Kaieteur News

GuyanareceivesUS$377Mfromoilinthreemonths

The Government of Guyana (GoG) yesterday announced that the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) has received a total of US$377,140,826.94 in oil revenuesofarfortheyear

Through the Official Gazette dated March 31, 2023, the Ministry of Finance provided the detailed breakdown on the sumsreceivedthusfarforthe petroleumsector

Five deposits have been made into the Fund for the period January 1, 2023 to March31,2023.

On January 3, 2023 a d e p o s i t o f US$82,612,294 01 was made into the account from profit oil, followed by a second payment on January 23,ofUS$75,074,493.46.

A royalty payment was also made on January 30, of US$57,591,504 37 This was followed by two profit oilpaymentsonFebruary16 a n d M a r c h 2 0 o f US$82,248,712.42 and US$79,613,822.68, respectively.

Profit oil receipts are derived from Government’s lifts of crude oil earned as profit whereas royalties are

paid on a quarterly basis, 30 days following the end of eachcalendarquarter

At the end of February, 2023,theFundhadaclosing

b a l a n c e o f

US$1,379,353,505 59 according to the data provided by the Bank of Guyana. The Bank has not yetupdatedthebalancewith the payments received for March.

The NRF legislation, passed in the National AssemblyinDecember2021 makes it mandatory for deposits to be Fund to be

madepublic.

Even as the resources trickle in, it must be noted t h a t t h e l o p s i d e d

ExxonMobiloilcontracthas been criticized for the abusive provisions in place that allow for more benefits

tothecontractor

Citizens have been calling for the deal to be renegotiated to ensure Guyana secures more value for its light sweet crude. Although more than 11 billion barrels of oil has already been discovered offshore in the prolific Stabroek Block operated by Exxon’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), theGoGisrefusingtoamend the provisions of the contract.

In that contract Guyana has settled for 50 percent profit sharing, after Exxon takes 75 percent of the earnings to clear its expenses.

The deal that the oil

company often brags about to its shareholders, also forces Guyanese to pay their share of taxes, amounting to millions of US dollars each year This figure is likely to further balloon as more operations comeonstream

Inaddition,thecountryis allowing ExxonMobil to operateoffshorewithoutfull liability coverage in the event of an oil spill, which means that the risk is borne byGuyana.

Another key provision that is lacking in the document is ring-fencing provision, which would avoid the oil company from usingthepetroleumrevenue in one field to cover for expensesinanother

Kaieteur News

Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

EXXONMOBIL HAS A BLANK CHEQUE

A man has a credit card that belongs to someone else, whofoolishlygiveshimfreereintouseashepleases,then hugedebtswillberunup. Afterall,hedoesnothavetopay backeithertheprincipalortheinterest. Giveamanablank cheque and it is just a matter of time before he drives the giverintopoverty,fullbankruptcy Thisisthestoryofthe relationship between Guyana and ExxonMobil, with this country as foolish giver, and the company as grabbing receiver Considering only one aspect of this giving and receiving,anditisobviousthatthiscountryisdiggingabig hole for itself, allowing ExxonMobil to bury the Guyanese people.

ExxonMobil plans projects, calculates its expenses, borrows by the billions, and then spends offshore Guyana. At least, that is what it says on paper, and in the bills submittedtousforpayment. Wearenotsurethatsomeof thoseexpensesbelongtoGuyana,oraccurateinthecharges laid before us. Regardless, ExxonMobil borrows billions from lending institutions, and Guyana owes those debts. The lending institutions make their profits by charging companies like ExxonMobil interest on the loans given. GuyanahastopayalsoforwhateverinterestExxonMobilis charged by lenders. The concern is that the interest that ExxonMobilisbeingchargedisasecrettous.

Also,theinterestthatExxonMobilchargesthiscountry isanothersecret,leadingtosecrecyuponsecrecy,andthisis onsomethingforwhichwearepaying. Itisalongstanding practiceforcompaniestotackontheirownpieceofinterest on what lending institutions charge them. As it stands, ExxonMobil could have positioned itself well to make moneyforitselffromourdebt. Iftheprojectexpensesare saidtobeinthisamount(includinganyinflatedexpenses), then that amount of money has to be borrowed ExxonMobilmaybegougingusthere,andrippingpoundsof fleshfromus.

The bigger the billions borrowed, the more the total amountofinterestthathastobepaid.Guyanaispayingthat sum. AndwhateverExxonMobilcouldbeputtingontopof theinterestthatitisbeingcharged,thatisalsoourstopay Is Guyanagettingrobbed,orwhat?

ThePPPCGovernmentdoesnotwanttoknowthat,and VicePresidentJagdeodoesnotcareaboutwhatisgoingon withthetrueinterestrate,howmuchExxonMobilcouldbe stickingtous. Thisishispublicposture,whathemakesno efforttosharewiththeGuyanesepublic,thepeoplepaying forallthebillionsin borrowings,alltheseinterestcharges (legitimate or puffed up), and all of which depletes our already meager share of oil profits still more. There are these schemes, these robberies, and they could be in the hundreds of millions annually, and adding up to billions in theyearstocome.

For each billion dollars borrowed, it is US$100M in interestaloneannuallywhentheinterestrateis10%,without anycompounding. ExxonMobildecidestobegenerousand putsinonly3%foritself,eitherinthat10%oraboveit,and that is US$30M annually free and clear for the company, withoutbreakingasweat. Nowmultiplythatbythetensof billionsthathavebeenborrowedforExxonMobil’sGuyana operations, and that is easily more than US$250M in pure profit a year A quarter of a billion robbery in American dollars, and Guyana is going along with this piracy, with government leaders hurling abuse at citizens who say do something,findout,informGuyanese,putthebrakesonthe company

ItisobviousthatExxonMobilisperchedprettily,andnot even Guyana’s Minister overseeing the oil sector has to be consulted by ExxonMobil on things like interest charged, andinteresttobepaid. Giveamanablankcheque,asigned one, and he will drain of every dollar, drive into madness. Guyanese are struggling, and the PPPC Government is givingExxonMobilablankcheque. Thisisnotacountry;it is a crime corner The PPPC Government is not a government, it is an apology for one, a global embarrassment.

AFEEBLE DEFENCE OF SPEAKER NADIR

DEAREDITOR,

A feeble, non-sensical and shabby defence of SpeakerManzoorNadirwas made (KN March 30, 2023) by a murky individual on behalf of an obscure entity calledtheACG(Association ofConfusedGuyanese).The writer(s) state: ‘First, the allegations made by Roopnarine have no factual basis’.

Now this is cliché and utter crap as all the conditions pertaining to the Speaker’s predisposition were pinpointed and highlightedandnotevenone wasrefutedbytheindividual whomIthinkIknow!

Why would this individual hide behind a creepy, mysterious, and

hideousorganizationandnot publishhisname.

The reason is, he is ashamed of the organization which he describes to his closefriendsasobnoxious.

The Gas to Shore Bill regarding Guyana’s most expensive venture in the history of the country was hurled aside in the rubble heap! The ACG article written by this coward indicates ‘His actions are therefore no different from previous PNCR Speakers Dr. Barton Scotland and RaphaelTrotman.’

Nowthisistantamountto declaring ‘my brother is a thief,soIhavetherighttobe a thief too.’Such is the poor mindset of this individual who is a PPPsupporter who

will swallow any pill given to people like him without questioning the effect and outcome because they wanted favours including contracts from the government.

The mysterious writer said, ‘Roopnarine is attempting to question the professionalism and destroy the integrity of the Speaker oftheParliament.’

What integrity does SpeakerNadirhavewhenhe refused to discipline a Minister who told a female opposition Member of Parliament that she needs a DILDOtopleasureherself?

What professionalism does the speaker have when he has refused every bill introduced in Parliament by

theopposition?

TheformerUnitedForce Presidential candidate in 1992 who descended into a taxi driver and was parachuted into Minister of Tourism- a role in which he has performed poorly Simply put, the Speaker is biased and has no shame in hispartisanbehaviour

The anonymous writer also said, ‘Roopnarine should tell us how many PPP/CBillswererejectedby APNU+AFCduringtheir5year term (2015-2020). Or tell us how many PPP/C Bills the Coalition allowed fortabling.’Well,herewego again. A person commits a murder by stabbing someone.Doesitmatterif (Continuedonpage6)

Why the silence on the High Court ruling on the unlawful suspension of the Police Service Commission?

DEAREDITOR,

On Friday, March 24, 2023, Justice Gino Persaud delivered his ruling in the case of Paul Slowe v The Secretary of the Police ServiceCommission,etal.

In his concluding analysistheJudgesaid:

SincePaulSloweandthe other Commissioners could only have been removed fromconstitutionalofficefor cause on the afore said two grounds for removal it is axiomaticthattheywereand are entitled to their constitutional rights of protectionofthelawanddue process.

The suspension of the Chairman and other members in the absence of the JSC and constituted Tribunal was a nuclear response by His Excellency, the President The suspension proved permanentandtantamountto a removal from office without due process. The Constitution imbued the President with no power to suspend in the absence of a Tribunal and in doing so he acted ultra vires the constitution and unlawfully Acondition precedent to the executive power to suspend is the referral to and establishment of the Tribunal. This is a sine qua non to suspension and removal.

The Judge went on to say:

In summary therefore, the decision of His Excellency, the President to suspend the Chairman and

Act now to reduce frequent and fatal road accidents

other members of the PSC was:

a.Unlawful

b. Ultra vires article 225 oftheconstitution

c.Arbitrary

d.Unreasonable

e.Unfair

f. In violation of the suspended Chairman and other Commissioner’s constitutional rights to the protectionofthelawanddue processofthelaw

g. Null, void and of no legaleffect.

More than one week has p a s s e d s i n c e t h a t unprecedentedruling,which in my view has significant implications for the rule of law and jurisprudence in Guyana, and indeed, the e n t i r e B r i t i s h Commonwealth. Given that ruling, I would have expected a public outcry from many organisations, such as the Guyana Bar Association, The Guyana Association of Women Lawyers, Guyana Human RightsAssociation(GHRA), Article13,TheGuardiansof Democracy, and many other organisations, not forgetting the many social media commentators and other individuals, and of course, the many political parties, some of whom were not so long ago, very vocal on issuesrelatingtodemocracy, good governance and the ruleoflawinGuyana.

I remember very well in October of 2016, Mr. Anil Nandalall, the nowAttorney General, who was at that timeaprominentmemberof

the opposition PPPC, accusing President David Granger of “constitutional heresy”.

This was in response to the President’s move to suspendtheChairmanofthe Public Service Commission, Mr Carville Duncan, who was charged and placed beforethecourtoveralleged theft.

Mr Nandalall said then, “ThePresidenthasflagrantly violated the letter, spirit and intent of some of the most sacrosanct constitutional provisions and indeed his actions strike at the very heart of our constitutional democracy Presidents (or Prime Ministers, as the case may be) have been impeached for far less in democratic countries In Guyana this is barely front pagenews.Andlifegoeson. Not a murmur from the Associations representing lawyersinthecountry”.

The former legal advisor to the governments of Presidents Bharrat Jagdeo andDonaldRamotarpointed to Article 94 of the Constitution of Guyana which provides that “The President may be removed from office if he or she commitsanyviolationofthis Constitution or any other gross misconduct”. Justice Gino Persaud ruled that the President violated the ConstitutionofGuyana.

Itisamazingthatthevery acts, and more, that were alleged to have been committedbyPresident

(Continuedonpage6)

DEAREDITOR, Attentionmustbedrawn to the frequent and fatal accidents on our roadways overthelastyear

It is evident that many roadusersfailtoexercisethe five basic principles when usingtheroads.

As a learner driver, you are taught when driving the following five Cs must be exercised: caution, consideration,care,common sense, and courtesy These accidents are gruesome and painful for families to cope with,butunfortunatelythere are no systems in place to help relatives with the trauma as they live through deathanniversaryafterdeath anniversary or years of caring for seriously injured victims.

In many instances too, there is no justice which furtheraddstothetrauma.

Editor, I publicly applaudtheworkbeingdone by Ms. Romona Doorgen, andherteamatGuyanaRoad Safety Council, where training is done to sensitize and or educate motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, on defensivedrivingandhowto usetheroadways.

Indeed, accidents can be avoidedifroaduserswereto exercise the 5 Cs, drive withinthespeedlimitandbe held accountable by the traffic department. As a driver, I have witnessed the callous and reckless behaviour of a few road users.

Additionally, the truckingbusinesshasgrown significantlyinrecentyears.

Truck drivers are now involved in most of the recent accidents Some drivers appear to be inexperienced and I have wonderedhowmanyqualify to be truck drivers and or passedtheirdrivingtests.

Daily, the operators of thesehugetruckscanbeseen utilizing the roadways indiscriminately Is there a daily quota of trips required of these drivers? Why the hurry?

I rather suspect Editor, that many of these trucks transportmaterialswayover theregulatedweightandare compromising the integrity of the roads, many of which were not built to accommodate them. We need to urgently revisit the traffic laws with the view to a m e n d i n g t h e m appropriately with punitive finesandpenalties.

The Coalition had commenced work on a network of roads and highways to link and reduce thetrafficbuildupalongthe East Coast/East Bank Corridor

ThePPPCwoulddowell torolloutthosewellthought

out plans instead of the arbitraryworkbeingdone.

There are a number of areas downtown which also need to be revisited to ease thetrafficcongestionduring businesshours.

The traffic department and other relevant authorities need to be mindful that the area bound by Vlissengen Road, Brickdam, Water St and Lamaha Streets is occupied by schools, banks, public entities, markets, hospitals, restaurants, shopping areas and other commercial entities which attract heavy trafficdaily

The traffic flow and parking in this area, if properly redesigned, can reduce congestion and unnecessary timeconsumingbottlenecks. We cannot continue building multi storey buildingswithouttakingthis intoconsideration.

Editor, I conclude by callingonthePPP/Cregime to ACT NOW!!! All lives matter!!!

Sincerely,

AnnetteFerguson MemberofParliament

No one in my family has ever been restricted, prohibited or deported from entering or travelling to the USA

DEAREDITOR,

Thank you for the opportunity to publish this missive in your daily publication.

I usually ignore hate comments because simply I justdonotletitgettome.As I get older, as the world changesandweadapttothat change, I came to realize privacydoesnotexist.While thishasalottodowithsocial media,ithasmoretodowith ourwayofliving.Thereisno longer the right to privacy, but everyone demands the righttoknow

My father recently entered into politics. While he was always politically active and involved in the d e v e l o p m e n t a n d improvement by playing a huge role towards the progression of our land, he has now officially selected himself as a candidate

While I am happy and will always be his biggest supporternomatterwhatand vice versa, I asked him if he isready

Our family has e x p e r i e n c e d h a t e unimaginable. But as we all

know, politics brings a d i ff e r e n t k i n d o f deprecation.So,Iaskedhim andlikealways,heremained positive and committed to his decision. He answered: ‘this is a very low position I have entered; I could have chosen to enter in a much higher position within the government, but that is not my intention, I have been living in the Eccles constituency for years and likemanyothervillagesand communities, development isstagnant.Iwanttohelpmy neighbourhood.”

M y f a t h e r i s hardworking. His nature is whatever he strives for; he will put his mind towards it, and will make sure to achieveit.Heisdefinitelyan inspiration to me. He is a patriot, he loves his country andwouldneverdoanything to jeopardize it; something weshouldalllearnfrom.He entered politics, as a candidate of a constituent under the People’s Progressive Party (PPPC) to dowhathehasalwaysdone–givebacktothecommunity With this decision comes

promisesandplanofactions.

I am very strong and passionate in my belief of p o l i t i c s R a c i s m , islamophobia, homophobia, misogyny and sexism dominate our world and as an aspiring journalist, I will do everything in my power tofightagainstit.

MyfamilyandIsharethe belief that if you are elected or selected to be in power, you must fulfil all that is requiredofyou,atraitmany politiciansandworldleaders lacktoday ButIcansaywith certainty, my father has and always will be transparent. He never promises empty promises.Healwayshasand always will fight for the people.

I came across an outrageous question in the Stabroek News’s editorial. EventhoughIdobelieveno question is stupid, I was really shocked with the relevancy of the question. Usually,Inevercommenton absurdity,butIwasforcedto publicly address this and hopefully set the record straight I am utterly dumbfounded because what

Why the silence on the High Court ruling...

Frompage5 Granger,whichledtotheMr Nandalall’s call for his impeachment were found, byacompetentcourt,tohave beencommittedbyPresident Ali, yet there is no call for P r e s i d e n t ’s A l i ’s impeachment. The duplicity isastonishing!Thesilenceis deafening! John Ray’s saying as far back as 1670

“whatisgoodforthegooseis good for the gander” is very instructive.

Editor,fromtherulingof Justice Gino Persaud it is pellucidthatthePresidentof Guyana, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, flagrantly violated the letter, spirit and intent of some of the most sacrosanct constitutional provisions when on June 16, 2021, he

unlawfully suspended the Chairman and other members of the Police ServiceCommission.

Therefore, according to the Attorney General Mr Nandalall’s reasoning, the President should be impeached in accordance withtheprovisionofArticle 94oftheConstitutionofthe Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

Failing to take the appropriate action in this matter will only confirm whatsomehavebeensaying, that is, the rule of law and democracy in Guyana are under severe threat from the Executive Branch of Government.

I anxiously await the response from all concerned to the constitutional heresy perpetuated by the Head of State.

Paul Slowe CCH, DSM, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired). Former Chairman of the Police ServiceCommission

does anAmerican visa have to do with someone running forofficeinGuyana?

I will be crystal clear in my response. No one in my family has ever been restricted, prohibited or deported from entering or travelling to the United States of America. I have many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended relatives currently residing in the United States. My sister, a US citizen, resides in Americawithherchildren.I have been travelling to the United States as a newborn baby and my mother has

travelled numerous times along with my dad and brother. My father has business ties with numerous Americancompanies.

Evenafterthetragic9/11 occurrence, we travelled to and from and I must add, being Muslim, it was not easy It is definitely outrageous to say, but islamophobia is still quite prevalent Sticking with being transparent, unfortunatelyforthepast10 years, after the expiration of our visas, every application for renewal have been refused. To the best of my

knowledge, we have no reasoning behind this. The simple response we were given after every interview is: “You are now under administrativeprocessing.”

We do have our suspicions of diabolical, notorious and evil-minded individualswhowentonand arestillcontinuingtopeddle misinformation and blatant lies of my family to US officials These baseless accusations has deeply affectedus.

We were separated and preventedfromseeingmany (Continuedonpage71)

Open Letter to President IrfaanAli from IDPADA-G

YourExcellency, The International DecadeforPeopleofAfrican Descent Assembly-Guyana ( I D PA D A - G ) w a s established with the objective of providing an institutional approach, by the African Guyanese community, for the pursuit and attainment of the goals of the United Nations Decade-broadlyreflectedin its themes of Recognition, Justice, and Development for the People of African Descent.

Such goals, while being pursued by the community itself, cannot be achieved withoutthefacilitationofthe

StateandtheGovernmentin particular

To that end IDPADA-G wrote to you requesting a meeting The letter was delivered to your office on July 12, 2022 and again on August 2, 2022 The Chairmanalsosentasimilar written request on September 5, 2022. In response we received oral commitments from you on three occasions; however thosecommitmentshavenot fructified.

Withthepassageoftime that meeting continues to be outstanding It is selfevident that good relations between the Government

AFEEBLE DEFENCE OF...

Frompage4 five or fifty wounds were inflicted?Thiswritershould beashamedtoindulgein“titfor-tat’ strategy in terms of thenation’sbusiness.Hehas allowed himself to be bamboozled by PPP operatives As for undermining the credibility ofthegovernment,itmustbe pointed out that this present government, like its predecessor,isgoverningby the slimmest of marginsone(1)seat-andthereforeit is very dangerous and pathetic for the government toignoreorcastasidethe48 percentoftheelectoratethat

voted for the opposition. If the former speaker lacked judicious qualities, then it would be foolish why the present speaker should conduct the affairs of the nation in similar idiotic manner?

What is playing out here is the ‘abee andayuh’ mentality which will further divide the country along racial lines. I conclude with the adage: Two wrongs do not make a right, and I hope this ACG hideous person will be bold enough to identifyhimself.

L e y l a n d C h i t l a l l Roopnaraine

and IDPADA-G are central to improving the overall relationshipwiththeAfrican Guyanese community With that in mind, given the thorny relationship between the Government and people of African Descent, constructive engagement between the Government andIDPADA-Gisevidently urgentlyneededatthistime. We therefore look forward to enhanced engagement between the Government and IDPADAGasarepresentativebodyof African Guyanese who are concerned about issues includinglandrights,greater tolerance and respect for dissentingviews,equity,and faircompetition.

Given the clear need for an urgent engagement as a consequenceoftheemergent situation, IDAPADA-G once again requests a meeting with Your Excellency to discuss matters pertaining to the Decade as well as current and looming problems manifestingthemselves.

IDPADA-G therefore looks forward to an urgent meetingwithyouandtoyour attention and consideration intheinterestofpursuingthe goals of the Decade and deescalating the current tensions.

VincentAlexander Chairman

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US EMBASSY SECURITY ALERT

TheUSEmbassyannounceda HighAlertduetothreatsagainst itsinterests.

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Itisourhopethatthosethreats willbemanagedandallwill bewell.

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TheUSisrightlyconcerned aboutitsinterests.

WherearetheGuyaneseleaders concernedaboutthethreats toGuyaneseinterests?

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Itwouldbearealpositiveifthe USEmbassywouldexpress concernsabouttherealthreats, andrealdangerstotheinterests ofGuyanese.

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$50M Diabetes Centre opens

at Lusignan

The country's first Comprehensive Diabetes Centre was on Saturday opened at Lusignan, East CoastDemerara(ECD).

The G$50 million centre located in the compound of theLusignanHealthCentreis set to offer holistic care to diabetic patients from Lusignan and other central locations along the East CoastofDemerara.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony said that the initiative is geared towards reducing the instances of

fatalities, caused by diabetes. He disclosed that the prevalence of diabetes in Guyana is “relatively” high with some 50,000 people livingwiththedisease.

And such, Dr Anthony said there is need for a primaryhealthcaresystemso thatpersonscanbediagnosed ina“better”wayandtheycan get into the habit of having preventativecheckups.

“If people start doing preventative checkups, then we would be able to identify things very early and we would be able to prevent or delay the onset of a lot of chronicdiseases,”hesaid.

The Health Minister explained that, “This centre will provide a holistic approach to the care of diabetic patients and stymie the development of i r r e v e r s i b l e complications…”

“We want to demonstrate over another year or so… We'll do an evaluation to see if this has been effective, if this is reducing the complications of diabetes… if this is delaying in some cases.Wewanttoassessallof that and if we see what we envisage that this is working, and then this model will be replicated in other parts of our country,” Dr Anthony said.

The centre will offer a host of services including foot care management, eye care screening, laboratory t e s t i n g , h e a r t c a r e management, endocrinology, kidney care, radiology services, dietary and mental

c o u n s e l l i n g a n d p h y s i o t h e r a p y a n d rehabilitation services, as part of the ministry's effort to decrease the number of fatalities linked to noncommunicablediseases.

C h a i r m a n o f t h e Presidential Commission of thePreventionandControlof N o n - C o m m u n i c a b l e Diseases (NCDs), Dr Leslie Ramsammy commended the initiative.

He said, “We believe that from this centre, actions will be taken to improve the services that we provide for diabetes care around the country,”heasserted.

Meanwhile, PAHO Representative, Luis Codina expressed, “PAHO is confident that the services provided at the centre will ensure better management and patients affected by d i a b e t e s a n d i t s complications.”

F a m i l y M e d i c i n e Specialist, Dr Indira Bhoj noted the opening of the centre represents a “shift” in thewayprimaryhealthcareis delivered.

“Diabetes care revolves around goal setting and achieving targets This requires a shift in perspective by patients but mostly i m p o r t a n t l y b y practitioners,”shesaid.

Dr Bhoj disclosed that the centre will also support laboratory testing for all healthfacilitiesalongtheeast coastcorridorandatthesame time and become a training hub for medical personnel in diabetesmanagement.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony flanked by other Ministry officials at the unveiling of the plaque to mark the opening of the Lusignan Comprehensive Diabetes Health Centre. (DPI photo)

Budget incentives for fashion and music

(NATION NEWS) -

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has announced Barbados’ fashion sector will get a major financial injection which should allow designers and others involved to tap into the trillion-dollarindustry

I n m a k i n g t h e announcement during the delivery of the 2023 Budget in Parliament on Tuesday, shesaidthatpeopleonlyhad to look at mogul and National Heroine, The Most HonourableRobynRihanna Fenty, to see how big an industry it was. She also wanted them to note the Rihanna’s “journey ought not to be unique and the talent of the people in this countrymustbehoned” and theytoocouldbeapartofit.

“… We are sitting on an untapped gold mine and we havetoputourmoneywhere

our mouth is This Government will put $2 millionoutofthoseexcesses that we will have next week into the BIDC [Barbados Investment Development Corporation] to work collaboratively with the National Cultural Foundation to push the fashionindustry

We have a front page planthathasbeenprepared,” shesaid.Shestatedtherehas been conversations “about building out factory space, buying the equipment and computer aided technology to allow many of our people to come in and do micro leasing” as “most of the peoplewhohavetalentdon’t have the money to go and buy the machines on their own” and by having a space equipped with a green screen, opportunities would becreatedforBajans.

Your interest muss come fuss

Mottl

y a n n

r administration’sfocusonthe performing arts saying there will be a seven-year $600 000 annual string project to beundertakenin68primary schools, the aim of which is toexposestudentstoplaying those instruments, but she spoke again about the redevelopment of Queen’s Park, which she said would become a creativity and advocacy hub. The project, underthemanagementofthe Barbados Tourism Investment Inc., is expected to finish “by the end of 2024”.

“Queen’s Park – the peopleofBarbadoswillgive ititsnewnamenotme–will be this country’s hub of creativity with facilities for production, rehearsal, vending and live and digital performance.

Everymanfussobligationistohimself and family A man not supposed to look after somebody else family and neglect he ownfamily

Yuhcan’texpectamanfuhtekfoodand give to somebody else and neglect he own family Whodoesdodat?

