Kaieteur News

Govt. strengthening legislative, regulatory systems to address oil spills

-VPJagdeotoInt'lLawyerMelindaJanki

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo has assured that thegovernmentissparingno effort to ensure Guyana's legislative and regulatory systems are strengthened to addressoilspillsandrelated issues.

His comment was in direct response to International Lawyer, Melinda Janki who urged Guyanese on Wednesday to ponder how the government would handle a massive blowoutsimilartothatofthe tragic BP Macondo well blowout. In her letter to the media,Jankirecalledthatthe Macondo well blowout is what had caused the Deepwater Horizon Rig to explode,leadingtothedeath of 11 persons, and the extermination of millions of animals (including birds, dolphins, whales, fish, crustaceans,seaturtles).The disaster also destroyed the

livelihoods of thousands of people.

She highlighted in her missive also that BP, a technologically savvy oil company, took 87 days to cap the well. She further notedthattheresponseeffort included the United States Coast Guard, Louisiana National Guard Troops, the

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

miles of coastland Importantly, Janki highlighted that the Macondo well blowout has costBPanditspartnersmore thanUS$70B.

In light of the foregoing, shequestioned:Whatwould the Guyana government do if, God forbid, there was a blowout?

US Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and A t m o s p h e r i c Administration, other federal agencies, private contractorsandvolunteers.

Nevertheless, Janki said over 3 million barrels of oil polluted over 40,000 square miles of ocean and 1,000

Jagdeo said the question for him is a rhetorical one, sincetheonlywaytoremove suchariskcompletelywould betostopoilproduction.He was keen to note that this very risk has not prevented Norway, Saudi Arabia and the USA from becoming super-wealthy from oil resources.

Hesaidgovernmenthas no intention of being overcome by fear, adding that production will continue.

The PPP General Secretary also said that the administration is taking

steps to strengthen several pieces of legislation as well as the relevant licences and permitstoensurethecountry iswellprotected.

Hewaskeentonotethat one of the most progressive steps made thus far is the requirement of a capping stack.

This instrument he said canbedeployedtoshutoffa wellblowout.

H e n o t e d t h a t

ExxonMobilanditspartners arenowrequiredtohaveone

incountrywhilemaintaining a subscription for another overseas.

Jagdeosaid,“Wearealso doing more training at the Environmental Protection Agency and we are inviting specialists from India to assistus.”

With these and other efforts in the pipeline, the Vice President assured that thecountry'scapabilitiesare in the process of being transformed to effectively managetheoilindustry

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki

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TheWorldJusticeProject (WJP) on Thursday released their new CorruptionintheCaribbeanreport, which paints Guyana in a grim light The report examines perceptions of and experiences with corruption across 14 Caribbean countries including Guyana.

Accordingtothefindingsofthe report, a lot of Caribbean people believepublicofficialsarecorrupt. Drawing on nationally representative surveys, the report represents the voices of people in the 14 Caribbean countries and their experiences and perceptions ofcorruptioninboththepublicand privatesectors.

On average, 80 percent of respondentsinCaribbeancountries believe that public officials frequently award government contractstofriendsorrelatives,and 66 percent believe public officials regularlyrequestbribes.

Additionally, 74 percent of people, on average, believe politicians frequently use public resources to benefit their own family “When perceptions of corruption are pervasive, public trust in government institutions is undermined, and the rule of law is weakened,” said Elizabeth Andersen,executivedirectorofthe WorldJusticeProject.

“Corruption compromises the flowofresourcestosupportpublic safety, health, and education and denies people fair access to opportunities,” she said adding, “Combatting corruption is an important objective for governments, the private sector, and civil society organisations aroundtheworld.”

Notably, the findings in the CorruptionintheCaribbeanreport expand upon data contained in the 2022WorldJusticeProjectRuleof Law Index, which measures absenceofcorruptionasakeyrule of law factor for 140 countries aroundtheworld.

The new Caribbean report reveals additional insights drawn from the household polls in Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent andtheGrenadines,Suriname,and TrinidadandTobago.

BRIBERY

The Corruption in the Caribbean report specifically probestheprevalenceofbriberyin theregion.

While the perception of corruptioninthepublicsectorwas high in the countries surveyed, an

New World Justice Project report

Guyana’s corruption rate among the highest in the Caribbean

average of only 7% of people who had recent contact with public officials reported they were asked togiveabribe,favour,oradditional sumofmoney

The most frequent cases of bribery came during interactions with car registration/driver’s licence officers (9%, on average, among the countries studied) and policeofficers8%.

The least frequent involved local politicians 2%, doctors and nurses in public hospitals 2%, and publicschoolteachers3%.

PeopleinAntiguaandBarbuda along with Grenada reported the lowest of experiences with public sector bribery, at less than 1%, while 19% of respondents in the Dominican Republic and Haiti reportedhavingtoprovideabribe, gift, or favour within the last 12 months. Jamaica 17% and Guyana 16%alsohadsimilarratesofpublic sectorbribery

Findings from the new report show that bribery victimization within the private sector is uncommonintheCaribbean.

TheexceptiontothisisGuyana. The data show that of the 39% of Guyanese respondents who had contact with the private sector in the last 12 months, 18% paid a bribe. The only other countries r

t

r

victimizationratesabove5%were Haiti 8% and the Dominican Republic7%.

The average rate of private sector bribery victimization across theCaribbeanis3%.

ABOUT THE WORLD JUSTICE PROJECT

TheWorldJusticeProjectisan independent, multidisciplinary organization working to create knowledge, build awareness, and stimulateactiontoadvancetherule oflawworldwide.Effectiveruleof law reduces corruption, combats poverty and disease, and protects people from injustices large and small.

It underpins development, accountable government, and respectforfundamentalrights,and it is the foundation for communities of justice, opportunity,andpeace.

Explore the full Corruption in the Caribbean Report at: https://worldjusticeproject org/sit es/default/files/documents/Corrup tion-in-the-Caribbean-reportv4.pdf.

TableOne:“SocialNormsandAcceptabilityofCorruption”

TableTwo:“PerceptionsofCorruption amongActorsinthePublicSector”

TableThree:Bribesolicitationsinthe publicservicewithinthelast12months.

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

TRICKLE-DOWN OIL BUSINESS

There is daily enlightenment of a sort coming from the government,givenitthatitcomesupwithallmannerofrosy lookingschemestodistractGuyanesefromrenegotiation.

The latest, thanks to the President himself, is that Guyanese families should benefit from ‘business’ opportunities from the highflying oil sector Business from the oil sector is mixed news for Guyanese families. Even though most likely to be of the trickledown variety, it could stillmeansomethingforthosestrugglingGuyanesewhoget thesebusinessscraps.Butthereissomuchmorethatcouldbe atworkhere.Whatkindofbusiness,howmuchofit,andfor whom are presently unknown. When trickledown oil business is profitable for local families, then it has its positives: earnings, self-respect, self-sufficiency We have plentyofoil,andatinypopulation,whichmeansthatallcan benefit.

TheuncertainnewsinthisisthatthePresidentspeaksof much time being spent in the cabinet on a ‘model’. It is a mystery whose form and substance should be in the public domain soon. But, as Guyanese know well, when announcements like these come from the national leader in bold,sweepingstrokes,ithasbeenmoreofthedisappointing, andtoolittleoftheinspiring,forthem.

The result is that a host of different cottage industries couldspringupacrossGuyana.Thesmallerpeopleproviding their little portions of goods and services to the middlemen and other intermediaries. The latter are best positioned to capitalise on the downstream business opportunities from offshoreoiloperations.Couldbefoodsupplies,orlocalraw materials,orotherproductsuniquetoGuyana.

Thebusinessshouldcome,forwehavesomeadvantages fortheoilcompanies’subcontractors. GuyaneseareEnglish speaking,theexchangerateisfavourable,withacooperative populationhungryforanypieceofthenation’soilbounty It is sure to be better than what they have presently The advantagetothegovernmentreducestothis:keepthepeople busyandtheirmindswillbeoffthecontractthatsuckstheir blood. Put some money in their hands, and their voices would be stilled, their growing interest in getting more for theiroilwouldbediminished.

Give the families that are involved a slice of the carrot, and they lose sight of the bigger profit picture. That is, as their hands and minds are occupied with oil ‘business’ through the meager pickings that they get, they could lose interest in the many oil skullduggeries raging. Moreover, familiesgettingoilbusinessnowhaveastakeintheiroil,and may feel a sense of loyalty, in essence, staying silent, becomingindifferent. Thus,thisstrategyofgivingfamilies theirsliversofoilbusinessisnothingbutanothercleverruse fromacraftybunchofGuyanesepoliticiansandtheirforeign corporate bedfellows. They give-up a little, but gain much more.

Though housing some pluses, this new governmental ployisdesignedtoletExxonMobiloffthehook,helpingitnot to agree to renegotiation. In other words, give the people a penny(businessfromoil),andsaveapound(norenegotiation of contract). Regardless of the angle that this presidential announcement is looked at, it reeks of another element of dividing and diluting citizens. Given something and soon they start singing hymns about how good ExxonMobil is to Guyanese. It is at times like these that we table tough questions.

IsthePPP/CGovernmentandthePPPleadershiptaking itsowncounselandcomingtoplacesaboutwhatisgoodfor allGuyanese? Orarebothtakingguidancefromtheforeign corporate schemers to come up with these cake and bake productions designed to split Guyanese and distract their focus from the bigger picture, the bigger profits, where the biggestmoneyforthemcouldbehad?

Renegotiation of the 2016 contract is the biggest, most conclusive, most rewarding step. But the governing politicianscomeupwithallkindsoflurestosidesteptaking such action. Business for families from oil could be the newest gimmick to shortchange citizens. For when this government comes up with a gift horse like this, then the majorityofcitizensaregoingtogetkickedandbitten.

Randy Persaud, the new propaganda czar for OPuniformly scolds individuals and organisations in the press for not aligning with his vision of a “One Guyana”

DEAREDITOR,

With the consistency redolentofsomeoneeagerly earning their stripes (and salary) Dr Randolph

P e r s a u d , t h e n e w propaganda czar for the Office of the President, uniformlyscoldsindividuals and organisations in the press for not aligning with his vision of a “One Guyana,” which appears to be synonymous with “PPP Guyana”.

The tone and substance

o f D r. P e r s a u d ’s correspondence are becoming more and more reminiscent of the days of “command and control” particularlywhenitcomesto glorifying the leader and his party This trend was particularlynoticeableinhis

mostrecentletterofApril19 in Kaieteur News titled, “Familiar opposition personalities continue the misinformationcampaign.”

One wonders what informs this level of intolerance and mounting hysteriagiventhatthosewho control the oil economy purportedly have everything intheirgrasp.

However, one thing that caught my attention was his reference to Frederick Kissoon. He wrote, “those like Freddie Kissoon, who arecriticaloftheduplicityof these so-called civil society groups, have been fired, sidelined,anddisciplinedby those rich families that control the established mediahousesinGuyana.”(is Persaud including the

GuyanaTimeshere?)

This is a noteworthy statement, as in 2010 Dr Persaud did not afford Kissoon such generosity when Persaud, in concert with his group of party elements from the PPP attempted to interrupt Kissoon’s conference presentation at the National Libraryforum.

