Kaieeteur News

Company that received Canje oil block free & sold it, now wants more oil blocks

Mid-Atlantic Oil & Gas is interested in acquiring more acreage offshore Guyana, according toareportbyOilNow Itsaid a Guyanese director, Edris Dookie, discussed the company taking time to evaluatetheprospectivityof thethreedeepwaterblocks.

Guyanesewillremember Mid-Atlantic as the company the Canje block was signed away to in 2015 by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) government The award, similartothatoftheKaieteur block, had raised major red flags about the potential presenceofcorruption.

There were questions about the experience and wherewithalofthecompany tomanageadeepwaterblock like Canje Such blocks requireexperienced,capable companies with deep pockets, like ExxonMobil andShell.

Another concern was about the amount of work Mid-Atlantic did after receiving the block, and before selling shares. When companies obtain licences andquicklysellthemtothird parties without doing substantialworkthemselves, thisisaredflag.

After Mid-Atlantic got Canje, JHI Associates had acquiredastakeintheCanje Block. JHI’s website lists a Canadian, John Cullen, as the CEO and Director. Global Witness (GW) had said that Cullen founded the company It also noted that public documents from JHI do not list its shareholders. However,GWdidstateinits now rescinded ‘Signed Away’ report that Dookie and Cullen “have a history together of holding Guyanese oil licences, but not a history of finding any oilinthecountry.”

JHIsaidthatitpurchased seismicdatapackagesonthe basin after it acquired its

share of the Canje Block, though 35 percent of the licence was sold to Exxon less than a year after Canje was awarded, according to GW The public never learned how much Exxon paid for the share. Exxon is now the operator Total now alsohasa35percentstakein theblock.

Former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud (now Foreign Secretary) and former President Donald Ramotar were two former officials whotookthespotlightwhen thisissueemergedin2019.

Persaud,asMinister,was legally responsible for the awards of Canje and Kaieteur Though it was Ramotar who signed the deals, he insisted that he did so based on Persaud’s advice.

Persaud had told GW that the awards were made based on “briefing reports” prepared by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC)’s lawyers, but that he did not remember the lawyers’ namesandcouldnotprovide thedocuments,sincehewas notingovernmentatthetime ofthe2019interview

Notably, Persaud is quotedassayingthatthough heknewsomeofthepersons who signed documents for the companies, such as Dookie, he did not know who the beneficial owners are, though it was necessary for him as a Minister to know He is also reported as sayinghecannotprovidethe reports which informed the decision.

Kaieteur News has strongly advocated for the beneficial owners of oil blocks to be 100% transparent for all Guyanese tosee,afterthisscandal.

In a published letter following Kaieteur News’ expose on this matter in 2019, Ramotar insisted that the awards, which he said

dated back to applications made for the Kaieteur and Canje blocks in 2012 and 2013 respectively, were transparentandaboveboard. HesaidtheGuyanaGeology and Mines Commission (GGMC) processed and approved the applications in accordance with the law aroundlate2013,andthatall fees were received by the regulator

In May 2019, the nowdefunct State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) hadannouncedthatitwould investigate the awards, but nothingcameofthat.

Map showing the location of the Canje Block

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

MARRIOTT HOTEL - WALKING BACK SALE, OR WALKING OVER GUYANESE?

ItseemsthattheMarriottHotelhasacharmedlife. In the Guyanese version of its existence, the Marriott has been visited by a peculiar set of developments thatraiseseyebrowsoverthesuspicious,thesecretive,even the sinister Further, the same Marriott can be said to be a business with a never-ending stream of surprises, most of whichleaveshakier Thelatestsurpriseisthatthefirstround ofbidshasbeenflatlyrejectedbythegovernment.

Presently, most Guyanese are familiar with how the Marriott Hotel came about here. Significant details about investors,realfinancingorigins,andotherissuesofthesame heavytint,havebeenaninseparablepartofitsarrangements.

Bluntly,Guyaneseknowlessthantheyshouldknow,and what they do not know is not to their benefit. Too many deceitful political minds and powerful political hands tainted the presence of the Marriott from the inception. Unfortunately,thesameappearstobeinmotionagain.

ThecurrentsituationisthattheprofitableMarriottHotel isupforsale. WhatismindbogglingisthattheMarriottis being put on the auction block at a time that it is a sweetly profitableinstitution,andindicatingthatitwillbestillmore profitablegoingforward.

With the oil sector compelling the need for a host of supporting downstream businesses, it is all upside for the Marriott,withoutacloudonitsprofithorizon.

Relativetowhyitisbeingsold,thatispartofthemystery and charm of this hotel of growing Guyanese legend. The answerstoanyquestionsonthishotelarelockedinthehead ofVicePresidentJagdeo. Heknowstherealreasonsforthis looming sale, but anything resembling straight and persuasiveanswersarenotforthcomingfromhim,asisthe normnow Totraceitshistoryinthiscountry,theMarriott’s birthwasasourceoftheremarkableforpoliticaldexterity; theMarriott’sbacking(foundingfathers)wasstartlingforits politicalintrigues,anditscurrentsurprisingsaleinwaiting anothercauseforshakingoflocalheads.

But just when Guyanese were getting ready to breathe out and put the waiting sale behind them, there is now anothertwistinthetaleoftheMarriott,anditpossessesan elementthatevenAlfredHitchcockwouldhavebeenproud of,andithastodowithoneoftheearlierbidders. Wesay this because the Marriott Hotel is beginning to look eerily like the Hotel Transylvania, almost a Bates Motel. What commenced as a monstrosity has now become the stuff of fantasy (this sale), and having less and lesser to do with reality

Forlocalswereastoundedtodiscoverthatthetopbidder for the Marriott Hotel, and by a handsome US$9.5 million margin,hasanoldblemishonhisrecord. ASecuritiesand Exchange Commission (SEC) bar because of serious violationsofUSsecuritieslawsisabigdeal. Forsure,itwas back in 2010, and the bar expired seven years ago. The concern was that we already have too many people of a certain unsettling character operating in the local environment. Given that there are so many of them in politicalandcommercialandindustrialcircles(oilandother natural resources), this country could ill-afford another wheelerdealer

Thankfully, Guyanese now learn that all the bids have beenrejectedbecausetheyaretoolow,withanemphasison thealmostguaranteedearningscapabilitiesoftheMarriott. WemustcongratulatethePPPCGovernmentongettingthat one right the first time. Still, we cannot help asking ourselveswhetheritis,indeed,amatterofthebidsbeingtoo low,orthattheGovernmentandtheVicePresidentrealized their error, and looked for a face-saving way to walk back earlierintentionstoselltheMarriott. Oritcouldbethatthe bidder favored by the Government and the Vice President felloutoftherunning.

Matters do move in mysterious ways in Guyana, with many unknowns. As much as we try to shake the feeling, fromallappearances,everythingabouttheMarriotthasbeen handledwrongfromdayone. Nowthestealingandselling ofGuyanacontinue,butmorecleverly

ChiefAdministrative Officers in Ministries should not be party hacks

DEAREDITOR,

Monday, May 1, we celebrate May Day or if we prefer Labour Day at the beginning of Critchlow Week in honor of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, the FatherofTradeUnionismin theBritishCommonwealth.

On Monday, we celebrate the triumph of the working class. We celebrate toputabreakonexploitation by 19th and 20th century capitalist colonial exploitation, Critchlow’s strugglewasfollowedbyour two nation-builders Cheddi

Jagan and Forbes Burnham, who in different ways asserted the right of our people to be independent. For those of us who lived throughthateraandsurvived the trauma and trials of the Cold War, this May Day is not a time to celebrate. I say this because it appears that the ruling Party in Governmenthasbetrayedits founder, Dr Jagan and seem partofanotsosubtleprocess of recolonization worsened by corruption at all levels of our society I listened to His Excellency President Irfaan

Alideliverhisaddresstothe Police Officer’s Conference on Thursday A well crafted speech preceded by the Address of the Acting CommissionerofPolice,but who is the President fooling?

The corruption at all levels in the Force is no secret. Thank God however, that there exist members of the Officer Corp and ordinary ranks who are decent men and women and many citizens can look forward to justice and fairness from such members

ofthePoliceForce. If the President is serious, he must with the cooperation of the political Opposition and decent members of civil society get ridofthebadeggssothatwe can take seriously those fine words delivered at the GPF ConferenceonThursday Oneofthehallmarksofa modern democracy is that the Chief Administrative OfficersinMinistriesshould be persons with the ability and understanding that their positionrequiresthemtoat

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There has been a steady decline at and with the Guyana Local Government Officers Union

DEAREDITOR,

The trade union movement in Guyana which was founded by the late Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow in1919wasonceapowerful force in our country

However,todayanumberof tradeunionsinGuyanahave lost their way; principal among them is the Guyana Local Government Officers (GLGOU) as a result of political affiliation, nepotismandcronyism.

Thisisnotonlyshameful and unacceptable, but some members of this union have becomesoemboldened,that most recently they held an

election that was not only questionable but one that wasriddledwithmalpractice andmanipulation.

How could this union hold an election without calling an annual general meetingandwithoutinviting each and every one of its members to attend and participate? How could vendors who are neither members of the union nor municipal employees be attending and voting for office bearers to the executiveofthisunion?

Butthenagain,thisunion hasbeensufferingfrompoor leadership and the toxic

effectsofalineofhereditary succession of friends and family for the longest while and so finally the chickens havecomehometoroost.

The representation provided by the GLGOU to municipal workers for decades now has been woefully ineffectual, inadequate and in fact uselesstosaytheleast.

This trade union organizationshouldbeabout defendingandadvancingthe rights, struggles and overall interest of municipal workersacrosstheboard,but this is only done for a very few Thelackofimpartiality by the leadership of this union over time and the playing of politics with the

lives and livelihoods of its members has been most distastefulanddestructive.

In many of the instances the Presidents of this union have remained in office to continue enjoying the perks and privileges, long after their membership to this union should have expired, upon their retirement from theirmunicipalposts.

In fact, to hang on to the presidency long after they retired,theyeventoyedwith the idea of expanding the membership base and parameters of the union by trying to rename it the ‘General and Local Government Workers’ Union (GLGWU)’ Of course, this effort was never

legitimizedsothisattempted sham never saw the light of day

If this union is to earn respectandcredibilityinthe widerGuyanasociety,andat the bargaining table, it must elect an executive that has competent, qualified, experienced, reputable, eminent and widely known persons,throughalegitimate process.

Indeed, one has to wonder whether the RegistrarofTradeUnionsis ensuring that this union is maintaining compliance with Guyana’s Trade Union Actinthemanagementofits affairs in a transparent and publicly accountable manner.

O n F i n a n c i a l Accountability, the Trade UnionActexpresslyrequires every treasurer or other officers of unions to render to the trustees, and the members of the union at a duly constituted meeting of the union, a just and true account of monies received and paid, funds remaining, and all bonds and securities of the union. The general membership of this union hasnotbeenbenefitingfrom this information or standard operational procedure for yearsnow

Itistimeforallmembers to demand better from this union.

Sincerely

AbidemiJames

DEAREDITOR,

Iamnotaneconomistso forgive my lack of understanding. ThatiswhyI am writing to the press to seeksomeanswers.

I got the impression that basedonsomefigure;Ithink 60 USD a barrel of crude, cost oil would be 75%. The 25% would be divided up betweenExxonandGuyana.

I am asking if, considering that crude is beingsoldatover80usd,cost oil should be a lower percentage.IfnotisEXXON gettingahugewindfall?

Now if Government gets

around1BillionUSDforthe year,amItounderstandthat EXXONisonlymakingthat amountofprofitperyear.IfI c a n q u o t e T r u m p “unbelievable”.Sohowdoes one explain EXXON’s huge jump in profits. I also need some clarification from the VicePresidentandHis

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We need to question our leaders more about the oil sector

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

We need to question our leaders...

Frompage5

Excellency the President re: thelawgoverningtheuseof oil funds. The VP said we havethestrongestlaws.Our law says if the Finance Ministerdoesnotreportina timelymannertheamountof money he has withdrawn from the oil fund he can be jailedforacertainperiod.

Apparently, there is no penalty if he misspends the money which to my mind is the most important aspect. Other countries have laws with stiff penalties for misspending monies so to my lay person mind the VP waswrongandinfactwedo nothavethestrongestlaw

In fact our law is very weak in comparison. The

finance Minister could get waywiththemalspendingof ouroilresources.

Itistimethatmoreofour people commence to question and not accept blindly what our political leaderssay Weoweittoour future generation to prevent the squandering of our oil resources.

We need to stand up and demand amendments to the law to hold the Finance Minister accountable for the way he expends our and I emphasisouroilmoney This should be the beginning of our demands. There are many other areas thatneedtobeaddressedasit seems both parties have acted to deprive us of our

ChiefAdministrative Officers in...

nationalpatrimony

Wehearthesmallvoices oftheyoungergenerationin the political arena. It is time for that voice to rise to a crescendo as these parties are playing with your very future.Itistimeyoucometo the realization that there partiescannotbetrustedand thatsomebalanceisrequired to prevent winner take all wheretherulingpartywitha majority can do what it pleases.

Historyhastaughtusthat noneofthepartiesareofthe mindsettoconsiderwhatthe oppositionsays.Theirbarely achieving 51% seem to be a mandate for them to rule autocratically

Mr President do you believewhattheVPsaidthat wehavethestrongestlawsre oilmoney?

It is time we hear your voice Mr President. A nonresponse and non-action on your part would be interpreted as an agreement with the erroneous position oftheVPthatyouemployed.

RajendraBisessar BscSociology,LLB

Frompage4 alltimesbehaveandperform as expected as good public servants.

Not a word from the President at that Conference onthewholestoryregarding the top position in the Ministry of Home Affairs responsible for the direction and administration of the GuyanaPoliceForce.

ApositionofPS,thePPP has for years and quite recently contended that the holders of such a position shouldnothepartyhacksthe descriptionthePPPhasused from time to time. And I thought the President may have used the opportunity at the Conference to explain how it is or rather why it is thatthePermanentSecretary wastravelingtothePeople’s RepublicofChinatoattenda trainingcoursedesignedorit appears intended for PPP Members.

If true, this is clear evidence that the President and his Government are unable to differentiate between matters of the State and Party partisan politics.

Withasimilarphilosophywe note at a Party Press Conference the General SecretaryofthePPPfromthe throne at Freedom House informingtheNationabouta matter of national interest andimportance,asomersault on the advertised sale of the Marriott,sothisentirenation is treated like infants or a belief that all of us are noncomposmentis,andtheyare told by the Vice President thatthisprofit-makingentity was only advertised to test themarket.

IfIwasabidder,Iwould demand compensation for the time and money spent to preparethebid.

ThePresidentshouldsay under whose Ministerial portfolio the sale of state propertiesfallsunder.

Is this not Party paramountcy? A matter that thePPPaccusedthePNCof.

The absurdity of this Statement is palpable as it displays disregard and disrespectforbusinessesthat expendedtimeandmoneyto submit tenders but beyond that coupled with these two recentevents,theimpression one gets is with an abundance of cash we are moving to a clever plan to establishaone-partystate.

Citizens who are concerned that we should live in society, where our wealth is evenly distributed andwherethevoicesofthose

not in Government are allowedtobeheardmustnot ignore these signs Mof degradation.

We must not fail to observethatonereasonfora public service being seemingly unable to cope with the dynamics and complexities of an oil economy is that we have the government that seems unwilling to give our public servants, policemen, soldiers, doctors, medical personnel,teachers,ranksof t h e C o n s t a b u l a r y, messengers, clerks a substantial increase in wages, salaries and conditions at work, and this must be our clarion call for MayDay2023.

I noted in an earlier correspondence that it now has the highest per capita income in the world surpassing Kuwait and the USA. Mind you, this analysisrefersonlytotheoil and gas being extracted and takes no account of gold, diamond, timber and marine resources.

When would our leaders understand that unless they sit and talk, this massive wealthcanbeacurseandnot ablessing.

Happy Labour Week

Thestrugglecontinues.

Guyana Quo Vadis Guyana.?

HamiltonGreen Elder

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

JAGDEO DOING A NUMBER ON GUYANESE

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

EPApermit one day, production license the next.

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

Exxon now has oil project number 5 in the bag.

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

Guyanese left holding the bag.

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

This is Jagdeo’s idea of leadership.

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

This is how Jagdeo leading Guyanese to their doom.

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

Secrecy surrounds costs and licenses for oil exploration offshore Guyana

As transparency advocates continue to demand more disclosuresfromthegovernmentof Guyana and oil companies about thepetroleumsector,thesecrecyof costs and termsassociatedwith oil exploration campaigns remains problematic.

ExxonMobil subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has made more than 30 commercial discoveriesofoilandgasoffshore, with few dry holes Other companies have also explored blocks offshore Guyana The MinistryofNaturalResourcessaid recently that the number of discoveriesofoiloffshoreis44.As most of those are in the Stabroek

Block, ExxonMobil and its coventurers will be permitted to recover those exploration expenses. But how can Guyanese keep track of the recovery of these expensesiftheydon'tknow?

TheStabroekBlockProduction Sharing Agreement (PSA) allows companiestorecovertheircostsup toa75%ceiling.Itisexpectedthat once costs have been recovered substantially,theshareofrevenues accruing to Guyana every year would increase But while Guyanese are able to keep track of developmentcoststoanextent,the same does not obtain for explorationcosts.

It is public knowledge that the development projects being led by

ExxonMobil are estimated to cost more than US$40 billion. Liza Phase One cost US$3.6 billion to develop.PhaseTworequiredUS$6 billion Payara received an injection of US$9 billion Yellowtail costs US$10 billion. UaruwillcostUS$12.7billion. But what is the total of all Exxon's exploration expenses that arebeingrecovered?

A stark contrast is observed between the transparency of developmentcostsandpermits,and the transparency of exploration costsandpermits.Thegovernment has released the environmental permitsandproductionlicensesfor all of ExxonMobil's sanctioned Stabroek Block programs, but not

itsexploration. How the government is regulating oil companies' exploration campaigns is just as important as the regulation of development in multiple respects.

Especiallywithfocuscontinuingto be placed on protecting Guyana against the dangers and costs associatedwithoilspillsthatcould occur during production, it is apposite to note that grievous accidentscanalsooccurduringoil exploration.

It is only recently, given the increased focus on environmental impacts, that there is more public discourse about exploration programs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is

responding to requests by EEPGL to ramp up exploration, by requesting that consultants are hiredtoconductstudies.EEPGLis waiting for the EPA to approve a 35-well exploration campaign for the Stabroek Block, and a 24-well campaign spanning the Kaieteur andCanjeblocks.

Information sharing about the terms and costs of exploration in Guyana will be even more critical when the government gives out blocksastheauctionwindsuplater this year The government could issue up to 14 offshore blocks, unleashingamassiveexpansionof studies and exploration campaigns outsideoftheStabroekBlockover thenextfewyears.

THE MARKET PLACE DEBASES CULTURE

A few personalities involved in what has been described as Guyana’s cultural industry, have complained, publicly, about not being accorded recognitionbytheircountry But what sort of recognition andrespectarethesepersons complainingabout?

Terry Gajraj, a vocialist has complained about not being given recognition by the government of Guyana. He is quoted as saying that while he has received accolades from other countries, no such recognition has been forthcoming from the government of Guyana, not evenasimplethankyou.He has since received a phone callfromthePresident.

A local filmmaker, Mahadeo Shivraj, has similarly complained of receiving minimum support by government and private agencies But he did acknowledge that former President Donald Ramotar and Samuel Hinds and former Minister Frank Anthony did show up, when invitedtohisperformances.

He also lamented about non-responsefromMinisters of the APNU+AFC government, following a production of a film for the country’s50thIndependence anniversary He said up to now that production has not beenscreenedinGuyana.

Theater producer, Gem Madhoo-Nascimento, also voiced concerns about the lack of funding for her

theatric productions The exception was during the tenure of Minister of Tourism, Geoff Ds Silva, who had commissioned her to produce a musical for Guyana’s staging of Cricket WorldCup2007.

Allthreeofthesepersons involved in the creative industries have pointed to the lack of support from the government. One has added the lack of support from p r i v a t e a g e n c i e s , presumably the private sector

At the heart of these criticisms is the idea of government’s support for cultural productions. From this idea arises the notion of commodification of culture. Butifcultureistreatedasan industry or as a commodity, why should it receive government patronage. In t h e s o - c a l l e d commodification of culture, should productions not be subject to commercial considerations? In other words, when dealing with so-called cultural commodities, is it not the market which should be providing the support and which should determine what is sold and what bought?

I have dealt with this subject before arguing that before we concentrate on Guyana’sculturalindustries, there is need to first address the lack of industry in culture. I have pointed out that Guyana’s artistic productionhasbeenstagnant

Dem Boys Seh...

for a long time. Instead of h a v i n g c u l t u r a l extravaganzas, we end up with the extravagance of culture when huge sums are injected into things such as CARIFESTA with little returnstothehostnation.

In a critique of the development of national cultural policies, I posited that there is a movement afoot to promote the commodification of culture byconvertingitintocultural products and financial industries, similar to what is b e i n g d o n e w i t h environmental services. In other words, the emphasis if cultural policies are about creatingeconomicindustries out of culture. And this has been the case not only in Guyanabutelsewhere.

Butasweknowitisthe marketwhichdeterminesthe priceandtherewards–both tangibleandintangible–for such commodification. That implication is that the products being developed withinthecreativeindustries must be subject to the market.

Like in neo-liberal economics, the government should not intervene by subsidizing the product, but rather leave the market to determineitssuccess.

Ultimatelywhencreative industries are placed on the market, it is the people (consumers) who will determine the success of the product regardless of any objectiveartisticmeasure.If your plays do not attract a

De EE Pee A bad fuh days!

Years ago, dem reporters and scientists and educators did descend pun Japan fuh study dat country’s educational system. Dem wanted to know de secret of dat country producing such brilliant students What dem find dem did not like because de liberal system would not allow dem fuh imitate Japan’s success in education.

Well, Guyana scientists did not have to go anywhere In fact, dem boys hear people now coming to Guyana fuh study we success story Educators and government officials want to come and

study de EE Pee A. Dem claiming how dis agency doing wonders never seen before.

Imagine deh gat people in de EE Pee A who could read more than five thousandpagesoftechnical jargon in a couple of days. But not only dat dem can finish reading de report today and grant de license de next dat. That higher thanartificialintelligence.

De EE Pee A is one of the most efficient organizationsintheworld. De people does move with de speed of lightning. Dempeoplesoefficientdat dem could issue a license within minutes of it being

large following or if your films do not make it to the box-officeoryoursongsand albums do not strike platinum, government is not to be blamed. The artistic merit of the work becomes meaningless once the product is subject to commodification.

It is the market that decides what is acceptable and what is not acceptable and it is the market that is going to provide the recognition This I have argued before debases and constitutes an assault on cultural expressions

Commercialization of culturewillnotsaveit.Itwill condemnittothevagariesto themarket.

In the market place culture will be assessed not intermsofitsartisticmeritor its reflection of reality but rather with its commercial appeal. In other words, the commodification of culture erodesitsauthenticity

In the so-called cultural marketplace,theproblemis not recognition by government.The problem is the rewards of the market place And that is the challenge for those in the

creativeindustries.They,not thegovernment,havetofind waystomarkettheircultural products so that it yields the rewardstheyareseeking.

(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.)

received. With dat kind of efficiency yuh don’t need nosingle-window

Dem gat speed readers wah would mek computer looklikeajoke.

One of de staff deh tell he colleague how he read “War and Peace” in twelve minutes. He colleague tell he how he do better than dat. He told de fellow how he read “Harry Potter” in twelveseconds.

De friend was aghast and asked him, “How did youachievedatfeat?”

Dechaptellhe,“Isonly twowords.”

Dem chaps bad fuh days!

Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

AMERICA IS NOT HEAVEN AND EARTH, GUYANA IS HEAVEN AND EARTH

If anyone had said to me that Minister RobesonBennhadit in him, I would have waved them away But there was the Honorable Minister in the flesh, and full-throated voice: America “is not heavenandearth;Guyanais

heaven and earth” (DemeraraWaves,April24). Ahem, and Amen. Just when I thought that nobody in the PPP, and I mean nobody, has anything remotely resembling the divine in them. Not even those claiming to be about

what isgodly Now, if it is said that their only god is money, or things unholy, then there could be the fraternityofagreementfrom this little corner Still, I see the pluses and downsides of Minister Benn’s public posturing. Itismyhardduty

to inform (respectfully, naturally) of the error of his ways.

America “is not heaven andearth”qualifiesassharp insult to the hundreds of thousands of Guyanese for whom it is so; most of are P P P s u p p o r t e r s Plus,thousands more on Duke Street angling for a visa in this glittering oil cosmopolis.

Or those hoping (futilely)for visa-freetravel to the same America that Minister Benn so c o n t e m p t u o u s l y dismissed Being a beneficiary of the land of milk and honey, I should be agitated, but no offense taken, no pardon required. Nonetheless, I must regretfully recommend that the Minister sticks to policing and properly supervisinghisadventurous, globetrottingseniorstaff.

The sense is that the minister has memories of big, bad, ole America. To conveniently forgetful Guyanese, I offer: Down with the CIA! Down with America!

Down with capitalism! Minister Benn now reveals his scars from that time, for he is a son of those hurtful horrors, a good one. His shabby, sickly peers may forget, but not the minister Like Paul Robeson of America,Guyana’sRobeson is an identical in-the-face man and stalwart I nominate him for president in 2025, or whenever Americadecidesthedate.

But Minister Benn did haveonepartofhispoliticalministerial-rhetorical equation right on the

bullseye, but only partially He said: “Guyana is heaven andearth.” Thequestionfor the bossy minister and his bigger bosses is simple: for whom, sir? Guyana is heaven and earth for PPP (andPNC)parliamentarians. Guyana is heaven and earth for all those pivotal public servants content to function as pawns and panjandrums. Guyana is heaven and earth for those theorists, contextualists, possibly closet racists, putting on a good show of not being propagandists, despite breaking into daily heavy sweats doing exactly such. Last, Guyana is heaven and earth for those captains of commerce whose bread is buttered with oil, gold, diamonds, and budget billions.

I am sorry, Minister, but there is no choice but to bringupthoseotherhungry, forgotten, ignored, impoverished, weeping, scorned and dismissed Guyanese, the bulk of the citizenry HisPresidentand Vice President (they too are brothers) left me no choice, but to put them under the headlights. Withthedeepest regret,Guyanaisnotheaven and earth for accursed Guyanese (though it should be).