Similarly, yuh can’t expect a government of a country fuh allow dem foreignersfuhcomehereandtakefoodout of we mouth while we children ent getting sufficient food. But dat is what happening withdeoildeal.Demforeignerscomehere and tekking de hog’s share of de national cake and we sitting down and begging de sameforeignersnahfuhhelpthemselvesso much.

Is we government put we in dis and is only dem wah gat to tek we out of dis. So

nahgobeggingdemforeignersfuhhelpwe getabetterdeal.Datnahganhappenatall.

Every country is look after dem own interest.Anddemgateveryrightfuhdoso.

De Americans gan look after dem interest. Dis means dem nah gan oppose dem oil companies from America wah ripping off Guyana Nah expect de Americangovernmentfuhdodat.

Every government does look after dem owninterest.Andifdemdon’tdemcitizens gangetvexwithdem

So is de same thing with Guyana. We can’t be looking fuh foreign country fuh look after we interest when is nat in dem foreign country interest to do so. Is Guyanese gat to call pun dem government togetabetterdealfuhdecountry Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

LIES AND COVER-UPS

The political soap opera in the United States is now beginning. Former President Donald Trump now makes the kind of historythatheshouldrelish; he stands as the central figure of attention, a leader enmeshed in scandal. Only in the good ole USA, for all its warts and faults, can a former White House occupant be indicted, tumbled this low I look on and wonder if something of this nature could ever happen in Guyana. The a n s w e r c o m e s

instantaneously: never Certainly,nottoday

On its face, hush money for sex shouldn’t be such a big deal, rise to further poisoningoftherawpartisan passions in already sharply polarized America. But it does; there is this indictment. The stormier undercurrents are about coverups, campaign financing sleights-of-hand, falsification of records, and shellcompanies. Thesteam ofsexissufficienttopushall those worrying practices into the background. Who cares? InAmerica, there is

care about political leaders getting embroiled in violations of the law, less about matrimonial transgressions, individual morality

In1973,sittingPresident Richard Nixon learned that the hard way, and had to go his way under duress. The Watergate coverup was not about a simple burglary, as first made out to be. It had allthoseotherfeloniesabout whichwehavegleanedfrom so many revelations since then:aleaderknowing,then lying, and next shrinking into a ball to make himself

small. I direct attention to that forgotten smoking gun, the tapes and that lengthy piece suspiciously missing, inexplicablyblankedout. A handful of principled men fired on a Saturday night added grist to the mill, but thanks to the Washington Post anditstwodoggedand versatile reporters, history changedcourse. Howabout such here, rather than scurrilous social media posts?

Presently, history is being made again with another American President

(a former one), who entangled himselfsomuchthathe would have difficulty differentiating himself from snakes in full mating ecstasies. What a web he has coiled around himself…. Thestrangestof bedfellows (allegedly, obviously), willing lackeys (lawyersinattendance)todo dirty biddings leading to dirtier deeds, and a baying crowd (politicians, press, andpartisans)alllinedupfor or against, with intensifying rancorouspassions.

We have seen someperhaps, all-of this, right here. I would say most likely more, and we only know a quarter of it. It is a solid enough quarter In Guyana, our political soap opera did not involve the muskyaromaofladiesofthe evening, but the peculiar scent of a gentleman of fortune. He came from the Far East, and did he engage in the Guyanese versions of funandfrolic? Didheenjoy thelocalpoliticalleadership gamesandtheextensionsof grand gestures? Without being titillating, there was petting, stroking, and panting using the people’s assets. Largetractsofland, business deals that scream smokefirst,thenmoltenfire. Some people like their desires in the flesh (sex), others are rapturous with cash. There is no stain to track,norumpledlaundryto wash, though a different kind of laundering had to have taken place, given all the allegations and confessions now residing in the public domain.Those were only the first snowflakes of Guyana’s politicalwinter.

When Americans show theirhand,onlyafewfingers are first visible, from the wristupiskeptinreserveto deal with later situations. Americans dangle over the head, and hold to ransom. The usual result is that leaders can’t move, can’t flinch,can’tblink. Isn’tthis what Guyanese live with today? After all the sound

andfuryaboutdoingthisand that about binding legal instruments reigning supreme over national patrimony?

Nobody has said anything about blackmail (keepingonashortleash)to thispoint,butthetrumpcard is that a great many of the Guyanesepeopledon’tcare. As frequently said, it is nothing personal; only the enduring permanency of interests that always aces any friendship. Check with Burnham Leaders in Guyana Governments should also remember that little lesson from history, 1956 more precisely, which involved some French and British parachuters in the Suez Canal area The British were shocked when their sworn ally, America, said get the hell outta there, andrightnow!

Guyanesemayprefernot to remember a mysterious Oriental fellow who was here, and who has since disappeared. It was about whowasfingered,whatwas possibly covered up, and who stood up for whom. Some Guyanese in high officialpositionsareplaying a dangerous game, while walking a precarious tight rope. What is covered up and lied about today eventually sees the light of day I point to the identification parade in America and its star attraction, Donald Trump. Because it represents a little of me, I extract from Pastor Parker’s1853sermon:“Ido notpretendtounderstandthe moral universe. I can divine it by conscience. And from whatIsee,Iamsureitbends towards justice.” Indeed, it does.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

Leonora Pasture residents get land titles, resolving 100-year-old land issue

Re s i d e n t s o f Leonora Pasture in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) on Friday received land titles giving them legal ownership of the lands they occupy.The titles were handed over to the residents by President Irfaan Ali during the last day of the Office of the PresidentDirect outreach at the Leonora Track and Field Facility on Friday This resolved the 100-year land

issue.

The resolution was made possible by the concerted efforts of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), and the Land Registrar, that worked diligently to expedite the process.

The GLSC had already completed a plan in 1969, which aided in the process, and the remaining work was completedwithin24hours.

Minister of Housing and Water,CollinCroal,clarified that the area, which falls under the purview of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), has about 59 occupants.While the first 12 ownership documents were handed over, the remaining titles are still being processed.

“These are persons who are cleared and who were available within the last 24 hours The process will continue.

Those persons will have to come in to sign their agreement so that we can be clear that they are the occupants,” he further explained.

The minister said the Housing Ministry will also need to continue its occupationsurveyinthearea to verify that the individuals coming forward are the rightful occupants of the land.

The Department of Public Information (DPI)

spoke to some of the residents who expressed their gratitude to President Ali for his swift actions in granting them legal ownershipoftheirlands.

Eighty-one-year-old ShyamsundarRajkumarsaid he had been waiting for several decades for this moment and thanked the President and his team for finallyresolvingtheissue.

“This matter has been going on for years I applied for quite some time now, and after I heard about this event here I came and I'm happy to receive my title,”hesaid.

Premnaught, a single father of one shared that he has been trying to resolve this matter since 2014, and he is relieved that the opportunityhas finallycome for them to obtain legal ownership of their land.He expressedhisgratitudetothe

president for doing a commendable job and ensuring thateverythingwas inorder

“Well, I feel great, very happy because I live here alone and I have one daughter and if anything wouldhavehappenedtomeI don't know who would have g o t t e n i t , ” h e related.Housing was one of the main issues addressed during the two-day outreach in Region Three, with the housing ministry engaging approximately 3,000 individuals during the activity

Alongside those who received title, over 300 people with pending applications in the region werealsograntedhouselots. Additionally, other residents were provided with the chance to apply for house lots, turn-key homes and the steelandcementsubsidy

President gets Order of T&T

Trinidad Express - The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) was presented to the country’s seventh President on Wednesday.

In a post on its Facebook page, the Office of the Prime Minister stated that “Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo received the country’s highest award, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago ORTT ”

It said the Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley was present for the presentation of the award to President Kangaloo by Chief Justice Ivor Archie, who is himself a recipient of the award, during a short ceremony held at President’s House In the photographs accompanying the post, the President is seen receiving the ORTT and is also seenposing for apictureinthecompanyof her husband, attorney Kerwin Garcia as well as the Prime Minister and Chief Justice. President Kamgaloo was inaugurated on March 20 during a ceremony at the Queen’s Park Savannah It is customary for Presidents to be bestowedthecountry’shighestaward.

Bartica vendor caught with ganja, meth in havesack

The Methamphetamine (left) and Marijuana (right) found in the vendor's possession.

ABartica vendor was on Friday arrested after police found marijuanaandmethamphetamineinhispossession.

Police identified him as Linden Benjamin, 35, of Second Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven. Benjamin was busted after Bartica police conducted random searches between 20:00 and 21:30hrsaroundtheRegionSeventown.

Benjamin was reportedly spotted carrying a haversack across his shoulder and when cops searched it they found the illegaldrugsparceledoffinzip-lockbags.

The vendor was immediately arrested and taken to the BarticaPoliceStationwherethedrugswereweighed.

According to police, Benjamin had 26 grams of marijuana andeightgramsofmethamphetamineinhispossession. Heremainsincustodyaspolicecontinueinvestigations.

HIGHEST HONOUR: President Christine Kangaloo poses with her husband Kerwyn Garcia, second from right, Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, right, and Chief Justice, Ivor Archie on Wednesday at President's House, St Ann's, after receiving the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT). —Photo: Office of the Prime Minister

Sunday – March 26

before re-entering the car and Monday – March 27 escaping.

According to the police report, Exxon to buy own fleet of oil companies’interest the man received two gunshot SUVs with Guyana’s oil on loans without Govt.’s injuriestohisupperback,whilehis …as Jagdeo boasts of Local approval – contract wife received gunshot injuries to Content Law at Babu Jaan her right side face, two to her right …local transportation

Guyana blindly paying

The 2016 Production Sharing armandonetoherleftelbow providers on their way out Agreement (PSA) that the Guyana The couple is receiving government inked with oil major, treatmentintheIntensiveCareUnit To support its local operations ExxonMobil allows the company (ICU) of GPHC, where their inGuyana,ExxonMobilthroughits topaybackaccumulatedintereston conditionsarelistedasstable. subsidiary Esso Exploration and loans it took to develop the

The execution attempt on the Production Guyana Limited resources in the Stabroek Block, couple took place almost two years (EEPGL) is looking to acquire its without the prior approval of the afteramurdersuspectthreatenedto own fleet of vehicles to be used to Ministerincharge. killthebusinesswoman. transportitsstaffcompliment.

This newspaper highlighted in

The murder suspect told the KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat an article published two weeks ago womanthatshewasgoingtobethe the company is interested in thatthelopsidedcontractallowsfor last person he killed. The purchasingbrandnewSportUtility US billions to be recovered with businesswoman had reportedly Vehicles (SUVs) that were Guyana’s oil, without sanction witnessed the suspect killing 21- manufactured between 2022 and from the Minister of Natural year-old mechanic Jaleel Leow of 2023. The expense to purchase Resources, Vickram Bharrat DennisStreetSophia. these vehicles will be borne by Included on the list is interest on

Leow was gunned down at the Guyana, as the 2016 Production loansthatExxonaccrues. woman’s business place onAugust Sharing Agreement (PSA) allows

According to the contract in 3, 2021. He too was a witness in for such costs to support the local Annex‘C’Section3.1(L)“Interest, another murder case (Kevin petroleum production activities to expenses and related fees incurred Campbell in March 2020) that his berecovered. on loans raised by the Parties some PSAs they do allow interest all of its expenses to one project. alleged killer is said to be involved In a Request For Information comprising the Contractor for as part of cost recovery, but that is This means that costs to develop a in. (RFI) issued by EEPGL on March Petroleum Operations and other nolongeracommonpractice.Ifitis projectthatisyettostartproducing Kaieteur News had reported on 14, 2023 ExxonMobil explained financing costs provided that such allowed, it is vital to establish strict oil will be billed to the producing August 4, 2021 that Leow, that it is seeking detailed technical expenses, fees and costs are rulesthatpreventpotentialabuse.” field, thereby shortening profits for Campbell’s brother, Brandon information from suppliers for consistent with market rates” shall Another common practice the the country received on that front. S m i t h a n d t h e S o p h i a meeting EEPGL’s bid selection be recovered without the further officialpointedoutistocaptherate This however bodes well for the businesswoman were hanging out requirements for “provision of approvaloftheMinister of interest. In this way, Mitro said contractoras75percentoftheoilis infrontofhershopontheafternoon Light Motor Vehicles in

In order to fund their that governments avoid companies first deducted towards covering of August 3, 2021 when two Georgetown,Guyana.” exploration and development pushingalotoftheircorporatedebt expenses. The remainder is then suspects approached them on TheRFIwillbeusedtoshortlist projects around the world, oil and at inflated rates into the local split evenly between the two bicycles. candidates that will be invited to gas companies use a mixture of project merely in order to obtain parties, with Guyana raking in an The suspects dismounted their submitproposalstothecompany It loans and liquid cash. But if the costrecoverybenefitattheexpense extra two percent royalty on its bikesandoneofthemarmedwitha “abusive”conditionsareinplace,a of the government. Mitro said that sweetlightcrude. cutlass asked the businesswoman, company may have the right there have been notable cases of Despite the inclusion of these “Is problem you want?” She had incentive to plug more loans with abuse such as Chevron inAustralia provisions and the lack of adequate reportedly responded in the unreasonable interest rates into where the authorities accused them measures to guard against unfair negative together with Leow and their project which could later be of charging interest to their local fiscal practices, the government is Smithbeforewalkingintoheryard. recovered. affiliate at a rate that was well unwilling to change the agreement Leowontheotherhandwasnot Guyana has not only allowed above their actual borrowing rate with ExxonMobil. It has however afraid to stand up to the alleged loans taken by Exxon to be merely to obtain tax recovery proposed to correct some of the attackers as he retorted, “Y’all recovered without the approval of benefitsinAustralia. fatal provisions in the new draft couldgetproblemsify’allwant.” the Minister but considers the costs “So I guess my thoughts with PSAs currently open for The other suspect, according eligible regardless of the interest regard to Guyana or any country consultation. The contracts will be police,thenwhippedoutahandgun rates. would be that permitting interest as applied to the 14 oil blocks while approaching Leow from Kaieteur News had reported part of cost recovery should ONLY presentlyonauction. behind and fired several rounds, that in the eyes of University of beconsideredifthereareprotective Several stakeholders have two of which impacted his back. HoustonInstructor,TomMitro,this caps built in as noted above. called on the administration to However,notsatisfiedwiththetwo arrangement leaves Guyana open Otherwise, the risks become too subject the Stabroek Block to the discharged rounds, the gunman to the abusive use of debt by the newoilcontract. stood over him and shot him two operators, since Guyana is moretimestothechest. was explained, “Esso Exploration essentiallystandingallthecosts. Couple battling for life Investigators were told that and Production Guyana Limited

During an exclusive interview, after execution attempt, wife Leow somehow managed to get up (EEPGL) plans to put in place a Mitro said, “The treatment of loan is key witness to murder and escape but had collapsed in the material / equipment acquisition interest varies by country and back of the businesswoman’s yard agreement for provision of light situation. Countries like the USA The Sophia businesswoman anddied. motor vehicles within the that have only an income tax on oil who is battling for her life at the The gunman then turned his Georgetown area ” It said it andnoproduction-sharingdoallow Georgetown Public Hospital attentiontoSmithandfiredashotat therefore wishes to identify tax deductions for interest on debt Corporation (GPHC) after gunmen himtoobutthebulletonlymanaged manufacturerauthorizedsuppliers. of oil companies However, opened fire on her and her husband to graze his right arm before he had As part of the background countriesliketheU.K.,Angolaand on Thursday is a key witness in a anopportunitytoescape. information that was uploaded to Nigeria that have royalty and murder that took place in August Leow’s killers then rode away the Ministry of Natural Resources special petroleum tax regimes, do 2021. on their bicycles, but not before Local Content Register online, the not allow tax deductions for Gunmen had reportedly turning to Felicia and saying, “We oil giant outlined the specific interestcostsofoilcompanies.” stopped in front of the woman’s gun kill all ya’ll one by one. You details of the vehicles it wishes to

The Petroleum Consultant grocery shop at ‘B’Field Sophia in gunbedelas’onewekill.” purchase The suitable client added,“Thisisduepartlytothefact great of Guyana ending up a tinted car while she and her Following Leow’s death police “should be a manufacturer that these governments offer inadvertently subsidizing the husband were sitting outside had identified three possible authorized dealer and provide certain investment tax incentives corporate borrowing of mega chattingwithafriend. suspects by their aliases, ‘Big manufacturers regular guarantees already such as tax credits or companies,”Mitroconcluded. Her husband recalled that three John,’‘DoubleClip’and‘Brainer’. (to deliver) brand new vehicles special allowances, and they view Notably, in the absence of a masked men armed with handguns KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat model 2022 / 2023 that meet interest tax deductions as ring-fencing provision, came out of the car and walked up thesuspectsinLeowkillingarestill internationalcodeandequipped unnecessary or duplicative In ExxonMobil is allowed to charge to his wife and began shooting atlarge.

(Continued on page 15)

ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge

From page 14

week said the contracts should be with advanced safety features.” It laid in the National Assembly and also noted that the vehicles should be put before a special select have an engine capacity range committee that allows for the between 1500 to 3000cc In involvement of the Guyanese addition to medium to large SUVs citizenry in the national that can seat between five and conversation Similarly, seven individuals, Exxon is also environment and democracy looking to acquire small or large advocate,SimoneMangal-Jolyina bussesthatcanseat14to32people. letter to Natural Resources

AccordingtotheRFI,“Vehicles Minister, Vickram Bharrat should be equipped with low underlined the need for an anchor/top tethers support the use extension to the consultation of child seat(s); Suppliers should period. have established supply chain; She said, “Unlike government vehicles should be in country or on officials, citizens are not paid order; Suppliers should offer after employeesoftheStateandcanonly sale services for both routine and read such documents during their non-routinerepairs;Suppliersmust after-work hours. Fourteen days is

US$700 million worth of revenue transportation in the oil industry last Friday, Ram mocked the new have Certified Technicians and also prohibitive when it comes to from the Local Content Act, These new vehicles are being agreementwhichhesaidretainsthe Supplier should be able to conduct procuring qualified specialists to insertingthegovernment’sposition boughttofetchtheirchildrentoand old foreign exchange framework. routine and non-routine repairs provide advice so that citizens and that “that this industry must work from school and to do their errands “So much for a progressive, within 30 days of initial request by civil society organisations can for our people too, not the here, there and everywhere. They nationalistic model promised by EEPGL.” make informed representation to foreignersalone.” willbeusingfreegas,andusingour the Government. While I intend to

Though this move has already government.” Jagdeo went on to explain, “We money to maintain their vehicles,” address the Model over the coming been criticized as an avenue to Mangal-Joly had also havetravelledaroundtheworld,we hecontended. weeks, I urge the Government not phase out the local transportation suggested among other things that have seen in these countries how The businessman who has been only to extend the 14-day providers, the oil company in the mechanisms be put in place for all theforeigners,peopleofonecolour a strong advocate for a better oil consultation period but to engage said document highlights, comments on the new draft live in ethnic enclaves, we said not deal believes this is yet another the public in a public forum for “EEPGL’s local content strategy is agreements be made public and for in Guyana. The law now says that move to starve Guyanese of their broad, general consultations. The important to our business Its government to produce a plan to these foreign companies can only ownwealth.HenotedthatExxonis draft does have some positive elements are integrated into our report on how public feedback was rent dwelling places from intheprocessofconstructinganew features but repeats some of the daily processes and procedures and addressed in the development of Guyanese so that Guyanese now local Headquarter at Ogle, East major weaknesses of the existing guide the way we work today and the final model agreement. Alfred haveanopportunitytosupplythem CoastDemerarawhichwillremove regime,”Ramsaid. plan for tomorrow.” This as the Bhulai had also made a similar withthistoo.” the need to rent local office space. Meanwhile, only last week this company to supply the vehicles request to the administration. The Notably, he also pointed out, Lall also pointed out that Exxon is newspaper reported that the willhavetosubmititslocalcontent agreements that will govern the 14 “ T h e y c a n o n l y r e n t even seeking to build their own Government of Guyana (GoG) has strategyamongotherrequirements. oil blocks presently on auction, has transportation ” The former housing schemes to further disturb so far ignored the calls from both Jagdeo boasts of significantly improved terms for President said while in Opposition Guyanese from benefitting from civil society and the Opposition for Local Content benefits thecountry In thenew oilcontract, the party visited the Marriott Hotel any low hanging fruit in the oil the review period on the new draft

Meanwhile, Vice President governmenthas preserved the right in Georgetown and observed that sector As such, the businessman Production Sharing Agreements Bharrat Jagdeo during remarks at a to review and approve the budgets an American company was in the said,“AllthatJagdeoisboastingof (PSA) to be extended. Two drafts, ceremony held to pay tribute to the for the exploration and country to provide transportation isfroth.”

for the deep and shallow water lives of Former Presidents Dr developmentprogrammesoftheoil services. As such he said, “So we areas, were released two Tuesdays Cheddi Jagan and his wife, Janet companies. Such powers are not changed the Law and now you can ‘New oil PSArepeats agomarkingthecommencementof Jagan, at Babu John, Berbice on enshrined in the Stabroek Block only rent from Guyanese people major weaknesses in old a 14-day consultation Several S u n d a y b o a s t e d o f t h e PSAoranyotherexistingPSA. becauseitcomesoutofthesenseof contract’- Chris Ram members of the public had accomplishments made by the Equally important is the where we have come from. We – urges public forum for recommended that the consultation People’s Progressive Party in the insertion of a new provision that need foreign capital to develop broad-based consultations period be extended to cater for a petroleum sector, especially as it ensuresthecountryisnotleftonthe these industries We can’t put thoroughreviewoftheagreements. regardsLocalContent. hook for any of the oil companies’ together $13 billion to build these AmidcallsfromtheOpposition This newspaper had reached

The Law was passed by the bills A new arrangement or FPSOs we don’t have that money and other stakeholders for an out to Minister of Natural administration in December 2019 demand rather, is that oil but we have to make sure that the extensioninthetimeforscrutinyof Resources, Vickram Bharrat on to ensure Guyanese benefits from companies must also ensure their people in this industry leave a fair the burgeoning industry The VP subcontractors have adequate shareoftheproceedstoGuyanese.” seemed unaware of the moves insurance coverage too

No benefits for Guyanese being made by the oil company,

In the meantime, Businessman underhisremit,ashetoldhundreds state that oil companies will not be and Publisher of the Kaieteur gatheredattheeventthattheformer allowed to acquire the blocks and News, Mr Glenn Lall upon Head of State was concerned about sit on their hands for decades. learning of the situation said this state of affairs. He said, “We

Importantly, the draft agreements

UnlikewhatobtainsintheStabroek Jagdeo must explain how Local have made changes to the Local Block PSA, the new draft Contentwillindeedbeofbenefitto Content Legislation; the same agreements stipulate that the citizens when the oil company is legislation- something that “contractor, affiliated companies, now attempting to shut out comrade Cheddi was always sub-contractors and individuals transportationproviders. Lallsaid, concerned about- that we needed whoareexpatriatesshallbesubject “thesamedayJagdeotalkingabout foreign capital to expand this to the income tax laws of Guyana, Local Content and its benefits to country but are Guyanese going to including, the Income Tax Act of Guyana, including the rental of getafairshareoftheproceeds.” Guyana (Cap 81:01) and the homes and transportation services, Jagdeo pointed out that the Corporation Tax Act of Guyana ExxonMobil has put out an ad to government has already drafted a (Cap. 81:03) and shall separately purchase its own vehicles. Is that new Production Sharing comply with the requirements of LocalContent?TellusVP.” Agreement (PSA) that would those laws, in particular with The newspaper Publisher ensure greater fiscal arrangements the new model Production Sharing Friday for his position on the calls respecttofilingreturns,assessment explained that ExxonMobil is for the country, improved A g r e e m e n t r e l e a s e d b y being made, but received no of tax, and keeping and showing of phasingoutlocalstoowntheirown compared to the contract signed by government recently, Chartered response. However, Stakeholder books and records.” The new PSA vehicleswhichwillbepaidforwith the former Coalition government; Accountant, Christopher Ram said Coordinator for the Ministry, Ms. has proposed that cost recovery be the nation’s oil. “What Exxon is but more importantly he said, is the there should be a public forum for Mikaila Prince had explained, “no cappedat65percentandintroduces doing is phasing out the local passage of the new legislation. The broadandgeneralconsultations. change to the timeline has been an increased royalty of 10 percent. people, many of whom took loans Vice President shared that Guyana Writing in his weekly Oil and communicated.”The Opposition at Inannouncingthereleaseofthe fromthebankstopurchasevehicles has since benefitted from nearly Gas column in the Stabroek News its weekly press conference last (Continued on page 16)

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram

From page 15 its decision to waive an application made on water, ground water, sea, new model contracts, the Environmental Impact November 14, 2022 seeking seabed, marine and coastal Natural Resources Ministry Assessment (EIA) for the t h e e n v i r o n m e n t a l areas, and natural resources explained that to ensure new gas-fired power plant at authorisation for the Gas or any combination or part investments are governed by Wales, West Bank Demerara Plant Project states that the thereof.” a comprehensive framework is unlawful. On January 6, Applicant is, “Guyana Janki contended that the of international best 2023, the EPA published a Power and Gas Inc.” Even Project Summary does not practices, there will be an Notice to the Public stating though this makes it clear state the possible effects on overhaul of the 1986 that the construction and that this organization is the ‘climate’ or ‘atmosphere’ P e t r o l e u m A c t a n d operation of the project will project developer, the and fails to even mention Regulations. not significantly affect the Guyana Power and Light them Additionally, the environment and is exempt (GPL) submitted the Project document does not state the Tuesday – March 28 from the requirement to Summary to the EPA. To ‘possible’ effect on the conductanEIA. this end, the International Demerara River of dumping Citizens threaten The attorney explained, Lawyer posited, “The treatedsewageintoitswater court action over “the agency’s decision to Agencyhasactedunlawfully Importantly, she also Wales gas project exempttheGasPlantProject and in breach of its duties noted that the Project …call for thorough from an environmental undersection11oftheActin Summary for the power EIA for power plant, impact assessment is relying on a project plant states “The production say pipeline permit to unlawful being inter alia summary submitted by a process can result in a Exxon was illegal unauthorised/contrary to person other than the decreased [sic] in ambient l a w ; a n e x c e s s o f developer The Agency’s air quality which can pose The Environmental jurisdiction; a failure to decision to exempt the potential health risk to P e r m i t i s s u e d t o satisfy conditions required projectisthereforeillegal.” humans and wildlife in close ExxonMobil, for the by law; an unreasonable Shewaskeentonotethat proximitytotheconstruction pipeline and Natural Gas irregular and improper the Guyana Power and Gas site Combustion from Liquids (NGL) facility is exercise of discretion; an Inc cannot now simply hydrocarbons can contribute likely to be challenged in the abuseofpower;conflictwith resubmit the GPL Project t o g r e e n h o u s e g a s local courts as the t h e p o l i c y o f t h e Summary under its own emissions.” As such, Janki Environmental Protection Environmental Protection name, as this would be a said “It is wholly irrational Agency (EPA) has been Act Cap: 20.05; irrational violation of the developer’s and unreasonable for the served a pre-action letter by and arbitrary.” She therefore obligation to consider the Agency to conclude that the International Lawyer, implored the EPA to revoke requirements of the Act and project will not have a Melinda Janki on behalf of its decision regarding the take the appropriate steps to significant impact on the twoGuyanesecitizens. waiver of the study, citing comply In addition, Janki environment when the

In the document seen by and Danuta Radzik, t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l half a dozen of reasons. In stated that the GPL Project Project Summary states this newspaper, it is explained “Along the Protection Act and the her 45-point submission, the summary does not meet the quite clearly that there is a understoodthattheattorney- proposed pipeline route, regulations. LawyersaidSection11(1)of requirementsoftheAct. potential health risk and at-law has so far requested individuals hold tracts of Janki told the EPA boss the Act requires the The Lawyer explained therefore the Agency’s that the EPA revoke the land under transports and in her letter that as a general “developer” of a project that Section 11(1)(ii) of the decisionisunlawful.” Permit granted to the oil leases. Further evidence that matter of law, ministers may which may significantly EP Act requires a Project company as the agency did the land is held by Guyanese not use their statutory affect the environment to Summary to provide Miners, residents under not have the legal power to citizensandnotbyEEPGLis powers to facilitate apply for an environmental information on the “possible siege at Eteringbang by authorise Esso Exploration provided by the orders illegality She explained that permit Notably, the Act effectsontheenvironment.” Venezuelan National and Production Guyana published in the Official the Acquisition of Lands for defines the developer as the Section 2 of theAct goes Guard, Sindicatos L i m i t e d ( E E P G L ) - Gazettefortheacquisitionof Public Purposes Act a p p l i c a n t f o r a n ontodefinetheenvironment ExxonMobil’s subsidiary lands for the pipeline route. empowers the subject e n v i r o n m e n t a l as “all land, area beneath Miners and residents of and the operator of the These orders list transports minister to acquire lands for authorisation. land surface, atmosphere, EteringbangCommunity Stabroek Block- to construct and leases to be acquired for public purposes. “It is not Janki said item 1 of the climate, all water, surface (Continued on page 66) a pipeline in the absence of the pipeline route It is (and cannot be) a public the proof, the developer therefore incontrovertible purpose to acquire private owns the project lands, as that the route for the land in order to facilitate a required by regulation 17, proposed pipeline will run breach of law or circumvent under the Environmental on land that is not owned by legal requirements such as Protection(EP)Act. EEPGL, not held by EEPGL the regulations,” she argued.

