Kaieteur News

...as oil contract allows for records to be deleted after two years

Wholesale sellout of Stabroek Block Pt. 1…

Failure

Why would VP Jagdeo not want to use his new terms for the production of Guyana's 11 billion barrels so the people get a higher share? Why defend Exxon alone and give this new deal to EVERYONE ELSE? What is so special about ExxonMobil?

Murdered cop’s car killer’s debt was sold to pay Guyana and India sign Air Services Agreement PS Thomas back in Guyana

-Suspectsays

…USvisareportedlyrevoked, declinestocomment

Guyana risks losing hundreds of US$ millions with delayed audits of Exxon expenses - Opposition ExxonMobil violates sanctity

Guyana risks losing hundreds of US$ millions with delayed audits of Exxon expenses - Opposition

...asoilcontractallowsforrecordstobedeletedaftertwoyears

The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyanainkedwithoilmajor, ExxonMobil, and its partners allows for an audit of its yearly expenses to be conducted within two years, at the end of that calendar year

If the country fails to conduct its duty of carrying out these critical reviews within the stipulated period, the oil company can discard its financial records, as statedinthecontract.

Annex ‘C’ of the PSA, specifically at Section 1.5 (C) notes: “Without prejudice to the finality of matters as described in subsections1.5(a)and1.5(b)all documents referred to in those sub-sections shall be maintained and made available for inspection by theMinisterfortwo(2)years following their date of issue providing, however, that whereissuesareoutstanding with respect to an audit, the Contractor shall maintain documents for a longer period until the issues are resolved.”

This loophole in the contract, according to Economic Advisor to the Leader of the Opposition, Elson Low leaves the country at risk of losing hundreds of millions of US dollars,asfailuretoconduct timelyauditscanresultinthe data being removed by the oilcompanies.

E x p l a i n i n g h i s perspective in an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News earlierthisweek,Low pointed out that “the government’s negligence in missing the audit deadline for Guyana’s second audit hasputhundredsofmillions of dollars, the country may look to recover from that audit,atrisk.”

Hesaidthatprovisionsin the PSA clearly note that documentation that should be available for this audit mayhavebeendiscarded.

As such, he cautioned, “If there is any dispute, the government may be unable to demonstrate the validity ofitsclaims.”

Low was keen to note, “While the PSA makes p r o v i s i o n f o r t h e preservationofdataafterthe two-year deadline, this provision can only be activated if issues arise relating to an audit If Guyana never even audited the contractor before the deadline, how then how can we activate this provision? The contractor may have alreadydiscardeddatabythe timewebegintoaudit.”

The Economist said the government has put Guyana atasignificantdisadvantage by failing to conduct timely reviews of Exxon’s expenses. He reasoned that even if an audit flags discrepancies and the country heads to arbitration to challenge and reclaim thesecosts,thisprocessmay bear little fruit as any impartial panel would rule that the country had a statutory duty to ensure the auditisconductedwithinthe stipulated timeframe, in order for the relevant documentstobeavailable.

Low said, “The operator can claim it had discarded the data required to prove Guyana’s case before the two-year deadline and we would have no basis for proving why those costs are illegitimate.”

A similar instance was brought to the fore in the preliminary audit report prepared by a British firm, HIS Markit. The audit was conducted of Exxon’s US$1 6 billion expenses, incurred between the years 1999and2017.

E x x o n M o b i l ’ s subsidiary,EssoExploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) informed the team of auditors representing the interest of theStatethatitwouldnotbe

able to present all of its financial data/statements covering the period 1999 to 2004.Theaffiliateexplained that the main reason for this dilemma is that its accounting system was purged during that time, in an effort to accommodate a switch to its parent company’s accounting system.

According to the report, seenby Kaieteur News,IHS said the accounting/finance systems deployed by EEPGL have evolved over

the years as the complexity oftheoperationshasgrown. It said, between 1999 and 2016 EEPGL utilized a standalone version of P2 Energy Solution’s IDEAS Oil and Gas accounting software – a common tool used for new exploration areas, thereby offering rapid deployment.

As of 2017, the auditor said EEPGL migrated over to the ExxonMobil worldwide corporate which runs on IPES an SAP-based accounting and financial

management platform. IHS explained that this platform is used worldwide for all ExxonMobil-operatedassets and offers additional sophisticationasrequiredfor developmentandproduction assets.

The auditor’s report said,“Therefore,duringthe period being audited, the

costs have been spread across two different systems EEPGLconfirmed thatdatapriorto2004isnot availableinIDEASasithas been purged in accordance to their internal data retention policies, and data they held manually was requested and limited data received) ”

Annex ‘C’, Section 1.5 of the contract allows for documents to be maintained for up to two years unless there are issues relating to an audit that must first be resolved.

Opposition Economist, Elson Low

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

RACE AND POLITICS

ItiswayworsethanwhattheWorldBanklaysbefore the Guyanese public, beyond what is placed before the whole world. Racial and political division in Guyana strangles Guyanese, does worse than retard their national development (KN, April 19). Race and politics preventusfromthelife-givingexerciseofbreathing. When we cannot breathe easily, then we are labouring, and when wearelabouring,wearenotatourbesttodemandthebest outofwhatbelongstous.

Whatissickeningishowraceandpoliticshavebeenused to reduce us to a state of helpless crippling. Our own Guyanese politicians have made the most use of race and politics to weaken, divide, and dominate. Having closely studied the local environment, the foreigners coming to prosperfromourmanypatrimoniesmakefoolsoutofusby encouragingthepittingofonegroupofGuyaneseagainstthe other

IfanyGuyaneseharboursthebeliefthattheirracialand political polarization is all local in strength, and local in momentum,thentheyfeedintowhatservestheinterestsof thosewhodivideus,sothattheycanflourish.

Whenwearedivided,wearedistracted. Whenweallow ourselves to be distracted, then our eyes are focused on the perceived enemy before us. When we are so focused, the real enemies of the Guyanese people are having the best of enriching times in hauling away unstopped wealth and draining our prospects unchallenged. The World Bank is right and wrong when it said that ethnic and political polarizationstandsastheroadblocktotheproperdegreeof national development, considering the great assets in our hands.

Thevenerablesupranationalinstitutioniscorrecttosay thatGuyana’sdevelopmentissabotagedbyraceandpolitics, butitwenttoofartooquickly Guyanacannotbesaidtohave embarkedonthekindofdevelopmentthatcorrespondswith itsmassivenationalendowments. TherealityisthatGuyana hasnotevengottenoffthemark,withGuyanesestillontheir knees, due to the paralyzing hammer blows that race and politicshavedeliveredontheheadofeachcitizen.

Theoilandgoldandtheothernaturalresourcegiftscan allmeansomuchfornationaldevelopment. ButGuyanese have fallen so in love with the raw racial divisions and tensions, with the sharp and brutal political partisanships, thattheyhavelittletimeforanythingelse. Thisincludesall ofwhatcouldbemostconstructive,thatwhichholdsoutthe greatestpromiseforthem. We,theGuyanesepeople,arenot giving ourselves a chance, not caring about any sober listening, not willing to engage and link arms to stand as a unified whole against the devastating exploitations that leavingushaemorrhagingprofusely

There ought to be not a single Guyanese who needs the WorldBanktofurnishtheenlightenmentofhowdestructive raceandpoliticshavebeenandcontinuetobe,toournational development, and currently our national tranquility Guyanese may be physically calm on the outside, but the deepestrage,themostsavagingbitterness,twistsintoknots, makethedisfiguringoutofus,atthemerecontemplationof theother

What development can occur in such circumstances, with the national house so divided, so ramshackle? For everystephailedasprogress,Guyanacouldhaveandshould have,madeatleasttentimesasmany Ourracialmemories yokeusandweighusdown. Weknowthisbuthavenodesire to do anything about it. Leaders have not manifested any inclination to close the racial gaps, to heal the political divisions. Theuglystateofraceandpoliticalrelationsserve theirinterests,whichiswhyGuyanesearekeptapart.

With a united Guyana, the possibilities are endless. It wouldbemorethantheWorldBankcancompileifwewere onlytogetgoingtogetwhatisrightlyduetous. Guyanese mustworkfirsttogetpasttheirracialhateandtheirpolitical poisons.

Then, the language, postures, and passions surrounding raceandpoliticsmusttakesecondplacetothepriorityofour wealth,surrendertowhatiswise,toleadustowhatauthentic developmentisallabout.

Roll out household solar, not GtE grid power, as the oil money comes in

DEAREDITOR,

I see Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has thrown out a challenge for a company to produce solar power for the grid at 5 US cents per kilowatt hour (kWh).Hewillwin.

He is correct that largescale batteries are not available to Guyana. Only countries like India and China who have the technology, raw materials, manufacturing, and management capacity can

bringthepriceofsolardown to2UScentsperkWhwhen providingpoweroftheorder of300MW Butthatwasnot my recommendation for littleGuyana.

Ihaveplainlywrittenmy proposals in the public domain that emphasize the principle of the gear and gradual rollout of household s o l a r S e e , e g , https://wwwstabroeknewsc om/2021/11/01/features/inthe-diaspora/the-solaralternative-for-guyana/ I

understand Dr Jagdeo’s argumentthatGastoEnergy (GtE)istotieusoverthe20 years while alternative energytofossilfuelbecomes cheaper; and that the Government is already rollingoutsolarpower

Theinsufficienciesofthe latter will warrant separate treatment. I just want at this pointtocreditDrJagdeofor getting right what the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) should have said (they were afforded the

invoices to see exactly what the price of solar power installation was) and to discourage him from the GtE.

Let me give some 2023 figures for the systems I am recommending,sothatthose who will, can test my conclusions It was not intendedforthegrid,butfor households.

Here is a current price estimate from Original EquipmentManufacturers (Continuedonpage6)

PPPgovernment should accept Parliamentary Committee’s recommendation on “IndianArrival Day”

DEAREDITOR,

The pluralism that shaped our cultural landscape is accentuated when all groups can freely express their values and claim ownership of the distinct cultural traits that define our existence. Being Guyanese means that while we share commonality and equality as citizens occupying the same territorial space, we are, simultaneously, components ofacommunityrepresenting culturalgroups,withvarying identities, origins, and backgrounds Diversity implies that we have emerged into a complex society of people capable of c e l e b r a t i n g , commemorating, and appreciating historical turningpointsthatdefineour variousheritages.

May5isonesuchturning point. On the first Saturday of May 1838, about 400 Girmitiyas (indentured Indians) survived the kala pani odyssey of more than 10,000nauticalmilesacross two oceans to reach Berbice and “Damra Tapu” (Demerara). Guyana bears the unique distinction of being the first Caribbean country to receive Indian labourers premised upon an arrangement brokered by JohnGladstone,thewealthy Scottish absentee plantation owner Gladstone’s family

had previously received some £85,606 as postemancipation compensation forthelossofapproximately 2,183 slaves in British Guiana and Jamaica Additionally, as far as I am aware, British Guiana was theonlycolonyinwhichtwo ships transporting

Girmitiyas, the SS Whitby andSSHesperus,arrivedon thesamedayin1838.

For indentured Indians, their journey began with a pioneering, voluntary, as well as involuntary initiative, which today is nationally and officially commemorated in postcolonial diasporic societies where Indians represent a majority or a significant segment of the population: Jamaica (May 10- Indian Heritage Day), Trinidad & Tobago (June 1- Indian Arrival Day), Suriname (June - Pravas Din), Fiji ( M a y 4 - G i r m i t Remembrance Day), St Vincent (June 1), St. Lucia (May 6), Grenada (May 1), Mauritius (November 2), andSouthAfrica(November 16). As it stands, the only obstacle to recognizing Indian Arrival Day in Guyana is the PPP government.

Historically in Guyana, the premier Indian organization, the British Guiana East Indian Association (BGEIA),

established in 1916, with its origin in Berbice, gave recognition to the importanceofIndianarrival.

TheBritishGuianaDramatic Society (BGDS), starting in 1937, held its yearly theatrical performances in May The BGDS selected May month for their activities so as to mark Indian arrival to British Guiana and to pay tribute to their patron-dramatist, Rabindranath Tagore, the Bengalipoetandwriterfrom Kolkata who was the first non-European to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1913, andwhowasbornonMay7.

In recognition of this historic event, in the preamble to his message on May 5, 2021, President Mohamed IrfaanAli, said “I greet all Guyanese on the occasion of Arrival Day 2021. This special day is commemorated as a public holidayonMay5eachyear I t c e l e b r a t e s t h e contributions to the national developmentofourAfrican, Indian, Chinese, Portuguese and European ancestors and theirdescendants.”

In contrast, former

President Granger’s message delivered during the previous year read:

“Indian Arrival Day is celebrated each year on 5th May The East Indians who arrived came largely from the Uttar Pradesh and

Southern Indian regions of India ” The presidential narratives are distinctly noteworthy Emancipation Day is dedicated to our African brothers and sisters, Amerindian Month is dedicatedtoourFirstPeople, andtheChinesefirstarrived in January (1853). The two

groups that arrived in May werethePortuguese(May3) and Indians (May 5) I surmise that the Portuguese willnottakekindlytohaving theirdayofarrivalsubsumed under the same day as Indians. In effect, President Granger, as early as 2017, had established a precedent

forthedesignationofIndian Arrival Day when he issued public notices proclaiming, “Chinese Arrival Day,” “Portuguese Arrival Day” and“IndianArrivalDay.” That May 5 was officially intended as Indian ArrivalDaydatesbacktoa (Continuedonpage6)

NYGuyanese Muslims celebrate Eid Ul Fitr 2023

DEAREDITOR, Eid Ul Fitr 2023 was observed by Guyanese Muslims and others in New York and other metro areas early Friday morning, April 21 Some organizations celebrated the festival Saturday Eidculminatestheendof the fasting month of Ramadan or Rojah or Ramzan. The holiday is tied to the sighting of the new moonendofApril–basedon the lunar calendar Some devoutMuslimsclaimedthe moon was sighted Thursday evening. Others claimed it was sighted Friday and still, others claim it is Saturday evening. The holiday falls the day after the sighting of thenewmoon.InNewYork, the school holiday was on Friday going with the sightingofthenewmoonon Thursday evening. Guyana alsoobservedthefestivalon

Friday

Far away from Guyana, Eid was celebrated with fervourandzealbyMuslims in Little Guyana, Queens, NewYorkatmorethanhalfa dozenMasjids.

Muslims at the several Guyanese Masjids or mosques in greater Richmond Hill observed the festival in traditional style with a continuation of the month long fasting, prayer, andbreakingofthefastwith datesorkajoorandbeverage. This was followed by consumption of vermicelli (vamazelly or sawine), and sirni (or butter-made mohanbhoog), maleda, gulab jamun, jalebi, and othersweets.

As they do in Guyana, alms or charitable contributionsweredoledout to the less fortunate. Boxes were placed in front of the masjidfordonations.

Some Muslim-owned businesses doled out snacks to the public. Hacks Bakery on Liberty Ave and 125th Street doled out coffee and snacks. For Eid, Muslims took the day off. Masjids were beautifully decorated with greenery, crescent moons,trimmings,colourful electronic lights, and huge signsofEidgreetings. Masjidsoverflowedwith worshippers.

The police facilitated prayersonthestreetsatafew Masjids. Worshippers were led in prayers by a head imam or mullah, assisted by other meijis. Tents were set up just outside of each masjid or in the courtyard. Celebrants were well attired – colourful traditional kurthas, kamiz, lahengas, sheema, head wears, and Nehrusuits.

Yourstruly, VishnuBisram

PPPgovernment should accept Parliamentary Committee’s recommendation...

Frompage5 process started on April 14, 2003, when a Special Selected Parliamentary Committee was established to review “The Public Holidays Act, Chapter 19:07.” As former ROAR parliamentarian Ravi Dev explained,whenthesaidday was approved by the ParliamentaryCommitteein 2004, it was called Indian Arrival Day The rationale for considering the holiday began with the introduction

of a Report of the Special Select Committee: “Guyanese of Indian origin, who form a large portion of the country’s population, hadforaperiodofinexcess of the past forty years, been calling for 5th May to be declared a statutory public holiday,inobservanceofthe arrival of the first batch of Indian indentured labourers whocametothethenBritish Guiana in 1838.” Yet the Government’s Resolution (No.12 of 2003) to establish

the Committeedeclaredthat itshouldreviewasapossible publicholiday“ArrivalDay, thatistosay,the5thMay,or, if that day is a Sunday, the following day ” In its conclusion, the Committee noted: “While the aforesaid recommendation (on the holiday be named “Arrival Day) is in keeping with our mandate, the Committee wishes to note that all the submissions favouring 5th May as a Public Holiday recommended that it be

designated ‘Indian Arrival Day’ as is the case in Trinidad and Tobago.” The resolution was sent to the NationalAssembly onApril 29,2004,and“ArrivalDay” was officially observed on May5ofthatyear Itwasthe PPP parliamentarians who subsequently dropped the “Indian”fromArrivalDay

The PPP, in this particular case, seems to be bending over backward in o r d e r t o a v o i d acknowledging Indian

Guyanese’sclaimtonational recognition It was Presbyterian Rev J B Cropper,whosesolepurpose was to harvest Christian converts, who declared that “without the labour of the East Indian, the Colony wouldtodayhavebeenlittle more than a mangrove swamp fringed with courida bush.” Cropper was being overly generous with his assessment of Indian contributions to Guyana’s development at the 1938

centenary celebrations

However, the fact remains that Dr Cheddi Jagan was committed to recognizing May5asaholiday ThePNC is on board. It now remains to be seen whether the governmentwillcontinueto remain impervious to the sentimentsofitslargeIndian constituency, who, through thickandthin,haveprovided multi-generational support forthePPP

Sincerely,

BaytoramRamharack

Roll out household solar, not GtE grid power, as the oil money...

Frompage4 (OEM) in China for anyone whowishestocheck.(OEM can be contracted to put on brands for resellers all over the world). Businesses will see that containers will cut down shipping costs considerably.

Currentuseofsunlightis 200W/m2,andthe30m2for the15panelscanfitonmost roofs.

If the sun shines 5 hours in the day, their 6 kW can generate 6 kW x 5 h = 30 kWh(kilowatthoursorunits ofelectricity)perday

The stand-alone 5 kW invertercannotbetiedtothe grid.Itcanbeusedtopower an average household (with inductance for fridge, washing machine, microwave, pump, and fans). Its pure sine wave is safe for computers and sensitiveequipmentandwill keep such equipment from damage during unreliable gridpower

The hybrid inverter for automatic changeover from gridtobatterycouldbemore than 3 times the price. Why not do it manually by just usingasuitablydimensioned changeoverswitch?

And where there is no electricity,ahybridsystemis not required. The batteries

canstoreupto20kWhofthe energythatisnotusedinthe day Soif10kWhisusedina day, then there can be 20 kWh available for 2 rainy days;andevenonrainydays, the panels still collect some electricityduringdaylight.

ForDIYenthusiastswith properly wired homes, this can cost as little as US$10,000.

For 5 000 W of inverter and 6 000 W of panels this works out to less than US$2 per installed watt. In India andChina,thiswouldbeless than US$1.4 per installed watt.

For comparison, current disclosed costs of the GtE project are about

US$2,100,000,000 for 300 000 000 W, or US$7 per installed watt. Bear in mind that electricity transmission and distribution (T&D), management and operation costs are yet to be disclosed for GtE, the costs for which keep rising; whereas all this is negligible for isolated household solar power systems, the costs for which keepfalling.

The solar panels are usuallyguaranteedtoloseno more than 20% by 25 years ofuse.Theinverterscannow last 20 years, and the LiFePO4 batteries can now

l a s t 8

a i l y charge/discharge cycles or the equivalent of over 20 years.

So, if 20 kWh is used daily for 20 years, it works out to 6.8 US cents/kWh. Getting professional help and more wiring should not take the cost to much more than 8 US cents/kWh. What are all the costs that will determine the GtE price per kWh?

As a pensioner who gets some part-time work, I cannotaffordtheUS$10,000

for this kind of solar power

Instead, I use 0.56 kW of solar panels, a 40 A charge controller,2kWofpuresine waveinverter(toprotectmy sensitive electronics), a 2 kWh LiFePO4 battery, and switches to put the solar power to whichever parts of thehouseIwant.

With this kind of management,Icutdownmy electricity bill from $12,000 to $5,000 per month. But I canaffordtogivemyfigures totheGuyanesepublic.

W h y c a n ’ t t h e

Government, funded by taxpayers, roll out decent systemsthathaveachanceof gettingusefulthingsdone?

Therewillbenoneedfor expensive capital or dependence on loans ¯ and thereforenoneedtohidethe interest rates ¯ when it is rolled out as the oil money comesin.

Iwasimpressedtoheara Maths & Science building was opened at UG on April 19andmoreimpressedtosee enthusiastic students exhibiting at the Open Day o n A p r i l 2 0 T h e Government is doing well here,butwhenthesestudents come to realize that the data they should have from their own country, as befits a

university,ismadeofficially secret by their own government, our best young mathematicians and scientists will head to other countries where there are OpenDatapolicies.