Rather unhappily, Guyana is not heaven and earth, Minister, for police people and prison officers, those right under his own watch Most gloomily, Guyana is not heaven and earth for those citizens of thisoilnirvana,whoflockto Duke Street and dusty, dangerous backtracks to go to that same divine Atlantis

that Minister Benn c o n d e m n e d s o disparagingly America has it hellish sides, some of which are n o w p a l p a b l e i n waterloggedGuyana. Butit isstillheavenwhenlaidnext to and matched against the infernal hell that is today’s Guyana, and as it has been transformed into that scorchedstate,thankstothe handiworks of his brethren andsororityinthegoverning PPP Minister Benn is keen enough to know that it was the unheavenly and unearthly America that is responsible for his PPP being where it is today, and of which he is a prime beneficiary And if the Honorable Minister Benn thinks that an occasional handouttothedownandout in Guyana is all that it takes to transport the wretched of this barren earth (according to him), to the delights of a slice of heaven, then he has lost more than his way He forsook most of those traits that make for better men, nobler citizens, ideal presences.

To minister and fellow Guyanese, this morsel I share. IloveAmerica. ButI loveGuyanamore. Idonot love America less, when I can find the courage to condemn what my fellow Americansdohere.

How they have wooed reasonable Guyanese men andwomentoabandontheir residual honesty, their flaccid dignity, their limited integrityforthesweetnessof Uncle Sam’s money and GodfatherAlistair’shoneys.

Guyanacouldbeheaven and earth, Minister Benn. But it is not; not under his PPP; and not with this oil patrimony.

Not all that can be had fromit. Ialsoharborserious doubts whether Guyana could be heaven and earth under the PNC. It is the diabolicalthatisinAmerica, which looks like dooming Guyanese to live with the hellacious.

(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.)

…agriculture, food security, energy, and climate change main focus of meeting

Exxon still silent on accusation of violation of oil contract

United States oil

m a j o r , ExxonMobil has beenaccusedofviolatingthe 2016agreementitinkedwith Guyana, as there is no evidence of a feasibility study- for the utilization of theexcessgasintheStabroek Block, through the Gas to Energy project- even though thisislistedasarequirement inthecontract.

TheAlliance For Change (AFC), a political third force

in the country and former memberof theAPartnership for National Unity (APNU) Coalition, highlighted this during a press engagement lastFriday

This newspaper reached out to the oil company upon the conclusion of that event, seeking clarity on whether a feasibility study was conductedbythedeveloper Kaieteur News was told that the information was shared with the relevant

officials onApril 22. During the week, a reminder of the query was issued to the company The message was acknowledged but to date, there has been no word on this serious accusation of a likely breach of the contract, onthepartoftheoilgiant.

Article 12.1 (b) of the Exxon contract states, “…If there is any excess Associated Gas in the Oil Field after utilisation pursuant to Article 12.1(a)

theContractorshallcarryout a feasibility study regarding the utilisationof such excess Associated Gas of such Oil Field.”

Thesameclauseexplains that if the feasibility study was completed before the submittal of the Field Development Plan for the location, this document shall be added to the Plan. The contract also states that in the eventthecontractor's feasibility study on the utilization of excess associated gas is not completed before the s u b m i t t a l o f t h e Development Plan, the contractor shall provide the Ministry with regular updates on the progress of such feasibility study Upon completion, the study shall be submitted to the Ministry ofNaturalResourcesandthe Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC)

According to the agreement, the contractor's feasibility

study shall be completed no later than 5 years following the submittal of the DevelopmentPlan.

Given that there is no trace of this document, the AFC believes that ExxonMobilhasviolatedthe 'sanctity of contracts' principle.Executivemember

of the party, Dr Vincent

Adams asserted, “No feasibility study has been done at that location (Wales, West Bank Demerara). As a matter of fact, it (Exxon) violatedthissanctitythatthis administration keeps talking about.

Theyviolatedthesanctity of the contract it says before any gas project is implemented,therehastobe a feasibility study and there wasnofeasibilitystudy.”

He continued that Vice

PresidentBharratJagdeohas merelygivenassurancesthat the project is a “no-brainer”. Dr Adams, a Petroleum Engineer however noted, “Every project starts with planning and it ends with planning,” adding that this detailed plan would craft the necessary steps regarding possible changes in the economics of the country, taking its development and other factors into consideration.

The AFC member maintained, “None of that wasdoneexceptthatthisnobrainer stuff, I don't know what it means, but there was no feasibility study which is inviolationofthesanctityof thecontractwhichcallsfora feasibility study before any gas project was supposed to beimplemented.”

Boy, 10, goes missing in D'Edward Village, WCB

A10-year-old D' Edward Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB)boyhasbeenmissing for 10 days and his mother and other relatives are extremely worried and have since been looking everywhereforthelad.

The missing child has been identified as Jormin Thomas Kaieteur News understands that Thomas went missing 10 days ago in D' Edward's Village. He was last seen heading into Pump Street, D' Edward Village close to 22:00h on April 18, 2023.

The boy's mother told Kaieteur News that Thomas was sent to his stepfather's homelocatednottoofarfrom where he lives in Church Street, to collect some documents The woman reportedlywaitedatanearby street with his three siblings for his return. According to the woman, she sawThomas walking towards her from a distance and in the dark but noticed that he suddenly dashedintoPumpStreet.

“He does always come home straight when I ask he todosomething,”thewoman said as she noted that she b e c a m e w o r r i e d immediately

Missing: Jormin Thomas

She recalled that a car wascomingdowntheroadat thesametime.

The car stopped and she asked the driver if he had seen a little boy running acrosstheroadwhiledriving. The man reportedly told Thomas's mother he did not

seehim.

ThewomantoldKaieteur News that she explained whatshesawtothemanand he agreed to take her in his car to look for Thomas in PumpStreet.

Thewomanandhis (Continuedonpage17)

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

Sunday –April 23, 2023

He continued that Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has

Failure of leaders to get better merely given assurances that the deal for Guyana’s 11B barrels project is a “no-brainer” Dr of oil raises serious questions Adams, a Petroleum Engineer -Wholesale sellout of however noted, “Every project

Stabroek Block Pt. 1… startswithplanninganditendswith planning,” adding that this detailed

Vice President, Dr Bharrat planwouldcraftthenecessarysteps Jagdeohassomeseriousexplaining regarding possible changes in the to do The chief government economicsofthecountry,takingits officialfortheoilindustryhasbeen development and other factors into in his post for three years, but the consideration.

internationally disgraceful

The AFC member maintained, Stabroek block production sharing “None of that was done except that agreement (PSA) given to Exxon this no-brainer stuff, I don’t know by the last government is still in what it means, but there was no place.EvenJagdeohimselfhassaid feasibility study which is in the contract is among the worst of violation of the sanctity of the itskind. contractwhichcallsforafeasibility

The fiscal terms have been the study before any gas project was subject of criticism from various raised concerns about the lack of Over the years, the government floating production, storage, and supposedtobeimplemented.” stakeholders in Guyana ever since transparency surrounding the continues to deflect from the issue offloading (FPSO) vessels to keep Article 12.1 (b) of the Exxon theywerepublished. negotiation of the PSA. There was by giving reason after reason that theeconomicgrowthofthecountry contract states, “…If there is any

The 2% royalty of this deal is no consultation with stakeholders, often fails to hold up against at a desirable pace. Jagdeo also excess Associated Gas in the Oil undoubtedly among the lowest in i n c l u d i n g c i v i l s o c i e t y scrutiny President Irfaan Ali said wants Exxon to extract the oil from Field after utilisation pursuant to the industry Many critics have organizationsandthemedia,onthe the private sector should speak out thegroundasquicklyaspossible. Article 12.1(a) the Contractor shall argued that given the potential terms of this contract. Even after and defend the contract because carry out a feasibility study value of the Stabroek Block at the signing it away, the then they are profiting from contracts AFC: ExxonMobil violates regarding the utilisation of such time of negotiations, the government hid it from the public awarded by ExxonMobil and its sanctity of contract as excess Associated Gas of such Oil governmentofGuyanashouldhave and only released it after mounting sub-contractors. He also said that no evidence of feasibility Field.” negotiated a higher royalty Now, callsforitsrelease.

Guyana would have to face off for gas project available Thesameclauseexplainsthatif Guyana has 11 billion oil- As ExxonMobil continues to against Exxon’s lawyers, and the feasibility study was completed equivalent barrels, which means reap exponential profits from would be at a disadvantage in such

TheAllianceforChange(AFC) before the submittal of the Field the value of the Stabroek Block has Guyana’s lucrative Stabroek Block a scenario. From the Department is accusing oil giant, ExxonMobil Development Plan for the location, skyrocketed. Hence, the urgency to and the lopsided contract it signed of Public Information, the ofviolatingthesanctityofcontract, this document shall be added to the get a better deal is even more with Government in 2016, Jagdeo government published a missive in for failing to conduct a feasibility Plan.Thecontractalsostatesthatin pronounced. expects the people of Guyana to be November 2021 explaining why study on the utilization of excess the event the contractor’s With cost recovery set at 75%, contented with the new terms the the contract is not up for gas in the Stabroek oil block, as feasibility study on the utilization the upfront revenue to Guyana is government announced for blocks renegotiation. (Stabroek block oil required under the contract it of excess associated gas is not severely limited. Economist, Dr thatnooneisevensurehasoil. contract not up for renegotiation – signed with the government in completed before the submittal of Tarron Khemraj has said that the The new terms include 10% Department of Public Information, 2016. the Development Plan, the cost recovery ceiling should be royalty, a 65% cost recovery cap, a Guyana(dpi.gov.gy))

Executive member of the party contractor shall provide the

Among these was the and former Head of the Ministry with regular updates on restrictive, burdensome stability Environmental Protection Agency the progress of such feasibility agreement which forbids Guyana (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams told study Upon completion, the study from unilaterally changing the reporters during a media shall be submitted to the Ministry terms of the deal. The stability conference on Friday that he of Natural Resources and the clause would require Guyana to believes the company has violated Guyana Geology and Mines compensate Exxon for any losses the said principle that is hindering Commission (GGMC). According incurred as a result of changed the government from renegotiating to the agreement, the contractor’s terms. It is this term that would put the oil deal, as there is no evidence feasibilitystudyshallbecompleted Guyana in trouble with Exxon’s ofthisdocument. no later than 5 years following the lawyers. This and other terms Exxon has entered into an submittaloftheDevelopmentPlan. demonstrate how lopsided the agreement with the Government of Effortsmadebythispublication StabroekPSAis. Guyana (GoG) to transport the yesterday to clarify whether the

The government also, at the naturalgasintheLizaOneandLiza feasibility study conducted by time, said ExxonMobil suffered Twofieldsoffshore,whicharetobe ExxonMobil Guyana were financially as a result of the used to generate some 300 unsuccessful. pandemic However, now that megawatts of power to supply the Pre-feasibility study ExxonMobil is in a much better nationalgrid. Back in 2018, the Interfinancial position, having made a The project is currently pegged American Development Bank record-breaking profit of US$56 at around US$2 1 billion and (IDB) partnered with the State to reduced to 50%. If this single new 10% corporate tax, and the billion in 2022, the government accounts for the single largest conduct a feasibility study of the change is made, it would increase same half-and-half profit share. continues to defend the deal investment ever undertaken by the planned natural gas pipeline. The Guyana’s share from a measly These better terms, as of today, are Jagdeo refused calls to impose a nation.Bethatasitmay,thisproject primary objective of the study, 14.5%to27%. pointless because there have been windfall tax on ExxonMobil. This lacks a vertebra as there is no which was executed by Energy

Proper managers of their no discoveries at other blocks to be would have provided revenues for evidence of a feasibility study to Narrative for US$70,000 an petroleumsectors,suchasNorway, produced. However, the lopsided the Guyanese public to weather the confirmitsviability international entity that provides have managed to use taxation as a deal will remain for the 11 billion economic storm that the Russian Flagging this issue, Dr. Adams strategic market analyses and mechanism to attract billions of barrels that are worth hundreds of war in Ukraine wreaked on their argued, “No feasibility study has advicewastodeterminetheoverall revenues for their country Today, billionsofUSdollars. livelihoodsandtheirfoodsecurity been done at that location (Wales, feasibility of transporting natural Norway stands proud as an oil These criticisms highlight the Somehow, no matter Exxon’s West Bank Demerara). As a matter gasfromoffshoreGuyana,building country that got it right. But the A importance of ensuring that the financial position, the VP finds a of fact, it (Exxon) violated this a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Partnership for National Unity + fiscal terms of the Stabroek Block way to defend the oil company. He sanctity that this administration separation plant and a Liquefied

h a n g e PSA are fair and equitable for the continues to repeat that if Guyana keeps talking about. They violated Petroleum Gas (LPG) production (APNU+AFC) decided not to people of Guyana. It is important pursues renegotiation, it would kill the sanctity of the contract…it says plant to market the liquids from the impose any taxes and the People’s for the government and Exxon to the momentum of the industry before any gas project is natural gas stream, as well as ProgressivePartyCivic(PPPC)has work together to address these because it would ruin Guyana’s implemented, there has to be a building a new electricity decidedtoleavethestain. concerns so that the benefits of the reputation with investors. The PPP feasibility study and there was no generationstationtousethe Many Guyanese have also sectorarefeltinthecountry is adamant that Guyana needs 10 feasibilitystudy.”

(Continued on page 15)

From page 14 standard for contracts which public company for a period of five remainingdrynaturalgas.TheAFC involve international companies to years. is adamant that this study include a dispute resolution clause

According to information from considered the project at a where the parties’ concerns can be theSECwebsite, theU.Sbodyhad combined cost of US$478 million; heard before the International filed fraud charges in 2006 against whereas the project today now Centre for the Settlement of Ramy El-Batrawi, Saudi standsinexcessofUS$2billion. Investment Disputes (ICSID) or businessman, Adnan Khashoggi,

The party maintains that this before three arbitrators or a sole GenesisIntermedia, and others documentmustinformthefutureof arbitrator ICSID is an organization arisingoutofUS$130millionstock theWalesGas-to-Energyproject. established by the World Bank to loan and manipulation scheme. aidinresolvingsuchmatters. Notably, while El-Batrawi never

Monday –April 24, 2023

While Jagdeo believes the accepted wrongdoings, in April arbitration process is critical to the 2010 the final judgment resulted in Resolution of audit resolution of disputes with him being barred from running a disputes to be addressed international companies, he publiccompanyforfiveyears. in new oil contracts nonetheless conceded, “Dispute Moreover, El-Batrawi held r e s o l u t i o n s h a v e t o b e discussions with President Irfaan

The 2016 Production Sharing strengthened we are gonna Ali and other officials two times Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed reviewitinthenewPSAtoseeifwe last year The American with oil major ExxonMobil not can strengthen (it) but you may not businessman visited Guyana in only allows for disputed costs be able to eliminate the October 2022 and in November flagged in an audit to be recovered international dispute resolution 2022, where he held discussions by the contractor, but if the nation clauses.” with the President of Guyana. On arbitration, Trinidadian Energy process, so they avoid it, even at a wishes to reclaim these expenses it Kaieteur News recently October 13, 2022, El-Batrawi Strategist, Anthony Paul in an loss. must be prepared to head to an reported that the lopsided oil posted four pictures from the exclusive interview with this international arbitration process contract allows for costs that have discussion he had with President newspaper said the recovery of Man wanted for and pay all associated fees for both been flagged in an audit, and Ali and other Guyanese officials. costs in dispute are in keeping with murder of ex-lover found parties. deemed unacceptable; to be The post was captioned, “Meeting the one-sided nature of the 2016 oil floating in Canje Creek

Recognizing this loophole in recovered by the Contractor until with the President of Guyana.”The contract. the existing agreement, Vice thedisputeisresolved. following month, the American

He explained that contracts Days after a wanted bulletin

President Bharrat Jagdeo said this Annex‘C’ofthePSAatSection businessman visited Guyana again. generally allow for costs to be was issued for 50-year-old Sunil is one of the provisions the 1.5(b)states“…Intheeventthatan InapostdatedNovember22,2022, recoveredonlyafterthedisputehas Durgafortheabductionandmurder government will seek to address in audit claim by the Minister is not El-Batrawi shared pictures with been settled. On the other hand, he of the mother of his child, 36-yearthe new Deep and Shallow Water settledtotheMinister’ssatisfaction himself, President Ali, United also shared that the twin island has old Telisha Domandeo, the suspect PSAsbeingfinalizedcurrently by the Contractor’s reply as States Ambassador to Guyana, asserted its sovereignty in cost wasonSundaymorningfounddead

During a recent press provided for above, the Contractor Sarah Ann Lynch and others with recovery by assigning the Minister floating in the Canje Creek, conference at the Arthur Chung shall be entitled to recover any the caption, “Another great trip to responsible for Finance as the final Berbice. Conference Center, Liliendaal, disputed amounts pending final Guyana spend a lot more time with arbiter in all matters related to Up to press time, Durga’s cause EastCoastDemerara,Jagdeowhile resolutionoftheclaim…” the president and the American taxation,includingcostrecovery ofdeathisunknown.Abulletinwas responding to a question from this The agreement also states that embassy The American

As such, he noted, “The notion issued on April 21, for Durga newspaperaddressedtheissue. Exxon can provide reasons ambassador to Guyana is a great of having foreign courts of following the gruesome discovery

He said, “So what happens if justifying the costs, but supporterofthecountry.” jurisdiction and arbitration is a slap of Domandeo’s lifeless body you have a dispute, you have to go government would have to head to One month later in December in the face for sovereign nations, wrapped in a multicolored blanket to arbitration process. The PSA international arbitration to reclaim 2022, the National Industrial and indicating that we are not to be withherheadalmostsevered. allows them (ExxonMobil and these sums. Upon the resolution of Commercial Investments Limited trusted in making such decisions, The discovery was made partners) to basically not to make the issue, Guyana would be repaid (NICIL) announced the even though they involve our own around 07:00 hours at Betsy any adjustment until that process is with interest, if the country is Government of Guyana (GoG) property Thisisconsistentwiththe Ground Village, East Canje decision to sell the US$60 million Berbice. The police reported that Kingston Georgetown hotel, which the murder occurred up the Canje is now making a profit. In March River,somethreemilesfromwhere 2023, Vice President (VP) Bharrat they discovered Domandeo’s body Jagdeo revealed that the hotel has and a mattress and pillow with emerged into a profitable venture blood stains On April 14, since coming to existence back in Domandeo’s relatives reported to April2015.ThesaleoftheMarriott the Blairmont Police Station that Hotel is being facilitated by the shewasabducted.Durgawaslisted government, through NICIL. On as a suspect since then and checks April 17, NICIL received six bythepolicehadprovenfutile. proposals for the “profitable” Domandeo was last seen alive Marriott Hotel. Coming in as the when she left her Crabwood Creek highest bidder at US$65 million is home for her mother’s residence Ramy El-Batwari who is listed as located at Blairmont.About a week the principal of X, LLC, local later the woman was discovered businessman and owner of the murdered. Pegasus Hotel, Robert Badal in second with a bid of US$55.5 Tuesday –April 25, 2023 million.

The third highest bidder spot

U.S SEC had barred Marriott goes to a local consortium, top bidder from acting as Integrated Group Guyana Limited, an officer of public company headed by Ravindra Prashad with a Was accused of orchestrating bidofUS$55million. US$130M stock loan completedbutifyouhaveadispute successful in its challenge way our people and resources have At fourth spot, there is and manipulation scheme you have to break the deadlock and However,allthelegalfeesincurred been seen and treated for Georgetown Investments and that is why there is a process for both parties would be borne by centuries.” Management Services Inc

The United States Securities throughwhichthatisdone.Wemay thestate.

Thespecialistexplainedthatoil (Princess Hotel), General Manager and Exchange Commission (SEC) have to strengthen that process but WhileGuyanahassettledforits companies very frequently attempt Mustafa Eray Kanmaz bidding back in 2010 had barred American right now you would always have monies to be deducted by the oil to force countries into international US$50 million. The lowest bidders businessman, Ramy El-Batrawi–to have a dispute resolution companies operating in the arbitration, fully cognizant of the are: NCB Capital Markets Limited, the top bidder for the “profitable” process.” Stabroek Block and only be fact that governments- like those in aJamaicanCompanyheadedby Guyana Marriott Hotel – from The VP explained that it is reclaimed through international the Caribbean- cannot afford the (Continued on page 16) acting as an officer or director of a

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Murdered, Telisha Domandeo Found floating in trench, Sunil Durga

From page 15 unknown investors would have the denominated in US Dollars; SteveGoodingwithabidofUS$33 first lien on the proceeds of any include a detailed estimate of costs million and Muneshwers Limited, sale. necessary to implement the owned by Amarnauth Muneshwer Notably, a decision by the petroleum operations described in with the lowest bid of US$25 former administration has resulted t h e w o r k p r o g r a m m e million.

inUS$1.1million($226million)of corresponding to the budget;

Moreover, while there are no taxpayers’dollarscomingoutevery include a schedule of estimated public financial statements six months (since 2017) to service expenditures of the costs; and available for the Marriott Hotel the US$27 million loan from the specify any assumption or premise since 2015, Chief Executive bank – for a 13-year period. This onwhichitisbased. Officer (CEO) of NICIL, Radha was after the hotel was unable to The contractor shall also KrishnaSharma,haddisclosedthat servicetheloan.Inordertoprevent provide supporting documents for todatetheauditsfortheyears2016, the hotel from being acquired by all its cost estimates Another 2017,2018and2019,togetherwith thebank,theformerGovernmentin important requirement the the field audits for the year 2020 April 2017 made the decision to government wants met is for oil and 2021 has been completed transfer the hotel’s financial companies to ensure that no following the intervention of the obligations to the Central modifications are made to new Board of Directors for the Government. However, VP Jagdeo approved budgets without hotel. He noted however, that the stated that while in Opposition, the government’s approval. In fact, audit for the year 2022 is still PPP-administrationwasopposedto Guyanese authorities want to ongoing and when this is the hotel’s financial obligation ensure any request for a change to completed, the audited accounts beingtransferred. thebudgetshallcontainthereasons willbepublished. for deviations from the costs March 2021 report, the British procurement alignment with in-

PROFITABLE BUSINESS

Guyanese regulators will have originally listed in the budget. This auditor, IHS Markit highlighted country value opportunities

The Marriott Hotel started power to prevent $$$ cost would represent a significant step that EEPGL which also operates Kaieteur News understandsthatthe under the Jagdeo administration overruns on 14 new oil blocks in preventing the use of possible the block, does not furnish local Guyana team which consists of the when he was president using but not with Exxon’s contract avenues for abuse on the 14 oil authorities with detailed budgets Guyana RevenueAuthority and the taxpayers’ dollars and with a blocks, should they all be awarded for their offshore operations. As a Ministry of Natural Resources is syndicated loan through the The Guyana Government is in intheupcomingauction. result of this, the auditors said, going through the foregoing Republic Bank Limited ofTrinidad the process of finalizing two new InApril,a Kaieteur News report “There is limited transparency and meticulously with the aim of and had opened its doors on April Production Sharing Agreements exposed that the absence of theministry(ofnaturalresources)’s understandinghowsuchaloophole 17,2015. (PSAs) which seek to give it more regulatoryoversightorcontrolover ability to monitor and review canbeclosed.

Jagdeo said during a press control over the budgets future oil costs that can be incurred by oil annual budgets and variances with conference that the Marriott Hotel companies will be drafting to companies is a real and present actual expenditure incurred is Wednesday –April 26, 2023 is “a profitable venture” and is explore and possibly produce oil danger Over in the Stabroek Block reduced.” “making a profit”, but stated that it andgason14concessionsoffshore. whichholds11billionbarrelsofoil Asanexample,IHSMarkitsaid Guyana receives US$219M from is of no supreme benefit to the The provisions outline that the resources,theGuyanaGovernment certain PSAs contain provisions oil in three months …lost Government owning it anymore. contractor/ oil company shall has no power to approve that state overruns in actual $230M by not applying new The VP justified the sale of the submit to the minister for approval, modificationstobudgetsdraftedby expenditures are limited to 10% of 10% royalty on Stabroek Block hotel by stating that within a few in accordance with agreed ExxonMobil’s affiliate, Esso the budget. Some provisions also years several hotels are expected to accounting procedures, a budget of Exploration and Production state that operators are prohibited As oil production increases come on stream and in order to the costs to be incurred in the Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and its from spending more than a offshore and ExxonMobil avoid competition, this is the best implementation of each work partners which include, Hess percentage above the work Corporation and its partners timetomaximizetheprofitandsell programme, simultaneously with Corporation and CNOOC programme and budget without continuetoaddmoreships,Guyana thehotel. the submission of clear details for PetroleumGuyanaLimited.Infact, further approval. Some even go a is set to lose out hundreds of

Importantly, the Vice President the works to be executed. “The these oil companies have enough stepfurthertoexplicitlyoutlinethat millions this year due to the failure also stated that the proceeds from ministerwilldecideontheproposal running room to practically “get expenditure incurred without of the government to renegotiate thesaleofthehotelwillbeused,“to of budgets simultaneously with the awaywithmurder.” approval or proper justification is the Stabroek block Production clear off the remaining loan and approval of the corresponding One only ought to reflect on the not recoverable. The auditors said SharingAgreement(PSA). some of it will come back to the work programme. All proposed findings of an ongoing US$1.6B such provisions allow the host If the royalty from the new Treasury to be used back for budgets shall be commercially audit to understand the modus government to maintain project model contract is applied to the whatever purpose is determined.” viable, reasonable and consistent operandi of these oil companies. oversight. StabroekBlock,Guyanacouldearn KaieteurNewshadhighlightedthat with the requirements of this The audit exercise which is being TheBritishteamnotedhowever a lot more each year For example, under the syndicated loan Agreement, its annexes and Best ledbyBritishfirm,IHSMarkit,has that the 2016 PSA Guyana signed Guyana’s last royalty payment agreement, the preferred rights International Industry Standards found for example that there are no with Exxon and partners, does not couldhavebeenaboutUS$230Mif goes to those investors – meaning andPractices,”thedraftPSAsstate. safeguards in place in the Stabroek require such approvals. As a result the royalty for the projects was that in the event of the hotel being Further, the documents state Block PSA which would prevent ofthis,IHSsaidEEPGLwasableto 10%, instead of the industry-low unable to service the loan – the that the proposed budgets shall be exorbitant cost overruns In a incur US$330.3 million in cost 2%.

overruns across 2009, 2010, 2014, For the last quarterly payment 2015, 2017. The report also noted for 2023, Exxon and its cothat EEPGL has not provided venturers paid G$12B (US$58M) justification to changes and cost to Guyana’s Natural Resource overruns against the submitted Fund (NRF) coffers This work programme and budget. This represents 2% of the crude newspaper also understands that produced and sold for the previous the annual work programme and quarter. If this was 10%, it would budget submitted by EEPGL to have been US$288M. Hence, regulatorsdoesnotevenconformto Guyana has lost out on the international best practices. opportunity to earn US$230M for Furthermore,theplansandbudgets oil produced in just three months do not provide the Government of because the People’s Progressive Guyana with the ability to Party Civic (PPPC) administration understandtheplannedactivitiesor refuses to pursue a better royalty provideanyoversight. payment.