Regulation 17(2) of the under any lease, and not As such, the Lawyer insisted Environmental Protection subject to an agreement that the orders made by the (Authorisation) Regulations which would allow EEPGL Minister under the m a d e u n d e r t h e to construct the onshore AcquisitionLandsforPublic Environmental Protection pipeline along the route Purposes Act to acquire Act requires that an p r o p o s e d i n t h e private land for the pipeline a p p l i c a t i o n f o r a n Environmental Impact route are “ultra vires and environmental authorisation Statement.” unlawful”.According to her, “(c ) shall contain the In this regard, the lawyer the orders (including Orders following information: (ii) concluded that the Permit 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of 4th proof that the applicant issued was in breach of the January2023aspublishedin either owns the facility or EPAct.“TheAgencydidnot the Official Gazette on 6th has a lease or other have the legal power to January 2023) do not have agreement with the authorise EEPGL to legal effect and cannot landowner or occupier to construct a pipeline in the deprive the landowners and enable the applicant to absenceoftheproofrequired leaseholders of their conduct the activity on the by regulation 17 it has propertyrights. facility or has the legal right acted unlawfully and The letter was also of way to conduct the irrationally, and has misused copied to Minister of Public activity without the consent its powers. The permit is Works,JuanEdghill. of the landowner or thereforeinvalid,”shesaid. EIAwaiver occupier.” In her letter to the Jankithereforerequested

In a separate letter to the Executive Director, Kemraj the agency to revoke the EPA, dated February 13, Parsram dated January 31, permit and direct Exxon to 2023,Jankionbehalfofcivil 2023, Janki on behalf of restart the application society member, Ramon Elizabeth Deane-Hughes process in compliance with Gaskin alerted the EPA that

Executive Director of EPA, Kemraj Parsram

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY!

Trinidad wins

US$100m verdict in key corruption lawsuit

(

J A M A I C A

GLEANER) - The government of Trinidad & Tobago has won a multimillion-dollar verdict in a sprawling corruption lawsuit that began nearly 20 years ago and involves former high-ranking officials.

AjuryinMiamiawarded the government more than US$100 million in compensatory damages in a verdict lateWednesday The civil case began in 2004 when the Trinidadian government sued a former finance minister, various businessmen and several companies in countries, including Florida in the United States, Panama and Portugal.

“This is a victory for the people of T&T,” Faris AlRawi, a former attorney general in Trinidad who represented the government in the case, told reporters in Miami.

The lawsuit alleged that the defendants participated in a scheme beginning in August 1996 to illegally obtain consulting and construction contracts at hyperinflated prices via bribes, bid rigging and money laundering linked to an expansion of the Piarco International Airport in the TrinidadiancapitalofPortof Spain.

The verdict came 19 yearsafterthecivilcasewas

filed in the Florida 11th Circuit Court and represents a v i c t o r y f o r t h e government’s anticorruptionefforts.Itwentto trialonMarch6.

Relatedcriminalcasesin Trinidad, in which top former officials were charged, have stalled or withered as key witnesses died and prosecutors droppedcharges.

Nearlytwodozenpeople were originally charged in Trinidad,includingaformer prime minister, his wife and an ex-Cabinet minister accused of receiving kickbacks from a local businessman.

Among those named in

the lawsuit that the government won was a former finance minister, Brian Kuei Tung An attorney for him could not immediately be reached for comment.

In 2005, the United States government filed several criminal charges against some of the same defendants, including bank fraudandmoneylaundering. Althoughsomechargeswere discarded, some defendants were convicted and sentenced to six-year prison terms.Others,includingtwo Trinidadian businessmen, have appealed, and their casesarestillpendinginthe USjusticesystem.

Dr. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago

Chief of Staff assures GDF's dominance in the Cuyuni River

…after Venezuelan National Guard openend fire on GDF ranks

Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Brigadier Godfrey BessonSaturdayassuredthat the Force is maintaining dominance in the Cuyuni River, Region Seven which bordersVenezuela.

The Chief of Staff's assurance followed a shootout between members of the Venezuelan National Guard (armed forces) and

GDF ranks in the Cuyuni River, Region Seven at the endofFebruary2023.

Brigadier Bess in confirming the incident said that the Defence Force continues to dominate the CuyuniRiver

ThoughtheChiefofStaff did not disclose information of the incident to Kaieteur News, this newspaper understands that the incident

occurred between Karibisi and Enteringbang, Cuyuni River

Guyana's Foreign Affairs Ministryhassincereportedly engaged the Venezuelan Government on the matter and according to information received by Kaieteur News, the Venezuelan guards involved have been removed fromtheirpostsattheborder Guyanese locals at Eteringbang told Kaieteur News that following the shootout the boat used by the GDF ranks was bullet ridden The residents told this newspaper that the Guyanese soldiers were transporting fuel to their base at Eteringbang when they came under fire during late hours of an afternoon.

The Venezuelan armed guards, Kaieteur News understands, mistook the GDF ranks for civilians and thought they were smugglingfuel.

It was only when the GDF ranks returned fire that the Venezuelan guards realized they were shooting atGuyanesesoldiers.

However, Venezuelan sources told this newspaper that the guards were unwilling to admit their mistake and reportedly told their superiors that the GDF ranks tried to “run them off

Cuyuni River

their base” forcing them to retaliate.

The report by the

Venezuelan army allegedly resulted in the Venezuelan government sending troops and reinforcement to the border that separates the two countries.

Eteringbang residents recalled that senior GDF officersreportedlyflewtothe border to meet with their Venezuelan counterparts on the issue. It is unclear if the meeting was held because according to sources the

Venezuelans were a noshow Nevertheless, Kaieteur News was informed that the issue has since been settled between the two governments.

Meanwhile,theGDFin a press statement issued on March 27 in relation to the shooting incident made it clear that the “Issues confronting our ranks whether they serve on borders or at bases are never taken for granted and their commitment to the s e r v i c e i s n e v e r undervalued.”

The Force, in response to an online publication accusing the Guyana government of covering up the incident said, “With Reference to the border issues, the Force remains guided by the Commanderin-Chief and Members of the Defence Board in practicing international relations with a policy of Diplomatic Conscience”.

The Waterfall Waterfall

Upcoming Guyanese-born artiste ‘Xander’

Young Entrepreneur, Aquila Scott

Netu L al

This week's beauty is 17-year-old Netu Lal, a delegate of the teen category of the 'Miss Teen India Worldwide Guyana' pageant. The ambitious teen's ultimate goal is to be an inspiration to young women, by upholding her religious tenets and spreading kindness. Her desire is to become proof that “you are capable of fighting for your dream…” Netu's favourite quote is from the Bhagavad Gita “Do everything you have to do, but not with greed, not with ego, not with lust, notwith envy but with love, compassion, humility, and devotion.”

MightyCrownSoundSystemToRetireAfter30Years

(DancehallMag) Renowned Japanese presentation. Mighty Crown doesn’t live sound system ‘Mighty Crown’ is on the last today’s Dancehall life,” he said. “The sound lap of its career after three decades. The is one of a few masters of yesterday’s decision might shock some, but with the Dancehall life, so it’s time to let the younger changing climate in Dancehall, the selectors generation carry the torch without thinkitistimetostepaside. interpretation from us (our generation).

“The challenge with continuing is being MightyCrownhadthetimeandmadethebest forced to play songs that don’t speak of your ofit!MightyCrownmadehistory…..but,the experiences and Dancehall lifestyle. For industry’s history doesn’t stop with this example, Mighty Crown’s generation generation. Others will come and do great smoked weed. So, the sound enjoyed playing thingsbecausethemusicisspeakingfortheir ganja songs because they felt the lyrical generationofgreatness.” content. It was a major part of the dancehall Bourne continued: “I don’t want Mighty lifestyle.We are weed smokers. We don’t do Crown to be remembered as the sound team drugs, so how do we endorse songs about that should have quit while they were ahead. doing drugs?” Garfield “Chin” Bourne of We want to be remembered as a multi-award Irish and Chin, manager of ‘Mighty Crown’ winningsoundteamthatsuccessfullyshowed for over 20 years, said in an interview with the world that when Jamaican sound system DancehallMag culture is marketed the right way, sky is the Bourne added that the group of selectors, limit.” made up of Masta Simon, Sami T, Cojie, and ‘Mighty Crown’ recently kicked off the Ninja, created their own legacy, and have no Final Round Tour in Japan and is looking to qualmswithgivingthefreshfacesachance. visit Canada,United Kingdom, United States

“If you want to perform at your best, then andtheCaribbeanbeforebiddingfarewell. your performance must be real. It’s critical Theirlastperformancewillbeinmid-July because the realness shows in your ontheFarEastReggaeCruise.

Mighty Crown

Will ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ Dethrone

‘John Wick 4’ at Box Office?

(Variety) As it rolls the

office, which has fielded dice at the weekend box opening weekend franchise office, “Dungeons & records for “Scream,” Dragons: Honor Among “Creed” and “John Wick.” Thieves”isaimingtoemerge But the month hasn’t been victorious over last

weekend’s champion “John “Shazam: Fury of the Gods” Wick:Chapter4.” crashed and burned with $46

A natural 20 isn’t million in North America guaranteed, but Paramount and $102 million globally to and eOne’s adaptation of the date. popularrole-playinggameis

The Warner Bros. and hopingtocollect$30million DC comic book sequel cost to $40 million from 3,850 $110million. North American locations.

Jonathan Goldstein and

It’ll be a close race for first John Francis Daley (“Game place between that and the Night”) directed the PG-13 fourth “John Wick,” which “Dungeons and Dragons,” topped the box office with which centers on a charming $73.5 million and looks to thief (Chris Pine) and a band add about $36 million in its of unlikely adventurers sophomoreouting. mouth hit. Inaugural ticket gaming adaptations were at (Michelle Rodriguez and I n t e r n a t i o n a l l y, buyers may be hardcore one time synonymous with Regé-Jean Page among “Dungeons & Dragons” is D&D players, but it’s box office failures. But the them)whoundertakeanepic opening in 58 markets, expected to appeal to genre has experienced a heist to retrieve a lost relic. where it’s aiming for $25 broader audiences, who may turnaround as of late But their mission goes millionormore. not know much about the Paramount’s “Sonic the dangerouslyawrywhenthey

“Dungeons & Dragons” game, as it continues its run Hedgehog” and its 2022 run afoul of the wrong “‘Dungeons & Dragons: for a game, but for the entire cost $150 million, not onthebigscreen. sequel, as well as Sony’s people Variety’s Owen Honor Among Thieves’ fantasy culture it helped to includingmarketingfeesand Although it’s based on “ U n c h a r t e d , ” w e r e Gleiberman called the film should be a major hit, spawn,” he wrote in his a stop to premiere the film at one of the most well-known unexpected successes, while an “irresistible mash-up of because it knows how to tap review “It’sthemovieitself SXSW in Austin, Texas fantasy games, there wasn’t Universal and Illumination’s everythingitinspired.”

into our nostalgia — not just that’srole-playing.” Even if its opening weekend a ton of optimism about a “Super Mario Bros” (April isn’t one for the record live-action “D&D” — prior 5)isexpectedtobecomeone books, box office analysts to its positive reviews out of of the biggest movies of the and rival studios believe the SXSW — after the ill-fated year movie, which has received 2000adaptationwithJeremy “Dungeons & Dragons” exceptional reviews, is Irons, Thora Birch and also looks to cap off a primedtobecomeaword-of- Marlon Wayans. Moreover, standout March at the box

UN climate justice success should encourage small states to act together

BySirRonaldSanders

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely hisown)

Effortsbysmallstatesto seek justice for damage and existential threats to their countries, caused by the w o r l d ’ s m a j o r environmental polluters, moved a step further at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on March29.

By consensus, the UNGAadopted a resolution seeking an International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate change.

The resolution asks the ICJ to clarify states’ obligations regarding climate change, including their human rights obligations to reduce greenhousegasemissions.It also asks the court for guidance on questions of accountability for “states that have caused significant harm to the climate,” and to smallislandstates.

The adoption of the resolution demonstrates the soft power of developing states when they act collectively in international fora. While the resolution was proposed by the Pacific Island ofVanuatu which did remarkable diplomatic work to build the consensus that eventually led to UN GA adoption, 18 other countries formed a core group in advancing it. Antigua and Barbuda was the only Caribbean country in the coregroup.

By the time of the UNGA’S adoption of the Resolution the core group had secured co-sponsorship bymorethan130states.

Antigua and Barbuda is also a co-founder of another UN registered Commission which is utilizing the international legal system and its institutions to seek climatejustice. Thisbodyis the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) which is seeking an advisory opinion from the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea(ITLOS).

Unlike the Vanuatu initiative, which will now

have to await formalities from the ICJ about the procedures for the submission of memoranda and a date for hearings, COSIS has already received confirmation from ITLOS for a first hearing on September 12 in Hamburg, Germany

Vanuatu is one of the six core members of COSIS which is co-chaired by the Prime Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda and Tuvalu, Gaston Browne and Kausea Natano, both of whom will attend the ITLOS hearing in Hamburg.

These efforts by small island states to use the international legal system forclimatejusticearisefrom thefailureofmeetingsofthe UN Conference of the Parties (COP), which have producedlittleornobenefits for them. Small Island States are the greatest victims of climate change and global warming, although they collectively contribute less than 0.1 per cent of Global Green House Gasemissions-CO2.

The latest UN report is clear that human activity is responsible for virtually all global heating over the last 200 years; the rate of temperature rise in the last halfcenturyisthehighestin 2 , 0 0 0 y e a r s ; a n d concentrations of carbon dioxideareattheirhighestin atleast2millionyears.

Thirteen countries are currently responsible for 68 per cent of the world’s CO2 emissions Of the 13 countries,4ofthem–China, the United States of America,IndiaandRussia–accountfor55percent.

Much irreversible damage has already been done to many countries and to millions of people. The planet Earth – our one homeland – has also been woundedwithconsequences for all. Communities in many countries have been displaced by extreme weatherevents.

InAntigua and Barbuda, all the inhabitants of Barbuda were dislocated in

2017 by Hurricane Irma.

Similarly, in 2019, HurricaneDoriandecimated the Abacos Islands, in The Bahamas, dislodging the entire community Effectively, these persons were“Climaterefugees”–a classification which has not yet been accepted in international law or in internationalprovisions.

E c o n o m i e s o f developingstates,especially small island states, are repeatedly set back by extreme weather events. All of these small economies have incurred burdensome debt to rebuild destroyed countries and to try to build resilientlyforthefuture.

Current global financial flows for adaptation, including from public and private finance sources, are insufficient and constrain implementation of adaptation options in developingcountries.

A World Bank report recentlyrevealedthat“richer c o u n t r i e s , w h i c h significantly expanded their economies over the last decades, were the largest contributors of CO2 emissions,whilesmallstates are the most affected and face the most significant costsofadaptation.” While the polluting nations get richer, the suffering nations get poorer The injustice cannot be more blatantly obvious.

T h e p l e a f o r compensation for loss and damage by small countries was only reluctantly considered at COP27 and appearstohavebeenpushed offintoacommitteetomake recommendations to COP28 that might amount to little. Thesenseofhopelessnessin small states is rising even as temperaturesandthelevelof thesearise.

In nine months, world leaderswillgatheratCOP28 in Dubai. The leaders of the mostpowerfulnations–and thebiggestpolluters-should go to Dubai to deliver climate justice to those countries caught in the vortexofcrisesnoneofthem

caused; they should be prepared to compensate those,thattheyhaveharmed most,forlossanddamage.

They should also deliver o n t h e f i n a n c i a l commitments made at COP meetings in Copenhagen, Paris and Glasgow But thereisnosignthatthiswill happen. Hencetheresortby small island states to seek redress in the international legalsystem.

The arbitrations and the judgements of ITLOS and

the ICJ are not binding on states, buttheycarrylegal authority and moral weight that cannot be ignored. Favourableopinions fromeachoreitherof them, showing that international law is not on the side of the polluters, would be a boost to the negotiatingstrengthofsmall statesatCOP28.

Hopefully,theconsensus resolutionbytheUNGAthat

resulted from developing states working together will emboldenthemtodomoreto advancetheirjointinterests. Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com

Sir Ronald Sanders

Exercises to burn back-fat

By: Davina Bagot

Backfatcanbestubborn and requires determination andstrengthtoreduce.

If you have noticed the bulgethatyouwouldliketo getridof,hereafewsimple exercisesyoucantrytohelp burnthatstubbornweight.

My favourite part about these exercises is that they can be done right in the comfortofyourhome.Like I have been advising for some time in my column, one of the best investments youcanmakeistopurchase apairofdumbbells.Evenif y o u h a v e a g y m membership, owning your own pair would come in handy especially when you can’tmakeit.

ReverseFly

To do the reverse fly, grabapairofdumbbellsand beginbystandingwithyour feet shoulder –width apart, holding the dumbbells at yoursides.

Next,slightlybendyour knees, lean forward with your arms hanging next to your calves, with your elbows slightly bent. Make sure your palms are facing each other and slowly raise the weights until your elbows are level with your shoulders. Slowly bring the weights back down; this is onerep.

Bentoverrows

Begin by standing with yourfeetjustaboutshoulder width apart with the dumbbellsatthesideofyou.

Bend your knees slightly as you bend over, keeping your back straight and chest up with shoulder blades back When performing this exercise you may opt to have your palmsfaceeachother

After bending over slightly, lift the dumbbells by bringing your arms closer to your rib cage, keeping your wrist under your elbows. Repeat this exercise a few times and you’ll notice results particularly in your upper body

Deadlifts

Here again stand with yourlegsslightlyapartwith your dumbbells in each hand. Hold the weights in frontofyouwithyourpalms facing your body Slightly bend your knees then begin to lower the dumbbells towards the ground To maintain proper form in doing this, avoid bending your knees and keep your back straight. Only your waist should be lowered as you take the dumbbells slowly to the ground at a

depth that is comfortable to you. Try to keep your back straightasyoureturntoyour standingposition.

RussianTwists

Next, be sure to try out the‘Russiantwist’.Forthis exercise,sitonthefloorand beginnerscankeeptheirfeet ontheground.

Slightly tilt your back towards the ground (your bodyshouldbeinav-shape) and clasp your palms in frontofyourtummy

Begin the ‘Russian twist’bymovingyourhands totheleftsideofyourbody, keepingyourbacktiltedand squeezing your core; move your hand to the opposite sideofyourbodyandrepeat this motion for about 20 times. You may also throw in some weights to make this exercise a bit more effective.

Dumbbellswing

Another easy exercise thatcanhelptoreduceback fat is the dumbbell swing. Beginbystandingwithyour feet shoulder-width apart and hold the dumbbell with one hand in front of the

other Keep your back straight, bend your knees slightly,pushyourhipsback and swing the weight in betweenyourlegs.

Once the weight is behind the body, contract your glutes and thrust your hips forward, swinging the weight up to chest level. When the weight is at its highest point, contract your glutes,quadsandcore.

Allow the weight to swing back between your legs.

Latpull-down

Gym lovers would be familiar with the lat-pull down machine, which targetsthemusclejustunder the armpits and spreading acrossanddowntheback.

Todolatpull-downs,sit comfortably on the seat of the machine with your feet flatonthefloor

Check the height of the bar as you may need to adjust its height by shortening or lengthening the chain or cable that supportsthebaroryourseat height.Thebarshouldbeat a height that your

o utstretc hed arms can comfortably grasp it withouthavingtostand up entirely, but you should also be able to still extend your arms to achieve a full range of motion. If the station has a thigh pad, adjust it so that the upper thighs are tucked firmly underthepad.

This will assist you whenyouapplyefforttothe bar

Next, grasp the bar and pull it down until it reaches

near your chin. Exhale on the downward motion and aimtokeepyouruppertorso (chest, abdomen and back) stationary Besuretokeepyourfeet flat on the floor and engage your abs as you pull. Take your elbows as far back as you can before slowly returning the bar to the starting position Avoid letting it crash into the weight plates as you repeat

Sharingchildpornography carriesjailtime,$$$Mfines

Sh a r i n g c h i l d the purpose of its distribution commits an offence under anunderagegirlsittingintheback pornography(anyvisual through a computer system; offers subsection(3)isliable...” of his car The man then unzipped depiction of a minor or makes available, distributes or According to the law, anyone his pants, revealing his private

engaging in sexually transmits child pornography who is found guilty of child part, after that the underage girl explicit activity) is a criminal through a computer system; pornography at the Magistrates’ wasthenseenperformingoralsex offence under the Laws of procures or obtains child Court level, where the matter is asthetaxi-drivervideoedtheact. Guyana. It would be important to pornography through a computer tried summarily, will be liable to a The second video later note that not only is it illegal to system for himself or another fine of $10M and five years’ surfacedwiththesametaxi-driver produce child pornography, but it person; or possesses child imprisonment.Ifthematteristried and another underage girl. Not isalsoacrimetodistributeorbein pornographyinacomputersystem indictably and the person is found only is it an offence to rape, or possession of child pornography or on a computer data storage guilty of child pornography in the sexually assault a minor, but it is These offences carry jail time and also an offence to record any sex heftyfines. act with a minor That offence is

BACKGROUND

In Guyana, there is a called‘childpornography.’ Cybercrime Act, and for those

unfamiliar, Cybercrime is the use

By Renay Sambach

However,onJuly20,2018,the and fraudulent website, offences

Guyana’s Cybercrime Bill of a computer to carry out illegal was presented by the then acts Cybercrimes are usually Attorney General and Minister of done with the use of the internet Legal Affairs, Basil Williams. It and the different instruments that was published onAugust 4, 2016. identity-related offences, child haveinternetaccess,anditappears After the Bill was presented to the pornography, child luring, that most people are not aware of National Assembly, the proposed publication or transmission of this Act and the penalties that are Section 18, ‘Sedition,’had caused image of private area of a person, attachedtooffencesthatfallunder apublicoutcry multiple electronic mail messages thisAct.