Why not empower their human capital with better solar power systems, beginningintheareaswhere there is no electricity? Innovative ways exist to distribute fairly and to incentivise as the oil money comesin.

Solar power can be offered in a socially homogeneous area to households whose children attend school or attain some educationalstandard.

AlfredBhulai

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

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

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

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

SEIZED PS’ PHONE

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

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TheAmericans do not trust the PPP.

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

America is not taking any chances with this government. Even the phone of a senior official is seized, thoroughly checked.

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

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

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It could beAmericans are listening to Government conversations.

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

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This is not good, the PPP had better watch out!

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

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

What the PPPbelieves are secrets are not really so!

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Failure of leaders to get better deal for Guyana’s 11 billion barrels of oil raises serious questions

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has some seriousexplainingtodo.The chiefgovernmentofficialfor the oil industry has been in his post for three years, but the internationally disgraceful Stabroek block production sharing agreement (PSA) given to Exxon by the last government is still in place. EvenJagdeohimselfhassaid the contract is among the worstofitskind.

The fiscal terms have been the subject of criticism from various stakeholders in Guyanaeversincetheywere published.

The 2% royalty of this deal is undoubtedly among the lowest in the industry Manycriticshavearguedthat given the potential value of the Stabroek Block at the time of negotiations, the government of Guyana should have negotiated a higherroyalty

Now, Guyana has 11 billionoil-equivalentbarrels, whichmeansthevalueofthe Stabroek Block has skyrocketed Hence, the urgencytogetabetterdealis evenmorepronounced.

With cost recovery set at 75%, the upfront revenue to Guyana is severely limited. Economist Dr Tarron Khemrajhassaidthatthecost recovery ceiling should be

reducedto50%.Ifthissingle change is made, it would increaseGuyana'ssharefrom ameasly14.5%to27%.

Proper managers of their petroleum sectors, such as Norway, have managed to use taxation as a mechanism toattractbillionsofrevenues for their country Today, Norway stands proud as an oil country that got it right. But the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) decided not to impose any taxes and the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C)hasdecidedtoleave thestain.

Many Guyanese have also raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the negotiation ofthePSA.

T h e r e w a s n o

c o n s u l t a t i o n w i t h stakeholders, including civil societyorganizationsandthe media, on the terms of this contract.

Even after signing it away, the then government hid it from the public and only released it after mountingcallsforitsrelease.

A s E x x o n M o b i l continuestoreapexponential profits from Guyana's lucrativeStabroekBlockand the lopsided contract it signed with Government in 2016, Jagdeo expects the

people of Guyana to be contentedwiththenewterms the government announced forblocksthatnooneiseven surehasoil.

The new terms include 10% royalty, a 65% cost recovery cap, a new 10% corporate tax, and the same half-and-half profit share These better terms, as of today, are pointless because there have been no discoveriesatotherblocksto beproduced.

However, the lopsided deal will remain for the 11 billion barrels that are worth hundreds of billions of US dollars.

This raises questionsWhy would Jagdeo not want to use his new terms for the production of Guyana's11billionbarrels so the people get a higher share?

Why defend Exxon aloneandgivethisnewdeal to EVERYONE ELSE?

What is so special about ExxonMobil?

These criticisms

highlight the importance of ensuringthatthefiscalterms of the Stabroek Block PSA are fair and equitable for the people of Guyana It is i m p o r t a n t f o r t h e government and Exxon to work together to address these concerns so that the benefits of the sector are felt inthecountry

Over the years, the government continues to deflect from the issue by giving reason after reason that often fails to hold up againstscrutiny.

President Irfaan Ali said the private sector should speak out and defend the contract because they are profiting from contracts awardedbyExxonMobiland itssub-contractors.

He also said that Guyana would have to face off againstExxon'slawyers,and wouldbeatadisadvantagein suchascenario.

From the Department of Public Information, the government published a missive in November 2021

PS Thomas back in Guyana

…US visa reportedly revoked, declines to comment

Permanent Secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry, Mae Toussaint Thomas has returned to Guyana after she was days agodetainedforquestioningandhadher cell phone confiscated by the United States (US) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers at the Miami InternationalAirport.

According to reports circulating in the media, Thomas's US visa was revokedbytheUSagencyandshehadto return to Guyana via another transit route.Reportsalsosuggestthatshewas handcuffed and physically harassed duringathree-hour-longdetention.

Kaieteur News on Saturday contacted PS Thomas to confirm the reportsbutshedeclinedtocommentand referred reporters to the subject ministersdealingwiththecase.

Kaieteur News calledtwoMinisters,

the Minister of HomeAffairs, Robeson Benn, and Guyana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd to no avail. Benn declined Kaieteur News' call while Todd'sphonerangout.

WhatsApp messages were also sent to their phones but up to press time, no responsewasprovided.

Thisnewspaperwasabletoconfirm on Friday that Thomas's phone was taken away from her while she was enroutetoChina.

TheMinistryofHomeAffairsisyet tomakeapublicstatementonthematter but Kaieteur News understands that Thomas was not traveling on official governmentbusiness.

Her phone, according to US authorities, was taken away during an inspectionbytheofficers.

TheCBPofficershavetheauthority to search a traveler's electronic device

explaining why the contract is not up for renegotiation.

(Stabroekblockoil –contract not up for renegotiation Departmentof Public Information, Guyana (dpi.gov.gy))

Among these was the restrictive, burdensome stability agreement which forbids Guyana from unilaterally changing the termsofthedeal.

The stability clause would require Guyana to compensate Exxon for any losses incurred as a result of changedterms.Itisthisterm that would put Guyana in trouble with Exxon's lawyers.

This and other terms demonstrate how lopsided theStabroekPSAis.

The government also, at the time, said ExxonMobil suffered financially as a result of the pandemic

However, now that

ExxonMobil is in a much better financial position, having made a recordbreaking profit of US$56

billion in 2022, the government continues to defend the deal Jagdeo refused calls to impose a windfalltaxonExxonMobil. This would have provided revenues for the Guyanese public to weather the economic storm that the Russian war in Ukraine wreaked on their livelihoods andtheirfoodsecurity Somehow, no matter Exxon's financial position, theVPfindsawaytodefend theoilcompany.

He continues to repeat that if Guyana pursues renegotiation, it would kill the momentum of the industry because it would ruin Guyana's reputation withinvestors.

The PPP is adamant that Guyana needs 10 floating production, storage, and offloading(FPSO)vesselsto keeptheeconomicgrowthof the country at a desirable pace Jagdeo also wants Exxontoextracttheoilfrom the ground as quickly as possible.

Guyanese women busted with $48M worth of coke at Jamaican airport jailed

(Jamaican Observer)- Two Guyanese women who were arrested at the Sangster International Airport in St. Jameswhileattemptingtosmuggleapproximately9.5kgof cocaineoutoftheislandonApril4,weresentencedinthe St.JamesParishCourtonApril21.

Chargedwithdealingcocaineandattemptingtoexport cocaine are 21-year-old Oshaura Moses, who is selfemployed,and,27-year-oldAbikiMoses,achef.

ReportsarethatAbikiandOshauraattemptedtoboarda flightthatwasdepartingtotheUnitedKingdomonApril4 whentheywereapprehendedandsearched.

Cocainewithastreetvalueof£270,000(J$48,465,000) wasreportedlytakenfromthem.

whetheritisacellphoneorlaptopifthey need to verify certain information after an interview on the reasons for their travel.

Onthechargeofdealingincocaine,theywerecharged $1 million or six months imprisonment at hard labour While for the other charge, they were ordered to pay $500,000orsixmonthsathardlabour

Amandatoryten-monthimprisonmentwasalsohanded down.

HomeAffairs PS, Mae Toussaint Thomas

STRESS KILLING PEOPLE

Road deaths account for an average of 100 deaths in Guyana each year But that figure pales in comparison to the deaths r e s u l t i n g f r o m cardiovasculardiseases.One in every three persons who die in Guyana is a victim of cardiovascular illnesses includingheartdisease.

Medical professionals have long established a link between stress and heart disease A recent health advisory reiterated that not only can stress induce heart disease, it can also compound other existing conditions if left unmanaged. This is why doctors place so much emphasis in encouraging theirpatientstomanagetheir stresslevels.

Living in Guyana has become very stressful Instead of the discovery of oil providing greater economic security, thus helping to reduce personal stress, it has had the reverse effect. The oil economy and its effects on the traditional economy are increasing the levelsofstress.

Fisher folk have seen their catches, and consequently,theirearnings, plummet ever since oil operations began The government claims that these low catches are seasonalandhavenothingto do with oil exploration and production,butnotmanyare convinced that there is no

relationship.

Some fisher folk have hadtoselltheirvessels.Even though a one-off cash grant of G$150,000 was paid by the government to each personworkinginthesector, this sum can hardly compensate for the reduced incomes and layoffs within thefishingsector Stress does damage to one’s physical and mental health. Since oil production began, stress levels have escalated.

Since oil production began, the level of anxiety and stress in fishing communitieshaverisen.Itis not surprising therefore to read about increased incidents of interpersonal violence in fishing h o u s e h o l d s a n d communities.

Many persons have a distorted impression of farming communities being idyllic, slow-paced, and tranquil. But this is far from true.The agricultural belt in Guyana has the highest incidence of suicide, not onlyinthecountrybutinthe world. So what is causing these high levels of stress in ruralareas?

Farmers are scrounging for a living and they are doing so under stressful conditions.Everytimearice farmer goes to crop, he is doing so under stress not knowing whether his cultivation will fail because offloods,disease,orthehigh cost of fertilizers and fuel.

Dem Boys Seh...

Many rice farmers owe the commercial banks and do not know whether they will beabletoaffordtogobackto crop if they suffer some misfortune due to natural or man-madecauses.Thestress generated is increasing cardiovascularillnesswithin the agricultural belt No wonder private hospitals are being established in rural communities.

But stress levels are also increasing in urban areas wheretherearehigherlevels ofincome.Justtakealookat the traffic situation in Georgetown,moreandmore businesses are being approvedforasmallcityand this is adding to the city’s traffic woes. The same is happening for persons having to commute from West Demerara, East Bank Demerara and East Coast Demerara.

Road rage is increasing as are accidents and this all hastodowiththecongestion on the road stress. Persons are finding that because of the inordinate long hours they are spending in traffic notonlyaretheygettingless done but by the end of the day,theirnervesarefrayed.

The government has been boasting about its housing drive But this sector too is creating extreme anxieties Many young persons are now building their homes. Some of them have done and acquired loans to build their homes. But now they are

Guyana gat nuff immigration expert

Everybody turn

Sherlock Holmes Dem trying fuh crack de case of de PS who phone get tek awayinUncleSamairport. Dem wan know why de phonegettek-away

Some of dem talking about how if yuh gat one type of visa, yuh gat to get higher-up authorization for searchsomebodyphone.

One person even seh how dem nah gat no case fuh crack because is de phone screen did crack and dempeopletelldegirlhow by de time she pass back through America, dem gan replacedescreen.

De Foreign Ministry done contact deAmericans and de embassy seh dem

nahknownutting. All dem sehing is how dem gat de legal right fuh checkphone.

Dem boys nah know who tell de Foreign Ministry fuh write to de

American embassy Somebody had to file a complaint about de action and dat person would have had to have been given reasons why de phone confiscate.

Dem boys hear how

somebody tell de government fuh contact overseas immigration experts fuh give an explanation as to de possible cause or causes of deconfiscationofdephone. But de government nah

finding that the sums they borrowed are grossly inadequatetocompletetheir homes. The price of sand, cement,stoneandsteelhave all doubled in recent years. And when you go and explain this to the banks, manytimesyouaretoldthat your income cannot justify anincreaseinyourloan.This is adding to the stress levels ofcitizens.

These are just some of the pressures which are being faced by citizens in a country that is supposed to

have the fastest-growing economy in the world

Guyanese are still scroungingaroundtomakea living while an executive of oneoilcompanyoperatingin Guyana is enjoying a fat salaryincreasefor2022.

The oil companies are creaming off the country’s wealth because of the lopsided deal which was signed and which is not being renegotiated And while the oil companies’ profits and take are soaring, our fisher folk farmers,

commuters, and first-time homeowners are under severe stress and are strugglingtoekeoutaliving.

(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.)

need fuh contact no immigration experts overseas. Dehgatplentyin Guyana.

Every town, village, ward and every family in Guyanagatanimmigration expert.Guyanesedoesmek immigration rules them a study Some of dem know more about America immigration laws than de Americans Dem could advise de Customs and BorderPatrol(CBP).

Nuff Guyanese when dem go into de embassy, doesknowhowdemgatfuh answer dem question and whattosayandwhatnotto say But still nuff of dem doesgetturndownfuhvisa. Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

THE OPPOSITION LEADER, WHITHER THOU, BROTHER

Though there may be bracing, I come only with kind words. Guyana would bebetterforit,andthatisall that matters to me. Before Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, I present, I inquire via this tiniest of snippets: whitherthou,mybrother? I ask not for myself, I ask for allGuyana.

An Opposition may be a nuisance, a hindrance, or a nice to have for the record. Butthenanyofthat,orallof those put together, would missbymanyamilewhatan Opposition represents in the c o n f i g u r a t i o n o f g o v e r n m e n t , a s a

contributory agency in the strands of comprehensive andresponsiblegovernance.

AnOppositionthatisvibrant compels a responsive government, and it all starts from the head, continues withthetrampoffeet,andis powered by the voice of the Leader of the Opposition. This is the great mantle that rests rather uneasily on the crown of Mr Aubrey Norton, and one with which he must live up to, through storm and sun. I regret to report that Mr Norton has n o t d e l i v e r e d a s anticipated…in the eyes of manyinhisownfold,inthe

minds of Guyanese, in both myeyeandmind. It is not of feet rushing intothefacetomakematters right. There are different ways to get that same significant point across, without so much as batting aneyelash. Itisnotofraised voice and upraised fist to wrench what is believed to be rightly due. It is more than what is believed, beyond the limits of perception: it is of what is actually occurring in Guyana. It is the height of ironythatGuyanahasnever perchedsohigh,neverinits fatigued history so rippling

with the muscular, yet so meagerinitsexpectations.

On Mr Norton’s head, I place those burdens that he has not borne so well. The meagerness of expectations, the disillusionment intensifying, are his to address. Iregretthathehas not risen to the occasion, fulfilled the cluster of promiseshaloedaroundhim atthebeginning. Foritsown purposes, the PPP Government and leadership may be stonily against engagementofanykind;itis thetoughdutyofMr Norton toscalethatfence,asbarbed and electrified as it is. He

has to locate the leverage, he has to usewhathehasinhis grasp,toekeoutafew steps for a respected place on the ladder for himselfandhisfollowing.

Mr Norton raised his hand for this job of Opposition Leader, so he mustnowdeliver Politicsis an art, as he knows well; he should know also how easy it is to become a statistic. One representing the ‘also rans’, of what could have been, of what never really did get off the ground. I thinkthatMr Nortoncando better, stand stronger, and moveupwardtowardwhatis smarter Not smarter in terms of what is foxy and crafty, but of what is mentally expansive, what is innovative, what could be productive.

Thereisoil,andtherehas been nothing. Nothing that can be categorized as pulsepoundingandimpressiveon that score from the Opposition Leader The foreigners have their bag of tricks to hem in and tie up people like himself. Mr Norton has to have his own bag, and its brand speaks to the world: what is good for the Guyanese people. Let others-local or foreign-try with their tricks, for those are what then provide their owninspirations,aboutwhat should be and what should not.

I think he has to muster his people and squeeze on the arm of the PPP Government,butonlyonan orderly and disciplined basis If some can be marshaled for Local Government Elections nomination, and national elections petition, then that has to be regrouped and the rules of engagement rewritten. To register the traumas,theplights,andthe perils of the Guyanese

people, with every avenue chosen carefully, and properlymapped. Thereare different ways to send signals to the resident foreign contingent, and to those keenly watching developments in Guyana fromafar

There are discontented citizens here, and by the droves, and of this, there mustneverbeanydoubt,any misunderstanding Platitudes cannot pay the piper The people are waiting, and their outstretched hands are empty The PPP leadership in government knows this. But there is none who must know this more than Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton. Theexpectationsof his people are the chains of evidence. There are others. Some have said that Mr Norton has flattered to deceive. I think he has fluttered in the trials and challenges that matter, and his star has faded. This his own,andtherestofGuyana, cannotafford.

There is the fullest appreciation that the oil wealth has to be walked around gingerly After all, theAmericanAmbassadoris always on duty, ever watching, never less than absorbing every nuance of speech and posture Somebody has got to pound onthetable,andMr Norton did nominate himself Whither thou now, my brother?

(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

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY!

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

Sunday –April 16, 2023

accesstothesiteandthosethathave existential importance to Guyana, already used the site in relation to and any action by Venezuela to Jagdeo defends Exxon this round have not received any disrupt Guyana’s petroleum sector recovering uncapped interest official public assurance from the would be seen as a direct attack on rates from Guyana’s oil government about whether the thecountry’ssovereignty integrity of sensitive information Vice President, Dr Bharrat has been compromised. Worse yet, Monday –April 17, 2023 Jagdeo defended a provision of the is the fact that the compromise of lopsided Stabroek Block the site was executed by an interest President Guard dies after Production Sharing Agreement group that is working against crashing vehicle into lamppost (PSA) on Thursday, in the Guyana’sfreedomtodevelopitsoil government’squesttopreserveit. resources. A 24-year-old member of the

The PSA is coming under Last week, the Ministry of Presidential Guard attached to scrutiny yet again for allowing Natural Resources updated the Castellani House died on Sunday ExxonMobilanditsco-venturersto schedule for the licensing round, after crashing a Land Cruiser into a recover uncapped accumulated extending the deadline for the lamppost at Coverden, East Bank interest on loans taken to meet submission of bids to July 15. Demerara(EBD).

Stabroek Block expenses, without

Although there is no official Dead is Avandel Kevin Narine the prior approval of the Minister statement from the Ministry about o f N e w M a r k e t S t r e e t , with responsibility for Petroleum. what occurred, Minister of Natural Georgetown. Three other persons There are serious concerns about Resources Vickram Bharrat is were also seriously injured in the the potential abuse of this quoted by Demerara Waves as accident Police identified the provision, as it could incentivize saying that the National Data injured passengers travelling along companies to take out loans with Management Authority (NDMA) with Narine in the Land Cruiser as: unreasonable interest rates to later has been working to rectify the Arvin Enouch, 24, of Good Hope, recoverthem. government agrees that the well as information on issue. East Coast Demerara (ECD), Jagdeo said, during his last Stabroek Block PSA is lopsided, opportunities in the sector, in terms The website became accessible Marcia Dundas, 23, of Old Land of press conference, that the issue is still fervently defended a provision ofemploymentandprocurement. again on April 14, but critical Canaan,EBDandCassieAtkinson, complex and reflective of the cost that experts like former University Additionally, the website has information was unavailable 22,ofKitty,Georgetown. of raising capital. He argued that of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro, been the access point for Information on oil production and According police, Narine raising capital for the oil and gas say can open Guyana up to serious international oil companies thelicensingroundaregone. crashed the vehicle around industry is a difficult task, as many abuse. interested in participating in the Ifthegovernmentcannotassure 06:20hrs while overtaking several banks worldwide are moving away Thepublicmayneverknowjust offshore licensing round, and they thepublicthatGuyanahasnotbeen vehiclesalongtheCoverdenPublic from supporting projects linked to how much Guyana is losing out usedthesitetoaccessthedataroom safeguarded against more serious Road. “Enquiries disclosed that the fossilfuels. from this interest provision as the andthetermsoftheround. harm by these cyber crimes, and LandCruiserwasproceedingsouth He used the example of the Joe interest rates remain hidden from KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat that the integrity of the licensing along the eastern side of the public Biden-led United States publicscrutiny the site was compromised by round has not been compromised, road at Coverden, East Bank administration vetoing a loan that hackers loyal to Venezuela’s claim this could inhibit confidence in the Demerara, at a fast rate of speed, the Guyana Shore Base Inc Days elapse with no official for Guyana’s Essequibo territory licensinground. when the driver was overtaking (GYSBI), had tried to get from the Govt. statement on oil site The hackers placed graphics on the It is critical in the view of some several vehicles which were Inter-American Development compromised by hackers website that said “!El Esequibo es observers that the government also proceeding in the same direction.” Bank (IDB) because it would Venezuela!” meaning ‘The addresses the concerns of citizens The Guyana Police Force stated support Guyana’s oil industry The The website of the Petroleum EssequiboisVenezuela’. who rely on the website for that Narine reportedly lost control loan was for US$180 million for Management Programme in It is notable that the hacking information on the petroleum of the vehicle and crashed into a GYSBI’sshorebaseoperations. Guyana was hacked since April 7, was done shortly after the sector, including updates on oil lamppost situated on the western

To Jagdeo’s mind, this and more than a week has elapsed International Court of Justice (ICJ) production, flared and re-injected sideoftheroad. demonstrates the challenge of without an official statement from cast down Venezuela’s preliminary gas, and produced water being The Land Cruiser reportedly raising capital for this sector He the People’s Progressive Party objections in the ongoing border depositedintothesea. flipped and ended up in a nearby said it is a complex matter that Civic (PPPC) administration on case.The Court’s ruling effectively Furthermore, the government trench The passengers were requiresanuancedapproach. thismatter removed a hindrance to the would be wise to address the quickly rescued but eyewitnesses

The Guyanese public is The website, petroleum.gov.gy proceedings. The ICJ has given geopolitical implications of the saidthatNarinewaspinnedandthe concerned about this matter, which is marketed by the government as Venezuela up to April 8, 2024, to hacking. The Essequibo region, vehiclehadtobepulledaparttofree could see Guyana lose out on the transparency avenue for file its counter memorial in the which covers two-thirds of him.All of the victims were rushed billions unreasonably But Jagdeo information on the petroleum case. Guyana’s territory, has been a to the Diamond Diagnostic Center indicated that the government sector in Guyana It provides It is concerning for some source of disagreement between for treatment but Narine was wantstomaintainmomentuminthe updates on oil production, gas and stakeholders that in the middle of Guyana and Venezuela for more pronounced dead on arrival. Cassie oil sector and attract investment to produced water, and the the licensing round, companies thanacentury Atkinsonwastransferredtoacity thecountry developments of the price of oil, as seeking to declare interest, lost The case before the ICJ is of (Continued on page 15)

He said, “We don’t wanna kill the momentum. The moment you startadisputetokillthemomentum oftheindustryandeverythingdries up here for a while. And then you alsocan’tgettheinvestmentdollars that are so scarce now for this industry to flow, which is what we want to flow here so our local peoplecanstartdoingbettertoo.”