Auditors insisted that the work Thiscouldprovideasignificant programme and budget should boost to the country’s economy, provide details of the activities particularly given the large planned to be undertaken and the amounts of oil that are expected to resulting cost outlay, ensuring be produced from the Stabroek responsible and sustainable Blockoverthecomingyears. development of resources and (Continued on page 58)

Marriott Hotel top bidder, American businessman Ramy El-Batrawi

Guyanese regulators retain power to prevent cost overruns on 14 new oil blocks

VP Jagdeo ready to break oil contract for time limit on Exxon audits but refuses to do same for royalty and taxes

Tons of bricks would fall on Exxon.

This is the punishment Guyana's Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said will be administered should the m u l t i n a t i o n a l o i l corporation, ExxonMobil refuse to allow Guyana to audit its expenses after the two-year deadline, prescribed by the 'binding' oil contract, would have elapsed.

Jagdeo issued this stern warning during his most recent press conference, while responding to a Kaieteur News article, in whichtheEconomicAdvisor to the Opposition Leader, Elson Low flagged that Guyana could lose millions for failing to conduct timely audits.

https://wwwkaieteurne wsonline com/2023/04/23/g uyana-risks-losinghundreds-of-us-millionswith-delayed-audits-ofexxon-expenses-opposition/

The Economist's statement was hinged on the provisions of the lopsided 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which specifically states that Guyana has two years in which the audits can be conducted, after each calendaryear

In fact, the agreement even makes it clear that the oil company can dispose of itsrecordsafterthetwoyears period would have elapsed, unless an audit flags discrepancies which must firstberesolved.

According to Annex 'C' Section 1.5 (C), “Without prejudice to the finality of matters as described in subsections1.5(a)and1.5(b)all documents referred to in those sub-sections shall be maintained and made available for inspection by

theMinisterfortwo(2)years following their date of issue providing, however, that whereissuesareoutstanding with respect to an audit, the Contractor shall maintain documents for a longer period until the issues are resolved.”

Be that as it may, the country'schiefspokesperson on petroleum matters said Low's contention regarding theauditswasalreadylaidto rest.

He said, “We dealt with this issue when it came up several years ago; that it is true that the PSA says that theaudithastobecompleted withintwoyears.

So we had gone pass, even under the APNU period, the two years had passed even before they started the audit and we madeitclearwhenwegotin tooffice,nomatterhowlong the audits take, ExxonMobil and the co-venturers, the companies could never use as an excuse, the timeline in there.”

H e c o n t i n u e d , “…because if they use that and don't want to comply with the audit, they would haveatonofbrickfallingon theirheadonotherissueson theregulatoryside.”

While the government has decided to use the cards in its favour to get ExxonMobil to agree to extend the time limit for audits to be completed, it refuses to act similarly and exercise its authority, to mend other lopsided terms defined by the contract Once amended, these provisions would earn more revenueforthecountryfrom the petroleum sector and would still be profitable for the oil giant. For instance, Guyanese have been calling ontheleaderstoupthemere two percent royalty the

Boy, 10, goes missing in

Frompage12

siblingsenteredtheman'scaranddrovetothe area. They reportedly saw three boys exiting the street but there was no sign of Thomas.After searching for a while, the man dropped the woman and the three children home where she then left her other children and ventured out on the road again to search forThomas.“Igethestepfathertocomewith me to look for he and we search until two a clock the morning (02:00hrs the following morning”, Thomas's mother told Kaieteur News.

Their search proved futile and when it dawned the next day she visited the nearest

country receives on its resources and subject the oil company and its affiliates to thetaxlawsofthecountry

Otherabusiveprovisions in the agreement allow Exxon to hold hundreds of US-millions for the state in clean-up and restoration funds that would be needed until production ceases offshore.

Inthemeantime,Guyana must pay whatever interest rateisattachedtothecostof developing the resources in theStabroekBlock.

The country has been advised to put a cap on this cost to prevent further exploitationofitswealth.

Inaddition,citizenshave been calling for a ringfencing provision to be added to the agreement, which would allow for each oil project to pay for itself. Importantly,Guyanaisyetto securefullliabilitycoverage fromtheoilcompanyforthe Stabroek Block operations, even as production and exploration activities continuestoincrease.

The government has oftenrelateditspositionthat the contract must not be changed and the terms must beadheredto,soastouphold the'sanctityofcontracts'.

This newspaper has highlighted that this principlehasbeenviolatedin a number of instances already, as changes have been made to its terms outsideoftheagreement,yet this continues to be the excuse used by Guyanese leaders for not securing better financial terms in the Exxon deal. See link for examples.

https://wwwkaieteurne wsonline com/2023/02/26/g ovt-overrides-sanctity-ofexxon-contract-with-majoradjustments-in-oil-licencespermits-new-legislation/

D'Edward...

police station to lodge a missing person's report. A search was conducted for him the nextdayandiscontinuing.

Based on the police investigation so far security cameras captured the boy heading into the entrance of the street where his motherwaswaitingbutdisappeared.

Kaieteur News understands that one personwas inpolicecustodyassistingpolice with their investigations but that person has since been releasedYoung Thomas was wearing a yellow t-shirt, boxers, and gray boots. Anyone who may have seen Jormin Thomas is asked to call 682-4652 or the nearestPoliceStation.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

AviationUnitonthehorizonforPoliceForce - Hicken

Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken this week announced that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) intends to establishanaviationunitthatwill “bring us on par with our counterparts within the region andfurtherafield.”

Hicken was at the time speaking at the recently concluded Police Officers' Conference where he said the Force is in the process of overhauling and modernising its services in an effort to improve service delivery and in keeping with global standards of law enforcement. It is important to notethatthisisnotthefirsttime

that the establishment of an aviationunitforthePoliceForce hasbeenannounced.

Deputy Commissioner of Police for 'Administration',

Calvin Brutus had revealed that two police officers completed a pilot training programme in Miami, United States and other ranks are pursuing degrees in aeronautical engineering at the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School, at Ogle, East Coast Demerara(ECD).

Meanwhile, Hicken explainedthatpolicestationsare undergoing continuous rehabilitation and reconstruction

a c r o s s t h e country

“ T h e

c o n t i n u o u s reconstruction and rehabilitation that is taking place at the police stations will see them now equipped with all the modern amenities to meet international best practices, with safe ID paraderooms,rampsforpersons living with disabilities, [and] childfriendly,”Hickenstated. In addition, critical police departments are being decentralisedinanefforttomake all the regions self-sufficient. (Modified from the Department ofPublicInformation)

Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken

SheriffMedicalopensGeneralHospitalin Region3,announcesplansfortwomore

…Govt. promises to boost customer care in public sector

ByDavinaBagot

Businessman, Shareef

Ahmad,

Thebusinessmansaidthatthese services could be free but patients mustmeetcertaincriteria.

Chief

Executive

Officer (CEO) of theSheriffGroupofCompanieson Saturday opened the doors of a new, spanking, state-of-the-art generalhospital,consistingoffour floors, each measuring 19,800 square feet to service the needs of thepopulation.

The private hospital was constructed and outfitted with all medical equipment at an investment of US$75 million, Ahmadsaid.Themedicalfacilityis housed in three buildings, situated on the Leonora public road, West CoastDemerara(WCD).TheCEO saidthestructurewascompletedin a record time of 18 months Presently,themedicalinstitutionis outfittedwith120bedsforpatients.

Some of the services being offered at the facility include dentistry, gynecology, open heart surgeries and cardiology checkups, ophthalmology, dentistry, stem cell treatment, aftercare, and ambulanceservice.

Thehospitalalsofeaturesanin-

house restaurant to cater to the needsofitspatients,alongwithtwo pharmacies to supply both inpatientsandwalk-incustomers.

Importantly, the new facility aimstoprovidequalityhealthcare at an affordable cost to its customers.

HELICOPTEREMERGENCY TRANSPORT

CEO of the Sheriff Group of Companies in an exclusive interview said very soon the Hospital will be offering emergency transport via its recently acquired helicopter This would be critical in transporting patientsthatmaybetrappedinfarflung locations such as Region Nine,thatmaybeinneedofurgent medicalattention.

“We just bought a helicopter, a Bell 505, we have one helipad in Leonoraandthenwewillprobably, as the hospitals finish, we can fly from hospital to hospital. It comes withanambulancebedsothatwill be used in an event we have any casualty in the other Regions like Lethem and any other area, we are heretosupportthat,”heexplained.

Presently, 150 employees have been hired to conduct the day-todayactivities,butAhmadisaiming to hire at least 50 more persons to function in the new stem-cell treatmentlab.

TWOMORE

The Georgetown hospital projectismovingapaceandshould be ready for opening by this time next year, the businessman anticipates.

In the meantime, he said the Berbice facility could run until 2025 as this would be a joint complex comprising a hotel, casino, hospital, and shopping mall.Thefacilitywillbehousedon a17-acreplotaccordingtoAhmad.

He said, “We actually brought in 100 Indian nationals. They will be taking that project from us as construction workers to do the engineering,civil,architecture-we willfinanceitbuttheywillbedoing theprojectforus.”

Hundredswereinattendanceat the opening ceremony yesterday,

including President Irfaan Ali, AttorneyGeneralandLegalAffairs Minister, Anil Nandlall S C, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works,DeodatIndar AmbassadoroftheRepublicof Cuba, His Excellency Narciso Reinaldo Armador Socorro was also among the special invitees at theevent.

BETTERPUBLIC SERVICECARE

President Ali while delivering the feature address yesterday gave a charge for those in the public healthsystemtoofferbetterservice topatients.

He said, “There are some keywords used by both the Attorney General and the Minister of Health: accessibility, efficiency, reliability, and service. You can have accessibility but not efficiency Youcanhaveefficiency butnotreliabilityandyoucanhave alloftheabovebutnotservice.”

The Head of State noted that this requires a “renewal of

thinking” especially since Guyana is aiming to become the top destination for health care service intheRegion.

“Wecancreateandbuythebest possible equipment for health care but the workers need to care those equipment. They need to turn up andpleasantlydelivertheserviceto the people of our country,” he charged.

Ali said his government is mindfulofthisandwantstocreatea new service-oriented culture, in which “there is great dignity and prideineverythingwedo.Itisnot for a show that you will see members of the disciplined forces andCabinetonthegroundincleanupexercise.Itistodemonstratethat each of us, regardless of where we sit,wehaveanequalresponsibility in the transformation of our thinking and they way we behave towards each other and the environment.”

The President added that the physical beauty of infrastructure must be complemented by beautifulactsandthoughtsonthe

The new medical facilities offered by Sheriff

The Sheriff General Hospital

Lewis Styles CEO, Gilbert Lewis

Outgoing Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall

A Lewis Styles model in one of the outfits that are available

This week’sbeautyistheenchanting KaylaKing,adelegateoftheMissGuyana CultureQueenPageant. Kaylaisabudding psychologist,whohasapassionforwomen’srights.She isdrivenbyadeepsenseofpurposeandadesiretomakea positiveimpactinhercountry.Inadditiontoheracademic pursuits,Kaylaisatalentsingerandfashionmodel.Her favouritequoteisbyMayaAngelou,whooncesaid, “Successislikingyourself,likingwhatyoudo, andlikinghowyoudoit.”

Kayla King

Jerry Springer’s outrageous talk show ended in 2018. It’s still playing out everywhere, in real life

The politician-turned-talk show host, who died Thursday of pancreatic cancer at 79, had apologized for his raucous and often controversial show

(Yahoo Entertainment) attempted to cover more a professor of sociology at knew exactly what it was Jerry Springer once said that serious social and political the University of California, doing. he’d never watch his own issues,heandhisteamfound Davisandauthorofthe2002 “So many times I saw show but now, in a way, that going the opposite way book The Money Shot: guests really get into it on everyoneelseis. drove ratings, even ahead of Trash, Class, and the stage and then afterwards,

To be clear, the powerful competitor The Making of TV Talk Shows back in the green room, politician-turned-talk show Oprah Winfrey Show insome “I think [The Jerry they’re all palling around,” host, who died Thursday of cases. Springer Show]waspartofa she says “The guests pancreaticcancerat79,is,of “In terms of current broaderphenomenon,sortof themselves were kinda in on c o u r s e , n o t s o l e l y hosts, I think in some ways a sliding scale of civility for it.” responsible for the harsh thattheshowthathewaspart lack of a better phrase,” she They had a big incentive way we see people interact of accustomed people to a says, adding that the for appearing on Springer on TV and in real life, from kind of tone on television proliferation of media eventhoughmuchofitwasa shows such as the now that has come to be more venues and changing trainwreck. canceled Tucker Carlson common,” Gamson adds technologies played parts Acomplicated legacy Tonight, to former President “It’s not really so much too “It’s easier to say “My view of it is that Donald Trump’s Twitter disingenuous hosts or hosts something really negative people were willing to make rants, to the increase in hate that are willing to bend the about someone in a tweet this deal: very unflattering crimes Yet The Jerry truthorrilepeopleupwasan than it is to do it to their behavior and representation Springer Show — and all of invention of Jerry Springer, face.” in exchange for being part of us who ever tuned in — but the kind of cultural ‘It was the producer’s job television,” Grindstaff says. certainlycontributed. change where you’re to make sure that that “Andyoucan’tblamepeople

“It seemed somewhat accustomed to seeing that interaction was really for making that deal because harmless to many people at kind of stuff on TV and in dramatic.’ these are the very people the time, even people who public, I think he really Grindstaff had an up- who are pretty much were disparaging it,” Joshua contributed to that, in a way close view of The Jerry invisibleduetomedia.These Gamson, a professor of that now looks kind of Springer Show in the mid- are poor people, working sociology at the University innocent, kind of naive, ’90s, when she was working class people These are of San Francisco and author because it was in the on her doctorate degree in people with not a lot of ofthe1998book Freaks Talk entertainment sphere... And sociology She worked on formaleducation.” Back: Tabloid Talk Shows it spread, that way of Jerry Springer as an intern Springer and other excluded from any other which those people, the and Sexual Nonconformity, pandering to particular and then production daytimetalkshowswereone opportunities or media conditions of them being tells Yahoo Entertainment, audiences with outrage, assistant, fielding messages ofthefirstplacesofvisibility visibility. So, yes, it’s visible were pretty strict and oftheshow using outrage and division, from viewers hoping to for, for instance, transgender exploitive but let’s also ask, narrow.”

“ButIdon’tthinkthatwe this sort of performance of appear on it, bringing individuals.

‘Why isn’t there a more Being seen meant knewthenthatitwouldshow divisionbetweenpeople.” producers whatever they “ A n d w a s t h e dignified or respectable performingacertainway up in MAGA rallies, with Reality TV expert needed and conducting representation flattering?” [place] for people to share “It required that people people shouting, instead of Danielle Lindemann, an interviews with everyone, Grindstaff asks. “Absolutely theirlives?’” exaggerate their emotions, shouting ‘Jerry! Jerry! associate professor of from Springer to producers not, but were there other All this makes the TV particularly negative Jerry!’Butit’sthesamebasic sociology at Lehigh and guests, as part of her spaces where they were legacy of Springer emotions, be in conflict with thing. It was almost a model University and the author of research. being invited to be able to complicated. one another, be loud... and it for that kind of creepy the 2022 book True Story: “‘This is a show where say, ‘This is me, I’m here. I Gamson sees it as “a mix was a space that he was political impulse to take What Reality TV Says About you just simply witness real, exist.’? So it was a deal. It of being really instrumental instrumental in creating that people down and to treat Us, sees a connection human drama, with the was a deal with the devil in a increatingaspaceforpeople other people saw as trashy,” p o l i t i c s l i k e i t ’ s between the genre she interaction that takes place way, and I’m not surprised fromthemarginswhohadn’t Gamson says. “It’s a very entertainment.” studiesandSpringer’sshow. b e t w e e n p e o p l e , ’ ” that people took that deal, beenveryvisiblebeforetobe mixed thing, what he wound

Those chants would The beginning of ‘say the Grindstaff recalls Springer because they were so onTV and creatingaspacein upcreating.” come from the audience as quiet part out loud’ tellingheronherfirstday. they watched episodes like “They often take She adds that “it was the “I Married a Horse,” which ‘backstage’ thoughts and producer’s job to make sure was banned in some places activities (like, our sexual that that interaction foritsdepictionofbestiality; predilections, medical [between guests] was really “Klanfrontation,” which proceduresandthethingswe dramatic.AndbythatImean featured a physical think about our friends and most typically conflictual confrontation between co-workers but don’t and angry and volatile. I members of both the Klu typically vocalize) and bring don’t think [Springer] ever Klux Klan and the Jewish these activities, attitudes, pretended it was anything Defense League; “Married and thoughts into the ‘front else.Imean,hedescribedthe to Your Dad but Want You stage,’” Lindemann says show to me as a cultural Back”; “Mom, I’m a Porn “And I think you could draw cartoon.” Star”;andmore. a parallel there with Grindstaff says life

Guestsregularlybrawled contemporary politics as behind the scenes was as onstage and had to be pulled well,withpublicfiguresnow stressful and unpredictable apart They admitted to more apt to ‘say the quiet as the product that audiences having done sometimes partoutloud.’” saw terrible—orattheveryleast Springer himself For one thing, people embarrassing things, appeared to regret what were often dropping out at spilling their guts to the occurred on his show, joking thelastminute. camera and the millions after it ended that he was T h o s e w h o d i d watching, from 1991 to sorry for it, that he’d “ruined participatehadoftenseenthe 2018. the culture” and hoped “hell show and probably had at

Although, in its first few isn’tthathot.” least an idea of what they seasons,Springer,theformer But there’s more to it, weregettingintobygoingon mayor of Cincinnati, had points out Laura Grindstaff, the formulaic show, which

Jerry Springer, pictured in January 2012, died Thursday.

(Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

WHAT FUTURE, VENEZUELA?

By:Sir.RonaldSanders

(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.)

The President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, hosted a Conference on Venezuela in his nation’s capital,Bogota,onApril25. The European Union (EU) and 19 countries from the Americas, including the Caribbean,attended,butitis doubtfulthattheyallhadthe samegoalsinmind.

seeingVenezuela re-join the Inter-American Human Rightssystem”.

In a meeting with US President, Joe Biden, on April 20, the day after his OAS address, Petro pressed an argument for removing US sanctions against the Maduro government in exchange for a return to democracyinVenezuela.

Itwaswiththatunofficial themethatPetroappearedto approach his bold initiative to gather representatives of the EU and 19 nations with diverseand-insomecases–divergentintereststodiscuss Venezuela.At the end of the conference, there appeared to be consensus – though no unanimity – on trying to promote two objectives

“of the deliberations carried out” at the Conference and reiterated “the prevailing needtoliftsanctions”.

Representatives of some of the Latin American and Caribbean countries, which were invited to attend the Colombia Conference, unrealisticallyfocussedonly on lifting the sanctions and ignoredtheissueoffreeand fair elections and the restoration of democracy through a negotiated agreementonthesegoalsby all the Venezuelan parties. That position was obviously untenable.

There is clear need for compromise, concessions and flexibility in any negotiations between the political parties in

backtothenegotiatingtable toagreeonaprocessforfree and fair elections and a gradual but progressive lifting of sanctions as steps areimplemented.

Significantly, the US representativestoldtheother nations at the Conference that all of them should encourage that “any agreement include some guaranteesthattheloserwill not face persecution”. They said that the Biden administration “does not support regime change” and ifandwhentherearefreeand fair elections, “the US will accepttheoutcomeandwork with the government they produce”.

Againstthisbackground, there is cause for cautious optimismthattherecouldbe renewed efforts by the Venezuelan parties to achieve an agreement at revived negotiations, which, sofar,havefailed.However, thereweresomekeyplayers –atleastontheMaduroside – that were not at the ColombiaConference.They include Russia, Iran, China and Turkey which have helped the Maduro government to weather the storm of sanctions. Another

is Cuba which has played a key advisory role to Maduro.

It is more than likely that, for other geopolitical considerations, particularly the conflict over Ukraine embodied by Russia and the US, at least Russia and Iran might continue to embolden the Maduro government to continue the same hard-line thatithastakensofarinthe negotiations with the opposition parties. If that happens, the political impasse in Venezuela could persist with all its unfortunate consequences, including an increase in the 7 2 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees of which 2.5 million are in Colombia alone; and a growth beyond the 2 3 million people who are “severely food insecure and in need of immediate humanitarian assistance”, according to the UN World FoodProgramme.

Countries, such as the US, Canada and the members of the EU, should also make it clear to the

V

enezuelanoppositionparties that they do not enjoy unqualified support, and they, too, are expected to work diligently toward a resolution of the political d e a d l o c k ThecountriesofCARICOM have a vested interest in a politically stable region where economic progress can thrive Consequently, CARICOM governments should urge all Venezuelan parties to negotiate their future between them and present the world with a plan, free of retribution, which would rebuild Venezuela in a democratic mould with guaranteed constitutional freedoms, based on free and fair elections.

Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s :

For several years, under Colombia’sformerPresident Iván Duque, relations between the governments of Colombia and Venezuela were openly hostile Immediately after his inauguration as President, Petro began to engage with Venezuela’s President NicolásMaduro.Sincethen, relations between the two countries have significantly improved.

Despite thawing the earlier icy relations between the governments of Colombia and Venezuela, Petro remains concerned aboutdemocracyandrespect forhuman,politicalandcivil rightsinVenezuelaandother Latin American countries. Addressing a meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) on April 19, just6daysbeforehostingthe Conference on Venezuela, Petrosaidthatnowcouldbe “LatinAmerica’stimeinthe world”, but not “through authoritarianism [or] throughdictatorships.” And he restated his interest “in

According to statements by Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Álvaro Leyva, the first aim is to persuade Venezuela’s governing and opposition political parties to set an electoral calendar for free and fair elections, which, presumably, would include the release of political prisoners, so that they could fully participate intheprocess.Thesecondis that there should be gradual lifting of sanctions directly linked to progress of negotiations between the Venezuelan political parties to reach an agreement on elections and the restoration ofdemocraticprocesses.

Leyvaisreportedtohave said, after the Conference, that countries, which attended the meeting, “will inform President Maduro and opposition parties and civilsocietyoftheresultsof the summit”. The only official response from the Maduro government was a statement from Foreign Minister, Yvan Gill, on Twitter in which he assured that “note” had been taken

Venezuela. There must also be agreement on absolute tolerance for political dissent; the development of constitutionalguaranteesfor the independence of the judiciaryandthemedia;and provision for power-sharing intheNationalAssembly

Importantly, at the Colombia Conference, the US representatives said that the Biden Administration has “no desire to maintain US sanctions in perpetuity”. They argued that sanctions “are only a tool” to urge the governmenttotakethesteps necessary for free and fair elections and the restoration of democracy Furthermore, they undertook to the Conference that “if, and as, Venezuelan leaders take thesesteps,wearemorethan ready to reduce and ultimately end our sanctions pressure”.

Therefore, the Colombia Conference can take credit for a frank exchange of views leading to consensus on the two symbiotic paths that have emerged: the Venezuelan parties must get

Sir. Ronald Sanders

President of Colombia, Gusatvo Petro, andAntigua and Barbuda Ambassador, Sir. Ronald Sanders at the OAS on 19April 2023

Extradition

The Guyana Police September 2015, in the Eastern Force(GPF)hasvowed District of New York, Neblett to use all legal avenues conspiredtosmugglecocaineinto

to get the couple theUSfromGuyana. reportedly involved in the murder

In August 2015, he was of Police Constable Quincy accused of arranging for a courier Lewis,extraditedtoGuyana. in Guyana to smuggle cocaine

Extradition is an action into the U.S. in exchange for whereinonejurisdictiondeliversa US$8,000. personaccusedorisconvictedofa More than a year after, the crime in another jurisdiction, over extradition matter commenced in to the other’s law enforcement the Georgetown Magistrates’ officials. It is a cooperative law Courts before Principal enforcement procedure between Magistrate, Faith McGusty – the the two jurisdictions and depends magistrate ruled that there was on the arrangements made sufficient evidence against betweenthem. Neblett for him to be extradited to

On MondayApril 24, 25-year- facethecourtintheU.S. oldShafeekVernoncalled“Profit”

By Renay Sambach

The Guyana Police Force had of Ogle, East Coast Demerara in a silver-grey Toyota Premio to the couple’s East Bank issued a wanted bulletin for Justice(CCJ). (ECD) and 35-year-old Jamel Van motorcar that he borrowed from a Demerara (EBD) home on the day Neblett on February 2, 2017, but Peter Ramcharran Lewis, of Durban Street, friend for work duties at the he disappeared Lewis was he was arrested in May, 2019 at In 2019, former accountant of Georgetown were remanded to AgricolaPoliceStation. allegedly shot at the location and Moleson Creek, Berbice while the Guyana Rice Development prisonforthemurderofthecop. Last Wednesday, the police his body then transported to the illegally attempting to cross over B o a r d ( G R D B ) , P e t e r

On that same date, Senior dug up the skeletal remains from a Madewini Sand Pit area where it toSuriname. Ramcharran, was extradited from Magistrate Leron Daly issued shallow grave at the Madewini was buried. Notably, while the Marcus Bisram Canada to face fraud allegations arrest warrants for the alleged Sand Pit area on the Soesdyke- suspects never confessed to In 2019, US based Guyana- amountingtomillions. masterminds, Thakurdial LindenHighway shooting Lewis, they claimed that born businessman, Marcus Ramcharran was charged for Samaroo, 56, of Lot 7 Ogle Front According to a statement by it was the woman’s husband who Bisram, was extradited from the fraudulent conversion and Road, East Coast Demerara the police, it was the two accused shotandkilledthecop. U.S. misappropriation of funds that (ECD) and his wife Naqueeba who decided to cooperate with the Security cameras had captured

According to reports, it was a allegedly took place between Zahid Zafarali also known as detectives after they were shown him crossing over the Demerara long haul for Bisram. He had been January1,2011andDecember31, ‘Naqueeba Zafarali’ of the same evidence linking them to the Harbour Bridge on June 19, 2020, incustodysinceJuly2017.Hehad 2015. The total is said to be over address. disappearanceofLewis. andheadingintoGreenfieldPark. asked the New York courts to set $400M.