In a letter penned after that event, written in response to a letter of solidarity with Kissoon, PersauddescribedKissoon’s paper and presentation variously as “extremist rhetoric”, “inflammatory appeals to race”, “diabolical speech”, and “intellectual atrocity”.Onethingthatsure hasn’t changed is Persaud’s colourful language to

currently describe individuals and groups who d o n o t s h a r e t h e government’s views Although it is entirely reasonableforindividualsto revise their opinions on people, organisations, events, and history, one would think this should be done both with civility and some reflection Lastly, considering Dr. Persaud’s inclination to pose open questions to individuals and groups whom he glibly associates with the political opposition, I would ask him in turn whether he has changed his views on Kissoon’s paper which providedavitalevaluationof stateracisminGuyana?

Yourssincerely, NigelWestmaas

Apology diluted with label against media house

DEAREDITOR, While an apology was issued, the media house was labelled a ‘political rag’ (Demerarawaves April 20).

So an apology is given on one hand but just as quickly takenbackwiththelabel.

Thatlabelwasalsounder the previous administration

and the one before. And so government media houses continue to be heaped with scorn and painted black, depending who holds the reinsofgovernment.

It is a dilemma. You are looked on favourably by the governing side but unfavourably by the

opposition. What must be done to change this image and representation? A good place to start would be to examine the various reports which emanate after the elections regarding the government media and i m p l e m e n t t h e recommendations.Ifnot,the

label will remain regardless who is in government Professionalism has a heavy price It cannot be compromised Maybe, governments should not have any controlling influenceovermediahouses. Regards, ShamshunMohamed

Where is the voice of President IrfaanAli in all of this?

DEAREDITOR,

So,theprofitableMarriot is up for sale VP pronounces.Iamhearingthe voice of Vice President Bharat Jagdeo. I thought he wasthemaninchargeofthe Oil and Gas and energy sector however now we realiseheisinchargeofthat anditseemseverythingelse.

Acompanymadeapress release that it obtained 4 billion USD for the construction of an oil refinery in Guyana, in the county of Berbice in the Palmyraarea.

This would have transformed Berbice and be beneficial to thousands of BerbiciansandGuyana.The very next day, the VP did a video rejecting this project. Your excellency the President,whereareyouSir?

WhereisthevoiceofHis excellency the President, IrfaanAli in all of this? Mr President, is it your opinion also that we have to sell becauseitisriskybusiness?I

know when someone is sellingaproperty,hetriesto boost the property, high praises etc. In this case, the VP is telling the world it is risky business because there are seven other hotels being constructed.

Well,theseventhwasnot worried that there were six others plus the Marriot and thePegasus.Thesixbidders for the Marriot are not worried.

They do not consider it risky, but theVPis trying to convince the Guyanese people that the sale of the Marriotisnecessarybecause itisriskybusiness.

The reality is that the Marriot is a beach front hotel, so how many of the seven others can boast of that?Isthatnotahugeplus?I read somewhere in the press thatweinvested$52million and we would therefore make a profit of 13 million dollars.

Now I am not an economist or accountant but

if it cost $52M for the physicalinfrastructure,what would it cost now given the inflationary situation? In addition, were we paying interestonthemoney? What about the losses in the past? Nowwearemakingaprofit, we are going to sell without recoupingthatloss?Whyare we not trying to sell the rightsforacasinoaswehave already taken the leap to introduce gambling and so many bars all over this country have these machines?

Those Guyanese who thinksthatBharatJagdeoisa demigod but also calls Janet Jagan, the mother of the nationshouldnotethatitwas Janet who did everything in her power and gave an ultimatumtopreparetheway forJagdeo’spresidency

And it was this same Jagdeo who, when Janet criticized the treatment of StabroekNews,toldherthat she was an ordinary citizen. Noteanordinarycitizen,not

mother of the nation and the woman who made him what he is. PPP supporters and especially members should ponderonthis.

PresidentAlishouldtake note.Sofar,hisPresidencyis overshadowed by the VP TheVPisalloversharingout money and now selling out valuable profitable property

The Coalition sold our oil at fire price and were condemned by all and quite rightly by Irfaan Ali. Now the IrfaanAli government is selling out a valuable property Mr President please take hold of your government.

Intervene, to stop this saleoftheMarriotorhistory would condemn you as they have condemned the Coalitionforthegiveawayof ouroil.Showusthatyouare indeed the Executive PresidentofGuyana.

Regards,

Small parties are jokers

DEAREDITOR,

Daily, Guyana is sinking into the pit of bad governance.

The police force is a puppet of the Government, masquerading around doing political works such as Men

O n M i s s i o n T h e constitutional institutions are flooded with party supporters. The media is dominated by government, no space for independent views. Award of contracts arecorrupt.Toomanysquare pegs in round holes Victimization of those who dare to question the governmentpolicy

Haphazard decisions every day The excesses are overbearing.

E v e r y d a y, t h e President’s office finds a reasontohostanextravagant reception. Every day is a party This is the weakest opposition in the history of Guyana.

Every government press conference, journalists with a different view are treated with scorn. The silence is deafening Come 2025, Guyanese must demand better Where is the international community whofoughtfordemocracy?

Except APNU+AFC, post 2020 all the small partieshavebeenswallowed up. Guyana needs them at thistime.

Withoil,itiseasytoslip intodictatorshiprule,assuch morevoicesareneededtobe heard. One has to ask if the small parties are also afraid tospeak.

If they continue to speak out with the same energy theydidduringtheelections fiasco, then today this country will be better governed.

Manyofthemhavetaken upgovernmentpositionsand as such feel that they have done their part. Others have

realisedthatitwasnecessary for them to exist since it helped PPP/C voice to be amplified in the 2020 elections.Aweakopposition and civil society makes it easy for the government to become a dictator since winning elections will become easy by buying votes.

ANUGwithitsbatteryof lawyersarenotevenplaying a role that civil society expects The Youth

Movement, well it’s embarrassing to see that this group wanted youth votes andcan’tevenbeseriouson itsposition.

TheURPisconfusing-its leader sits on a government b o d y, p r a i s e s t h e government every minute andyetwantstobetermeda party The Liberty and Justice Party made a mockery of its constituent. Its leader sat in Parliament forovertwoyearsandmade noimpact.Mr.Badalstarted a great movement, Guyana needs you Sir The Local Government Election was a goodstartingpointforsmall parties.

But their motives are clear- they are only interested in power and not good governance It is shamefulthatnotmuchhave beendonepost2020bythese parties.

They have simply dropped the momentum Come 2025, what will they tell persons again to garner votes? We can laugh and insult all we want about Glenn Lall, but at the end of the day, there is no one as braveashim,Mr GHKLall, andMr ChrisRam.

Those who aspire for public offices must be serious and should never takebuyoutorbeintimidated bythegovernment.

Yourstruly, P.

Singh

THE FOURTH ESTATE

DEAREDITOR,

After reading of and listening to numerous reports on the treatment meted out to journalists by somenotablepoliticiansand their groups of sycophantic followers, as well as the underground intellectual authors, I sincerely believe that with my 30-plus-year experience in this noble profession, it is incumbent upon me to remind those politiciansofwhatiswritten in the Constitution and to sensitise the public, includingthe‘Johnny-comelately-journalist’, on the RoleoftheMedia;especially privately-owned media houses. Before explaining andsharingmyviewsonthe RoleoftheMedia,aswellas to provide the historical background on how the media is termed the Fourth Estate, let us examine what the Constitution says about PressFreedom. Thiscanbe found in Article 146(1) of Guyana’s Constitution, which pellucidly states: “Except with his own consent, no person shall be hinderedintheenjoymentof his freedom of expression, thatistosay,freedomtohold o p i n i o n s w i t h o u t interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference, freedom to communicate ideas and information without interference and freedom from interference with his correspondence.”

But is there Press FreedominGuyana?

There has always been some degree of systematic repression against journalistsinthiscountryby governments.

But since Guyana is beingtoutedtobeamongthe largest oil producers globally, it has escalated to thepointwherethesafetyof journalists is threatened, especially when hardline

questions on the nation’s patrimonyareasked.

This letter, in addition to the aforementioned, was therefore written not only in solidarity with Kaieteur News’ journalist, Ms Davina Bagot, but all those in the media fraternity who are targeted and or verbally attacked with the objective oftruthsuppression.

The term Fourth Estate was coined by an English Parliamentarian named EdmundBurke,whoin1787 said that there were three “Estates” in Parliament, namely, the Lords Spiritual (the clergy), the Lords Temporal (the non-clergy members of the House of Lords), and the Commoners (the members of the House of Commons) These Estates represented various interest groups - from the monarch down - and held high power in English society of the day Burke however said that they needed to be monitored and kept in check by the people, lest they might get carried away, engage in excesses, bring the Parliament into disrepute, undermine the institutions and processes of democracy that were being embeddedinBritishlife,and destabilize society and an economythatwastakingoff like a rocket during the Industrial Revolution. But who would keep the three Estates in check? Burke’s answer was the English media(referredtoatthetime

as the press) The other Estates are the Executive,

Judiciary However,withthe adventoftheFourthEstatethe Media, today, governments that claim to act in the “public interest” must face daly scrutiny of theiractions.

They must be called to account when overstepping the bounds of what citizens will support or when taking actionsthatareclearlynotin theirinterests.

To this end, the people relyheavilyonjournaliststo dothisjobontheirbehalf.

Media can be defined as communication channels through which news, entertainment, education, data or promotional messages are disseminated. Thechannelsusedareradio, newspapers, magazines, television, billboards, direct mail, telephone, fax and the internet. But quite recently, mainstream media have taken a back seat to the numerous social media platforms. Many people in this country do not understand the Role of the Media They perceive journalists as a group of inquisitive individuals pursuing them, and even invadingtheirprivacy,toget information on an event or issue that they may deem personal. On the one hand, some of them are correct in their perception because there is a category of journalists who are glory-

hunters. In their quest for fame,theycolourmostnews articles; exempt accuracy and omit balance and fairness. Many of us are engaged in “Yellow Journalism”, which is a pejorative reference to journalism that features scandal-mongering, sensationalism, jingoism or other unethical or unprofessionalpractices.

On the other hand, people need to understand thattheRoleoftheMediais toinform,teach,educateand entertain.Andtothisend,the media is often in conflict with governments, political partiesandanumberofother institutions. Journalism is a discipline of gathering, writing and reporting of events at the local, national, regional and international levelsinatimelymanner

And the Role of the Media was intended to be theretoensuretheygettothe bottom of things to disseminatetothepublic.

Journalistshavetogetto the truth, and I use the word truth advisably, but not to partner with power brokers for the ambition of a media house, editor or director and believing by following certain partnerships is good forthewell-being.

Asamatteroffact,itmay be good for that particular journalist’s well-being but notforthecountry Youhave to have an approach that is consistent,regardlesswith

(Continuedonpage6)

DEAREDITOR,

Someone drew to my attention, the PPP’s mouthpiece newspaper, the Chronicle Editorial of Tuesday 18th April, 2023 entitled‘Aclearchoice?’

The article at best is a classicexampleofhypocrisy andinaccuracy

TheEditorialwentoutof its way to refer to the major municipality, that is the capital city of Georgetown. The article emphasizes the importance of local government as it said and I quote ‘this event marks a significant milestone for the democratic process, as citizenswillhaveadirectsay in who will represent them and make decisions on their behalfatthelocallevel.