ThePSAfortheStabroekBlock is unique. Even though Jagdeo defended the provision, he said the government plans to “address” it in the new model contracts. He said the new contracts, with improved provisions relating to interest and other things, will be used for the auctionblocksandtheothercurrent blocksoutsideofStabroek.

It is rather peculiar that though Jagdeohassaidmanytimesthatthe People’s Progressive Party (PPPC)

Dead President Guard: Avandel Kevin Narine

The mangled Land Cruiser that Narine reportedly crashed into a lamppost at Coverden, EBD.

From page 14 President Jagdeo also claimed that

of documents relating to the LCDS hospital for further medical the APA is trying to block funding 2030, ART TREES Standards and attention while the other to Indigenous communities. This, carbon markets?; Were those passengers received treatment at again, is a misrepresentation of the documents sent beforehand?; Were theDiamondHospital. Association’s position. We have Indigenous peoples afforded the Head of the Presidential Guard asked the ART Secretariat and opportunity to present their own unit, Assistant Commissioner Board to publish its reasons for its proposals on how a carbon Edgar Thomas and Deputy decisions to approve the credits, crediting scheme can work?; Was Commissioner of Administration, considering the substantial there any meaningful way for Calvin Brutus accompanied by concerns we have raised regarding Indigenous peoples to present our GPF’s Welfare Officer, Allison Guyana’s respect for Indigenous own proposals for benefit sharing Moore have since visited Narine’s peoples’ rights and therefore under this carbon deal? ; Does the parents and relatives to express compliance with the TREES government believe that their theircondolences. standard. We also recommended “consultations” were effective in that the credits issued to Guyana seeking the consent of Indigenous APAcalls out government thathavenotyetbeenpurchasedbe communities prior to the sale of again for failing to respect frozen and suspended and that no carbon credits? ; Was there any rights of Indigenous peoples further credits be issued until the meaningful opportunity for — urges proper consultations government fully respects the Indigenous peoples to give or deny on carbon sale initiative rightsofIndigenouspeoples.” consent to their lands being

The Amerindian body said the includedintheproposal?]

The Amerindian Peoples Vice President Jagdeo, in his tirade As such,theAPAreiteratedthat Association (APA) said it is not against the APA, failed to address it is not opposed to development opposed to development but the substance of the Association’s but maintains that development maintains that development should complaint to ART which is his should not come at the cost of not come at the cost of Indigenous government’s failure to respect the Indigenous peoples’ full and peoples’ full and informed right of Indigenous peoples to informedparticipation. participation. proper consultations and failure to

The association comments fully comply with TREES comeamidaflurryofattacksbythe Standard, among others

information-sharing session In guidance so that they can government, particularly Vice Additionally, Vice President addition, the Government’s own effectively participate in the President Bharrat Jagdeo and the Jagdeo has consistently failed to Pegasus second highest bidder summary of “consultations” noted decision-making process These National Toshaos Council after the defend his government’s violation for “profitable” Marriott Hotel requests for information to be requirements were not met by the APA had filed a complaint to of Indigenous peoples’ right to …proposes US$55.5M, highest shared in simplified language and Government and several

Tuesday –April 18, 2023

Architecture for REDD+ FPIC “We are extremely bidder comes in at US$65M in translations, and for training to Indigenous communities have (Reducing Emissions from concerned to see the ART help communities better complainedinthatregard.

Deforestation and Forest Secretariat and the verification

Local businessman and owner understand the LCDS Despite It is alarming that Vice Degradation) Transactions (ART) body, Aster Global Environmental ofthePegasusHotel,RobertBadal, Governmentofficials’commitment President Jagdeo continues to Secretariat hosted by Winrock Services, take the Government’s is one of six vying for the to share translations and to conduct attack the APA as opposed to International. claims of having respected acquisition of the “profitable” training of trainers, to date, there providing evidence that the

On March 8, 2023, the APA, Indigenous peoples’ rights at face Marriott Hotel located in Kingston have been no translated copies of principles governing FPIC, and following consultation with value without a critical analysis of Georgetown and is the second the LCDS, or simplified effective participation were Indigenous leaders filed a whether the Government’s actions highest bidder with a proposal of information regarding ART- adhered to. In that regard, we complaintwiththeARTSecretariat constituted proper consultation, let US$55.5million. TREES shared in Indigenous challenge the Vice President and outlining the Government’s alone true respect for Indigenous The sale of the US$60 million languages, nor any such training his Government to answer the violation of the principles of Free, peoples’ rights to effective hotel is being facilitated by conducted.” following questions: [How much

Prior and Informed Consent participation and FPIC The Government of Guyana through

The APA said the right to timewereIndigenouscommunities (FPIC). The complaint stems from Government’s summary of National Industrial and effective participation requires, given to prepare for those the December 2022 issuance of “consultations” did not record Commercial Investments Limited inter alia, that Indigenous peoples “consultations”? How long did a carbon credits to the Government comments specifically made by (NICIL). Chief Executive Officer are provided with adequate time “consultation” session last?; How ofGuyanaandthefailuretoaddress many Indigenous peoples at these (CEO) of NICIL, Radha Krishna and understandable information many sessions were held with the the gross violation of the TREES meetings that they did not consider Sharma, disclosed to this [including translation into a communities?; Were Indigenous Standards. that the meeting could properly be publication that six bidders met languagethattheyunderstand],and communities presented with

In a statement, the APA said its called a “consultation”, but a mere Monday’s deadline for the access to technical support and simplified/user-friendly versions objections to the manner of submission of bids for the Marriott consultation and “deliberate Hotel. violationoftheFPICprocessbythe

Among the bidders is an Government are well documented American company, a Jamaican in the local media and with our company, as well as local partners.” “Those objections were companies Coming in as the raised during the certifying process highest bidder at US$65 million is and after the first issuance of the American company X, LLC carboncreditsbyART Therefore,it whose principal is listed as Ramy is disingenuous on the part of Vice El-Batwari and Badal in second President Jagdeo to accuse the with a bid of US$55.5 million. The Association of nit-picking on third highest bidder spot goes to a indigenous issues,” the APA local consortium, Integrated Group statementnoted. Guyana Limited, headed by

Theassociationobservedthatat Ravindra Prashad with a bid of his press conference, on Thursday, US$55million. April 14, 2023, the Vice President

At fourth spot there is continued to peddle accusations Georgetown Investments and that theAPAis being controlled by Management Services Inc the political Opposition. “APA has (Princess Hotel), General Manager repeatedly stated that it is a Mustafa Eray Kanmaz bidding politically neutral organisation US$50 million. The lowest bidders The Vice President seems are:NCBCapitalMarketsLimited, incapable of comprehending this a Jamaican Company headed by point since he sees any criticism of SteveGoodingwithabidofUS$33 his government as an attack that millionandMuneshwersLimited, requires him to go to battle. Vice

(Continued on page 16)

The Marriott Hotel

From page 15 conceived long before Republic Bank Limited of owned by Amarnauth Guyana struck oil and even Trinidad and had opened its Muneshwer with the lowest with the country’s new oil doorsonApril17,2015. bidofUS$25million. prospects, they are happy D u r i n g a p r e s s

According to NICIL’s that the business could conference Vice President statement, after bids were benefit from the spinoff Jagdeosaidthattheproceeds closed, the six companies opportunities. fromthesaleofthehotelwill were invited to attend a Bid The project, the investor be used, “to clear off the Opening Meeting at NICIL’s said,isinreactiontotheneed remaining loan and some of boardroom located at 199 forcapacity-buildingandthe it will come back to the Camp Street, Georgetown. It expansion of rooms and Treasury to be used back for w a s n o t e d t h a t conference facilities along whatever purpose is representatives from two with corporate spaces determined.” bidders were present at the Pegasus Suites and Kaieteur News had boardroom while a third Corporate Centre comprises highlighted that under the joined virtually Thereafter, two towers, which feature syndicated loan agreement, the six bids were opened and presidential suites, a the preferred rights goes to read aloud in the presence of conference centre, a modern those investors – meaning the representatives as well and chic restaurant and that in the event of the hotel NICIL officials. The bidders underground parking for being unable to service the and their respective bids over 200 cars. The luxurious loan–theunknowninvestors were recorded, signed and hotel and corporate space would have the first lien on toothatdespitethehotelwas National Unity (APNU) As you know, even in acknowledged by the wasconstructedbytheChina theproceedsofanysale. started at a time when others supporters have joined the opposition, we are the only biddersandNICILofficials. Harbour Engineering Back in 2017, AHI was touted it as “a white ruling People’s Progressive partythatcontestedallofthe Pegasus Company and features unable to meet its due elephant”, the hotel is now a Party /Civic (PPPC) for the local government areas

Back in July last year building materials from financial obligations to money-making machine. He u p c o m i n g L o c a l across Guyana but this time Badal opened up the iconic Spain, Germany, the United repaythesyndicatedloan.As explained that as a result of Government Elections. But around we have exceeded Pegasus Suites and States ofAmerica and China such, AHI had requested the the Government being Opposition Leader, Aubrey those because we have Corporate Centre next door and is said to be of assistance of NICIL, the generous to help trigger a N o r t o n a p p e a r e d contestedeveryconstituency tothePegasusHotel.Builtat internationalstandard. guarantor but the state new wave of hotel building, unbothered,maintainingthat inGuyananow.” a cost of some US$100 Profitablebusiness agency was also unable to “ there is no particular the party will hold onto its Chase-Green was last million, President Irfaan Ali Meanwhile, with the assist. In order to prevent the supreme benefit to strongholds despite a few elected to the Georgetown had described the project as companies bids ranging hotelfrombeingacquiredby Government owning (the defections. City Council under the iconic and transformational, from as low as US$25 the bank, the former hotel),it’sbettertomaximise The two main parties as APNU banner in 2018. In noting that no Guyanese milliontoUS$65million–it Government in April 2017 the money and invest it in well as a number of her capacity as Mayor she living 30 years ago would should be noted that Vice made the decision to transfer something else backing independent candidates had complained against the imagine that such a project President (VP) Bharrat AHI’s financial obligations healthcare or maybe in submitted their symbols and PPP government in the past could have been possible Jagdeo, on March 30, 2023, to the Central Government. anotherfacility…” list of contestants to the of stymieing the work of the here. He said that the disclosed that the Marriott This decision has resulted in M o r e o v e r , t h e G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s City Council. “All I would buildingisonethathassome Hotel is “a profitable US$1.1 million ($226 Government has been Commission (GECOM) say to the press is that I history that no other could venture” and is “making a million)oftaxpayers’dollars reported in the media station at the Critchlow support One Guyana, unity match, as it is the first that profit”, but stated that it is of comingouteverysixmonths encouraging investors to Labour College Woolford and progress. That’s all I say had so many Heads of no supreme benefit to the (since 2017) to service the build hotels as part of their AvenueonMonday fornow,One,Guyana,Unity Government stayed prior to Government owning it US$27 million loan – for a plan to advance the PPPC General Secretary, and progress”, Chase-Green its opening. The President anymore. 13-yearperiod. hospitality sector in Guyana. Vice President Bharrat said while addressing noted that all who stayed The VP justified the sale

However, to this theVice Notably, there are seven new Jagdeo led his party members of the media when previously had enjoyed their of the hotel by stating that President had stated that hotels being constructed contingent, accompanied by asked about her change of stay, so itis clearthatserious within a few years several while in opposition, the The new hotels are expected f o r m e r M a y o r o f party Chase-Greenbelieves thought was put into the hotels are expected to come People’s Progressive Party to meet a demand of around Georgetown and APNU the municipal elections for project. on stream and in order to Civic (PPPC) was opposed 2,000roomsby2025. Councillor Patricia Chase- Georgetownwillseea“clear

The Guyana Chronicle avoidcompetition,this is the to the loan obligation being Green, APNU Councillor, win”forthePPP had reported that Badal, best time to maximize the transferred to central Chase-Green switches Tricia Richards and former Unbothered,confident during his address at the profit and sell the hotel. The government. Jagdeo claimed from PNCR to PPP Independent City Councillor M e a n w h i l e , t h e officialopening,saidthatthe US$60M hotel started under that the loan being burdened - but Norton confident of f o r t h e Chairman of the APNU and project is a historic one for the Jagdeo administration on taxpayers had nothing to victory in strongholds Albouystown/Charlestown Leader of the People’s the company, Georgetown, when he was President using do with the hotel being despite defections Constituency, Malcolm National Congress Reform, and Guyana as a whole. He taxpayers’dollars and with a unabletoserviceitsloan. Ferreira. Aubrey Norton told the noted that the project was syndicated loan through the The VP had pointed out SeveralAPartnership for Other new candidates for media that he is not too the PPPC are former bothered that some of the National Cricketer and party members have crossed Businessman, Steven the floor and joined the Jacobs, and national PPPC Norton said he footballer, Jeremy Garrett, a believestheAPNU’ssupport former Citizenship Initiative remains solid in its Executive. In an interview strongholds.Nortonwhohas with the media, Jagdeo said been coming under criticism that the party welcomes all from many within his party the newcomers. Jagdeo said over his leadership style the party’s candidates across believes the political work the80LocalAuthorityAreas that he has been doing on the includepeoplefromallstrata ground will see the APNU of society, irrespective of holdingontoitsbase. theirrace,religionandcreed. “We know from our The lists, he said, consist, of support base on the ground a lot of women and young that they will support us and people. we will beat the PPPin all of

“We have fielded over our strongholds and in many 2,000 candidates and we other areas,” a confident have about 26,000 backers. Norton said. ‘We have been So, we are going into this doingourpoliticalworkon big, right across the country (Continued on page 66)

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton flanked by some of his supporters on Nominations Day

PPP/C General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo flanked by some of the Ex APNU party affiliates

ExxonMobil violates sanctity feasibility for gas project available AFC: of contract as no evidence of

Exxon violates s anctity of contract as no evidence of feasibility for gasprojectavailable-AFC

TheAlliance for Change (AFC) is accusing oil giant, ExxonMobilofviolatingthe sanctity of contract, for failing to conduct a feasibility study on the utilization of excess gas in the Stabroek oil block, as requiredunderthecontractit signed with the government in2016.

Executivememberofthe partyandformerHeadofthe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams told reporters during a media conference on Friday that he believes the company has violated the said principle that is hindering the government from renegotiating the oil deal, as there is no evidence ofthisdocument.

Exxon has entered into an agreement with the Government of Guyana (GoG) to transport the

natural gas in the Liza One and Liza Two fields offshore, which are to be used to generate some 300 megawatts of power to supplythenationalgrid.

The project is currently pegged at around US$2.1 billion and accounts for the single largest investment ever undertaken by the nation.Bethatasitmay,this project lacks a vertebra as there is no evidence of a feasibility study to confirm itsviability

Flagging this issue, Dr Adams argued, “No feasibility study has been doneatthatlocation(Wales, WestBankDemerara).

As a matter of fact, it (Exxon) violated this sanctity that this administrationkeepstalking about.

They violated the sanctity of the contract…it saysbeforeanygasprojectis implemented,therehastobe a feasibility study and there wasnofeasibilitystudy.”

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

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

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

pursuant to Article 12.1(a) theContractorshallcarryout a feasibility study regarding theutilisationofsuchexcess Associated Gas of such Oil Field.”

Thesameclauseexplains that if the feasibility study was completed before the submittal of the Field Development Plan for the location,thisdocumentshall be added to the Plan. The contractalsostatesthatinthe eventthecontractor's

(Continuedonpage70)

Article 12.1 (b) of the Exxon contract states the requirement of a feasibility study for the utilization of excess gas in an oil field.

AFC Executive Member, Dr. VincentAdams

Fourth CARICOM India...

Frompage12 Trinidad and Tobago. The Bahamas and Belize were represented at the level of Parliamentary Secretary and Ambassador The CARICOM Secretary-General was also inattendance.

Duringthemeeting,theForeignMinister focused on trade and economy, agriculture and food security, health and pharmaceuticals, development partnership/capacity building, higher education, and culture and people-to-people exchange. They also discussed common issues of concern on the multilateral agenda such as climate change/disaster resilience andcounter-terrorism.

Minister Todd addressed three of the issues which are of critical importance both nationallyandregionallynamelyagriculture and food security, energy including renewable energy, and climate

change/disasterresilience.Underagriculture and food security, the Minister highlighted theregional25%by2025initiative,pointing outtheneedtoeffectupscalingofproduction through horticultural experts/specialists in the production of high-valued crops such as broccoliandplantpropagation.

The Minister also highlighted the PradhanMantriFasalBimaYojanainitiative (insurance on agriculture schemes) and solicitedIndia'ssupportincraftingpolicyand legislation for agriculture insurance in member states Given the region's vulnerabilitytotheimpactofclimatechange, sharing of technology, knowledge, and best practicesonhowtomanageanearlywarning and dissemination system was further identified as another important area for cooperation.

Intheareaofenergy,includingrenewable energy, Minister Todd underscored energy

security as a priority for the region and expressed value in the Indian-led initiative, the International SolarAlliance. He pointed out that Guyana's energy plan was rooted in the low carbon development strategy 2030 which addressed all aspects of transformational development within Guyanaandencouragedevaluationofenergy mixessuchasnaturalgas,solarandwind.

With regard to climate change, Minister Todd noted that 85% of Guyana remains standing forest and this contributes to the survival of the region and the world. He revealedthattheregionlookedforwardtothe operationalisingofthelossanddamagefund, which was an outcome of COP 27, as an urgentpriorityandwelcomedIndia'ssupport in advancing the process. He reiterated Caricom's commitment to the pursuit of renewable energy options to promote sustainable development and pointed to Guyana's low carbon development strategy which commits to preserving Guyana's rainforest to lower carbon emissions, noting

that it also includes wider environmental services, water resource management, marineeconomyandlandmanagement.

The Foreign Ministers committed to an enhanced cooperation programme between CARICOM and India. They agreed to the hosting of the CARICOM/India Joint Commission later in 2023 which is the mechanism that would provide the framework for the implementation of the programmeofcooperation.

The CARICOM-India cooperation frameworkisthree-tieredandoperatesatthe level of the CARICOM-India Summit, CARICOM-India Ministerial Meeting, and CARICOM-India Joint Commission EngagementattheMinisteriallevelprovides the opportunity for the deepening of the CARICOM- India partnership, through discussions on bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues of mutual interest and concern.Itdemonstratestheintrinsicvalueof and a strong commitment to strengthening south-southcooperation.

GuyanaandIndiasignAirServicesAgreement

The Agreement opens investment opportunities and caters for Guyaneseownedairlinestohavedirect m a r k e t a c c e s s t o international airports in Indiaandviceversa.

“India has an emerging andgrowingaviationsector Presently, there is no direct flight between Guyana and India, however, this Agreement puts in place the

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, and the High Commissioner of India to Guyana Dr. K. J. Srinivasa exchange handshakes after the signing of theAir ServicesAgreement in the presence of India’s Minister of ExternalAffairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar; Minister of ForeignAffairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; Permanent Secretary of Ministry of ForeignAffairs and International Cooperation,Ambassador Elizabeth Harper; Director General of the Guyana Civil AviationAuthority, Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field, and other Technical Officials from India and Guyana. (GCAA photo)

The Governments of Guyana and India on Saturday signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) that will allow for easier travel between the two countries.

