations, such as Brazil, India, Ghana, Suriname, the Dominican Republic, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Trinidad and Tobago, among others, Guyana aims to strengthen economic diplomacy in the oil sector.

To bolster auditing capacity, the Guyana Revenue Authority is ramping up efforts, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure for real-time monitoring of offshore oil and gas activities.

The Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel is producing oil offshore Guyana at the ExxonMobil-operated Stabroek Block

Boycotting ‘we own people just plain stupid’

DEEMING it just “plain stupid,” Jermaine Figueira, a member of the People’s National Congress (PNC), on Saturday, flayed his party supporters who called for the boycott of Guyanese-owned businesses that engaged and welcomed President Dr Irfaan Ali during his recent visit to New York.

In a letter to the press, Figueira, who is also a sitting Member of Parliament (MP) for the opposition A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), said Dr Ali’s visit to Brooklyn underscores the

importance of engaging with diaspora communities and recognising their contributions to national development.

While not naming them, Figueira’s letter comes at a time when Mark Benschop and Rickford Burke’s organisation, Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), openly called for the boycott of Guyanese-owned businesses in the diaspora that embraced the President.

The MP said that it is imperative for fellow Guyanese in the diaspora to reject such a boycott.

“Boycotting Guyanese

businesses, "we own" people in a foreign land is just plain stupid. How is that going to achieve anything good?

We have hundreds of foreign-owned supermarkets popping up in every part of Guyana and no Guyanese is calling for a boycott of their businesses so why the self-hate and intended hurt on ourselves?” Figueira argued.

He posited that there should be advocacy for dialogue and constructive engagement to address all grievances.

“The strength of any community lies in its diversity and unity. The Guyanese diaspora, comprising individuals of various ethnicities, backgrounds, and beliefs, embodies this diversity that makes us Guyanese, that makes us unique with the potential to be strong. Instead of fostering division through myopic and irrational foolishness, we must strive to build bridges that connect us and promote understanding and collaboration.”

He also noted that boycotting Guyanese-owned

- PNC’s Figueira lashes out at party operatives

businesses not only hurts and undermines the economic livelihood of these individuals but also perpetuates division and animosity within the community.

According to the PNC member, boycotting Guyanese-owned businesses serves as a detriment to entrepreneurship, employment opportunities, and economic growth within the diaspora.

“These businesses are often the backbone of local economies, providing employment opportunities, goods, and services to the community especially our fellow Guyanese, giving them a piece of home. By supporting these businesses, we contribute to the economic prosperity of our fellow Guyanese and foster a sense of collective empowerment.

“Many Guyanese-owned

businesses have overcome numerous challenges to establish themselves in their respective services in a foreign land. By patronising these businesses, we not only support their growth but also celebrate their achievements and contributions to the community,” the APNU MP said.

He further argued, “I say again, that the call for a boycott of Guyanese-owned businesses within the diaspora is misguided, self-destructive, and counterproductive. Instead of fostering division and animosity amongst ourselves, we must strive to build bridges that promote unity, dialogue, and collaboration.

“As we navigate the complexities of our shared history and collective aspirations, let us remember that it is through equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, bipartisanship on what is best for Guyana, having respect for the rule of law, unity, and solidarity, that we can achieve true prosperity and progress,” he said.

APNU+AFC MP, Jermaine Figueira

Norton ‘shamelessly’ makes election promises to Amerindians, despite party’s track record

- Jagdeo blasts APNU for its ‘hypocrisy’, highlights how PPP/C restored prosperity to Indigenous communities

EVEN with a track record of placing Amerindians on the backburners of development, Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, has “shamelessly” rolled out election promises to several indigenous communities, according to People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who placed the Opposition on blast for their “hypocrisy.”

During his weekly press conference at the party’s headquarters, Dr Jagdeo, while staying committed to his promise of not allowing the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) disguised as the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to inject untruths into the Guyanese people’s minds, reminded the population of what occurred under the previous coalition administration.

“Without any shame, Norton promised to empower the indigenous communities economically; he wants to make every Amerindian a contractor because the PPP only has a few contractors in these areas. Nevermind you don't have contracts or allocation

of government money to do these contracts, but he wants to make everybody a contractor,” Jagdeo said.

Referencing a news report in which Norton accused the government of “hypocrisy,” Dr Jagdeo poured cold water on this claim and pointed to evidence that places the shoe on APNU’s foot.

“The most hypocritical party that you could ever find in this hemisphere and maybe one of the most hypocritical parties in the world is APNU and they do this barefacedly,” the PPP General Secretary stated.

Further, he highlighted that unlike the APNU, which cut the budget for roads, the governing PPP/C administration has made tremendous investments within this area.

From 2020 to now, the PPP General Secretary stated that this government has allocated and spent approximately $30 billion on mining and connecting internal paved roads.

This expenditure, according to him, does not

take into consideration the billions spent to upgrade other hinterland roads.

“So, this is a party [APNU] that cut the allocation for roads in the hinterland and they didn't cut it from 2015. You recall that when they had the oneseat majority in 2012, from 2012 to 2015, they cut all the hinterland allocations by nearly $90 billion; for roads, hinterland airstrips, almost everything to do with indigenous communities. But he [Norton] goes there again to say ‘We'll build more roads in your communities’.”

In the villages of Mabaruma and Port Kaituma, the PPP/C government is spending nearly $600 million to do about three kilometres of internal roads and according to Jagdeo, maybe another $400 billion to do about another two kilometres of internal roads in those same places.

As Dr Jagdeo examined the extensive list of promises by the APNU, he touched on the Opposition’s promise of job op-

portunities.

“Now, this was the group that took away nearly 2000 jobs from Amerindian communities, $700 million lost in stipends for those people that lost jobs,” Dr Jagdeo reminded the public while pointing out that it was the ruling PPP/C that rehired those 2,000 workers and even increased the number to 2,700.

The Community Services Officers (CSOs) initiative was launched in 2014 under the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP). It targeted some 2,000 youths between the ages of 16-40 in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.

YEAP was part of the then PPP/C Government’s commitment to youth development and advancement, and investment in the lives of the Indigenous People.

Further, the current

government has expanded business opportunities for Amerindians.

“We have allocated, through the LCDs, $22.5 billion for one year alone. This year, there’ll probably be another allocation, that's probably more than APNU allocated in five years of projects in these areas,” adding that four state-ofthe-art hospitals are being built within the hinterland area and the land titling project progresses under the PPP/C.

Further, Dr Jagdeo cautioned Guyanese about these tactics being deployed by the Opposition as elections draw near.

“I had warned that this will happen as we get closer to the elections, you're going to have a whole slew of promises again, similar to 2015.... with them having no credibility or intention of fulfilling their promises,” Dr Jagdeo firmly stated.

PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Full transparency

THERE has been, within recent days, much media attention on the functioning of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), one of the most significant watchdog oversight committees, in terms of accountability of public funds. This important parliamentary oversight committee was set up during the period of colonial rule in 1957 by Standing Order 82 (1) of the National Assembly. It plays an important role in ensuring transparency and accountability in government finances.

One of the main tasks of the PAC is to scrutinise audited accounts as presented by the Auditor General's Report.

It is an established fact that the Office of the Auditor General was marginalised, both under the Forbes Burnham and the Desmond Hoyte administrations. For a number of consecutive years, there were no Auditor General Reports and as such, there could not have been any scrutiny of public funds over a prolonged period.

All of that changed after the PPP/C assumed office in October 1992. Not only was the Auditor General's Office strengthen, but Annual Reports to the National Assembly were done on an annual basis which allowed for full scrutiny of all public accounts.

It is hypocritical, therefore, for the political oppo-

sition to now pretend that it is one of the strongest advocates of public accountability when it was the one that was responsible for undermining the system of accountability of public funds during its 28 years in office. In this regard, it is useful to recall the period when Peter D'Aguiar, then Minister of Finance in the PNC-UF coalition government resigned in 1967 in utter disgust over corruption under the Forbes Burnham regime.

The political opposition is now seeking to project a view that the current PPP/C administration is standing in the way of the scrutiny of public funds at the level of the PAC. Nothing could be further from the truth. As

noted by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs with Responsibility for Governance, Ms Gail Teixeira, there are more meetings of the PAC now than under the previous APNU+AFC administration.

For example, the PAC of the 12th Parliament has already held 61 meetings, 17 more than under the Granger-led administration. According to Minister Teixeira, from 2021 to present, 61 meetings were held compared to 44 during the 2015-2019 period.

As far as reports detailing the work of the PAC covering the aforementioned period are concerned, one report was submitted to the National Assembly during the 10th Parliament; three reports covering six Annu-

al Reports during the 11th Parliament and two reports covering three Annual Audit Reports during the 12th Parliament.

The above does not in any way lend credence to opposition claims of a less than vibrant PAC, which unfortunately, seem to be uncritically parroted by some sections of the independent media.