Shafeek and Jamel were not Kaieteur News learnt that Extradition Matters him free on the grounds that there This was after Guyana asked required to plead to the indictable Lewis was allegedly involved in a Shawn Neblett was no extradition treaty between for his extradition to face the charge which stated that they romantic relationship with In November 2020, ex- theU.S.andGuyana. charges pertaining to his duties at murdered Lewis. The men were Zafarali and was reportedly lured policeman, Shawn Neblett, was However, lawyers for the U.S. GRDB, which was the executing jointly charged with the couple handed over to United States government successfully argued agencyforamajoroil-for-ricedeal forthecrime. Federal Officers to be extradited that a longstanding agreement worth billions with Venezuela. They were remanded to to face a series of drug related between the U.S. and Britain, That deal ended suddenly in 2015 prison and the matter was chargesintheUnitedStates. which had ruled Guyana up to the by a hostile Venezuela after the adjournedtoMay24,2023. He was wanted in the U.S. for 1960sstill,holds. coalition government came into

Following the discovery of conspiracy to import cocaine, Bisram was in the custody of office. Lewis’s skeletal remains, the conspiracy to possess cocaine U S authorities, after being A year after Ramcharran was police had issued two wanted with intent to distribute, arrested on July 2017 based on a extraditedhewasfoundguiltyand bulletins for the couple who had importation of cocaine, and request of the Guyana sentenced to three years fled the jurisdiction. possession of cocaine with intent government. imprisonmentforomitting$145M Meanwhile, the police are todistribute. He was being accused of fromthericeentity’sledger. expected to send the remains

The extradition hearing was ordering a hit on a Berbice In Canada, Ramcharran had overseas for DNA testing to carried out against Neblett after a carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt, a first applied for refugee status. confirm that they belong to the wanted bulletin was issued on guest at a party he hosted back in After he was turned down in Lewis. June 10, 2016, for him in the U.S. late2016. December 2017, he sought a

According to reports, Lewis in connection with a matter Narinedattwasallegedtohave review of his extradition process, was last seen alive by his involving trafficking of narcotics been beaten by several men, at the butthiswasturneddown. mother, Charlene Jordon, through the Cheddi Jagan behestofBisram. Ramcharran had reportedly around 17:15hrs on June 19, International Airport (CJIA), Notably, Bisram has since been studying in Canada, when 2020,afterleavingtheirhomeat Timehri. been freed of the charge following authorities swooped down on him La Parfaite Harmonie, West

According to the indictment, several legal battles leading up all in June 2017 following a request Bank Demerara (WBD). He left between August 2015 and the way to the Caribbean Court of forhisextradition.

Wanted, Naqueeba Zahid Zafarali also known as ‘Naqueeba Zafarali’

Wanted, Thakurdial Samaroo

Police Constable Quincy Lewis

shows that not even Tucker

Carlson is bigger than the network

Its most popular anchor was always an unlikely populist

(The Economist) Six been relentlessly hostile to Carlsonhadsomeinteresting executive producer, who is years ago the most popular Ukraine’s president, things to say about Fox’s also out, reportedly had no cable-television host had a Volodymyr Zelensky And management,too.“Thosef-s inkling of their fate—as a prime-time show on Fox he has reliably supported a r e d e s t r o y i n g o u r t a c i t a d m i s s i o n o f News Liberals abhorred DonaldTrump. credibility,” he wrote. It is wrongdoing, intended to him; conservatives tuned in In private, however, his not yet clear if he was fired reassure investors and preto see him rail against feelings about Mr Trump because he was caught emptively staunch an “political correctness” and were not so warm. Just two misleading his viewers or advertising outflow of the otherliberalpieties.Butafter days before the Capitol riot, because he was caught sort that hit Mr O’Reilly’s the New York Times reported he texted his producer: “I badmouthing his bosses show that Fox had paid out $13m hate him passionately.” To Perhaps it was neither: Just a few days earlier, to settle lawsuits from five Fox parted ways with women accusing him of another Trump-boosting sexual harassment or host,DanBongino. inappropriatebehaviour,and

Perhaps Fox is cleaning more than 50 advertisers house and needs a couple of abandoned his show, the severed heads to remind its network unceremoniously employees of the distinction kicked Bill O’Reilly to the between pandering to its kerb (Mr O’Reilly has long base, as partisan political

and create stars, it is not grave, and Mr Carlson deniedthecharges). programmes on both Fox beholden to them. When sprang up to replace him.

History does not repeat and MSNBC frequently do, their antics become too Fox News is still the mostitself, but it sometimes and defaming people or costly or embarrassing, they watchedcablenetworkinthe rhymes. On April 24th Fox companies that might sue. areshownthedoor country, and has seen off parted ways with Tucker Perhaps it was related to Ms M a r k e t s w e r e threats from upstart rivals on Carlson, currently the most Grossberg’slawsuit. unimpressed: Fox’s stock theright. popular host on cable

Whatever the reason, Mr dropped sharply this week. It won’t take Fox long to television, who also rouses Carlson’s departure, like Mr But there is a lesson here for findsomeoneelsetothrillits liberal ire. Fox is also facing O’Reilly’s,isareminderthat gleeful lefties too They viewers and enrage a lawsuit, this time brought whileFoxNewsmaynurture danced on Mr O’Reilly’s Americanliberals. by one of his former producers, Abby Grossberg, accusingthenetworkandMr Carlson’sstaffofsexismand anti-Semitism—charges that noted FoxandMrCarlsondeny in E x p e n s i v e l y a n d Carlson coastally educated, Mr Rupert Carlson was always an ged ex-fiancée, unlikely populist His as part of a defamation AnnLesleySmith. stepmother is heir to a lawsuit filed by Dominion Some see Mr Carlson’s frozen-goods fortune Voting Systems, which Fox u n c e r e m o n i o u s Earlier in his career he settled on April 18th. Mr departure he and his worked for PBS and MSNBC, both liberal stalwarts. Mr O’Reilly affected an outer-borough pugnacity; Mr Carlson’s blue blazers, repp ties and cocksure delivery made him appeartheembodimentofan old-school, East Coast establishmentRepublican.

That species, though, is as endangered as the blue whale.MrCarlson’spolitical views are, by contrast, a strange mixture of cranky andhard-edged.

Like many on the new right, he has fawned over the corrupt, illiberal regime in Hungary. He has argued that Democrats are “trying to replace the current electorate with new people,moreobedientvoters from the third world”—a theory that finds favour on thefarright.

He has downplayed the attack on the Capitol on January 6th 2021, airing selectively edited video and claiming the rioters were “meek” “sightseers”. He has

Tucker Carlson. (Getty Images)

This Day in History - APR. 30

Adolph Hitler commits suicide in his underground bunker

April30,1945

On April 30, 1945, holed up in a bunker under his headquarters in Berlin, Adolf Hitler commits suicide by swallowing a cyanide capsule and shooting himself in the head.Soonafter,Germanyunconditionallysurrenderedtothe Alliedforces,endingHitler’sdreamsofa“1,000-year”Reich.

In January 1945, facing a siege of Berlin by the Soviets, Hitler withdrew to his bunker to live out his final days. Located55feetunderthechancellery,thesheltercontained18 rooms and was fully self-sufficient, with its own water and electrical supply Though he was growing increasingly mad, Hitlercontinuedtogiveordersandmeet such close subordinates as ermann Goering, Heinrich Himmler and Josef Goebbels. He also married his long-time mistress Eva Braun just one daybeforehissuicide.

Original Land Rover debuted at Auto Show

April30,1948

well-received by the

The Land Rover, a British-made public and ended up all-terrain vehicle that will earn a being used not just reputation for its use in exotic locales, for agricultural debuts at an auto show in Amsterdam, work, but by police onApril30,1948. forces, military

The first Land Rover, known as the organizations, aid Series1,wasthebrainchildofMaurice workers in remote Wilks,theheaddesignerfortheBritish places and travelers car company Rover, of which his on expeditions brother Spencer Wilks was the w h e r e r o a d managing director Maurice Wilks conditionswerepoor used an old American-made Willys- or non-existent. In OverlandJeeptodoworkathisfarmin 1976, the 1 millionth England However, the Jeep was Land Rover rolled plagued by mechanical problems and off the assembly line

Leyland) British Aerospace later Wilksdecidedtodesignamorereliable inSolihull,Birmingham,England. acquired Land Rover In 1994, BMW vehicle.

In 1970, the Range Rover, a more acquired the Land Rover business.

He intended it to be used for farm comfortable, luxurious version of the Next, in 2000, the Ford Motor work and be more versatile than a Land Rover, launched ‘The Company purchased Land Rover for tractor The resulting Land Rover, Discovery’,alessexpensiveversionof $2.7billion. known as the Series 1, had a boxy, the Range Rover made its public debut

In 2008, Ford, which was utilitariandesign,four-wheeldriveand in 1989; it was marketed to a younger, experiencing a sales slump due to the acanvasroof. less conservative audience than Range worldwide economic crisis, sold Land

Such features as passenger seat Rover buyers By that time, the Rover, along with another British- cushions,doors,aheaterandsparetires company had experienced ownership based brand, Jaguar, to Tata Motors of were initially considered extras and changes: In 1967, Rover became part Indiaforsome$2.3billion. costmore.TheruggedLandRoverwas of Leyland Motors (later called British

Adolph Hitler

In his last will and testament, Hitler appointed AdmiralKarlDonitzashead of state and Goebbels as chancellor He then retired to hisprivatequarterswithBraun, where he and Braun poisoned themselves and their dogs, before Hitler then also shot himself with his servicepistol.

Hitler and Braun’s bodies were hastily cremated in the chancellerygarden,asSovietforcesclosedinonthebuilding. When the Soviets reached the chancellery, they removed Hitler’s ashes, continually changing their location so as to prevent Hitler devotees from creating a memorial at his final restingplace.

Only eight days later, on May 8, 1945, the German forces issued an unconditional surrender, leaving Germany to be carvedupbythefourAlliedpowers.

Big Ben Clock stops at 12:11pm for 54 minutes

April30,1997

OnApril30,1997,atexactly12:11pm,London’siconicBig Benclockstopsticking.For54minutes,themostfamousclock intheworldfailedtokeeptime.

Completed in 1859, Big Ben has a long history of technical issues.Thefirstbellcastforthetowercrackedbeforeitcouldbe installed, and the second bell also developed a crack shortly afterinstallation,resultinginsilencefromthetoweruntil1862. The bells stopped ringing again during World War I, and the towerwasnotilluminatedatnightforthedurationofWorldWar II, when most of London was kept dark to make German bombingraidsmoredifficult.

Despite the heavy damage that the Blitz inflicted on London,however,theclockstayedwithinasecondandahalfof GMTforthedurationofthewar

Sincethen,bothextremeheatandthebuildupofsnowhave caused Big Ben’s clock to stop ticking. In 1962, snow delayed the bells, causing the capital of Britain to ring in the new year ten minutes later than the rest of the country The April 1997 stoppage occurred the day before that year’s general election, but the malfunction was probably not a factor in the voting, which Tony Blair’s “New Labour” won in a landslide over incumbentPrimeMinisterJohnMajor BigBen’sclockstopped again in May of 2005, on one of the hottest May days ever recordedinLondon.

Tennis Star Monica Seles stabbed

April30,1993

wasrankedNo.1intheworld. op women’s tennis

TOnApril 30, 1993, Seles, then player Monica Seles is 19, was sitting on a courtside seat

stabbed by a deranged during a changeover in her match German man during a match in against Magdalena Maleeva at Hamburg. the Hamburg Open when 38-

The assailant, a fan of German year-old Gunter Parche leaned tennis star Steffi Graf, apparently over a fence and stabbed her hoped that by injuring Seles his between the shoulder blades with idol Graf would be able to regain a knife Parche was quickly herNo.1ranking. apprehended by security officials

Seles became the youngest and Seles was taken to the woman to win the French Open in hospital 1990 when she defeated No. 1- She recovered from her rankedSteffiGraffinthefinals.In physical injuries but was left with 1991, Seles, a power player with a deep emotional scars and didn’t rankedwomen’splayer habit of grunting loudly during play again professionally for another At the time of the 1993 attack, she matches, replaced Graf as the top- twoyears. had won eight Grand Slam titles and

Monica Seles

World Wide Web (WWW) launches in the public domain

April30,1993

headquartered in Switzerland. Other Berners-Lee wrote and published the

On April 30, 1993, four years after research institutions like the first web page, a simplistic outline of publishing a proposal for “an idea of Massachusetts Institute of Technology theWorldWideWebproject,in1991. linked information systems,” and Stanford University had CERN began sharing access with computer scientist Tim Berners- ped complex other institutions, and soon opened it Lee released the source code systems for internally uptothegeneralpublic.Inreleasingthe for the world’s first web s h a r i n g sourcecodefortheprojecttothepublic browser and editor information, and domain two years later, Berners-Lee Originally called Mesh, Berners-Lee essentially opened up access to the the browser that he sought a means project to anyone in the world, making dubbed WorldWideWeb of connecting it free and (relatively) easy to explore became the first royalty- CERN’s system to thenascentinternet. free,easy-to-usemeansof others. He outlined Simple Web browsers like Mosaic browsing the emerging plan for such a appeared a short time later, and before information network tha network in 1989 and long the Web had become by far the developed into the internet developed it over the mostpopularsystemofitskind.Within weknowittoday following years The a matter of years, Berners-Lee’s Berners-LeewasafellowatCERN, computer he used, a NeXTdesktop, inventionhadrevolutionized the r

becametheworld’sfirstinternetserver (Continued on page

Compiled by Richard Francois. (From history.com)

Land Rover

Health Facts

Signs you are in danger of a heart attack or stroke

Strokes and heart attacks

records on patients, but if an idea to are always an emergency. ambulance takes a patient to call the

Butdoyouknowthesignsof a different hospital than p r i m a r y stroke and heart attack? where they normally go, that healthcare

Knowledge is power You hospital might not have physician and cansavealifebylearningthe those important health let him or her signs and symptoms, records immediately know, so they can recognizing them when they available. assist the emergency happen, and getting

By Rehanna Ramsay

If the patient has a department to let the staff doctor call ahead can ensure emergencymedicalcare. primaryphysicianordoctor, know the medical history that the most accurate

For stroke, a sudden it is good to call ahead and and be well informed on to information about your numbness, severe headache, inform him or her of their treat the patients that are condition is communicated dizziness, weakness to one condition. coming. with the emergency side of your body, facial

In these cases, many This does not guarantee department staff Many droop, or slurred speech or patients come to the you will be seen sooner, as patients have complicated weakness in the face, arm or emergency department all emergency department medical histories, and this patient to a hospital fast. apps available. Make sure to leg, especiallyon one side of without being seen in person patients are triaged, or quickphonecallcanresultin These medical emergencies keep the updated list when thebodyisveryindicativeof or via telemedicine by their sorted, with the most serious a clearer picture of your are treatable and the faster medicationschange. apersonatrisk. primary physician. Before conditionsseenfirst. health condition and a better the patient gets treated, the Some health systems

The sudden confusion or arriving, it would be a good However, having your overallexperience. morelikelytheyaretoreturn keep electronic medical trouble understanding hometofamilyandroutines. speech, sudden trouble

Failure to identify and seeing in one or both eyes, treat a person who has these sudden trouble walking, symptoms within a matter of dizziness, or loss of balance hours, can result in the or coordination and sudden damaged part of their heart severe headache with no o r b r a i n b e c o m i n g known cause can all be signs unsalvageable. ofastroke. Visit the ER

In terms of heart attack, Whether it is an elderly pain or discomfort in the person or not, keep these chest is usually a sign that quick tips in mind should an you are in danger of cardiac emergency happen and you arrest. According to various find yourself on the way to m e d i c a l s o u r c e s , the hospital, with a person lightheadedness, nausea or who has exhibited some of vomiting, jaw, neck or back the symptoms mentioned pain, discomfort pain in arm earlier or shoulder and shortness of When minutes count, it’s breath also fall into that helpful to have your medical category history and information in

W h e n y o u t h i n k writingandready someone might be having a Have a list of your stroke or heart attack, don’t d o c t o r ’ s c o n t a c t wait. information, your medical

Call 912 the local issues, allergies and Emergency Medical medications and the doses Services(EMS)hotlineright you are taking. Keep the list away Emergency Medical written down on a piece of Services personnel are paperinyourpurseorwallet, trained to identify stroke and on a cell phone or download heart attack and get the one of the many smartphone

World Wide Web (WWW) launches...

From page 31 information-sharing and, in doing so, had dramatically altered the way that human beings communicated. The creation and globalization of the web is widely considered one of the most transformational events in human history 4.39 billion people, including you, are now estimated to use the internet, accounting for over half the global population. TheaverageAmericannowspends24hoursaweekonline.

The internet’s rise has been the greatest expansion in information access in human history, has led to the exponential growth in the total amount of data in the world, and has facilitated a spread of knowledge, ideas and social movementsthatwasunthinkableasrecentlyasthe1990s.

InterestingCreatures...

DNAsequencingtoidentifyundiscovered rabbitsfoundinRegionNine

ByShervinBelgrave

DNA sequencing is being used to identify a species of wild rabbits that mysteriously showed up some decades ago in farmlands of the Wapishana people at Karaudarnau Village, South Rupununi, Region Nine This is according to the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) who spoke with the Waterfalls last week.

According to SRCS, “For decades, the residents of Karaudarnau Village in the Deep South of Region 9 have known that there are wild rabbits that roam their farmlands and many have evenkeptthemaspets”.

The locals have reportedly call them Kazootain, which is part of the Wapishana dialect which means “long ears”

However, the species remains undiscovered in the worldofscience.

“It is therefore not known whether the species of rabbit is the same species that can be found in SurinameorBrazil,orifitis a subspecies of those populations, or if it is altogether a new specie entirelyorifitisadomestic rabbitthathasgoneferaland multiplied”,SRCSsaid.

To solve the mystery behindthescientificidentity of the wild rabbits, SRCS teamed up with villagers to catch some of the wild

rabbits so that they could be sentoverseasfortesting. With support from overseas organisations, the Field Museum in Chicago, USA, the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada, the

University of Florida and Jacksonville Zoo in the US, SCRS began the project in Januarythisyearbytraining five local residents, Chris Issacs, Mario Domingo, Keith Williams, Leo Ernest and Lorenzo John from Karaudarnau to set traps at fourfarmswhererabbitsare frequentlysighted.

After some two months

of setting baits and monitoring the traps, four wild rabbits were caughttwomalesandtwofemales.

Local scientists, after observing them were convinced that the

undiscovered species of rabbits were definitely domesticones.

SCRS said that animals will be processed by Guyanese scientific advisor, Indranee Roopsind, before being sent to the Field Museum in Chicago and the Royal Ontario Museum in Canadaforanalysis.

With the use of DNA sequencing, scientists at these museums will determine the species of rabbits discovered in the deepSouthoftheRupununi.

“Thisprocesswill

Continuedonpage62

The undiscovered rabbits caught in the traps.

Locals setting up a rabbit trap.

Friday Music Guide: New Music From Jack Harlow, Niall Horan, Kesha and More

Check out the must-hear releases of the week

(Billboard) Billboard’s Friday heartbeat of the song is steady, and the “TheFeels”). Music Guide serves as a handy guide to singer-songwriter underlines the reliable EslabonArmado, Desveldo this Friday’s most essential releases — poppresencethathewasborntoinhabit. As regional Mexican music the key music that everyone will be Kesha. “Fine Line” / “Eat the Acid” experiences a frankly astonishing talking about today, and that will be Anyone who’s been paying attention explosion across the U S dominating playlists this weekend and toKesha’soutputoverthepastfewyears mainstream, “Ella Baila Sola,” the beyond. won’t be surprised about the sparse collaboration between Eslabon

This week, Jack Harlow grows from soundandunflinchingattitudeofhertwo Armado and Peso Pluma, is helping boy to man, Niall Horan keeps his cool, new singles, “Fine Line” and “Eat the to lead the charge, pushing into the and Kesha takes a bold step forward. Acid” — yet even as she roamed farther top5ofthisweek’sHot100chartand Checkoutallofthisweek’spicksbelow: away from the turbo-pop sound of her setting up the California trio’s new Jack Harlow, Jackman career beginnings, the singer-songwriter album,Desvelado.

Jack Harlow didn’t have to release a hasneverapproachedhercraftwithquite For both longtime genre newalbumin2023:afterall,his2022LP, this much unfiltered lyricism and supporters and curious new fans, Come Home the Kids Miss You, musicalfragility Eslabon Armado’s latest project spawned a No. 1 smash in “First Class,” Both songs capture the bitter functions as the perfect flash point: andinafewweekshe’llbestarringinthe exhaustion that Kesha has documented not only do rising stars like Grupo White Men Can’t Jump remake. Instead during her years-long legal battle with FronteraandDannyLuxstopbyalong of resting on his laurels and focusing on former producer Dr Luke, and both are with Pluma, but the trio carve out a Hollywood, however, Harlow is back strikingintheirintimacy,asifthelistener unique lane within regional Mexican with Jackman, a semi-surprise release is sitting next to Kesha during a on their own with songs like “Dame andasurprisinglyurgentshowcaseofhis breathtaking,two-partconfessional. OtroBeso”and“GraciasaTi.” technical skills as an MC. Rapping over Labrinth, Ends & Begins

The National, First Two Pages of soul samples and veering away from Earlier this month, Labrinth scored Frankenstein radio-ready choruses, Harlow treats the one of Coachella’s biggest flexes when Although The National’s ninth 24-minute project as a quick he brought out Billie Eilish during the full-length is certainly the indie-rock simplification of his craft — after first weekend to duet on “Never Felt So stalwarts’ most star-studded affair to becomingastar,he’sgonebacktobasics Alone,” then welcomed Zendaya date—TaylorSwift,PhoebeBridgers to illustrate his skills before the onstageforweekend2forapairofsongs and Sufjan Stevens all stop by, with spotlightsarrived. from the Euphoria soundtrack. The guest appearances that will surely Niall Horan, “Meltdown” singer-songwriterhas longbeenahighly cause some rubbernecking streams

“When it all melts down, I’ll be respected collaborator and well- from unfamiliar listeners — First Two there,” Niall Horan promises on new connected studio presence, and while pages of Frankenstein is not some single “Meltdown” — addressing a new album Ends & Begins may be overdue play for mainstream romantic partner, most likely, but also arriving during a particularly high- adulation. serving as a beacon of support to the wattagemomentinhiscareer,theproject If anything, The National have millions of listeners who have leaned on highlights what he’s always been doing: never been this hushed before:The 11 his voice throughout his solo career and utilizing his sparkling voice to find songs here sprawl out artfully, timeinOneDirection.“Meltdown”finds personal redemption, tinkering with the providing subtle reflections on the Horan biting off a jumpy pop-rock seamsofmodernR&B,andplayingwell evolution of relationship details and production and swaggering through off of others (especially Zendaya, who corralling the band’s famous friends some ooo-ooo-ooo melodies; the appearsuncreditedonthesearingopener intotheirquiet,gracefulatmosphere.

Labrinth, Ends & Begins

Jack Harlow

Niall Horan, “Meltdown”

Kesha. “Fine Line” / “Eat the Acid”

The National, First Two Pages of Frankenstein

At 83 I feel sexual: Smokey Robinson on Love, Joy, Drugs, Motown – and his affair with Diana Ross

(THE GUARDIAN) -

Smokey Robinson’s first collectionofnewsongsin14 yearsisgorgeous,tenderand utterly filthy – a concept album about sex called Gasms Robinson, 83, admits he thought the title would be good for business.

“When people think of gasms,theythinkoforgasms first and foremost I tell everybody: ‘Whatever your gasm is, that’s exactly what I’m talking about ’” He bursts out laughing. Within secondsofmeetinghim,you can tell this is a man who’s done a hell of a lot of laughing,lovingandliving.

On the title track, Robinson sings about eyegasms, eargasms, the whole gamut of gasms. If there is any danger of missingthepoint,hethrows

teenager? “I still feel the same way, only I’m wiser with it. When you’re young and you have those exploratory feelings about sex, you haven’t lived long enoughtoknowthevalueof it. So yes, I have a different attitude to it, but I still feel sexual And I hope I’ll always feel like that. OK, chronologically, I’m 83, but it’snotreallymyage.”

We are chatting on a videocall.Robinsonlivesin LosAngeleswithhissecond wife, Frances Glandney, a successful interior designer ButtodayheisinNewYork publicising Gasms. His hair isjetblack,hiseyesgoldengreen,hisskintaut,histeeth Alpine white The look might not be 100% natural, but it works. Even if he allowed his hair to grey, his

His two sisters were born to the same mother, but different fathers. Although hisparentsdivorcedwhenhe was three, they remained unitedasparents.“Mymom usedtosay:‘You’regoingto havetotakecareofhimafter I’mgone,soyoulovehim.’I don’t know how she knew that.Andmydadwouldsay: ‘You gotta love your mom because she’s a great woman.’ Even though they couldn’t stay in the same room for five minutes together, they still promoted eachothertome.”

By the age of four, his Uncle Claude had nicknamedhimSmokeyJoe.

“If you asked me what my name was, I’d say Smokey Joe because I’m a cowboy Even my teachers called me it.”SmokeyJoestucktillthe

childhood was wonderful. “It’s beautiful to know we were kids playing together And these people are some ofthemostfamouspeoplein the world now.We had such joy I grew up in the hood, baby AndImean the hood.” Franklin had a more privileged background

“Right in the middle of the ghetto there were two plush blocks, Boston Boulevard and Arden Park that had lawnsandbighomes.Aretha lived on Boston Boulevard ’cos her father had money –he was one of the biggest preachersinthecountry But it wasn’t like they were the rich kids. No, we just all played together We stayed lifelongfriends.”

They had singing competitions on the Franklins’ back porch, which Aretha and her sister Ermainvariablywon:“Erma was a helluva singer, too.” Mostofhisfriendsfromthen have died, too many when they were young – through drugs or violence. “When Aretha passed, in 2018, she was my longest friend I had who was still alive I’d known Aretha since I was eight.”