Just recently, a popular Coalition Government used its againsttheState,usingacomputer Facebook page shared a post with majority to pass the Cybercrime system to coerce, harass, minors purportedly engaged in Bill with an amendment intimidate, humiliate, etc , a sexualactivity Itwasn’tlongafter expunging the controversial person,infringementofcopyright, the page decided to remove the seditionclause. patents and designs and post and issued a notice of

Since the passage of the Bill, trademarks, corporate liability, retraction and encouraged others medium.” HighCourt,heorshewillbeliable numerous persons were charged, attempt, aiding or abetting, use of to do the same. However, by then “A person or service provider to a fine of $15M and 10 years put before the court and even computer system to commit the screenshot and video of the who has knowledge of another imprisonment. convicted. offence under any other law, minors had already made its way person committing child In April 2020, two videos of Cybercrime offences are: o f f e n c e s p r e j u d i c i n g across several social media pornography through a computer child pornography surfaced and illegal access to a computer investigation. platforms with persons seemingly system shall report the they went viral on Guyana social system,illegalinterception,illegal For those who wish to review thrilled to share the child commission of the child media platforms. After the video data interference, illegal the Cybercrime Act, see link: pornography pornographytothepolice.” surfaced, the taxi-driver that acquisition of data, illegal system https://parliament.gov.gy/publicat

SECTION 14/CHILD “Apersonoraserviceprovider videoed the act went into hiding. interference, illegal devices, ions/acts-of-parliament/cyber-

PORNOGRAPHY who fails to comply with However, after some months, he unauthorised granting of access to crime-act-2018

This section of the Act subsection (2) commits an was arrested, charged and put or giving of electronic data, To s h a r e a n y u s e f u l stipulates: “A person commits an offence.Apersonwhocommitsan beforethecourt. computer-related forgery, information, you can contact me offenceifthepersonintentionally: offence under subsection (1) or a According to reports, the first computer-related fraud, offences v i a e m a i l : produces child pornography for person or service provider who video showed the taxi driver and affecting critical infrastructure, naesambach@gmail.com

This Day in History - APR. 02

Jeannette Rankin, first woman elected to U.S. Congress, assumes office

April02,1917

Jeannette Pickering Rankin, the first woman ever elected to Congress, takes her seat in the U.S. Capitol as a representative from Montana.

Born on a ranch near Missoula, Montana Territory, in 1880, Rankin was a social worker in the states of Montana and Washington before joining the women’s suffrage movement in 1910. Working with various suffrage groups, she campaigned for the women’s vote on a national level and in 1914 was instrumental in the passage of suffrage legislation in Montana.Two years later, she successfully ran for Congress in Montana on a progressive Republican platform calling for total omen’s suffrage, legislation protecting children, and U S neutrality in the European war Following her election as a representative, Rankin’s entrance into Congress was delayed for a month as congressmen discussed whether a woman should be admitted into theHouseofRepresentatives. Finally, onApril 2, 1917, she was introduced in Congress as its first female member The same day, President Woodrow Wilson addressed a joint session of Congress and urged a declaration of war against Germany OnApril 4, the Senate voted for war by a wide majority, and on April 6 the vote went to the House. Citing public opinion in Montana and her own pacifist beliefs, Jeannette Rankin was one of only 50 representatives who voted againsttheAmericandeclarationofwar Fortheremainderofherfirst term in Congress, she sponsored legislation to aid women and children,andadvocatedthepassageofafederalsuffrageamendment. Shediedin1973attheageof93.

Pope John Paul II dies

Anthrax poisoning kills 62 in Russia

April02,1979 farming area and infected people

The world’s first anthrax and livestock in the area. Had the epidemic begins in Sverdlovsk, town been downwind from the plant Russia(nowEkaterinburg),onApril at the time of the release, the death 2, 1979. By the time it ended six toll might have been considerably weeks later, 62 people were dead. higher.

April02,2005

1995.

On April 2, 2005, John Paul II, history’s most well-travelled pope and the first non-Italian to hold the position since the 16th century, dies at his home in the Vatican. Six days later, two million people packed VaticanCityforhisfuneral,saidtobeoneofthebiggestinhistory.

Pope John Paul II is remembered for his successful efforts to end communism,aswellasforbuildingbridgeswithpeoplesofotherfaiths, and issuing the Catholic Church’s first apology for its actions during World War II. He was succeeded by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, who became Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Francis, who succeeded Pope BenedictinMarch2013,canonizedJohnPaulIIinApril2014.

Another 32 survived serious illness.

Anthrax is a bacterium that can Ekaterinburg, as the town was enter the body through multiple known in Soviet times, also suffered routes. It is most deadly when it is livestocklossesfromtheepidemic. inhaled.

As people in Ekaterinburg first

It prompts the production of began reporting their illnesses, the toxic molecules that destroy Soviet government announced that essentialproteinsinthebody’scells, the cause was tainted meat that the usuallyinthelymphnodes. victims had eaten. Since the town 1992, that the epidemic was finally In 2001, anthrax spores were wasknowninintelligencecirclesfor explained: workers at the used as a weapon of terror in the its biological-weapons plant, much Ekaterinburg weapons plant failed UnitedStates.Sporesweremailedto of the rest of the world was to replace a crucial filter, causing a media organizations and members immediately skeptical of the Soviet release of anthrax spores into the of the U.S. Senate. Five people died explanation. outsideair and another 13 were infected, but

It was not until 13 years later, in The wind carried the spores to a survived.

Mob boss John Gotti convicted of murder

April02,1992 presented secret taped conversations

AjuryinNewYorkfindsmobster thatincriminatedGotti.

John Gotti, nicknamed the ‘Teflon After deliberating for 13 hours, Don’ for his ability to elude the jury, which had been kept conviction, guilty on 13 counts, anonymous and sequestered during including murder and racketeering. the trial, came back with a verdict on

In the wake of the conviction, the April 2, 1992, finding Gotti guilty on assistant director of the FBI’s New all counts. The mob boss was sent to York office, James Fox, was quoted the U.S. Penitentiary at Marion, as saying, “The don is covered in Illinois, where he was held in virtual Velcro, and every charge stuck.” On solitaryconfinement.

June 23 of that year, Gotti was On June 10, 2002, Gotti died of sentenced to life in prison, dealing a throat cancer at age 61 at a significantblowtoorganizedcrime. Springfield,Missouri,medicalcenter

In addition, prosecutors forfederalprisoners.

John Gotti

Argentina invades Falklands

April02,1982

Falkland Islanders, mostly English- units Nevertheless, Britain was

On April 2, 1982, Argentina speaking sheep farmers, awaited a outraged, and Prime Minister invades the Falklands Islands, a Britishresponse. Margaret Thatcher assembled a British colony since 1892 and In March 1982, Argentine naval task force of 30 warships to British possession since 1833 salvage workers occupied South retaketheislands.AsBritainis8,000 Argentine amphibious forces Georgia Island, and a full-scale miles from the Falklands, it took rapidly overcame the small garrison invasion of the Falklands began on several weeks for the British of British marines at the town of April2. warshipstoarrive.

Stanley on East Falkland and the Under orders from their On April 25, South Georgia next day seized the dependent commanders, the Argentine troops Island was retaken, and after several territories of South Georgia and the inflicted no British casualties, intensive naval battles fought South Sandwich group. The 1,800 despite suffering losses to their own around the Falklands, British troops landed on East Falkland on May 21. After several weeks of fighting, the large Argentine garrison at Stanley surrendered on June 14, effectively endingtheconflict.

Britain lost five ships and 256 lives in the fight to regain the Falklands, and Argentina lost its only cruiser and 750 lives HumiliatedintheFalklandsWar,the Argentine military was swept from power in 1983, and civilian rule was restored.

In Britain, Margaret Thatcher’s popularity soared after the conflict, and her Conservative Party won a landslide victory in

parliamentaryelections.

Jeannette Rankin

Pope John Paul II at Giants Stadium in New Jersey in

Hazmat Suit

Royal Marines wait to go on patrol from Ajax Bay during the Falklands War (Sydney Morning Herald)

Health Facts

Cold, flu, or something else

Fever or feeling ageusia, which is a lack of There are numerous part of preventative care. recomm feverish/chills, cough, sore taste And many people, influenza variants while for There are also common e n d e d throat, runny or stuffy nose, especially young people, COVID-19, there are four medications and vitamins w h e n muscle or body aches, have experienced these main variants Beta: The that can you boost your treating headaches, runny nose, and additional and specific COVID-19 variant that was immune system making you virusessuch fatigue (tiredness) are all symptomsofCOVID-19. first detected in South less susceptible to colds and ascold,flu,or symptoms associated with a Africa; Gamma: The flu. COVID-19. common cold or flu, but COVID-19 variant that was A daily dose of Vitamin A n d w h i l e these symptoms can be first detected in Brazil; C, Vitamin D, and other many people are likely always foolproof to get a indicative of something Delta: The COVID-19 i m m u n e - b o o s t i n g to easily detect the professionalopinion. more grave, like variant that was first supplements form part of the seriousness of their

By Rehanna Ramsay

Visit your doctor, get COVID-19. So how detected in India and crucial measures to treat condition whether they are screened, and know for do we tell the O m i c r o n : T h e these viruses.Apoint to note fighting a common cold or sure!!! difference? The COVID-19 variant is that antibiotics are not flubyjustthesymptoms,itis Wo r l d H e a l t h that was first O r g a n i s a t i o n detected in South (WHO) gives us Africa (possibly some pointers on first in Western how to discern the Europe). difference between

An important viralinfections. point to note when

A c c o r d i n g t o dealing with these information available on viruses is that prevention t h e W H O w e b s i t e , measures work; especially symptoms of the common washing your hands. This is cold are a runny nose, Now what is interesting veryimportant. sneezing, and watery eyes, is the fact these viruses have Also important, is the while the flu is usually different strains sometimes ventilation of rooms when characterized by symptoms people have very few you are in crowded rooms, such as fever, headache, and symptoms, whether it’s for with a lot of people. It is muscle ache, but also upper flu or for COVID-19. It recommended that you open respiratory symptoms such really depends on your level windowstoallowairflow assneezingandcoughing. ofimmunity Also, wearing masks can

T h e W H O n o t e d The variants or strains of help, if you cannot open the nonetheless that while viruses happen when there is windowormaintainphysical COVID-19 presents some of a change or mutation to the distancing. the same symptoms, there virus’sgenes.It’snormaland For all serious viruses, are some other specific expected for RNA viruses v a c c i n a t i o n i s symptoms such as anosmia, like the coronavirus to r e c o m m e n d e d F o r which is a lack of smell, and evolveandchangeovertime. Flu/COVID, the vaccine is a

Taylor Swift Gave a Great Speech on Giving Yourself ‘Permission to Fail’ at the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards

(ELLE) Taylor Swift didn’tsetouttoinnovate;she this idea is a good one or a the choices I made that merged her Reputation-era just made the best decisions feasible one. People want an worked out, right?” she aesthetic with a little forherthatledherthere.She example of something continued. “The ones that M i d n i g h t s - e s q u e said, “With the Innovator working before, but I think turned out to be good ideas, ”Bejeweled” sparkle for last Award, I never a single time thecoolestideas,ormovesor but I really, really want night’s iHeartRadio Music woke up in the morning and choicesarethenewones,the e v e r y o n e t o Awards, where the singer thought, ‘You know what ones that set a new know especially young won the ceremony’s I’m gonna do today? I’m precedent. people—thatthehundredsor Innovator Award. Clad in a gonna go innovate some I’m very privileged thousandsofdumbideasthat hooded, glitzy Alexandre stuff. because my fans have I’ve had are what led me to Vauthier jumpsuit, Swift Things need to be backed me up on things like my good ideas. You have to took the stage and gave a innovated and I’m gonna be switching genres or re- give yourself permission to briefspeechrifewithcandid, theonethatdoesit.’Butwhat recordingallmyoldmusic.” fail. I try as hard as I can not excellent advice on coping I did do was try to make the She added that awards to fail because it’s with failure. This is far from right decision for me at the likethisfocusonsuccess,but embarrassing, but I give Swift’s first speech packed time, whether or not it had success often comes after a myself permission to, and with meaningful life lessons been successfully done lotoftrialanderror “ButIdo youshouldtoo,sogoeasyon for her fans; her NYU before. want to say that the thing yourselves and just make the commencement speech is And I think that maybe with these exciting nights right choices that feel right another great—albeit much thatmightbethekeybecause a n d m o m e n t s a n d for you and someday longer—example. often times, in any industry, specifically this award that someone one day might S w i f t s t a r t e d b y people are looking for a I’msoluckytohavegottenis t h i n g y o u ’ v e b e e n acknowledging that she precedent or data that shows thatthey’reshiningalighton innovative.”

Taylor Swift (CHRISTOPHER POLK// GETTY IMAGES)

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT-DIRECT OUTREACH BRINGS SATISFACTION TO 5000 REGION THREE RESIDENTS

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT-DIRECT OUTREACH BRINGS SATISFACTION TO 5000 REGION THREE RESIDENTS

DIETARY TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH PSORIASIS

An autoimmune d i s o r d e r , psoriasis is a disease in which the body attacks its own tissue. The body starts to overproduce skin cells, creating red and scaly patches, known as plaques,ontheskin.

Itchyandpainfulplaques a r e t r i g g e r e d b y environmental factors like infections and stress

Psoriasis not just affects the skin but also affects joints, eyes and mental health Therefore, one must consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatmentforthiscondition.

There is no scientific evidencethatsupportsacure for psoriasis with diet, but experts suggest a positive correlation between a healthy diet and lifestyle with reduced severity of psoriasis.

Expertssaythatthereisa close link between psoriasis and diet, as there are many food groups that can cause inflammationthroughoutthe body

For some people, these food items can worsen the effectsofpsoriasis. Sufferingfrompsoriasis? Readaheadtolearnmore

abouttherightdiet.

FOODS TO AVOID

Worsening the effects of psoriasis, these are some of the beverages and foods to avoidwithpsoriasis:

· Alcohol: Consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol overworks the liver, causing long-term inflammation. Additionally, alcohol damages good b a c t e r i a , c a u s i n g inflammation in the colon andintestines.

· Dairy: Dairy products are rich in fat. Cow’s milk contains a protein called

casein, which can cause digestive problems in some people. Studies show that psoriasis conditions have improvedbycuttinghigh-fat dairyfromthediet.

R e f i n e d carbohydrates: Refined carbohydratesarecountedas foods that trigger psoriasis. These items include white bread, white rice, pasta, breakfast cereals and some pastries. These food items have no fibre and whole grains and can contain a lot ofsugar

· Saturated and trans fats:Redmeat,cheese,fried

food, margarine and fast food are known foods that trigger inflammation and worsenpsoriasis.

· Added sugar: Natural sugar in food like fruits is a partofthepsoriasisdietplan. However, added sugar in fruit juices, candy, soda and sweets is bad and the body produces excessive insulin toprocessthesugar These foods increase the levelsofcytokines,whichis a protein that causes inflammation.

· Gluten: People who suffer from psoriasis may also have Celiac disease,

which is an autoimmune disease.

Glutenisaproteinthatis found in wheat and other grains and an intolerance to gluten causes the body to attack the small intestine’s tissue. Cutting down gluten fromthediethasbeenshown to reduce the effects of psoriasis in people with glutenintolerance.

FOOD TO EAT

The food items which combat and reduce inflammationinthebodyare known to be beneficial for people with psoriasis and they may help reduce flareups,reducingthesymptoms. Followingahealthydietalso reduces the risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseasesandcertaintypesof cancer

The best food items to include in the diet for psoriasisare:

Whole Fruits and vegetables Cherries and berries are good fruits for psoriasis, as are green leafy vegetables Consume 2-3 portions of fresh seasonal fruitsandveggieseveryday Include plant-based proteins like tofu, lean proteinandfishinthediet.

·Herbslikethyme,sage, ginger and cumin are rich in antioxidants.

·Legumeslikebeansand certaintypesoflentils

· A fist full of nuts and seeds- walnuts, flaxseeds andalmondsarerichsources ofomegathreefattyacids.

·Wholegrains Consult a dietician to come up with an effective psoriasisdietplanadjunctto your prescribed treatment. Obesity can worsen the effects of psoriasis and you might want to work towards losing weight as well. In addition to a healthy diet, make some lifestyle changes.

Get ample rest, adequate sleep, regular exercise and reduce stress levels. If you smoke,quit.

Making changes in the dietisthebestandtheeasiest waytocombattheeffectsof autoimmune disorders like psoriasis and to reduce inflammation.

If you suspect that a particular food item is triggering the effects of psoriasis, consult your doctor(https://pharmeasyin /blog/dietary-tips-forpeople-with-psoriasis/)

Amazing Health Benefits of Skipping Rope

Can’t go to the gym due to COVID-19 lockdown?

Well, it might look difficult tomanageworkoutwithouta gymbutskippingropeisone of the super-convenient, easy and effective home exercises.

Skipping is great cardio, aerobic exercise. Skipping rope helps to tone your calves, tighten your core, build stamina and improve yourlungcapacity

Skipping rope alone won’t help you to reduce weight loss skipping rope can be a part of a diet and exercise routine which boostsyourmetabolism.

Howmanycalories burninskipping?

Surprisingly, skipping ropescanburn10caloriesin aminuteandalsostrengthen your legs, butt, shoulders, belly,andarms.Onaverage, youcanburn200caloriesin 10 minutes sessions each day Itismoreeffectivethan briskwalking. Benefitsofskippingrope

There are multiple benefits of skipping rope from losing weight to reducing the chances of cancer Skipping rope is a great calorie-burner and improves the cardiovascular system.

1:Improveshearthealth

Skipping rope is the best cardio exercise as it increasestheheartrate.This will significantly reduce the risk of heart diseases and stroke.

2:Increasesconcentration

Every cardio exercise will help you to focus on yourgoalandskippingisone of them. Skipping rope can calmyourbodyandincrease yourconcentration.

3:Improvescoordination

Skipping consistently improves your coordination andstamina.

4:Increasesstamina andgetsridoffatigue

By continuous work you may feel tired or loss of stamina. Skipping can help you to improve your

stamina. The more you do skipping regularly the more your stamina increases A consistent skipping range practice can help get rid of fatigue.

5:Increases bodyflexibility

Skipping rope makes yourbodycalmandflexible. Jumpinggivesgreatstrength to the muscles and relaxes them That’s why it is included in an athlete’s workoutregime.

6:Boostmentalhealth

Skipping rope at a moderate intensity can reduce anxiety and depression. Exercise can increasebloodcirculationto yourbodyandbrain.

7:Decreasesbellyfat

It is one of the main obstacles while losing weight. But skipping rope canhelpyouwiththat.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises helps to reduce belly fat without diet and strengthen yourabdominalmuscles.

Lessons from a Lashpreneur !!!

TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR EXTENSIONS FROM HEAT AND THE HOT WEATHER

He y l a s h babes we all k n o w l a s h extensionsandanythingheat relatedisabignono,solet's lookatsometipsformaking yourlasheslastlongerinthis hotweather

TRYTOAVOIDTHE OUTDOORSINTHE FIRST2DAYS

In the first 48 hours intense heat can affect retention. The glue is still bonding for up to 2 days.

When possible stay indoors andoutoftheheatwhilethe glueisstill

setting.

POOLRULES

When you're laying by thepooltakingafewsimple steps can help your lashes last. Firstbesurenottouse anoilbasedsunscreenasthis is the fastest way to destroy the bond between your natural lashes and the extensions. Ifthatisallthat's available be extra careful to keepitoutofyoureyes. We

always suggest wearing sunglasses not only to protect your lashes but your eyesfromthedirectsunlight.

When swimming consider wearing goggles. The friction from the movement of the water as well as the chlorine can loosenthelashglue.

OCEANRULES

Just like the pool we recommendgoggleswhenin the ocean as salty water will also affect your retention.

After your swim be sure to gentlypatdryyourlashes.

GYMRULES

Don't let your lash extensions become an excuse not to stay healthy Use a towel or sweatband when working out to keep your lashes dry as much as possible. If yoga is part of yourexerciseplan,avoidhot yoga. Avoid the sauna after your workout (who needs it when outside is so hot anyway!)

SPRAYTANNING

If you plan on spraytanning for that perfect summer glow avoid spray

tan on your face or use googles to protect your lashes

BEAWAREOF INCREASEDLASH GROWTH

Yourhairandlashesboth grow more quickly during the summer Don't be alarmed by additional shedding.

You may want to consider coming in for fills more frequently to maintain your full set of lash extensions.

CARRYTISSUESORA HANDHELDFAN

Whatever you can do to

ByLatoyaZephyr

keepyourlashesdryandfree of sweat will extend the lengthofyourextensions.

AVOIDINTENSEHEAT

Whether it's a bonfire or just your hair dryer in the morning, be extra vigilant aboutkeepingyoulashesout of direct and intense heat they'll be getting plentyofitanyway Followingthesetipswill help keep those lashes full and beautiful and they will lastlonger

Enet secures to broadcast Indian Premier League 2023

Enet,theleadingTVand Entertainment Provider in Guyana, has announced it has secured the rights to broadcasttheIndianPremier League (IPL) 2023 on RUSH, its premier sports channel.

The IPL is one of the world’s most popular T20 cricket tournaments,

featuring the best players fromaroundtheglobe.

A dozen West Indian players have been drafted in the tournament, which runs fromMarch31toMay28.

The IPL 2023 promises to be a thrilling tournament, withtopteamscompetingfor the championship title. Fans in Guyana can catch all the

action on RUSH, available onlyonENet.

Additionally, ENet customers can use the ENet TV app to stream the games liveontheirmobiledevices, so they never have to miss a momentoftheaction. Download available in the Google Play and App Store.

Guyanese-born artiste Joshua Alexander Elkana releases first song

…looking to make mark in Canada’s music industry

Joshua Alexander Elkana, a Guyanese who migratedtoCanadalastyear, is looking to make his mark on the Canadian music industry Elkana who goes bythestagename‘Xander’, recently (March 25, 2023) releasedhis firstsong called ‘Lifeline’ During an interview with The Waterfalls, Xander said, “I

recorded ‘Lifeline’ a few monthsagowhenIfollowed myfriendtothestudio.Ihad no intentions of recording that night, but my producer started playing the instrumental and I just started singing the chorus ‘lifeline’ and everyone was telling me to go to the mic and put something down. Half an hour later, ‘Lifeline’

wascreated.”

The young artiste shared thatgrowingupinamusical household helped nurture him onto a musical path. Beinganartisteissomething hehadalwaysenvisionedfor himself.

“Mydadwasapartofthe GPFbandasadrummerand my uncle was a clarinet player for GDF Apart from

mebeinginspiredbymydad and uncle musically, I spent most of my life in church, where my friends and I would link up every Sunday at6:30amtoplaythedrums, keyboards and use the microphonesforfun,hoping thatoneofuswouldbecome acelebrityoneday,”Xander shared. Having migrated to Canada, Xander shared that h i s t e a m a t F u s e Entertainment, have continued giving him love, support and encouragement, all contributing towards the developmentofhiscraft.

“Fuse Entertainment is a company my friends and I started two months ago We’re a team that offers everything an artist would needtoproduceandpromote music We have a videographer, photographer, musicproduceraswellasan eventorganiser.”

He added that while he haven’t known the members ofFuseEntertainmentalong time, they’re continued support towards him “keeps megoing”andexpressedhis gratitudeforthem.

When asked about what it entailed migrating to Canada and starting a musical career, Xander said, “The sacrifices I needed to make,networking as well as balancing school during the

day,studying and spending quality time at the studio at nights.”

Xander shared that his plans for 2023 are to “graduate and drop bangers allyearround.”

He shared that on April 12, he will be releasing his second song called ‘So Beautiful’.

The upcoming artists added, “Most of my friends

and some of my family had no idea I was actually going to take music seriously, but so far, I’ve been receiving a few DMs from Guyanese showinglove.”

Follow @xanderthe artiste to keep up the ambitious Guyanese-born artiste and hisnewreleases.Alsofollow @FUSE ENTERTAINM ENT.

GUIDING BUSINESSES TO IMPLEMENT THE ISO 22000 FOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM STANDARD

Whatever their sizeortypeof product, food producers are mandated to manage the safety of their products and the well-being of their consumers through the provision of healthy and safe food choices To demonstrate commitment towards food safety, local manufacturers are encouragedtoimplementthe

InternationalStandard-ISO 22000 - Food Safety ManagementSystems

The ISO 22000:2018 Standardhelpsorganisations to identify and control food safety hazards while working together with other ISO Management System Standards. This standard is applicable to all primary producers, caterers, processors, manufacturers,

and those who provide storage, transportation, cleaning and sanitation servicesinthefoodindustry

When unsafe food products enter the market, the entire food chain is affected, and consumers are exposedtohazards.Assuch, the standard helps businesses to increase traceability, efficiency and resourcefulness in large

scalefoodchainsaroundthe world. It offers compliance with current food safety standards across different continentsanddocumentsall techniques, methods and procedures in a thoroughly systematic way This opens the door to international markets since there is clear, dynamic communication across the entire supply chain, including trade partners, suppliers, customers, regulators and otherinterestedparties.

Further, the standard enables a comprehensive, systematic and proactive approachtoidentifyingfood safety hazards and implementseffectivecontrol measureswhileensuringthe HazardAnalysisandCritical Control Points (HACCP) principlesarefollowedmore easily

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) offers Technical Assistance and Training on the ISO 22000:2018 Standard to interested individualsandbusinesses.

While Technical Assistanceisgearedtowards businesses which are pursuing certification to the international standard, trainingisofferedtoanyone

who is interested in understandingtheStandard.

Usually, companies implementingtheISO22000 Standard have recognised the need to continually improve confidence in their products and processes to maintain competitiveness

Thesecompaniesexperience fewer errors and customer complaints, more return on investments, greater awareness of quality and happier consumers, which f o s t e r i m p r o v e d relationships with not only thecustomersbutsuppliers.

Technical Assistance offered by the GNBS is the starting point for businesses to experience the many benefitsoftheISOstandard. The process ranges from six totwelvemonths.

Once a company is committed to implementing the ISO 22000:2018 standard, the journey

towards certification readiness begins with the acquisitionofthestandard.

The roadmap continues withtheGNBSconductinga gapanalysisofthecompany thatrevealshowmuchwork needs to be completed to fulfil the requirements. The process continues with the establishmentoftherelevant

documentation; later followed by a preassessment audit to ensure certificationreadiness.

During the programme, we provide training on understanding the requirements of the Standard, documenting and implementingitandInternal AuditingoftheSystem.

Whychoosetheservices of the GNBS?TheGNBS is Guyana’s National Standards Body, and the custodian for standards that support quality Therefore, who better to provide you with the technical support you need towards the implementation of standards?

Do not hesitate! For technical assistance to implement the ISO 22000:2018 requirements, engage the GNBS Business Development Department As the National Standards Body,ourteamcanbetterbe able to provide you with the support you need to make yourbusinessgrow F o r f u r t h e r information on this subject, call the GNBS on Telephone numbers: 2190064 or 219-0065, or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgyorg

What Is Good Friday, and Why Do We Celebrate It?