As pointed out by Minister Teixeira, it was during the tenure of the APNU+AFC coalition that the levels of scandals and violations of the Procurement Act became widespread and pervasive.

As such, Government members of the PAC have no intention to hurriedly run through those years as the Opposition members would

like to have done for obvious political reasons. The objective of the opposition, she said, is to rush through these reports to detract public focus on what transpired during those years.

The PAC is too important a body for the political opposition to seek to use it in a partisan way with the view of attempting to score cheap political points. The PPP/C administration must be commended for strengthening public accountability and full transparency in the management of public funds in Guyana, both at the executive and at the highest legislative levels.

Brooklyn loves and adores President Ali

Dear Editor, BROOKLYN is bedazzled by the black, brown and beautiful Guyanese neighbourhoods, beaming with their rich, cultural heritage and booming with the business of ancestral tastes and cuisines. Bars are also stocked with Demerara beverages and beers. Bakeries ensure that bread, buns and other delicacies are available, so that the tongue is still savoured by the Berbice hospitality. Many were born from Burnham’s brutish period with banned goods and beckoned their chances for betterment by migrating.

Today, they are happy that they made the right choice and ran for their lives from the tyranny of the dictator. They are overwhelmed that the PNC is not in power and the PPP/C Government is working in the interest of all Guyanese, unlike the straining reign of PNC selfishness.

Brooklyn is also beautified with buildings which house families with close ties with their motherland while brightly lit with the brilliance of bookworms at academic

institutions, bookies at the races, blonds and brunettes for beauties, and broads, and yes, bums, too, who beg. A Borough for political bureaucracy, Maduro’s fantasy for Essequibo is not lost, as the breeze, from Crabwood Creek to Charity, blows all across to Brooklyn with President Ali’s theme, ‘One Guyana’. Guyanese overseas are committed to their loyalty to this nation, and have pledged not to give away any blade of grass or curass which belong to their country. They are supportive of President Ali’s handling of the situation, and complying with the progress from the ICJ process, while at the said time, praising him.

Brooklyn is also belittled with bandits, bad influences for crime and big-timers for bigshots. There are the braggards who boast about everything to impress while depressed with nothing to backup. Fearful of returning home, failures fly on failed fortunes and continue to daydream in a foreign fairyland. Rent, romance and rum ruin many as they rummage through the garbage, with baggage on their shoulder, to manage a

livable package while unable to book a passage to Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Many express dissatisfactions with their way of life, and are hoping that one day they will find it possible to return to their land where their navel strings are buried, especially on learning of all the good things the PPP/C government is doing!

Brooklyn is bombarded with many who are sold on the idea of becoming rich overnight. But as the cold weather unfolds, blooming flowers wither, and braving your way in the snow is the reality show rather than basking in the sun at 63 Beach. When the bills pile up and the brows are knitted, Tiger Bay looks brighter than Bayside or Broadway. Baseball and basketball cannot replace the game of bat-and-ball at Bourda. Merely thinking about it becomes the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Brooklynites’ honour was battered and bruised when they became knowledgeable of the attempted election 2020 rigging by the PNC. The Ranger became a stranger and cannot dare show his

face again. These Guyanese do not like when the PNC try to make them look like fools! They want to know, why can’t the PNC play fair like the PPP/C?

Brooklyn was the sight of delight last week when President Ali bowled bouncers, and the likes of a Burke or Benschop were beaten and couldn’t battle with him as they ran for cover while cowering. He shunned his presidential position to mix and mingle with the man in the street like an ordinary citizen. Guyanese from all walks of life rushed to hug and kiss the man of the moment, as others shook hands and patiently waited to have their pictures taken with him. President Ali was heartfully welcomed with open arms, as people fell on each other just to be seen with him. It wasn’t just a social, Facebook or Kodak moment, but a real opportunity to meet a humble man, who has sacrificed so much to bring Guyanese out of the miseries administered by the crafty PNC Party. As the PNC leader was shedding bitter tears at this touching and tender moment, other

members were listening to the noise of silence to drown out the sound of joy reverberating from across the Atlantic Ocean. Guyanese can differentiate the distinction between a real PPP/C Party and a surreal PNC Party.

Brooklyn, being part of the Diaspora, which is referred to as Region 11, sent a message of hope, harmony and happiness to the PPP/C, and a motion of hopelessness, haplessness and heaviness to the PNC. Burnham’s soap opera is crumbling as the episodes lose their value, and the end is inevitable as the writers run out of scripts for the dying actors who are bleeding profusely. The turning tide has ushered in a feeling of redemption, and Guyanese in the land where people live the American dream, are awakening to the smell of oil, which is boosting Guyana’s economy, boasting the country’s development, and bragging the pride of a nation. This has broken the ego of a hurt PNC Party, berated their standard, and bashed their faith. These Guyanese are aware that the PNC is running helter-skelter,

hurling

Brooklynites realise that the PPP/C, led by an energetic, enthusiastic and educated President Ali, is a Party better than the rest. They know that the best is yet to come from this Party, and joining hands with winners can fulfil the American dream in Guyana, while following losers will see them remaining in a land that is foreign to their habitat. President Ali’s meet-the-people tour in Brooklyn is bad news for the Burnhamites, Burke and Benschop. His informal visit was not to berate the Opposition but simply to spend quality time with those he regard as his own people. As a family man, he loves to band with all Guyanese whom he regard as his own ‘kith and kin’, regardless of colour, race, gender, religion or political affiliation. President Ali is genuinely non-discriminatory, and the people love and adore him in Brooklyn. Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

abuse at each other and heading towards a cat and not a dog fight.

Can Irfaan Ali win a twothirds majority in 2025?

THE 2025 election is in November 2025. At the rate in which time is ticking away (we are at the end of April and 2024 just began after Christmas 2023). The election season begins months before the day of voting. I think Irfaan Ali will increase his party’s parliamentary seats. The question is by how much and if he can pull off a twothirds majority.

Here is how I see the election scene. I think the PPP will be re-elected. Political theory supports such a prediction. Class-divided societies endure revolutionary upheavals because the demands for the distribution of the country’s wealth are normally rejected by the ruling classes.

Revolution comes about because there are strata who feel that they do not share in the country’s wealth. In no

other country is that feeling greater than in the United States, a country with stupendous wealth under a capitalist system. But wealth is incredibly skewed in favour of three layers in the bourgeoisie – the lower bourgeoisie, the upper bourgeoisie, and the expanding mega-rich. For a country so rich, the numbers of poor people are simply beyond belief. One theory of America’s capitalist system is that it is not normal capitalism but a monstrous hybrid. Some economists say what the US has is not capitalism but some other ism. A successful capitalist system is China and Scandinavia with China having less inequality than Scandinavia. In Guyana, petrodollars are being used which allows for the distribution of wealth.

Of course, you cannot expect that in a petro-economy, the petty bourgeoisie will not

expand. But in both the 2023 and 2024 budgets wealth is being shared that will attenuate class and ethnic antagonism. My take on Irfaan Ali is that he is a 1992 Jaganite.

In 1992, Jagan agreed to the expansion of capitalism in Guyana but Jagan was inflexible that the state must play a leading role in eradicating class inequalities. I believe that if Burnham’s economy did not collapse in 1980, we could have had a fair share of wealth distribution. The difference between Burnham and Jagan is that Jagan would have allowed for political power to be diffused. Burnham as a matter of deep, ideological embrace gave no recognition to the democratic interplay of political pluralism. That was his intergang.

President Ali will follow the Cheddi Jagan of 1992 and I believe he has exceed-

ed Jagan in the context of crossover of ethnic support. The Ali presidency is infused with the personality of the immediate post-colonial ambition of Third World leaders endowed with the dream of post-colonial equality.

The question is can he get the 10 more seats to acquire a two-thirds majority? It will be hard work but it can be a reality. The PNC lost five seats to Raphael Trotman’s third party in 2006. One of the factors was the uninspiring leadership of Robert Corbin. Corbin knew his time was up and he did the admiring thing to concede the subsuming of the PNC under a bigger umbrella in 2010.

The PNC is facing the identical dilemma with Norton but the 10 seats that Irfaan needs may be easier to get under Norton. Two factors explain this. There

were less infighting and leadership arrogance under Corbin than Norton. Anyone who knows Norton for more than 10 years will tell that the “I know it all syndrome” is deeply embedded in him.

Secondly, if the ballots at the August congress have been tampered with, the PNC will certainly face implosion, the reasoning being very interesting and fascinating. All the challengers feel that they can preserve the PNC’s electoral staying power if Norton is not the leader in 2025. Actually, they feel that the PNC can do better in 2025 if Norton is not there.