One day, young Robinson went with his band, ‘the Miracles’, to see the managers of his hero, JackieWilson.Theytoldhim the band didn’t have a chance because he sang high, as did ‘the Miracles’ female singer (Claudette

$800frommyfamily We’re notgoingtojustmakeblack music–we’regoingtomake music for the world. We’re goingtohavegreatbeatsand great stories.’As far as I’m concerned, there had never been anything like Motown before that time, and there will never, ever be anything like Motown again.” He’s gotapoint.

eachotherforawhile,Diana said to me she couldn’t do that because she knew Claudette, and she knew I still loved my wife. And I did. I loved my wife very much.”

in double entendres that vergeonthesingle.Hesings with the silky falsetto of yesteryear, the words perfectly phrased as ever

The album ranges from the exultant (“We’re each other’s ecstasy”) on Roll

Aroundtothebiological(“If you got an inner vacancy / Baby, then make it a place forme”)onIFitinThere.

It’s important for him to show that older people are still sexual beings, he says.

“WhenIhearofgrandfathers and grandmothers who are 60 years old being talked about as if you’re counting them out and putting them out to pasture, I think it’s ridiculous.This is a new era of life. I feel 50.” He has no intention of turning into an oldman,whateverhisage.

Has his attitude towards sex changed since he was a

teeth to yellow and his skin to sag, Robinson would be youthful–possiblymoreso. The voice, the energy, the enthusiasm and the smarts allmakehimyoung.

Nobodywroteaboutlove and desire like Robinson. ‘You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me’ has one of music’s greatest first lines (“I don’t like you, but I love you”), whilethelyricsto‘TheTears of a Clown’ (“Now if I appear to be carefree / It’s only to camouflage my sadness / And honey to shield my pride I try / To coverthishurtwithashowof gladness”) show why Bob D y l a n c a l l e d h i m “America’s greatest living poet”.

WilliamRobinsonJrwas born in Detroit to workingclass parents who had little money but plenty of love.

Joe became surplus. When he was 10, his mother died. His older sister, Geraldine, andherhusband,whohad10 children, moved into the family home and looked afterhimasifhewasNo11, while his father lived upstairs. He was a bright, conscientious boy who planned to study dentistry until he discovered you had to dissect animals That didn’tappeal,sohechanged toelectricalengineering.

His real dream was to become a singer But, back then, he believed people from his background didn’t dothatkindofthing.

Acoupleofblocksaway lived Aretha Franklin and herbrotherCecil,anotherof his closest friends. When Robinson was 10, Diana Ross moved into his street with her family He says his

Rogers, Robinson’s girlfriend,whowentontobe hisfirstwifeandthemother oftwoofhisthreechildren), so their sound was too similartothatofthePlatters, the world’s most popular band at the time, who also had a female singer and a male singer who sang high. But Berry Gordy happened tobethereandhelikedwhat he heard He started to mentor Robinson and ‘the Miracles’,andtheyrecorded asingle,‘GotaJob’.

Robinson started college.Onedayinclass,he was listening to his radio whentheirsinglecameon.“I went apesh*t. I jumped up andranoutofclass,andthat wasitforme.

I said to Dad: ‘I want to quit college and try music,’ andhesurprisedme.Hesaid: “You’re only 17 years old –you’ve got time to fail. If it doesn’tworkout,youcango backtoschool”.

Lessthantwoyearslater, Motownwasformed.“Berry sat us down and said: ‘I’m goingtostartmyownrecord company I’ve borrowed

By the age of 19, he and Claudette were married They remained so for 27 years, although he had affairs along the way Were he and Franklin an item at one point? “No, just friends.” He smiles. “I do admitwhenIwasabout15I had a crush on her.” Who wouldn’t, I say “Hehehe! Yeah, she was fine!” Did he and Ross have a thing? He pauses. “Yes, we did.” How long for? “About a year I was married at the time. We wereworkingtogetherandit just happened. But it was beautiful. She’s a beautiful lady, and I love her right till today She’s one of my closest people She was young and trying to get her career together I was trying to help her I brought her to Motown, in fact. I wasn’t going after her and she wasn’tgoingafterme.Itjust happened.”

Whathappenedtothem?

“After we’d been seeing

He looks at me and says this is what he was talking a b o u t e a r l i e r –understanding love “You asked me what happened when we get older, and we get wisdom in life. I learned thatwearecapableofloving more than one person at the same time. And it has been made taboo by us By people. It’s not because one person isn’t worthy or they don’t live up to what you expect – it has to do with feelings.Ifwecouldcontrol love, nobody would love anybody Nobody would takethatchance.Whywould you put your heart out there for somebody to be able to hurt you like that and make you able to have those feelings?”

I ask if he has heard the rumourabouthimandRoss.

There is a story, I say, that you two are the real parents of Michael Jackson. “They say I’m the baby daddy?” His voice rises an octave. “Hehehehe! Hooohooho! They say Diana Ross and I had Michael?”Yes. “Oh my God!Ineverheardthatone, (Continuedonpage47)

Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson (front) and ‘the Miracles’, circa 1963. Photograph: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Smokey and his second wife, Frances Glandney, at Elton John Aids Foundation’s academy awards party in March 2023. Photograph: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Elton John Aids Foundation

Shenseea Still Can’t Believe She Went From ‘Patron’ to ‘Performing’ at Coachella

TheJamaicanpopstaralsotalkswithBillboardabouthernew-meets-olddancehallsound,herlifeasamomandteasesnewmusic.

(BILLBOARD) -

Jamaican pop star Shenseea caught up with Billboard’s TetrisKellytoreflectonher journey from aspiring artist to Coachella stage commander

Duringherset,Shenseea

broughtout“Players”rapper CoiLeraytoperformaremix of the hit single alongside Dominican phenom, Tokischa. “Last year I came asapatronandnowthisyear I’m performing,” Shenseea says “I did not see it

coming.”

The singer just released her latest single, “Curious,” which she hoped would serve to bridge the space between dancehall’s roots anditsfuture.

“Iwantedtobringbacka

nostalgicfeelingwith oldschoolDancehalland mix it with mode sound,”sheexplains.

“A lot of people who know about the culture is like ‘Yo, we haven’t heard this sound in a long time,’ and that’s exactly what we wereaimingfor.”

Thetrack’ssteamy music video shows the 26-year-oldinanumber attention-grabbing lo as she drips in honey and grooves alongside a team of dancers. The YouTube video has already garnered 3.5 million views since its

April13premiere. Shenseeaalsoreleased an impressive freestyle to Akon’s “Locked Up” earlier this month, shouting out her 7year-old son with the memorable line, “Hard fi hold my tongue,sorry,I’mjust a mom/ Tell di baby mother mi will go ah jailfimison.”

“Whenitcomesdown my kid I don’t play,” she says. In 2022, Shenseea’s son walked the BBMA red carpet alongside mom, draped in a dapper gold and black suit and aviator sunglasses.

The singer also teased new music alongside major features, adding to her long list of co-signers including Megan Thee Stallion, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani and 21 Savage. “I believe in myself but seeing other people believe in me whoareaheadofthegame,It feelsamazing.”

“I’ve been waiting on this moment for such a long time,”shesaysofherrise.

“I just gotta give God thanks and try to relish the moment because it’s going byprettyfast.”

Jamaican pop star, Shenseea

CONSTRUCTING SAFE ACCESS SCAFFOLDS USING THE NATIONAL STANDARD

ThelandscapeinGuyana is quickly changing with the construction of many highrise buildings, even as the housing sector continues to rapidlyexpand.

These developments exposeconstructionworkers to many hazards, thus creating the need to implement safety standards. One of the most common hazards for these workers is the potential of falling from great heights leading to injuries or even death. To avoidsuchincidents,thereis need for the erection of accessscaffoldsbutmoreso, scaffolds which are sturdy andreliable.

In 2022, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) adopted the Code of Practice for Access scaffold from the Canadian Standards Association as a National Standard. The standardGYS/CAN/CSA-Z797-18–provides criteria for the safe erection,use,andinspection of access scaffolds. It also addresses training of workerswhoareresponsible forerectingthescaffolds.

According to the document, a scaffold is a temporary elevated or hanging platform and its structural members that are used to support workers and/or materials during construction, repair, or maintenance operations However, it should not be used to support temporary loads or hold a structural element in place during the constructionorrepair

These structures can be supported on a surface, mounted on wheels or hung frommultiplepoints,butare not capable of moving verticallyorhorizontally

The standard addresses key hazards, including fall hazards, structural instability,platformfailures, and material handling problems.

The supervisor is the person tasked with ensuring that the scaffold is built in accordance with the design drawings,havingthecorrect components and materials and proper access points. Further, it is noted that the weather should be consideredtoensurethatthe stability of the structure is not affected as workers maneuver to complete their dailytasks.

As the city’s population increases, some buildings are constructed in close proximity to others However, it is specified that scaffolds erected at the side ofthesestructuresduringthe construction phase should not have walkways which are less than fifty-five (55) centimetres wide unless otherwise required by local regulations The structure should also not impede any emergency equipment including fire hose, fire extinguisher, exit door or electricalpanel.

To protect workers, the standard also recommends that in the vicinity of energized electrical conductors such as power lines, precautions should be taken to maintain the minimum safe approach distance from the conductors.

Where the powerline voltage is unknown, scaffolds should not be erected until the voltage is verifiedorthepowerlinesare insulated, de-energised or relocated.

The importance of this

National Standard is not to be ignored by those in the construction sector In February of this year, a worker performing maintenance duties on a multi-story building on Regent Street –the center of Georgetown’s shopping district –was electrocuted while on an aluminum scaffoldattemptingtoinstall a pressure plate on the glass frame at the front of the building. The man suffered burns to his hands and other parts of his body, prompting an investigation from the Ministry of Labour. In September 2020 and April 2021, there have been incidents of workers falling to their death from high-rise buildings.

The safety of workers at construction and other sites remains vital to protecting lifeandlimb.

In April, Guyana joined in observing Occupational Safety and Health Month underthetheme:“ASafeand H e a l t h y W o r k i n g E n v i r o n m e n t i s a Fundamental Principle and a Right at Work.”The theme promotes the need for employers to implement measures to ensure their workers are safe, and one way to do so is by ensuring the proper protective equipment is provided and utilized by workers while performingtheirduties.

The GNBS is urging employers to ensure that safety standards are implemented in the workplace The National Standard GYS/CAN/CSA-Z 797-18 - Code of Practice for Access Scaffold is availablethroughtheGNBS portal and can be purchased via the Canadian Standards Associationwebsite: https://wwwcsagroup or g/store/product/Z797-18/

Finally,therearetwentyone (21) National Standards relating to the construction sectorwhichareavailableat the GNBS and can also be found on the portal gnbsguy.com

For more information on these standards, contact t h e B u r e a u ’ s S t a n d a r d i s a t i o n Department on telephone numbers: 219-0064 or 2190065 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgyorg. You can also WhatsApp us on+5926924627.

MEN on MISSION (MoM) ADDRESSES THE MALE GENDER CRISIS

By:PATDIAL

In the Western World as well as the Islamic World, during the 19th and 20th centuries, society became increasinglyconsciousofthe o p p r e s s i o n a n d discrimination women suffered Women were traditionally kept out of the power structure: they could not vote, could not serve in Parliaments or in Government Service. Women were paid less for doingthesamejobsasmen; they were denied education; the professions were accordingly closed to them; and they were often subjected to violence and could have little or no protection or redress from anyone.

As life became more civilized,itwasrealizedthat the ill-treatment of and discrimination against women retarded society and ultimately negatively affected everyone. It was also realized that once women were engaged in the world of work, society became more prosperous since women are efficient a n d o f t e n t i m e s outperformed men in some areas. By the beginning of the 20th century, in many countries, women were being freed from most of their oppressive restrictions and were beginning to benefit from full legal protection.

Women and men were now accepted as equals in mostpartsoftheworld.

And though there were still a few areas of discrimination against women remaining, women were now found in every f i e l d o f a c t i v i t y, outperforming and sometimes outnumbering men, not only in academic performance but in other spheres.

This freedom of women was welcomed by all, but then it took a sudden and unexpectedturn.

It was discovered that men, especially in the developed countries, were becoming demoralized to a greater or lesser degree Some men began to opt out of organized society, becoming drug addicts, leaving the workforce or having low productivity

They were becoming less ambitious to qualify themselves in the various

tradesandprofessions;inthe schools, boys were performinglessthangirls.

Many males did not attendschoolordroppedout, evenattheuniversitylevels. Menbegantohavelesscare for their families, often abdicating their role of breadwinner, and engaging indomesticviolenceagainst their wives and children; sometimes even murdering them.

In the developed countries, as mentioned above,thereappearstobefar more awareness of the malady and there is a growing corpus of research, andeffortsarebeingmadeto addressit.

In Guyana, President Dr IrfaanAli is one of the very few who has thoroughly seized the problem and despite an extraordinarily busy schedule, was able last October, to establish a kind of guild known as MEN on MISSION (MoM) to begin to address the issue. This pioneering initiative of His Excellencyismosttimely

In establishing MoM President Ali remarked that it was done “to tackle toxic masculinity and create a positive environment and safe space for men, promoting integrity, productivity, accountability and character building .” Hethenwentonsaying:“We men are now the root cause ofmanyproblemsinsociety It is now our time to be the root or solution; to be the root of positivity, to be the rootthatmakesadifference, to be our root that builds a support system”. The coremembershipofMoMis personnel from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and it isexpectedthatthiscorewill be extended to include men of every background with chaptersinotherpartsofthe country

MoM has been involved in a number of activities: Theyhaverebuiltthehouses

of poor persons which had been destroyed by fire and constructed new houses to replace the shacks many of the very aged inhabited They have been beautifying the environment by rebuilding broken down fences, painting modest homesandplantingflowers.

MoMhasbeguntowork with boys and also girls to get them back to school and i n t o t h e l e a r n i n g environment. This necessitates coaching, mentoring and being in contact with parents. It has sofarorganizedoneregional boyscamptotrain500boys in a variety of skills so that they will grow up into positiveindividuals.

Men are poorly represented in the Teaching andNursingprofessionsand this could be mainly attributed to stereotyped gender roles. Efforts are being made to have more men inducted into these professions since such would be both a morale builder for men and would have long term social benefits.

To exorcise any underground resentment against women, MoM has been extending its activities as far as possible to underscore the equality of men and women and how theycomplementeachother

This was exemplified at International Women’s Day 2023, when MoM together with the Guyana Police Force and some Regional DemocraticCouncilshosted luncheonsforwomenacross thecountry

MoM is an imaginative attempt at preempting the neutralization of a social ailment before it becomes endemic.

D i s c l a i m e r : T h e opinions expressed in this column are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or viewsofKaieteurNews.

Harry Belafonte: Singer used his platform in entertainment to help break down racial barriers

(SKY NEWS) - “Get them to sing your song and they will want to know who youare,andifthey’vemade that first step, we can find a solutiontohate.”

This is the mantra that Harry Belafonte lived by, according to his Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame introduction; a summary of an artist who used his platform in entertainment to help break down racial barriers in the world of cultureandbeyond.

As a singer and performer, Belafonte was a pioneer who helped popularise Caribbean music inthe1950s.Bestknownfor his trademark song Banana Boat (Day-O), he was the firstsoloartist,ofanygenre, tosellamillioncopiesofan albuminayear

As an activist, he was a civil rights campaigner who worked with Martin Luther King Jr on his “I Have A Dream” speech, the culminationofthemarchon Washington in 1963, and organised the USA For Africa single ‘We Are The World’, featuring artists including Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner and Bruce Springsteen,in1985.

He was also the founder

of Sankofa, a US social justicecharitywhichfocuses on issues of injustice that disproportionately affect the “disenfranchised, the oppressed,theunderserved”.

TheGrammy,Emmyand Tonywinningstardiedaged 96 of congestive heart failure at his New York home on Tuesday, with his wifebyhisside,accordingto aspokesperson.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame with an “early influence” award in November 2022, Belafonte was the oldest living star to receive the honour-heislikelytheonly recipient of both this status and the Martin Luther King Jrnonviolentpeaceprize.

Born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr in Harlem in New York City in 1927, to parents from the Caribbean, he moved back to his mother’snativeJamaicaasa childasshebelieveditwasa safer place for her son to grow up. Kingston was “an environment that sang”, and it was there that he was exposedtothecalypsomusic that would become part of hissound.Attheoutbreakof the Second World War, Belafonte’s mother brought him back to Harlem but he struggled with dyslexia and

lefthighschoolearly

He ended up enlisting in theUSnavy,servingforjust less than two years as a munitions loader before returning to New York, working in packaging in the city’sfashiondistrict,andas acaretaker’sassistant.

Howheenteredthe entertainmentworld

Itwasbychancethatthe world of entertainment openedup;givenatickettoa production at Harlem’s American Negro Theatre (ANT) as payment for carrying out some maintenance work on an apartment, the young Belafontecaughtthebug.

In 1945, he joined the

Dramatic Workshop of the New School of Social Research, under the tutelage of renowned German director Erwin Piscator and alongside fellow students such as Marlon Brando, WalterMatthau,BeaArthur, RodSteigerandTonyCurtis. It was also here that he met Paul Robeson, the man who inspiredhissocialactivism.

At the same time, Belafonte pursued his love of jazz music - making his firstprofessionalappearance withnoneotherthanCharlie Parker, Max Roach,Tommy Potter and Al Haig as his “back-up band”. Embracing the New York folk scene in the 1950s, Belafonte

“created a new repertoire of folk songs, work songs, and calypsos, providing an authentic and dignified look at black life”, according to hisHallOfFameinduction.

‘TheKingofCalypso’

He signed with RCA Victor in 1953 and his first widely released single, Matilda, came out that year But it was his third album, Calypso,releasedthreeyears later, that would be his real breakthrough; it was the singer’s second to top the Billboard chart and the record that would become the first to sell a million copies The album introduced Caribbean folk music to American

audiences, who dubbed Belafonte the King of Calypso.Itisastylethathas had a lasting impact on modern music, with artists includingGotye,Lil’Wayne, and Jason Derulo all sampling The Banana Boat Song in recent years Belafonte’s version of Jump InTheLine(Shake,Senora) alsohadarecentresurgence, going viral on TikTok in 2020, and featuring in the 1988filmBeetlejuiceandits 2019 Broadway musical productionbeforethat. Other hits included the Christmas song Mary’s Boy Child (covered by Boney M in 1978), Island InThe Sun, andJamaicaFarewell.

At 83 I feel sexual: Smokey Robinson on Love, Joy, Drugs...

Frompage41 man! That’s pretty good. That’sfunny!That’sfunny!”

Iwonderifshehasheard it. “I’m gonna call her and askher.”Heisstilllaughing.

“That’sfunny!”

I ask if he has heard the rumourabouthimandRoss. There is a story, I say, that you two are the real parents of Michael Jackson. “They say I’m the baby daddy?” His voice rises an octave. “Hehehehe! Hooohooho!

They say Diana Ross and I hadMichael?”Yes.“Ohmy God!Ineverheardthatone, man! That’s pretty good.

That’sfunny!That’sfunny!”

Iwonderifshehasheard it. “I’m gonna call her and askher.”Heisstilllaughing.

“That’sfunny!”

Robinson has examined the complexities of love beautifullyinhissongs.But his understanding is by no means confined to sexual love.Hetalksabouthislove forhisfather;thebrother-inlawwhobecamehissecond dad;Aretha’s brother Cecil, whodiedat50;SamCooke, who was 33; and Marvin Gaye, who was killed in 1984 by his father, aged 44.

“I do miss them. I wonder what they would have been likeweretheyalivetoday

EspeciallyMarvin,man. MarvinandIwerebrothers, man. We hung out almost every day of our lives. To lose him at that age was a realblow ThelastthingI ever expected to see him was dead” And such a violentdeath?“Yes,exactly He’d got into trouble with drugswhenhedied.”

R o b i n s o n a l s o succumbed to addiction Was he in trouble when Gaye was? “It was during and afterwards. My most dramatic bout with it was afterwards.During,wedidit together I just never got strung out. I was never a cocaine person then. I got involved with that after he died.And it took me out. It wastheworsttimeofmylife – a life experience I will neverforget,butIwillnever doagain.”

Had he been as close to GayeastoGordy?“No,I’m not as close to any man on EarthasIamtoBerry Berry isstillmybestfriend.Itwas anotherkindofrelationship. It was different because

Berry’s never done drugs. MarvinandIhadadifferent relationship – we were promiscuous, the same age. With Berry, you didn’t take any drugs around him. We all respected him. He was ourleader,ourboss.Hejust happened to be my best friend,too.

“Berry calls it a bromance,” he says. “We have a love for each other, man; we’re there for each other When I was going through my heaviest part withthedrugs,fortwoyears I was damn near dead. It wiped me out. But Berry, man, during that time he’d bringmeuptohishouseand lockmeupthereforaweek or two. He’d just keep me there so I couldn’t keep doing what I was doing to myself He looked after me.”Robinsontellsmethat one night he walked into a church,mettheministerand told her everything. He went in an addict and came outfreefromdrugs.Itwasa miracle, he says. “That was May 1986 and I’ve never toucheddrugssince.”

One of his greatest Motown memories is

MartinLutherKing’svisit.

“Youknowwhathesaid tous?Hesaid:‘Iwanttodo my“Ihaveadream”speech on Motown because you guys are doing with music what I’m trying to do politically – bring people together You have united theracesandtheworldwith music.’”

In their earliest days, Robinson says, Motown’s acts played to segregated audiences – black kids on one side, white kids on the other

“We went back a year later and they were all dancing together White boys had black girlfriends, black boys had white girlfriends, and it was all becauseofthemusic.

We gave them a commonlove.SoI’mreally, really, really, really, really proud of that. About a year afterwestartedMotown,we started getting letters from white kids in those areas: ‘Hey, man, we got your music, we luuurv your music,butourparentsdon’t know we have it because if they knew we had it they might make us throw it

away.’Ayearorsolater,we gotlettersfromtheparents.

‘Hey, we found out our kids were listening to your music. We were curious, so westartedlisteningtoit.We luuurv your music. We’re glad the kids have it.’” He tellsthestorywithsuchvim, buthelooksemotional.“I’m soproudwestartedtobreak downbarriers.”

Does he ever look back and wish he had become a dentist? He laughs. “No! I also had aspirations of playing baseball. I think about that all the time. I think I could have been the greatestplayerinthehistory of baseball and my career would have been over 50 years ago. If I’d been the greatest dentist in the world I’d have been retired for 20 years by now! But I was blessed enough to be in music, which gives you longevity if you love it, if yourespectit.”

It’s all about keeping perspective, he says “You’ve got to understand you didn’t start it and you ain’tgonnafinishitandyou don’t go getting a big head ’cosyou’vegotarecordout

or people recognise you: ‘Oh,boy,I’mhotsh*t.’’Cos you’re not: you’re just a person who’s blessed enough to have your dream of being in show business cometrue.

I tell young people all the time: ‘Don’t go getting hoity-toity’cosyou’vegota hit record, because this started way, way, way before your greatgrandmother was born and it’sgoingtogoonway,way, wayafteryou.Soyoubetter knowthat!’”

Wasthereanydangerof him getting hoity-toity?

“No, I had a better upbringing than that. I was always taught that I’m human and that’s the best youcanbe.Youdon’tgetno bigger than that on our planet.”

I ask a final question.

Whatishisfavouritegasm?

“Iguessifyou’regonnastart at the world, you’d have to say God is my favourite gasm, but other than that, loveismyfavouritegasm.I wishloveontheworld.”

Andwiththat,theglobal minister for love leaves me brimmingwiththestuff.

Harry Belafonte

Belafonte (L) and Sidney Poitier at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles in 2012.

A Mother's Day Story of Hope

Holley Gerth|April 25,

2022

Share this lovely Mother's Day story with yourmoms.

Thisstorystartswitha wedding, a boy and a girl standingatthealtar They said “I do” and it seemed so simple Years later when they thought about havingchildrentheysaid “we will” and thought it would be the same. Only it wasn't.Insteadofpickingout pink or blue onesies they stared month after month at single pink lines on pregnancytests.

There were tears and prayers, moments of anger and frustration, loss and a little one that slipped to heavenbeforeevena“hello” on earth They wondered whatfamilywouldlooklike for them, if maybe they had done something wrong or hadbeendisqualified.

Then one night she watched a special on television about foster kids who age out of the system,

who are told at eighteen, “have a nice life.” And she wondered who would cheer for them at their college graduation,walkthemdown the aisle, rock their babies, who they would call when they lost a job or just had a bad day “That's not okay,” shesaid,“Notokayatall.”

In the meantime, God showed her that she didn't havetobeaphysicalmother to still be a Mama In Genesis Eve is called “the mother of all living ” All women are mothers, she discovered, because all women bring life into the

world in some way So she birthed books and her friends threw her a book shower She got to mother women all over the world with her words. She started to heal but there was still a place deep inside saved for someone.Sheprayedforher child who was out there somewhere without knowinganameorface.

Years went by and she was invited to a banquet at Saving Grace, a place for girls who age out of the foster system or would otherwise be homeless. She metatwenty-year-oldyoung woman that night and she knew almost right away, “This is my daughter.” Her husbandagreed.Ittooktime. There were lunches and conversations and hugs and misunderstandings and prayers and they did the awkwarddanceofbecoming family until they knew it by heart One day that girl, Lovelle, moved into their guest bedroom. Took their last name Called them “MomandDad.”

Later Lovelle met a boy and her Dad walked her down the aisle in a white dress She and the groom said “I do” too. More time passed and last fall Lovelle called,emotioninhervoice. “Mom, I'm pregnant,” she said. And I almost dropped the phone because this Mother'sDaystoryismine.

Walk Carefully on the Road FUNWITHPOETRY

Charlieisalittleboy, Wholikedtoplayontheroad; Nomatterwhathisparentssaid, He'drunoutasoftenashecould.

OnedayCharliewaskickingaball, Upanddownabusystreet, Whenacarcamespeedingroundtheturn, Andknockedourboyoffhisfeet.