(Reader’sDigest)Ifyou in Easter traditions like falls on Friday, April 7. Dictionary (OED), told weren’t raised as a Easter egg hunts and gifting Easter falls on Sunday,April theBBC.Putanotherway, Christian or didn’t pay Easterbaskets. 9. the term refers to “a day or close attention in Sunday But Good Friday, which What is the meaning season observed as holy by school you might not is observed near the end of of Good Friday? thechurch,”pertheOED. understand the importance Lent and falls just days Given its grim origins, How is Good ofthisday beforeEaster,doesn’tgetthe calling this holiday “Good Friday observed?

Every Christian knows same attention: Only 12 Friday” probably sounds Despite its name, Good s o m e following the tale: Jesus Christ died states consider Good Friday counterintuitive. But the Friday is a day for somber even refrain Sunday, they and rose again for the anofficialholiday,andmany word “good” has a different reflection. Each Friday from eating to show their celebrate Easter—the day of forgiveness of mankind’s people don’t know why they meaning here In this before Easter, Christians sorrow Catholic churches Jesus’s resurrection with sins, promising those who observe it to begin with. So context, it “designates a day solemnly honor the way strip their altars bare and church services, joyous believe in him eternal life. what is Good Friday, on (or sometimes a season Jesus suffered and died for muffle their bells as a sign of songs and familygatherings. Christians typically anyway? in) which religious theirsins.

mourning, according to They may also share Easter c e l e b r a t e J e s u s ’ s When is Good observance is held,” Fiona They might attend a Catholic.org. wishes, Easter quotes and resurrection each spring on Friday 2023? MacPherson,senioreditorof service that recounts Jesus’s But Christians soon turn Bible quotes with loved Easter Sunday, participating In 2023, Good Friday the Oxford English painful crucifixion, and to happier festivities: On the ones.

Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus)

Knownasthecowsofthe seven females and their They have complex, canopy, the proboscis offspring Various groups chambered stomachs that monkey is the only primate often congregate near water rely on a host of symbiotic with a plant based diet that atnighttosleep. bacteriafordigestion. can chew its cud, meaning Proboscis monkeys are When it comes to that it is a ruminant animal the primate world’s most reproducing, females withfourstomachs. p r o l i f i c s w i m m e r s , become sexually mature at

Proboscis monkeys are frequently leaping from tree theageoffiveyears. native to the mangrove limbs and hitting the water They experience sexual forests of the South East with a comical belly flop. swelling, which involves the Asian Island of Borneo and They have webbed feet and genitals becoming pink or have a very long and distinct hands to help them outpace reddened Mating takes l o o k i n g n o s e w h e n the crocodiles that are some place between February and comparedtootherprimates. oftheirmainpredators. November, while births

M a l e p r o b o s c i s Among the largest of occur between March and monkeys, according to Asia’s monkeys, male May scientists, use their fleshy, proboscis specimens can Gestation usually lasts pendulous noses to attract reach 50 pounds, although 166–200 days or slightly mates. Scientists think these females attain only about more. Females tend to give outsizeorganscreateanecho half that size. Adults wear a birth at night or in the early chamber that amplifies the coat of light brown fur that morning. The mothers then monkey’s call, impressing turnsredaroundtheheadand eattheplacentaandlicktheir females and intimidating shoulders and gray at the infantsclean. rivalmales. arms, legs, and tail. Only The young begin to eat

These monkeys are a males develop the namesake solid foods within six weeks highly arboreal species and nose. and are weaned at seven will venture onto land only Proboscis monkeys monthsold. occasionally to search for survive mainly on a diet of Source of information: food. They live in organized leaves, seeds, and unripe https://www nationalgeogra harem groups consisting of a fruits but will occasionally phic com/animals/mammals dominant male and two to consume insects as well. /facts/proboscis-monkey

A proboscis monkey feeding on some leaves.

Palm Sunday

(Britannica) ceremonies is found in the 1955 and 1969, the Palm Sunday, also Bobbio Sacramentary (8th ceremonies were somewhat called Passion Sunday, in century). During the Middle simplified in order to the Christian tradition, the Ages the ceremony for the emphasize the suffering and first day of Holy Week and blessing of the palms was deathofChrist. the Sunday before Easter, elaborate: the procession The day is now called commemorating Jesus began in one church, went to officially Passion Sunday Christ’s triumphal entry into a church in which the palms The liturgy begins with a Jerusalem. It is associated in wereblessed,andreturnedto blessing and procession of many churches with the the church in which the palms, but prime attention is blessing and procession of procession had originated given to a lengthy reading of palms (leaves of the date for the singing of the liturgy. the Passion, with parts taken palm or twigs from locally The principal feature of the by the priest, lectors, and availabletrees). liturgy that followed the congregation. The palms are

T h e s e s p e c i a l procession was the chanting often taken home by the ceremonies were taking by three deacons of the m e m b e r s o f t h e place toward the end of the account of the Passion of congregation to serve as 4th century in Jerusalem and C h r i s t ( M a t t h e w sacramentals (sacred signs are described in the 26:36–27:54) Musical ofthesacraments),andsome the Eucharist on Palm being commemorated. In the Protestant churches, while travelogue Peregrinatio settings for the crowd parts of them are burned the Sunday is followed by a Anglican churches some of celebrating the day without Etheriae (The Pilgrimage of were sometimes sung by the followingyeartoserveasthe procession in which the the traditional ceremonies ritual ceremonies, give Etheria). In the West the choir After reforms of the ashesforAshWednesday. priest carries the icon were revived in the 19th p a l m s i n c r e a s i n g earliest evidence of the Roman Catholic liturgies in In the Byzantine liturgy representing the events century. The majority of prominence.

Palm Sunday congregation in India

Easter Bunny & Easter Rabbit

Deirdre Gastin 2009

Once upon a time, a very longtimeago,therelived the Easter Rabbit He was a big bad bunny Easter Rabbit did not like children. He did not like anything in the whole entire world, not even chocolate and that's why he hatedhisjob.

At Easter, the Easter Rabbit was alwayslateandeverychildonlyever gotoneEasteregg.Ifyouweren'tthe oldestchildinthefamily,youhadtosharethe one Easter egg. The next Easter came and it wascoldandrainysochildrenhardlywanted tosharetheirEastereggs.

However, a new and improved Easter Bunny was born.The Easter Rabbit was very cross and angry and not happy. So the two startedfighting.

They were teasing each other and they were un-stoppable. The Easter Bunny was sickoftheEasterRabbitsohedecidedtogive children more Easter eggs for Easter Soon children around the world were starting to become fatter than usual because of all the sugarintheirsystems.TheEasterRabbitwas teasing the Easter Bunny because of that. Soon they were fighting again Now the Easter Bunny was young and couldn't speak properly, but he was always trying.

One morning, when he opened up his bedroom drawers, the dust made him sneeze. When he sneezed, he accidentally said a word. This is how the Easter Bunny learnt how to talk. He decided to talk to the Easter Rabbit and he said, 'I am sick of fighting and we are both Easter Rabbits. Lets be friends'. EasterRabbittaughttheEasterBunnyhowto celebrate Easter and how to make children happy

FUNWITHPOETRY

Easter crafts cr

BY CHRISTY PIÑAAND ALESANDRADUBIN

UPDATED: FEB 13, 2023

Brightenupanyone'sdaywiththisEaster wreaththatyoucanputupatthebeginningof spring and leave all season long. To make, you'll need colorful tissue paper, a glue stick, hot glue, foam eggs in various sizes, faux

They became best friends. They worked together to give eggs at Easter but not too many chocolate eggs. So the Easter Rabbit gave the Easter Bunny a piggyback ride and they set off to give chocolates to children around the world. Each child got a chocolate rabbit, three big eggs and ten solid eggs. The two best friends gave eggs to every child and the Easter Rabbit became friendlier and friendlier

The Easter Rabbit taught the Easter Bunny everything he new about Easter But he didn't tell the Easter Bunny that if anyone sawhimhewouldbegoneforever

That same day a little girl called Tinel was up really late because she wanted to see theEasterRabbit.

The Easter Bunny was watching how to doit.ButwhentheEasterRabbitreachedout to give Tinel what they planned to give everyone, she woke up and with a 'pop', the Easter Rabbit was gone for good. Now Tinel was the daughter of a TV reporter and the Easter Bunny was wondering what was takingtheEasterRabbitsolongsohewalked in.The Easter Rabbit was not there.Then, he was blinded because of the flash of a camera from the reporter Mum. The Easter Bunny becamefamousfromthatdayon.

Dirty Jimmy

Jimmy was a dirty little boy, Who hated to clean and bathe; Whenever his mother called him to take a bath, He would hide under the bed.

He also did not brush his teeth, Nor did he comb his hair, His room and clothes were always untidy, With his books here, there and everywhere.

Then Jimmy found to his dismay, He was losing his friends one by one; They could not bear to stand his smell, And he was soon left all alone.

It was then that Jimmy saw his mistake, And decided to change his dirty habits; Now you'd be surprised at the way he shines, And his friends all cling to him like rabbits.

greenery,andawreathform.

Cut 1⁄4-inch and 3/8-inch strips of tissue paper Use the glue stick to adhere thinner strips to smaller eggs and thicker strips to larger eggs. Wrap tissue paper around egg lengthwise, then apply second strip horizontally Continueattachinguntiltheegg is completely covered. Arrange faux leaves andeggsaroundthewreathformandhotglue intoplace.Secureeggstoeachotherwithhot glue where necessary Once assembled, hot glue a few more greenery sprigs in between

eggsforanextraplushlook.

Saygoodbyetoplainol'centerpieces,and sayhellotothisgorgeousEasterone.Though it does take a bit of time to craft, your kids will glow with pride when they see the final project.

Here'sthehow-to:

Use a craft knife to cut a 2" x 2" oval into 4"eggs.Applyonetotwocoatsofpainttothe 4" and 2" eggs; let dry Stuff 4" eggs with tissue paper, then place all eggs inside cardboard box. In small bowl, mix a few dropsofwaterwithadollopofpaint,thendip thetoothbrushbristlesinanduseyourthumb to fleck the paint onto the eggs to create speckles.

Oncedry,repeatforthereversesideofthe eggs. Place floral foam inside the flower bucket and arrange sprays inside. Use brown floral tape to attach two sprays together to create height as needed. Hot-glue a small loopofribbontothetopoftheeggsandhang from spray branches. Arrange Easter grass inside4"eggs,thenaddcookies.

by

Uncle Roy

Begin your effort towards developing your Self Esteem with a Sense of Security

Security is a basic need of all human beings, and in fact of all living things. Every individualneedsto

be confident that the environment in which he livesissafefromdanger,and thatheshouldfeelfreetoact toensurethis.

Ifyoulookaroundatthe way things work in the broader society, you find that there is a special arm of the government which is responsible for our security as citizens of our country

To make sure that they will be able to fulfil this responsibility, this arm, which is chiefly the police force, has to ensure that we areguidedbylaws.

These laws, or rules, have been designed by our representatives for everyone's protection, and we all have the obligation to follow them so as to make thewholesocietysafeforall citizens. Themorewedoso, we develop the confidence that others will follow suit, and our whole environment willbecomesafe.

In the same way, we find that in all other areas of ourlives,athome,atschool, in workplaces, on the road, and in every occupation, we have to abide by certain rules or laws. When we follow the rules, we feel safe. When we do not, we know that we cannot in conscience expect others to do so, and we feel

threatened, and lose this sense of security that is so vital to our development. Thissensealsohelpsustobe more respectful of ourselves, and we know that when we fulfil our personal responsibilities, then we knowthatotherswillrespect us for it. It helps us to trust those under whose charge we find ourselves, as

parents, teachers and others in authority It gives us a sense of self-worth, as we appreciateourownpotential t o f u l f i l t h e s e responsibilities. This sense of security can be increased in a special way When thosewithinasocietygetthe opportunity to have a say in thewaythelawsareformed, thentheyaremorewillingto followthem.

This is the way a democratic system works, and is the reason why c i t i z e n s a r e a s k e d periodicallytovoteforthose who will represent them in makingthelaws.

Ifyouhavetofollowthe rules at home, and moreover get the chance to help to formulate them, then you willinthesamewaybemore willing to follow them. You will also feel safer because you know the rules and the reasonswhytheyaremade.

Please make sure that you continue in this effort towards developing your Self Esteem by following our articles in the following weeks.

Slither link

In a

Slitherlin

k Puzzle, y o u c o n n e c t horizontally or v e r t i c a l l y adjacent dots to f o r m a meandering path thatformsasingle loop, without crossing itself, or branching.

The numbers

indicate how m a n y l i n e s surround each cell. Empty cells m a y b e surrounded by any number of lines(from0to3).

There is one unique solution, and you should be able to find it without guessing. You may find it helpful to make small x's between dots that cannot beconnected.

Need some solving help?

V i s i t krazydad.com/slit herlink

Oh how happy can Guyana be!

by Chris Prashad

Oh how happy can Guyana be, One people, one nation, one destiny; Oh how happy can Guyana be, If we live and work in unity. It's another Independence anniversary When people of all shades join in festivity, So let's by our hands and spirit form a union, And make this a time of true celebration. Let us all strive to build this country, Bury all hatred and enmity, Self-reliance in all that we need, With the help of God we will succeed. Many are the battles we have to win, Resist laziness, it's a natural sin, Let's cooperate and eradicate Every evil deed we contemplate.

UNCLEROY Tellitto

Hello,readers,

UncleRoyisagainaskingallofyoutotryinsomeway tomakeacontributiontothispage,andthustothewelfareof you and your fellow readers. This contribution can take any formthatyoufeelwouldbevaluable–anaccountofwhatis going on in your community and country, any advice you would like to pass on to your fellow teen readers and, on a broader level, any comment or recommendation you would liketomaketoyourfellowGuyanese.

Please remit same to my email

roypaul2002@yahoo com, and be assured that your worthwhile contribution will have a prominent place on our page.

Solutions to last week’s

WORDS SCRAMBLE

Develop your Sense of Security and be always able and ready to achieve safety in your dealings with others.

We do not have a crystal ball but we are predictive enough about some amazing skincare remedies that might come in handy to you. With so much happening around the world, from lavish weddings to valentine's week, we know what your skin needs right now - a lot of pampering. Who says self-care is only for the weekend? Now you can get that glowing and soothing skin with this mid-week face pack too! So, kick off your shoes and indulge in some much-needed skincare regime now

It's the orange season and our mothers have been struggling to make us eat the slices and get our daily dose of Vitamin C. Citrus fruits are known to be rich in antioxidants and minerals that boost immunity and also make our skin healthier. But before throwing away those orange peels it is important to note how useful they might be.

Sun-dried orange peels have been used in Indian households for years. In fact, the citric acid in orange peel exfoliates and brightens your skin. Here are 5 orange peel face packs you must try at home to get instant glowing skin.

How to make orange peel powder?

Use sun-dried and powdered orange peels to create any of these face masks. The orange peel should be washed in distilled water before being turned into powder The peels should then be spread out on a plate and positioned in locations with direct sunlight. Orange peels should be allowed to dry in the sun for one or two days before being blended into a powder The powder can be kept in an airtight container

Orange Peel, Multani Mitti and Rose Water Face Mask

Oily skin types are advised to use this. Make a smooth paste out of 1 tbsp of multani mitti and 1 tbsp of orange peel powder by adding rose water Apply on the face and neck and rinse off just after it's partially dried. Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed by this face pack, and both blackheads and whiteheads will be removed.

Orange Peel Powder and Lime Face Pack

Another fantastic skin-brightening and tan-removing pack is this one. To form a homogeneous paste, combine 2 tbsp of orange peel powder with a few drops of lime, 1 tbsp of fuller's earth, and 1 tbsp of sandalwood powder Apply on the face and rinse off after 30 minutes.

Orange Peel Powder, Sandalwood Powder and Walnut Powder Face Mask

Take one tablespoon of orange powder and combine it with one tablespoon each of sandalwood and walnut powder To create a paste, add 2 to 3 drops of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of rose water. Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash it with lukewarm water. Pat dry and apply a hydrating moisturizer or dab some aloe vera gel.

Orange Peel, Honey and Turmeric Face Mask

Use this face mask over time to get rid of persistent tanning. Take 1 tbsp orange peel powder, just a pinch of cosmetic turmeric, and 1 tbsp of natural honey. Combined well, everything forms a fine paste.Apply on the face and neck, then wash off after 5 to 10 minutes with any gentle face cleanser or rose water Try not to use this on skin that is prone to acne, but if you do, use an acne skin face pack afterwards.

Orange Peel and Yoghurt Face Mask

Take 1 tbsp of orange peel powder and 2 tbsp of yoghurt. Mix well.Apply to the face and wash off 20 minutes later for clear, revitalised, and taut-looking skin. You can use this face pack to instantly rejuvenate your skin before a party or other important event.

https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle/effective-orangepeel-masks-you-can-make-at-home-for-smooth-and-glowingskin-article-

5 effective orange peel masks you can make at home for smooth and glowing skin

intimidate

at President's press conference

...GPAPresidentsaysGovt. openingdoorstoattackonpress

President Irfaan Ali on Fridaycalledanurgentpress conference at the Leonora Track and Field Centre, West Coast Demerara (WCD) where the government hosted a twodayoutreach.

The invitation to the press was issued 13:30hrs (1:30 pm) for the 15:00hrs (3:00pm)engagement.Due tothelatenotice,therewere only five reporters at the eventincludingonefromthe GuyanaChronicle,twofrom Kaieteur News, one from Stabroek News and another from the Department of PublicInformation(DPI).

There were several tents setupatthevenuetoaddress theconcernsofcitizensfrom the respective government agencies, including the Central Housing and Planning Authority,

Ministry of Public Works and the Guyana Power and LightInc.

Notably, the persons who were at the outreach joined the tent in which the Presidentdecidedtohosthis media.Thisatmospherewas unwelcomingtomembersof the press who were subjected to heckling from the supporters of the ruling People's Progressive Party (PPP) particularly when challenging questions were askedoftheHeadofState.

For instance, the first question asked by Kaieteur News relating to the oil and gas sector was greeted by a loud “Oh lord” from one of the Party's supporters. This canevenbeheardinthelive Facebookbroadcast.

The question was regardingtheauditofoil

Continuedonpage71

President of the Guyana PressAssociation, Nazima Raghubir (Photo by: IWMF)

The tent under which the President hosted his press conference, amidst his party supporters

Mediashouldreportonhowoildevelopedcountriesratherthan focusonlikelydamagesfromoilspillinGuyana–PresidentAli

Whilemovingatabreak neck pace, approving projects in half the normal industry time, and permitting the operator of the Stabroek Block to produce oil above the safe operating limits, Guyana’s leaders have taken an approach to focus on the positives, rather than the likely dangers associated with the sector and are now encouragingthemediatodo thesame.

President Irfaan Ali at a press conference at the Leonora Track and Field Centre on Friday while responding to a question fromthispublicationsaid99 percent of the times, reports from this organization are negative.

Alisaiditisimportantto recognize the benefits to be hadfromtheindustryandthe

media should in fact report more on these “positive examples”.

ThePresidentwasasked to explain what policies or mechanismsarebeingputin place to address a possible spill that can occur in the 26,800 square kilometers (6.6 million acres) Stabroek Block, since Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) conducted by ExxonMobil havesofarwarnedthatsuch anincidentthatcanaffectas many as 14 Caribbean islands. See link below https://www.kaieteurnewso nline.com/2023/03/08/14caribbean-islands-could-beimpacted-by-oil-spill-from35-well-drilling-campaignexxonmobil-study/

The question came as a follow up to the Head of State’s statement that government is tasked with a

heavy responsibility of ensuring policies are implemented to support the investments made in the country

He said, “We have a responsibility to ensure the s u c c e s s o f t h e s e investments; we have a responsibility to ensure that policies are crafted to support these investments. You see we don’t have the luxury of writing headlines. We don’t have the luxury of managing for headlines. We have to manage for the countryandintheinterestof thecountry.”

When the President was however asked to say what policies are being put in place by his administration torespondtospillwhichcan havetransboundaryimpacts, he urged that the newspaper focus on the positive outcomes of petroleum productioninstead.

AccordingtoAli,“Inlife you could be negative or positive. For over 100 years

Trinidad and Tobago produced oil; 108 years

Trinidad and Tobago produced oil. Trinidad and Tobagogrewwithoil.Ihave never seen the people of Trinidad and Tobago advance argument that is negativetothedevelopment ofthatsectorovertheyears. We could build on assumption, positive or negative, what if is the big question.”

T h e P r e s i d e n t acknowledged that a critical componentoftheoilandgas

sector is to ensure “in the infrastructure landscape, care is taken in ensuring the relative capability to r e s p o n d t o t h e m u l t i d i m e n s i o n a l challenges of oil and gas is there.”

He explained that he recentlytouredalocalshore base where he saw firsthand a specialized warehouse stocked with equipment designed to specifically “deal with issues like these...”

Aliwentontosaythathe urged the Shore Base to arrange for study tours to allowthemediaaccesstothe facility to be aware of the scale of investment supportingtheindustry

The President therefore argued, “The very people whospeakaboutoilandgas and what it can do and cannot do for us...a lot of people who talk about what wedohere,theywillcometo me in the same breath and s a y l o o k a t t h e transformation in Dubai, in Kuwait, in UAE, in the UnitedStatesmajorsupplier ofnaturalgasnow,theywill use all of these examples in Kazakhstan, in Norway, there are hundreds of positive examples out there that you can use to show what oil and gas can do for the transformation of a country.”

“There are also a lot of negativeexamplesandIread your news all the time and mosttimes,99percentofthe timesyougoforthenegative example. You go for the failure. You can choose the failure or the success.There aremanysuccessstoriesthat wecanuseasexample,why don’t we grab on to them,” headded.

Ali said he supports the idea that the country must plan for any eventuality, however Guyana is still in the development phase unlike more mature jurisdictions that are yet to implementsuchsafeguards.

He said, “We are shortening the learning curvebylookingattheworst practices and the best practices and ensuring that we put into system a functionalpolicythatwould allowthegrowthbutalsothe safeguard.”

TheHeadofStateurged, “When you are making policiesthepoliciesmustbe balanced to attract investment but at the same timeensureconsumerrights are protected the local environment is protected, creatingbalance.”

OILPRODUCTION

Oil production in February peaked at 402,000 barrelsinonedayatthetwo operationalFloating Continuedonpage65

President IrfaanAli

Map depicting the predicted transport after 45 days from an unmitigated 177,157 barrels per day spill at the Haimara wellhead in the Stabroek Block (Source EEPGLCIA)

177.157 bpd Release of Medium Crude Oil December through May

ByAllyiahAllicock

“Istartedmybusinesswiththepassionto spreadAfrican cultures to all other cultures.” Those are the words of young entrepreneur, Aquila Scott who owns and operates a popularly known jewellery business called ‘AdornedCreativeExpressions.’

Scott in a recent interview with this magazine related that from a young age she alwayshadaninterestforcreatingthings.She saidthatbeingthedaughterofateacheranda tailor, creativity was just a natural part of her thatshecouldnotescape.

Havingbeendevelopingherskillsoverthe years, the young woman in 2020 decided to unleash to the world her prodigious talent. That is, in June of 2020, in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Scott launched ‘AdornedCreativeExpressions.’

As the name of the business suggests, it allowspersonstoexpressthemselvesthrough theselocallymadecreativepieces.

Scott told this publication that what had inspired her to open this venture was that she noticed the African culture was becoming morepopularandtherewasagrowinginterest andappreciationforitwhichmadeherhappy “My passion for fashion intertwined with my appreciationfordifferentculturesisthesparkI used to start Adorned Creative expressions,” sheexplained.

Havingbeenmakingthesecreativepieces for over two years now, Scott mentioned that thesupportforherworkhasbeentremendous;

ByAllyiah

CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS

have you looking glamourous

“Many young entrepreneurs like me start their business because they want to give back. Entrepreneurship also encourages people to take initiative in their own lives while providing safe spaces for employment and even stronger cash flow”

w h i c h w a s something she did notexpectatall.“I remember being too shy to tell my motheraboutmyplansandbusinessbecauseI thought that she won’t have taken me seriously.”

She added that the way her mother supports and promotes her business truly surprised her, but the genuine interest in her products, and the great support the business has received from friends and even strangers reallymadeanimpactonherlifeanddreams.

Scott shared that reaching where she is today has not been easy, since she was met with a few challenges. She explained that amongst balancing classes, work life and a business, balancing profits and all other challenges,sourcingmaterialswasthemostto dealwith.

Accordingtoher,whenshestartedmaking jewellery, she would buy materials from the local stores, which made her dependent. But when the local stores stopped supplying the materialsshewouldneed,herbusinesswould pause and it would be such a frustrating time for her “However, I overcame this challenge bysupportingothersmallbusinessonlinewho usuallysupplyallthematerialsIwouldneed,” shestated.

Asforthepandemic,shesaidthisaffected herbusinessinapositiveway Sherelatedthat though the lockdown came and the constant fearthatcamewiththepandemic,itwasatime that she used to reflect on life and what she would be able to contribute to society

Already making an impact in our societythroughherwork,Scotttoldthis magazine that the long-term plan is goingglobalwithhercraft.“Forthepast threeyearsI’vebeenabletoservepeople

from more than four countries. I intend on having several branches across the globe. Some people say Guyanese are the most beautiful people. I also intend on having big fashion shows showcasing Guyanese modelsastheyshowcasemyproduct,” sheexplained.

Meanwhile, our featured entrepreneur is of the view that small business owners are crucial to our societyandthattheymakeanimpactby creatingemploymentforothers.

“Manyyoungentrepreneurslikeme starttheirbusinessbecausetheywantto give back Entrepreneurship also encourages people to take initiative in their own lives while providing safe spaces for employment and even strongercashflow,”shesaid.

Scottisalsooftheviewthattoboost small business locally there should be moreopportunitiesforthesebusinesses to be showcased. For example, more exposandexhibitionssheadded.“Ialso think that there can be healthy competitions wheresmallbusinessescompeteagainsteach other It will promote networking and even promotethevariousbrands,”shementioned.

To learn more about what this business has to offer, you can contact Aquila Scott on Facebook and Instagram at Adorned Creative Expressions or via her website at https://adornedcreativeexpressions.netlifyap p or via WhatsApp on telephone number (592)602-9329.

Some of the creative pieces in her jewellery collection.