The Agreement was signedbyMinisterofPublic Works Bishop Juan Edghill, M P and the High Commissioner of India to Guyana Dr K. J. Srinivasa, in the presence of India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar; Minister of

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Elizabeth Harper; Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field, and other Technical Officials from IndiaandGuyana.

The signing of the Agreementisinkeepingwith t h e G o v e r n m e n t ’s commitment of connecting

Guyana with the rest of the world and will complement themorethan50AirServices Agreements Guyana has established with other ICAO statesforthedevelopmentof theair-linkamongstStates

T h e A g r e e m e n t promotes international air services between the two c o u n t r i e s a n d a n international aviation systembasedoncompetition amongairlines.

AccordingtotheGuyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Agreement

addresses pertinent matters such as Grant of Rights; D e s i g n a t i o n a n d Authorization of Airlines; RevocationorSuspensionof Operating Authorization, Principles governing the

legal framework that opens market access for airlines of both States to operate and enhance competitive air transportservices,trade,and economic growth between the two countries,” the GCAAsaidinastatement. Guyana and India have enjoyed good diplomatic relations since Guyana gainedindependenceinMay 1966.

Opportunities, Cooperative Marketing Arrangements, among other areas.

Govt.spending millions $$$ to police waterways for oil companies

…but receiving pittance from industry due to lopsided contract - Glenn Lall

Government’s investment in purchasing pilot boat to provide added security to ExxonMobil and otheroilcompaniesoperatinghere is seen as excessive given that the country’sprofitsfromtheoilcould hardly compensate for such high spending.

Last week President Irfaan Ali commissioned a $535M pilot boat whichwillcosttaxpayersafurther $20M annually to maintain, according to Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill With Guyana’s meagre profits from its oil,giventhelopsidednatureofthe Exxon contract - many have questionedtheinvestment.

The vessel PD Arapaima was custom-builtforMARADbyOcea Shipbuilding Limited in France. The 14-person vessel is built from aluminum. Speaking at the event, President Ali pointed to a number of measures that he said his governmentisimplementingaimed at completely transforming local maritime operations. He noted, however,thattheacquisitionofthe PBArapaimaisjustasmallstepina series of larger efforts to mitigate difficulties being faced in the sector

“We have aging assets. Bad

decisions in 2018 by the last government led to the acquisition of what was supposed to be a new asset for just around $300 million. Oneyearafterward,wespentmore than $300M on spares, and that takesittoabout$600-plusmillion. Thatvesseliscostingusabout$50 million annually to maintain,”

President Ali explained He contrasted it with the new, improved acquisition, highlighting that this vessel is much more efficient for the purpose it was purchasedfor

“Thisvessel,ontheotherhand, was acquired at $535M, one-year free maintenance on warranty, and from the second year, it is anticipated that will cost no more than GY$20M in maintenance [annually]. It will also utilise 30 percent less fuel than the current fleet. That tells a story by itself,”

Dr Ali underlined. The President alsocongratulatedthemanagement and staff of MARAD on the acquisition of the vessel, iterating that it is a continuation of the administration’s efforts to give MARADafleetofmodernreliable, fuel-efficient vessels capable of serving the needs of the shipping industry, and facilitating a modern

marinesector GUYANARETROGRESSING

Meanwhile, analysing the investmentinthevesselagainstthe background of its intended purpose,oiltransparencyadvocate, Glenn Lall said first of all the country could have gotten a better boat for less than $100M. “But that’s not the issue, corruption has long been under Jagdeo’s leadership, it’s a way of life in Guyana and it gets worse as the daysgoby Youeitherlivewithitor fight it and that’s what me and my team here have been doing ever since,” Lall who is also the publisheroftheKaieteurNewstold listenerstohisFridaynightshow He said Guyana received a mere US$162M from its oil between January and the end of March in profits from Exxon and yet it was taking out tax dollars to buy a boat to police the increasing trafficoutintheAtlanticOcean.

“AccordingtoPresidentAli,the 14 new oil blocks that have been placedonauctionwillcreatetraffic sotheyhavetospend$535Mtobuy a boat and pay people to work 24 hoursadaytopolicethetrafficout there, not the 600 oil blocks that ExxonMobilwherealltheoilis,but the 14 new oil blocks, where there is no certainty of its oil potency,” Lall told his radio and internet audience. He said the profit with royalties Guyana currently receivingfromitsoilwillfinishon thesaidboatalone.

“We barely getting a little crumbs from the oil, and now we have to spend it to police the oil industry – this is what you call running the government like a business,notlikeacakeshop. You getting two mangoes from your mangotreeintheyear,nowyougot tobuildguardhutandpaysecurity for the people who thieving the mangoes – how do you explain

these things? I don’t know,” Lall exclaimed He further stated:

“They done borrow US$2.5M and use that money to clean up the oceanfloorinfrontthemouthofthe DemeraraRiverforfreepassagein and out for the supply boats to the oil ships, you people don’t have a clue where this country is heading withyourfuture,andthePresident is so proud to go cut ribbon for a boatandforaforklifttheotherday God bless you and God bless Guyana,”Lallsaidlamenting.

At the commissioning of the vessel, Minister Edghill, highlighted the important role the maritime industry plays in the economicgrowthanddevelopment of the country and cited the increasing amount of maritime trafficandcommercetakingplace.

“It is crucial that we have effective systems to ensure that everythingisrunningsmoothlyand 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, MARADisworkingtoensurethat people employ safe practices,” he stated. Minister Edghill noted that thePPP/Cgovernment’scontinued commitment to the people of Guyana is demonstrated by the substantialinvestmentsbeingmade inthesector

“We will continue to build on whatwehavestartedasweacquire 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.Withthisnewvessel,the time for pilots to embark and disembarkwillbecutby75percent and this is just the beginning of great things that will be accomplished with the pilot boat Arapaima,”headded.

President IrfaanAli Businessman, Glenn Lall

The $535M pilot boat was commissioned last week to help patrol the waterways

Mr. Phillip Nurse

Nanda Ramcharan

Meetthisweek’s beauty,thesensationalNandaRamcharan This 32-year-oldbusinesswomanenjoysmusic,fashionandcontentcreation. Mostofall,sheenjoysspendingmostofherfreetimewiththeloveofherlifeand petpup,Maya.Nanda’sfavouritequoteis“Don’tcompareyourselfwithanyoneinthisworld. Ifyoudoso,thenyouareinsultingyourself.Youarethebestwhenyouareyou,”BillGates.

What Is Ecotourism, and How Can It Help the Environment?

(Reader’s Digest) It’s easier What is the aim of actually harming someone or great example is Thailand, where pointed out, the idea of helping and more important than ever to be ecotourism? something, we can put a stop to residentsarebeingshownhowthey local communities is so important; a responsible traveler Here’s what Although the ultimate aim of them. Plus, human beings are more can make a living by turning their it’s actually one of the principles youneedtoknowaboutecotourism ecotourism is to protect a inclined to care about something performing elephant businesses behind ecotourism Besides beforebookingyournexttrip. destination’s environment and its whenthey’repersonallyinvestedin into elephant sanctuaries As protecting their environment, Wi t h t r a v e l a n d t h e people, there are a few specific it, which happens naturally when travelers stop supporting elephant ecotourism provides jobs for environment in the news so much principles that guide that goal. they visit a place and get to know shows and rides because of the residents, bringing money into lately, you’ve probably heard the According to Bernholtz, these are the people who live there as abuse these animals endure, they areas that may have previously word e c o t o u r i s m tossed themainpillarsbehindecotourism: individuals rather than a generic makeaconsciousdecisiontospend been overlooked. With a better around especially after stories Support conservation group. As visitors learn about the theirmoneyonbusinessesthathelp economy, communities become about places ruined by tourism. As initiatives locals,they’remotivatedtodowhat elephants instead. This is a win all safer,cleanerandhealthier travelers become more aware of Becauseecotourismisdesigned theycantohelpthesepeopleandto around especially for the How does ecotourism their effect on the planet and want to safeguard the integrity of a spread the word about how others elephants, who are on the list of benefit travelers? to do their part to make a positive natural area’s vulnerable can too. “Ideally, they leave as new Critically Endangered species Being a responsible traveler difference and live more ecosystem, it should allow visitors ambassadors who can tell others With education, we have the power makes for a much more satisfying sustainably, ecotourism has really to experience the beauty of a about the destination and teach toenactrealchange. and authentic experience. Instead takenoff. destination without causing them how to take care of it,” says Respect ofsimplyvisitingtouristattractions

According to the Business damage. Often, it also lets them Chandra Wright, Director of Respectistiedtoawarenessand and eating at chain restaurants, you Research Company, the global get to immerse yourself in a local ecotourismmarketisexpectedto cultureandreallygettoknowthe grow from $157.76 billion in people who live there. It enriches 2021 to $185.43 billion in 2022, your own life and opens your reaching a whopping $299.03 mindtonewideas.Itremindsyou billion in 2026. “Awareness of that you’re a citizen of the world our negative impact on the and that it’s up to all of us to take environment is finally on the careoftheplanetwecallhome. forefront of many people’s

“Ecotourism is an amazing minds,” says Andréa Bernholtz, way to discover the world,” says a sustainable travel and lifestyle Wright. “So much of our daily expert. “Eco-sourced foods have l i v e s i s s c r i p t e d a n d become more mainstream, and manufactured. Nature is full of during the pandemic, people wonder everywhere you look. rethought how they want to live Being able to get out in a natural their lives and reevaluated area that is protected and largely what’sreallyimportant.” undeveloped offers a chance to

But what is ecotourism, connect with flora and fauna you exactly, and how is it different may never see anywhere else. from sustainable travel? Is it Just be sure to leave it as you about considering the found it—or better—for future environmental impact of driving explorerstodiscover.” vs. flying and choosing eco- Experiencing ecotourism can friendly cars? Is it about change your outlook and also greenwashing? And just what is make you more eco-conscious, greenwashing, anyway? We which is great for the asked environmental experts to environment. “People get help us understand ecotourism, inspired to make positive why it’s growing so quickly and changes and share those changes what it means for the future of in their everyday life, continuing travelandourplanet. participate in activities that benefit Environmental & Educational education and is vital for the the positive impact,” says

What is ecotourism? the environment. At the Initiatives for the Lodge at Gulf empowerment of local people, Bernholtz. That could entail things

An ecotourism definition isn’t InterContinental Maldives State Park, a Hilton Hotel. This is especially indigenous groups like using reusable water bottles or as hard to pin down as you might Maamunagau Resort, for example, howchangehappens. Ecotourismisallaboutshowcasing changing the narrative on climate think According to the guests can join an in-house marine Help local communities their culture authentically rather change on a large scale, like these International Ecotourism Society, biologist to learn about the One of the key elements of than turning it into a theme park. socialmediaactivists. ecotourism is defined as conservation work being done for ecotourism is helping local This ensures that their traditions Can ecotourism “responsible travel to natural areas manta rays and then swim communities thrive That can live on, the people are valued for harm the environment? that conserves the environment, alongside these gentle giants for a happen in a number of ways, all who they are, and myths and Unfortunately,iftravelersdon’t sustains the well-being of the local truly immersive experience involving some type of financial stereotypesaredispelled. followallitsmajorprinciples,there people and involves interpretation Travelers can also act as citizen aspect, from providing jobs to How does ecotourism can also be a dark side to and education.” Simply put, it’s scientists in places around the supporting local businesses. It is help the environment? ecotourism. In fact, according to travel that has a positive impact on world,includingnationalparksand vital to care for the people who live Ecotourism helps ensure that a Wright, “without explaining and a destination’s ecology and dive sites, to help do research and in a destination they are, destination’s biodiversity and educating visitors about what economy collectdata. ultimately, the stewards of that ecosystems remain protected. For makes a place special, how Build awareness land. Just look at Venice, Italy, example, because Costa Rica’s seemingly minor things can have a

To paraphrase Maya Angelou: where over tourism has gotten so rainforest is such a huge draw for hugenegativeimpactandhowthey

“When we know better, we do out of hand that residents are visitors, residents work hard to can help ensure the resource better.” Once we learn that leavingthecityindroves. keep it safe rather than deforest it remains undisturbed for the long our actions are Educate for short-term gains. The money term,[visitors]aremorelikelytodo Education is the brought into their economy by harm.”

foundation for ecotourism provides, literally, a If ecotourism isn’t properly everything, and more sustainable way for their regulated, it can damage the when it comes to communities and the rainforest ecosystems it’s meant to protect. ecotourism, that itself to thrive. Plus, this is what Fragile plants and vegetation may includes visitors and could happen if the rainforest betrampledon,garbagemaybeleft locals alike. We know disappeared. behind and overused trails may that visitors need to learn how their How does ecotourism help result in soil erosion. Also, too actions impact a destination, but so local communities? manyvisitorsmaycausestressto do the people who live there. A As Bernholtz previously (Continued on page 33)

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy

On April 6, 2023, the countries. International Court of Justice In delivering the ruling, (ICJ) dismissed Venezuela’s President of the Court, Joan E. preliminary objection in the Donoghue, said that the court Guyana/Venezuela border madeamajoritydecisioninfavour controversycase. ofGuyana.

Venezuela in its preliminary President Donoghue disclosed objection submitted that the that out of the panel of 15 judges United Kingdom (UK) is an that adjudicated the matter; 14 indispensable third party to the ruled in favour of Guyana while proceedings and that the Court onejudgeruledagainst. cannot decide the question of the Venezuela had sought to have validityofthe1899ArbitralAward the case thrown out on the basis of intheUnitedKingdom’sabsence. its objection. But the ICJ did not

Venezuela argued that a agree with that contention and judgment of the Court on the ruled that Venezuela participated merits in this case would involve, indiscussionswithGuyanaduring as a prerequisite, an evaluation of the Mixed Commission and the the lawfulness of certain Good Offices process and “fraudulent conduct” allegedly never reques attributable to the United involvement of Kingdom in respect of the 1899 UnitedKingdom. Award.

“The cou

However, Guyana argued that concludes that Venezuela’spreliminaryobjection the Geneva concerns the exercise of the agreement Court’s jurisdiction and should be specifies rejected as inadmissible, because particular

June 2022, Venezuela raised a (APNU) and the Alliance For itisjurisdictionalinnatureandnot roles for new objection Oral hearings Change (AFC) welcomed the ICJ anobjectiontoadmissibility Guyana and were held in November 2022, decision.

Guyana submitted that the Venezuela,

“Th during which both parties Inastatement,thepartiessaid Court’s Order of 19 June 2018, in and that its e Court appeared and presented their that the Court’s rejection of which the Court decided that the provisions conclude argumentsbeforetheCourt. Venezuela’s preliminary written pleadings were first to be i n c l u d i n that by The ICJ ruling rejected that objectionshasclearedthewayfor addressed to the question of its Article eight, tue of objection, and will now require theICJtoadjudicateonthemerits jurisdiction,requiredthePartiesto not provide a apartyto Venezuela to submit its written of the case, in pursuit of a final plead “all of the legal and factual f o r t h e U e n e v a pleadings on the merits of the case and binding judgment on the grounds on which the Parties rely Kingdom in choosing or in Agreement, the United –thevalidityoftheArbitralAward. matter inthematterofitsjurisdiction”. participating in the means of Kingdomacceptedthatthedispute REACTIONS “Today’s [April 6, 2023]

Thedecisionpavesthewayfor settlement of the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela Meanwhile, President Irfaan decision is further proof of the the ICJ to move forward with pursuant to Article four,” the ICJ could be settled by one of the Ali welcomed the Court’s ruling. validity and rightness of our hearing Guyana’s substantive found. meanssetoutbytheUNCharter If Inavideostatement,theGuyanese position We join with all case. Guyana has asked the Further, President Donoghue the court on the judgment of its leader said the ruling paves the Guyaneseinpraisingtheexcellent International Court to rule on the said that the court considers that merits were called to pronounce way for the Court to proceed to work of our legal team and validity of the Arbitral Award and theSchemeestablishedbyArticles oncertainconductattributedtothe decideonthecontroversybetween representatives. Guyanese will its determination of the boundary Two and Four of the Geneva UnitedKingdom,whichcannotbe Guyana and Venezuela on merit continue to stand united on the betweenGuyanaandVenezuela. Agreement reflects a common determined at present, this would and “ultimately issue a final and issue of defending its territorial Guyanahasalsoprayedforthe understanding of all parties to that not preclude the court from binding determination on the integrity and sovereignty,” the Court to determine whether the agreement, that the controversy exercising its jurisdiction which is validityofthe1899ArbitralAward statementsaid. boundary established by that which existed between the United based on the application of the that fixed the land boundary Guyana is being represented Award and the 1905 Agreement Kingdom and Venezuela on 17 Geneva Agreement The between Venezuela and then- by Carl B. Greenidge, as Agent; demarcating it, is the lawful February1966wouldbesettledby Preliminary objections raised by BritishGuiana.” Ms. Elisabeth Harper, as Coboundary between the two Guyana and Venezuela through Venezuela must therefore be “Venezuela and the United Agent; Mr Paul S Reichler, one of the controversy Settlement rejected,”shesaid. Kingdom recognised the validity Attorney at Law, Mr Philippe Procedures envisaged in the This is the second time the of that Arbitral Award and the Sands, KC, Mr Pierre d’Argent, Agreement. International Court has rejected resulting international boundary Christina L. Beharry, Foley Hoag

The Judge also said that both jurisdictional objections raised by for more than 60 years. Upon its LLP, as Advocates; Mr Edward parties were in agreement that Venezuela.InDecember2020,the independence in 1966, Guyana Craven, Matrix Chambers, Mr GreatBritainhadnoroletoplayin Court overruled Venezuela’s also recognised theAward and the Juan Pablo Hugues Arthur, Foley thesettlementofthecontroversy objections by a vote of 12-4. On boundary, but Venezuela had Hoag LLP, member of the Bar of that occasion, Venezuela argued changed its position and begun the State of New York, Isabella F that the ICJ did not have claiming more than two-thirds of Uría, as Counsel; Attorney jurisdiction to hear the case. In Guyana’s territory west of the General and Minister of Legal Essequibo River,” the Head-of- Affairs, Anil Nandlall, Gail Statesaid. Te i

President Ali said too that Parliamentary Affairs and “Guyanaremainsconfidentthatits Governance; Ronald Austin, longstanding international Ambassador, Adviser to the boundary with Venezuela will be Leader of the Opposition on confirmedbytheCourt.” Frontier Matters, Donnette

He reminded that Guyana has Streete, Mr Lloyd Gunraj, First always been “fully committed to Secretary, chargé d’affaires, the peaceful resolution of the Embassy of the Co-operative dispute with its neighbour and Republic of Guyana to the sisterRepublicinaccordancewith Kingdom of Belgium and the internationallaw.” European Union, and asAdvisers; Similarly, the Opposition A Nancy Lopeza and Foley Hoag Partnership for National Unity LLP

The International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Guyana’s legal team in the border controversy case

President of the Court, Joan E. Donoghue

Nic Cage’s Dracula was inspired by Anne Bancroft in ‘The Graduate,’ according to Nicholas Hoult

(CNN) Think Dracula and the cape, previous movies, from the book, but also and how they work together I thought was the fangs and bloodlust come to mind. On from unexpected places like ‘The averyfunidea.” screen, perhaps the image of Bela Lugosi, Graduate’andAnneBancroft.” Cage’soperatictakeontheCountisn’t Christopher Lee or Gary Oldman, may “It was a true joy for me to be in those even his most outrageous performance as cometomind. scenes and those moments,” he added, a bloodsucker (that would be his iconic

Nic Cage thought Dracula and saw “because I just picked up on that energy turn in “Vampire’s Kiss”) but it’s hard to AnneBancroftin“TheGraduate.” andtriedtorunwithit.” forget.

That’s according to Nicholas Hoult, Set in New Orleans in the present day, Dracula is a character that requires an who plays the titular servant to Dracula in “Renfield” reinterprets Dracula and actor to go big or go home

and with “Renfield,” a new take on Bram Stoker’s Renfield’s vampire-familiar bond as a good reason With over 100 Dracula characters. toxic relationship from which Hoult’s films to date, it takes a lot to cut through

Bancroft’s turn as Mrs. Robinson, a characteristryingtoescape,enrollingina thenoise mother seducing her daughter’s boyfriend self-helpgroup.