If there is ballot tampering and Norton remains, Africans will have two electoral choices –stay home or give substantial votes to Irfaan. They gave substantial votes to Trotman and they will give Irfaan those numbers in 2025 disregarding ethnic

consciousness. Dr. Ali has made inroads into PNC constituencies which for obvious reasons anti-PPP organisations and politicians cannot recognise. Ali comes across as a modern day Cheddi Jagan to the African working class but more so to the nascent African petty bourgeoisie, the young African middle class and the small African peasantry. Ali will continue to use state resources to reach out to the African world in Guyana right up to November 2025. What is wrong with that in terms of political pragmatism? It is inherent in political competition and there has been no exception to that in modern politics. In another column, I will look at how Ali can acquire some seats from non-PNC sources to make up the 10 he needs for a two-thirds victory.

Empowering Women: ExxonMobil

Guyana’s Corporate Social Responsibility

RESEARCH shows a positive correlation between the advancement of women and global progress. From a strategic standpoint, investing in women transcends corporate social responsibility, presenting a beneficial approach for government and business entities.

Through initiatives like the Guyana Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship, the government has made strides in providing access to education, with over 50 per cent of the beneficiaries being women. Additionally, First Lady Arya Ali's support for women's education and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security's Women's Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme underscore a national commitment to fostering women's growth. The WIIN programme offers training in various skills that contribute to employment and entrepreneurial ventures for women.

ExxonMobil, recog -

nising the intersection of corporate success with societal prosperity, has made significant investments in female entrepreneurship globally and within Guyana. These investments aim at socio-economic development, enhancing women's capacities across different economic sectors. Partnerships with organisations like the Cherie Blair Women Foundation have facilitated impactful training programmes, such as 'Road to Growth' and 'Road to Finance', designed to improve financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills among women.

The 'HerVenture' app, supported by ExxonMobil Guyana, exemplifies the company's commitment to providing accessible entrepreneurial resources. This app, targeting women in the start-up or growth phase, offers comprehensive learning on essential business topics, impacting over 12,000 Guyanese women. Similarly, the 'Road to Finance' training

aims to bolster the financial acumen of women entrepreneurs, further indicating the company’s dedication to women's economic empowerment.

ExxonMobil Guyana also extends its support by sponsoring events and health initiatives, such as the recent 'WE LIFT' exhibition and the Guyana Cancer Foundation's medical outreach programmes. These efforts provide platforms for women entrepreneurs and contribute to their health and well-being.

Considering Guyana's projected economic growth, with an estimated GDP increase of 33.9% in 2024, ExxonMobil Guyana's initiatives to empower women are aligned with the broader goals of inclusive economic development. This strategic focus not only enhances the company's corporate profile but also contributes significantly to the socio-economic fabric of Guyana.

Guyana and CARICOM embrace Palestine, Haiti and ALBA-TCP’s Bolivarian Alternatives

NEVERMIND being overly underestimated by critics yet to fully appreciate its positive roles in quiet management of the processes leading to a peaceful transition to a new ‘government’ in Haiti earlier this week and tempering the noises in the Guyana-Venezuela controversy ahead of heady elections in Caracas in July, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) continues demonstrating it can be counted on to break-the-ice when it matters, including in global diplomatic deadlocks.

CARICOM member states, last week, quietly agreed to recognise Palestine as a state.

Guyana, as Chair of CARICOM, welcomed

and hosted United Nations (UN) and Palestinian representatives in Georgetown and issued a statement supporting the Palestinian Authority (PA) being elevated from its current ‘Observer’ status.

Guyana, as President of the UN Security Council, at the time, had earlier donated to food aid for Gaza and joined member states’ efforts to recognise Palestine as a full member state and with equal rights as Israel, which got UN recognition in 1967, through the same process now being denied Palestine.

Guyana’s statement was also echoed by others from Barbados, Jamaica and other member states.

The CARICOM member states’ decision to recognise and establish bi -

lateral ties with the PA has certainly up-ended the endless efforts by the US to continue its decades-old prevention of UN recognition of Palestine.

Just last week, the UN General Assembly and Security Council were ready to finally upgrade Palestine’s status from Observer to Full Member, but were (again) blocked by US veto.

Even though Washington claims to support ‘a two-state solution’ to the unending crisis facing Palestine at the hands of Israel since Israel started grabbing its lands in 1948, the US steadfastly refuses to allow Palestine to become a state.

The US insists on using its veto (as a Permanent Member) against any fair vote it doesn’t agree to, shifting goalposts where

deemed necessary and engaging plausible deniability to continue supporting its allies in pursuit of its ‘national interests’ abroad.

In Cuba’s case, in 1972 (before CARICOM was established) four newly-independent Caribbean nations (Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago) together recognised Havana, breaking the continental and international embargo imposed by Washington after the failure of the USbacked 1961 Bay of Pigs (Playa Giron) invasion and the 1962 declaration the revolution wanted to build ‘socialism’.

CARICOM adopted and has maintained that position of collective recognition of and support for Cuba’s right to self-determination for all of its five decades.

Its member states vote consistently every year, with the rest of the world, against the six-decades-old embargo and related sanctions, blockades and other measures aimed at lowering the quality of life on the most embargoes island on Planet Earth.

In its efforts to force regime change in Cuba from without and within, Washington (under both Republican and Democratic administrations) has, for 63 years subjected ordinary Cuban citizens to sub-human and unequal status, condemned to starvation and eternal misery in global isolation.

Nevermind then-outgoing US President Barack Obama’s positive decision to make a private visit with First Lady Michelle just days before leaving the White House, no US president has come even close to supporting lifting of the heaviest sanctions imposed by Washington.

Indeed, President Donald Trump added Cuba to America’s home-grown

‘list’ of nations Uncle Sam wants the world to believe are ‘exporters of terrorism’ and ‘axes of evil’ – and President Joe Biden hasn’t even looked at it…

There’s growing support among Americans for normalisation with Cuba, including in the US House and Senate but the highprized and priceless electoral value of the large anti-Cuba exile population in Florida always outweighs either party’s will for a diplomatic solution.

Throughout it all, however, Cuba has been a grateful friend to its CARICOM neighbours, never relenting in its provision of health, education and other forms of bilateral and multilateral assistance through free annual scholarships and through the over-three-decades-old Cuba-CARICOM trade pact.

Latin American and Caribbean ties also continue to be strengthened and/or resumed by CARICOM at various levels in the face of continuing external political and economic, social, diplomatic and commercial pressures from global partners mainly in Europe and North America.

The 23rd ALBA-TCP summit was hosted by Venezuela on April 24 and attended by several CARICOM leaders, who reaffirmed their governments’ commitments to the Latin American and Caribbean political and trade alliance.

ALBA-TCP -- like the wider Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) -- brings together English and Spanish-speaking member states from the Caribbean’s island-region and the South American mainland.

The ALBA-TCP leaders discussed ‘The 2030 Strategic Agenda’ that guides the path to be followed in their search for sustainable

development of member states in the coming years, in social, economic, political and cultural areas of mutual interest.

Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, who attended, said his nation and people are “friends of peace” who “condemn interference” and also “fight against poverty and climate change.”

Pierre rejected sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela as "unfair and unnecessary” and called for them be “eliminated in all countries." On Haiti, he called for “cessation of hostilities” there, “where citizens also have the right to exist and to live."

The Saint Lucia leader, approaching his third year in office on July 26, advocated “reinforcing food security” and “improving air transport links” among ALBA-TCP island-nations. He identified “improved regional air interconnection” and “food security” as both being “of high importance” for the Caribbean and Latin American island nations and appealed for advancing negotiations with Venezuela’s Conviasa airline, to establish more and more regular flight routes.

Pierre said such air links can also promote the tourism industries of Barbados, Bolivia, Cuba, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Venezuela, among others.

The Saint Lucia PM, whose ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) won a 13-4 victory in 2021 that soon metamorphosed into a 15-2 majority in the 17-member na tional parliament, said ALBA-TCP “can count on the participation of Saint Lucia in all actions for regional survival and advancement.”

He also wished success to the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, in the upcoming national elections

PPP’s Congress: Looking ahead

THE People’s Progressive Party will select its Central Committee (CC) and General Secretary (GS) to lead the charge into the next general elections billed for 2025. The party will also witness an influx of new membership that will form part of its over 3, 000 delegates and observers when it hosts its 32nd Congress at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal, Georgetown.

This year’s theme will be ‘Strengthen the Party, Defend Guyana, Unite Our People for Progress and Prosperity.’ All eyes will be placed on the party’s current CC and membership as they seek to navigate real discussions about the PPP and the future, its track record since returning to the helm of government in 2020, manifesto accomplishments and progress, and the challenges that have dogged the party.

There will be candid discussions about the lessons learned from the 2020 election and the aftermath with party delegates planning to

ask some critical questions of the leadership.

Presumably, party members will also be longing to hear about the climate now as it pertains to the body politic in Guyana and how the PPP plans to defeat the opposition in next year's polls because there is a real fear that the opposition will try again to rig the process, turning to violence if they cannot get their way.