Young Entrepreneur,Aquila Scott

Medicalstudentexplores talentwithartbusiness Medicalstudentexplores talentwithartbusiness

and also creating a relationship with clients that ensures satisfaction.Withourgrowthwe wereabletohosttwogiveaways andhopingtodoanothersoon.”

Somwardisclosedthatpartof thesalesproceedsachievedfrom March 11th 2023 to April 11th 2023, will be given to two organisationsthatareinneed.

ByMalisaPlayterHarry

Withtheever-growing b u s i n e s s community, every day we hear of or see new and interestingbusinessventuresbeing taken up by Guyanese These businesses continuously evolve and often expand into various aspects.

Today,wefocusourattentionto a27-year-oldmedicalstudentwho decided to pursue his talent and passionforart.ShazamSomwar,a Berbicianbybirth,wholivesonthe East Coast of Demerara, launched his business “Crafty Guy Gy” just over a year ago, and has never lookedback.

With such a catchy name and his catchy logo, the business, and the service it offers have become quite popular in the brief period it hasbeeninoperation.Accordingto Somwar, “Crafty Guy Gy” is everything art and craft, mainly specializing in acrylic painting on canvas, photo frames, plexiglass, embroidery art on canvas, pyrographing or wood burning art, photo transfers to wood, popsicle stickartandhandmadedécor

“Everythingcanbecustomized to your liking or you can choose fromwhatwehaveavailableonour shelf at Collage for purchase.” Somwarrevealed.

The medical student who is working to become a medical practitionerinthenearfuture,stated that his business was officially birthed on January 14, 2022, with

the idea taking shape during the COVID-19pandemic Headdedthat during that time when persons hardly left their homes, he began dabblingwithpaintoncanvas,andit subsequently developed into an enjoyablehobbyofhis

“At the time I was unaware if my art was as good as to sell,however, I never pursued it untilsomeoneactuallypurchaseda painting. I never had intention of sellingit,butitwaspurchasedand soIcontinuedpainting.”

In January 2022, Somwar said hereceivedepoxyresinasagiftand it was one of those gifts that had him pretty excited, since it was always a desire of his to try out epoxybycreatingepoxyproducts.

“As soon as I got the gift I immediately started to mix and makearesinkeyringandtherewas this thought to start a small business. I started asking around because this was new to me, starting up a business. I started a page, got my logo which I made myself, published and started postingandtherestishistory.”

Fromthetimethebusinesswas conceptualized to now, Somwar said he puts in almost 20 hours a week to his business, while also jugglingstudiesandhisNGO’s.

Inhisopinion,hisbusinesshas certainly grown from the time it startedandithasmovedfrombeing asolelyonlinebusinesstohavinga physicallocationinacollagespace. Thismovehesaid,hasallowedhim togarnerevenmorecustomersthan he expected, and has helped to growthebusinesstremendously.

“The idea is to keep the fire going with creating new and interesting products

The young medical student and entrepreneur expressed that besidesalwayswantingtobecome amedicaldoctor,hehadadesireto enter the world of business, and with “Crafty Guy Gy”, it has createdthatpathforhim.

He expressed that some of the positives he has taken away from this new venture is that there is always an opportunity to meet new people and fellow business owners who are always ready and willing to share their knowledgeandtipswithhim.

Healsosaidthat,“beingan entrepreneur in the world of businesshashelpedmematureand hasopenedsomuchmoreformeto learninthebigwideworld….”

Buttheroadhasn’talwaysbeen smooth for Somwar, he mentioned thatthereweresomechallengeshe experienced and for him, capital acquisition was one of those. He notedthat“noteverybusinessstartupcomesongoodcapital,butifitis something you really passionate about and want, you’d take that challenge and you’d get through it.”

Anotherissuewasthesourcing of materials.With his business beingheavilyreliantofartandcraft materials, it could not always be acquired at an affordable cost, notingthattheartandcraftindustry in Guyana is not as vast as one expectsittobe.

“ so, when it’s time for restockofmaterialsyoumaynotbe able to find them in Guyana and when you have to source it elsewhere, that brings additional costs to you and also it becomes a challenge when your products are priced “too expensive”because a lotofpersonsdonotsupport.”

He has however, gained major support from his family and close circleoffriendswhohavehelpedin manyways,whetheritwasfinance, helpingwith products, showing up at his pop-up events, helping to

m arket and simply sharing his posts online, the support he said has been tremendous.

Somwarrevealedthathis ultimate goal as an entrepreneuristobeonethat p r o v i d e s q u a l i t y, affordability and one that understands the needs of consumers.In5-10years,hehopes to become a successful medical doctor and help to pave the way in eradicating the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. In the world of business, he intends to one day open an art gallery where

artists/crafters can have a space to display their art pieces, sell them andhostartandcraftshows.

If you are looking to check or purchase some of Somwar’s amazing pieces you can contact him on Whatsapp619-2965 or you can find his business page on Facebook, Tik Tok and Instagram

Shazam Somwar

$251M estimated to build, rehabilitated Police Stations at Paramakatoi, Monkey Mountain, Morawhanna and Vreed-en-Hoop

The Ministry of Home Affairs having received $58.6billionfromthisyear’s budget is getting ready to utilize those funds towards the construction and reconstruction of a number of police stations across the

country

Duringtherecentopeningof tenders, it was revealed that the Ministry will be reconstructing police stations at Morawhanna in Region One, Monkey Mountain in Region Eight

MinistryofHomeAffairs

Procurementofarmoredvehicles.

DesignandsupervisionservicesfortheGuyanaPolice Force–RegionFour(A)Lot1and2.

and Vreed-en-Hoop in Region Three. It was also disclosed that a new police stationwillbeconstructedat Paramakatoi all at an estimated cost of $251 million.TheVreed-en-Hoop Police station will be

renovated at an estimated cost of $120million while the Morawhanna Police Stationwillbeconstructedat anestimated$42millionand the Monkey Mountain Police Station at an estimated$45million.

ReconstructionofDiamondFireStation.

It is estimated that the construction of the Paramakatoi Police Station willcost$4million.

The Ministry also intends to undertake other projects, which include the reconstruction of the

DiamondFireStationwhich is estimated at $96 million and building a reservoir and revetmentattheMahdiaFire Station at an estimated cost of$39million. Below are the companies andtheirbids:

ReconstructionofVreed-en-HoopPoliceStation.

ConstructionofKamarangOfficer's Livingquarters,RegionSeven.

Construction

Frompage62

Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessels, intheLizaOneandLizaTwo projects,offshoreGuyana.

According to the

Ministry of Natural

Resources Oil Production

Data Centre, Liza Destiny produced156,000barrelson February24,2023;whilethe

Liza Unity produced 246,000barrelsonthatday

Reconstruction

It must be noted that the EIAs done for the two projects cite 120,000 barrels and 220,000 barrels respectively for Liza One and LizaTwo. Both projects are now operating above the prescribed safety levels but ExxonMobil maintains that the necessary infrastructural workwasdonetoensurethe activities are carried out safely At the same time, Guyanese have voiced their concerns that the ramped up productionofoilcanexpose the country to a greater risk ofanoilspill.Infact,former head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams had equated the increased oil production and the nation’s lackoffullliabilitycoverage to“doubletrouble”.

He explained, “You are not complying with the

required full liability coverage; thus putting the nation in double jeopardy of increasing the risk of an accident by recklessly exceedingthesafeoperating limit,andalsonothavingfull liability coverage to cleanup aspill.” Evenmoreinsulting however, according to the specialist is the fact that the ExxonMobil Guyana President,AlistairRoutledge has made it clear that the company intends to challenge the payment of costs associated with a spill, unless it finds those costs to be “legitimate” and “reasonable” ExxonMobil has assured that for each event in the Stabroek Block, a US$600 million insurance policy is in place. In the meantime, it was reported that the oil company is in talkswiththeEPAtoprovide a US$2 billion parent company guarantee to cover costsabovetheinsurance.

This means that the total coverage would amount to US$2.6 billion. Dr Adams has however cautioned that this meager sum could very well prove insufficient to respond to a massive spill in Guyana as oil spill incidents in the past have cost more US$70billion.

ConstructionoflivingquarteratMazaruniPrison.

Constructionofreservoirandrevetment atMahdiaFireStation.

ofParamakatoiPoliceStation.

ReconstructionofMorawhannaPoliceStation.

ofMonkeyMountainPoliceStation.

Media should report on how oil developed countries rather than focus on likely damages from...

From page 16

The applicants are Regulations requires Esso to locatedintheUpperCuyuni- therefore seeking a submit proof that it either Mazaruni District, Region declaration that the owns or has a lease or other Seven, are pleading for the respondent acted in breach agreement with the Government’s intervention of the Environmental landowners or occupiers of and possible solution to the Protection (Authorisation) the lands which will be “abuse” and “outright Regulations; a declaration affected by the Project, prior robberies” they are facing at that the Permit is null, void to the issue of the the hands of the Venezuelan and of no legal effect with EnvironmentPermit.” National Guard and the costs and such further order As such, the Applicants notorioussindicatogang. theCourtconsidersjust. have applied to the High

In a letter of complaint

In their application to the Court to review the EPA’s signed by miners, shop High Court, Radzik and decision and to uphold the owners and residents of the Deane-Hughes stated that rule of law and public rights Eteringbang, the residents Pursuant to Regulation 17 to scrutinize the actions of a highlighted their plight and ( 2 ) ( c ) ( i i i ) o f t h e public authority and to explained that the situation Environmental Protection safeguard the health, has been going on for six what they are transporting from that avenue anytime Venezuelangang,thatwould (Authorisation)Regulations, welfare, and sustainable yearsnow Theysaidthishad they are also required to pay, soon.” cross over into Guyanese an application for an existence of the people of led to some people about$2000perdrumoffuel

The residents said that as mines and rob victims environmental authorization Guyana. relocating while others have at all four checkpoints. They aresultoftheirquandary,the frequently must contain “proof that the to fend for themselves added that they also have to community can now be applicant either owns the 18% of Caribbean’s despite the presence of pay when transporting food classified as a “depressed Wednesday – March 29 facilityorhasaleaseorother citizens living on less than members of the Guyana andothersupplies. one.” agreement with the G$600 a day – IDB Police Force (GPF) and “There have been many I n c l o s i n g , t h e Citizens file court action landowner or occupier to …says poverty level Guyana Defence Force instances where we are Eteringbang residents said, challenging permit enable the applicant to exceeds past 10 years (GDF) at the border between robbed by these people or “We are kindly asking for issued to Exxon for conduct the activity without GuyanaandVenezuela. have part of our stock seized our Government to look into Gas-to-Energy Project the consent of the landowner A recently published “We the miners and bythem.Thereisgreatriskif our matter with some oroccupier.” report by the Inter-American business people who operate we choose to not stop since urgency since we have been Two citizens, Elizabeth Thecitizensoutlinedthat Development Bank (IDB) on the Guyana side of the gunshots would come our sufferingforalongtime.”

Back in December last RadzikonMondaymovedto application, dated June 24, America and the Caribbean

Deane-Hughes and Vanda ExxonMobil Guyana in its revealed that the Latin border with Venezuela in the way,”theyadded.

Upper Cuyuni area between It was further stated that year this newspaper had theHighCourtchallenginga 2021 includes details of the Akarabisi and Eteringbang as a result of the extended reported that the Sindicatos permit issued by the project site, the proposed wouldherebyliketobringto period of exploitations, had invaded several areas in Environmental Protection route of the pipeline and the the attention of our many persons moved out of Region One, robbing and Agency (EPA) to Esso areas to be used and affected Government the abuse, the area, while those who beatingminerswhooperated Exploration and Production by the project, which neglect, danger and outright remainarefindingitdifficult intheFiveStarBackDam.It Guyana Limited (EEPGL) includes residential robberies that we are facing to keep their businesses was reported then that the for the pipeline that will properties, commercial on a daily basis for in excess afloat “The neglect and invasionreportedlystartedat transport natural gas to properties and state-owned of six years at the hands of closure of the Eteringbang Lena landing – a part of Five Wales. properties. Be that as it may, the (Venezuelan) National Airstriphascompoundedthe Star that is close to the The pipeline is a the application did not GuardsandSindicatosonthe situation since we are forced Venezuela border The component of the Guyana include or provide any proof Venezuelan side,” the to use the river exclusively gunmen had later moved in Government’s Gas-to- ofownership,aleaseorother residents stated in their letter and face these criminals to Powis Landing, looting Energy (GTE) Project and agreement with the land ofcomplaint. evenmore,”theysaid. androbbingalongtheway A was authorised by the EPA ownersofthesaidarea.

According to the letter, It was explained that the M a t t h e w s R i d g e on November 25, 2022 Notwithstanding, the there are four checkpoints closure of the airstrip some businessman in the area had Through their lawyers, EPA granted EEPGL a between Akarabis and seven months ago has also related that the gang had Melinda Janki, Abiola Permit to undertake the Eteringbang (one National resulted in the shortage of forcefully taken over “Fat Wong-Inniss and Joel Ross, project on November 25, Guard and three Sindicatos). basic over the counter man’s new shop” at Powis the citizens are seeking an 2022 Subsequently, the The residents explained that medications and other basic landing and sent 12 of their Order of Certiorari to quash Minister of Public Works, (LAC) region faces a social at all four checkpoints, they supplies to the community men to hide in the bushes as the decision made by the JuanEdghillinJanuary2023 challenge with nearly 18 have to stop and allow the The residents said, “The lookout for the Guyanese E P A t o a w a r d a n passed various orders to percent of the population armed guards and sindicatos extremely slow pace of the jointservicesrankswhomay Environmental Permit to acquirelandsforthepurpose living on less than US$3.1 to check their boats, and reconstruction of the airstrip entertostopthem.

EEPGL- ExxonMobil oftheproject,pursuanttothe perday added to that, depending on provides very little hope In 2017, three Guyanese Guyana- to undertake the Acquisition of Lands for

The aforementioned was were slaughtered in their GTE project activities, on Public Purposes Act, highlighted by IDB’s Chief sleep at a Venezuelan thegroundsinteraliathatthe Chapter62:05. Economist, Eric Parrado in mine site called Imataka decisionwasinbreachofthe On January 31, 2023 the the preface of the report thatislocatedclosetothe p r o v i s i o n s o f t h e Applicants through their titled, ‘PREPARING THE Five Star Backdam Environmental Protection Attorney-at-Law, Melinda MACRO-ECONOMIC Gunmen brandishing Act (Cap. 20:05), and more Janki wrote to the EPA and TERRAIN for Renewed high-powered weapons p a r t i c u l a r l y , t h e Minister Edghill, setting out Growth’. had stormed into their Environmental Protection the Respondent’s failure to P a r r a d o s a i d , mining camp around (Authorisation)Regulations. e n f o r c e o r e n s u r e “Policymakers in the region 03:00 hrs on Wednesday The citizens argue that compliance with the need to design and July 19, 2017 and riddled the decision to grant the Environmental Protection implement policies that themwithbullets. Permit to Exxon was Regulations Janki had close development gaps and, Police identified the “unauthorised and contrary requestedintheletterthatthe at the same time, help them dead as Vernon Eudoxie, to law, in excess of Permit issued to EEPGL be weatherthechallengesofthe 51;CologneSolomon,23 jurisdiction,failuretosatisfy revoked and that the economicenvironment.” – both of Fitzburg, Port or observe conditions or application process be He underscored the Kaituma – and Samuel procedures required by law, restarted in compliance with importance for the LAC Moses, 19, of Four Miles unreasonable, irregular or the Regulations. There has region to address a triple Oronoque, Port Kaituma, improper exercise of been no response to the challenge-three complex, North West District, discretion, abuse of power, letters. i n t e r c o n n e c t e d Region. Venezuelan conflictwiththepolicyofthe According to the macroeconomic issues-to authorities suspected that Act, error of law (and) Application filed in the High achieveitspopulation’s killings were carried out breach of/ omission to Court by the citizens, (Continued on page 67) by the Sindicatos, a performaduty.” “Regulation 17 (2) of the

Elizabeth Deane-Hughes Vanda Radzik

Executive Director of EPA, Kemraj Parsram

IDB’s Chief Economist, Eric Parrado

From page 66

Presently, oil is being produced at aspirations for development and two fields in Guyana’s rich welfare. Stabroek Block, inclusive of Liza

In highlighting the region’s One and Liza Two. The oil socialchallenge,Parradonotedthat company has always been hesitant not only is 18 percent of the to release its flaring data. In July populationlivingonlessthanUS$3 last year, Production Manager at aday,butthepovertylevelexceeds ExxonMobil Guyana, Mike Ryan thatofadecadeago. had told members of the media that

In January this year, it was reported that offshore flaring in Guyana peaked at 71.88 Million Standard Cubic Feet (MMSCF)

“While some correction has the company was finally able to taken place, the pandemic bring an end to the gas compressor increased poverty overall, and woes that plagued the Liza Destiny recently, Russia’s war in Ukraine floating, production, storage and has made it even more difficult to operating (FPSO) vessel The reclaim lost gains. In addition to malfunctioning equipment had led poverty, inequality is also on the to two years of flaring which rise,”hesaid. released over 200 toxic chemicals

Secondly, he pointed out that intotheatmosphere. the region faces a fiscal challenge,

Ryan said the Exxon team was noting that the COVID pandemic able to successfully install a new stressed fiscal resources and compressorfromGermanyandwas expenditures. even open to sharing that over

“As a result, after the crisis, US$10M in flaring fees had been Thursday – March 30 sources, increase energy access in countries— including Algeria and sovereigndebtreachedover70%of paid over to the EPA. But what the some of the world’s poorest Egypt—providehopethattheywill GDPandwhilefiscalconsolidation

Production Manager carefully World Bank urges oil countries, and provide many follow suit and that their efforts to isstillpossiblemanyrisksremain,” dodged was questions posed by producers to reduce flaring countries with much-needed reduceflaringwillaccelerateasthe headded. Kaieteur News on the amount of …as flaring offshore Guyana energysecurity Ifputtoproductive keyingredientsforsuccess,suchas

The economist also added that gas flared to date via the Liza peaked at 71.88 Million Standard purposes, the amount of gas flared effective regulation and the region faces a growth Destiny FPSO for the two-year Cubic Feet (MMSCF) in January in 2022, could generate as much enforcement, political will, and challenge. period.Ryanwouldonlyrepeatthat electricity as Sub-Saharan Africa infrastructureareputinplace.

He said productivity growth the company maintained full

The World Bank said that oil currentlyproducesinayear

Meanwhile,thebanksaidwhile and, consequently, long-term compliance with the EPA’s and gas companies need to rapidly According to the bank, global flare volumes fell over the economic growth is currently permitted parameters for flaring accelerate the decline in global decreased Russian gas exports to last year, greater efforts are needed estimated at only around 2 percent which was between15-7 million flare volumes if the world is to end the European Union (EU) did not to sustain flare reductions and too low to meet the development cubic feet of gas per day After routine flaring by 2030.The bank’s increase gas flaring in Russia. In reduce methane emissions. At a goals of most countries in the public pressure, the company came cautioncomesamidareport,which 2022, the EU significantly global level, the resumption of the region. out saying that “To date, we have disclosedthatglobalgasflaringhas increased its liquified natural gas longstanding decoupling of gas

In addition to these specific made payments on 279,537 33 fallentoitslowestlevelsince2010. imports from the United States, flaring and oil production is issues, Parrado noted that the tonnes of CO2e (Carbon Dioxide

However, in Guyana flaring Angola, Norway, Qatar, and Egypt, welcome Still, oil and gas region also faces the cross-cutting equivalent)flared.” continues to be a problem with and via pipeline from Azerbaijan producers need to rapidly challenges of dealing with climate environmentalist calling on the and Norway Of these countries accelerate the decline in global change, advancing diversity, Taxes recoverable in government and oil Major, supplyinggastotheEU,theUnited flare volumes if we are to end inclusion, and equity, and Govt.’s new draft PSA ExxonMobil to do more to cut the States and Angola have made routineflaringby2030. strengthening the institutional pollution. In January this year, it notable progress commercializing Two countries spotlighted in context and the rule of law for a The Government of Guyana, wasreportedthatoffshoreflaringin associated gas streams and this year’s report – Angola and the betterbusinessenvironment. intent on amending the lopsided Guyana peaked at 71.88 Million increasingLNGexport. UnitedStates–provideevidenceof

Last November, Kaieteur News 2016 oil deal inked with StandardCubicFeet(MMSCF). GGFR estimates that in 2022 the reductions in flaring that can be reported that a study conducted by ExxonMobil has drafted two new The latest Global Gas Flaring gas flaring released 357 million achieved when operators and the World Bank found that modelcontractsthatwillgovernthe Tracker Report (GGFR), a leading tonnesofCO2e,315milliontonnes governments work together to approximately 48 percent of 14oilblockspresentlyonauction. globalandindependentindicatorof in the form of carbon dioxide, and develop an integrated gas value Guyanese live in poverty and are Article 38 2 of the draft gas flaring, finds that global gas 42milliontonnesCO2eintheform chain to commercialize associated surviving on less than US$5.5 or contracts state that “…Contractor, flaring decreased by three percent of methane. Methane, the primary gas.Onenergysecurity,theshiftby GYD$1,000perday Affiliated Companies, Sub- to139bcmin2022from144bcmin component of natural gas, is a European countries away from InitsFactSheetonGuyana,the Contractors and individuals who 2021. Oil production increased by potent but short-lived greenhouse importing Russian oil and gas international organisation said the are expatriates shall be subject to 5 percent to 80 million barrels per gas,withawarmingpotentialmuch during 2022 has not resulted in an country’s national poverty status is the income tax laws of Guyana, day (bbl/d) from 77 bbl/d in 2021. higher than carbon dioxide.The oil increaseinRussianflaring. among the highest in the LAC including, the Income Tax Act of As a result, the global average and gas industry is a significant ExxonMobil last year paid region. Guyana (Cap 81:01) and the flaring intensity—the amount of source of methane emissions US$9 million to the Environmental

Moreover,itpointedoutthatthe Corporation Tax Act of Guyana gas flared per barrel of oil globally Reducing methane Protection Agency (EPA) to flare poverty levels are highest in the (Cap. 81:03) and shall separately produced—dropped to 4.7 m3/bbl emissionsisoneofthemostcrucial excessgasatitsoffshoreoperations sparsely populated interior or comply with the requirements of in2022from5.1m3/bblin2021. climate actions that can be in the Stabroek Block This hinterland regions where those laws, in particular with The report states that three undertaken in the short term. The information was revealed during communitieshavelimitedaccessto respecttofilingreturns,assessment countries,Nigeria,Mexico,andthe Tracker Report also highlights the the Consideration of the Budgetary economic opportunities, of tax, and keeping and showing of United States, accounted for most significantuncertaintysurrounding Estimates early this year by healthcare,andpublicservices. booksandrecords.” of the decline in global gas flaring the methane emissions from gas

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs

According to the report, Although oil companies and i n 2 0 2 2 . T w o o t h e r flaring. If the average flare is just 5 andGovernance,GailTeixeira.The “Guyana’s national poverty their affiliates will now be countries Kazakhstan and percentage points less efficient in EPA introduced a flaring fine headcount, the share of the subjected to the country’s tax laws, Colombia stand out for burning the gas than generally following rampant offshore flaring population living below US$5.5 a adauntingprovisionincludedinthe consistently reducing flaring assumed, then globally, the amount by Exxon’s operator, Esso day, is among the highest in the new model contracts allow for volumes in the last seven years, the ofmethanereleasedwouldbethree Exploration and Production Latin America and Caribbean these payments to be recovered reportpublishedbytheWorldBank times higher than currently Guyana Limited (EEPGL) in 2019, (LAC) Region at around 48 throughcostoil. noted The top nine flaring estimated. shortly after the start-up of first oil percent.”

To add insult to the injury, the countries continue to be Gas flaring, the burning of atLizaOne.

The report also said that new model agreements for the responsible for the vast majority of natural gas associated with oil The fine was increased from Guyana “experiences high Deep and ShallowWater oil blocks flaring. Russia, Iraq, Iran, Algeria, extraction, takes place due to a US$45 per every ton of carbon emigration and brain drain, with 39 stipulate that the recovery of these Venezuela, the United States, range of issues, from market and dioxide emitted through flaring to percent of all Guyanese citizens paymentscanbedoneevenwithout Mexico, Libya, and Nigeria economic constraints to a lack of US$50 It can therefore be currently residing abroad and theMinister’sapproval. accountfornearlythree-quartersof appropriateregulationandpolitical determined that the oil giant made roughly half of all Guyanese with a Annex ‘C’ of the Deepwater flarevolumesandjustunderhalfof will However, alongside the payments on approximately tertiary education have migrated to modelagreement,atSectionThree, global oil production. This wasted countries that continued to reduce 180,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide theUnitedStates.” (Continued on page 68) gas could displace dirtier energy flaring in 2022, several other equivalent (CO2e) flared last year

From page 68

loopholes that put the bidsisonApril17,2023. which addresses costs that country at a disadvantage For his part, the Vice can be recovered without the while allowing ExxonMobil President explained during approval of the Minister to make Billons of US his press conference that states at 3.1 (f) “All rentals, dollars in profits. Kaieteur despite the hotel was started taxes, levies, charges, fees, News has been at the at a time when others touted contributions and any other forefront in reporting about it as “a white elephant” the assessments and charges the great benefits that hotel is now a moneylevied by the Government in Guyana can receive if it makingmachine. connection with the renegotiates the Stabroek Jagdeo stated that as a Petroleum Operations and Block deal. Civil society result of the Government paid directly by the bodies have also called on being generous to help Contractor,” are all the government to act in the trigger a new wave of hotel recoverablecontractcosts. best interest of citizens but building, “ there is no

Thesameprovisionisset according to Jagdeo, “The particularsupreme benefit to out in the Shallow Water people who vote for the PPP, Government owning (the draftagreementinAnnex‘C’ they know that the campaign hotel),it’sbettertomaximise Section3.1(f). being led by Kaieteur News the money and invest it in

The Government of a n d t h e o t h e r s i s something else backing Guyana on Tuesday closed convenient”. healthcare or maybe in its two weeks public anotherfacility…” consultationonthenewdraft ‘No supreme benefit to The VP justified the Production Sharing Govt. owning profitable Government’s reason for Agreements(PSAs) for deep Friday – March 31 Marriott Hotel when selling the hotel now by and shallow water blocks seven more coming on saying, “The Government offshore.