Why then is he a character filmmakers in Mike Nichols’ iconic 1967 film, is not “Whenwefirstmeethiminthismovie andaudienceskeepcomingbackto? the most obvious inspiration for the he’s worked for about 100 years for “NicCagedescribesthisideaoflovein vampire aristocrat, but then Cage is not an Dracula, who is the most narcissistic, exile, and Dracula being someone who’s obviousactor horrendous boss imaginable,” Hoult in extreme pain, because he has to watch

“I don’t think it gets more iconic than explained. everyone that he loves die,” said Hoult. Nic Cage playing Dracula,” Hoult told “I thought this was just such an “So, he’s quite a lonely character I think CNN. “He’s having so much fun with the original, new, fresh take,” he added. “The there’ssomethingquiteromanticaboutthe role, bringing so much inspiration from story around that destructive relationship tale,insomeways.”

Nicolas Cage as Dracula in “Renfield,” directed by Chris McKay

This Day in History - APR. 23

Compiled by Richard Francois

Compiled from: History.com and Britannica.com

New Coke introduced

April23,1985

The Coca-Cola

C o m p a n y

introduced New Coke, a reformulated soft drink meant to replace its flagship beverage; due to public outrage, however, the previous version of Coke was brought back as “CocaCola Classic” less than three monthslater

Boris Yeltsin dies

William Shakespeare is born

April23,1564

William Shakespeare bought a

According to tradition, the large house in Stratford. In 1599, great English dramatist and poet after producing his great historical William Shakespeare is born in series, the first and second part of Stratford-upon-AvononApril23, Henry IV and Henry V, hebecamea 1564. It is impossible to be partner in the ownership of the certain the exact day on which he GlobeTheatre. was born, but church records

The beginning of the 17th show that he was baptized on centurysawtheperformanceofthe April 26, and three days was a first of his great tragedies, Hamlet. customaryamountoftimetowait The next play, The Merry Wives of before baptizing a newborn Windsor, waswrittenattherequest Shakespeare’s date of death is of Queen Elizabeth I, who wanted conclusively known, however: it to see another play that included was April 23, 1616. He was 52 thepopularcharacterFalstaff. years old and had retired to During the next decade, Stratfordthreeyearsbefore. Shakespeare produced such

The first reference to masterpieces as Othello, King Shakespeare as a London Lear, Macbeth, and The Tempest playwright came in 1592, when a In 1609, his sonnets, probably fellow dramatist, Robert Greene, written during the 1590s, were into England’s finest, in no small part wrote derogatorily of him on his published.The154sonnetsaremarked because of Shakespeare, who was its deathbed. by the recurring themes of the principal dramatist. It also had the

It is believed that Shakespeare had mutability of beauty and the finest actor of the day, Richard written the three parts of Henry VI by transcendentpowerofloveandart. Burbage, and the best theatre, the that point. In 1593, Venus and Adonis Shakespeare died in Stratford-on- Globe, which was located on the was Shakespeare’s first published Avon on April 23, 1616. Today, over Thames’ south bank Shakespeare poem, and he dedicated it to the young 400yearslater,hisplaysareperformed stayed with the King’s Men until his Henry Wriothesley, the 3rd earl of and read more often and in more retirement and often acted in small Southampton In 1594, having nations than ever before. In a million parts. probably composed, among other words written over 20 years, he By 1596, the company had plays, Richard III, The Comedy of captured the full range of human performed the classic Shakespeare Errors, and The Taming of the Shrew, emotionsandconflictswithaprecision plays Romeo and Juliet, Richard II, and he became an actor and playwright for that remains sharp today As his great A Midsummer Night’s Dream That the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, which contemporary the poet and dramatist year, John Shakespeare was granted a became the King’s Men after James I’s BenJonsonsaid,“Hewasnotofanage, coat of arms, a testament to his son’s ascension in 1603. The company grew butforalltime.” growing wealth and fame. In 1597,

April23,2007

Russian politician Boris Yeltsin—who became in 1991 thefirstpopularlyelectedleaderinhiscountry’shistoryand guided Russia through a stormy decade of political and economic retrenching until his resignation on the eve of 2000—diedatage76.

HIV discovered

Sirhan Sirhan receives death penalty for assassination of John F. Kennedy

April23,1969 thousands of people lining the route to

On April 23, 1969, Sirhan Sirhan pay their respects. He was buried at sentenced to the death penalty ArlingtonNationalCemeterynexttohis being convicted in the assassination brother, President John F Kennedy, of politician Robert F Kennedy. who had been assassinated by Lee 1972, Sirhan’s sentence wa Harvey Oswald on November 22, commuted to life in prison after 1963. California abolished the death Sirhan Bishara Sirhan, a penalty Palestinian immigrant born in

In the early morning hours Jerusalem in 1944, moved to the of June 5, 1968, Robert United States with his family as a Kennedy, a U.S. senator from boy and attended high school in New York who had just won California.Helaterstatedhekilled California’s Democratic Robert Kennedy because the presidential primary, gave a senator had supported Israel in the victory speech in the ballroom Arab-Israeliwarof1967.Following of the Ambassador Hotel in Los a three-month trial, during which Angeles After the speech irhan’s lawyers argued he was Kennedy was making his w mentally unstable at the time of the toward the hotel kitchen to murder, he was convicted on April 17, supporterswhenhewasshotthree 1969. On April 23, he was given the at close range by Sirhan Sirhan deathpenalty .22caliberrevolver;afourthbulletwent

April23,1984

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Margaret Heckler announced that researchers had found what was believedtobethevirusthatcausesAIDS;theinfectiousagent waslaternamedHIV.

However, in 1972, the California through Kennedy’s jacket. Five other for Kennedy, who served as U.S. Supreme Court abolished the death people were shot as well, none fatally attorney general from 1961 to 1964 and penalty and Sirhan’s sentence was Several of the senator’s friends and hadbeenasenatorsince1965,washeld commutedtolifeinprison.Hisrequests aidessubduedSirhanonthescene. at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York for parole have been denied over a Kennedy died at the hospital the City. His body was then taken to dozen times, and he continues to serve next day, June 6, at age 42. The funeral Washington, D C , by train, with histimeinaCaliforniaprison.

Boris Yeltsin

William Shakespeare

Sirhan Sirhan

Health Facts

Human Papillomavirus prevention and causes

T h e H u m a n Immunocompromised w h i c h Papillomavirus(HPV)isone individuals, including those cause the of the most common with HIV, are more likely to greatest reproductive tract infections have persistent HPV r i s k o f responsible for a variety of infection and faster c e r v i c a l cancers and other conditions progressiontocancer cancer inbothmenandwomen.

HPV is one of the most H P V f a l l s

By Rehanna Ramsay

As of 2017, the World

Health Organization

infections in the chronic diseases which and cryotherapy among estimates that the worldwide world and is usually account for 74 percent of other medical interventions prevalence of HPV among

What Is Ecotourism, and How Can...

From page 23 watching, wildlife viewing, something says “don’t wildlife, disturbing the nature photography, touch,”don’ttouchit! animals’ natural routines exploring unique flora, · Take only memories and habitats, displacing cycling, hiking, kayaking, and photos Don’t take them or causing them to canoeing and scuba diving. rocks, plants or any part of change their behavior or get D e p e n d i n g o n t h e natureasasouvenir usedtohumans. destination, you can also ·Leaveonlyfootprints.

in Guyana and the for persons with cervical women is 11 7% Latin contractedandspreadduring Ministry of Health is cancer America and the Caribbean about 266,000 deaths. These women are newly diagnosed sex or skin-to-skin sexual working assiduously to Additionally, the have a prevalence of 16.1%, numbers vary by region, and with cervical cancer and contact with somebody who lessen this percentage and ministry is currently t h e s e c o n d - h i g h e s t lower-income regions are morethan35,000womendie hasthevirus.Itcanbespread ensure the population implementing HbA1c prevalence for women after where the majority of from the disease. Over half even when condoms are remainshealthy measurements in all primary Sub-SaharanAfrica(24%). cervical cancer cases occur of these women are under 60 used, and even in mutually Advisor to the Minister healthcare centres to detect Persistent infection with It is estimated that one in yearsold. monogamousrelationships. of Health, Dr Leslie diabetesatanearlystage. a high-risk type of HPV is every 100 women in WHO ISAT RISK Because HPV resists Ramsammy during a recent “We do foot screening strongly associated with developing countries will Anybodywhoissexually desiccation (extreme online programme, ‘The across the country This year progression to cervical have cervical cancer before active is at risk of HPV dryness) and disinfection, it GuyanaDialogue,’disclosed we expect to screen a child c a n c e r . G l o b a l l y , theageof75. infection and women with can survive for a long time that a Human Papilloma for vision and hearing. Just approximately 530,000 new In the Region of the persistent infection with a onthesurfacesofobjects.As Virus (HPV) testing broadly introducing cases of cervical cancer Americas, each year, high-risk type of HPV are at such, HPV can also be programme for women ages screening earlier and wider, develop per year, causing approximately 83,000 risk of cervical cancer. spread through objects or 30 and above will be rolled so it reaches people materials that may have outshortly. wherever they live,” the come into contact with the He said the programme healthadvisorrelayed. infection. It can also be will be used as one of the Meanwhile, a massive transmittedviadirectcontact frontline interventions to breast cancer screening with cuts and abrasions from identify people at risk and programme will also be aninfectedindividual,andin immediate medical attention launched. “We already have rare cases, it can be spread willbeprovided. a cervical screening during birth via mother-to- “More than 85 percent of programme that is reaching childtransmission. all cervical cancer is due to people nationally…We are HPV VACCINES HPV 16 and 18 in Guyana educating men about Human Papillomavirus and therefore, if we could prostate. It is a lot of work Vaccines (HPV) vaccines identifypeoplewhoareHPV that is going on,” he further prevent infection by certain positive, we identify people disclosed.

The best ecotourism take classes from local Take your trash with you, destinations artists, eat sustainably at and pick up any other litter

There are so many restaurants that utilize you come across. Give back amazing ecotourism ingredients from local by leaving an area cleaner destinations,wherenatureis farmers, attend local music andnicerthanyoufoundit. thestaroftheshowandboth or heritage festivals, and · Support local artists residents and visitors alike work as a volunteer on a and businesses. Make sure are determined to protect it. conservationproject. tourism money stays in the Some of the best in the “But,” warns Wright, community world include Costa Rica, “these activities aren’t Ecotourism vs. the Galapagos Islands, g u a r a n t e e d t o b e sustainable tourism Antarctica, Belize, Iceland, ecotourism [Do] your You may find people Norway and Kenya All homework to make sure the u s i n g t h e t e r m s these eco-friendly countries practices and principles in “ e c o t o u r i s m ” a n d are rich with natural beauty place are appropriate for “sustainable tourism” and people working to keep leavingalightimpact.” interchangeably, but it that way They’re also Check hotel websites to although both have an end k n o w n f o r t h e i r see what they’re doing for goal of helping the conservation efforts and sustainability, and research environment, there is one wealth of national parks and a destination’s priorities majordifference. protectedareas. Are they focused on helping

t y p e s o f h u m a n atriskforcervicalcancerand Minister of Health, Dr papillomavirus Available maybeothercancerstoo,”he Frank Anthony also spoke HPV vaccines protect stated. about launching a wellness against two, four, or nine This measure would be initiative that is geared types of HPV All HPV complemented by frequent towards promoting a vaccines protect against at monitoring and the healthier lifestyle among the least HPV types 16 and 18, introduction of pap smears Guyanesepopulation.

“Ecotourism is all about

In the US, Alaska and local communities and the getting out in nature and coastal Alabama are ideal environment, or are they conserving the natural ecotourism destinations touting corporations and resources of a specific area, They’re places where you chains? If information isn’t so it doesn’t really apply in can hike, bike and boat readilyavailable,that’sared u r b a n , b i g - c i t y t h r o u g h s t u n n i n g flag And if any place environments,” explains landscapes while viewing promotes touching non- Wright. “Sustainable travel, wildlife in its natural domesticated animals, stay ontheotherhand,isbroader habitats. Events like the away and includes everything annual Coastal Alabama How can you from eliminating single-use Birdfest even give visitors experience ecotourism plastics to reducing energy the opportunity to get responsibly? consumption to water involved by helping to If you’re excited to conservation to recycling. collect measurements and answer the question, “What You should be a sustainable place identifying bands on is ecotourism?” yourself, travelerwhereveryougo.” birds’ legs so researchers here are some tips from For other ideas on how canidentifyandtrackthem. Bernholtz and Wright on to live more sustainably, What are some howtodoitright: checkoutourstoriesonhow ecotourism examples?

· Listen to guides and fast fashion is hurting the According to Wright, signs, and stay on clearly environment and which ecotourism activities in marked trails to avoid sustainable brands you these areas can include bird damaging vegetation. If shouldconsiderinstead.

Friday Music Guide: New Music From The Weeknd & Future, Grupo Frontera & Bad Bunny, Kim Petras & Nicki Minaj and More

Check out the must-hear releases of the week

(Billboard) Billboard’s

Friday Music Guide serves as a handy guide to this Friday’s most essential releases — the key music that everyone will be talking about today, and that willbedominatingplayliststhis weekendandbeyond.

Thisweek,TheWeekndand Future are “Double” trouble, Bad Bunny co-signs an ascendant regional Mexican group, and Kim Petras and Nicki Minaj are not, in fact, betteroffalone.Checkoutallof thisweek’spicksbelow:

The Weeknd & Future, “Double Fantasy”

AsTheWeeknd’s embattled HBO series The Idol finally premieres in June and looks to prove the doubters wrong, the superstar has preceded the fictional music-industry drama ofthisdecade. with a new single that should heat up the

Don’t Try This at Home

One of those artists is Grupo Frontera, charts in real life: “Double Fantasy” reunites who have already established a global TheWeekndandfrequentco-starFuture,who footprint despite only forming as a group broughtAbelTesfayeintohistrapuniverseon last year — and “un x100to,” a high- past collaborations like “Low Life” and wattage new collaboration with Bad “Comin Out Strong,” and returns the favor by Bunny, will only grow their presence, as contributing to The Weeknd’s synth-pop the artists share a breezy, charmingly fantasia here. “Double Fantasy” has plenty of sincere love song about using the finalonepercentofaphonebatteryto expresshowyoureallyfeel.

Kim Petras with Nicki Minaj, “Alone”

Alice Deejay’s timeless dance hit “Better Off Alone” gets a modern facelift thanks to Kim Petras and NickiMinaj,whojoinforcesforanew single that was summer-song aspirationsapparentineverydetail.

The sample propels “Alone” forward, but Petras is steadily in the synth-pop lane of her excellent early singles,andMinajprovidessomeextra juice to the song in its second half — this is smartly orchestrated pop that offers both low-stakes fun for listeners as well as carries lofty commercial ambitionsforitstwostars.

YoungBoy Never Broke

Again, Don’t Try This at Home Hip-hop’s most prolific artist is actually speeding up: a little over three months after YoungBoy Never Broke Again released the sonic left turn I Rest my Case, he’s already back with Don’t double entendres built around a juicy, radio- Try This at Home a33-songopusthatoffers ready chorus, but works because both A- something for every type of fan thanks in listers sound especially engaged on the track, part to its gargantuan run time. The new making a bid for another hit rather than albummaybeaslongasafeaturefilm,but tossingoutaloosesoundtracksingle. Don’t Try This at Home never feels like a

Grupo Frontera & slog: YoungBoy is adept at telling gritty Bad Bunny, “unx100to” street stories that command the listener’s

While Bad Bunny has broken barriers for attention, and when the guests (Post Spanish-language music across the Malone, Nicki Minaj, The Kid LAROI, mainstream over the past year, regional Mariah the Scientist) show up, they Mexican music has become absolutely agreeablyswitchupthealbum’sflavor dominant in recent months, with multiple Foo Fighters “Rescused” artists unlocking chart achievements that “Itcameinaflash,”DaveGrohlsings wouldhavebeenunthinkableatthebeginning (Continued on page 51) The Weeknd & Future

Grupo Frontera & Bad Bunny

Kim Petras with Nicki Minaj, “Alone”

Foo Fighters

Agust D

‘Soars above most action films’ John Wick: Chapter 4:

(BBC)KeanuReevesreturnsas million dollars so far). Perversely, way – not better or worse, just John Wick, the tortured antihero we love John Wick himself. That more. who’sspawnedahugelysuccessful lethal, bereaved assassin is a good The plot picks up where the last franchise. Its quality hasn’t dipped bad guy for our times, the natural film left off. The High Table, the in this fourth installment, writes extension of Tony Soprano, Walter organisation that controls crime CarynJames. White and all the other heroic around the world, has a multi-

WiththefirstJohnWick(2014), antiheroes the culture has million-dollar contract out Keanu Reeves and director Chad embraced. A hit-man who tried to Wick, who killed a High Table Stahelski established a franchise escape the criminal life, Wick member In more familiar Mafia that soars above most action films. returns with fury and vengeance terms, it’s as if he murdered a made Merging an artful aesthetic with afterhiswifediesandthugskillthe man. And he violated another rule brilliantly choreographed and shot dog she left him. He only murders by doing it on the grounds of fight scenes, it set a standard villains and is driven by Continental hotel, the supposed matched in its three sequels, humanising grief. Reeves’ action safespacesforassassinsaroundthe including the latest, John Wick: moves and his sincerity, even when world. Like Michael Corleone Chapter 4. Knives, guns, swords Wick is at his most stern, perfectly The Godfather Part III,Wick keeps and martial arts come into play, capture the blend of emotion and getting pulled back in. Now, to try often in lovely, red-tinged light to kineticenergythatdefinethefilms. to free himself once more, he must the sound of glass shattering all The twist in Chapter 4 is that grapple with a new villain, the around. The violence is just John Wick goes full James Bond, Marquis de Gramont (Bi cartoonish enough not to be truly globe-trottingandshootinghisway Skarsgård), who in his first scene disturbing,atleastmostofthetime. through glamorous cities, with commits a murder so arbitrary and enemies. Donnie Yen (the Ip Man person able to ask John, “Have you

There is another reason the action that is even more upsetting that he instantly becomes films) plays a blind assassin. Ian learned nothing?” As always, films are so entertaining and spectacularly staged. Running at 2 one of the franchise’s most McShane returns as Winston, the McShane’surbane,drydelivery successful, though (with the hours and 49 minutes, it is bigger despicablefigures. ever-logical and calm manager of (Continued on page 54) franchise earning more than $500 than the previous films in every As Wick fights his way along,

John Wick

SimoneBiles Is Married!

The Olympic Gymnast Weds Jonathan Owens: ‘My Person, Forever’

The pair, who met on the dating app Raya in March 2020, got engaged in February 2022

(YahooEntertainment)SimoneBilesismarried!

The Olympic gymnast, 26, wed Jonathan Owens, she revealedonsocialmediaonSaturday “Idoofficiallyowens,” Biles captioned a romantic set of images of herself and the HoustonTexansplayer,27,onInstagram.

In the photos, the pair can be seen exchanging vows in whatappearstobeacourthousewedding.Forthespecialday, Biles wore a gorgeous tiered white gown, while Owens sportedatansuit.

OnhisrespectiveInstagrampage,Owenssharedasimilar selectionofshots,includingmorebehind-the-sceneslooksat thecouplesaying“Ido.”

“Myperson,foreverd’,”hecaptionedhispost,addingtwo hashtags:“#TheOwens”and“#ItsOfficial.”

Biles and Owens had a close encounter during a Texans game in 2019, but the two officially met via the dating app RayainMarch2020—anditwasBileswhoinitiatedthefirst move.

The star athlete later made her relationship with Owens Instagram official months later, when she posted two sweet photoswithhimonherpage.Theloved-upsnapsshowedthe paircoziedupwitheachother,whilethefootballplayergave herasweetkiss.“It’sjustus,”Bilescaptionedthepost.

Onemonthlater,OwenspostedtwopictureswithBileson hisownInstagram,writing,“Nowyourockinwitharealone.”

Biles and Owens then announced their engagement via a seriesofInstagramphotossharedlastFebruaryaftertwoyears ofdating.

The NFL player popped the question under a gazebo in Houston, Texas, with an oval-cut diamond ring featuring a diamond-encrustedband,designedbyjewelerZoFrost.

“THE EASIEST YES,” Biles captioned a slideshow of photosfromthespecialmoment.“Ican’twaittospendforever & ever with you, you’re everything I dreamed of and more! let’sgetmarriedFIANCÉ@jowens_3.”

Biles’ wedding day comes about after she and Owens receivedtheirmarriagelicenseonApril15.

In an Instagram post, the couple looked elated as Biles showedoffthedocument—whichwasissuedinMontgomery CountyinthestateofTexas—aftertheyreturnedtotheircar “Almosttimetosay‘Ido’,”Bilescaptionedthepost,with Owensrespondinginthecommentssection,“Soon.”

Biles previously shared several photos of her heavenlythemed wedding shower held at The Juliana in Houston HeightswithfamilyandfriendsonherInstagramStoryahead ofhernuptials.

The new bride also celebrated her “boujee” bachelorette partyinBelizeearlierthisyear,andmarkedthemomentwitha pair of light-wash jeans with the name “Mrs. Owens” emblazonedacrossthebackpockets.