They claim that people are leaning towards the PPP/C to lead Georgetown. Some folks have no shame, no understanding of the truth.Briefly,Isetoutbelow facts for which there is abundant evidence I have mentioned time and time again. Since when does the PPPleadershiprecognizethe importance of local

government as set out in thosehigh-soundingphrases above?

One, for twenty-one years,thePPPinofficefailed to hold local government elections? And it took the

D a v i d G r a n g e r administration to restart the process.Second,everyeffort was made by the PPP administration to suffocate those municipalities such as Georgetownwheretheylost. Third,everyoneknowsthata Municipality to deliver its service requires money and management. The PPP has without exception but in particular Georgetown denied those councillors access to these two vital ingredients, money and management. They refused every initiative of the GeorgetownMunicipalityto raise funds and disallowed the Mayor and Councillors the opportunity to identify qualified persons to take charge of the several important divisions of the Council.

This includes ignoring the several reports and recommendations to

streamline and modernise the municipalities. It is time the PPP hierarchy and their media outlets stop fooling citizens. You can fool some of the people some of the timebutnotallofthepeople, allthetimeanddonotexpect thestate-controlledmediato publicizethisletter

But if any of the letter writersquestiontheveracity ofthecontentsofthisletter,I challenge them to an open debate anywhere, anytime. Thiswillgivemeandothers an open opportunity to go into details and facts to expose the hypocrisy if not dishonesty of the PPP asseverations that it is wedded to the principle of localgovernmentwhichina truly democratic society is the lynchpin of good governance.

No one should be fooled in Georgetown or elsewhere by this robust rhetoric flowing from a well-funded andwell-staffedinformation machinery

An important factor for decent people is, unlike the PNC and independent groups, no Party since the

THE FOURTH...

Waddington Constitution triggered in 1953 the right for every adult to vote has had such an enormous sum of money to spend on an LGE Campaign. For many withtherisingcostofliving, this money which the PPP has in abundance is a temptation. I say to those who are being offered cash for ballots, they must not forgetthewayanevilempire operates and not be insulted by the offering of a few ‘grangers.’ I say accept it but remember the story and wisdom found in the Holy Bible,wherehistoryreminds usoftheshortsightednessof Esau selling his birthright (yourvote)forameal.

Sotheysharedoutafew thousand dollars, while they have millions and billions here and abroad and insult you by thinking that is all you are worth In our circumstances, take the money but don’t feel that youarelikeapieceofwood forsale.

At the end of the voting, they must respect us even though we are poor and not among the wealthy Today, citizens everywhere must knowitisonlythetruththat willsetusfree.

Sincerely,

HamiltonGreen Elder

Frompage5 whom you are dealing; whetheryouaredealingwith someone you like or someoneyoudislike.Itmust bebalanced.

You must be able to withstand criticism and you must be able to give everyone the right to be heard…everyone must have their say in the media Government media is that partofagovernment,which functions as its mouthpiece.

It is also called state-owned media; a media, that works for mass communication, which is ultimately controlledandfundedbythe state.

The news outlets may be a sole media outlet or may exist in competition with privately-owned media

Some critics claim that government media outlets arenotmediabythemselves, only appendages of the government, and their loyalty, first to the government, restricts their aimtoactasthevoiceofthe voiceless.

In this regard, state-owned media serves a particular interest group and not the public.

Additionally, in some cases, statemediaoutletsarebeing usedfrequentlybyautocratic governments as propaganda tools. They suffer deliberate manipulationsofcontentsby

the ruling parties, which reduce their efficiency and credibilityThere is much more that can be given as advice to journalists in Guyana, especially the youngones. Butitiscommonknowledge that many of them cannot report on certain incidents and issues because of their employers’ policies and affiliation to political and otherinstitutions. However, in preservation of your integrity and future opportunities, strive to enhance your skills and ability by being engaged in InvestigativeJournalism.

It is in the service of Public Interest, and the purpose is to uncover corruption, injustice, maladministrationandlies.

As a duty to readers, listenersandviewers,aswell asself-protectioninahostile legal environment, Investigative Journalism seeks above all to tell the documented truth in depth andwithoutfearorfavour

Itistoprovideavoicefor those without one and to hold the powerful to account. Conclusively, it is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. But remember not to sell yourself like the many for a fewpiecesofSilver

Sincerelyyours,

StanCameron

Today, citizens everywhere must know it is only the truth that will set us free

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PPP GOVT. AUDIT TROUBLES

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The PPPGovt. turns left and there is trouble.

PPPGovt. leaders turn right and there is more trouble.

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Wherever the government or leaders turn, audit trouble awaits.

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Their foreign partners and co-conspirators cheat Guyana!

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What to do with audit reports?

It is why the PPPGovt. has to run, duck, and hide!

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As Guyanese say: “Two teef man does mek gawd laff.”

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VicePresident,Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

y e s t e r d a y condemnedarecentattackon Kaieteur News' Senior Journalist, Davina Bagot via a Facebook platform

Speaking at a press conference at Freedom House, the People's

Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary said the social media post indeed made vile and disparagingstatementsabout Bagotwhichshouldnothave beensaid.

Dr Jagdeo was also keen to clarify that the comments do not in any way reflect the views of the government or theparty

The official said he supports any legal action Bagot should choose to take regardingthesaidderogatory comments.

Several civil society actors have also joined in

condemning the attack against Bagot as well as President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), NazimaRaghubir

On Wednesday, the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) issued a writtenappealtothenation's 24 women Parliamentarians, urgingthattheytoodenounce

allattacksagainstjournalists here.

In the letter addressed to the officials, the group was keentopointoutthatwomen Members of Parliament (MPs)makeup37percentof the policy leaders in the House and represent all political party positions, beliefs and values of the

Guyanesesociety.

“As Parliamentarians, you serve as potential role models for all Guyanese w o m e n a n d g i r l s Additionally, being women, you are also sensitive to the dangers of unchecked misogyny, made visible in thehighpercapitanumberof wife/femalepartnermurders and mutilations in our country,”thegroupsaid.

Given the position and powerwomenMPshold,the

group asked that they offer solidarityandsupporttotheir counterparts in media who are being subjected to a torrent of male denigration, abuse and vitriol on social media.

Asashowofsupport,the group in its missive strongly urged women MPs to do the following: Tag on Facebook alloffensivepages/poststhat are sexist, racist, and misogynist against Guyanese; issue a strong

statement deploring public expressions that target the bodies of women and that so often lead to violence; and privately work with their respectivepoliticalpartiesto raise the tenor of public discourse.

Theletterinquestionwas signed by the group's members, namely Alfred Bhulai, Andre Brandli, Janette Bulkan, Darshanand Khusial, Joe Persaud, Mike Persaud,andGangaRamdas.

PNCR's Carol Joseph apologises for 'cursing' GC

A Partnership for National Unity's (APNU) Chief Scrutineer Carol Smith Joseph on Thursday apologised to Guyana Chronicle reporter Tamica Garnett for using indecent language while rejecting a request by the reporter for information.

In a statement to the media, Joseph said, “As woman to another woman, I wish to apologize for my outburst when Ms. Tamica Garnett called me yesterday on my personal and private phone.”

Notwithstanding Joseph's statement the APNU operative believes the G Chronicle is being used as a political tool for the ruling People's Progressive Party(PPP).

“However, it should be noted that I believe the Chronicle is a politicalragthat doing the bidding the PPP, incl supporting tru charges against its political opponents and supporting thedictatorialPPPregime.In this regard, one can hardly find language to address the egregious behaviour of the “GuyanaChronicle”.

Joseph said too that she respects all women but “cannot be respectful to the Chronicle which is a media house that promotes and supports PPP oppression of thepeopleofGuyana.”

The APNU Scrutineer's apology followed a statement by the Guyana Press Association (GPA) calling on the Chairman of theAPNU,andleaderofthe People's National Congress (PNC) Aubrey Norton to

p u b l i c l y apologise to Ms. Garnett and issued a commitment that his party would not subject members of the media to such acrimonious and indecent outbursts by any of his membersorsupportersmore soattheseniorlevel.

On Wednesday, the GPA condemned what it termed the most dastardly and pathetic expletive-laced attackonGarnettbyasenior political operative of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the People's National Congress Reform(PNCR).

According to a GPA release, based on Ms

Garnett's account, a recording of which has been provided to the executive of the GPA, the APNU Chief ScrutineerCarolJosephused indecent language in rejectingarequestbyherfor information.

“This attack on Ms Garnett marks a new low in relations between the media and the political directorate inGuyana.Itisnowapparent thatthetransgressionagainst the media by the People's Progressive Party and the PNCR/APNU is the one common feature both political parties share,” the GPAsaid.

GPA said failure he PNC to logise would ake Norton complicit at minimum “The GPA f u l l y recognises the diverse ownership and influence in a number of media houses but the same time condemns any attack workers in the execution of their duties.

Mindful of the need to provide fair and balanced coverage in keeping with international standards, the GPA is cognisant of the historic fact that the government-owned media operates at the behest of whichever party is in government.

Media workers in the State media are subjected to more than just editorial control The brutal psychological attack on Ms. Garnett is yet another such example that puts at greater risk journalists and other media workers in the course of the performance of their duties,”thestatementended.

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

reporter

APNU's Chief Scrutineer, Carol Joseph Chief Reporter of the Guyana Chronicle, Tamica Garnett

JAGDEO IS NO CONVERT TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY

From the way the PPP’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, prattled away at y e s t e r d a y ’s p r e s s conference, any observer uninitiated in Guyana’s political history would be tempted to believe that Jagdeo and his party, the PPP/C, were champions of localdemocracy.

But the truth should set the record straight The PPP/C did not hold local elections between 1994 and 2016, a period of more than twodecades.

Those twenty years would have taken a toll on the local government system. It led to a system of attrition to the point where some local government councils because of attrition couldnotmusteraquorum.

Jagdeo needs to be reminded that no local government elections were hostedduringhis12yearsas President. His government had a preferred mechanism forbypassingthedemocratic will of the people. It was called Interim Management Committees (IMCs) which allowed the PPP/C administrationtoinstallnonelected representatives in neighbourhood democratic councils.

It was also under Jagdeo’s Presidency that recommendations, made by theJointTaskForceonLocal Government Reforms, were lefttolanguish.Whilemuch of the intransigence over

local government reforms took place under Jagdeo, it was his successor Donald Ramotar,adecentman,who bore the brunt of criticisms for not holding local government elections and not proceeding with greater alacrity with local governmentreforms.

Andasmuchashewants to brood over the PNCR’s failure to contest in 24 local governmentareasduringthe June 2023 local government elections, including in Lethem where the APNU is not fielding any candidates, he should be thankful that it was David Granger which declared Lethem a town, as he did also in respect to Madhia, Bartica and

Mabaruma. The declaration of new towns by theAPNU served to expand local democracy to all ten of Guyana’s administrative regions, a decision which Jagdeo did not even contemplate during his 12yearpresidency

In the post- Jagan years, the PPP/C held a perverted notion of local democracy

The PPP/C’s idea of local democracy is one in which local democratic organs are bypassed.