There might be a discussion on serious and contentious matters like the party’s philosophy and whether its current working-class ideology is achieving enough results. One thing is certain, though - the party’s membership and delegates will be more diverse and inclusive of persons from all walks of life, and inbred racism will be tackled head-on by party leaders as this is not a policy of the PPP.

Looking ahead, the party will have several discussions in the three-day exercise on democracy and the many different, changing notions of what it means to have

freedom of expression. The PPP, it is hoped, will come up with a broad concept of how it will utilise social media platforms to its advantage in the lead-up to this election and beyond.

A very pointed and open discussion will take place about Venezuela’s unjustifiable and unmeritorious claim to the Essequibo, the opposition’s racism and discrimination campaign, and building a “One Guyana” platform for the 2025 Elections.

Interestingly, President Irfaan Ali has stated that he is not interested in running for any Executive Position in the party such as the GS, Executive Secretary or Finance Secretary. Testing his popularity though among the PPP, he is likely to contest the CC before clinching the second-top spot or first in the party. This is because Ali has risen to the challenge and has been doing a terrific and excellent job as the President of Guyana, dodging, with impeccable success, every curveball thrown at him by the opposition.

Despite the opposition’s intent to divide Guyana along racial lines, and cause disruption to labour using all manner of tactics and playing old tricks, Ali continues to receive awards and accolades, internationally and domestically, for fighting climate change, getting more accountability and action from the developed world on various issues, championing the causes of CARICOM and the Caribbean Region in Sports, Tourism, Security and Regional Integration etc.

Current GS and the party leader, Bharrat Jagdeo will be vying to keep his job, accepting any nomination from the party’s groups. More than likely, Jagdeo will be returned unanimously to the helm of the party since he has done a splendid and excellent job at keeping the opposition at bay and from the seat of power.

He is a very powerful politician who understands the crass, polarizing, complex and bitter nature of Guyanese politics. Over the years from 2015 to 2024, Jagdeo

has not placed a band-aid on the wounds of the PPP supporters but has come up with a genuine effort to listen attentively to their concerns and work towards fixing them permanently. He has unified the party and restored hope, through working collaboratively with party groups and respecting the party structure.

Anil Nandlall, Dr Frank Anthony, Zulfikar Mustapha and Gail Teixeira are four prime, critical and very knowledgeable senior party officials who are slated to compete for the next top party posts while Dharamkumar Seeraj, Donald Ramotar, Kwame Mc Coy, Nigel Dharmalall, Dr Vindhya Persaud, Clement Ro -

hee, Collin Croal, Charles Ramson Jr, Pauline Sukhai, and Dr Jennifer Westford will try to hold or improve their standing in the party.

There could be a few youthful surprises and shockers coming from the youth fold and women’s arms of the party as well as new faces.

Finally, the congress will be a test for the party and its members. It could be a success or a disaster given the secretive nature of voting for party positions. It could serve as a point to look ahead to the next general elections, functioning as a point to retool the political artillery and personnel.

More than 2000 Karaudarnau residents to benefit from upgraded water supply system

THE prolonged dry spell across the country has severely depleted water supply in many regions, forcing authorities to seek alternative measures to ensure citizens have a sustainable supply of this important commodity.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and

Water, Susan Rodrigues who is currently on a twoday outreach to the Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine, commissioned the Karaudarnau Water Supply System.

She was accompanied by the Hinterland Service Director, Ramchand Jailall, and several other technical

officers from the region. The upgraded systems serve a combined total exceeding 2,000 households, including schools, government offices, and health centres. The villages that benefitted from the upgrades are; Karaudarnau, Awarewaunau, and Rupunau.

The Karaudarnau Water Supply System underwent a significant upgrade in 2023.

With two drilled wells, elevated storage facilities, and an expanded distribution network, the system's coverage was boosted to reach 80 per cent of the village.

This overhaul includ -

ed the installation of new distribution lines and elevated storage, enabling service connections for an additional 120 households, many of whom gained access for the first time. The total investment for the new water system is $61.60 million.

The Minister and team

also held a brief interactive session with residents of the community as she engaged them on other sector matters that are affecting them.

The residents were also told of other Government interventions that will continue to improve the quality of life.

Four ultrasound units given to Region Nine hospitals

ULTRASOUND services

will now be offered to residents of Annai, Karasabai, Aishalton and Sand Creek in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), eliminating the need for residents to travel to Lethem to access such services.

During his visit to the Rupununi on Friday, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony formally handed over the units to Regional Chairman Brian Allicok at the Lethem Regional Hospital’s boardroom. All four units were purchased from General Electric, a world-renowned American company which produces systems such as these, at a cost of US$30,000.

During brief remarks, Minister Anthony emphasised that the new units will enhance diagnostic capabilities in these facilities.

“Not just at Lethem, but in other outlying areas to have the capacity to be able to do ultrasounds. As you can see, these are top-quality

ultrasound machines,” the minister stated, adding, “The imaging quality is quite remarkable, so this is going to be another tool that will help the doctors to make better diagnoses in the region.” He also urged the Maternal and Child Health personnel to utilise these machines for expectant mothers, to detect whether they are at risk and to monitor their well-being.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health will soon roll out Sonography or ultrasound training in collaboration with Mohawk College, a Canadian institution. Sixteen persons have already been identified to be among the first batch of persons to receive the training, the first kind of training to be conducted.

“By providing a different tier of training, having a technician like how we have X-ray technicians…if they cannot do the interpretation, then the interpretation can

be done by a doctor and with these machines, we’ll also have the capability of sending some of the images to a central location like in Georgetown,” the minister explained.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Brian Allicock expressed how proud he is to witness the revolution of healthcare in the Rupununi region. Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Cerdel Mcwatt also delivered brief remarks.

Only recently, similar units were handed over to Regions Three, Four and Five to expand services offered at health facilities within these regions.

Since 2020, billions of dollars in investments have been plugged into the health sector, with a staggering $129.8 billion budgeted in 2024 for the continued transformation of the health sector into one that meets world-class standards. (DPI)

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, commissioned the Karaudarnau Water Supply System

Minister Rodrigues with regional officials and community members

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony

Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway slated for June completion

THE construction of the new Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway is set to be completed by June, significantly alleviating traffic congestion for thousands of commuters on the West Bank and West Coast Demerara.

This overall project, which is being executed to the tune of about $15.1 billion, is about 70 per cent complete. Minister of Hous-

ing and Water, Collin Croal, disclosed during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), on Wednesday last.

“The level of traffic that is affected between that bottleneck coming from Crane or even Vreed-en-Hoop coming to the bridge…will be significantly reduced…That is a lot of time that it takes up in terms of traffic flow. So, we are envisaging a mid-year

completion,” he stressed.

The project is divided into 12 lots. It will feature an emergency lane, 4.1 kilometres of dual-carriageway road, rehabilitation of 2.4 kilometres of roads, medians, two roundabouts, 11 reinforced concrete culverts, and 36 pre-stressed bridges.

“Most of the lots have progressed well. It is only one lot that is behind time. And we [implemented]

mechanisms to bring that up and to have both night and day work being done. Overall, for that four-lane, [we are] close to 70 per cent complete…Taking into consideration, we still have the roundabout to be completed…”, the minister noted.

He emphasised that one of the lots has already been completed. Additionally, the completion rates for some of the other lots fall within

the 80s and 90s percentage brackets.

The building of this Schoonord to Crane fourlane highway is a major component of the continuous infrastructure transformation taking place across the country.

It is expected that these infrastructural developments will greatly improve Guyana’s transportation system, boost economic development

while creating job opportunities.

The contracts for this project, inked in September 2022, were awarded to VR Construction Inc., Avinash Contracting & Scrap Metal Inc., L-Heureuse Construction and Services Inc., GuyAmerica Construction Inc., AJM Enterprise, Vals Construction, Puran Bros Disposal Inc., and JS Guyana Inc.

Work is ongoing at the new Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway

Guyana’s historic zoo undergoes massive rehabilitation

By Shaniya Harding

THE Guyana Zoological Park Wildlife and Rescue Centre has captivated children and adults for over 70 years. Its wide array of animals and welcoming atmosphere have crafted a popular tourist destination.

After being in service for more than seven decades, however, the staff and stakeholders have sought to give Guyana’s zoo an upgrade.

On Saturday morning, a crew of more than 200 people set out in the rehabilitation attempts. Members of both the public and private sectors worked alongside park staff and kid members of the public. Commissioner (ag) of the Protected Areas Commission, Jason Fraser told this newspaper that this programme is just the first of many.

During an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Fraser shared that the project was a long-awaited one.

“We have heard the calls, and we've decided, you know what, let's get everybody involved because, we said, let's kick-start the rehabilitation drive of the zoological park by inviting persons so they

can have a feel for what's happening here, because there are quite a few persons that [sic] haven't been in here for a very long time. We wanted to invite them in and have them start the process with us.”