The Owens (Photo Credit: Rachel Taylor)

Spinach Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects

Introduction:

Youmighthavewatched Popeye the sailor man, gulping down spinach and saving Olive! Well, that showdidgetsomefactsright aboutspinachevenifitwasa cartoon! Spinach juice is packed with vitamins, mineralsandmacronutrients essential for your health.

Spinach (Spinacia oleraceae) is a nutritious vegetable that is consumed by boiling the fresh leaves.

You can consume spinach raw as well as in cooked form.Spinachleavescontain plenty of antioxidant compounds that can potentially really save you fromalotofhealthtrouble.

Many believe spinach originatedinPersiaandthen spread across Europe and Asia.

As more and more people are trying to make better dietary choices, such nutritious foods are spreading rapidly to countrieswheretheyarenot native. Spinach juice can be an excellent choice in this regard because of the presence of its high nutritional value. Continue

reading to find out what's in itforyou!

Propertiesof SpinachJuice: Spinach juice may demonstratetheseproperties as observed in various research.

·Itmayshowantioxidant property

It may show antiinflammatoryproperty

It may show antiobesityproperty

·Itmayshowanticancer property

· It may help manage

blood glucose levels (Hypoglycemicproperty)

· It may help reduce b l o o d p r e s s u r e (Hypolipidemicproperty)2

Potential Uses of

Spinach Juice for Overall Health: Spinachisarichsourceof manyphytochemicalsand nutrients.Therefore,itmay havepotentialuseinmany healthconditions.

1.Potentialusesof spinachjuiceforchronic conditions

Theantioxidantandantiinflammatory properties of spinach juice may help manage chronic disease

conditions.

Spinach extract showed good antioxidant activity in lab and animal trials. As observed during a clinical trial conducted on elderly women, consuming spinach juice in a diet could show antioxidant properties in humans.

In another clinical study, it was observed that the consumption of spinach in healthy men and women couldreduceoxidativestress inthebody

Inflammation is the body's natural response to stress and injury Inflammation for prolong periods can lead to diseases likecancer,heartdiseaseand type2diabetes.

Therefore, you need to getridofinflammationinthe body Functional foods like spinach can be a safe and effective way to manage inflammation. Spinach has shown anti-inflammatory propertiesinseverallabsand animalstudies.

Animals receiving spinach showed a decrease in the levels of chemical markersofinflammation. Moreresearchisneededto

Banana Flower: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects

Introduction:

One of the most consumedfruitintheworld is bananas and bananas (Musa paradisiaca) are grown in almost every country, especially in the subtropical and tropical regions.

Itisproducedmostlyin India, followed by China, which is the second largest producer of bananas. The banana plant is the largest flowering herbaceous plant and a lot of banana flowers are produced in a single collectionofbananas.

These flowers are usually considered a waste material while producing bananas, but it has high nutritional value The flowers of bananas are huge, red, pointed flowers, some of the flowers are

yellow or pink in colour

Precisely, the colour of the flower can range from orange to purple and it contains pale yellow or white florets inside it

Banana flowers have many bioactive compounds and are nutty, crunchy and starchytotaste.

It might also have the potential to help with certain health conditions likediabetes,diarrhoea,and cancer

Let us discuss the importance and health benefits of the banana flower in detail

NutritionalValueofBanana

Flower:

A study conducted by Ramu et al., found in their studythatthebananaflower contains the following nutrients:

supporttheconsumptionof spinachjuiceinmanaging andpreventingchronic diseaseconditions.

Therefore,youmusttalkto ahealthcareproviderin caseofanyhealthissue.

2.Potentialusesof spinachjuiceforobesity

Healthcare experts often recommend lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise for people looking to lose or manage weight. Spinach can be essential dietary addition for people whowanttomanageweight. Spinach extract may help induce satiety (feeling full) and thereby reduce calorie intake as per studies conducted on humans and animals. Evidence suggests thespinachdietreducesfood intake, controls hunger, and reduces weight gain in people.

However, more research is needed to support the use of spinach juice in obese people looking to lose weight. Avoid making any changes to your diet before talkingtoyourdietician.

3.Potentialusesof spinachjuiceforcancer

Cancerisaseverehealth

issue and one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

Diets rich in dark green vegetables such as spinach may help reduce the risk of cancers Many studies demonstrate spinach's protectiveroleagainstcolon, breast, and oesophageal cancers.

As per a case study, the consumptionofspinachwas associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer in women Though the protective effects of spinach have been observed in clinical and animal trials, more research is needed to support the consumption of spinach juice in cancer in humans.

4.Potentialusesof spinachjuicefordiabetes

Several animal and humantrialshaveshownthe glucose-lowering property ofspinachinhyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or type 2 diabetes.

studies to establish the true extentofthebenefitsofherb onhumanhealth.

HowtoUse SpinachJuice:

You may consume raw spinach juice to enjoy the numerous health benefits that this leafy vegetable offers To make spinach juice, blend some fresh spinachleaveswithaglassof water to a consistency of yourchoice.

Onceitisblended,strain the mixture into a glass. Voila! Your spinach juice is ready

Protein–19.60%

Fibre–70%

Carbohydrates –53.78%

Sheng et al , and Elaveniya et al., found in their study that the following minerals are present in the banana flower:

Sodium

Phosphorous

Potassium

Calcium

Magnesium

Iron

Zinc1

Other research showed thatthefollowingbioactive compounds like alkaloids, saponins, superoxide dismutase, cardiac glycosides, steroids, and phenolic compounds might be present in the banana flower

Also Read: Red Chilli: Uses,Benefits,SideEffects

ByDr SmitaBarode

Properties of Banana

Flower:

The banana flower mightpossessthefollowing properties:

It might be an antioxidant.

It might possess a cytotoxic effect (Kills damaged cells) It might possessanti-inflammatory

Itmightprotecttheliver (hepatoprotective).

It might be antimicrobial.

It might help lower the bloodsugarlevels.

During a trial, a spinach diet could improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood glucose levels. Therefore, consumingwholespinachor intheformofjuicemayhelp reduce the levels of glucose in the diet 2 However, spinach or other natural remediesshouldnotbeused as an alternative treatment for diabetes. Do not use herbal remedies for diabetes without talking to a doctor first.

5.Potentialusesof Spinachjuice forcholesterol

Increased blood cholesterol is a significant risk factor for liver disease, pancreatitis, and heart disease. Thylakoids present in spinach may help reduce the levels of lipids, as observed during a trial conducted on men and w o m e n S i m i l a r observations have been madeinanimalstudiestoo.2 However,donotusespinach juice to control blood cholesterol without consulting your healthcare provider

Though some studies showthebenefitsoftheherb in various conditions, these arenotsufficientandthereis a necessity for further

You must consult a qualified physician before taking spinach juice or otherherbalsupplementsas medical treatment for any health condition. Likewise, you should not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern m e d i c i n e w i t h a n a y u r v e d i c / h e r b a l preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.

SideEffectsof SpinachJuice:

Spinach juice shows no side effects when taken in prescribeddoses. H o w e v e r , overconsumption of spinach juicemayposehealthrisks.

Before using spinach juice foranyhealthcondition,talk to your healthcare provider about the possible side effects of spinach use. This will help you make wellinformedchoices.

PrecautionstoTake withSpinachJuice:

Herearesomegeneral precautionsyoushouldtake whileusingspinachjuice.

·Precautionsfor pregnantandwomen

P r e g n a n t a n d breastfeedingwomenshould consult a qualified doctor or healthcare provider before drinking spinach juice. Likewise, pregnant women should avoid taking herbal juices without talking to their healthcare provider first.

·Precautionsfor elderlyandchildren

Children should avoid taking spinach juice unless recommended by a healthcareprovider

Lessons from a Lashpreneur !!!

TIPS FOR HANDLING ANXIOUS LASH EXTENSION CLIENTS

Some clients we see, especially thosegettingafull set will most likely not have had eyelash extensions before.Theywilllikelyhave

a few questions about how long they last, and what to expect.

Before the client comes we recommend to tell them how to come to the

appointment prepared and what to expect during their appointment.

Thiswillhelpthemknow what to expect and can help them feel less anxious and

more prepared. Before your clientarrivesthereareafew things you can do to make sure it will feel comfortable andinvitingforthem.

Setthemoodwithmusic. Spa like music can help to calmanyone.

When your eyes are closed and someone is working so closely to your face it is sometimes hard to relax. Calming music can helpwiththat!Whileyouare doingyourclientitisproper lashetiquettetosilenceyour phone, to prevent startling your client. Upon their arrival also ask them to silence their phone as well. Phones can cause distractions causing you to slowdown.

Having a comfortable bed can be so relaxing! The goal with your massage bed

i s t o h a v e them lay down and fall asleep. A sleeping client is always the happiest client. Here are some things that can make it more comfortable. A soft cozy blanket, and a nice cushionedpillow

ByLatoyaZephyr

lashesdone.

Lastly, while doing the service help ease the client andexplaintothemwhatyou aredoing,nottostartlethem.

Explain to them how to take care of their lashes at thispointandwhattoexpect.

When to come in for touch up appointments and howtoschedulethose.

Put yourself in their shoes, better yet as a lash artist you should experience what it is like to get your

This will help you to know what you can do to make your client as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

Every lash technician’s goal is to provide their clients with the most pleasant and exceptional experience possible to ensuretheycontinuecoming back and refer others to scheduleservices. They’ll remember the way you made them feel, so it’s important that you make themfeelascomfortableand ateaseaspossible.

Martin Lawrence receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

The comedian and actor was honored in Los Angeles on Thursday surrounded by friends and family.

(NBC) “What’s up, what’s up, what’s 58, told ABC News Thursday “So, you Love and Hate.” Fellow comedians Steve up?” A star on the Hollywood Walk of know,IfiguredifIhadmyglassesontoday Harvey and Tracy Morgan were also there Fame,thatis. then maybe y’all won’t see the tears. But and shared remarks about Lawrence’s Actor and comedian Martin Lawrence they’remostdefinitelytearsofjoy.” legacy and his impact in the world of was honored Thursday with a star on the Those in attendance included Tichina television.

Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. Arnold, who starred as Pam in Lawrence’s “In my generation, when you say Friends and family joined him to celebrate sitcom “Martin,” and Lynn Whitfield, who Martin, you don’t have to say his last hisaccomplishmentsandhislegacy acted alongside Lawrence in the 1996 name,”Morgansaidattheceremony “I’ve been crying all week,” Lawrence, romantic comedy “A Thin Line Between (Continued on page 50)

Martin Lawrence at his Hollywood Walk of Fame Star unveiling ceremony in Los Angeles, on April 20, 2023.Frederic J. Brown / AFP - Getty Images

SUPPORTING THE WORK OF LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS WITH STANDARDS

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) works with Laboratory Professionals to certify Clinical and Testing Laboratories to the national standard GYS 170 - General requirements for the operation of a laboratory

These professionals work with Technical Officers of the GNBS to develop comprehensivemanagement

systems,whichfacilitatethe delivery of accurate and reliable test results The Bureau also assists laboratoriesinimplementing the requirements of the National Standard GYS 235 – General requirements for Safetyinlaboratories

DuringtheweekofApril 23 to April 29, 2023, the focus is on Medical Laboratory Professionals as

theGNBSjoinsthosewithin thehealthsectortocelebrate

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week under the theme: “Laboratory Professionals–TheFutureis Lab”. The Bureau lauds the work of these professionals who are an integral part of the healthcare system. They provide crucial information and services that contribute to the effective delivery of

caretocitizensandvisitors.

On this occasion of Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, the GNBStakestheopportunity to specifically recognize the contributions of Laboratory Professionals including Quality Managers, SupervisorsandTechnicians who work in certified laboratories countrywide. A list of these certified laboratoriescanbefoundon the GNBS’ website: https://gnbsgy.org/certificati on/lab-certification/ The Bureau encourages other laboratories to pursue certificationtotheGYS170 National Standard which provides tremendous benefits.

The GYS 170 standard specifies requirements applicabletoalllaboratories, regardless of the number of personnelortheextentofthe scope of testing activities. It offers laboratories guidance to develop their quality, administrative and technical systems that govern their operations. Certification to thestandardassuresdoctors, patients, insurance companies and other clients that test results provided are reliableandaccurate.

Professionalsworkingin certified laboratories are collectively responsible for maintaining conformance of

their laboratory systems to the national standard. To ensure this, the GNBS sporadically conducts audits during the two-year period ofcertification.Theseaudits include checks to ensure instruments are calibrated, trained staff are employed, customer requirements are being met, and Standard Operating Procedures are beingmaintained.

Meanwhile,theGYS235 – General requirements for Safety in Laboratories standardisapplicabletoany laboratory implementing and maintaining an Occupational Safety and Health Management System; and which aims to conform with its stated safety policy The standard specifies the general requirements for a l a b o r a t o r y s a f e t y management system, which will enable a laboratory to formulate its policy and objectives, taking into account legislative r e q u i r e m e n t s a n d information about significant risks. It is quite essential and addresses safety in the facility by protecting laboratory professionals and others, whosehealthandsafetymay be affected by the activities of the laboratory that pose potentialrisks.

Finally, with the support of the GNBS, medical laboratoriesarealsolooking towards accreditation to international standards. The ISO/IEC 15189– General requirements for the competence of medical laboratories standard conforms or recognizes the competence of medical laboratories by users of the facilities, regulatory authorities and accreditation bodies Laboratory professionals employed by internationally accredited laboratories enjoy the prestige of working in facilities which offer services that are deemed secondtonone.

The GNBS continues to proudly support the work of medical laboratory professionals with standards through its certification, training and technical assistanceprogrammes.This ensures that those requiring the services offered by medical laboratories receive accurate and reliable test results.

To get your laboratory certified or to learn more about any of our services, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190 0 6 5 o r 2 1 9 - 0 0 6 6 , WhatsApp 692-4627 or visit the GNBS website: www. gnbsgy.org

Martin Lawrence receives star on...

Frompage47

“Everybodyknowswhoyoutalking about.MyparentshadRedFoxxand Sanford and Son, we had Martin LawrenceandtheMartinShow.”

Lawrence’searlycareerincluded playing Maurice Warfield on the Black sitcom “What’s Happening Now!!’” in the 1980s. His guest appearanceontheshowopenedhim the door for opportunities in standup comedy; he gained fame hosting HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” during the1990s,butitwashisownsitcom

“Martin,” which debuted in 1992, that launched him into major commercial success. Lawrence then co-starred with Will Smith in the 1995film“BadBoys,”whichearned $141 million worldwide. Lawrence and Smith are set to appear in the fourth “Bad Boys” installment, which does not yet have a release date.

Arnold talked about the impact the show continues to have on viewers.

“Generations of people still

watch the show,” Arnold told EntertainmentTonightonThursday “So now, I mean, it’s just pure testament to hard work and having fun.”

Lawrence also thanked his fans during the ceremony, and shared advicetothoseinspiredbyhim.

“If I can pass one thing on to thosecomingafterme,itwouldbeto board your dream bus with confidence, grace and humility,” Lawrencesaidduringtheceremony, “andrideittilthewheelsfalloff.”

Martin Lawrence Image via Getty/Erik V oake

Friday Music Guide: New Music From...

Frompage35 toopenthenewFooFighterssingle,“itcame outtanowhere/Ithappenedsofast,andthenit wasover.”

Hearing those introductory words, one can’t help but think of the shocking death of longtimeFoosdrummerTaylorHawkinslast year, and how the rest of the band must be processing that loss — yet the arena rockers soldier on with “Rescued,” reaching out for help without wallowing in sorrow, and honoring Hawkins’memory with a song that slams forward with guttural growls, crisp guitarworkand,yes,righteousdrumfills.

AgustD(Suga),D-Day

With D-Day, Suga not only resumes his Agust D moniker to close out a trilogy of projects that he started in 2016 — the BTS member also grows in front of our eyes, evolving his songwriting and presentation in meaningful ways as more global fans than ever before pay attention to his solo work. Althoughtheboisterous“HUH?!?,”featuring J-Hope, will surely please BTS fans, D-Day also contains several highlights featuring Sugaonhisown,fromtheswaying“SDL”to thepercussive“Haegeum,”thelatterofwhich boastssomeofhistightestrhymestodate.

Kinkajou/Night Monkey

By Shervin Belgrave

Nhoney earning it another nickname,“HoneyBears.” ative to the Central and They use their long, skinny South America, the tongues to slurp honey from a

K i n k a j o u a r e hive, and also to remove insects commonly known in Guyana as liketermitesfromtheirnests. night monkeys. Although they Kinkajous does all of its look like primates, these animals eating and roaming in the night are members of the Procyonide and then return each morning to family which includes coatis and theirtreeholestosleep. raccoons. Its social life is limited to

Like the local name “Night small treetop groups that are Monkey” suggests, Kinkajous are very vocal when active by nocturnalcreaturesthatspendmost making screeching and barking oftheirliveslivinginthedarkholes sounds With regard to oftrees. reproduction, female Kinkajous

They are seldom seen on the give birth to one offspring forest floors and have the size of a duringsummerorspring. large domestic cat. To make life

Babies are weaned for four easy in the trees, Kikanjous use months by its adult parents and their prehensile tail like another bornwithshuteyes. armtogriponbranches. Theirblindnessonlylastsfor

The tail is so strong that the a month and due to its rapid Kinkanjou can use it to hang from development, these animals are thebrancheswhileusingitsarmsto able to hang upside down from months. whentheyfeelthreatened. thanthesunlight. eat. itstailbythesecondmonth.

Kinkajous can be reared as pets

Most Indigenous people of Source of information:

Their diets consist of fruit and Male Kinkajous reach sexual but cannot be tamed easily In the Guyana would normally rear them (https://www.nationalgeographic.c small mammals, which they snare maturity at 18-months while jungles of Guyana, they are known in closed drums because these om/animals/mammals/facts/kinkaj with their nimble front paws and females take a little longer and for attacking and biting humans creatures prefer darkness rather ou) sharp claws. Kinkajous also love become sexually mature at 30

The Kinkajou

John Wick: Chapter 4...

Frompage37 makes the films even more engaging.

In Osaka, the big action scenes take place with arrows as well as swords, amid glass display cases holdingsamuraicostumes,a classic Wick setting. In Berlin, Wick battles Killa (Scott Adkins), a corpulent, gold-toothed villain who, oddlyforaWickfilm,seems like a misconceived reject from Goldfinger But in the extravagant fight scene, Wick chases him through a danceclub,wherewaterfalls line the walls and techno

musicdrownsoutthesounds of gunshots and axes to the head. Throughout, Wick is trailed by The Tracker (Shamier Anderson), a bounty hunter with a very well-trained killer dog (in fact five incredible stunt dogs).

And in Paris,Wick has a meeting with the Marquis, the EiffelTower providing a picturesquebackdrop.Abig, climactic scene is set on the steps and in the shadow of Sacré-Coeur The backdrops make the criminal underworld look like the subject of a glossy fashion-

magazinephotoshoot.There is nothing wrong with that, but it is a sign of a slender plot engineered to suit the settings.

Thefilmechoesacentral question from all the Wick films,though:isheanaturalborn murderer? Or a good manunderneathitall?“This iswhoyouare,”theMarquis tells him. “A killer.” The question is pointedly unresolvedhere.Beneaththe supersized action, the character hasn’t deepened over time. For an action series,thatisn’taflaw,butit isamissedopportunity

The franchise is already growing in new directions. The Continental, a threeepisode spin-off series comingthisyearonPeacock, is set in the 1970s and tells the origin story of Winston andhishotel.Productionhas finished on Ballerina, set between Wick 3 and 4, starring Ana de Armas as a dancing assassin. We don’t know if she kills en pointe, butwedoknowReevesisin thefilm.Apparently,aslong as the franchise keeps making money, one way or anotherJohnWickwillnever die.

Why Apple is betting big on India

The country is a growing consumer - and producer - of Apple’s gadgets

THE ECONOMIST -

The intricate timber rooftiles were assembled in Delhi, the bright stone walls sourcedfromRajasthan.But themanwhoopenedthedoor of Apple’s gleaming new MumbaioutletonApril18th had been flown in from California.

Tim Cook,Apple’s boss, dispensed high-fives and namastes as he opened that shop and, two days later, an equally ritzy outlet in Delhi, the first Apple stores in

India.

Soon to become the world’s most populous country, India has a new strategic importance for the world’s most valuable firm.

As the crowds at Apple’s storesdemonstrated,Indiais a growing consumer of priceytechgadgetry

And as the humming factories outside Chennai show, the country is also increasingly a maker of them With political and logistical difficulties

mounting in China,Apple is putting down roots in a new Asianmarket.