There was recently a decision to take over the rehabilitation of the country’’ markets The MayorofGeorgetownhadto indicatehisdispleasurewith this decision as there has been no agreement towards

Dem Boys Seh...

thisend.

ThePPP/C’sideaoflocal democracy has been to keep local democratic organs weak and dependent on central government. All the local authorities in Guyana arecash-strappedandhighly dependent on central government, which the PPP/Ccontrols,forsupport.

The PPP/C’s idea of local democracy is domination and control

Through the installation of

I M C s , t h e P P P / C government hijacked local democracy Yet,nowJagdeo wishestopontificateasifthe PPP/Cisthesaviouroflocal democracy

Under the PPP/C, the real power over expenditure and administration in Regional Democratic Councils resides with Regional Executive Officers. It is not unknown for regional chairpersons to be emasculated from decisions concerning spending in regional democraticcouncils.

It was under the PPP/C that a former United States Ambassador was tonguelashed by a PPP/C Minister The Ambassador was berated simply because he called on the government to hold local government elections.

At the time, the PPP/C was reluctant to hold such elections Allegations of corruption within the government were rife and

Doctors know how to give bad news

Deh gat some people who does believe in miracles. When dem family sick and de doctor tell dem is a 50-50, dem does pray and hope fuh a miracle. But when dem doctor tell yuh is a 50-50- chance of survival,itcouldmeantwothings.

Fuss it could mean dat dem doctors coveringdemtracksandtryingfuhprepare yuh fuh de worse or it could mean dat de patientdehsobaddatdechancesofsurvival isslim.

Dem doctors does be good though at givingbadnews.Onetimedisbigpolitician was in Georgetown Hospital, when he doctorrunhetests,hefinddatdemandehin badshapeandmightnahganmekit.

Sodedoctorgobacktodemanandtell he,“Ihavegoodnewsandbadnewsforyou.

Whichoneyouwanttohearfirst?”

Thesickpoliticiansaid,“Iwilltakethe goodnewsfirst.”

The doctor told him, “Something will benamedafteryou.”

Threeyearsago,adoctortoldamanthat he was going deaf. The man claims he has notheardfromthedoctorsince.

One time a private doctor told a man bluntlydatheonlygatthreemonthstolive. De man turned to de doctor and told him, “Sorrydoc,butinthatperiod,IamafraidI would not be able to pay you for your medicalfees.”

Withoutbattinganeye,thedoctorthen toldtheman,“Ok,thenIgiveyousixmore monthstolive.”

Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

the PPP/C was fearful that local government elections would expose a serious decline in national support andthusactasareferendum on the performance and p o p u l a r i t y o f i t s government.

Jagdeo is now gloating over the fact that theAPNU will not contest in what he saysare24localgovernment areas.Buthemustrecallthat during the 2018 elections, the PPP/C did not contest in alllocalgovernmentareas.

The PPP/C is now enthusiastic about local government elections. This was not always the case, including under Jagdeo’s presidency

The PPP/C’s agenda is not local democracy It has outlined no plans to empower local democratic

organs; the PPP/C is interested in gaining political capital from these elections and particular to further weaken the badlydividedPNCR.

The PPP/C knows that the PNCR under Aubrey Norton, like the PNC under DesmondHoyte,isadivided house. And such divisions, as it did under Desmond Hoyte,alwayshurtsthePNC at local government elections.

In the 1994 municipal electionsinGeorgetown,the PNC was defeated by the Good and Green Guyana party led by Hamilton Green His supporters accusedHoyteofsellingout the 1992 elections which saw the PNC booted out of officeafter28years. It is only natural in

politics for the PPP/C to want to capitalize on the divisions within the PNCR following the rebellion whichledtothedepartureof David Granger as leader of theparty Butindoingso,the PPP/Cmustpretendthatitis serious about local democracy – it never was andneverwillbe.

(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.)

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

URGENT NEED TO LIFT THE LEVEL OF CONVERSATION

The light of recent m e d i a developments emphasises how much we needtoworktirelessly,each do our little parts, to lift the level of conversation in the nationalspace.

The last media outrage

was against Guyana Chronicle Reporter, Ms Tamica Garnett, from the lips of PNC stalwart, Ms. CarolJoseph. Theevidence ontapeisincontestable. By now, Guyana knows what wasdishedoutagainstaKN reporter, Ms. Bagot. What was vile then is also vile now I roundly and sharply

denounce this latest example of local lowness and madness, reportedly by the PNC member, Ms Joseph. What goes for PPP goonsandghouls,alsogoes for those in the PNC: vile personal abuse is almost as b a d a s c h a r a c t e r assassination, and I condemn. Let there be no mistakeastowhereIstand.

Considering these odious excesses, it is obviousthattherageagainst dissent is running high, and the national level of communication must be raised. Itislow Itmustgo up by multiple notches

immediately, and with careful husbandry to enhance further and constantly

Asapubliccontributor,I have an obligation to raise the bar on myself; to set a minimum standard that is above the cultural and environmental norms. I urgefellowcitizenstowards better efforts to get us away from where we are trapped and locked; there is simply toomuchcursing,toomuch raging,whichconcealsgreat resentments. Clearly, there is present a mountain of accumulated bile, rage, malice,andviciousness. We

continueunheeding,andwe setthestagefortearingeach othertopieces. Notonlyin cyberspace, but in actual exchanges that wound beyond already piercing words and acrimonies Reporters doing an honest and thankless job are due respect, accommodation, and tolerance. Democracy does not fear light; the principled do not shrink fromtruth.

Inarticulatingthispublic appeal, I encounter two handicaps. The first is that the courteous and conscientious have already distanced the fray The second is that those who relish putrid swamps, and darkholes,arenotinterested in toningdown, or stand for values,andrespectothersin thedomesticarena.

Thereisscantinclination towards refining their attitudes and actions to empower a different communicationstandard. It has been said that the incredible ugliness of Guyana’s politics is responsible.

There is some truth to that thinking, but some of thevirulencethatoozesout, often pours forth, originate from deep within our souls, our memory banks, our jaundiced view of environment and others Simply, politics alone did not convert us to this demented, maniacal state; rather, it is that there are some among us who are of this nature when the shells arestrippedaway I have no issue with anyone disagreeing with me; just be honest. The whole body of work, of publicexpressions,fromthe

inception are what holdsfororagainst. Disagree to the face in the public domain, and not in the stalls of the pigpen that social mediahasbecome. We are entitled to our choices, our inclinations, and our passions, but not whenthestrainsmutateinto the malicious and the monstrous Not when bigotry and misogyny are indescribably and inexcusably lurking amid what is supposed to be political representation, partisan expression, and the caliber of personal articulation.

Ithinkthatthosewhoare better equipped by the wisdoms of learning and steadfast grooming, by unshakable belief and personal virtue, have an obligation to lead the way, and not succumbing to the all too human tendency to retaliate. It is my position thatleadershaveadutytobe activeparticipantsinsetting standards aimed at helping us to communicate and exercise rights on a more reciprocally respectful plain.

The pugnacious and raucous, and this includes the frivolous and ludicrous, mustallgo,andbereplaced withgreatstrivingforalocal environmentthatlendsitself to the prospect of some harmonious reaching of hearts, some masterly meeting of minds To succeed at either, we must firstmasterourselves.

I recognize that it is almostinstinctual,soeasyit is for us to verbally maim and maul each other In contrast, it takes tireless,

thankless, and tremendous effort to hear the counterarguments, to detect the profoundness (or lack thereof),andtocometothat place that allows for the disciplineofquietreception, evenwarminghospitalityof different ideas. What is detested is the extreme prejudice in this country to opposingideas,anyideathat is different from partisan ones held dearly Still, t h r o u g h o r d e r l y perseverance,andcontinued humble convictions, we can conduct classes of what is missing, grow into testimonies that sparkle and elevateus.

It makes no sense, adds uptonothing,forGuyanato be an oil power of top ranking, only for Guyanese to be dismissed to the bottom.

No Guyanese should be content to be bottomfeeding scavenger through what impugns and impales. Instead, mutual respect and simple decency must enrich the substances of our exchanges, our expressions, andourenergies.

I must make a start in showing how Constant vigilance and discipline help. Let’s all rise, speak respectfully

(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.)

HARDTRUTHS BYGHKLALL

Kwakwani man killed in Bee Hive smash-up

Former Regional Vice Chairman of Region10,ByronLewisdiedonWednesday night after he was involved in a vehicular accident on the Bee Hive Public Road, East CoastDemerara(ECD).

Accordingtoapolicereport,theaccident occurred just around 20:00hrs and involved motorcar PKK 3124, owned and driven by Ronis Lewis, a 48-year-old mechanic of Kwakwani Village; motorcar PPP 5769, ownedanddrivenby78-year-oldLewisalso of Kwakwani Village; and motorcar PJJ 8978,drivenbyBeeshamPersaud,a33-yearoldcarpenterofHopeLowlands,ECD.

RonisLewisreportedlytoldinvestigators that he was towing Byron Lewis's car (with Bryon Lewis behind the wheel) and was heading east along the northern lane of the Bee Hive Public Road when he observed Persaud's motorcar which was traveling westonthesouthernlanereportedlyatafast rate.

Accordingtohim,Persaud'scarovertook a vehicle which was also proceeding west andendedupinhispath.Lewissaidhetried to avoid a collision by pulling further north on the road and in so doing Persaud's car ended up colliding with the front of Byron Lewis'svehicle.

Asaresultofthecollision,bothPersaud and the FormerVice Chair received injuries about their bodies and were taken to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital where Lewis waspronounceddeadonarrivalbyadoctor Persaud, the police said, was treated for

Silvie's donates 106 sewing machines for government-run garment programme

minorinjuriestohisbody

He was later taken into police custody where he is assisting with the investigation intothefatalaccident.

T h e g a r m e n t construction programme undertheMinistryofHuman ServicesandSocialSecurity received a sizable donation on Thursday from Silvie's IndustrialSolutions.

At a simple ceremony at theMinistry'sheadofficeon Lamaha and East Streets, 106 sewing machines, valuing over four million dollars were handed over to the ministry Silvie's Chief Executive Officer,

Bramanand Persaud indicated that the company was proud of the initiative taken by the ministry to empower young women in communities.

Quality Management

S y s t e m M a n a g e r , Deepawattie Persaud noted thatthecompanywashappy to be associated with the ministry and was highly impressedbytheworkithas been doing to help improve

the lives of vulnerable persons in Guyana, particularly through the G u y a n a Wo m e n ' s Leadership Institute and the Women's Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN).

“The Ministry is doing such a great job helping those in need and after MinisterPersaudspokeatan eventrecently,wejumpedat the opportunity to come on board and play our part. We would like to continue to help in whatever way possible,” the manager was quoted in a Ministry of Human Service press release.

Minister of Human ServicesandSocialSecurity, Dr Vindhya Persaud said, “We are setting up the top floor of the GWLI as a sewing lab, we express our thanks, this will go a long way in assisting our sewing

programme, we have r e c e i v e d p o s i t i v e countrywide feedback and we will be taking this to the peoplethereinordertofulfill ourpromiseofmakingthem entrepreneurs.”