Theyhadtorushhimtohospital, Withcutsalloverhisbody, Andonelegbrokeninsomanyplaces, Hehadtohavemajorsurgery

NowCharlieisnearlywellagain, Butheislimpingverybadly, Afraidtoevenbeontheroad, Andtellingeveryonetowalkcarefully byUncleRoy

WHAT YOU NEED

Campanelle pasta

Toothpicks

Acrylic Paint (white and yellow)

Paintbrush

Wire floral stem

Wire cuers

Tacky glue

Green cardstock (match the floral stem color)

Scissor

Instructions:

Step1

Useapaintbrushtopaintyourcampanelle noodleswhite,andallowtodry Step2

Usescissorstocutyourtoothpicksdownto 1inch,andpaintthepiecesyellow Allowto dry Step3

Gluethecutendoftheyellowtoothpick intothetopofthecampanellenoodle.

Step4

Cutyourfloralstemdownto7½–9 inches,andpokethestemthroughthehole inthenoodle.Itwillmostlikelystayput withoutglue,butaddsomeifnecessary Also,cutthefloralstemsdownevenmoreif youplantoputthemincupcakes.

Step5

Cutsomeleavesoutofgreencardstock,and foldthemdownthemiddle.Gluetheendof theleaftothestem,underthecampanelle noodle.

Stickabunchofthesecampanellelilies intoaroundcake,orusesomeprettyribbon totiethemintoabouquetformom!

Odd Even Sudoku

Fillintheblanksquares so that every row across, every column down and

each 6 by 6 box contains thenumbers1to6.

Cells with gray circles

mustcontainodddigitsand gray squares must contain evendigits.

Do your best to make your Studies towards your Examinations more effective

Wearemovingforwardthelessons ondevelopingyourSelfEsteemtodeal with tips on studying for your examinations,asweknowthatyouneed tofocusatthistimeonyourstudies.

Takethetimetofolloweachofthe following bits of advice, and you will benefit in your studies becoming more effective:

1.MaketheMostofClassTime

Attend all class sessions, pay close attentiontothelectures,andtakenotes inawaythatmakessenseforyou.The goal is to be able to understand your noteswhenyoureviewthemlater

If something does not make sense, raiseyourhandandask,ormakeanote to follow up with your teacher after class.

2.FindaGoodStudySpot

When at home, the best study environmentforyouistheonethatfeels mostproductive,sotryoutafewplaces to see which works best. Search for a place where you will get the least distractions, and one where others are notmovingorspeaking.

3.StayFocused

Keepingyourmindontrackcanbe as simple as taking a break from your phone and your friends. Put on some instrumental music or noise-cancelling headphones and put your mobile on airplanemodetohelpyoufocusonyour studies.

4.VisualisetheMaterial

Focusonthemostimportantpartsof your class notes by condensing the material and underlining or highlightingkeywordsandconcepts.

5.FocusonUnderstanding

Memorisingmeansfindingwaysto remember and repeat facts.

for tests Working together helps develop good study habits, increases collaboration on group projects, and boostsconfidence.Findingapartnerto compare notes with will help both of youtolearnbetter.

7.RewardYourself

Good study habits are hard work!

Help Yourself To Happiness

byHelenSteinerRice

Everybody,everywhereseekshappiness,it'strue, Butfindingitandkeepingitseemdifficulttodo. Difficultbecausewethinkthathappinessisfound

Onlyintheplaceswherewealthandfameabound. Andsowegoonsearchinginpalacesofpleasure

Seekingrecognitionandmonetarytreasure, Unawarethathappinessisjustastateofmind

Withinthereachofeveryonewhotakestimetobekind. Forinmakingothershappywewillbehappy,too. Forthehappinessyougiveawayreturnstoshineonyou.

Understandinggoesalittledeeper,and meansyoucangetthemeaningofwhat isputforward,seehowitappliestothe knowledge you already have, and how touseitgenerallywithitherconcepts.

6.StudywithClassmates

Forming study groups in each of yourclassesisavaluablewaytoreview

Treat yourself to breaks and little rewards to keep you going. Healthy snacks, nice walks outside, or even an episode of your favorite TV show during a break are good ways to keep youmotivated.

We will continue with these wordsofadviceinournextarticle.

Krypto Kakuro

UNCLEROY Tellitto

Hello,readers,

UncleRoyisagainaskingallofyoutotryinsomeway tomakeacontributiontothispage,andthustothewelfareof youandyourfellowreaders.Thiscontributioncantakeany 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 broaderlevel,anycommentorrecommendationyouwould liketomaketoyourfellowGuyanese.

Please remit same to my email –roypaul2002@yahoo com, and be assured that your worthwhilecontributionwillhaveaprominentplaceonour page.

Solutions to last week’s

Krypto Kakuro puzzles are a mash-up between a Crossword,aSudokuandaCryptogram.

Each digit has been substituted with a letter To solvethepuzzle,youmustfigureoutwhatdigiteach letter stands for, and then solve it like a regular Kakuropuzzle.

Each "word" in the crossword contains only the digitsIthrough9,andthesamedigitwillneverrepeat withinaword.

Thesumofthethedigitsofeachwordareshown ontheleftandrightsidesof"across"words,andatthe topsandbottomsof"down"words.

Take determined steps will make your studies much effective that if you go about it carelessly.

National Library launches

Storytime in the Park - Read Guyana Challenge

to be launched in May

On Saturday, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand was the guest reader at the Juvenile Department of the National Library of Guyana’s launch of Storytime in the Park under the theme, “ComeHearaStory”.Thechildrenwereattentiveand interactive as Minister Manickchand read Dr Suess’ “CatintheHat”.

Chief Librarian, Mrs Emily King stated that the initiative forms part of the library’s mandate to enhance literacy countrywide. She noted that it will promotereading,listeningandcomprehensiveskills.

She further encouraged parents to help their childrendevelopaloveforreadingaslearningtoread is one of the most important childhood skills a child canhave.

Assistant Chief Education Officer with responsibilityforLiteracy,MsSamanthaWilliams

Continued on page 62

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand reads Dr Suess’“Cat in the Hat”.

ARobot side attraction to the Storytime in the Park activity

Young Entrepreneur

ByAllyiahAllicock

oung entrepreneurs bring fresh ideas, innovation and energy to the economy. y create job opportunities, contribute to the tax base, and act as role models, making a significant impact on society both economically and socially.”

Having loss that glow to your hair and skin, and looking for products to revive your look, then ‘QueenP’ has got just whatyouneed.

‘QueenP’,isalocalbeautycare businessthatcatersforallyourhair andskinneeds.Itisbeingpioneered bythecreativeIonaPerry

Thirty-year-oldPerryinarecent interview with this magazine said thatbefore launchingthis business, she was one that was very passionate about natural hair and making the necessary treatments it requiresinordertoremainhealthy

Sherevealedthatwhatledherto pursue this venture was her own journeyofgoingnatural.

“When I was on my journey to being fully natural, I experienced a lot of different hair issues; from it breaking, falling, bald spots and havingPsoriasiswhichistheworst kind of dandruff. After using a plethora of big name brands and also medicated creams and

s h a m p o o s , nothing seemed to work,” she explained.

Shefurtherrelatedthataftersix monthsoftryingdifferentproducts, she decided to do her own research tocomeupwithherownproductto helphealherscalpandotherissues withherhair Perrysaidjustaftera weekofusingherownlocallymade product, she was able to finally see improvementwithherhair

“My hair started to grow and flourish and persons would constantly reach out to ask me questionspertainingtowhatIusein my hair and how I got it to start lookingthewayitisandfromthatI decidedthatthisissomethingIcan actuallyturnintoabusinessandalso be able to help others like myself,” Perryexpressed.

On August 28, 2020 was when Perrymadethedecisiontoopenher ownbusinessprovidinganumberof product to have your hair and skin lookinghealthyandglowing.

With over two years of QueenP

being in existence, Perry said the support has been really amazing. “Even though a lot of persons may have used the product once and neverpurchasedagain,Iactuallydo have a lot of customers that have beenwithmefromthetimeIstarted mybusiness,”shementioned.

According to Perry, though the business has been thriving, it still facedsomechallengesinpasttoget it to where it is now She revealed that her biggest challenge was her fearofstartingthebusiness,andnot having the best packaging, labels, also not having all the finances to investinthebusiness.

However, she overcame this after a wise man “told me to work with what you have and wait for whatyoureallywant.”

Perry said she then started the business with the best packaging she could find in the county, then created her own labels and she was abletosourcethefundsfromfamily and friends and from there “I just launchedandgrewtremendously.”

Sheaddedthatjustafterayearin business she was able to get professionally done labels, sturdy reusable containers and she was abletoaddnewitemstoherlinefor example bonnets and hair tools for thehairandbeard.

As for the pandemic which struckthatsameyearshelaunched, Perrysaidthatifitwasnotforthe Continued on page 62

HAIR AND SKIN GLOW

Reflecting on his tenure in office with fond memories and satisfaction...

Gifford Eldon Marshall

Bartica’sfirstMayor , is a ‘Special Person’

ByRehannaRamsay

As the nation prepares for the holding of the next LocalGovernmentElections on June 12, 2023, many elected officials are preparingtotakeastepback from public life and hand overthereinsofcommunity leadership to other suitable candidates.

Having served and represented Bartica for the pastsevenyears,Mr Gifford Eldon Marshall, the Town’s first Mayor is among those

preparingtodemitoffice.

Officially taking up office in 2016, at the return of the Local Government Elections, Marshall, a trained teacher, entered active politics and adopted the watchwords: “Service, Success,andSuccession,”as hispersonalmotto.

As such, together with his family, the team at the municipality, and the generous support of the people of Bartica, this week’s Special Person served at the level of Local

G o v e r n m e n t w i t h excellence Under the stewardship of Marshall as Mayor, Bartica saw several majoraccomplishments.

The town located in the central district of Region Seven was poised for development as a green paradise.

T h e M a r s h a l l administration was instrumental in rolling out the Green City initiative in Bartica, the West Indian Housing Scheme Green Park,theInstallationofaPV

system at the town hall and community centre, the upgrade of the Byderabo dump site, installation of hundredsofstreetlights,the transformation of the Bartica’s municipal market intoagreenhub,design,and constructionofgreenspaces at Caribbease Hill, the BarticaPeacesignandgreen space, the mural in third street and the design and construction of the Golden Beachboulevard.

As he prepares to demit office,MayorMarshalltakes

alookbackathistenurewith

f o n d m e m o r i e s a n d satisfaction In a release issued last Wednesday, Mr Marshall expressed gratitude for having served the people of Bartica as Mayor for two consecutive terms.

He said, “Humbled I am to have been allowed to serve the people of Bartica. Moreso, I commend the CoalitionAdministrationfor firstlymakingBarticaoneof four new towns and secondly, supporting my candidacy during both the 2016 and 2018 Elections. I never took that opportunity for granted and will forever begratefulforthecollective support that allowed me to create and be a part of history.”

Further, Marshall said, “Commendations are also extended to the present Administration for their unwaveringsupportthrough subvention programs and opportunities to network with other municipalities outsideofGuyana.”

“It would be remiss of me to not mention my greatest support system-my immediate and extended familywhowasmorethana pillar of strength throughout my tenure in active politicsto you I am eternally grateful,”headded.

HOMETOWN

The soon-to-be former Mayorsaidtoothatbeingthe town’s first Mayor is even more of a precious accomplishment for him, given the fact that Bartica is hishometown.

He is the second of four siblings, born in Bartica on the 20th of July, 1980, to Mrs.ElizabethMarshalland Mr Godfrey Marshall, a forestofficer Marshall explained that he grew up in very humble circumstances He said nevertheless,thathisparents and grandparents tried their besttogivemeagoodlife. Hesaid,“Ilivedwithmy grandparentsthroughoutmy childhoodandteenageyears.

Growingwithmy Continuedonpage55

Outgoing Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall

AFAMILYMOMENT: Mayor Marshall shares a moment with his wife and two daughters

Amural created by the Bartica Township under the stewardship of Mayor Marshall

Part of the beautification project piloted by Mayor Marshall at Bartica’s riverfront

HerearesomeofLewisStylesfemalehandbags

Gilbert Lewis: Lewis:

The Fashion Entrepreneur Shattering the Industry

ByWayneLyttle

Gilbert Lewis, a fashion enthusiast

and self-care advocate, turned his

passion

for

fashionintoasuccessful business with the encouragement of his best friendandparents.

Heopenedaboutiqueofferingawiderange of products, including clothing for men and women, weight loss supplements, daily vitamins,andevenbusinessessentials.

Tostandoutinacompetitivemarket,Lewis chose the motto “Always One of a Kind,” reflecting his commitment to providing unique and high-quality products, that his customers would love. He made customer service a top priority in his business and added his personal touchtoeverythinghedid.

In an interview with Waterfall magazine, Lewisrevealedhisunwaveringdedicationtohis vision despite facing challenges from competitors. He kept up with the latest fashion trends and conducted extensive research on all theproductshesold,ensuringtheireffectiveness and quality Lewis’s marketing strategies were also crucial to his success. He effectively used

social media to showcase his products and demonstrated their effectiveness with real-life examples. He also offered special deals and promotions to entice customers to try his products.

Ashisbusinessgrew,Lewisplannedforthe future He aimed to expand his boutique to more locations across town and even to different regions He also aims to ship his products internationally, reaching clients all overtheworld

Despitethechallengeshefaced,Lewisnever gaveuponhispassionforfashionandself-care. His commitment to providing unique and highquality products, his personal touch, and unbeatable customer service were what set him apartfromthecompetition.Withhiseyesfirmly setonthefuture,GilbertLewiswasdetermined to continue shattering the fashion industry with hisinnovativeideasanduniqueapproach.

For more information, customers can contact Lewis Styles at +592-678-8790, follow their Facebook page at Lewis Styles, check out their TikTok account at @Bo.lewis2 (Gilbert Solomon Lewis), or follow their Instagram accountatLewis.styles.3532.

Lewis Styles CEO, Gilbert Lewis

Lewis Styles models in some of the outfits that are available

...Gifford Eldon Marshall is a ‘Special Person’

Frompage53 grandparents, I believe, has many benefits, some of which are humility, understanding, and a heart forpeople.Thesetraitshave certainly helped me as I servetheofficeofMayor.”

Marshall said after completing secondary school,wherehewasamong the high achievers, he was advisedtoentertheteaching profession.

Heeding that advice, he entered the teaching profession which turned out to be a life-changing experience.

He explained, “Not only was I able to further my studies and transition towards economic independence,butIwasalso able to experience Guyana outsideofBartica.

After completing training at Cyril Potter College of Education, he returned to teach in Bartica but left a few years later when he was given an opportunity to teach in the Bahamas.

MAYORALRUN

All the while, Marshall saidhisloveforpoliticsand community work was g r o w i n g H e s a i d nonetheless that he never envisioned being the Mayor ofBartica.

In 2016, when I was recommended to head the list of candidates, many people expressed doubt in myabilitytohandlethejob.

Marshall said, “I was confident that my humble beginnings, coupled with my teaching experience and

the leadership lessons learned from Dr Myles Monroe while I was in the Bahamas were the uniting forces that would make me stand out from the others. I wassubsequentlyvotedinas thefirstMayorofBartica…”

Marshall surmised that over the years, all his experiences were teachable ones.

Headmittedthatattimes thejobgetsverytedious,but hisfaithinGodallowedhim to remain steadfast to purpose and work tirelessly inspiteofthechallengesthat comewiththeoffice.

He said nonetheless, the bestpartofthejobisgetting things done. I love being in the fields and working on transformativeprojects.

In addition, Marshall said among the other highlights of his job was meeting with mayors from aroundtheglobe.

He said this was also a very fulfilling and inspiring experience.

“Listening to their experiences was like listening to your own situation, but with varied approaches to problemsolving. Whenever we met, be it in Mexico, Panama, Brazil, Barbados, or the USA, it was an opportunity to learn best practices from eachother.”

“IloveBartica.Ibelieve it’soneofthebestplacesnot only in Guyana and the Caribbean but the world. Therefore,mygoalasMayor was to promote Bartica as a top tourist destination while simultaneously working on

our green mandate,” he added.

LEGACY

Even as he relishes his finalweeksasMayornoting thereisstillsomuchmoreto accomplish, Mayor Marshall hopes to leave a lastinglegacybehind.

He told the Waterfalls, “As I exit Mayoral Office, I wish to be remembered as a c h a m p i o n o f t h e environment and the Mayor who served all people regardless of race, political affiliation or socioeconomic status. God bless thepeopleofBarticaandthe peopleofGuyana.”

Mr Marshall added, “Now, my work will continue but in a different capacity VerysoonIwillbe launching an exciting new initiative, called: “The Green Town Foundation”the focus of which, is, to movetowardsestablishinga new, more sustainable, relationship with nature. As wecomeclosertothelaunch date, I will share more information about the Foundation.”

He noted that although he said he is grateful for the accomplishments and support, he received during histerminoffice,theywere notwithoutchallenges.

He said, “My main challenge was my perception of persons’ expectations of me. I felt that, as Mayor, I was expected to have answers to our community problems. Further,gettingtheresidents tounderstandthattheyhave aroletoplayinitiallyproved

to be difficult. For example, the answer to littering is not employing more persons to clean the streets but to have t h e c o m m u n i t y understanding they need to stoplittering.” He continued, “The answer to speeding on the road is not placing more speed humps but having personstakingresponsibility for their actions and understandingit’sdangerous to speed on our narrow roads.

All in all, over time, the council’smessagewasheard across the community, and our purpose became the community’s purpose Another challenge, though more personal in nature, but still impactful to my duties was the schooling of my children.

“Both of my daughters, who were born in Linden, attended school in Georgetown. It meant that I would have to travel a lot betweenBarticaandthecity Many times, I felt I was puttingthejobinfrontofmy babies, but as time went

along, I was able to create a healthier balance between work and being with my family.”

Despite this, throughout his tenure as Mayor, Marshall served as the Christian Education Director of the Baptist ConventionofGuyana.

H e s a i d , “ T h i s opportunity allowed me to network with youth from across Guyana, while I

coordinate rallies, retreats, and camps. It was quite a fulfilling experience, and one I looked forward to everyyear.”

Now that his term is coming to a close, Marshall has decided to take a twoyear break from active politics to focus on some personal goals. He said the launchofhispetproject,the Green Town Foundation is ontopoftheagenda.

Fishermanfound deadatMahaicony

Afisherman was found dead on Thursdayonthe parapet along the Glazier Lust Village, Mahaicony, EastCoastDemerara(ECD) publicroad.

The man has been identified as 58-year-old Johnny Samuels of Fairfield,Mahaicony,ECD.

Samuels was reportedly last seen alive by relatives on Friday, April 21, 2023.

On Thursday police received a call that a dead manwasontheroad.

Police said that when ranks arrived on the scene Samuels body was found lying face up. There were evident marks of violence upon examination, and the

body was taken to the Bailey’sFuneralHome.

Samuels’s relatives subsequently visited the funeralhomeandpositively identifiedthebody Investigations are ongoing.

Mayor Marshall at a signing ceremony alongside Mayor of Linden, WanekaArrindell

Setting an example during the COVID-19 Pandemic from left: Mayor Gifford Marshall, Mayor of Linden, WanekaArrindell and Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine.

Dead Fisherman, Johnny Samuels

How Shonette Dover’s killer escaped by fooling a nation?

and realised that Shonnette was nothome.

Detective The

By Shervin Belgrave

Today marks exactly two years after Shonette Dover’s 15-year-old relativeleddetectivestodigupher decomposing body from a shallow grave in her boyfriend’s yard at Canvas City, Wismar, Linden, Region Ten. Her remains were discovered some 28 days after she wentmissing,butapartfromaheart rendingendtothesearchforDover, her relatives, Linden and the country at large, will never forgethowherkillerescapedby foolinganentirenation.

Dover was reportedly shot toherheadbyherboyfriend,21year-old, Saquan Alleyne, who ispopularlyknownas“ISWE”, a promising local artist with a criminal past By the time detectives learnt the truth; Alleynehadslippedoutoftheir handsanddisappeared.

To date, he remains on the run and while police keep their eyes open for him, detectives, relatives and even media are “still kicking themselves” for notseeingthroughthefaçadehe portrayed of an innocent, heartbroken man that was deeply worried about his girlfriend’sdisappearance.

Hours after he allegedly killed Dover and buried her in hisbackyard,Alleyenemadehis way down to a police station in Linden and reported her missing. He even notified the woman’srelativesthathecould notfindtheloveofhislife.

As the search intensified, Alleyene began telling his ‘’false” but convincing story to the media including Kaieteur News- no one had clue at the time that he had allegedly murderedthewoman.

The wanted man had told this newspaper that he and Shonnettehadnoissues.Onthe daythatshedisappeared,hesaid he had left her home, “good, good.”

The suspect related that he hadwokenuponthemorningof April3,2021,andhadbreakfast with Shonnette. After this, he said he left their home to drop somecrutchesforsomeonewho was involved in an accident.

From there, he said he went to his aunt’shomewhereheatelunchand ‘chilled’ with his family before returning home in the afternoon. Alleyne then shared that his girlfriend’ssisterrelatedtohimthat Shonnette had already left for work. He then dropped her little sister to another sister’s residence, before going to a party in Blue Berry Hill with his friends, after which, he said he returned home

“WhenIgoandlookandsee.I left the key right where it was earlier and I said this girl ain’t come home. But I know the first time she did something like that andIwaslookingforher,shewas at her mother’s residence so I didn’t dig nothing, I sleep,” he related. After calling her phone thenextday,April4,lastanditwas goingtovoicemail,heclaimedthat he went over to her mother’s residence who told him Shonette wasthere.

Hehadsaid,“Rightaway,Istart getting suspicious and I start callingallshefriendstofindoutif they see this girl. Is then I got to understandthatthebrothersawher over the river (Mackenzie) with a girl.” Alleyne continued that he

decidedtomakeareportatthe police station on Monday, April 5, with Dover’s family present.

It could be said that Alleyne’s claims was the perfect lie because it shifted the attention away from him and while relatives and the police spent time to track down Dover’s last known whereabouts, Alleyne silently disappeared.

After detectives realized that they were conned, the truthunraveledinaconfession from Dover’s 15-year-old relative.

Theteentoldinvestigators that on the night that Dover went ‘missing’, Saturday April 3, 2021, Alleyne was oiling his brownish gun in his living room. She said the 21year-old then pointed the gun at her sister who told him “he like play and he should put away that thing.” The young ladysaidshethenheardaloud sound, akin to that of a firework.

Alleyne who is not a licensed firearm holder subsequently exclaimed, “Oh shoots,Ishootthatgirl!”

The 15-year-old said she then saw her sister’s mouth open as her blood quickly startedtocoverherface.Upon seeing this, she said to

Shaquan, “Let’s take her to the hospital”buttheboyfriendrefused as he retorted, “No, she dead already ” Alleyne then accompaniedthesistertohisfather and told him of what he did. Alleyne’s father then told him “don’t tell (me) stupidness, why (you)playingwiththegun?”

After doing their collective deliberation about what to do with the body, they decided that it was best to bury her in the backyard unknown to other parties. Armed with a spade, Kaieteur News understandsthattheydugashallow hole after which Shonette’s body was rolled into it and covered up. Alleynethenhidthegun.

The young lady’s confession wasreportedinthemediaanditleft the entire nation in shock. Even Dover’srelativesweretakenaback whentheyrealizedthatAlleynehad connedthemall.

Dover’s grandmother had said, “I never suspected that he was involved. I didn’t expect that he would do anything of this nature, never ever think that would have happened and I want to believe he threatened her (the 15-year-old) becausesheneverexposedortellus anything…So according to my knowledge, she was threatened, thatiswhyshekeptsilent.”

Kaieteurnewsunderstandsthat the suspect was even assisting the relatives in their search before fleeingthejurisdiction.

STILLWANTED forDover’smurder, ShaquanAlleyne

Send National Intelligence and Security Agency Bill to Special Select Committee – President Ali

President Irfaan Ali has instructed Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira and Attorney General and Minister of LegalAffairsAnil Nandlall, SC to send the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Bill to a Special Select Committee “so that the views and ideas of all stakeholderscanbeexamined.”

In a post, via his official Facebook page, President Ali said “I am aware of the importance of this Bill, but equally, I am committedtoensuringthefulsome natureoftheBillisunderstoodand that interested stakeholders be

giventheopportunitytocontribute to it.”Attorney General Nandlall tabled the Bill on Monday in the National Assembly In his presentation he said that the NISA Bill brings into statutory recognition an agency that has alreadyexistedforsome13years.

He explained: “What this bill seeks to do is establish the agency by law to clearly set out what the agency's powers are, who will constitute the agency, by what mechanismtheywillbeappointed, and how the agency will be funded.”

Highlighting that the agency is not a law enforcement body,

Nandlall clarified that it will work in tandem with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in intelligencegathering.

The agency had been performing the very functions outlinedinthebill,buttherewasno governance structure or statutory framework.

Following the presentation of the Bill, Minister Nandlall said giventhefactthattheagencydeals with issues of national security, as expected; there is some degree of confidentiality included in its processes.

“This bill seeks to bring a

transparent legal structure into being and to establish an accountable framework in respect of the agency itself and those who willmanandcomprisetheagency, and to say clearly how the agency willbefunded,”henoted.

On the passage of the legislation, the agency would be subjecttoparliamentaryoversight, asannualreportsofitsworkwillbe laidintheNationalAssembly Outlining the functions of the agency,thebillprovidesthatitwill collect information 'of national intelligence and security that will provide a basis for decisionmaking and preventive action and

conducting analysis of the information' The functions also include providing intelligence and security advice to the president, cabinetmembersandotherentities inthesecuritysector “Thiscountry requiresanagencyofthistypeona firmlegalfooting.Thedirectionin which we are going economically as a country, the growth of our economy,andtheexpansionofour fiscalsector,requireanagencylike this As the economy grows, nationalsecurityandthecapability of the state to protect its citizens and assets within the state must proportionally improve,” the AttorneyGeneralsaid.

From page 16

Government could use such earnings to invest more in protecting the environment, through adaptation and mitigation efforts Jagdeo complains endlessly about not having enough money for this purpose because of developed countries not keepingtheirpromises.

That US$230M can even repay the US$138M loan Guyana took from China EXIM Bank for the renovation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), with nearly US$92M to spare. It was the PPPC government that borrowed that money from China and plunged Guyana intodebt.