On the note of development, the commission is looking towards a great number of partnerships. Fraser cited the Ministry of Public Works, as well as, the Office of the First Lady as a few of the partnering bodies seeking

to alleviate some of the zoo’s issues.

The zoo has battled with drainage for several years; this is an area the commission and partners are working on. “When it comes to the drainage, we would lean more toward our sister agencies like GWI is right there. They maintain that canal. Then we have the [National] Drainage and Irrigation Authority, which they've been helping us a great deal over the years, especially the Na-

tional Park. But now we want to shift some attention here because we also need drainage work,” Fraser noted. Fraser further stated that more steps are being taken on an international level to develop the zoo.

“I know we like to use the word transformation, but I think we need to first preserve what we have before we start adding more. So that's what we're going to do this year. And next year, we'll think about what

other arrangements we can put in place. For now, we're working on a twinning kind of arrangement with Qatar. We're working with Technical Assistance and Knowledge Transfer with Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago sit [sic] in a similar area. I think their zoo is seven acres. Our zoo is six acres, so it's very similar. So, things are happening.”

Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC),

Robert Persaud, took a walkthrough of the project and shared his views on the initiative.

“This is an important part of our city, and that is the Geological [sic] Park, but also part of the Botanical Garden. And what it represents is a sample of our rich fauna and flora. And so, it is not only an experience for family, but it is also one for children and others to be educated and to understand the rich biodiversity of our country. For those who cannot travel and go into the hinterland, and go into the rainforest, or go into the wetlands, or go into the savannahs, the intention of the Botanical Garden, as a subset of the Geological [sic] Park, is to bring that rich biodiversity here.”

He emphasised that there are progressive plans for the future, and improving the zoo is just the first step.

“Enhancing this is to enhance the experience, enhance the education, because, you know, we are a model globally in terms of how we manage and protect our environment. And so, it is important, too, that this type of facility, too, that is so enhanced, that it can enrich the experience, but also tell the story of Guyana.”

Meanwhile, the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller lauded the support of the project.

“I think the initiative is brilliant, I think it will get more people out to the zoo. Guyana should be very proud of its incredible biodiversity, and the zoo is the way that most people; without going to the hinterland can enjoy it.”

Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the PAC, Robert Persaud (left), along with Commissioner (ag) of the PAC, Jason Fraser and other officials at the zoo

British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller is up high painting! (Shaniece Bamfield photos)

Volunteers working to rehabilitate the zoo

‘Guyana will go down as one of the most successful deepwater developments in oil & gas history’

- ExxonMobil Chairman & CEO says

GUYANA’S oil ‘boom’ is serving as a catalyst for the transformation of the lives of Guyanese, and according to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ExxonMobil, Darren Woods, the nation will mark its name as one of the most successful deepwater developments in the history of the oil and gas industry.

“Our work in Guyana is delivering tangible benefits for the Guyanese people. The development of Guyana's energy economy drove the highest real GDP growth in the world in 2022. The oil and gas industry is directly supporting thousands of local suppliers and Guyanese workers ... I believe Guyana will go down as one of the most successful deepwater developments in the history of the industry.”

He made these remarks to investors during the company’s 2024 first-quarter earnings call.

Also, according to a press release on the oil giant’s 2024 first-quarter Corporate Earnings, Guyana’s oil production spells good news for all.

The release quoted Woods as stating: “We delivered a strong quarter with continued growth in advantaged assets, such as Guyana, where production continues at higher-than-expected levels, contributing to historic economic growth for the Guyanese people. In Product Solutions, our strong

turnaround performance on cost and schedule helped drive record first-quarter refining throughput.”

He added, “Looking ahead, we’re making great progress on our plans to grow the earnings power of our existing businesses from investments in advantaged assets and higher-value products, and further reduce structural costs. We are investing in technology to transform the molecules derived from oil and natural gas into products that extend our reach into new, high-value, high-growth markets to capture even greater value from our core competitive advantages.”

According to information from ExxonMobil, despite all odds, net production increased by 77,000 oil-equivalent barrels per day and was driven by the initiation of production at the Payara Development project, which reached its capacity of 220,000 barrels per day in mid-January, ahead of schedule. Just last month, ExxonMobil Guyana, announced that it has made an oil discovery at the Bluefin well in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana. This marked the company’s first discovery of 2024 and signals its continued progress in tapping into Guyana’s vast oil and gas potential.

The Bluefin well, drilled by the Stena Drillmax drillship in 4,244 feet (1,294 metres) of water, encountered approximately 197

feet (60 metres) of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone.

Situated about 8.5 kilometres southeast of the Sailfin-1 well, in the southeastern region of the Stabroek block, this discovery further bolsters ExxonMobil’s extensive exploration efforts in the area.

The Bluefin discovery adds to the impressive tally of more than 30 discoveries already made on the Stabroek block since 2015, underlining the area’s rich oil potential.

Notably, the Bluefin-1 exploration well is strategically located close to the Suriname border and lies six miles southwest of the Haimara-1 discovery, currently undergoing appraisal for potential gas development.

ExxonMobil’s exploration endeavours received regulatory approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in July 2023, enabling the company to proceed with plans to drill up to 35 exploration and/ or appraisal wells over the coming years.

This latest discovery reaffirms Guyana’s position as a key player in the global energy landscape and underscores ExxonMobil’s commitment to sustainable resource development in the region.

BETTERMENT FOR ALL

Also, in keeping with the government’s commitment to improving the lives of all

Guyanese, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said that, last year alone, over 350,000 Guyanese benefitted from almost $70 billion in oil revenues, and 1,500 oil- andgas companies benefitted significantly from the Local Content Act (LCA).

During a press conference at the Office of the President in January, Dr. Jagdeo said that $70 billion out of the budgeted $200 billion in oil revenues was spent on public servants, children, pensioners, those receiving public assistance, and parttime workers.

Additionally, Dr. Jagdeo highlighted that it was over 200,000 children, 74,000 pensioners, and 54,000 public servants who benefitted from those funds. Also, roughly 15,000 persons benefitted from the part-time jobs.

He expounded on several initiatives that the govern-

ment has been pursuing, noting that thousands of Guyanese are briskly pursuing a rapid developmental path in all avenues.

Within the PPP’s Manifesto, the upgrading of health facilities across the country, including the expansion of diagnostic services at key regional hospitals as well as improved ambulance services, were among the several promises delivered.

Following through on their commitments, there are 12 new regional hospitals being constructed nationwide, along with the upgrading of health centres to further enhance healthcare for all Guyanese.

Further, regarding affordable homeownership, the Vice-President emphasised that over 30,000 house lots were distributed within three years under the PPP/C government. This is a drastic increase when compared to

the 7,534 that were allocated under the previous APNU+AFC coalition during its entire five-year tenure.

Dr. Jagdeo also reflected on the education sector, and the limited number of opportunities for citizens under the previous APNU+AFC government. However, under the PPP/C government, thousands of Guyanese from different walks of life are able to access GOAL scholarships.

“If you go around the country, there are tens of thousands of Guyanese who are making progress; they’re getting more jobs. They’re getting more income; they now own a house lot; they are building a home. Many have started a business. A lot more people are in the oil and gas industry, working directly or indirectly for that sector,” the Vice-President remarked.

NGSA set for May 2 & 3

THE Ministry of Education (MoE) announced on Saturday that the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) will be written on May 2 and 3, 2024.

According to a memorandum by the Deputy Chief Education Officer (CEO)-Examinations, Ameer Ali, this assessment will be testing the Grades Three, Four, and Five Consolidated Curriculum.

English Paper I and II will be written on the morning of May 2, while Science Paper I and II will be written in the afternoon.

Further, on May 3, Mathematics Paper I and II will be written in the morning while the candidates will write Social Studies Paper I and II in the afternoon.

The MoE further stated that all examination centres must be fully prepared and organised by the afternoon

of April 30, 2024, and candidates must be fully aware of

their seating positions along with the entry and exit plans.

Also, the candidates must be reminded to use the pencil packages given to them by the MoE. The ministry emphasised that the guidelines and regulations must be followed by both candidates and invigilators.

Candidates must be seated at least 30 minutes before the commencement of the examinations for both morning and afternoon sessions and they must be seated in an arrangement using their NGSA candidate numbers.

The packages with examination papers must be opened and distributed in the presence of the seated candidates and all the necessary arrangements and provisions

must be in place for Special Needs (SEND) children and candidates writing the Spanish-translated papers.

The Ministry then stated that sanitisation stations must be operational in and around examination rooms to ensure everyone is sanitised. It was noted that the duration for Paper I and Paper II for all four subjects is 1 hour and 10 minutes. The reading time is 10 minutes.

While candidates are allowed to have a drink of water or liquid during the reading-writing time, they are not allowed to eat.