Withnearly300persons, includingpersonslivingwith permanent disabilities already trained in garment construction through the WIIN programme, WIIN Coordinator, Sanjay Pooran highlighted that the programme is expected to train500personsinthisarea overthecourseof2023.“We areaimingtotrainabout500 persons in garment construction this year, since the programme was introduced, we have consistently had a high demand for it to be offered and with this boost in equipment,wewillbebetter able to surpass our target,” Pooransaid.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Honourable Dr Vindhya Persaud (center) along with WIIN coordinator, Sanjay Pooran receives over 100 sewing machines from Silvie's Industrial Solutions', Quality Management System Manager, Deepawattie Persaud Manager

Former Vice Chairman of Region 10, Byron Lewis

Wanted bulletins issued for couple fingered in cop's murder

Police on Thursday

issued wanted bulletins for a couple allegedly involved in the murder of a policeman, QuincyLewiswhoseskeletal remains were dug up from a shallow grave on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway onWednesday

The couple has been identified as Thakurdial Samaroo, 56, of Lot 7 Ogle Front Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and NaqueebaZahidZafaralialso known as Naqueeba Zafarali ofthesameaddress.

T h e c o u p l e h a d reportedly fled the jurisdiction but the Force on Wednesday committed to using all legal avenues to extradite them back to Guyana.

“The Guyana Police Force will also use all legal avenues available to ensure thattheothertwo(2)suspects are extradited to Guyana to answer to the allegations in relation to the death of the deceased,”GPFStated.

Lewis had been missing for almost three years but Criminal Investigation Department (CID) ranks from the Cold Case and Major Crimes Unit (MCU) havebeengatheringevidence as they investigated his disappearance.

Their hard work paid off around 17:00hrs on Wednesday after they found skeletalremainsburiedatthe

Madewini Sand Pit area

Police will now send the remains overseas for DNA testing to confirm that they belong to the Lewis

According to a statement by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the two suspects in custodydecidedtocooperate withthedetectivesafterthey wereshownevidencelinking themtothedisappearanceof Lewis.

They were the ones who led police to search for Lewis's body at Madewini, LindenSoesdykeHighway KaieteurNewslearntthat Lewis was allegedly involved in a romantic relationship with the wife and was reportedly lured to the couple's East Bank Demerara (EBD) home on the day he disappeared Lewis was allegedly shot at thelocationandhisbodythen transported to the Madewini Sand Pit area where it was buried.

Kaieteur News on Thursday reported that the twosuspectsincustodywere paid by the couple to kill Lewis,butpolicehavesince clarifiedwiththenewspaper that they never confessed to shootinghim.

The suspects, according police, claimed that it was the woman's husband who shotandkilledLewis.

Meanwhile, as police do their best to track down the couple, Kaieteur News has learnt that Lewis's relatives

had warned him about returning into a relationship withawoman,hehadgotten into trouble for before Kaieteur News understands thatsheresidedinCummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara but had ties to a property in Greenfield Park, East Bank

Demerara (EBD), an area where Lewis was last seen driving into with his car beforevanishing.

A c c o r d i n g t o information, a 'problem' had arisenbetweenLewisandthe woman's family over her Lewis did not divulge the

nature of the problem to his relative but they suspect that herparentsdidnotapproveof theirrelationship.

The woman had left the country after then but returned close to the time Lewis disappeared Lewis had reportedly notified his

relatives that he was speaking with her again and theywarnedhimtobecareful and “not get tie up with the girlagain”.

Lewis, however, was not too keen on taking their adviceandhadtoldthemthat the woman has always been goodtohimandhelpedhima lot. Relatives do not know if he had hooked up with her again but recalled that he disappeared a few months later

Lewiswaslastseenalive by his mother, Charlene Jordon,around17:15hrsafter leaving their home at La Parfaite Harmonie, West BankDemerara(WBD).

He left in a silver-grey ToyotaPremioMotorcarthat heborrowedfromafriendfor work duties at the Agricola PoliceStation.

Lewis never made it there. Security cameras had captured him crossing over the Demerara Harbour Bridge and heading into GreenfieldPark.

The couple wanted for policeman, Quincy Lewis's murder, Thakurdial Samaroo and Naqueeba Zafarali

New $535M pilot boat to cost taxpayers $20M annually to maintain

PresidentIrfaanAlionWednesday commissioneda$535Mpilotvesselto be used by the Maritime

Administration Department (MARAD), which will be cost $20M tomaintainannually

The vessel PD Arapaima was custom-built for MARAD by Ocea Shipbuilding Limited in France. The 14-person vessel is built from aluminum.

Notably, 10 persons were trained andcertifiedtooperatetheboat.

On Wednesday, President Ali, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, Deodat Indar and other officials were at the commissioning ceremony of the vessel hosted at the NationalCoastGuardHeadquartersat RampRoad,Ruimveldt.

The Head-of-State delivered the featuredaddressattheevent.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that President Ali pointed to a number of measures the government is implementing aimed at completely transforming local maritime operations.Henoted,however,thatthe acquisitionofthePBArapaimaisjusta smallstepinaseriesoflargereffortsto mitigate difficulties being faced in the sector

“We have aging assets Bad decisions in 2018 by the last government led to the acquisition of

whatwassupposedtobeanewassetfor just around $300 million. One year afterwards,wespentmorethan$300M on spares, and that takes it to about $600-plus million That vessel is costing us about $50 million annually tomaintain,”PresidentAliexplained.

He contrasted it with the new, improvedacquisition,highlightingthat this vessel is much more efficient for thepurposeitwaspurchasedfor

“Thisvessel,ontheotherhand,was acquired at $535M, one-year free maintenanceonwarranty,andfromthe second year, it is anticipated that will cost no more than GY$20M in maintenance [annually]. It will also

The $535M pilot vessel

utilise 30 percent less fuel than the current fleet. That tells a story by itself,”Dr Aliunderlined.

The president also congratulated the management and staff of MARAD on the acquisition of the vessel, iterating that it is a continuation of the administration's efforts to give MARAD a fleet of modern reliable, fuel-efficient vessels capable of serving the needs of the shipping industry, and facilitating a modern marinesector

Meanwhile, Minister Edghill, highlighted the important role the maritimeindustryplaysinthe (Continuedonpage16)

One dead, another hospitalised after van crashes into parked truck

Police on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) are probing the death of Takurand Seemangal who was killed on Thursday morning after the motor van he was traveling in crashed into a parked truck on the Good Hope Public Road, ECD.

Accordingtoinformation received, the fatal accident occurred just around 06:10hrs.Thevanwasdriven by 38-year-old Wilfred Sanasie while 63-year-old Seemangal of Lot 157 Thomas Street, Georgetown wasthelonepassengerinthe vehicle. Sanasie is currently hospitalized.

It was reported to the police that the van was traveling east along the northern lane of the public roadwhenthe“leftsidefront portion” collided with the rightsideoftheparkedtruck which was on the northern sideoftheroadfacingeast.

As a result of the impact of the collision, Kaieteur News understands that

Sanasie and Seemangal received injuries about their bodiesandwerepickedupin a conscious and unconscious staterespectively

The men were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where a doctor on duty pronounced Seemangal dead on arrival while the driver was admitted. He is saidtobesufferingfromhead injuries.Seemangal's body is presently at the GPHC's mortuary awaiting a postmortemexamination.

Investigations are ongoing.

Dead: Takurand Seemangal

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Vacancy exists for two experienced Dispatcher at Confidential Cabs. Call: 695-1961 /231-5784.

A new company is looking for a personal Secretary. University students are welcome to apply. Call: 675-3777.

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Pure honey, wholesale and retail quantity. Call: 6214273.

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Bel Air Park, 4 bedrooms house at Eping Avenue, Georgetown. Secure parking available. Call: 675-3777.

Risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks at 30-year high - PAHO Director says

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, calls on countries to urgently stepup routine vaccination programmes as the risk of disease outbreaks in the Americas reaches a 30-year high due to a decline in vaccination coverage.

While the Americas was the first region in the world to eliminate polio in 1994 and has historically been a world leader in disease control and elimination, “national immunization programmes have suffered numerous setbacks over the last decade,” Dr. Barbosa said during a media briefing on Wednesday, PAHO reported.

Inadequate sustainable financing for immunization and an increase in vaccine hesitancy due to misinformation have been among the primary drivers of the drop in coverage, he added, factors further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, the Region of the Americas is the second in the world with the worst vaccine coverage.

leaves children “susceptible to diseases such as polio, tetanus, measles and diphtheria,” Dr. Barbosa said. In the run up to Vaccination Week in the Americas, starting next week from 22 to 29 April, the PAHO Director urged countries to step up efforts to “recover the vaccination coverage rates that protected us in the past.”

Vaccination Week in the Americas is “an extraordinary strategy to complement the efforts of national immunization programs,” Dr. Barbosa said, supporting efforts to protect more than 1 billion people of all ages since its inception 20 years ago.

This year, the theme of the week is Get up to date #EachVaccineCounts and the aim is to reach more than 92 million people across the Region with life-saving vaccines. PAHO’s commitment to strengthening national immunization programmes does not stop at these events, the Director added.

production of mRNA-based vaccines.

“National immunization programmes are our first line of defense against outbreaks,” Dr. Barbosa said. “But each one of us can do our part to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

And we can start by getting all our shots during Vaccination Week in the Americas.”

Vaccination in the Americas in numbers

In 2021, more than 2.7 million children under 1 year did not receive all their vaccine doses against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. In 2010, the Americas was the second region with the highest reported vaccination coverage.

Today, it is second in the world with the worst coverage.

The risk of outbreaks due to vaccine-preventable diseases is currently at its highest point in the last 30 years.

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Around 2.7 million children did not receive all their vaccine doses in 2021, leaving them without full protection against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.

Two countries – Brazil and Mexico – account for more than 50% of children that have never received a vaccine in the region.

Failure to effectively implement and maintain routine vaccination coverage

LEGAL NOTICE

The Organization continues to work with countries of the region, technical partners, and donors to strengthen and modernize national immunization programs, improve and reinforce cold chain operations and implement innovative approaches to better tackle the challenges the pandemic has brought forth.

National immunization programmes in Latin America and the Caribbean prevent around 174,000 deaths in children under five each year.

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LEGAL NOTICE

APPLICATION FOR MONEY LENDERS CERTIFICATE PERSUANT TO SECTION 4 OF THE MONEY LENDER’S ACT.

I, VAUGHN ANDERSON AND MY WIFE SHARON ANDERSON, of Lot 922

De Groot En Klien, West Coast Demerara, Guyana hereby give Notice that we have

applied to the Magistrate of the West Demerara Magisterial District for a Certificate under the Money Lender’s Act, authorizing the grant to me of a Money Lenders License to carry on the business of a Money Lender under the title of I & S SPAWN SHOP, at Anna Catherina Public Road, West Coast Demerara, Guyana. Notice of any objections to the application should be sent forthwith to the CLERK OF COURT OF THE WEST DEMERARA MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT and a copy of any such Notice should be sent to the subscriber VAUGHN ANDERSON AND SHARON ANDERSON, Applicants . Dated at the West Demerara Magisterial District. This the 20thday of April, 2023.

PAHO is also supporting vaccine production through its Regional Platform to Advance the Manufacturing of COVID-19 Vaccines and other Health Technologies in the Americas, and is already working with Sinergium Biotech in Argentina and the BioManguinhos Institute (FIOCRUZ) in Brazil, on the regional development and

Since 2003, Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) has helped countries reach nearly 1.1 billion people with life-saving vaccines in more than 40 countries and territories.