If US$230M is paid to IFEX-ALC is an alliance oppositionanditssupporters they have observed that environmentalmatters. effective implementation of Guyana once every quarter ofIFEXmemberspromoting have also engaged in verbal attacks, denigrating Furthermore, the citizens the Escazú Agreement –over a full year, it would add and defending the right to hostilities towards state comments, erroneous said there appears to be a includingeffectivemeasures up to US$920M. That could freedom of expression in media workers The accusations, name calling deliberate orchestrated to recognize, protect and pay off the full cost of the Latin America and the o r g a n i s a t i o n s a l s o and threats against campaign on the part of the promote the human rights of Gas-to-energy facility that Caribbean. In a statement on highlighted the recent verbal j o u r n a l i s t s , N G O s , State to silence and isolate d e f e n d e r s o f t h e the government plans to Tuesday, the regional and a t t a c k o n G u y a n a environmental activists and those who ask reasonable environment and of all build at Wales Such a international bodies called Chronicle’s,TamicaGarnett, humanrightsdefendershave questions and those who citizens to live in a healthy situation would prevent on the Government of who was verbally abused by mushroomed. They posited dare to express an opinion sustainable environment, Guyana from having to go to Guyana to immediately set a senior member of People’s that such actions have contrary to the powers that where right to life, personal the US EXIM Bank for the the tone for a cessation of National Congress Reform originated from several be. They added, “What is integrity,freedomofopinion US$646M it is pursuing in such acts that ultimately she called for a comment. sources, including senior alarming about this spate of and expression, peaceful loan finance to support the serve to fertilise the ground TheACM believes that there members of government, attacks is that it indicates a assembly and association, project. for an escalation of such acts is no coincidence between individuals who appear to be growing level of intolerance free movement, and rights to

These numbers are only that can ultimately lead to thepostureofseniorpolitical paid or unpaid advisers, which is a hallmark of access of information are foroilproductionatlessthan physicalharm. operatives and content in the social media personalities, undemocratic societies recognized, implemented

400,000 barrels per day The ACM and IFEX- State-owned media as well columnists, and anonymous Attacks on journalists doing and realised. The advocates (bpd) The Prosperity ALC further implore the as a Facebook profile that is Facebookpageoperators. their job of ensuring for transparency and floating production, storage government to urge its believed to be controlled by They said a quick count a c c o u n t a b i l i t y a n d accountability also called on and offloading (FPSO) supporters to refrain from an associate or associates of identified at least 10-12 such transparency of public and Volker Türk, the United vessel is preparing to start intimidatory behaviour It thegoverningparty attacks over the past few state authorities and Nations High Commissioner producing this year, taking wasoutlinedthatGuyanaisa

The ACM and IFEX- months.Butwhattheyfound institutions are unacceptable for Human Rights, whose production to 600,000 bpd. signatory to the Media ALC are calling for cooler tobealarmingistheincrease and are strongly condemned duty and mandate are to Exxon plans to increase Freedom Coalition which heads to prevail and for of such attacks, and the a s a r e a t t a c k s o n promote, protect and ensure production to 1.2M bpd by recognises that a strong politicians to exercise denigrating comments, environmental justice and the right to freedom of 2027. democratictraditionrequires restraint and encourage their name calling and slanderous human rights defenders and expression including media

Leaving Guyana to deal afreeandfairmedia.Threats members and supporters to statements against a well- on ordinary Guyanese freedom and the rights of with a 2% royalty for the a n d h a r a s s m e n t o f dothesame. known and respected NGO, e x e r c i s i n g t h e i r journalists and media exploitation of 11 billion journalists run counter to The ACM and IFEX- Red Thread, a collective of constitutional right to workers to take note of all barrels of oil equivalent will thatprinciple. ALC stands in solidarity diverse grassroots women freedom of expression, violations against journalists cause the country to lose out “The ACM and IFEX- with journalists Davina who have stood in solidarity a s s o c i a t i o n a n d in Guyana including the on the opportunity for ALC note with concern the Bagot, Nazima Raghubir, with and defended women’s information.” recent attacks against Bagot billions of US dollars in harassment directed towards Tamica Garnett and other rights for over 30 years. Significantly, the group and Ragubir They also earnings over the lifetime of Kaieteur News reporter, media workers in Guyana in Recently, Red Thread has saidallthisistakingplaceon calledongovernmentandall theStabroekblockPSA. Davina Bagot at a press their quest to perform their been mounting monthly the eve of the second other actors to cease their

The new model contract conference hosted by d u t i e s f r e e l y T h e pickets outside the meetingoftheConferenceof a t t a c k s a g a i n s t is expected to be finalized President Mohamed Irfaan organisations endorse steps President’sOfficecallingfor Parties to the “Regional environmental activists and l a t e r t h i s m o n t h Ali. She has since been thathavebeentakentoreport adherence to the rule of law, Agreement on Access to advocates,NGOsandhuman Government said the terms subjected to cyberbullying thetwolatestincidentstothe accountability in the oil and Information, Public rights defenders and to will be used for the blocks and personal attacks from Guyana Police Force and the gas sector, and for the high Participation and Justice in observe the constitutional thatwillgooutintheauction government supporters. The Constitutional Women and cost of living to be Environmental Matters in rightofallGuyanesecitizens and blocks currently held by President of the Guyana G e n d e r E q u a l i t y addressed. Latin America and the to safe and healthy oil companies offshore Press Association, Nazima Commission. The more recent Caribbean” – better known environments. Guyana. Raghubir has also been the Onlylastweekagroupof incidents of this type, they as the Escazú Agreement. victim of cyberbullying and 23 women and two men said, have been a smear This is being held in Thursday –April 27, 2023 Int’l, regional bodies personal attacks in the state- issued a letter to the press, campaigns against Davina Argentina from April 19 to condemn attacks on owned newspaper It is calling on government and Bagot a Senior Kaieteur 21, 2023. The Escazú is the Elections COI Report… journalists important to note that Ms. other aligned actors to cease News Journalist and Nazima world’sfirsttreatytoinclude ‘Shockingly, brazen acts - call on Govt. to put Raghubir is also the vice- their vile attacks against Raghubir, President of the provisions to protect human by GECOM trio to an end to such acts president of the ACM,” the activists, journalists, non- Guyana Press Association. rights defenders in obstruct elections process’ statementread. governmental organizations The group said these environmental matters —Lowenfield, Myers, The Association of It was then underscored (NGOs) and human rights journalistshavebeensingled Guyana has signed and Mingo accused of Caribbean Media Workers that these are not isolated defenders who are doing out just for reporting on ratified the Escazú subverting ascertainment (ACM) and IFEX-ALC cases that are only confined their part to represent the mattersofnationalinterestto Agreement and is therefore, of Region 4 votes network have condemned in to the People’s Progressive interests of vulnerable Guyanese and matters an implementing country. the strongest possible terms Party Civic (PPPC)-led groups. The concerned affecting Guyanese right to On this premise, they called The Commission of th

n of administration as there have Guyanese were keen to note public participation and for the government to InquiryintotheMarch2020 journalistsinGuyana. been instances in which the that over the past month, information on national and guarantee the full and (Continued on page 59)

President Irfaan Ali and members of the COI

From page 58 substantially inconsistent with that vote. “On a report of a bomb clear pronouncements on his GeneralandRegionalElectionshas on the SOPs in the possession of being placed in Ashmin’s actions and the validity of order found that there was a conscious partyagents. building, she (Myers) told party 60, CEO Lowenfield willfully, and deliberate–even brazeneffort “The CEO, by his overall agents, observers and diplomats, and perversely persisted in to violate the provisions of conduct, opened himself to the “Y’all get out the room. There’s a basing hisreport to GECOM on section 84(1) of the criticism that the spreadsheet bomb in the building.” She herself the ten declarations of the ROs Representation of the Peoples Act was introduced for ulterior neverleftthebuilding.Itisdifficult from the ten electoral districts, by senior officials of the Guyana motives and not for efficiency to accept that when DCEO Myers notwithstanding those Elections.And in its report the COI Indeed, the use of the spreadsheet went into the tabulation room, declarations had been plainly singled out former Chief Elections created turmoil, caused major minutes before the RO gave notice overtaken by the national recount, Officer, Keith Lowenfield, his then disruptions and slowed the of his intention to make a and notwithstanding that the deputy, Roxanne Myers and tabulationprocess. TheCEOknew declaration of results, to herself declaration by Mr Mingo that Returning Office for Region Four, or ought to have known that the announce that the tabulation had been universally and Clairmont Mingo accusing them of methodology approved by process would soon resume, that resoundingly condemned by principally responsible for “clear GECOM for the ascertainment she was unaware of the RO’s independent regional and and deliberate attempts to and tabulation of votes was intention,” the report states international election observer frustrate, obstruct and subvert the through the use of SOPs. He Additionally,thereporthighlighted missions and judicially rejected by ascertainment of votes in [Region knew or ought to have known that thatMyersknew or ought to have thecourtsofGuyana.” Four] notwithstanding that section 84(1) of ROPAspecifically known that at the time of the

The COI report stated that the GECOM had specifically decided provided that the ascertainment RO’s declaration, the statutorily conductandactionsofLowenfield, thatthe approved method for the of votes cast for each political prescribed procedure and inrelationto the discharge of his ascertaining and tabulation.” partywastobe“inaccordancewith requirements of ascertainment statutory duties prescribed by

AllthreeoftheformerGECOM the Statements of Poll” and that by andtabulation forelectoraldistrict sections 96 and 97 of the ROPA, officers are before the courts on a promoting and insisting on the use No. 4 had not beencompleted were a brazen attempt to prevent slew of elections-related fraud of a spreadsheet, he was acting and that therefore the RO’s

GECOM declaring the true results charges. They had declined to give contrary to law,” the report declaration was a clear violation of of the elections of 2nd evidence at the COI when called highlighted. the law “But the DCEO merely March,2020. “His conduct was spreadsheet.” “Very significantly, upon. The CoI was chaired by It said the then DCEO Roxanne lookedon.Shesaidnothinganddid –to borrow the words of former he made no response to a request Justice of the Appeal (retired) of Myers on the 4th March, 2020 took nothing. From the totality of the Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce to inspect the SOPs he claimed Turks and Caicos Stanley John and a decision to limit the number of evidence surrounding the RO’s Golding, Head of the OAS were used in the compilation of included former Chancellor of the politicalpartyagentsandobservers declaration, there appears to be Observer Mission to Guyana–a his broadsheet data. Indeed, the Judiciary of Guyana, Carl Singh for the ascertainment and such collusion andcollaboration transparent attempt to alter the RO and his staff defiantly and High Court Judge (Belize) and tabulationprocess at theAshmin’s between senior GECOM officials results of an election.As the chief resisted all efforts by party former Justice ofAppeal (ag) in the Building, which was a unilateral as to likelyamounttoaconspiracy election officer of Guyana, his agents and observers to Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, decision by the DCEO taken as an to make what was undoubtedly a conduct dealt a deep, pernicious scrutinize GECOM’s SOPs.18.On GodfreyP Smith. administrative measure, for no premature and unlawful body blow to the integrity of 13th March, 2020, the RO

According to its finding, the justifiable reason but intended to declaration of falsified results

Guyana’s electoral system and allowed himself to be influenced COI said the identified GECOM limit the number of witnesses to which showed the APNU/AFC cherished democratic values and by APNU/AFC party officials “abandoned all need for GECOM’s ascertainment and party as the winner of electoral must justly and forcefully be representative, Ms. Carol Joseph neutrality and impartiality and tabulation procedures. “In the district No.4. This was the condemned as the ultimate who was conducting herself in demonstrated a bias for a absence of RO Mingo, DCEO ultimate goal of the CEO, the betrayal of trust reposed in the a wholly inappropriate manner competing political party and, in Myers arrogated unto herself the DCEOandtheRO.” highest election official in the land and, as a result, recanted on his the course of events over those authority to continue the Declaration by Mingo bythepeopleofGuyana.” earlier undertaking to party days, showed an open connection ascertainment and tabulation ThereportstatedtoothatMingo Life blood agents and observers to restart with that party and, by their efforts, exercise. The DCEO appears to knew or ought to have known

Meanwhile, during brief the ascertainment and tabulation sought a desired result for that have selected GECOM staff to that the ascertainment and remarks at the handing over process in the interest of party.” conduct that process and, tabulation of the votes for ceremony President Ali said: “free transparency,” the COI report The report states that despite apparently, unilaterally decided to electoral district No.4 had not been and fair elections, as the lifeblood added. According to the report, it GECOM had specifically decided continue the process for sub- completed at the time he made his of democracy must be zealously took another intervention from the thatthe approved method for the district East Bank Demerara declaration “The RO (Mingo) guarded and protected. As such, Chief Justice to put a halt to the ascertaining and tabulation of when at the close of tabulation knew or ought to have known that, any circumstance or event which RO’s use of the spreadsheet. “We votes cast for the respective on the 3rd March, 2020, the pursuant to the provisions of could have led, or led and affected construe his exhortation to his staff competing political parties was to Georgetown district was being section 84(1) of the ROPA, he the declaration of the results of the to “keep calling those numbers” be by the comparative examined,”thereportdocumented. was required to ascertain and election, had implications for when he left to attend before the examination of SOPs, Bomb scare tabulatethetotalvotescastforeach democracy, and for the welfare of Chief Justice, as a manifestation Lowenfieldnevertheless approved The report also highlighted the competing political party in the citizens ” “It was thus of his intention and his desire to the use of a spreadsheet which much talked about bomb scare that electoraldistrict No.4.Further, he imperative that there be [an] complete the process with the use turned out to be a document, the was reported during the tabulation knew or ought to have known inquiry into the events that of his spreadsheet and secure a information on which was exercise following the March 2020 that the total votes cast in that followed the holding of the declaration of a win for the district had not been ascertained elections on March 2, 2020,” Dr APNU/AFCpartyinrelianceonthe andtabulated by him and that he Aliexpressed.Heremindedthatthe falsified figures on his was therefore acting in violation COI was also mandated to make spreadsheet,” the COI report of the law by making a declaration recommendationsfitandnecessary concluded. atthetimehedid.” to permit the Guyana Elections

The COI report documented Commission (GECOM) to

Lowenfield scrutiny

Additionally, the report that following a decision of the discharge its statutory functions in highlighted that Lowenfield had chief justice which gave clear an impartial, fair, and compliant unilaterally engaged in an directions that the ascertainment manner with the constitution, as exercise of scrutinising the votes and tabulation of the votes for well as relevant legislation. The alleged to be invalid by the electoral district No. 4 had to be president commended the APNU/AFC and determined that done through the comparative use commissioners for their hard work of the 460, 362 votescast for the of SOPs, Mingo “in complete by efficiently accepting and PPP, 275,092 were not valid, violation of theorder of thechief executing their responsibilities thereby disenfranchising 275,092 justice, resorted to the use of a “To all those who championed this electors. “The effect of the spreadsheetofnumberstowhichhe cause in Guyana, throughout the CEO’s unilateral nullification of said had been extracted from region… to all the professionals votes was that the APNU/AFC SOPs.17.The RO offered no who stood tall, remained impartial, ended up with 125,010 votes comfort to party agents and andexecutedtheresponsibilitythat and the PPP, 56, 627 votes. observers who sought to is expected of them in holding Certainly after the CCJ judgment question him on the integrity of publicoffice,Isaytoyou,thank of 8th July, 2020 which made the information on his (Continued on page 60)

Home Affairs PS, Mae Thomas

From page 59 Miami Airport and the revocation required to ensure that the oil you for all the work you have done. of her US visa, President Ali content specification of produced “To those who sidestep, sidetrack, assured that there was no “real water to be discharged does not inanopenway,didnotcomplywith motive’behind the move by the US exceed 42 mg/L on a daily basis or what is expected of them in public officials.“Theministerwouldhave 29 mg/L on a monthly average. office, you not only do yourself advisedmethattheauthorities(US) (Note: Produced water is a term harm, and this is looking into the said that it was a normal routine, used in the oil industry or future also. This is something we part of how they execute their job, geothermal industry to describe mustalllearnfrom,butyoudoyour persons are asked to go to water that is produced as a country, and our region harm,” secondary which I am aware of and byproduct during the extraction of PresidentAlistressed. there was no motive it was normal oil and natural gas, or used as a routine procedure when you go to mediumforheatextraction.)

PS Thomas’s visa revocation, secondary”, Ali explained He

Further, the permit requires ‘roughing-up’was a “normal noted, however, that Thomas has EEPGL to examine and develop a routine” …Pres.Ali given a statement to the Minister of plan for a phased reduction of oil Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd about content specification of produced President Mohamed Irfaan Ali what had transpired and it will be watertolevelslowerthantheabove onWednesday told reporters on the handled via a “procedure”. “The standardsandinkeepingwithGood sidelines of an event at his office procedure is one in which the International Petroleum Industry that Permanent Secretary (PS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs will Practices. Mae Toussaint Thomas was examine the report and then pursue

With respect to liabilities, the travelling to China on “party” that report with the relevant documentstatesthatEEPGLandits (PPP/C-Peoples Progressive Party agency…”Ali added.According to partners shall bear all costs of the Civic)businesswhenUnitedStates reports Thomas had her cell phone which occurred at the Miami official position on the matter, PS restoration, rehabilitation and officials detained her for confiscated by the United States International Airport Chandan- Toussaint Jr Thomas ought to compensation required as a result questioningattheMiamiAirport. (US) Customs and Border Edmond said the most recent proceed on administrative leave,” of damage incurred due to an oil

“ShewastravellingtoChinaon Protection (CBP) Officers at the update by Stabroek News on this Chandan-Edmondasserted. spill or other emergency resulting atrainingprogramme…therewasa Miami International Airport. Her matter, to the effect that the official fromtheexecutionoftheProject. delegation going to China from the USvisawasalsorevokedbytheUS had been on a US watch list, has Friday –April 28, 2023 KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat party (PPP/C) and she was part of agency and she had to return to causedevengreaterconcern.“Thus the costs herein referred to shall be that delegation”, Ali said. Kaieteur Guyana via another transit route. farwhatthepublicknowsisthatthe Govt. approves environmental independently assessed and Newshasbeenabletoconfirmwith Reports also suggest that she was PS’s phone was confiscated, she permit for fifth oil project evaluated by a third-party other sources that indeed Thomas handcuffedandphysicallyharassed was interrogated for hours by US -ExxonMobil has 30 days to determined by the EPA. It also was travelling along with two men duringathree-hour-longdetention. border agents and her US visa was provide parent guarantee states that nothing shall prejudice who are members of the PPP/C. Send Thomas on leave revoked.Allthiswasnotbychance the right of public and private This newspaper understands that Meanwhile, in a statement or random suspicion as she was Vice President, Dr Bharrat actors to pursue criminal and/or one of the men is the son of ShadowHomeAffairsMinisterand apparently on a list of persons of Jagdeo revealed yesterday that an civil action against the permit Guyana’sAmbassadortoSuriname Member of Parliament, Geeta interest.

Environmental Permit for holder and the other is the son of a former Chandan-Edmond said she has ExxonMobil’s fifth project at the Furthermore, the document PPP government official. As it noted, with deep concern, the The public does not know why Uaru field in the Stabroek Block statesthatthepermitholderisliable relates to Thomas’ detention at the incident involving the Thomas, she was placed on the watch list, has been approved The Uaru for all costs associated with clean how this will affect her duties project is expected to cost up, restoration and compensation or what is the government’s US$12 7B and produce about for any damages caused by any stance on the matter,” the MP 250,000 barrels of oil per day after discharge of any contaminant, said.Shesaiditiswellknown comingonstreamin2026. including the cost of all that“thisgovernmentisofthe With the environmental permit investigations into pollution belief that if a matter is being issued, Dr. Jagdeo said incidents or discharge of ignored long enough, it will ExxonMobil is expected to provide contaminants, conducted at the eventually go away. But aparentguaranteewithinamonth’s instanceoftheEPA. Thomas’ position is too time. This form of financial It also states that the permit important. She is the assurance would be used to cover holdershallcompensateanyperson Permanent Secretary of a any costs pertaining to an oil spill. whosuffersanylossordamageasa vital Ministry The Ministry He said the oil giant has to receive result of any contravention of the of Home Affairs is the approval from its shareholders on EnvironmentalProtectionAct.This epicentre of all international this matter The official said, newspaper also observed that the security cooperation “Hopefully, that will be done permit holder, his servants and/or arrangements with Guyana shortly but the wording on agentsshallbejointlyandseverally andofcoursetheMinistryhas everything and everything else for liable for any negligence or willful control over agencies theagreementhasbeensettled.” misconduct which causes harm to responsible for law and order In a separate and detailed the environment, biodiversity, locally,” Chandan-Edmond statement, the EPA said that the protected species and natural stated. She said the events permit is armed with several robust habitat. Additionally, EEPGL and that recently unfolded would provisions covering several its related parties can be liable obviously undermine public matters. jointly and/or severally for any confidence in the PS and by The regulator said the five-year gross negligence or willful extension, the ministry “The Environmental Permit for Uaru misconduct to the marine chiefaccountingofficerofthe strictlyprohibitsroutineflaringand environment, biodiversity, security ministry and the venting,andspecifiesthatflaringis protected species and natural point person for several key only permissible during habitat with respect to any release security programmes cannot commissioning, start-up and or discharge, spill, contaminant also be a person who is special circumstances. The permit fluids, oil or lubricants any smeared internationally also maintains that payments must facilities permitted under this There simply cannot be be made by the permit holder in project. businessasusualattheHome instances where flaring is Importantly, the permit holder, Affairs Ministry while its PS conducted beyond permitted his servants and/or agents can be is under international durations. liable jointly and/or severally for investigation.Untilthepublic On the matter of how produced environmental damage due to is fully appraised of the facts water is to be treated, the permit pollution from its activities within ofthematter,untilconfidence holder which is Exxon affiliate, Guyana, its territorial waters, can be restored, until the Esso Exploration and Production contiguouszones,continental government can have an Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is (Continued on page 61)

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

From page 60

a total of 44 wells – 21 productionarea. margins continental shelf, producers and 23 water and Theministrywas keento and Exclusive Economic gasinjectors. note that the reservoirs are Zone,inclusiveofdamageto The floating, production, notbeingtappedintobyLiza the marine environment, storage and offloading developments and are biodiversity, protected (FPSO) vessel, Errea Wittu, instead covered by the Uaru species and natural habitat which will be built by licence. withrespecttoanyreleaseor Japanese FPSO-building The Uaru project is discharge, spill, or and operating company, budgeted to cost US$12.683 contamination which is MODEC, will produce 250 billion and it is subject to attributable to the Permit kbdatpeakproduction. cost recovery under the Holder and his agents or

First oilis anticipatedfor Stabroek Block Petroleum contractors. the second quarter of 2027, SharingAgreement.

This is in accordance thereby boosting Guyana’s Importantly, the cost with Section 49 (1) of the overall production rate to reporting condition was Maritime Zones Act 2010 over 1,100,000 barrels of oil strengthened to include and is subject to any other perday annual synergy reporting, existing or forthcoming

Additionally, MODEC acknowledging the shared laws, regulations and willnowcompetewithSBM facilities and personnel standards governing the Offshore, the Dutch-based between these projects that protection of the marine company responsible for the resultincostsavings. environment. first four projects in the Additionally, a Capping

The permit also states Stabroek Block Notable Stack condition was that EEPGLshall provide to changes in the FPSO design included in this licence to the State, within a

Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat hands over the President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Mr. Alistair Routledge, the signed petroleum production licence for Guyana’s fifth offshore development, Uaru. They are joined by Production Manager of CNOOC Guyana Mr. Xu Xiangdong (far left) and Hess Corporation’s Vice President of Exploration, Appraisal, and Developments for Guyana Suriname, Mr. Tim Chisholm. They represent the two other oil majors comprising the Stabroek Block consortium.

compared to previous ensure compliance with the reasonable time of signing projects include using a commitment to have the o f t h i s p e r m i t , a combined-cycle gas turbine Capping Stack in-country as combination of various for power generation and a required by the Yellowtail formsoffinancialassurance closed-loop flare system, licence. In summary, the to cover all its legitimate reducing greenhouse gas approval of the Uaru Field environmental liabilities emissionsfromtheproject. Development Plan and underthispermit.

Certain conditions that issuance of the Uaru understands that one key License to ExxonMobil’s that the Uaru development

These shall include: are applicable to the Petroleum Production condition for approval was affiliate, Esso Exploration benefits from EM’s “Design Insurance to cover well

Yellowtail project were Licence marks the fifth t h e c o n c l u s i o n o f and Production Guyana o n e , b u i l d m a n y ” control, and/or clean up and excluded from the Uaru PPL approved production negotiations on the parent Limited (EEPGL) and its philosophy,whichallowsfor third-party liability on terms since they were deemed to operation for offshore /affiliate company guarantee partners, Hess Corporation more efficient project and in adequate amounts of have been sufficiently Guyana within the prolific referencedabove. and CNOOC Petroleum i m p l e m e n t a t i o n b y coverage that are market addressed by the Yellowtail StabroekBlock.

This is expected to be GuyanaLimited. leveraging similarities standard for the type of licenceconditions. The Uaru project is executed shortly with the The ministry, with betweenblackoilprojects. Insurance; and a written Similar to the Payara expected to significantly signature of the guarantor support from the petroleum The project is expected declaration of EEPGL’s and licence, the Uaru PPLboasts contribute to Guyana’s oil andbeneficiary division within the Guyana to produce 812 million its Co-Venturers’ financial a Unit Development production and highlights

In seeking to ensure Geology and Mines barrels of oil equivalent capability to fulfill all component, covering four of the benefits of leveraging EEPGLmeetsitsobligations Commission (GGMC), said resources in the initial 20- liabilities. the Uaru field reservoirs that similarities between black to prevent and mitigate it worked alongside year licensed period through

The required declaration extend into the Liza oilprojects. environmental harm, the ExxonMobil Guyana from shall be accompanied by permit also imposes May to November 2022. As EEPGL’s and each Coc o m p r e h e n s i v e part of this, it explained that Venturers’ statement of requirements for monitoring various technical and financial position for the and management of any financial scenarios for preceding year indicating impacts affecting biological, developingthe Snoek, Mako each Companies’ assets, physical, and socio- and Uaru reservoirs were liabilities, equity, and such economic resources within presented. f u r t h e r f i n a n c i a l the Area of Influence of the K a i e t e u r N e w s information, as may be project. understands that the pre- necessary

The permit also requires submission engagements

The permit holder is also EEPGLtosubmitsafetycase amongst MNR, GGMC and required to provide one or information, including a risk Exxon were not a pre- m o r e g u a r a n t e e assessment prior to drilling approval mechanism but agreement(s) in which the and development of wells. servedtooptimizealignment parent company or affiliate

The full text of the Uaru with legislative frameworks companies of permit holder

Permit is available for and international best and its co-venturers download on the EPA’s practices. (“affiliates”) shall undertake

w e b s i t e a t

The ministry further to promptly and within 30 www.epaguyana.org. noted that the November 1, days, upon notice of default, 2022 submission of the provide adequate financial Saturday p r o d u c t i o n l i c e n s e resources for the permit –April 29, 2023 a p p l i c a t i o n a n d holderanditsco-venturersto accompanying Field pay or satisfy their

Govt. grants Exxon D e v e l o p m e n t P l a n respective environmental production licence underwent a rigorous review obligations regarding the for 5th oil project processbyMNRandGGMC Stabroek Block The staff, supported by an companies are also required The Government of independent consultant to indemnify and keep GuyanathroughtheMinistry procured through the World indemnified the EPAand the ofNaturalResources(MNR) Bank. Government of Guyana, on Friday announced the The FDP review process a g a i n s t a l l s u c h

approval of the Uaru Field took over four months while environmental obligations Development Plan (FDP) theoverallprocesstookover regarding the Stabroek and the issuance of the Uaru 11months. Block.

ministry explained

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From page 20 part of the healthcare providers. To this end, the Head of State noted, “So I urge all of us to engage in a renewal of thinking,arenewalofpurpose andarenewalofcommitment towards our country and towards each other. Investment and money cannot bring about that renewal. That renewal must come through a personalcommitmentthrough personal change to advance better interpersonal behaviour.” Meanwhile, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony shared during brief remarks that government’s objective of offering worldclass health care cannot only be achieved through the publicsector,ashecongratulated theAhmadfamilyonthenew hospital. Attorney General Anil Nandlall also shared remarksatthefunction,reflectingonthehistoryofthefacility.Healsoannouncedanumberofinitiativesthatwillsoon come on stream to boost Guyana’shealthsectorwhich willalsocontributetotheRegion.