Also, emergency bathroom breaks must be facilitated with the candidate being accompanied by a supervisor or invigilator.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ExxonMobil, Darren Woods

Over 8,000 jobs created, $4.3B in loans granted in 2023 - IPED reports

THE disbursement of 4,881 loans valued at $4.3 billion by the Institute of Private Enterprise Development Limited (IPED) has contributed to the creation and maintenance of 8,655 jobs, according to the entity’s 2023 annual report.

According to Komal Samaroo, Chairman of the Board at IPED, “The strategic decision to focus the company’s resources on expanding micro and small loans ($2M-$7.5M) and reducing the micro loan interest rate by 31 per cent supported IPED’s growth for 2023 in its efforts to meet market demands for financing.”

IPED had serviced 4,750 small and micro enterprises, with non-performing loans reduced to $95 million. This is as result of its focus on engaging micro and small entrepreneurs exclusively.

According to the release, the company demonstrated financial resilience and operational efficiency, with total operating income increasing by 12 per cent to $952 million and operating surplus surging by 35 per cent to $301 million.

“Strategically, IPED expanded its micro and small loans portfolio, lowered interest rates, and enhanced support services for entrepreneurs. The institution's international presence was strengthened through partnerships such as the Memorandum of

Attacking Guyanese-owned businesses for engaging President Ali ‘unjust, unfair’ - GACC

THE Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) has condemned the attack by Opposition operatives who attempted to “unjustly punish” the innocent, Guyanese business owners in Brooklyn who simply embraced President, Dr Irfaan Ali, during his recent visit to New York.

Mark Benschop and

Understanding with the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, aimed at providing capacity-building training to entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead, IPED remains committed to leveraging technology for improved service delivery,

with plans to implement a state-of-the-art integrated loan management system.

Additionally, initiatives like the Technical Skillsbased Entrepreneurship Program reflect the company’s dedication to fostering sustainable business

practices and empowering individuals with technical expertise,” the release read.

"I am proud of IPED's achievements in 2023 and grateful for the dedication of our team, partners, and stakeholders," said Jagdesh Haripershad, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at IPED.

He added, "As we embrace the opportunities of the digital era, we remain steadfast in our mission to create a more inclusive and dynamic landscape for entrepreneurship."

“IPED's commitment to environmental sustainability was also highlighted, with initiatives like the Green Loan Product contributing to climate-resilient practices in Guyana,” according to the release.

“A call to boycott small businesses for baseless partisan political, ethnic, religious or any other reason is downright outrageous and the GACC urges the people of Brooklyn, New York to ignore these calls,” the statement noted.

The organisation further noted that Guyanese-owned businesses contribute to the

Rickford Burke’s organisation, Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), called for the boycott of Guyanese-owned businesses in the diaspora that embraced the President.

The GACC noted that micro and small businesses are the backbone of a nation’s economy and enterprises and are significant job creators that often provide employment opportunities to individuals who might otherwise struggle to find work.

cultural fabric by preserving and promoting Guyanese traditions and customs and fostering social connections and community cohesion by serving as gathering places and hubs for social interaction.

“The GACC condemns any effort undertaken to deny the Guyanese-owned businesses in New York this critical role.

“The GACC is of the firm belief that a boycott of small businesses merely for welcoming into their estab-

lishments elected officials, let alone a visiting Headof-State from the country from which the owners of these businesses hail, and who clearly, as in this case, identify as Guyanese and/or Caribbean owned specialising in Guyanese/Caribbean fare, is unfair and unjust,” the GACC said.

The organisation added that people who continue to call for a boycott should show more responsibility by considering the possible harm it could do to businesses, their workers, and the community.

The GACC further stated, “The GACC wishes to reiterate its condemnation of this attempt to unjustly punish the Guyanese business owners in Brooklyn who displayed decency, good manners, and the traditional warm Guyanese hospitality by welcoming President Ali to their establishments.

“The GACC encourages all Caribbean-owned businesses to stand in solidarity with those that are subject to these calls for a boycott. Here in the Diaspora, it is through our collective Caribbean strength and unity that we are best able to effectively protect and promote our interest.”

Jagdesh Haripershad, Chief Executive Officer at IPED Komal Samaroo, Chairman of the Board at IPED

Region 9 produces first batch of Pharmacy and Nursing Assistants

HISTORY was made on Friday as the first batch of newly-trained Nursing and Pharmacy Assistants graduated in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), after completing a rigorous theoretical and practical training programme.

Some 27 Pharmacy and 31 Nursing Assistants completed the programme, and will soon be posted to the various health centres across the Rupununi region. During the graduation ceremony, which was held at the Lethem Business Incubator Centre, Minister of Health Dr.

Frank Anthony highlighted the importance of empathy, as the government takes steps to revolutionise healthcare in Guyana.

He urged the newly-minted healthcare workers to understand that they cannot work in health, if they do not care about the patients who come to them.

“If we have people in the system when the patients come, and you don’t have any empathy; you don’t care, then we’ll have a problem. And that’s one of the things that we want people to understand; that you can’t work in health if we’re going to have people who don’t care about the patients who come to us,” the health minister stressed. Dr. Anthony also charged those in the nursing profession to elevate themselves in the health field, as they have already taken the first step.

Meanwhile, Regional Health Officer Dr. Cerdel McWatt pointed out that healthcare services are being decentralised as part of the government’s initiative to provide quality services in outlying regions.

As part of these efforts, the government will be constructing a new wing at the Lethem Regional Hospital, which will be providing ultrasound and CT-scan among other critical services that are currently unavailable there.

In addition, district hospitals in Annai, Karasabai, and Aishalton are being upgraded to Level Three facilities.

“We’re not just putting it on paper to say, ‘Here

we have a Level Three facility,’ but there’s active construction of operating theatres, imaging services there; x-rays, ultrasounds in patient… we’ll complement that to ensure that these services are not only being provided, but we will ensure that the skilled personnel – and this is a testimony and another promise being fulfilled,” the RHO stressed.

Also attending the ceremony were the Regional Chairman Brian Allicock, and managers of the training programmes. The human resource pool within the health sector is being expanded, as the government embarks on a gigantic programme to construct around 11 hospitals nationwide, including in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and Nine.

The government has also acknowledged the pressing need to decentralise secondary services, and extend them to remote regions beyond Georgetown. This measure is aimed at addressing the hardships faced by people who have to travel long distances to access such services. The decentralisation of secondary services will not only help in reducing the burden on the Georgeotwn Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), but will also improve the accessibility and quality of services for people residing in remote regions. (DPI)

The first batch of newly-trained Nursing and Pharmacy Assistants

Lions Club welcomes new members in grand induction ceremony

DURING the celebration of Worldwide Induction Day (WWID) at the National Library on Saturday, the local chapter of Lions Club International warmly welcomed a new group of community-oriented individuals into its membership with a jubilant ceremony.

The occasion served as a means of welcoming new members and showcasing the club's continued support of regional and global service initiatives.

Celebrated on the last Saturday in April, WWID is an exciting global membership celebration to unite Lion clubs around the world in welcoming new members.

share our tradition and ask them to carry on the legacy of Lions and Leos, we should also look to them for new ideas and inspirations so that we may learn from them just as they learn from us.”

Hamilton reminded that no one becomes a Leo or Lion on his or her own. She explained that the prospective member has to be brought into the organisation upon approval of the Club's board of directors and on the recommendation of a very important person, their sponsor.

“The sponsor had the foresight to see the quality of the Leo or Lion in each new member and saw potential

New and existing members and special invitees at Saturday’s induction ceremony

The ceremony got underway at 15:00 hrs and saw the induction of over 20 new members, who swore the Lion's oath, pledging to uphold a code of integrity and service.

The oath was administered by longstanding Lion Natascha Hamilton, who later handed out official Lions Club pins and certificates of membership.

She also gave the keynote address, in which she stated that the Lions Club can now better assist communities and engage in humanitarian endeavours with welcoming new members.

“On this day, we offer these persons the opportunity to experience our pride of service and gift of lasting and meaningful friendship. This is truly a cause for celebration”, said Hamilton.

According to her, the new members will fill a very important role within the organisation.

“They hold the key to our future. They will be the leaders that will move us forward to the next generation. As we

for them to do something truly great and to use their skills for the most important mission of all—to serve others,” Lion Hamilton added.

Meanwhile, the new members expressed eagerness to contribute.

Newly inducted Lion Samantha Scott expressed that it was an honour to become a member of one of the world's largest service organisations. According to her, over the last few months, they have been exposed to the organisation’s activities, culture and history.

“It is indeed a distinguished organisation. We look forward to serving,” she expressed.

The ceremony concluded with a tail twisting activity and raffle, providing an opportunity for new and existing members to mingle and discuss future endeavours.

Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA, the Lions Clubs International has over 46,000 local clubs and more than 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries.

West Indies A go down to Nepal in first game

CMC – An energetic 74 from their captain Roston Chase was trumped by a dynamic hundred from opposing captain Rohit Paudel, and West Indies “A” endured a four-wicket defeat against hosts Nepal in the first Twenty20 match of their series on Saturday.