VWA has supported the elimination of six vaccine-preventable diseases: polio, measles, congenital rubella syndrome, neonatal tetanus, hepatitis B and smallpox.

This year, VWA aims to support 45 countries and territories to reach more than 92 million people with over 144 million doses of different vaccines.

New $535 million pilot boat to cost taxpayers $20M annually...

From page 11 economic growth and development of the country and cited the increasing amount of maritime traffic and commerce taking place.

“It is crucial that we have effective systems to ensure that everything is running smoothly and safely with the latter being paramount, and this is precisely why this vessel was acquired. Safety in our waterways is something that is of utmost importance to this government.

And in keeping with its mandate, MARAD is working to ensure that people employ safe practices,” he stated.

Minister Edghill noted that the PPP/C government’s continued commitment to the

people of Guyana is demonstrated by the substantial investments being made in the sector.

“We will continue to build on what we have started as we acquire new vessels to advance our work.

In addition to infrastructure, emphasis has been placed on the training of our staff to man these vessels, to keep our operations running smoothly, and in compliance with international best practices. With this new vessel, the time for pilots to embark and disembark will be cut by 75 per cent and this is just the beginning of great things that will be accomplished with the pilot boat Arapaima,” he added.

diameter

length 8ft. Call: 674-3624.

Kumu, Moco Moco hydropower projects progressing - Prime Minister

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips visited the 1.0-megawatt mega-scale solar farm facility at the Lethem Power Company

Ruling on substantive appointment of Chancellor, Chief Justice set for Wednesday

HighCourtJudge, Justice Damone Younge will on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 hand down her decision in the substantive appointment of Chancellor and Chief JusticeCasebroughtbyVice Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR),VinceroyJordan.

Justice Younge is expected to hand down her decisionat1:00pm.

on the correspondence, Norton had expressed a readinesstohavetheprocess to appoint the Chief Justice andChancellorinitiated,but itwasthePresidentwhohas been holding off on the appointments.

Works on the US$12.8 million Kumu and Moco Moco hydropower projects in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are progressing smoothly as thegovernmentcontinuesits efforts of supplying clean and efficient energy to the nationalgrid.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillipswasgivenanupdate ontheprogressduringavisit to the areas on Wednesday Thetwoprojectswillseethe construction of a new 1.5m e g a w a t t ( M W ) hydropowerprojectatKumu and upgrades to the defunct Moco Moco hydropower plant to some 0.7MW capacity. They are set to increaseaccesstoelectricity forthepopulationinLethem andnearbycommunities.

At Moco Moco, the prime minister noted that these projects are set to transform Region Nine’s energy landscape in

accordance with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). He also stressed that the project will o p e n a v e n u e s f o r advancement in the tourism and business sectors, as the government continues to investinthevisionofRegion Nine becoming a hub for economicactivity

“You’regoingtoharness theenergy,andyou’regoing tobecomeproducersandsell your goods Market this place. Tourists will come, and you will earn money ThatiswhatIwant,andthat is why we are here. “Work with us…the people, the government at all levels…can work hand-inhand and we’re going to improvehowwedothingsin Guyana,”theprimeminister emphasised.

PM Phillips stated that the government will continue to provide projects and programmes to train people how to utilise all the

resources to improve their lives.Healsovisitedthe1.0megawatt mega-scale solar farm facility at the Lethem Power Company, where he was assured that it has adequatecapacitytoprovide a reliable power supply for theresidentsthere,usingthe solar farm in addition to its presentoutput.

These projects form part of the government’s commitment to fostering energysecurityandreducing the country’s reliance on fossilfuels.

Prime Minister Phillips was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr. Mahender Sharma, Mayor of Lethem, Mr. John Macedo; Regional Chairman, Bryan Allicock; Toshao of Moco Moco, Thomas George and Chairman of the Lethem Power Company Board, RodgerKing,amongothers.

(DPI)

Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel wins a second term

CNN - Cuban President Miguel DiazCanelwasgivenasecondfiveyeartermby the country’s National Assembly on Wednesday, despite the severe economic conditions currently faced by the communist-runisland.

Diaz-Canel’s reelection by the 470 memberAssemblywaswidelyexpected.

HereplacedRaulCastroaspresidentin 2018 and as First Secretary of the Cuban communistpartyin2021.

Heisthefirstpersonbornafterthe1959 revolution and not named Castro to hold bothofthosepowerfultitles.

Whileofficiallyretired,RaulCastrostill retainsaseatintheNationalAssemblyand thetitleofArmyGeneral.

He is considered to wield great influenceonaffairsofstatefrombehindthe scenes.

Since taking office, Diaz-Canel, a 62year-oldelectricalengineerbytraining,has facedasuccessionofcalamitiesthatpushed Cubaevennearertothebrinkofeconomic

collapse.

Following the Obama administration’s policyofrapprochementwithCuba,former President DonaldTrump abruptly reversed course,implementingsomeofthetoughest economicsanctionsindecades.

Then the pandemic all but closed Cuba to tourism, exacerbating already widespreadfoodandmedicineshortages.

OnJuly11,2021,thousandsofCubans, angry over blackouts, lack of personal freedoms and worsening living conditions took to the streets in the largest antigovernment protests since the Cuban revolution.

Within hours, Diaz-Canel appeared on state-run TV and gave supporters what he called “the order to combat,” saying, “the streetsbelongtotherevolutionaries.”

Hundreds of Cubans were arrested and putonmasstrial.

Diaz-Canel said the protestors were pawnsoftheUS,partofaplottobringdown theCubangovernment.

Jordanaskedthecourtto direct President Irfaan Ali through the Attorney Generaltomakesubstantive appointments to the offices of the Chancellor and Chief Justice (CJ) through a declaration from the court that the President has no valid reason for not starting the process to make the appointments to the top judicialposts.

Inanaffidavittosupport his application, Jordan alludedtothelistofexcuses givenbythePresidentasthe basis for not initiating the process to appoint the persons.

Among them, he noted that President Ali had said

Justice Damone Younge

that then Leader of the Opposition Joseph Harmon and the Opposition must recognise him and his Government as a legitimate Government before he consults with him on the appointment.

Inaddition,Jordannoted the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), through its presidents have repeatedly called for substantive appointmentstobemade.

Further, the Opposition

M P p o i n t e d t o correspondence between the President and the current Leader of the Opposition, AubreyNorton.

He explained that based

R e f e r r i n g t o correspondence between the two, Jordan pointed to Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Gail Teixeira’slettertoNortonon behalfofthePresident.

He noted that Teixeira said, “…It appears that you have misinterpreted your role as Leader of the Opposition with regards to constitutional appointments. It is the President who decides when he is ready to engage you as Leader of the Opposition with regard to any specific constitutional appointments and not the other way round. I wish to assure you that when the Presidentisreadytoaddress the appointments of the Chancellor and Chief Justice, you will be engaged in accordance with the provisions of Article 127 of theConstitution.”

Limited vending allowed in designated zones at Kingston Seawall

The Ministry of Public Works through its Sea Defence Board has issued a statement restricting vending activities in certain areas at the Kingston Seawall due to several issues.

The areas prohibited are the Foreshore between Fort GroyneandCampRoad,the Water-Front Promenade between NCERD Road and the Seawall Tarmac, the Water-Front Promenade and rampadjacenttotheSeawall Bandstand and the Seawall Bandstand and surrounding SeawallRoad.

“Unauthorised vending activitieshavecontributedto encumbrances, congestion,

noisepollution,andextreme levelsoflitteringaroundthe seawall bandstand and adjacent areas,” the release stated.

The restriction is also due to the vendors blocking the seawall promenade and a l s o v a n d a l i s i n g infrastructure and amenities installed by the government for public use While remarkable transformation is also taking place at the popular leisure spot, the stern intervention by the ministrywillhelptoadvance the ongoing beautification projectatthebandstandarea.

That project is a collaboration between the OfficeoftheFirstLady,and

the Ministries of Tourism, IndustryandCommerce,and Public Works. A revitalised environment further aids in adding value to the country, specifically, in the tourism sector

With Guyana blooming asoneofthemostinteresting travel destinations, tourists will have an eco-friendlier society to dwell in while visiting and taking in the beauty and scenic views of our country In 2020, $5 millionwentintomakingthe Kingston Seawall a ‘tourist hub ’ Meanwhile, strict enforcement measures will be taken by the government tofostertheenhancementof theinitiative.(DPI)

The Kingston beautification project

India will surpass China as world’s most populous country by mid-year, UN says

CNN - India is set to surpassChinaastheworld’s most populous nation, with almost 3 million more peoplebythemiddleofthis year, data released by the United Nations on Wednesdayshowed.

B a s e d o n t h e projections, India’s populationbymid-yearwill reach 1.4286 billion, comparedtoChina’s1.4257 billion–2.9millionfewer–according to the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) “State of World Population Report” for 2023.

UNofficialshavesaidit is not possible to determine the exact date for the shift, due to “uncertainty” about thedatacomingfromChina and India India’s last census was in 2011 and most recent, scheduled in 2021, was delayed during theCovid-19pandemic.

The United States is a very distant third, with an estimatedpopulationof340 million, the data, which reflects information available as of February, showed.

By2050,eightcountries will account for half the projected growth in global population:TheDemocratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ethiopia, India,Nigeria,Pakistan,the Philippines and Tanzania, according to the UNFPA report. China has held the distinction of most populous country since at least 1950, when the UN populationrecordsbegan.

ChinaandIndiatogether willaccountformorethana thirdoftheestimatedglobal population, which is expectedtohit8.045billion by mid-year, the UN report said.But,contrarytopublic perception, population growth has been slowing in bothcountries–particularly in China, which recorded a population decline for the firsttimeinsixdecadeslast year China’spopulationfell in 2022 to 1.411 billion, down some 850,000 people from the previous year, according to China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The birth ratealsofelltoarecordlow of 6.77 births per 1,000 people, down from 7.52 a year earlier and the lowest

level since the founding of CommunistChinain1949.

India overtaking China will have significant economic implications for both Asian giants. Along with the flagging population data, China also reported one of its worst economic growth numbers in nearly half a century last year,underscoringthesteep challengesthecountryfaces asitslaborforceshrinksand the ranks of the retired swell.

Beijing’s leaders have sought to downplay the significance of being overtakenbyIndia.

“ A c o u n t r y ’ s demographic dividend depends not only on the totalnumber,butalsoonthe quality; not only on the population, but also on the talent,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters Wednesday when asked about the latest UNprojection.

India’s working-age population stands at more than900million,according to 2021 data from the Organization for Economic C o o p e r a t i o n a n d Development. This number isexpectedtohitmorethan 1 billion over the next decade, according to the Indiangovernment.

Butthesenumberscould become a liability if policymakers do not create enough jobs, experts warned.Already,datashow a growing number of Indiansarenotevenlooking for work, given the lack of opportunities and low wages. India’s labor force participation rate, an estimation of the active workforce and people looking for work, stood at 46%, which is among the lowestinAsia,accordingto 2021 data from the World Bank. By comparison, the rates for China and the United States stood at 68% and61%respectivelyinthe sameyear

“India is sitting on a timebomb,”Chandrasekhar Sripada, professor of organizational behavior at the Indian School of Business, told CNN earlier this year “There will be social unrest if it cannot create enough employment in a relatively short period

oftime.”