Jagdeo says: PPPnot stream’– Jagdeo didn’t need to own a hotel at

ExxonMobilisexempted worried about losing votes …money will be used to thattime,buttheerawasthat from paying any taxes under for not renegotiating pay-out secret private we were not getting new the Stabroek Block contract; Exxon deal investors hotels built and we had to an arrangement the People’s trigger the investment. So Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary of the Vice President (VP) now it would be best to sell government publicly People’s Progressive Party BharratJagdeo,onThursday the Marriott off, you would committedtoamend. Civic (PPPC), Bharrat said that while the Guyana probably maximise the price

Upon the release of the Jagdeo said that his party is MarriotHotelis“aprofitable that you will get when it’s new model agreements on not worried about losing any venture” and is “making a profitable and before the March 14, 2023 the Ministry supportforitsdecisiontonot profit” it is of no supreme seven new hotels that are of Natural Resources also renegotiate the lopsided benefit to the Government privately built, that are commenced a 14 days contractwithExxonMobilas owningitanymore. internationals brands come consultation period for it heads into Local Last December, it was onthemarket.Itistheperiod citizenssendtheirfeedback. GovernmentElections. announced that the you maximize, the period in

Several Guyanese had Jagdeo was at the time Government is looking to whichyousell.” requestedthatthetimelinebe answering questions from sell the almost US$60M The Government has extended while others made reporters at a PPPC press hotel.Thehotelstartedunder been reported in the media suggestions for all conference held at Freedom the Jagdeo administration encouraging investors to comments to the draft House, Robb Street, when he was President using build hotels as part of their contractsbemadepublic. Georgetown. taxpayers’dollars and with a plan to advance the

2020 general elections and will bring US$700M of

Itwasalsorecommended A reporter from the syndicated loan through the hospitality sector in Guyana. theyvotedforPPPsoyouare business to the local that mechanisms be Kaieteur News asked him if Republic Bank Limited of There are seven new hotels asking me now why they community Many of them instituted to allow for the his party’s failure to Trinidad. being constructed. The new wouldn’t vote for the PPP arebusyinvolvedinbuilding changes to the drafts to be renegotiate a better oil deal

The Marriott Hotel was hotels are expected to meet a now because of this,” a homes or constructing for highlighted. with ExxonMobil for the opened in 2015 and is demand of around 2,000 confident Jagdeo further builders because many of

It was explained, “The country could affect its currently owned by the roomsby2025.Theyare:the added. themmaybeordinarypeople draft Model Petroleum support base in the Government through the Hyatt Place Hotel with

According to Jagdeo his constructing homes for Agreements embodies upcoming local government National Industrial and around 125 rooms at the party has been able to get peoplewhowillberentingto rigorous research and elections. In response, the Commercial Investments Providence on the East Bank more out of the Stabroek theoilcompanies”. analysis by the ministry’s PPPC’s General Secretary Limited (NICIL). The State of Demerara (EBD), the 172 Block deal without He added too that PPPC internal team, and external maintained that his party agency had issued a room Four Point Sheraton at renegotiatingit. ForJagdeo, hasincreasedthefiscalterms consultants on all topics n e v e r p r o m i s e d t o prequalification notice Houston,EBD;the13-storey getting more out of the for new oil contracts such as relevant to a modern renegotiate the contract seeking Expressions of Pasha Global Hotel at Exxon contract without a h i g h e r r o y a l t i e s , petroleum agreement for while campaigning for the Interest (EOIs) from persons Liliendaal, East Coast renegotiation for better s t r e n g t h e n e d t h e Guyana. March 2020 regional and or companies, individually Demerara (ECD), the 150- terms,isthePPPC’sdecision Environmental Protection

The process involved a general elections and or as part of a joint venture / room AC Hotels Marriott in to pursue a US$2B Gas-to- Agency (EPA) permits for comprehensive assessment supporters still voted it into consortium, with an interest thevicinityofOgleECD,the Energy project and the oil and gas sector, and of the current petroleum government. in purchasing its shares in Marriot Courtyard Hotel at implementingalocalcontent implemented a New a g r e e m e n t a n d t h e “The PPP made some Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI), a Timehri EBD, Best Western policy so that Guyanese can Sovereign Wealth Fund and identification of best promises they heard me as special purpose company to be located at Liliendaal get jobs, rent houses, and Natural Resources Fund Act practices relevant to every GeneralSecretarysaybefore owned by NICIL for the ECDwith120roomsandthe apartmentstooilcompanies. t h a t s t r e n g t h e n s contractual aspect of a 2020 that we will ensure that acquisition of the Guyana 150 Sheraton Hotel

“Not only have we transparency. Jagdeo m o d e r n a g r e e m e n t we get more out of these MarriottHotel. entertainment giants, Hits wanted more for our people, continued by saying It is his grounded in the Guyana contracts but we will not

On Wednesday, Chief and Jams, would be building but we have now started a view that such actions by the context ” renegotiate the Stabroek Executive Officer (CEO) of withaforeignpartner Gas-to-Energy project that PPPC are enough to keep his

The Ministry said to Blockcontract,”Jagdeosaid NICIL, Radha Krishna Kaieteur News had will Guyanese get free gas party in power without ensure new investments are “And they heard me say Sharma, confirmed to this highlighted that under the and that will see their bills seeking a better deal for the g o v e r n e d b y a asGeneralSecretary,thatwe publication that eight firms syndicated loan agreement, cut by half and the project is country comprehensive framework will make a number of have submitted their EOIs. the preferred rights goes to one of the ways. We are The Stabroek block deal of international best changes to the regulatory

According to the CEO, five those investors – meaning getting more out of this deal has been criticized by many practices, the Model regime that will ensure the of the eight applicants have that in the event of the hotel through that”, Jagdeo told as being lopsided because of Petroleum Agreements will oil and gas sector is paid for and uplifted being unable to service the reporters. themeretwopercentroyalty, be followed by an overhaul developing in a safe manner

Secondly, he continued, absenceofring-fencing,lack of the 1986 Petroleum Act and more benefits accrued to Sharma noted too that the investorswouldhavethe “they have seen us put in of full coverage insurance andRegulations. thepeople.Thatisbeforethe deadline for submissions of (Continued on page 69) placealocalcontentlawthat a

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

The Guyana Marriott Hotel

From page 68

conclude “very soon”. There has beinggeneratedatabouteightcents first lien on the proceeds of any been no word since then on that per kilowatt without battery sale. auditfromthegovernment. storage. As such, he committed to

Back in 2017, AHI was unable He explained, “They would signing a power purchase tomeetitsduefinancialobligations have found that there was need to agreement with any company who to repay the syndicated loan. As go back and to do some further can supply power to the national such, AHI had requested the work with the operator which was gridatfivecentsperkilowatt. assistance of NICIL, the guarantor done and a final report has now He said, “...the lowest offer that but the State agency was also been submitted and is being wehavehadforasystemthatisnot unabletoassist. reviewed by all the relevant fully battery-powered is about

In order to prevent the hotel agencies (and) stakeholders, eight cents per kilowatt hour but if from being acquired by the bank, including the petroleum unit at Mr Bhulai can find anybody who the former Government in April GRA(GuyanaRevenueAuthority). will come now and supply the 2017 made the decision to transfer Once that is over, we will conclude governmentofGuyana,notatthree AHI’s financial obligations to the thefirstaudithopefullyverysoon.” cents per kilowatt hour that he Central Government.This decision In March 2020, this newspaper thinks with battery but a 24-hour has resulted in US$1.1 million reported that Commissioner- system that can come in at four ($226million)oftaxpayers’dollars General of the GRAGodfrey Statia cents or five cents per kilowatt comingouteverysixmonths(since has confirmed that he is in receipt hour, anybody would do that, we 2017) to service the US$27 million of an initial audit report for the are prepared tomorrow to sign up a loan–fora13-yearperiod.

US$460M in pre-contract costs long term power purchase

However, during his press Guyana must pay to ExxonMobil’s agreement with them...get a 24 conference the Vice President subsidiary, Esso Exploration and hours solar base load supply to the thecitizensthere. days”. stated that while in opposition the Production Guyana Limited gridatfivecentsperkilowatthour.”

The President’s position only “I think from the inception People’s Progressive Party Civic (EEPGL). In an invited comment, Bhulai adds more doubt concerning the when the contract was signed there (PPPC) were opposed to the loan Statia at the time said he was told this publication that it is integrity of the audit report, as both was a bit of misunderstanding. In obligation being transferred to now examining the report, after evident the administration is the Vice President (VP), Dr the contract it says 120 working central government Jagdeo which he will do his own internal determinedtoinvestinalargescale Bharrat and subject Minister, days and I think there was a lot of claimed that the loan being work, and then have discussions project “so that they can get Vickram Bharrat have been misconception…that it would be burdened on taxpayers had nothing with IHS Markit, the UK Company control”, but at the same time, he avoidingtheissueofExxonMobil’s 120 running days or calendar days, to do with the hotel being unable to that was recruited to audit the saidtherearecertaindisadvantages audits. but its 120 working days,” the serviceitsloan. billionsofdollarsExxonMobilsaid which will also affect the entire

This newspaper recently Ministerexplained. According to the Vice itinvestedintheStabroekBlock. population. reported that the VP when In the meantime, the President, the proceeds from the JagdeosaysGovt.stillawaiting For one, Bhulai cited that a questioned about the outstanding Opposition believes that the sale of the hotel will be used, “to evidenceofcheapersolarenergy power outage can affect the entire audits for the oil company, government is deliberately hiding clear off the remaining loan and Bhulai maintains invoices country, whereby investing in the requested that the question be the audit reports to cover the tracks some of it will come back to the senttoGEA solar alternative can have a lesser directed to the Minister; however, of the oil giant, which may reveal treasury to be used back for Vice President (VP) Bharrat impact. whentheMinisterwasapproached, possible inflated bills or spending whatever purpose is determined.”

he explained that Jagdeo had on areas that the contract does not Jagdeo continued by stating that, is in receipt of documents that solar panels for each home would alreadyaddressedtheissue. allowtoberecovered.

Jagdeo has denied that government In addition, he said investing in

“thisisprobablythebesttimewhen provide a cheaper solar alternative reduce the need for costly loans on

During the Consideration of Shadow Natural Resources you can maximise the value before for its planned gas-fired power theshouldersofGuyaneseforyears Estimates for Budget 2023, Minister, David Patterson in an yougetcompetitionfromtheseven plant to be built at Wales, West tocome.

Minister Bharrat told the House, interview with Kaieteur News last otherhotelscomingintothemarket BankDemerara(WBD). “If you roll it out as money

“ThefinalreportisdueinMarchof month said “the government does withinayearortwo…”

Atapartypressconferenceheld comesinfromoilthereisnoneedto 2023.” not want the report issued publicly, on Thursday at Freedom House, borrowanything.Ihavealreadyput

President Irfaan Ali in s i n c e i t w i l l h i g h l i g h t Saturday –April 1 Robb Street, the VP told reporters thatoutinacoupleofarticlesandit

November last year told this ExxonMobil’sbillingpracticesand that while Energy Technologist, is well laid out there...Dr Sharma newspaper that the review process the government’s very supportive ExxonMobil’s US$7.3B audit Alfred Bhulai claims he supplied has the invoices that prove the wasestimatedtowrapupbeforethe handlingofthesector.” report will be addressed at the evidence of the feasibility of solar figuresfor2020,”heexplained. end of 2022, with the first report Patterson pointed out that the appropriate time - PresidentAli power to the Guyana Energy In offering a comparison of the readybyDecember audit report would confirm the Agency (GEA), the government benefits of solar over gas, Bhulai

In a recent statement from the costs Exxon are claiming to be The local team that partnered hasseennosuchdocument. said, “You got to operate the gas; Ministry of Natural Resources, it recoverable and would lay fears with an American firm to conduct

“Recently he (Bhulai) said that there are lots of risks with gas.You was explained that ExxonMobil asideofpossibleinflatednumbers. an audit of ExxonMobil’s US$7.3 the GEA is sitting on evidence of can have leakage and these was being given an opportunity to Guyanese are paying the billion expenses should have cheaper solar power alternative for E n v i r o n m e n t a l I m p a c t respond to the findings of the audit auditors some US$751,000 to completed and handed over the the gas plant so we don’t have Assessmentsthattheyareavoiding, team. complete the process. Minister of final report to the Government of that...we are not sitting on any all of that you don’t need (with

The contract for the Exxon Natural Resources, Vickram Guyana (GoG) by the end of evidence and then he cites some solar).” audit was signed on May 24, 2022 Bharrat had assured that the March,butPresidentIrfaanAlitold small scale panels that we are Bhulai detailed that an impact for VHE Consulting which is a findingsoftheauditwouldbemade Kaieteur News on Friday that he doing. If this was the case then the study would not be required to roll registered partnership between public. would reveal details regarding this entireworldpracticallywouldhave outasolarpowerproject,exceptfor Ramdihal & Haynes Inc, Eclisar Thisisparticularlyimportantas review only at “the appropriate gone solar already but I don’t want the construction phase where Financial, and Vitality Accounting the public is unaware of the time.” to be unkind to Mr Bhulai because inspections would be required on & Consultancy Inc. The Local outcomeoftheauditoftheUS$460 President Ali was at the time the way it is written, the way the buildings to ensure they are Consortium is supported by million pre-contract costs, which responding to a question from story came out is that he is looking properlywired. International firms- SGS and was done by IHS Markit. The Kaieteur News during a public foranswerssoweshouldensurewe The Energy Technologist was Martindale Consultants for the contract to the UK firm had cost press conference at the Leonora demonstrate this,” the former head also keen to note that solar would ‘Cost Recovery Audit and US$300,000andcommencedsince TrackandFieldCentre,WestCoast ofstateexplained. eradicate the need for an Validation of the Government of 2019 under the former A Demerara (WCD), when he Bhuali has often cited solar as a operationalcost. Guyana’sProfitOilShare’. Partnership for National Unity + declined to say whether cleaner, more affordable source of He said, “So there is no need to

To this end, the audit zoomed Alliance For Change (APNU+ government has since been power generation for Guyana. He put yourself in debt for all this into ExxonMobil’s expenses AFC)Coalition. furnished with the final audit has suggested that each home be operation and people would be betweentheyears2018to2020that In February this newspaper report. outfitted with solar panels, empowered. If something goes have already been billed to the reported that, four years after Instead, the President assured, complete with battery power to wrong with the installation, what country awarding the contract for that audit

“We will definitely give you that cater for rainy days. This, Bhulai would happen is there would be a When the contract was signed, to be completed, the process was update at the appropriate time.” He argues, can offer numerous blackout there. Not everybody like it was explained that the process stilltobefinalized. wentontoexplainthatthePeople’s benefits. the whole country and what is would be completed in four This is so at least according to Progressive Party (PPP) was Jagdeo however noted that the more, you don’t need to run all months; however, Minister Bharrat Minister Vickram Bharrat. He told conducting an outreach in the lowest offer government has these transmission and distribution recently sought to explain that the the National Assembly in January Region to address the concerns of received to date will see power lines.” timeline allotted was 120 “working that this process will “hopefully”

President Irfaan Ali during the press held at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

conference

WANTED VACANCY

Skilled Carpenters, Masons and Labourers needed. Call: 602-9469, 660-6385 or 6257642.

One Housekeeper/ Cook to work 5 days per week, preferably from E.B.D. For more information Call: 609-1434.

One Female able-bodied Clerk required. Call: 2252313, 226-1497/ 658-8559.

One Truck Driver needed to work Mon-Fri. Call: 223-9677.

Canter and Truck Drivers needed, must have atleast 3 yrs experience. Call: 6447088/ 624-7248.

Excavator Operators required, must have atleast 3 yrs experience. Call: 6447088/ 624-7248.

Office Clerk wanted, must have experience in Microsoft Excel and Words. Call: 6447088/ 624-7248.

Male factory workers needed to work in Georgetown, $3500 per day. 7am - 4pm, Mon-Fri, transportation provided. Call: 611-7839.

Urgent Truck Drivers needed at Platinum Investments. Call: 624-2234.

One Domestic Worker needed to work 2 times per week. Address: 192 Duncan Street Newtown kitty. Call: 649-3783.

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3 Receptionist, ages 25-35 yrs & Security Guards 40 yrs & older. Experience working in the Interior will be an asset. Call: 688-9506.

Wanted: Experienced Cashier, Cooks, Counter Person, Supervisor and Labourer. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts. or WhatsApp: +592-6541361.

Experienced Excavator Operator and Land Dredge workers with knowledge of chain saw. Call: 684-1030 between 8am-4pm.

Supermarket AM & PM Sales Representative required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff ST. Tel: 609-2995, Email: survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

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Supermarket Packers/ Porters AM & PM needed @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff St. Tel: 609-2995, survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

SERVICES

Visa Application: Canada and U.S.A. Graphics design & advertisements. Wedding decorations & elderly grooming: hair, nail etc. Call: 626-7040.

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For low cost repairs for AC units, refridgerators, freezers, gas stoves, washing machine, dryers, etc. Call: 629-4946, 225-4822.

FOR RENT

2, 3 & 4 bedrooms furnished and unfurnished Apt in Bladen Hall, E.C.D, $100,000 & $200,000 GYD. WhataApp: 700-0030.

Newly built 1, 2 & 3 bedrooms Apt in E.C.D Highway, $2000 & 1000 USD. Call/ WhatsApp: 700-0030, 1-347841-5872/ +1868-747-4343.

Commercial property for rent at Regent & Wellington Streets. Call: 653-1501.

3 bedrooms furnished & unfurnished, 2 & 1 bedroom house and Apt in New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, Diamond & Providence. Call: 659-0277, 682-6238, 2162299/ 604-6664.

VACANCY

Vacancy exists for two experienced Dispatchers at Confidential Cabs. Call: 6951961 /231-5784.

Able-bodied live-in female Housekeeper to work in Virgina, U.S.A. Between the ages of 30-50 yrs. Call: 845325-8241/ 592-615-5476.

Maid needed to cook and clean in East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

1 general Domestic needed to cook & clean, Mon- Fri and preferably living within East Bank Area. Apply at Keyfood, Mc Doom Village next to the post office.

Delivery Clerk, Cleaners and Porters needed. Apply @ Lens Hardware, Call: 2271511/ 645-1613.

Inventory/ Data Entry Clerks required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff St. Call: 609-2995, survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

Bond Attendants/ Porters needed @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff ST. Tel: 609-2995, Email: survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

Experienced Accounts Clerk needed @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff Street. Call: 609-2995, Email: survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

Factory Worker needed. Must have a sound secondary education. For more information Call: 227-8041/2.

Experienced Pump Attendants needed at Sunrise Marina Gas Station, preferably from Parika area. Send CV to sunrisemarinainc@ yahoo.com or Call: 2620404.

Vacancy exist for Carpenter/ Joiner. Apply at Regency Suites/ Hotel, 98 Hadfield Street, Werk-en-Rust G/ Town. Call: 226-0550/ 6093332.

Experienced Waiter/ Waitress, Counter Server & roti/ puri Cook. Apply @ Hack's Restaurant 5 Commerce St.

Supermarket Floor Supervisor required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff St. Call: 609-2995, Email: survival.humanresources @gmail.com

Accounts Clerk needed. Must have a sound secondary education and 1-2 years Accounting experience. For more information Call: 2278041/2.

Operator for excavator/ bobcat, semi-skilled Workers, Office Assistant and time keeping/ tool issuing Clerk . Call: 621-6969/ 615-7784.

Pump Attendant needed at Shell Station, Providence, E.B.D. Working shift (6am2pm and 2pm-10pm). Email: Shellramsburg@gmail.com

Experienced Hair Colorist, Hairstylist, Receptionist/ Massuese and Nail Tech needed. Call/ WhatsApp: 649-5005/ 226-6705.

One Plumer needed. Call: 615-9132.

Driver needed. Must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, ages 23-50 yrs, Car/ Van licence. Call 6458443 or 642-9823.

FOR SALE

One double Lot 80x160 on the east side of Friendship, Public Road, $12M GYD neg. Call: 626-4234/ 628-6212.

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TO LET

Studio apartment, $10,000 per week with 1 month down payment. Call: 6386120.

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Learn to cut & sew at Enid's Dressmaking certificate classes located 66 Sixth St. Albertown. All sewing done here! Call: 643-7966/ 223-9106.

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2 bedrooms in Campbellville, Albertown and Houston E.B.D. 8000 sq ft office space in Brickdam. Call Ray's Realty: 627-9685.

FOR SALE/ RENT

Three mining blocks in Kurupukari, Rupununi mining district to sell or rent. Call: 649-7371.

LAND FOR SALE

Carmichael Street, Better Hope, Friendship, Garden of Eden & Lethem Commercial area. Call Ray's Realty: 6279685.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

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Strong performance for St Kitts economy in 2022

CMC-TheInternational Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday said economic growth rebounded “strongly” last year in St Kitts-Nevis despite global headwinds and that gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have grown by nine per cent in 2022 after contracting 14.5 per cent in 2020 and 0.9 per cent in 2021.

In a statement the Washington-based financial

institution said the lifting of all COVID-related travel restrictions in August last year sparked a strong reboundinthetourismsector andacrosstheeconomy

“The authorities' proactive policy response, facilitated by the fiscal buffers accumulated from a decade of prudent fiscal policy, helped shelter domestic prices from high global energy and food prices,” it said, noting that

these measures nonetheless took a heavy toll on fiscal accountsin2022.

According to the IMF, the primary balance exCitizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) revenue and land buybacks, deteriorated to a deficit of 17 per cent of GDP as against 15 per cent in 2021 The IMF said large CBI inflows in 2022 helped finance this expansion, keeping public debt below

No one in my family has ever been restricted...

Frompage6 of our family members for years. Our frequent family vacations came to an end. Wemissedthebirthofallthreeofmysister’s children. We missed their birthdays and important milestones of their growth. For me, I have been majorly affected because upon deciding on university applications, I wasforcedtochoosetheUnitedKingdomas my place of study due to the expectation of havingtowaitaverylongtimeforadecision from the United States of America. I am a verystrongadvocateforeducation,itismy passion, and I was taught to chase after my dreams, my dream was to study at an ivy league university with the best journalistic course My choices were originally Columbia University, Stanford University or Boston University My dream was crushed without reason. Tragic but luckily,

theUnitedKingdomoffersgreatjournalism opportunities and I am happy in Edinburgh Scotland.

I will answer every absurd question there is to the best of my knowledge. You want transparency, I will give you, but I despisehypocrisy Totheanonymousperson thataskedthequestion,ifyouarecallingfor transparency then you should make your identity known. There are many hearsays andrumoursgoingaroundaboutmyfamily, thisisnothingneworshocking,buttheonly thingmorefrustratingthantheseslanderers is those foolish enough to listen to them. Weapons are deadly but envy, greed and disinformation are destructive and my familyhasexperiencedextremedestruction, butIwillnotletanyonethreaten,undermine ordisrespectmyfamily

HadiyyahMohamed

the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) regionaltargetof60percent ofGDP

U n d e r t h e C B I programme,foreigninvestors aregrantedcitizenshipofthe twin island Federation in return for making a substantial investment in the socio-economicdevelopment of the island The IMF said that return to the prepandemic activity level is expected by the end of next yearandbeyondthat,growth should converge towards its medium-termpath.

Belize imposes stricter immigration requirements for Jamaicans and Haitians

CMC – The Belize government has announced new measures regarding the entry requirements into the Caribbean Community (Caricom) country for nationals from Haiti and Jamaica.

The John Briceno governmentsaidfollowinga “thoroughdiscussion”onthe increasing number of visitorswhoareusingBelize as a transit country to reach the United States, Cabinet has determined that Belize willinvokeArticle226(a)of

the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which governs the 15-member regional integration movement of which both JamaicaandHaitibelong.

According to the government statement, invokingArticle226(a)ofthe treaty would “allow for the Minister of Immigration to immediately impose a visa requirement for Haitians wishing to visit Belize and to require Jamaican nationals to provideevidenceoffullypaid non-refundable hotel

reservations prior to boarding flightstoBelize “Inaddition, a ministerial task force was setuptoaddresstherampant smuggling occurring in this regard The ministerial subcommittee will be chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration and will include the Minister of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries and the Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations,” the statement said within the grouping.

PPP supporters intimidate journalists at President’s...

Frompage61 major, ExxonMobil’s expenses. The President in response explained that he would address the subject at anappropriatetime.

“And let me tell you something because I know the next three questions you will ask; the gas to shore project is going to be done, the gas to shore project is goingtobecompletedinthis Region and the cost of electricity will come down by 50 percent for all the people of this country,” the President told a Kaieteur Newsreporter

ThePresident’sresponse was welcomed with a round of applause by the crowd. Nevertheless, the Journalist askedanotherquestionofthe President, amidst laughter from the gathering of PPP supporters.

Similarly, a question fromanotherKaieteurNews reporter was heckled by the crowd, prompting the President to close off the pressengagement.

In an invited comment, the Publisher of Kaieteur News,GlennLallsaiditwas utterly disrespectful for the Presidenttoinvitethemedia

to a press conference at a venue flocked by his supporters in his home village.

LallbelievestheHeadof State had little intent on addressingthecriticalissues, but called an urgent press conference to promote the workofhisgovernment.

TheGPAresponds President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Nazima Raghubir in an invited comment on Saturday strongly criticised the circumstances under which the President hosted themedia.

She said, “It boggles my mindthatwearebacktothis typeofenvironmentwhereI feel like if the President wanted to make a statement among his supporters he could have made the statement and invited the media to (cover) the statement. I don’t think that was the place for a press conference. Then again the powers that be would come out and say it’s their right to hold a press conference and what not and we have been saying that they are not holdingpressconferences.”

Raghubirnotedthatifthe

governmentandPresidentin particularwishtoengagethe media it must be in an environment that is both conducive and professional. Contrary to that, she said what occurred at Leonora was a demonstration of no regardforthemedia.