‘QueenP’ have your hair and skin...

From page 52 opportunity it brought, “I don’t believe I would have launchedthebusinessmainly because of the fact I got the opportunity to work from homeitgavemealotoftime, which made me say I should just start this now and with persons being at home like myself that accelerated the business even more due to persons not being able to go to salons to get their hair

done and with persons also startingtheirnaturalhairjourney during that time so I believeditaffectedmybusiness in a positive way.”

In moving forward with her business, the young woman said that her goal is to separate her natural hair line products from her beard card line and expanding her skin care line by introducing new products by her third anniversary which is in August.

She noted too that her long term goal is to own a NaturalHairSalonwhereshe cancareforpeoplewithnaturalhair

Withmoreinstoreforthis smallbusiness,Perryisofthe view that young entrepreneurs not only introduce fresh ideas but they help to improvethemarketandsociety

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National Library launches Storytime...

From page 51 deemed the event a timely one and congratulated the National Library for the initiative.

She stated that literacy is everybody’s business and to thisend,inMay,theNational DepartmentofLiteracywillbe launching the Read Guyana Challenge. Ms Williams ex-

plained that every Monday, childrenwillreadastoryfrom aselectionofstoriesandwrite a book report. At the end of themonth,participatingchildren will receive a Super Readercertificate.

She also disclosed that work is being done to resuscitateschoolclubsandlibraries to promote reading.

As part of the activities, children played games such as hopscotch, and ludo, and wereexposedtosomeaspects of Science, Technology, Engineering,ArtandMathematics (STEAM). They also toured the library bus and were encouraged to become members of the National Library.

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From page 36 hopefully not take too long and the results should be available in the coming months”,statedSRCS,while added that in the meantime, four villagers will be assisting in conducting a survey to find out more about the animal’s preference of habitat, diet and behaviour

“This data can then be used to create a plan for how thespeciescouldbemanaged and to create actions to ensure that either the species is

conserved for future generations,ifitisindeedanewspeciesorlimitedorifitisaninvasive species so that it does not impact other native biodiversity”,SRCSsaid.

Speaking with the waterfallsontheimportanceofthe project,SRCSProgrammeCoordinator, Neal Millar said, “Firstly, it highlights the importance of local knowledge as the species had been known about locally for a long time and only because ofthisareeffortsbeingmade

toscientificallyidentifyit”

“Additionally, he continued, “like all of the projects beingimplementedbySRCS, theactivitieswereconducted by the residents of Karaudarnauthemselvesand they are being equipped with the skills needed to do these types of assessment by SRCS. It reinforces that the residents of the Rupununi are the best persons to conduct research and that more effort is needed to build their capacity to do so”.

Construction of $1.7 billion Karasabai Secondary has begun

DPI-Constructionhascommencedonthe modern $1.7 billion Karasabai Secondary School in Region Nine, the Department of PublicInformation(DPI)hasreported.

The construction of the school is scheduled to be completed within two years andwillbenefit500studentsand250students in the dormitories. Students will no longer have to travel through difficult terrain every daytoreceiveeducation.

The government is putting a lot of effort into closing the education gap between the coast and the hinterland.This initiative will significantly improve the quality of life for students in the region by expanding their educational opportunities.The contemporary school complex will be fitted with ten

buildings which include TVET centres, a combined Home Economics and cafeteria area, teachers' quarters, an outdoor seating plaza, main teaching block and related lecturing facilities, and modern science laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.Construction of the facility is being done byAvinash Contracting. The contract signingceremonywhichwasheldinFebruary wasattendedbyMinisterofEducation,Priya Manickchand,MinisterofLocalGovernment and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alfred King, and Assistant Chief Education Officer for Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development, Marti DeSouza.

Construction of the Karasabai Secondary School has begun (DPI photo)

Spermdonorwhofatheredatleast550kidsbannedbyDutchcourt

Aljazeera- A Dutch courthasbannedamanfrom donating any more of his sperm after he fathered at least 550 children in the Netherlands and other countries and misled prospective parents about the number of offspring he helpedtoconceive.

A judge at The Hague District Court ordered the halt in an injunction on Friday brought by the mother of a child conceived withthedonor'sspermanda foundation representing otherparents.

Themother,identifiedby the foundation only as Eva,

welcomed the court's decision.

“I hope that this ruling leads to a ban on mass donationandspreadslikean oil slick to other countries. We must stand hand in hand around our children and protect them against this injustice,” Eva said in a statement.

The court noted under Dutch guidelines, sperm donors are allowed to produce a maximum of 25 children with 12 mothers, and the donor lied to prospectiveparentsabouthis donationhistory

The donor, identified as

Jonathan M under Dutch privacyguidelines,provided sperm to several Dutch fertilityclinicsandtoaclinic in Denmark, as well as to many other people he connected with through advertisements and online forums,thecourtsaid.

The donor's lawyer said inacourthearinghewanted to help parents who would otherwise be unable to conceive.

'Negativepsychosocial consequences'

Thejudgewhoheardthe civil case said the donor “deliberately lied about this in order to persuade the

parents to take him as a donor”.

“All these parents are nowconfrontedwiththefact that the children in their family are part of a huge kinship network, with hundreds of half-siblings, which they did not choose,” the court said, adding this “could possibly have negative psychosocial consequences for the children”.

The case was about “conflicting fundamental rights. On the one hand, the righttorespecttheprivacyof the parents and the donor children and on the other hand the same right of the donor”,itsaid.

The court ruled “the interests of the donor children and their parents outweigh the interest of the donor in continuing to donate sperm to new prospectiveparents”.

Jonathan M was ordered

Frozen vials of sperm preserved in an azote cooled container[File:ChristianHartmann/Reuters]

toimmediatelyhaltallsperm donations and pay 100,000 euros ($110,000) per case if hebreachestheban.

Lawyer Mark de Hek called the ruling “a clear signal and, as far as I am concerned,afinalwarningto othermassdonors”.

Thecaseisthelatestina series of fertility scandals to hittheNetherlands.

In 2020, a deceased gynaecologist was accused of fathering at least 17 children with women thinkingtheywerereceiving sperm from anonymous donors.

The year before, it emergedaRotterdamdoctor fathered at least 49 children while inseminating women seekingtreatment.

President Dr Irfaan Ali recently met withtheAmbassadorofRussiatoGuyana, AlexanderKurmazandtheAmbassadorof CubatoGuyana,NarcisoSocorroatState House,theMinisterofForeignAffairsand International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony;

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr and Director of Presidential Affairs, Mrs Marcia NadirSharmawerealsopartofthemeeting (Office of the PresidentPhoto)

Primary schools to be closed Wednesday & Thursday to facilitate NGSA exams

All primary schools that have been designated as examination centrestofacilitatethesittingofthe National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations this year willbeclosedonMay3and4.

This is according to a memorandum issued by the Ministry of Education on Friday

The document states that the closureofschoolswillalsoapplyto allyeargroupsandgradesofthose nursery and secondary schools locatedinthecompoundofprimary schools being used as examination centres.

The Ministry said this is necessarytoensurethe2023NGSA

exams are administered in a conduciveenvironment. Additionally, teachers who provide instructions at the closed schools are not required to report forduty However,allheadteachers mustensurethatschoolsareopened early so that the investigators can haveaccess.

Last week, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand announced that the number of examination centres has increased to 517. This means pupils will no longer have to travel far distances tocompletetheirexamination.

year,some15,268students

examinations.

TheMinisterdisclosedtoothat for the first time, the examination papers will be translated into Spanish to accommodate Spanish speakinglearners.

The results from the 2023 sittingoftheNGSAareduebyJuly 11,2023.

Burrowes re-elected as President of the GCF

Former Cyclist and President of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), Horace Burrowes, was on Friday re-elected to serve as President of the Federation followingitsAnnualGeneral Meeting (AGM) held at the NationalRacquetCentre.

Burrowes will lead the GCF for the 2023-2027period having served at that capacity in the past from 2011-2015.

Theothermembersofhis executive include first Vice- with responsibilities of Committee, second Vice Nam,inchargeoftheRacing President, Enzo Matthews, overseeing the Finance President, Paul Choo Wee- Committee and third VP, Nigel London, will head the DisciplinaryCommittee.

Sunday April 30, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Take care that you don't spend beyondyourmeans There'sno doubt about it - you like to shop! Today you're at risk of buying too much on impulse, leavingyouwithaclosetfullof clothesthatmaynotsuityou.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Today is a good day to join a group that shares your interests,Taurus.Youwillfind comfortinnumbers,aswellas some real intellectual stimulation that comes from discovering new things with like-mindedpeople.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You have a sharp, inquisitive mind, Gemini. Today you're likely to put it to good use exploringsomearcanefields.

CANCER(June21–July22)

The astral configuration indicatesthatyoucanexpecta financial windfall of some sort! This is great, but don't celebrate just yet. While it seems likely that your income is going to increase through a raise or bonus, there are signs that the money isn't immediatelyforthcoming.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Love and romance are in the air, Leo. The flame is going to beturnedupabitinanexisting relationship. Perhaps you and yourpartnerhavebeeninarut lately

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

You have a creative soul, Virgo, and today it's working overtime. You can't stop all sorts of imaginative ideas. Even if you've never written fiction, today you will have many clever ideas for stories andscreenplays.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

If you've been feeling like you want to do more to help the world,Libra,todayisthedayto put those thoughts into action. There is a lot you can do locally

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

If you've had a longstanding interestinfilmorphotography, today is a good day to explore that interest further, Scorpio. You will likely receive an opportunity to learn some of theintricaciesofthecraft.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

You may need to take the day off to replenish your soul, Sagittarius You've been working exceptionally hard lately While your output is impressive, it's coming at a highpersonalcost.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Pay attention to your dreams today They're likely to be interesting! If possible, write down your impressions the momentyouwakeup.

AQUARIUS(Jan 20–Feb.18)

You may feel great about yourself, Aquarius It's no mystery why You're looking betterthanyouhaveinmonths. People are responding to you very favorably You will get some admiring glances as you walkdownthestreet.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

This may not be the most energetic day You've been working hard lately and your body needs time to refuel. Spend some quiet time at home. Curl up with some tea and a good book and let your mindtravelwhereitmay Even though your body slows, your mindismoreactivethanever

Carina Westford will serve as Secretary of the federation and Maria Leung, her Assistant William Howard was placed to serve as Treasurer with Kwame Ridley as his Assistant wWhile,SeanChinChanwill serve as Secretary for the Cycling Racing Committee and Terry Nurse is his Assistant Meanwhile, the newly elected President who takes over from Linden Dowridge, stated, “My main focus at the helm of cycling in the country is to reintegrate unity and development to the sport. I promise to do good by cycling for the youth across all regions, to give every child a chance to develop in the sport.” He stressed, “As President, I will be open to all conversations for the development of cycling, and I guarantees all involved, an active federation under my watch with the aim of lifting the level of cycling while youenjoyshappierresults.”

Run-fest ends in draw following...

From page 71 270 balls with 9 fours and maximum. The pair added a record 5th wicket partnership of 259 runs, an innings which kepttheWIAinthegame.

Right-arm medium Jair McAllister grabbed while leading wicket-taker in 1st class cricket, Veerasammy Permaul was expensive (3106) and off-spinner Kevin Sinclair (2-71), capped off a tough bowling outing for TeamWeekes.

Batting a 2nd time, Team Weekes ended their 2nd innings on 107-3. Windies Test opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul made up for his 1stinningsfailure,stroking53 (118balls,6x4)whileZachary McCaskie (31) and Kaecy Carty (21), kept their cool as they pulled off an amazing heist.

Horace

The newly elected GCF executive.

Newly elected GCF President, Horace Burrowes

Fernandes re-elected GASAPresident

David Fernandes was re- Secretary/Treasurer, Ashley and Junior Affairs respectively and experience to those young elected President of the Guyana Khalil, Chairperson for Clubs The past president is Owen board members coming in. I’m so Squash Association (GSA) when Committee, Robin Low, Verwey proudtoseeouryoungermembers the entity staged its Annual Chairperson for Competitions The trio of Garfield Wiltshire, stepupandbewillingtohelpsteer General Meeting (AGM) on Committee, Deje Dias, Suzanne DeAbreu and Anabelle our association on a new path. ThursdayattheGeorgetownClub, Chairperson for Junior Affairs Singh have stepped away with the 2023 is going to be a big year for CampStreet. Committee, Taylor Fernandes- executive committee to usher in a us – with a budding junior Fernandes will lead for the H e n r y a n d A t h l e t e s new wave of administrators and academy, new facilities in the 2023-2024period. RepresentativeAlexArjoon. willaidinadvisorycapacities. pipeline, refurbished courts

The other members of his M e a n w h i l e , J u a n i t a

Experienced President David around Georgetown and the top executive include Vice President, Fernandes, Jonathan Antczak and Fernandes said, “Those leaving junior and senior teams in the Lorraine Ince, Treasurer, Ashley Tian Edwards were appointed are a huge part of squash and will Caribbean striving to raise their DeGroot-Khalil, Secretary, Sub-Committee Chairperson for still be around in an advisory standard even higher to compete Victoria Arjoon, Asst the Fundraising, Competitions capacity to offer their expertise onabroaderinternationalfield.”

GASA President David Fernandes

Female Students Dominate CSEC Golf Growth Gr

On Saturday at the with the Ministry of Nexgen Golf Academy on EducationUnitofAlliedArts Woolford Avenue, the new and other organizations that faces of golf from Rosignol allowed us to promulgate the Secondary School and sport in 8/10 regions around Freeburg Secondary School thecountryinjustayear Our tookcenterstage. kids deserve a future that

Thechangingfaceofgolf allows them access to all in Guyana is attracting the OlympicsportsandtheGGA a t t e n t i o n o f t h e is dedicated to providing L P G A / U S G A , t h e themwiththatpathway.” I n t e r n a t i o n a l G o l f Asked why so many Federation and the R&A, students were opting for PE, especially in light of the S i r K e v o n J a w a h i r astounding growth of the responded, “Golf is the main game, not just in sheer reason since it allows all numbers of new players but students the opportunity to in a tough to attract category, participate and excel in an femaleplayers. individual way We grew

In 2022, for the first time from 22 PE students in 2021 in the country’s history, golf to 57 in 2023 with all taking was offered as a PE elective golf Our sister school at CSEC examinations and Bushlot Secondary has over 116 students from Rosignol 50 as well and I heard that Secondary, Friendship even Bartica Three Mile Secondary, President’s Secondaryisdoinggolf.And College, Wisburg Secondary w i t h A n n a R e g i n a a n d A n n a R e g i n a Multilateral having 47 Multilateral Secondary took students, that makes us the a leap from traditional sports number 1 golf school so to do golf, and delivered that’sagreatachievementfor incredible results with 100% Rosignol.” passrateatthehighestlevel. Withthemassivegrowth,

What many people there comes a need for believed was a flash in the playing facilities and pan, something that would accordingtoHussain,“inour fizzle out and disappear has beginning stages, we cannot instead grown by leaps and afford to and there is no need bounds. This year saw not to build traditional golf only the original schools courses so I designed an return with larger numbers innovativescaledcourse that but many other schools allows players to experience joining in the ‘el Dorado golf as it should be played GolfRush’resultingin150% before progressing to an 18increaseover2022numbers. hole course. Similar to the Newly elected Executive development of cricket, VicePresidentoftheGuyana learners start out on small Golf Association Vic Oditt versions of a cricket ground explained, “these results before proceeding to the have been made possible by nationalstadium.” the exceptional efforts of our To avoid having students presidentAleemHussainand travel long distances in the the innovative partnerships future, Hussain said that what is now required are 8-

10 acre tracts of land in various regions that can be developed as a multifaceted sport facility similar to the Westside Golf Course which was recently opened in Vreed-en-Hoop and will be hosting a family fun day on May7thtoraisefundsforthe first ever Guyana National JuniorGolfChampionship.

Rosignol Secondary and Freeburg Secondary School students pose with GGA president Aleem Hussain

BradleyFredericksre-electedUDCAPresident

The annual general meeting and elections of the Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA) were held yesterday (Saturday) at theHymaraParkinLindenand it was supervised by president of the Guyana Cricket Board, BissondyalSingh.

TheUDCAnowcomprises of President Bradley Fredericks, VP Andrew Forsythe, Secretary Jacquey Bourne, Assistant Secretary Nick Hartman, Treasurer Jeremy Johnson, Assistant competition staged earlier this year with an Treasurer Ryan Piggot and Organizing Under17teaminvolved. Secretary/PRO Kollis Smith while the

He said “We were able to have three Auditors are Fintech Accountants The truckloads of dirt to build three wickets. Committee Members are Karil Smith, Hopefully, with these three loads of stuff we ClaytonVanHerselandPheonaDavid. can have three grounds ready to expand the Fredericks, in an invited comment, shed game. In so doing, we will also have the light on the recently contested inter district Mackenzie Sports Club ground available for tournamentinwhichtheyfacedchallengesin cricket.” the previous term but were able to have a

GCB President Bissondyal Singh and UDCA President Bradley Fredericks.

BlakecertifiedasIBACutmanTechnician

History was concretized on Friday as of three stars coaches in the Caribbean and three-star trainer Sebert Blake was officially now adds to his developing portfolio by presented with his IBA Cutman Technician becoming the first Guyanese to secure such a Certification following the successful prestigiouscertification.” completion of the programme, confirming He further said, “2023 has been his status as the only Guyanese with such a earmarked as a year for progressive distinguishedaccreditation. development and the GBA will continue in Blake, who is part of a cadre of three-star this evolutionary route. The discipline but coaches in the Caribbean, is the first-ever more specifically the boxers and the coaches Guyanese to partake, in and successfully willbeprovidedwiththeavenuesandtoolsto completetheprogramme,whichtranspiredat enhance and hone their individual faculties. the Women’s World Championship in New In particular, the formation of an assembly Delhi,IndiafromMarch15-31.Blakescored lineofcompetenttechnicalofficersisamajor in the 90th percentile to finish amongst the objective of the association, with Coach highestsuccessfulcandidates. Blake simply serving as the start or template President of the Guyana Boxing ofsuchaprocedure.” Association Steve Ninvalle said, “This is GBA Technical Director Terrence Poole another tangible achievement, will be the second Guyanese to participate in representation, and overall testament of the significant programme which will be human development by the GBA in its conducted at the Men’s World technical officers. Coach Blake is already in Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan an exulted company as one of a minute cadre fromMay1st-4th.

Tagenarine

Chanderpaul

Headley/Weekes Tri-Series…

Run-fest ends in draw following Chanderpaul half-century

West Indies Academy and Team Weekes WI-Arepliedwiththeir1stinnings435,a went to war over the last few days, as the resurgent fightback which was led by man of secondmatchoftheTri-Series,wherealmost the hour, Kirk Mckenzie, who piled on a 1000 runs was scored, finished in a draw majestic 221 from 386 deliveries with 26 yesterdayatCoolidge. foursandasix.

TeamWeekes made a massive 401 all out He was duly supported by middle-order intheir1stinningsthankstoaquartetofhalf- batsmanKevinWickhamwhohit121from centuriesfromafewoftheirbatters.

(Continued on page 67)

Historic! GBA President Steve Ninvalle (right) presenting the IBA Cutman Technician Certification to three-star trainer Sebert Blake following the successful completion of the programme. Also in the photo is GBA executive Seon Bristol

GFF launches the fifth edition of National Elite League

- Kicks off May 14

From left - Technical Director Brian Joseph, General Secretary Ian Ales and Joyann Williams at head table during the launch of the 2023 Elite League

In keeping with the The League consists of More importantly, the CONCACAF mandate, the 10 teams representing Elite programme provides Guyana Football Federation various regions, namely: opportunities for players and (GFF) has launched its fifth G e o r g e t o w n , We s t teams to showcase their edition of National Elite Demerara, East Bank skillsandcompeteatahigher Football League yesterday, Demerara, East Coast level. at the Federation’s Head Demerara, Linden, and It also serves as a O f f i c e b u i l d i n g , Berbice. pathway for players to Campbellville,Georgetown. The League’s defending potentially play for the

The League was last champion, Fruta Conquerors national team and even played in 2019 and was Football Club, will also be secure contracts with initially hauled due to the looking to continue their professionalclubsabroad. Covid-19pandemic. reign as champions The The first round kicks off

However, GFF partners champion of the League will at the Police Sports Club with FIFA Plus for hosting go on to represent Guyana at ground, Eve Leary with a the league which is the CONCACAF Club suggested three-day play scheduled to commence on Shield while the two teams week.

May14,2023. finishing at the bottom of the Winner of the 2023 FIFIA Plus will provide tablewillberelegated. Men’s Elite championship full coverage of matches Meanwhile, following will receive a sum of $2 throughout the competition. the launching of the 2023 million, while the runner-up The GFF Elite League is the edition, each team was purse stands at $1.8 million top professional football allocatedparticipationgrants and third place will pocket league in Guyana which was at a sum of $500,000, to $1.2 million. Fixtures and initially established in 2015 substantiate cost as they other details regarding the to improve the quality of prepare themselves to league will be published at a footballinthecountry. compete. laterdate.

Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes drives to the hoop. (USA TODAY Sports)

NBA: Kings win at Golden State to force play-off series decider

(BBC Sport) - Stephen Curry led the points. scoringfortheGoldenStateWarriorswith29 The Warriors went into their match points. The Sacramento Kings beat the against the Kings, which was shown live on Golden State Warriors 118-99 in San the BBC, as heavy favourites after winning Francisco to take the defending NBA their fourth NBA title in eight years last championstoaplay-offseriesdecider season.

Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox Stephen Curry, last season’s NBA Finals combinedfor54pointsastheKingstrounced MVP,ledthescoringfortheWarriorswith29 theWarriorstoleveltheseriesat3-3. points, but they were always trailing against

The Kings - as third seeds - will have an inspired Kings side that are now on the homeadvantageinSunday’sfinalgame. vergeofafirstplay-offserieswinin19years.

LeBron James’ LA Lakers await the Monk scored 28 points to lead the Kings’ winners in the Western Conference semi- charge, with Fox adding 26 points and a finals after completing a 4-2 series win game-high 11 assists to complete a doubleagainsttheMemphisGrizzlies. double.

D’AngeloRussellsecured31pointsasthe The sixth-seeded Warriors will take heart Lakerstriumphed125-85. fromtheirvictoryattheKingsingamefiveas SantiAldama top-scored for the Grizzlies they head into a deciding seventh game of a with 16 points but the second seeds never play-offseriesforthefirsttimesincewinning looked like forcing a deciding seventh game the 2018 Western finals en route to the NBA after going into half-time trailing by 17 championshiptitle.

- Kennesha Leacock named MVP

Kwakwani Untouchables ‘A’lifts GBF National Women’s 3x3 title

Led by an MVP-winning logistic services provider W ninepoints. A national football player performance from Kennesha RambaranServicesInc. However, Leacock, who from Bartica, Kirsty Thomas, Leacock, the Kwakwani With Guyana’s women’s side representedGuyanaatlastyear’s joined Woolford, Demelza Untouchables ‘A’ team played qualifyingtocompeteattheJune FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup in Miami, Nicholas and Rehaicia Romain undefeated yesterday to win the 23-July8,CentralAmericanand showed her superiority, scoring tolaceupforLindenRaiders. inaugural Guyana Basketball Caribbean (CAC) Games in El the two points needed by The University of Guyana Federation (GBF) National Salvador, the tournament was KwakwaniUntouchables(A). Trojans (Jamaicy Ogle, Norissa Women’s3x3Championships. alsoheldaspartofteamselection Meanwhile, the second team King, Shanill James and Keisha The tournament featured andpreparation. from the Upper Berbice River Copperfield) won two of their Kwakwani Untouchables (two KwakwaniUntouchables(A) community in Region 10 only five games, losing to both teams teams), President’s College (two team, apart from Leacock, came defeat came against the from Kwakwani and Linden, but teams), UG Trojans and Linden from Shania Sears, Natalya tournament’seventualwinners. grabbed wins over President Raiders,playinginaround-robin Clarke and Malia Samuels and Sherel Leacock, Rihanna College. formattodeterminethewinner. were only made to sweat against Archer, Brianna Benjamin and President of the GBF, The teams competed for the Linden Raiders team, where Lenasha Mohamed – the quartet Michael Singh, thanked the trophies donated by former thegamewenttoovertime. that formed Kwakwani playersforanentertainingdayof National women’s team captain KassidyWoolford, suiting up Untouchables second unit, also 3x3 basketball while promising, KarenAbrams, with support also forLinden,hitatwo-pointshotas had a good showing in the on behalf of the Federation, to c o m i n g f r o m l o c a l thetimeexpiredtosendthegame tournament, a performance that pay more attention to female transportation, lifting and into overtime and score tied at sawthemfinishingsecond. participationinthesportlocally

Kwakwani Untouchables (A) – GBF National Women’s 3x3 Champions