Individualrightsatrisk?

In its report, UNFPA said that while reaching the milestone of 8 billion people on the planet was a reminder that more people are living longer, healthier lives, concerns over the number had increased a n x i e t y a m o n g governments and led more to adopt policies aimed at influencingfertilityrates.

In particular, it pointed to governments trying to influence fertility rates through family planning targets and policies, which canfuelgender-basedforms ofdiscrimination.

In India, when some states proposed a two-child policy in 2021, including financial incentives for sterilization and penalties, such as lost benefits, commentators pointed to the harmful impacts of similar policies “Sexselective abortion, preference for male children, denying the paternity of female children, prenatal sex determination,andviolence against women for giving birthtogirlchildrenwillbe on the rise, ” one commentator is quoted in thereportassaying.

China’s population is shrinking. The impact will befeltaroundtheworldThe national government made clear in several forums that it opposed coercion in family planning, including in parliament, where it said it did not support such policies,thereportadded.

Some of those harmful effects were seen in China as a result of its one-child policy, which the country ended in 2015 after 35 years, allowing families to havetwochildren.

“The relationship between reproductive autonomy and healthier livesisanuncontestedtruth: As women are empowered to make choices about their bodies and lives, they and their families thrive — and their societies thrive as well,” UNFPA’s executive director, Natalia Kanem, said in her foreword to the report. But, she added, that was not the message most heard at the news of the 8 billionmilestonelastyear

Economies of Caribbean will grow by 3.5 % in 2023 …amidgrowinguncertainties,newECLACreportstates

The economies of Latin America andtheCaribbean are facing a complex external scenario in 2023, marked by low growth in economicactivityandglobal trade.

In addition, the interest rate hikes carried out globally were compounded by the financial turbulence seen in early March, which has increased uncertainty and volatility in financial markets.

Although inflationary pressures have slowed, monetary policy rates are expected to remain high throughout2023inthemain developedeconomies.

In this context of g r o w i n g e x t e r n a l uncertainties and domestic restrictions,ECLACexpects the slowdown in economic growth to deepen in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023, reaching a rate of 1.2%.

According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the region's countries are facing limited space for fiscal and monetary policy once again in2023.

As in the rest of the world,inflationintheregion is exhibiting a downward trend, and while the process of interest rate hikes in several of the region's countries is expected to end soon, the effects of this restrictive policy on private consumptionandinvestment willbefeltmorestronglythis year,duetothelagtimewith which monetary policy acts.

In addition, given the recent global financial volatility related to problems at banks in developed countries, and given that regional inflation is seen remaining high in comparison with prepandemiclevels,amonetary easing cycle is not expected totakeholdyetintheregion.

With regard to fiscal matters, authorities have littleleewayaslongaspublic debtlevelsremainhigh.Ina context of high demand for public spending, measures will be needed to strengthen fiscal sustainability and expand fiscal space by strengthening the taxation policy's revenue-raising and redistributive capacity, the organizationwarns.

The United Nations regional commission

estimates that all of the subregions will experience lowergrowthin2023versus 2022.

SouthAmericawillgrow by 0.6% in 2023 (versus 3.8% in 2022); the group made up of CentralAmerica and Mexico will expand by 2.0% (in comparison with 3 5% in 2022); and the Caribbean (without includingGuyana)willgrow by3.5%(incomparisonwith 5.8%in2022).

South America will be affected by the drop in commodities prices and by restrictionsonthespacethat domestic policy has for bolsteringactivity.

Highinflationhashadan impact on real income, and this is having effects on private consumption and investmentinthesubregion's countries.

In the Caribbean economies, the deceleration forecast for 2023 is due mainly to the fact that inflation has affected both real income – and with it, consumption – as well as production costs, with a negative impact on the competitiveness of exports, both of goods as well as tourism.

Finally, for the economies of Central America and Mexico, although growth this year represents a deceleration

from 2022, in some cases ECLAC has upwardly revisedtheestimatesitmade attheendoflastyear

Thisisduetotheupward revision of growth in the United States, which is the maintradingpartnerandtop source of remittances for thesecountries,whichwould affect both the external sector as well as private consumption.

In addition, the lower energy prices foreseen for thisyearincomparisonwith 2022 are expected to have a favorable effect, given that several of these economies are net importers of energy The 2023 growth projection for the region is subject to downside risks given the possibilitythatturbulencein theglobalbankingsystem,or in the financial system as a whole, could return and intensify, which would lead toalonger-lastingtightening of global financial conditions,withtheresulting impactsontheaccesstoand costoffinancing.

Along with these financial risks, uncertainty remains about the effects –on the world and on the region – that a possible prolongation of the war in Ukraine and increase in geoeconomic fragmentation could have on economic growth, commodities prices andglobaltrade.

GFF proud of Guyana’s showing at Concacaf U20 Women’s Championship qualifiers

Guyana Football Federation is proud of the Under20 Women’s National Team’s overall performance at the just concluded Concacaf Under20 Women’s Championship Qualifiers in the Dominican Republic. Guyana drew 0 - 0 with the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, finishing second in Group C of the Concacaf Under-20 Women’s Championship Qualifiers. The young Lady Jags fought hard to secure a win in the Felix Sanchez Stadium in Santo

Domingo, but were unable to break through the host nation’s defence.

Both teams finished on seven points, with two wins and one draw. But the Dominican Republic advanced to the Concacaf Under-20 Women’s Championship on goal difference - Guyana scored 16 goals, while Dominican Republic scored 18.

GFF President Wayne Forde said the federation is proud of the team’s overall performance and that the fo-

Friday April 21, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Don't try to fit into a mold you simply don't belong in, Aries. You may have gone through a major transformation lately in which you went from being a square peg to a round peg.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

There may be subtle messages in people's words today that you need to attend to, Taurus. Other people could be trying to send you hints in order to push your buttons.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Don't keep playing along with the games if you no longer want to repeat the same drama, Gemini. By placing yourself in a victim role, you're opening yourself up to manipulation and control by others.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Today is excellent for you, Cancer. You should be encouraged to take action in any artistic realm. Cook a scrumptious dinner and share it with a loved one.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Go weed the garden, Leo. If you don't have a garden, start one. It's important for you to get into the Earth today, so roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

There's great opportunity for romance today, Virgo. Love the people you're with, but don't smother them. The more you loosen your grip on a situation, the more you will gain control of it.

cus now is to continue to build on the established foundation for women’s football in Guyana.

“I am deeply proud of the outstanding performances our girls were able to deliver in each game that they played. The final game against the Dominican Republic was a true test of will and spirit and our girls fought and defended as though their lives depended on a positive outcome, which they achieved with a draw. I know that I

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

The active and receptive natures of your being are coming together, Libra. There's a balance between these two aspects. You're able to attract the prosperity and love.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Today is a fantastic day for you. Your sensual, caring nature will be appreciated, Scorpio. Whether you actively pursue it or sit back and relax, you will receive the love and good fortune you desire.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Being married to someone for many years takes work, Sagittarius. No one said it was going to be easy. Hollywood promotes a fantasyland that can make your life look drab and boring by comparison.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It

Today is a great day to make your big move, Capricorn. If there's something in the love and romance department that you feel you need to act on, this is the day to do it. It's now or never.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Take your focus off you and concentrate on someone else for a day, Aquarius. This doesn't mean focusing so the person will stop and pay attention to you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

It might take an extra few minutes to get out of bed today, Pisces, but it will be worth it when you do. You will find that the more honest you've been with people, the more payoffs.

speak for the players and coaching staff when I say we are all a bit heartbroken over this result, but I am equally confident we all share in the collective pride we feel as a GFF family and as a nation,” Forde said.

He added: “This is a young team and many of the players will have a second shot at qualifying for the Concacaf Championship next time around. It is now my task to continue to build on an already sturdy foundation, which has enabled the steady progress we are making in women’s football. I would like to close by thanking our colleagues from the International Support Group (ISG) for their hard work and dedication to the programme.”

The young Lady Jags defeated Suriname 6 - 0 and Dominica 10 - 0 in amazing matches. Their victories were as a result of strong defence strategies and teamwork.

Head Coach Paul DeAbreu said Guyana played brilliantly over the last three weeks and that they should be proud of their performance throughout the tournament.

“As a team we are very

From page 24 Empire will play Hi Rollers in the final game on day one.

Organizer Rawle Gittens warned that the tournament is for players 18 years and over and if any player is suspected to be under18 years they will be pulled from the tournament until they can prove they are eligible to continue. Each team will register seven players for the night of their game.

As normal there will be giveaways each of the four nights of the competition.

happy to have been one of the competitive teams in Group C of Concacaf U20 Qualifiers. Coming into this tournament, our main goal was to qualify for the Championship, and the team played brilliantly over the three matches but came up short in our last match against the Dominican Republic. Our girls held their own against a very good Dominican Repub-

lic team and should be proud of the overall performance throughout the tournament. I will leave you with this, the best team didn’t win, but the lucky team did.”

A record 32 teams in six groups competed in the qualifying round with the winner of each group advancing to the June 2023 Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship.

The Guyana Lady Jags Under20 Women’s National Team.

Thorne blows away Demerara to spur to spur Berbice to Victory inside 2 days

A hostile spell of fast bowling by West Indies under-19 speedster Isai ThorneblewawayDemerara to spur Berbice to a commanding 9-wicket victory inside two (2) days, whiletheGCBSelectXIand Essequibo match is poised foranexcitingfinaldayafter Arun Persaud’s 11-wicket match haul for Essequibo as the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-19 InterCounty Three-Day Tournament continued yesterday.

The pacy Thorne finished with impressive figuresof7-33inthesecond innings to end with match figures of 9-58 as he rattled theDemerarabatsmeninthe second innings at Everest. RampertabRamnauth’sthen scoredanunbeatenfifty(53) to propel Berbice to their target of 107-1 in just 24.1 overs.

Meanwhile at GCC, the match between Essequibo andGCBSelectXIispoised for an exciting finish with Essequibo on 70-1 at the close chasing 232 for an outrightvictory

SummaryScores:

At Everest, Demerara first innings 122 all out off 50 1 overs Rivaldo Phillips struck 57 and Mavindra Dindyal contributed 20 Bowling for Berbice, Jeremy Sandia took 3-33, Leon Cecil (214), Jonathan Rampersaud (2-16) and Isai Thorne (225)

Berbice first innings 119 all out off 42 4 overs Tomanni Caesar top scored with 32 and R Ramnauth made 22 Krsna Singh (338), Mavindra Dindyal (218, Nehemiah Honenkirk (2-22) and Alvin Mohabir (2-31) were the wicket takersforDemerara

Demerara second innings 101 all out off 29 3

overs Anthon Lin top scored with 42, while N Honenkirk chipped in with an unbeaten 22 as the two batsmen featured in a 59run partnership which helped their team recover from 42-9 I Thorne 7-33 and J Rampersaud had 222bowlingforBerbice Berbice second innings 107-1 off 24.4 overs. R. Ramnauth hit 53 not out, Hemendra Gurdayal (28) and Zeynul Ramsammy finishon24notout.

Result: Berbice won by onewicket.