Take consumers first Indiawillshortlyhavemore ofthemthananycountry,as itspopulationof1.4bnedges past that of China this year Apple products are beyond the means of most Indians. WhereasApple accounts for more than half the phones sold in America, its market share in India last year was 4 5%, according to Counterpoint, a research

firm. But as they get richer, Indians are upgrading their handsets In the year to March, Apple’s revenues in India were almost $6bn, an increase of nearly 50% on a year earlier, according to Bloomberg Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities, an investment firm, forecasts thatitsIndianrevenuescould reach $20bn in 2025. “India is a hugely exciting market for us,” Mr Cook told investors in February “We are, in essence, taking what we learned in China years ago…and bringing that to bear.”

That applies to manufacturing processes, too. In the first two decades of the centuryApple shifted mostofitsmanufacturingto China But China is becoming a riskier place for American firms to do business One danger is political,asthetwocountries vie for tech supremacy America’s threat to ban TikTok, a popular Chineseowned social-media app, could be met by equivalent sanctions on American

firms Another risk is logistical China’s zerocovid policy has interrupted manufacturing supply chains, most recently in November and December, when a series of hiccups hampered production of the iPhone14Pro.

Given these risks, the company is scrambling to avoidhavingallitsapplesin one basket India, where

Apple began manufacturing with the domestic market in mind,isnowseenasafuture export base. Government subsidieshelp.InSeptember Appleannouncedthatitwas making the iPhone 14 in India, the first time it had assembled a latestgeneration phone in the country

By 2025 a quarter of iPhoneswillbemadeoutside China, mainly in India, forecastsJPMorganChase,a bank.Vietnam,whereApple is reckoned to make almost half its AirPod earphones, has been another winner Appleisnowintalkstomake its MacBook laptops in Thailand, Nikkei reported earlierthismonth.

Apple plays down the idea that it is deserting China; even in a worst-case scenario it would keep manufacturing there for China’s vast domestic market (worth more than $70bntoApplelastyear)and forsomeexport,insiderssay LastmonthMrCookvisited Beijing, where he hailed the “symbiotic” relationship between Apple and China and was applauded as he toured the company’s flagshipstoreinthecapital.

Hehaslittlechoicebutto maintain friendly relations. Even as Apple shifts some final assembly of its productstoothercountries,it relies on its long Chinese supply chains for components.

Making tech gadgetry is a capital-intensive business. No country will have a manufacturing ecosystem like China’s any time soon, says Anshul Gupta of Gartner, a research firm: “There will always be some interdependence across these markets. You cannot just be completely decoupled.”

Once upon a time, a long, long while ago, the Sun,theWind,andtheMoon were three sisters, and their mother was a pale, lovely Star that shone, far away, in thedarkeveningsky

One day their uncle and aunt, who were no more or less than the Thunder and Lightning, asked the three sisters to have supper with them, and their mother said that they might go She would wait for them, she said, and would not set until allthreereturnedandtoldher abouttheirpleasantvisit.

SotheSuninherdressof gold, the Wind in a trailing dress that rustled as she passed, and the Moon in a wonderful gown of silver startedoutforthepartywith the Thunder and Lightning. Oh, it was a supper to remember!

The table was spread withaclothofrainbow.

There were ices like the snow on the mountain tops, and cakes as soft and white as clouds, and fruits from every quarter of the earth. Thethreesistersatetheirfill, especially the Sun and the Wind, who were very greedy,andleftnotsomuch as a crumb on their plates. But the Moon was kind and rememberedhermother

She hid a part of her supper in her long, white fingers to take home and share with her mother, the Star

Then the three sisters saidgood-byetotheThunder and Lightning and went home. When they

FUN WITH POETRY

How the Moon Was Kind to Her Mother

reached there, they found their mother, the Star, waitingandshiningforthem asshehadsaidshewould.

"What did you bring me fromthesupper?"sheasked. TheSuntossedherheadwith all its yellow hair in disdain assheansweredhermother

"WhyshouldIbringyou anything?" she asked "I went out for my own pleasure and not to think of you.”

It was the same with the Wind She wrapped her flowing robes about her and turned away from her mother

"I, too, went out for my own entertainment," she said,"andwhyshouldIthink of you, mother, when you werenotwithme?”

But it was very different with the Moon who was not greedyandselfishashertwo sisters,theSunandtheWind, were. She turned her pale sweet face toward her mother,theStar,andheldout herslenderhands.

"See, mother," cried the Moon, "I have brought you part of everything that was onmyplate.Iateonlyhalfof thefeastforIwantedtoshare itwithyou.”

So the mother brought a gold plate and the food that her unselfish daughter, the Moon, had brought her heaped the plate high. She ateit,andthensheturnedto her three children, for she had something important to say to them. She spoke first totheSun.

"You were thoughtless and selfish, my daughter," she said. "You went out and

enjoyed yourself with no thought of one who was left aloneathome.

Hereafteryoushallbeno longer beloved among men. Yourraysshallbesohotand burning that they shall scorch everything they touch. Men shall cover their heads when you appear, and they shall run away from you.”

And that is why, to this day, the Sun is hot and blazing.

Nextthemotherspoketo theWind.

"You, too, my daughter, have been unkind and greedy,"shesaid."You,also, enjoyed yourself with no thoughtofanyoneelse.You shall blow in the parching heat of your sister, the Sun, and wither and blast all that youtouch.

No one shall love you any longer, but all men will dislikeandavoidyou.”

And that is why, to this day,theWind,blowinginhot weather,issounpleasant

But, last, the mother spoke to her kind daughter, theMoon.

“You remembered your mother,andwereunselfish," shesaid.

"

To those who are thoughtful of their mother, greatblessingscome.

For all time your light shall be cool, and calm, and beautiful You shall wane, butyoushallwaxagain.You shall make the dark night bright,andallmenshallcall y o u b l e s s e d " And that is why, to this day, the Moon is so cool, and bright,andbeautiful.

Talk to your Parents

Therearemanytimesthatchildrenfind Theyhaveproblemswithwhatothersdo, Sometimesitiswithsomefriend, Anditcanbewiththeirteachertoo.

Mostchildrenkeeptheseproblemsinside, Anddon'tknowwhattodo, Andsoontheyfindthetroublebecomesworse, Untilitisveryhardtogetthrough.

Wheneveryouseethishappeningtoyou, Donotbeafraidtospeakout; Tellyourparentswhatisworryingyou, Andaskthemtohelpyouout.

byUncleRoy

Thesepapier-mâchévasesare idealforgiftingmomsomeof herfavoritecandyora beautifulbouquet.

Tomake:Blowuponelargeandone medium-sizeballoon.Papiermâchéeach withwhitecraftpaper,leavingbottom quartertothirduncoveredandedges rough.Letdry.Popballoons,and remove.Setavaseinsideeach,andfill withwaterandflowers.

Magic Squares

A Sense of Belonging is important to our Growth

With the onset of adolescence, when a young person is experiencing strangechangesinallaspectsofhis/her life, he /she feelthe importance of satisfying the need to be accepted for what he/she is, and to have that acceptance in the various communities in which he/she operates, namely, the home, school, work-place community, and the various organisations to which he/shemaybelong.

Withoutthatsenseofbelonging, whichwillallowthatpersontodevelop and grow as a responsible and reasonable individual, he/she sometimesseeeksforthissecurefeeling in the wrong direction, and can easily fallintoerrorasaresult. Oneexample is when young people respond to the appeal of juvenile gangs, even though thesemaynotconformtothestandards which they have learnt from their previous experiences at home, church, etc. These gangs satisfy the need for belonging, social acceptance and identification.

What one has to do then is to remember the personal values one has been taught in the face of behaviour patternsandsituationswhichgoagainst whattheyknowtobebestforthem. As young people strive for independence fromtheirparentsandthevalueswhich they have more or less been forced to

accept, they need to relate to others about their own world of music, friendships, school, entertainment, sexualchanges,etc.

In the modern world, it is prevalentthatthepeopleathomeeither do not see much need in striving to maintain the links which they obtained from birth, or are too busy to have the time to do so. This means that young peopleincreasinglylackandmissclose personal ties as they grow older, living in a world where they feel isolated, disconnected from their parents and siblings, and unattached to anything of importance. Theyfeeloutoftouchwith

society, unable to build and maintain meaningfulrelationshipswithothers. They may also show little motivation to contribute to the wellbeingofotherindividualsorsocietyasa whole.

Theythentendtolooktotheoutside environment to satisfy their needs, and this more often than not can lead to forming associations which can be undesirableandharmful.

We will in the future issues discussthestepswhichmaybetakento facilitate positive peer relationships, to foster a sense of social well-being, and tocreatethisfeelingofbelonging.

by Kendacia Harwood

it end a

Love is something, if you give it away, You will end up with more than before; It is just like a magic penny, Hold it tight and you have no more.

It never hurts to send forth love, For we have so much to spare; God gave us some extra helpings, So that we will have much to share.

It never hurts to find someone, Who lives with pain and sorrow, And bring that someone hope and faith, Enough to face tomorrow.

You can use your feeling of belonging within your family to cultivate that same emotion with same others with whom you associate.

UNCLEROY Tellitto

Hello,readers,

UncleRoyisagainaskingallofyoutotryinsomeway tomakeacontributiontothispage,andthustothewelfareof youandyourfellowreaders.Thiscontributioncantakeany formthatyoufeelwouldbevaluable–anaccountofwhatis going on in your community and country, any advice you would like to pass on to your fellow teen readers and, on a broaderlevel,anycommentorrecommendationyouwould liketomaketoyourfellowGuyanese.

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

Solutions to last week’s

Bridges

Dessert Delights: ‘LIVETHESWEETLIFE’

ByRenaySambach

At a young age, Devi Mulai paid keen

interest in the culinary art of baking and cake decorating. Her passion for baking sweet treats has blossomed into a lucrative small business.

Deviistheproudownerof‘DessertDelights’which offerssweettreatslikecupcakes,cakes,macrons,cake pops,donuts,eclairs,cinnamonrolls,churros,muffins, cookies,brownies,andchocolatecoveredtreats.

During an interview with The Waterfalls, Devi shared that she is not just a small business owner, but sheisalsoamotherofone,whoworksafull-timejob, MondaytoSaturday

“That’sverychallengingtodo.Ijugglemostofmy bakingduringthenight,”sheadded.

However,thatdoesnotdeterherpassionforbaking. Devi’s creation is a testimony of her baking and decoratingtalent.

Being a bake enthusiast, Devi also offers her customers pastries like cheese straws, chicken puffs, chicken patties, cheese pies, cheese rolls. Other items onthemenuaredeviledeggs,cheesecakeandchicken fingers.

During an interview, Devi reminisces that as a student ofAnnandale Secondary, she created her very own recipe book using clip-outs from magazines and newspapers.

DevicreditsherinspirationtoTheFoodNetwork.

“DessertDelightswasn’tcreatedjustbecauseofmy passion for baking. Being born and raised in a singleparent home as an only child, the road has never been forme.”

Theyoungbusinessownerexplainedthatinorderto an extra income, her business was created sometimein2015.

Devi’s business is homebased, but customers can followherbusinessonsocialmediaaccountstoseeher creativework.

Dessert Delights pickup location is at Annandale Railway,EastCoastDemerara.Beingtheonlystaffof Dessert Delight, Devi works overtime to ensure her customersaresatisfied.

The young woman shared that over the years, she been given the opportunity to cater for various functions,butmainlyweddingsandbirthdays.

“Being a young entrepreneur, I have had the opportunity to meet and interact with many small business owners like myself and that motivates me,” said.

On the flip side, she stated that sacrifices must be made because without sacrifices, there would be no success.

She said many times she felt like throwing in the towelonhersmallbusinessduetolackofresourcesand a strong support system. However, she added her determination was paramount to keeping her moving forwardnomatterwhathurdlesshefaced.

“You need to stay focused on what you want to achieve.Youmustbedetermined,onceyouhaveaplan andknowhowtoexecutethatplan,doit.Alwaysfollow yourpassionandtrustyourinstincts.”

Devi’s long-term goal with her business Dessert Delightsistoexpand,whilemaintainingherqualityto hercustomers.

To support Devi’s business, you can visit her business’ Facebook page @Desert Delights or on Instagram @dessert.delightsgy You can also call or WhatsApp(592)629-1979.

ByAllyiahAllicock

If you have a sweet tooth for

cheesecake and contemplating where to place your next order, look no further, The Waterfalls magazine has got you covered. This week’s edition of ‘Young EntrepreneurontheMove’,weshedthelight on ‘Anjanie’s Luscious Cheesecake’, a local businesspioneeredbyAnjanieSingh.

Twenty-year-old Singh who is already grabbingtheattentionofmanytastebudswith hertastytreats,saidinanexclusiveinterview with this magazine that the main inspiration for starting this business was to find peace withinherself.

She related that making cheesecakes became a hobby, but receiving very good reviews and seeing the happiness on her customers’faces,makesherevenmoreproud of her work. She added that, “This new business venture eventually became another sourceofincomeformystudies.”

‘Anjanie’s Luscious Cheesecake’ which has a wide variety of cheesecakes, was launched in April 2022, and has been

stimulating the taste buds of many since its existence.

Singh shared that having launched a year ago,thesupportwasabitchallengingforher in the beginning but everything is gradually fallingintoplace.

Likeanyothersmallbusinessesontherise, Singh stated that she too faced some challenges in getting her business where it is today She mentioned that some of the challenges she faced were trying to find the right containers for her products, where and howtopurchaseheringredientsandbeingable toreachhercustomersfromdifferentpartsof thecountry.

Shefurtherstatedthatwhenshestartedthe business, she made cheesecakes to sell by different pan sizes, however, that was very slowandsheendedupoperatingatalossinthe beginning “Being innovative was experimentingwiththetoptierinthissituation because I started doing eggless and no-bake cheesecakesindifferentcupsandjarsize.This was the turning point for my business since

thisactuallyworkedforme,”sheshared.

The young businesswoman added that since she was new to the industry, she had absolutelynoideaonhowmanycheesecakes will sell on a weekly basis and this ended up being an issue when it came to pricing her products, since buying the cream cheese which is a main ingredient, was most expensive.

As time went by however, Singh said she figured it would be economical to buy the ingredientsinbulk.

Shealsomentionedthatanotherchallenge sheiscurrentlytryingtoovercome,isreaching hercustomers’demandsfromdifferentpartof thecountry.

“I plan to resolve this issue by selling my cheesecakes to supermarkets, restaurants and other establishments to different parts of the country,”shenoted.

With a lot yet in store for this small business,Singhsharedthatwhatshewantsto accomplishin

Continued on page 70

“I think young entrepreneurs play a vital role in society since we can set positive examples for our young children and teens. I also believe that this contributes to the younger generation finding their passion for something they love or want to do in the future.”

Young Entrepreneur and pioneer of ‘Anjanie’s Luscious Cheesecake’,Anjanie Singh

The young woman at the recent We Lift 3 expo which was hosted by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security

RetiredGuyanesesanitaryinspectorturns102

By:RehannaRamsay

Attheageof102,Mr

Phillip Nurse is possibly Guyana’s oldest retired Public Health Official.

Mr Nursewhowasbornon April 22, 1921 to Egan Nurse and Rachel Noble celebrated his 102nd birthday surrounded byfriendsandfamilyathisLot 72 2nd Street and Stone Avenue, Campbellville residenceonSaturday

According to his daughter Hazel Nurse-Srebi, the centenarian is usually in “good spirits” and has a “clean bill of health”forhisage.

She explained that her father, who enjoys the simple pleasures of life, has no major complaints expect for a little trouble with mobility now that he has passed the 100-year mark.

She added, “Thankfully, he has no issues with his blood pressure, diabetes, or the like. Exceptforsomeissuesmoving around, a little issue with his hearing due to his age, he is quite ok His faculties are intact.”

Nurse-Srebi told this publication that the family is elated to celebrate her father’s

102ndbirthanniversary

“Hewasborninabigfamily with multiple siblings and he h as man y ch ild r en , grandchildren and great grandchildren too numerous to mention. What is important to noteisthatmyfather’sdadalso livedtobe102,”sheexplained.

The proud daughter noted toothatherfatherisquiteactive for his age; he enjoys gardening, photography and listeningtomusic.

According to Nurse-Srebi, prior to his retirement, Mr Nurse held credentials in Tropical Health and Hygiene andwasemployedbytheRoyal Society of Health during the pre-independence British Guianaera.

She said: “He worked as a sanitary inspector or what is called today a public health officer He served the office workingthroughoutthecountry covering bases in the capital city Georgetown, Lethem, Region Nine and Linden, RegionTen.”

Asked his secret to longevity, Mr Nurse told KaieteurNewsthat“it’ssharing love with everyone ” The centenarian said he also enjoys good, fresh, home-cooked Guyanesemeals.

TheRegion10YouthEntrepreneur AssociationtohostmegaEntrepreneurial VillageandArtsFestivalforLindenTownWeek

The Region 10 Youth Entrepreneur Association(RYEA)officiallylaunched its inaugural ‘Entrepreneurial Village andArts Festival,’one of Linden Town Week’s highly anticipated events, on ThursdayApril13,2023attheRegional DemocraticCouncil,Region10.

The mega Entrepreneurial Village andArtsFestivalwillbeheldfromApril 28 to April 30, 2023 at the Linden Technical Institute Ground and is expectedtoattractthousandsofpersons.

According to the President of the Region 10 Youth Entrepreneur Association,VanessaMoore,theaimof the event is to create an avenue to provide exposure for entrepreneurs, in butnotlimitedtoRegion10,relativeto investment, networking, marketing and empowerment.

She highlighted that the event also seekstoprovideaspacefor“familyand clean fun” during the Linden Town Weekfestivities.

Arts

Festival’ will consist of five villages namely, Arts and Fashion, STEM and Robotics, Agriculture and Agro-

processing, Tourism, and the Culinary Village The villages will consist of entrepreneurs and organisations that will be exhibiting and offering its products and services to the thousands of persons who are expected to attend thethree-dayevent

She added, “Apart from those five villages, there will be side attractions suchastheKidsFestwhichwillcontain trampolines, cartoon characters, and games among others; a cocktail bar, a fashion show, farmers’market day and thestreetfoodfestival.”

Over 100 exhibits will be participating in the event ranging from governmental organizations, small businesses, mega companies, farmers andagroprocessors.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond and other government ministers and members of the diplomatic corps will attend the openingceremonyslatedforFriday28th April.

Mr. Phillip Nurse celebrated 102nd birthday on Saturday

Mr. Nurse with his youngest great grandson Dante.

President of the Region 10 Youth EntrepreneurAssociation, Vanessa Moore

Citizens uncomfortable with EPA's decision to waive environmental study for hazardous waste facility ...toformallyappealthedecision

It is a well-known fact that residents from the Houston, East Bank Demerara(EBD)haveraised concerns about the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s decision to permit the operation of a hazardous waste facility in the area without a proper environmentalassessmentof theriskstothosewholiveand worknearby

The issue was even the subject of a court case with three residents Danuta Radzik, Vanda Radzik, and Raphael Singh challenging

EPA's decision to grant Schlumberger Guyana Inc. (SGI) permission to operate the facility without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The trio secured judgment in their favour and the court ordered the EPA to comply with the correct procedure and list its reasonsforwaivingtheEIA.

Last week, the EPA announced a decision to waive the EIA and listed severalgroundsfordoingso. These reasons are however being rejected by the residents of Houston who

plan to formally raise their objectionwiththeEPAinthe coming weeks Danuta Radzik, who has been leading the calls by Houston residentsforthefacilitytobe relocated, expressed discomfort with the reason proffered by the EPA for waivingtheEIA.

Shesaid,“Inmyview,the reasons given in the 3-5 categories listed by the EPA are not satisfactory, comprehensive, or adequate enoughforEIAtobewaived. The EIA has to in detail explain the nature of the

project, its waste streams, and its possible impacts…

Those reasons given certainlydonotexplainfully the nature and impacts in detail.”

She said in the coming weeks, the residents of Houston will be formally making their objection known in a bid to appeal the EPA'sdecision.

Radzick stated she is not the only person who is willing to formally raise the objectionagainsttheEPA.

“We have had residents speak out before so I know there are a number of other persons who will join us in raising their concerns as well. Residents are not againstSchlumberger

(Continuedonpage70)

Schlumberger Guyana Inc. (SGI) Headquarters at Houston EBD

Murdered cop’s car was sold to pay killer’s debt - Suspect says

ByShervinBelgrave

Oneofthesuspects incustodyforthe m u r d e r o f missing policeman, Quincy Lewis reportedly told detectives that his (Lewis) car was sold to pay the allegedkiller'sdebt.

Not only did Lewis disappearonthenightofJune 19,2020,butthecarwhichhe wasdrivingvanishedtoo.

It was a grey-coloured lightly tinted Toyota Premio with registration number: PTT 7541 that belonged to hisfriend.

The two suspects in custodyforhisdisappearance have since admitted to being involved in his murder but havetolddetectivesthatthey didnotkillthecop.

They alleged that Lewis wasshotdeadbythehusband ofawomanhe(Lewis)hadan intimaterelationshipwith.