Chase cracked nine fours and two sixes from 46 balls and was the cornerstone upon for the Caribbean side’s total of 204 for five from their allocation of 20 overs at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground.

But the visitors had no answer for Paudel, whose 112 off 54 balls that included 10 fours and six sixes, led a successful chase for the Nepalese on a flat pitch and enabled them to reach their target with two balls remaining and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

The new-ball pair of Matthew Forde and left-arm pacer Obed McCoy accounted for the Nepal openers Anil Sah caught at mid-wicket for five and Kushal Bhurtel caught behind for 16 respec-

tively, and the home team stumbled to 43 for two at the close of the Power Play.

A throw from Johnson Charles at square leg to wicketkeeper Andre Fletcher to run out Kushal Malla for 16 meant that the Nepalease were 82 for three at the halfway stage, and the balance was firmly tilted in favour of West Indies “A”.

But the Caribbean side came under the hammer from the fearless Paudel, and he dominated a stand of 64 for the fourth wicket with Dipendra Singh Airee that transformed the complexion of the match and reached his landmark from 47 balls with a deuce through square leg off McCoy in the 18th over.

When Forde got the 21-year-old Nepal captain caught behind, his side needed 13 from 11 balls, and Pratis Gharti Chhetri entered and drove the next ball to long-off for a boundary to put the hosts within reach of the historic win.

Chunky pacer Oshane Thomas was entrusted with

the final over with the Nepalese requiring nine to win, but he conceded back-to-back boundaries to Gulshan Jha after only giving away singles off the first two balls to seal the fate of the visitors.

The second match of the series will be played on Sunday at the same venue.

Earlier, Chase shared successive half-century stands with Keacy Carty and fellow Barbadian Kadeem Alleyne, after a lively start from lefthander Alick Athanaze, that paved the way for the challenging West Indies “A” total.

Put in to bat, the Caribbean side raced to 77 for two at the close of the Power Play, but lost opener Johnson Charles bowled for a two-ball duck in the first over, and Andre Fletcher run out for 13 in the fourth over.

Athanaze drove the early momentum for West Indies “A” with a brisk 47 before he was caught at fine leg from a top-edged slog-sweep off Paudel, bowling his off-spin, in the seventh over, and the

visitors were 86 for three.

Carty came to the crease, cruised to 38, and consolidated with Chase in a stand of 60 for the fourth wicket before he was caught on the cover boundary, slicing a drive off pacer Abinash Bohara in the 15th over.

Chase reached his 50 from 36 balls when he pulled Bohara over mid-wicket for his fifth boundary in the 17th over, and he shared 57 with Alleyne before he was caught in “cow corner”, swinging a full toss from off-spinner Dipendra Singh Airee with two balls remaining in the innings.

The tour to Nepal is a first for any West Indies side, and according to lead selector Desmond Haynes serves as another phase in preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be staged in June in the Caribbean and the United States.

He added it is an invaluable opportunity to get World Cup hopefuls and emerging prospects playing competitive T20 matches.

SCOREBOARD

K Paul not out 1

(b6, lb1, w9, nb1) 17

b Bohara

TOTAL (5 wkts, 20 overs) 204

M Forde, G Motie, O McCoy, O Thomas did not bat. Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Charles, 0.6 overs); 2-43 (Fletcher, 3.3); 3-86 (Athanaze, 6.5); 4-146 (Carty, 14.2); 5-203 (Chase, 19.4).

Bowling: K.S. Airee 3-0-53-1 (nb1, w3); Rajbanshi 4-034-0; D.S. Airee 3-0-30-1; Pratis 3-0-28-0 (w1); Paudel 1-0-10-1; Bhurtel 2-0-14-0; Bohara 4-0-28-1 (w5).

w9, nb2) 12

TOTAL (6 wkts, 19.4 overs) 206

Kamal Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Abinash Bohara did not bat.

Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Anil Sah, 2.1 overs); 2-38 (Kushal Bhurtel, 4.5); 3-82 (Kushal Malla, 9.6); 4-146 (Dipendra Singh Airee, 15.3); 5-181 (Bibek Yadav, 17.5); 6-192 (Rohit Paudel, 18.5).

Bowling: Forde 4-0-49-2; McCoy 4-0-34-2; Thomas 2.4-0-33-0; Chase 3-0-20-0; Motie 4-0-42-0; Paul 2-027-1.

Result: Nepal won by four wickets (2 balls remaining). Series: Nepal lead five-match series 1-0

All roads lead to Rising Sun for Jumbo Jet Race of Champions

THE battle lines have been drawn ahead of today’s highly anticipated Jumbo Jet Race of Champions at the Rising Sun Turf Club.

More than G$10 million in cash and prizes will be up for grabs, and more than 40 horses confirmed entry for the big showdown.

The feature event which will be the Banks DIH champion of champion race and is open to all imported and locally bred horses, will have a total purse of G$3,750,000. The 1600-metre race will see the top horse bag G$2 million. Stolen Money, Spankhurst, John Bull, Bossalina and Easy Time are the five horses confirmed for the feature event.

Race one will be the Jumbo Jet Group of companies K Class & Lower race, which will run at 1100 metres. Money Time, Get Them Bobby (formerly Hurricane Lane), Plus Return, Rescue (formerly Tizway), Top Gun and Shake the Bank are the horses entered.

Race two will be the N&M Trucking & Auto

Sales I Class, J Class and West Indian-bred three-year

old maidens. That race will span 1100 metres; and the likes of Royal Ink, Sex Appeal, Hayley and Danstar will battle.

The third race on the card will be the SHI Oil Fuel Distributor and Importer L Class and Open to J3 first time starters. A total of 11 horses have confirmed entry. Chocolate Girl, Perfect Dream, Get Them Reggie, Top Ranking, Rags to Riches, Bolt n Nut, Three D Movie, Wow Wow, Kiss, Princess Samaya and Royal Flight are the horses entered.

Race four will be the F Class and Lower and E Class who have not raced in 2024, and horses who placed no higher than third in their last race. Nice Company, American Traveler, Looking to Heaven, Creemore and Converter are the horses entered.

Race five will be the Forrester’s Concrete H1 & H2 horses who did not fin-

ish higher than third in their last outing. Amicable Kate, Smooth Sailing, Zelda, Theory of Colors, Supremacy and Blinding Light are the confirmed horses.

The penultimate race of the seven-card program will be the Three-year-old Guyana bred horses. That race is sponsored by Knight Industries Inc Auto Sales, Spares, Excavating and Trucking. She’s a Monica, Country Rock, Bin Laden and Easy Jet are the four horses confirmed.

The major sponsors for the race of champions are Banks DIH, AJM Enterprise, Jumbo Jet, Sino Truck and XCMG.

All races will run under the guidance of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority’s rules. The race of champions will get going at 12:45 hours at Rising Sun, and admission is G$2,000.

Banks DIH Special events Manager Mortimer Stewart presents cheque and trophy to Jumbo Jet Representative Navendra Ramnauth

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Berbice Zone…

Trafalgar, East Bank Gunners, Big Ballers earn semifinal berths

TRAFALGAR,

East Bank

Gunners, Big Ballers, and East Bank Young Guns secured semifinal berths when the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Berbice Zone commenced on Friday night at the New Amsterdam (NA) basketball court.

Witnessed by a large gathering, former two-time champion Trafalgar crushed Hopetown 4-0.

N. Bobb bagged a brace, while Teon Mackenzie tallied a double.

On the other hand, Big Ballers also bested Paradise 4-2.

Evon Smith and Demario Gabriel recorded respective doubles. On target for the loser with a brace was Deon Moriah.

East Bank Gunners squeaked past Ballers United 1-0 on penalty kicks after full time ended scoreless.

Also, the East Bank Young Guns defeated the Street Warriors 2-0. Sherwin Charles and Jaden Thom recorded one goal each.

The winner of the tournament will earn an automatic berth to the national

DVA Clubs League …

championship in August. In excess of one million dollars in prizes will be awarded to

Premier Eagles soar over Vanguards

PREMIER Eagles picked up their fourth win on Friday evening against Vanguards Volleyball Club, after the two faced off in the Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) Clubs League at the National Gymnasium.

The clash saw pure dominance from the Premier Eagles team as they outlasted their opponents Vanguards in three straight sets of the five-

set match.

It was an all-round performance with five top scorers. Raenor Sharpe led the way with 9 points as they clinched the first set 25-10.

Sharpe had good support from Trevon McRae who also recorded 9 points and they proved more clinical in the second set to take it 25-7.

Richard Telford (8), along with Keon Tanner and Tyric McAllister with 5 points each

also played vital minutes as they closed it out in the third set 25-14.

McRae with his 9 points ascended to the top of the individual points table with 64 points pushing Geno Caroll down to second place with 61 points.

Third is Omari joseph with 59 points.