At GCC, GCB Select XI first innings 209 all out off 71.3 overs. Kevin Kristen top scored with 63, Ezekiel Wilson made 55 and Nityanand Mathura supported with 27. Left-arm spinner Arun Persaud

bagged 5-69 while Myheim Khan supported with 3-29 andpacerJoashCharlestook 2-28forEssequibo. Essequibo first innings 134 all out off 36.5 overs. Shaahid Viera made 34, Thaddeus Lovell 32 and Ronaldo Schouten 21 were the main scorers. Bowling for GCB Select XI, Ezekiel Wilson took 3-37 while M a t h e w P o t t y a , Chanderpaul Ramraj and Dillon Ramsaroop all had twowickets.

GCB Select XI second innings 157 all out off 52.4 overs N Mathura (30), Kevin Kristen (28) and E. Wilson (25) were the main scorers.

Arun Persaud was again amongthewicketswith6-53 to complete an 11-wicket matchhaul.

BushLotMultiPurposeComplex...

Frompage23 preparing a Safety Manual for Horsemen. Aladocouldbemakinghisseasonalrun.We willhaveeightracesonthecard,alltheraces will be named to honour people from the village. We will respect all, and remember the contribution and sacrifice of the present and past (BLUTC) members. We will be treating these honoured guests by giving them some special gifts. This is our way of saying thanks for their contribution to the sportandtheclubovertheyears.”

Dharamjit advised, “This is our way of givingbacktothevillage.Thisfacilitywhen

completed will be a Family Entertainment Centre comprising of football, mini cricket field, basketball, tennis court, and dirt bike track.Ourplansforthisvillageareimmense, buttimeandlandspacedonotpermitus,we wantthistobeamodelforthecountry Iwant tothankthosewhohavemadethissuccessa resoundingsuccess,thanks.”

“I would like to repeat. This complex belongs to the village. We are just the caretakers.However,iftheSafetyProtocols arenotrespected,thosewhobreachitwillbe penalized. We will be creating jobs for villagers;theupkeepandmaintenance.

Isai Thorne collects his award.

Bush Lot Multi Purpose Complex set to open month end ...asPresidentDharamjitstressessafetyfirst

THE FIRST ever Multi PurposeSportingComplexwill be opened at Bush Lot Village,WestCoastBerbice,on Sunday30thApril,2023.

Dharmindra Dharamjit, President of Bush Lot United Turf Club (BLUTC) outlined, “First of all let me wish the Muslim Community, Eid Mubarak. Safety comes first. This complex belongs to the

villageofBushLot.Itwillbean example of what a village can do for a country This has becomeareality,becauseofthe kind hearted people of this village. They wish to remain anonymous,andIrespectthat.I donotwanttoidentifyanyone person,butsomeyoungpeople haveturnednightintodaytoget thiscomplexstarted.Itwillnot be fully completed by our

projected opening day - month end.Itisaworkinprogress,but historywillbecreated.”

Dharamjit asked to expand on what the village could witness and he remarked, “The villagewillseeforthefirsttime in the history of Horse Racing in Guyana, an all-weather track,and in due course a FamilyEntertainmentCentre.It willbeamodelforotherTracks

to follow We are here to help other Tracks also ” While Nasrudeen ‘Junior’ Mohamed, who is representing the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC), which willbestagingthefirstsporting eventontheopeningdayshared what the village, and patrons could expect, revealed, “Safety isourpriorityaswell.Weare (Continuedonpage22)

Dharmindra Dharamjit

2023 Milo U18 Football Championship…

Santa Rosa, Chase’s Academic Foundation into finale

- Mackenzie High & Carmel to battle for third

The stage is set for the culmination of the 2023 Milo Under-18 Schools

Football Championship following the completion of the semifinal stage, which wascontestedonWednesday evening at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, CarifestaAvenue.

Chase’s Academic Foundation (CAF) was the first team to move on when

they defeated Mackenzie High, 3 – 0, in the opening match while Santa Rosa progressedwitha2–1result over Carmel in the other semi-final.

This now means, CAF andSantaRosawillbattlein the ninth edition’s finale while the third place showdown of the Nestlésponsored event will feature Mackenzie High and

Carmel. These teams are billed to collide on Sunday, April 23, at the same venue from16:00hrswiththethird placeencounterfollowedby the final, which kicks off at 18:00hrs.

At stake is for the Tournament winner is the MiloCup,$300,000towards a school project and the championship trophy, while the second, third, and fourth

place finishers will have to settle for $200,000, $100,000, and $75,000, respectively, all for a school initiative, along with the correspondingtrophy

On Wednesday night, CAFrecordedacomfortable victory as they caught Mackenzie off guard a few timesintheopeningminutes but were also able to capitalise on the majority of opportunitiestheycreated.

They went ahead in the 12thminutethroughastrike from Martim Martins, doubled the lead in the 18th minute, compliments of Seon Cato, and put more distance between them with a third goal in the 33rd minutefromChaiWilliams.

The second half saw a more focused Mackenzie unit that was able to stop conceding goals from an

attacking opposition but could not formulate an effective transitional attack planoftheirown.

In the second match, Santa Rosa took control of the game’s pace quite early although Carmel tried valiantly to offer an uptempo style of play

However,aballhandledbya Carmel defender in the 18yard box resulted in Santa Rosabeinggiftedapenalty

Darius Williams buried that opportunity in the top right corner to put Santa Rosa ahead in the 14th minute. The lead lasted for an hour before Ian Daniels found the equaliser in the 74th minute, keeping his team’s chances of progressingalive.

Although Carmel equalised, there was a lot of reckless defending as they

were met with four yellow cards and a red card, which was acquired by Dwayne Baptiste.

As the regulation time whistle drew near Williams once again made his presence felt in the 86th m i n u t e w h e n h e emphatically regained the lead for his side with the decider,propellingtheirside intothefinal.

This tournament is sponsoredbyNestléthrough their Milo brand, organised by the Petra Organisation, sanctioned by the MoE and supported by MASSY Distribution, MVP Sports, Guyana Industrial Minerals Inc (GINMIN), General Equipment Guyana Ltd (GENEQUIP), Farm Supplies Ltd (FARMSUP), Yellow Steel Inc and WestzydeMarineInc.

Banks DIH sponsors 9th Linden Guinness in de streets football

…10matchessetfortonight’sopeningatSilvercityHardCourt

Beverage giants Banks DIH has launched its ‘Guinness In De Streets’ football tournament’s 9th edition in Linden and the battle for the total $1M in prize money incentives and trophies starts with 10 matches tonight from 6.30pm at the Silvercity HardCourtinWismar.

At the launching held at Golden Taste Fish Shop in One Mile on Wednesday night, Banks DIH Linden Branch Supervisor Shawn

Grant told the team representatives and players: “Thistournamentconsistsof four playing dates with 32 teams, a total prize of $1M. We thank Linden and we thank the teams for being a part of this and we ask for your continued support throughoutthegames,inthe marketplaceswithinLinden; and that discipline plays a keyroleinthesematches.”

Communicationsofficial Kellon Josiah conducted the drawsforthefirsttwonights

of football set for the SivercityHardCourt. Gamesscheduledtostart at 6.30pm are Street Lights againstGennaysdinthefirst game and the other matches in this order are Dark Side versus DC Ballers,Aroiama faceTopStrikers,Coomacka Mines face Universal Ballers, Presidential oppose YMCA,TopFirmandStreet warriors meet, Team Good Luck tackle Exodus face SilverBulletsandBallers (Continuedonpage21)

There was a constant tussle in the midfield during the first semi between CAF and Mackenzie High.

Standing from left, Rawle Gittens, Kellon Josiah, sitting, Shawn Grant and Marion Gordon.

TeamHeadleyvs.WestIndiesAcademyDay1Headley/WeekesTri-Series… Guyanese Anderson scores maiden 1st Class ton, as WI-A snatch lead going into Day 3

Gu y a n e s e batsman Kevlon

A n d e r s o n cracked 153 for the West IndiesAcademy,whogained a 37-run lead over Team Headley at the Coolidge CricketGround.

Replying to Team Headley’s 1st innings score of 259-9, West Indies Academy (WI-A) resumed on 49-2 before eventually posting 323 all out in 94 overs. Anderson answered the call needed by his team followingoppositioncaptain JoshuaDaSilva’scenturyon day 1, smashing 153 from 288balls(224’s),hisfirstat

the level. Kirk Mckenzie who resumed on 31, converted his overnight score to an even 50 with a lower-order knock from JohannLayne,whofollowed uphis5-ferwithanunbeaten 38. Medium-pacer Justin Greaves grabbed 3-41 as he led the bowling for Team Headley, with 2 wickets apiece coming from fellow seamers Marquino Mindley andAkeemJordan. Day 2 ended with Team Headley on 27-1 at stumps. WI-Academywereindebted to the pair of Anderson mainly and Mckenzie, who were responsible for

launchingthecomeback.

Despite losing the likes ofMckenziewhoheshareda partnership of 84 with, his GuyanesecountrymanTevin Imlach (4) and Kevin Wickham (5), Anderson defiedtheodds.

NyeemYounghit27and added 80 with Anderson before he departed, as Anderson took his score to 98 at tea with his team shakilyplacedon220-8.

After reaching his milestone, Anderson batted onwards raising his bat at 150beforedepartingshortly after, leaving his team in a solidposition.

LGC to host Chung’s Global golf tourney tomorrow

Tomorrow the Lusignan Golf Club will come alive as they prepare to host Chung’s Global golf tournament. Tee off time is expected to be at 12:30 pm.

The format of the tournament will be Medal play over 18 holes and shotgunstart.

Prizes up for grabs will be:

%OverallBestNet

1stPlace–Trophy

2ndPlace–Trophy

3rdPlace–Trophy

% Best Net Front Nine

% BestNetBackNine

% OverallBestGross

% Nearest to Flag –

Hole#4

% Longest Drive –

Hole#12

All participants are advisedtocontacttheclub’s manager on the day of the tournament to collect their scorecards, pay their tournamentfeesandproceed totheirallocatedteeboxesto begin play at 12:30PM Once on their respective tee boxes, players must await the sounding of the horn or siren as indication to begin teeingoff.

Chung’sglobalislocated on Mandela Avenue, opposite the Dynasty Restaurant has been in the construction industry for more than 15 years and specializes in a variety of construction and civil engineering services. These

services range from construction of commercial and private properties, land and foundation preparation and even construction of parking lots, bridges, culverts.

At Chung’s, the company believes in providing construction solutions for a better world. They also provide general maintenance services which can be tailored to suit any business or residential property and customers can customizetheirmaintenance

which includes weeding, cleaning of drains & trenches, landscaping, pressure washing, etc. CGI operates from Monday to Saturdayfrom8AMto5PM andisreachableonnumbers 218-5120-22or603541.

Thecompanywouldlike to wish all participants the best of luck and encourage everyone to have the most fun. Presentation of prizes will be held at the completion of the tournament at approx 5:30pm.

Kirk Mckenzie was solid during his half-century

CGI’s representative, Alisha Wiggins handing over the sponsorship cheque to the Lusignan’s Golf Club Representative, Brian Hackett.

KevlonAnderson celebrates his century with smiles.

Santa Rosa’s Darius Williams (4) watches his shot pierce the uprights against Carmel.