“There is just a push to have this one-way conversation and it is embarrassing because the President started off his campaign in 2020 talking about accountability and transparencyandtothisdate he is yet to have a Cabinet Secretary to host Post CabinetPressBriefingstobe held to that accountability and transparency standard,” the GPA President pointed out. Sheadded,“Iamsaying allofthisbecauselastweeka letter appeared in Chronicle callingfortheGuyanaPress Association Elections, the same Guyana Press Association has not held elections in 2020 for the same reasons the PPP have not held Congress- it was COVID...I know that the GPA is accountable. At the end of the day, if the

accountability, the relationship with the media hastoimprove.”

Addressing the mere hourandahalfnoticeforthe media to attend the press conferenceinRegionThree, the Press Association President said it was “a slap in the face”. She said the Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC has been engaging in a similar practice where he hosts his weekly ‘Issues in the News’ show, and sends notices to the press to share questions for him to respond to on television.

condemned it. She said reporters were at Congress Place in the presence of the former President, David Granger and his supporters whoheckledthemedia.“We condemned it then and we are condemning it now No reporter should be heckled for asking questions and somebody sitting as high as the President who claims to haverespectformembersof the media should not have encouraged that. It opens reporters to a whole lot of disrespect,”shestated.

houses and if anything happens to those media workers at any one of their rallies, none of them are going to want to take responsibility,”sheargued.

r

sident is open to t

“Thatisaslapintheface ofthesametransparencyand accountability they [the government] claim to be flying high on,” Raghubir contended. She pointed out that the PPP signed the Media Freedom Coalition and there are certain principles which the governmentoughttouphold; oneofwhichisbasicrespect for the press. The GPA Presidentexplainedsaidthat between 2015 and 2020 a similar situation unfolded u n d e r t h e f o r m e r administration and the Press

Meanwhile, Raghubir also deemed the President’s response to a question from this newspaper as hostile. In fact, the GPAPresident said these attitudes from politicianscanopenthedoor to possible attacks on the mediabypartysupporters.

“Thatwasareallyhostile response and in an environment where people were already heckling, it could have possibly put Kaieteur News staff in dangerandatriskandthisis the same thing that I have maintained with these politicians over and over They want to single out media people and media

Raghubir pointed out that the Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton clearly has an issue with the Guyana Chronicle, while Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo is uncomfortable with Kaieteur News and more recently the Stabroek News,asduringhislastpress conference the VP spent most of his time addressing an editorial published in the newspaper during his live broadcast.

Raghubir explained, “When you do that, you are rilingupyoursupportersand somebodyisgoingtopickup and single out the reporters on the road. This cannot continuetohappen.”

The GPA President said both political parties prefer not to answer the tough questions,addingthatthisis now evident through their “hiding behind TV programmesandthefriendly mediaprogrammesandtheir social media commentators’ interviews.”

Guyana's first 1.5 MW solar photovoltaic farm commissioned at Bartica

Guyana's first 1.5 M W S o l a r Photovoltaic farm was on Friday commissioned at Bartica, Region Seven The commissioning ceremony was organised by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) in partnership with t h e I n t e r- A m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) under the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL), at DaggPoint,Bartica.

The 1.5 MW PV Plant at Bartica was designed to accommodate increased levels of solar PV penetration as Bartica's load grows At maximum capacity, the system will generateandsupplyatotalof 1,988 MWh to the grid, resulting in an estimated

annual reduction of 4,500 drumsofdieselconsumption and a 1.5 million kilogram reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

P r i m e M i n i s t e r , Brigadier (Ret'd), Mark Phillips attended the commissioning ceremony He said the People's Progressive Party (PPP) government remains committed to providing equitable development to Guyanese.

“…What is important for us is the development of all the people of Guyana and atastrategiclevel,wehavea strategic directive, where we wanttoleadonfoodsecurity, we want to lead on energy security, and we want to lead on matters pertaining to the environment.”

He said the farm is

e v i d e n c e o f t h e Government's dedication to the low-carbon future envisioned in the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which acceleratesthe use of natural gas as a transitional fuel between heavy fuel oil and solar,hydropower,wind,and biomass.

“More and more, we will have solar projects throughout Guyana, more andmorewewillhavehydro projects,”thePrimeMinister said.

He further emphasized, “We will also, as part of the energy mix, utilise solar energy, wind energy, biomass and hydro power So, you have an energy mix there and more of the nongasenergymixwillbeutilise topowerthehinterland.”

Mocha/Arcadia set to host inaugural food festival in April

Mocha/Arcadia will be hosting its first food festival on April 9, 2023.

The event is slated to facilitate twenty-five (25) food vendors who will showcase their different culinaryskills.

The event will also include a number of activities along with fun and games for the children. Thefestivalisbeinghosted by 'Hungry Helpers', a popular food business on theEastBankofDemerara.

Lyliton Ramsay, an organizer of the event said that idea for a food festival was spawn from a need give small businesses economic boost encourage famil friendly activities withinthevillage.

“The idea is to g i v e s m a l l businesses within the community an opportunity to raise funds We will have booths set upbytheRisingStar Police Youth Group, the Riddim Squ Football Club, as well other individuals such Trina Cakes and Treats,” Ramsaysaid.

He continued, “The Ramsay Clan Youth Initiative is also another groupthatwillbeoutthere. They will be in charge of ice cream sale and face painting. Their booth is sponsored by Igloo Ice

cream. This is just another way of encouraging the children to get involved in entrepreneurship ”Ramsay said the hope is that the Mocha/Arcadia Food Festival will become an

event.

“We are really looking showcase the culinary skills of those within the community and g i v e p e r s o n s something positive a n d f a m i l y friendly to look forward, because sometimes we find a lot negative things happening w i t h i n t h e community,”hesaid.

In addition to ngry Helpers', the a Arcadia Food Festival is being sponsored by Republic Bank, Western Union, Igloo, Grace Kennedy, Team Stoby, Magnum Tonic Wine, Instyle Hairs and Comfort Plus Internet Café. Musical entertainment will be provided by Trinity Sound Systems.

Prime Minister Phillips alsoexpressedoptimismthat the solar farm, will aid in the overall development of the town, noting: “This project itselfisanexampleofcentral government, regional government and the local governmentcomingtogether and delivering for the people”.

He also revealed that by the end of May, 2023, micro solar projects will be established at Waramadong, JawallaandParuima.

I D B ' s C o u n t r y Representative, Ms Lorena Solorzano Salazar, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency, Dr Mahender Sharma, Chief

Executive Officer, Guyana Power and Light Inc, Mr Renford Homer, Mayor of Bartica, Mr Gifford Marshall, Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council, Mr Kenneth W i l l i a m s , I D B representatives and regional officers also attended the commissioningceremony

Panels from the 1.5 MW Solar Photovoltaic farm at Bartica (DPI Photo)

Lyliton Ramsay, organizer of the Mocha/ Aracadia Food Festival

GBA Under-16 Championships commence tonight

The Trinidad and Tobago two-member contingent of Prince Charles and Shania Nunez will add international substance to the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA)’s U16 Championship, which is penciled to commence this evening at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

The competition is sponsored by Sthimkhal Inc. and according to GBA head Steve Ninvalle is the first of many engagements his association will be having with the company.

Charles, who is under the tutelage of Jason Aqui, was initially slated to battle rising star Jeremiah

Duncan, the best boxer at the previous interation of the Caribbean School Boys and Junior Championships that was hosted on local soil. However, Charles will

Friday April 02, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

With today's planetary energy, you'll find yourself a little more extraverted than usual, Taurus. You'll finally be able to say what you really think about things.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Today you're unstoppable! You're a very hard worker by nature, and with the current planetary alignment you'll be able to accomplish even more than usual.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Discard those items from the past for which you really no longer have use. As much as you like to surround yourself with objects of sentimental value.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days. Loved ones suddenly want to spend more time with you, and you'll want to invite friends over every night! By all means, do.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Feeling unusually adventurous, Virgo? You're often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and the planetary configurations today .

now battle replacement Tiquan Sampson from the Rosehall Jammers Gym.

Meanwhile, Nunez will enter the squared circle against Taffina Barker.

Ninvalle said, “Our youth developmental programme resumes with this historic initiative, which highlights our continued emphasis on creating a transitionary pathway amongst the respective age groups.

International exposure is vital, and the U16 age group remains the most pivotal s tep in the transition between junior and senior ranks.”

“This is programme which is firmly grounded in youth development, was primar ily created to advance the sport, and concretise on the building blocks from the infancy stage.

This initiative of creating avenues for international exposure for our emerging talents will be an ensuing facet of tournament.”

Joshua returns to winning ways with unanimous points win

(BBC Sport) - Anthony Joshua returned to winning ways with a unanimous points victory over Jermaine Franklin at London’s O2 Arena.

The British heavyweight, 33, controlled the contest against the durable American but it was not the explosive early finish many expected.

Two judges scored it 117111 and one 118-111 to Joshua.

Tempers flared after the final bell as the two fighters squared up to each other, prompting their teams to enter the ring and be separated by security.

It is Joshua’s first win in more than two years, having lost consecutive bouts to

Oleksandr Usyk.

“It was important to win. Jermaine has a good duckand-dive style, somebody else from Britain will probably knock him out,” Joshua said.

“I respect him, he did well. I should have knocked him out but it is done. On to the next. He is here to prove himself, not roll over. I wish I could have knocked him out.”

He also called out fellow Briton and WBC champion Tyson Fury, saying: “I try and provide for the fans. I know who they want. They said Tyson Fury - the ball is in his court.”

It is a second defeat for Franklin, 29, having lost to Briton Dillian Whyte in November.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Libra. Finally, the overpowering emotions that have been surging from your relationships will subside. You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

This is a good day to devote time and thought to spiritual pursuits, Scorpio. Do something inspirational that instills a sense of wonder deep in your soul.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

A new phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Today's aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Capricorn. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a more artistic pursuit.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself, Aquarius. Now it is time for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Today's planetary energy should compel you to commit certain acts of self-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.

Meanwhile, Terrence Poole, Technical Director of the GBA, said, “Being the first junior tournament of the year, we expect people to come out and give their support to the boxers.

The exposure for the boxers in the international fights will serve them well in the future, and we aim to continue to add international flavour to each of the U16 events.”

Staged twice on a monthly basis, the U16 championships are inherently linked to the Caribbean School Boys and Juniors Competition, as it serves as the association’s primary preparatory mechanism.

Approximately 16 editions were conducted in the previous last year by the 2022 Sports Association of the Year winner. That record is slated to be shattered in the current calendar year, as another episode of the competition is penciled to be staged on April 29 at the same facility and will feature international participation.

The resumption of the monthly programme also orients with the GBA’s ongoing weekly training regimen for U16 and Senior pugilists at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown. The above mentioned stratagem, which is administered by the technical expertise of National coach Lennox Daniels, Technical Director Poole, and Cuban coach Francisco Roldan, serves as a highperformance system to better equip boxers for international engagements.

Shania Nunez

Prince Charle

Guyana among the medals at end of 2023 Youth Caribbean Championships

An exciting final day capped off the Caribbean Regional Table Tennis Federation (CRTTF) Youth Caribbean Championship at the National Gymnasium as Guyana’s Jonathan Van Lange, Umar Percival, Krystian Sahadeo and Colin Wong copped silver in the Boys U19 doubles and bronze in the U19 mixed doubles categories, respectively

The Girls U19 mixed doubles team settled for bronze while Guyana’s U15 BoysandGirlsalsofinished thirdintheircategory

Day five saw Jonathan VanLangestormingintothe Boy’s U19 Singles

semifinalswithaconvincing win over Ramon Vila. Van Langewon4-0(11-7,11-9, 11-5, 11-1) while Guyana’s Jasmine Billingy, Edo Mc Neil and Tharia Thomas all ended their Singles campaigns at the quarter finalsstage.

Billingy lost her quarter final match to Chole Fraser fromTrinidadandTobago30 in the Girls U15 singles, while Edo Mc Neil went down to Dominica’s Alexander Tejada 3-0 in the Boy’s U15 singles. Thomas also suffered a lost in the Girls U19 singles against Joseilienne Boekhoudt (1-4) fromPuertoRico.

Meanwhile, on the final day of the competition Van

Lange was two matches awayfromBoysU19singles gloryashemetOscarBirriel

inthesemis.Birrielmadeno mistake getting off to a fine start and immediately took theleadattheendofthefirst set but despite having the home crowd advantage on his side Van Lange never resuscitated.

He fought hard in the second set but Birriel came outontop,nevertheless.Van Langeeventuallywentonto lose the following three sets tohandBirrielacomfortable win while De Andre Calderon defeated Eduardo Darley 4-2 in the other semi finalmatch.

The finals session of the competition got on the way about 14:00 hrs with four singles finals slated to close off the evening; Boys and Girls U15 finals as well as the Boys and Girls U19 Singlesfinales.

In the U15 Boys final, Dariel Del Rosario (Dominica Republic) defeatedAlexander Perez 32, while Arianna Estrella (Dominica Republic) defeated Chole Fraser (TrinidadandTobago)3-0in theGirlsU15category Over in the U19

category, Shary Munoz defeated Estela Crespo 4-0 and Oscar Birriel defeated De Andre Calderon (St Lucia)4-1tocapoffanother brilliant performance by TeamDominica.

President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), Godfrey Monroe, hosted a brief presentation ceremony in which Championship trophies and medals among other prizes were distributed to the tournament’s outstanding players across the different categories.

Participants of all participating teams took a photo op at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Youth Caribbean Championships

The Guyanese team copped silver in the Boys U19 Doubles finals.

GOA collaborates with the AAG ahead of with CARIFTA Games

President of the Guyana OlympicAssociation(GOA) observed that the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has over the years been slowly, but constantly improving on their performances at the CARIFTAGames.

As such, when it was reportedattherecentlyheld Council Meeting on Thursday last by the President of AAG, Aubrey Hutson, that the 50th running of the CARIFTA Games will be held in Nassau, Bahamas during the period of April 8-10, 2023,

the newly elected Executive Committee members supported the AAG with a financialcontributionforthe team The team features some 20 athletes and five officials. GOA President, Godfrey Munroe, then proceeded to hand over a sponsorship cheque to Hutson, in the presence of members of his Executive Council. Best wishes were extended to the Team for much success as they were ensured that the GOA and the Country will look forward to their report afterwards

Archery Guyana collaborates with Guyana Police Force

On Friday last, newly electedPresidentofArchery Guyana, Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon, and her delegation of Directors paid a courtesy call on the Commissioner of Police, CliftonHicken,atEveLeary Headquarters,Georgetown. During this visit, Director and Head Coach, Nicholas Hing, and Treasurer and Director, Robert Singh, h i g h l i g h t e d t h e tremendous advances

Archery Guyana, the governing body of local Archery and sole entity

affiliated to World Archery, the international governing body for the Olympic sport of archery, has made in Guyana to date

During this visit, the Board discussed their development plans and p r o p o s e d S p o r t s

P r o g r a m m e s w i t h Commissioner Hicken They agreed to pursue

these with the Police Sports Programme and Gymkana in August The Commissioner expressed his commitment to continue working with Archery Guyana as they focus particularly on safety, which is paramount to all

P r e s i d e n t o f t h e Foundation, Mrs Vidushi Persaud-McKinnonopined that shelooks forward to continued collaboration and partnership with the GuyanaPoliceForce

Archery Guyana’s Secretary General, Nicholas Hing (left),AG’s President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon (2nd left), Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken (2nd right) andArchery Guyana’s Treasurer Robert Singh, following the courtesy call.

President Godfrey Munroe (centre) hands over sponsorship cheque toAubrey Hutson, in the presence of Executive Members of the Guyana OlympicAssociation; from left - Michael Singh, Philip Fernandes, Emily Ramdhani, Hutson, Munroe, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, Cristy Campbell and Steve Ninvalle.

2022/23 West Indies Championship… Guyana Harpy Eagles reclaim title in emphatic fashion

Johnsonsecures6thtitleinfarewellmatch

The Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) produced nothing short of a miracle performance on Saturday morning to secure an outright win against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes (LIH)andclaimthe2022/23 West Indies Championship title,attheGuyanaNational Stadium(GNS),Providence.

Hurricanes’ chase lasted about 40 minutes into the firstsessionofthedayasthe Harpy Eagles’ spin attack, led by Kevin Sinclair, removed the remaining nine wickets for only 44 runs, to end Guyana’s campaign unblemished.

Dayfourstartedwiththe Hurricanes on 81-1, a mere

61 runs away from victory, and they looked well set to surpass the target as the experienced Kieran Powell and Keacy Carty were not out on 47 and 17, respectively

Thepairadded15runsto the total then Sinclair intervened to remove Carty for 21; Hurricanes were 96-

2. Devon Thomas, the new batsman, survived his first delivery but was not so fortunate on the second, as Sinclair claimed his third wicketviathelbwroute.

Veerasammy Permaul at theotherendaddedpressure to Hurricanes’ situation and also got into the wickets column when he bowled their captain, Jahmar Hamilton, without scoring; LIHslippedto108-5.

Wicketscontinuedtofall in pairs with Sinclair being clinicalfromtheotherendto dismiss Karima Gore (1) at 109-5. Powell managed to record another half century this season but fell to the charmsofPermaulfor61as Hurricanes were withering at115-6.

Tworunslater,Rahkeem Cornwall (2) – the season’s highestwickettaker,became a victim of the season’s second highest wicket taker, Permaul. With the score on 121, Kofi James (6) became Anthony Adams’only scalp intheinnings.

At125-8inthe46thover, Jeremiah Louis (7*) could onlywatchindisbeliefatthe other end as two poorly selected shots from Colin Archibald (0) and Javier Spencer (0), three deliveries apart, handed Guyana the victoryandTitle.

Sinclair ended that innings with magnificent figuresof6-33,Permaulhad 3-44whileAdamsbagged1-

3. Match details: Guyana HarpyEagles122from44.1 overs (Matthew Nandu 22; Rahkeem Cornwall 4-27) and 267 from 79 overs (Kemol Savory 66*; Rahkeem Cornwall 4-58) defeated Leeward Islands

Hurricanes 247 from 92.1 overs (Jahmar Hamilton 58; Nial Smith 4-33) and 125 from 45 5 overs (Kieran Powell61;KevinSinclair633)by17runs.

Othermatches…

Windward Islands Hurricanes 237 from 66.5 overs (Alick Athanaze 59, Tevyn Walcott 55, Ryan John 41; Akeem Jordan 544) & 225 from 73.2 overs (SunilAmbris79,RyanJohn 37*; Jomel Warrican 4-58) defeatedBarbadosPride227 from 90.4 overs (Sheyne Moseley 112, Rashawn Worrell35;LarryEdward643) and 114 from 47 overs (Jonathan Drakes 35; Kenneth Dember 5-26, Larry Edward 3-38) by 121 runs. Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 302 from 86.5 overs (Terrence Hinds 94, Anderson Phillip 63*;

Derval Greene 3-56) and 102-1* from 24 2 overs (Vikash Mohan 44*, Kamil Pooran 39; Jermaine Blackwood 1-16) defeated JamaicaScorpions125from 29.4 overs (Derval Greene 39, Jeavor Royal 27; Tion Webster 5¹¹1-36, Terrence Hinds3-40)&275from70.5 overs (Leroy Lugg 66; Jermaine Blackwood 68; Imran Khan 4-47,Anderson Phillip2-46)by9wickets.

FinalPointStandings…

Guyana Harpy Eagles –84

Windward Islands

Volcanoes–74.2

BarbadosPride–55.6

T&TRedForce–49.4

Leeward Islands Hurricanes–46.2

Jamaica Scorpions –25.6

LeadingPerformers…

Most Runs - Alick Athanaze(647)

MostWickets-Rahkeem Cornwall(35)

Most DismissalsJahmar Hamilton 19 (17 catches,2stumpings)

Most Catches -Zachary McCaskie(13)

Dhaniram in World Cup

Over-50 All-star team

Former Guyana firstclassplayerSunilDhaniram has been named in a World Cupover-50All-Starteamat the conclusion of the 45overstournamentrecentlyin SouthAfrica.

The left-handed Dhaniram represented West Indies and was the most outstanding player for them with over 300 runs and ten wickets.

However, West Indies failed to reach the knockout s t a g e a s E n g l a n d overwhelmed the hosts by 65 runs to win the 14-team

Sunil Dhaniram

highest level too, expressed greatdelight.

Thenextworldcupevent is billed for 2025 in Sri Lanka.

championshiptrophy D h a n i r a m , w h o captained his adopted country Canada at the

TheAll-Starteamreads: G i l e s E c c l e s t o n e (England), Fazal Alam (USA), Murray Goodwin (New Zealand), Brandon Nash (South Africa), Sunil Dhaniram (West Indies), Khurram Khan (UAE), Alan Dawson (South Africa), Jafar Qureshi (Pakistan), Parah Ananta (USA) and Richard Cooper (SouthAfrica)

Kevin Sinclair finished the match with eight wickets.

International Jamaica Cycling Classic 2023 – Second Stage…

Briton John cops 2nd third-place finish; Hennis wins again

Another brilliant and disciplined day of riding by We Stand United Cycle Club’s Briton John saw him takingthefinal[podiumspot in the second stage of the Jamaican Cycling Classic Montego Bay Race, a threedayrace,yesterday

Havingtobridgeagapof overtwominutes,John,once again made his presence felt amongst more seasoned campaigners and teams who have the added backing of their clubmates. But despite that,Johnisholdinghisown and is keeping the Golden Arrowhead aloft, entering the third and final stage, today Hisclubmate,Horace Burrowes,isalsocompeting intherace.

He is on a total of 24 points,collectinganother12 foryesterday’sachievement.

Anguilla’s Hasani Hennis entered yesterday’s second stage as the man to beat and did it again, riding forTeamAVR.

Histeammate,Barbadian Edwin Sutherland, led the race for quite some time before being hauled by B r i t o n J o h n , a n d subsequently, five other riders including last year’s inaugural champion, Andy

Briton John is second overall with 24 points going into the third and final stage.

2023 Easter Vacation Swimming Programme starts tomorrow

Following an overwhelming response in excess of 2000 applicants, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, will officially launch its annual Easter Vacation Swimming Programme tomorrow at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal with a grandopeningceremonyfrom10:00am.

The programme, which has developed into a national platform, and is specifically geared toward children aged 6-18, will be conducted simultaneously at four facilities followingitsapprovedcommencement.

They are the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, the Colgrain Swimming Pool, Georgetown, the Watooka Swimming Pool, Linden and the Albion Estate Pool, East Berbice. Experienced national coach Paul Mahaica will serve as the programme coordinatorandleadtrainer

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle disclosed that although the programme has beeninexistenceinexcessofadecade,ithas never achieved this magnitude of support, andfellowship.

The previous edition solicited approximately 600 applicants, with the currentiterationhavinganincreaseof233%.

persons are aware of the programme and witnessed the results from the previous edition. Additional work was conducted to sensitize the populace to the programme via socialmedia.

Scarano of 706P, pipped John on the line for the secondplace.

Hennisis leading overall with 46 points, John has 24, while Sutherland, who took the King of the Mountain prize yesterday, and his club mate,Akil Campbell, are on 17 a piece. Today’s final

stage will be interesting as Hennis seeks to take the overall title but would be challenged by the young Guyanese.

John’s trip to Jamaica is sponsored in part by Alamaba Trading, Bentley’s BikeShop,BeaconCafé,and ProfessionalKeyShop.

Ninvalle explained, “The response has been overwhelming to the point that there was consideration closing registration. This year we would have commenced online registration which made it easier as persons could have filled out forms from a smart phone,” Ninvalle said. According to Ninvalle,theimmensesupportforthisedition wasachievedbytheaddedeffortinnotifying the public of the initiative and the strong foundation set last year, noting, “More

The ministry also halted payment for registration last year Despite the enormous numbers that are scheduled to participate, Ninvalle affirmed that the programme possesses the requisite personnel and complement of coaches to efficiently administerthesessions,declaringthatsafety will be the guiding principle throughout its duration. “Safety has always been and will continue to be the watchword during the entiretyoftheprogramme.Theobjectiveisto create a conducive environment for learning that is safe and secure in all aspects”, he explained while adding that major consideration is being given to moving the programmetootherregions.

2023 Milo U18 Schools Football Tournament…

Group stage culminates today

- Sponsors provide uniform kits for Round-of-16 teams

Th e N e s t l ésponsored 2023

Milo Under-18

S c h o o l s F o o t b a l l

Tournament resumed on Saturday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Grounds, Carifesta Avenue,asthefinalroundin theGroupstagekickedoff.

Over at the NIS Ground, East Ruimveldt trounced Bush Lot 4 – 1, 8th of May dismantledWestDemerara6 – 0 and Mackenzie High scored a comfortable 6 – 0 winoverNorthRuimveldt.

At the MoE Ground, Vergenoegen got past Queen’s College 3 – 0, Bartica Secondary steamrolled Marian Academy 13 – 1, defending c h a m p i o n

smar Secondary(CWS)rompedto

a2–0victoryoverVryman’s Erven while Chase’s Academic Foundation and Carmel wrapped up the day witha1–1stalemate.

Several teams have already qualified for the Round-of-16stagewhilethe rest will know their fate when the last eight matches of the third round unravels today at the venues mentionedearlier

TheNISGroundwillsee the action get underway from 11:00hrs when

President’s College and Patentia collide, Annandale and Charity meet in the second match from 12:45 hrs,CummingsLodgebattle

Berbice Educational Institute from 14:00 hrs and New Central High tackle Westminsterfrom15:45hrs. OverattheMoEGround, the remaining four matches

in the round will be contested simultaneously with those at the NIS Ground.

In the first showdown Bygeval will take on Dora then Dolphin will challenge New Amsterdam in the secondmatch.

The third encounter pits Charlestown against St Cuthbert’s Mission while Ann’s Grove meet West Ruimveldtinthefinalbattle.

Sponsors provide uniformkits…

While the action was taking place yesterday, current and new sponsors gavethetournamentanother boost ahead of the knockout stage.

Guyana Industrial Minerals Inc (GINMIN), General Equipment Guyana Ltd (GENEQUIP), Farm Supplies Ltd (FARMSUP),

Director

CEO of GINMIN, Elliot Lincoln, presents one of the eight branded kits for the knockout round in the presence of DCEO Development, Valliea Jaikaishan (right) and Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca (left)