Alphas Volleyball Club still tops the league table with 4 wins and a loss with Guy-

ana Defence Force (GDF) second but only on point difference.

Third place is Premier Eagles after their latest win over Vanguards.

The league resumes on the 7th of May with VenGuys playing Classic Ball Blasters.

The following day, Vanguard meets Castrol Strikers with Alphas playing Classic Ball Blasters on the 9th of May.

the top four finishers.

To date, the Georgetown championship has been concluded.

Complete Results

Quarterfinals

Game-1

East Bank Gunners-0 vs. Ballers United-0

East Bank won 1-0 on penalty kicks

Game-2

Trafalgar-4 vs. Hopetown-0

N. Bobb-(2)

Teon Mckenzie-(2)

Game-3

East Bank Young Guns-2 vs. Street Warriors-0

Sherwin Charles-(1)

Jaden Thom-(1)

Game-4

Paradise-2 vs. Big Ballers-4

Big Ballers scorers

Econ Smith-(2)

Demario Gabriel-(2)

Paradise scorer

Deon Moriah-(2)

Round of 16 section

Game-1

NA Lions-0 vs. East Bank Gunners-2

Game-2

Hopetown-1 vs. Ithaca-0 ame-3

Ballers United vs. Canje Ballers won via walkover

Game-4

Trafalgar-2 vs. Black Sharks-0

Game-5

Futuro Boys-0 vs. East Bank Young Guns-1

Game-6

Paradise-3 vs. Back Street-0

Game-7

NA United vs. Street Warriors

The Street Warriors won via disqualification. Game-8

Rising Stars-0 vs. Big Ballers-1

Milo schools U-18 football championship final…

Chase Academy and Waramuri ready for final showdown

TODAY, Region 1’s Waramuri Top and city side Chase Academy will lock horns to decide which will be crowned Milo Schools Football champions and collect the coveted trophy.

Tournament debutant, Waramuri, are eager to collect their first title in the championship after their success at the ExxonMobil U-14 championships last year, while the battle-hardened Chase Academy have won the title multiple times,

and are the defending champions.

Organiser of the tournament Troy Mendonca congratulated the two deserving finalists for putting in the work, and outlined his expectations for the game.

“Looking at all the teams that participated this year, I think everyone would have upped their level in terms of preparation and organisation. The efforts Waramuri put to be here must be applauded, and the investment

of Chase Academy must be commended,” he said.

Chase Academy top scorer and captain Brayan Wharton says they are ready to reclaim the title, adding, “So far, it’s a very exciting tournament; challenging also. Congratulations to all the teams that participated; it will be a good showdown in the final.”

Waramuri coach Dillon Fredericks praised the organisers for hosting the tournament, and inviting

them to showcase their talent.

“We have a lot of talent in abundance in Region 1; more specifically, in Waramuri. The tournament is one we are very excited about, and I must commend the organisers for bringing together this wonderful tournament,” Fredericks said.

He noted that they are confident, going into the finals.

“Looking forward to a very good match-up, and

may the best team win,” he said, adding: “Even though we have confidence, and we want to win, the best team on the night will be the champions.”

On Thursday, Chase Academy had a 4-nil win over President’s College in the first semifinal, with their skipper Wharton leading the way.

Waramuri, on the other hand, took a penalty shootout victory over Dolphin Secondary after their

game was drawn in regulation time, 2-2, in the other semifinal.

The eventual winning school is set to pocket $300,000 towards a project of their choice, with half that amount going to the second-place school.

The final will also see individual awards going to the top goal scorer, best goal keeper, and Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

The Trafalgar team

The winning team Premier Eagles Volleyball Club

Guyana T10 Blast

Sampson’s 83 and Algoo’s 80 light up Meten-Meer-Zorg

By Sean Devers

IF the conditions at the Meten-Meer-Zorg ground on the West Coast of Demerara were not steaming hot yesterday, the brutal hitting of Alex Algoo and Quinton Sampson set the small ground on fire in the latest round of the Guyana T10 Blast.

In the morning game, Algoo hit an explosive 80 from 27 balls with five fours and nine sixes sharing in 64-run opening stand with Kevin Sinclair who made 33 from 17 balls with four sixes and a four.

Kevlon Anderson, who clobbered two sixes in 16, added 40 with Algoo before Steven Sankar whose six-ball unbeaten 12 which included a six and a four saw the Berbice Caimans make 148-3 in 10 overs.

Demerara Hawks could only reach 119-6 when their 10 overs expired to lose by 27 runs.

Rampertab Ramnauth’s

40 with five sixes and Joshua Persaud’s 16 were the best efforts from the Hawks.

In the second game

which commenced at 12:30hrs, Sampson's blazing undefeated 83 lasted 22 balls and was decorated with three fours and 11 sixes.

He got support from Renaldo Renee who made 20 with one four and two sixes which carried the

Berbice Piranhas to 143-5. Ashmead Nedd had 2-20 for the Essequibo Jaguars who fell for 93 to lose by 50 runs.

Kemol Savory (24), Chanderpaul Hemraj (17) and Dwayne Dick (14) were the main scorers as Veerasammy Permaul lead the Piranhas with 3-27.

In the 14:30hrs (2:30pm) game, Demerara Pit Bulls beat Demerara Hawkes by eight wickets.

The Hawks, led by 46 from Akshaya Persaud who faced 27 balls with six fours and two sixes reached 73-7 in 10 overs.

But once Persaud was run out at 72-6, no other batter reached double figures as Chris Barnwell took 2-11 for Pit Bulls who raced to 77-2 in 6.4 overs.

Junior Sinclair who hit three fours and one six in his 16-ball 34, added 42 for the first wicket with Sachin Singh who fell for a run-a-ball 12.

Malcolm Hubbard was unbeaten on 17 from eight balls with two fours and one six, while Damion Vantull was not out on nine, which included a six when victory was achieved with 20 balls to spare.

CARICOM should explore joint legislation to improve cricket governance...

the field, accelerated brandbuilding and more robust policies to support sporting facilities, especially within the school system.

He said that Caribbean cricket is teeming with excitement and thrills, and its

incorporation with the rich cultural heritage offers an immersive experience for any audience.

“We don’t need to change this. We need to master this. We need to expand this as our brand,” he urged.

The President continued, “Cricket is not only

played on the field in this region, cricket is played in the hearts of our people, it is played to encourage positive living and we have to look at the entire cricketing ecosystem, if we are to address the issues of cricket in the region. Cricket is linked directly to our economies, linked to our

tourism product.”

The CARICOM Regional Conference is being held under the theme, “Reinvigorating West Indies Cricket – A Symposium for Strategic Collaboration and Innovation.’ It is being chaired by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and the

CARICOM Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket, Dr the Hon. Keith Rowley, who also underscored the need to return Caribbean Cricket to its former glory.

“We do not intend to give up on cricket. We intend to defend cricket and we intend to play cricket

at the highest level, and we will get back to the top,” Dr Rowley affirmed. The symposium continues today as the regional leaders seek to address challenges facing West Indies cricket and explore viable solutions.

(Department of Public Information)

Alex Algoo scored 80 yesterday

Quinton-Sampson made an unbeaten 83 yesterday

CARICOM should explore joint legislation to improve cricket governance – President Ali

Milo schools U-18 football championship final… Chase Academy and Waramuri ready for final showdown

CHAIRMAN of CARICOM and President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has signalled a call for common legislation in the region to streamline and strengthen the governance matrix for the Caribbean cricket brand.

This was his charge during the opening ceremony of the inaugural CARICOM Regional Cricket Conference, held at the Hyatt Regency, in Trinidad & Tobago on Thursday.

The president said that this legislation can promote enhanced quality, and advance the agenda of revitalising the West Indies cricket brand.

“We have to have common legislation across all

countries in the region, and the same level of governance reform,” the president said in his virtual address.

He called for a revamp of the entire cricketing ecosystem, amid a slew of challenges that have eroded interest in the Caribbean franchise.

“We are losing fans. The loss of ownership, lack of talent, lack of responsibility… these are the things that are real and they require institutional rearrangement, governance rearrangement,” the Guyanese leader explained.

According to him, many of these challenges were brought about by a lack of investment in talent and weak institutional support, among other elements.

He lamented that there

is fierce competition from North America, and even hinted at a takeover of the sport as the Caribbean brand fades into the background.

“The global system of cricket conspired against us in their rules and regulations. We were known for fearsome fast bowling and elegant stroke play, real fast bowling, and then the system was changed. The rules were changed to deny us of this brand of cricket. And we allowed the rule to change without protest,” the President said.

As a result, President Ali called for greater financing for the sport, better management, both on and off

Continued on page 23

All roads lead to Rising Sun for Jumbo Jet Race of Champions

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali

Waramuri’s Odell Holmes, and Brayan Wharton of Chase with the winning trophy (Japheth Savory photo) Action returns to the Rising Sun Turf Club today