Policehavesinceissueda wanted bulletin for the coupleandidentifiedthemas 56-year-old Thakkurdial Samaroo (the husband) and Naqueeba Zafarali both of Lot 7 Ogle Front Road, East CoastDemerara(ECD).

Detectives had also questioned them about Lewis's missing car and one ofthemsaidthatitwassoldto pay off a debt Samaroo- the alleged killer-owed him (the suspect).

The suspect explained that after killing the cop, Samaroo gave him the car to settle the debt and he in turn sold it to another individual toobtainthecash.

Police have since confirmed with Kaieteur News that detectives are currently pursuing the individual who bought the car Lewis had been missing for almost three years. He was last seen alive around 17:15hrs on June 19, 2020, leaving his La Parfaite Harmonie Home,West Bank Demerara (WBD) CCTV

cameras captured him crossing over the Demerara HarbourBridgeinthecarand turning into the Green Field Park Area on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) before he disappeared.

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) ranks from the Cold Case and Major Crimes Unit (MCU) have been gathering evidenceastheyinvestigated hisdisappearance.

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 belongtoLewis.

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

Kaieteur News learntthat Lewis was allegedly involved in a romantic relationship with his alleged killer's wife and was reportedly lured to the couple'sEastBankDemerara

(EBD) home on the day he disappeared.

Lewiswasallegedlyshot at that location and his body was then transported to the Madewini Sand Pit area whereitwasburied.

Meanwhile, this newspaper had received information that Lewis's relatives had warned him about returning into a relationship with a woman, with whom he had gotten into trouble for before

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the w o m a n r e s ided at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD) but had ties to a property in Greenfield Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD), the 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 arisen between Lewis and thewoman'sfamilyoverher Lewis did not divulge the nature of the problem to his relativebuttheysuspectthat her parents did not approve oftheirrelationship.

The woman had left the country after then but returned close to the time Lewisdisappeared.

Lewis had reportedly notified his relatives that he

was speaking with her again and they warned him to be careful and “not get tie up withthegirlagain”.

Lewis, however, was not

too keen on taking their adviceandhadtoldthemthat the woman has always been goodtohimandhelpedhima lot.

Relativesdonotknowif he had hooked up with her again but recalled that he disappeared a few months later

Murdered Cop: Quincy Lewis

The couple wanted for Lewis's murder

From page 16

the ground in Georgetown and all around and we will continue to do our political work and we will beat the People’s Progressive Party and thatisallthatmatters,”headded.

As regards, Chase-Green’s defection, Norton said her transition is “absolutely not a blow for APNU.” According to Norton, Chase-Green has not been serving the constituency in which she was elected to represent, that is constituency 12 I am her replacement in that constituency

The residents of constituency 12 elected Patricia Chase-Green both in 2016 and 2018, and if you move around the constituency, you will see Patricia Chase-Green has been

large-scale licence for the to note that prudent management absent, no one in the community extraction of gold in Cuyuni and use of the Natural Resource hasbeenseeingherforthelastthree (Aurora) for a total area of 14,339 Fund (NRF), as well as or four years, so really she has not acres while Guyana Industrial strengthening the medium fiscal been doing what she was elected to Minerals Inc. holds a large-scale management framework are do. So, we don’t see it as a blow, in licencefortheextractionofbauxite critical to preventing the economy any case she was going to be in the Bonasika Mining project for fromoverheating. replaced”,hesaid.

atotalareaof18,940acres. Further to this, the bank said

At the last Local Government Additionally, North American that oil production has Elections in 2018, the APNU won Resources Incorporated Ltd. holds environmental consequences that 21 of the 30 seats for the a large-scale licence for the must be carefully considered, Municipality of Georgetown while extraction of gold for a total 5,950 adding that the sector may face the PPPC secured seven (7) seats acres. Pereira Mining Company additional risks as the world andtheAllianceForChange(AFC) holds a large-scale licence for the transitionsawayfromfossilfuels. two seats in the mixed system of extraction of gold, silver, and The World Bank also stressed Proportional Representation and valuable minerals for a total area of that addressing climate change First-Past-The-Post.

5,105acres. risks remains central to poverty

Meanwhile, Romanex Guyana reductionforGuyanagiventhatsea

Wednesday –April 19, 2023 ExplorationLtd.holdsalarge-scale level rise and flooding expose a licence for the extraction of gold large segment of the population to

Jagdeo commits to and valuable minerals for a total foodinsecurityandjoblosses. releasing fiscal terms area of 11,110 acres; while Ontario Another key matter it said of all mining contracts Incorporated holds a large-scale authorities should keep watch of licence for the extraction of gold was ethnic and political

By Shervin Belgrave

and copper for a total area of 8,346 polarization It said these two

Almost ten months after the acres. issuesposeimportantriskstosocial with you there, what provision the concessions that they get. They Extractive Industries Transparency Troy Resources Guyana also cohesionandsustainablegrowth.

GRA [Guyana Revenue Authority] can’tsaytome,thatwecan’tletthe (EITI) flagged Guyana a third time holds a large-scale licence for the With respect to its outlook of is so cagey about that it doesn’t country know, because the fiscal fornotreleasinglarge-scalemining extraction of gold for a total area of theeconomy,theWorldBanksaidit want to release… I will undertake terms should be known to contracts in the country, Vice 15,160acres. is expected to expand at an annual anything that is non-propriety that everybody, who is getting President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Guyana’s increasing reliance average rate of 24.9 percent over yougetitreleased.Iwillpersonally concessions and who is not getting Thursday committed again to on oil money with weak the medium term due to continued nowseethatthishappen.” concessions, that should be known makingthecontractspublic. institutional base poses significant expansion of the oil sector It said

On Thursday, Jagdeo to everybody,” Jagdeo told Jagdeo’s commitment was risks to development –World Bank real non-oil Gross Domestic maintained that he has no problem reporters. made at a press conference held at Reportreveals Product (GDP) is projected to releasing the mining contracts. There are currently 10 the Arthur Chung Conference While Guyana has emerged as expandbyanaverageof7.2percent “My point is that on these companies holding large-scale Center(ACC).Thiswasthesecond one of the world’s fastest-growing per year including through positive arrangements, I don’t see releasing licences in Guyana. The Bauxite timetheVicePresidentpromisedto

economieswiththedevelopmentof spillovers from the oil sector with the fiscal concessions that we give Company of Guyana Inc. holds “personally intervene” for the its oil and gas sector, the World the implementation of the Local to investors a problem,” Jagdeo three large scale licences for the release of the fiscal terms of all Bank in an April 2023 Report ContentActof2021. said before adding “But I am only extraction of bauxite in Kurubuka large-scaleminingcontracts. cautioned once again, that With respect to inflation, the asking that you have a nuanced (Block 22), North East (Block 5 in “So I am going to personally authorities must be mindful of the World Bank said it will remain view (balanced/fair) when you Kwakwani),Berbice(Block38)for [intervene]… because I have never risks associated with overreliance elevated due to increased report,lookattheworldmarketand a total area of 16,691 acres, in personally track this down to find onoilrevenues.

government consumption and thechallenges”. which the Guyana Government has out why the fiscal part-Leave out

Asked by a Kaieteur News a state participation of 10% as the other parts of the contract but “The government’s aggressive poverty reduction will depend on reporter why the government in the confirmed by the National the part where they get investment programme seeks to efforts to boost the purchasing past has not been too keen on Industrial and Commercial concessions- why that part can’t be structurally transform the non-oil power of poor and vulnerable releasing the contracts, Jagdeo InvestmentsLimited(NICIL). release”,saidJagdeo. economy Nevertheless, Guyana’s households, as well as on responded, “Because of the Bosai Minerals Group Guyana

The financial institution said, higher input costs. As such, it said

The Vice President made a increasing reliance on the oil and translatingthegoodperformanceof propriety… that has always been Inc. holds three (3) large-scale similar commitment in August gas sector, a weak institutional thenon-oileconomyintojobs. theissue…theproprietaryissue…” licences for the extraction of 2022 during an appearance on The base, and a fragile political The World Bank report further

However, the Vice President bauxite in East Montgomery, Glenn Lall Show aired on Kaieteur environment pose significant risks noted that increased exports of oil, explained that government can TailingareaandDacouriaforatotal Radio. While appearing on that tolong-termdevelopment.” gold, and bauxite will result in an release only the fiscal terms area of 3,063 acres, in which the radio programme, he told the Expounding on its position, the annual average current account (concessions granted and how Guyana Government also has state Kaieteur News’ publisher, Glenn World Bank said the extractive surplusof24.8percentofGDPover much the country stands to gain participation of 30 percent as Lall, “I don’t see the reason why sector is becoming the dominant the medium term. In this context, it fromthedeal)andnotthepropriety confirmedbyNICIL. many of these are not in the public source of growth and fiscal said the international reserves information.

Correia Mining Co. holds a domain already I’ll find out about revenues. It said this increases the position will gradually improve to

”The fiscal part is where the large-scale licence for the it.” country’s susceptibility to oil- above 5 months of projected total concessions are. The sector can extractionofgoldanddiamondsfor

When pressed further Jagdeo related shocks, which requires imports.Thisnewspaper argueagainstproprietyinformation atotalareaof3,681acres. said, “I can undertake to find out proactivemanagement.It was keen (Continued on page 67) but they can’t argue against the Guyana Goldfield Inc. holds a

Large-scale mining taking place at Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) by Chinese Mining Company Zijin Inc.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo speaking at Thursday’s press conference

From page 66

are to promote, protect and ensure understands that the fiscal deficit is the right to freedom of expression projectedtoaverage12.4percentof including media freedom and the non-oil GDP as the increase in rights of journalists and media capital spending outstrips inflows workers to take note of all fromtheNRF TheWorldBankalso violations against journalists in notedthatpublicdebtisexpectedto Guyana including the recent remain low at approximately 20 attacksagainstBagotandRagubir percentofGDP Theyalsocalledongovernment

Guyana’s oil industry is poised and all other actors to cease their toexpandthisyearwiththeonsetof attacks against environmental Prosperity, the nation’s third activists and advocates, NGOs and Floating Production Storage and human rights defenders and to Offloading (FPSO) vessel. It will observe the constitutional right of join the Liza Destiny and Liza all Guyanese citizens to safe and UnityintheStabroekBlock,taking healthyenvironments. production from 400,000 barrels of

The persons who made the oil per day to approximately aforementioned appeals are listed 600,000barrelsofoil. below.

1. DanutaRadzik by an ExxonMobil-led consortium

These operations are being led

2. VidyarathaKissoon which has received the blessings of

3. SalimaHinds thePPP/Cgovernmenttopursuean

4. SherlinaNageer aggressive exploration and

5. VandaRadzik production campaign Those

6. KarendeSouza efforts have thus far lead to the

7. ElizabethDeaneHughes discoveryof11billionbarrelsofoil

8. MichaelAdams equivalentresources.

9. SharmaineNarine

10. WintressWhite well as the unlocked resources are

Notably, these operations as

11. JoyMarcus shackled to the fiscal terms of a

12. SusanCollymore contract which the government

13. HalimaKhan itself has demonized as being the

14. JonelPerreira worst on planet earth. The country

15. NormaAdrian only stands to gain a two percent

16. MaeveRamsay royalty and a 50 percent take of

17. ShirleyAult profit oil after Exxon and its

Thursday –April 20, 2023 respected NGO, Red Thread, a environmental justice and human partners have recouped their

18. MichelleJohn

19. VanessaRoss collective of diverse grassroots rights defenders and on ordinary expenses.

23 Women call on Govt., women who have stood in Guyanese exercising their

20. MosaTelford

21. ChristineSamaroo other actors to cease attacks solidarity with and defended constitutional right to freedom of criticisms of the deal, the

In spite of well known

22. JanetteBulkan against activists, journalists women’s rights for over 30 years. expression, association and administration has refused to make

23. MelindaJanki -Urge UN High Commissioner Recently, Red Thread has been information.” anymovetoalterthefiscaltermsof

24. SimoneMangalJoly for Human Rights to take mounting monthly pickets outside Significantly, the group said all the deal in such a manner that

25. JocelynDow note of abuse, violations the President’s Office calling for thisistakingplaceontheeveofthe would allow more oil revenues to

26. AlfredBhulai adherence to the rule of law, second meeting of the Conference be channeled to the people of A group of 23 women and two accountability in the oil and gas of Parties to the “Regional Guyana. Paid gunmen confess men have issued a letter to the sector, and for the high cost of Agreement on Access to

Government has maintained to killing cop, burying press, calling on government and livingtobeaddressed. Information, Public Participation that it would not renegotiate the body in shallow grave other aligned actors to cease their

The more recent incidents of and Justice in Environmental contract since doing so would vile attacks against activists, this type, they said, have been a Matters in Latin America and the harm investor confidence and Detectives on Wednesday journalists, non-governmental smear campaigns against Davina Caribbean” – better known as the render the country an unfriendly found the skeletal remains organizations (NGOs) and human Bagot a Senior Kaieteur News Escazú Agreement. This is being investment climate that cannot be suspected to be that of missing rights defenders who are doing Journalist and Nazima Raghubir, held in Argentina from April 19 to trusted to respect the sanctity of policeman, Constable Quincy their part to represent the interests President of the Guyana Press 21,2023.TheEscazúistheworld’s contract Lewis after two paid gunmen ofvulnerablegroups. Association. The group said these first treaty to include provisions to

The administration has also reportedly confessed to killing him

The concerned Guyanese were journalists have been singled out protect human rights defenders in stressed that tampering with the and burying his body in a shallow keen to note that over the past just for reporting on matters of environmentalmatters.Guyanahas fiscal terms could land Guyana in a grave along the Soesdyke/Linden month, they have observed that national interest to Guyanese and signed and ratified the Escazú legalbattlewithExxonandevenits Highway Lewis mysteriously verbal attacks, denigrating matters affecting Guyanese right to Agreement and is therefore, an s u b c o n t r a c t o r s f o r d u e disappearedalmostthreeyearsago, comments, erroneous accusations, public participation and implementing country On this compensationallfronts. onJune19,2020. name calling and threats against information on national and premise, they called for the S i g n i f i c a n t l y , t h e S i n c e t h e n C r i m i n a l journalists, NGOs, environmental environmentalmatters. government to guarantee the full administration has said that it will Investigation Department (CID) activists and human rights Furthermore, the citizens said andeffectiveimplementationofthe not interfere with the deal since ranks from the Cold Case and defenders have mushroomed.They there appears to be a deliberate Escazú Agreement – including billions of dollars worth in Major Crimes Unit (MCU) have posited that such actions have orchestrated campaign on the part effective measures to recognize, investment decisions have been been gathering evidence as they originated from several sources, of the State to silence and isolate protect and promote the human made because of it, and would investigatedhisdisappearance. including senior members of thosewhoaskreasonablequestions rights of defenders of the therefore slowdown economic Theirhardworkpaidoffaround government, individuals who and those who dare to express an environment and of all citizens to growth. 17:00hrs on Wednesday after they appear to be paid or unpaid opinion contrary to the powers that live in a healthy sustainable

It has also sought to justify its foundskeletalremainsburiedatthe a d v i s e r s , s o c i a l m e d i a be.

environment, where right to life, position by noting that the very MadewiniSandPitarea.Policewill personalities, columnists, and They added, “What is alarming personal integrity, freedom of Stabroek Block deal requires the now send the remains overseas for anonymous Facebook page about this spate of attacks is that it opinion and expression, peaceful consent of Exxon and partners DNA testing to confirm that they operators. indicates a growing level of assembly and association, free before any material changes can be belongtotheLewis. They said a quick count intolerance which is a hallmark of movement, and rights to access of made. Accordingtoastatementbythe identified at least 10-12 such undemocratic societies. Attacks on information are recognized, ExxonMobil, through its Guyana Police Force (GPF), the attacks over the past few months. journalists doing their job of implementedandrealized. subsidiary, Esso Exploration and two suspects in custody decided to But whattheyfound tobealarming ensuring accountability and Theadvocatesfortransparency

Production Guyana Limited cooperate with the detectives after is the increase of such attacks, and transparency of public and state and accountability also called on (EEPGL), has categorically stated they were shown evidence linking the denigrating comments, name authorities and institutions are Volker Türk, the United Nations thatithasnointerestsinalteringthe themtothedisappearanceof calling and slanderous statements unacceptable and are strongly High Commissioner for Human termstoGuyana’sbenefit.

(Continued on page 68) against a well- known and condemned as are attacks on Rights, whose duty and mandate

Quincy Lewis

Detectives recovering the skeletal remains believed to be that of the missing cop, Quincy Lewis

From page 67

She highlighted in her missive while maintaining a subscription Lewis.They were the ones who led also that BP, a technologically foranotheroverseas. policetosearchforLewis’sbodyat savvy oil company, took 87 days to Jagdeosaid,“Wearealsodoing Madewini, Linden Soesdyke cap the well. She further noted that more training at the Environmental Highway the response effort included the Protection Agency and we are

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki

Kaieteur News learnt that they United States Coast Guard, inviting specialists from India to were allegedly paid by a couple-a Louisiana National Guard Troops, assist us.” With these and other man and his wife- to murder Lewis the US Environmental Protection efforts in the pipeline, the Vice and then bury his body The cop Agency, the National Oceanic and Presidentassuredthatthecountry’s was allegedly involved in a AtmosphericAdministration, other capabilities are in the process of romantic relationship with the wife federal agencies, private being transformed to effectively and was reportedly lured to the contractors and volunteers managetheoilindustry couple’s East bank Demerara

Nevertheless, Janki said over 3 (EBD) home on the day he million barrels of oil polluted over Saturday –April 22, 2023 disappeared. 40,000 square miles of ocean and

Lewis was allegedly shot in

1,000 miles of coastland Guyana receives high rate for their presence at the location and Importantly, Janki highlighted that vote buying in the Caribbean –his body then transported to the theMacondowellblowouthascost World Justice Project report Madewini Sandpit area where it BP and its partners more than was buried. The couple, Kaieteur US$70B. Guyana and the Dominican News understands, has since fled

In light of the foregoing, she Republic are the two countries in thejurisdiction. questioned: What would the the Caribbean with the highest rate

Security cameras had captured in the high per capita number of

The GPF however, have since Guyana government do if, God ofvotebuying.Thisisaccordingto him crossing over the Demerara wife/female partner murders and committed to using all legal forbid,therewasablowout? a new report by the World Justice Harbour Bridge and heading into mutilations in our country,” the avenues to extradite the couple

Jagdeosaidthequestionforhim Project(WJP).Thisreportcomesat GreenfieldPark. groupsaid. backtoGuyana. is a rhetorical one, since the only a time when Guyana is preparing

Neither Lewis nor the car was Given the position and power

“The Guyana Police Force will way to remove such a risk for its Local Government Elections everseenagainsincethen. women MPs hold, the group asked also use all legal avenues available completely would be to stop oil (LGE’s). that they offer solidarity and to ensure that the other two (2) production. He was keen to note On Thursday, WJP released the Friday –April 21, 2023 support to their counterparts in suspects are extradited to Guyana thatthisveryriskhasnotprevented report titled ‘Corruption in the media who are being subjected to a to answer to the allegations in Norway,SaudiArabiaandtheUSA Caribbean’ According to the VPJagdeo condemns torrent of male denigration, abuse relation to the death of the from becoming super-wealthy findings of the report, a lot of vile social media attack andvitriolonsocialmedia. deceased,” GPF stated on from oil resources He said Caribbean people believe public on KNews Journalist Asashowofsupport,thegroup Wednesday government has no intention of officials are corrupt. Drawing on in its missive strongly urged

As police do their best to track beingovercomebyfear,addingthat nationally representative surveys,

Vice President, Dr Bharrat women MPs to do the following: down the couple, Kaieteur News production will continue. The PPP the report represents the voices of Jagdeo yesterday condemned a Tag on Facebook all offensive has learnt that Lewis relatives had General Secretary also said that the people in the 14 Caribbean recent attack on Kaieteur News’ pages/posts that are sexist, racist, warned him about returning into a administration is taking steps to countries and their experiences and SeniorJournalist,DavinaBagotvia and misogynist against Guyanese; relationship with a woman he had strengthen several pieces of perceptions of corruption in both a Facebookplatform.Speakingata issue a strong statement deploring gottenintotroubleforbefore. legislation as well as the relevant thepublicandprivatesectors. press conference at Freedom public expressions that target the KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat licences and permits to ensure the One key finding from report is House, the People’s Progressive bodies of women and that so often she resided in Cummings Lodge, countryiswellprotected. that on average, 63% of people in Party Civic (PPP/C) General leadtoviolence;andprivatelywork EastCoastDemerarabuthadtiesto He was keen to note that one of Caribbean countries believe Secretarysaidthesocialmediapost with their respective political a property in Greenfield Park, East the most progressive steps made politicians are engaged in electoral indeed made vile and disparaging parties to raise the tenor of public Bank Demerara (EBD), an area thus far is the requirement of a fraudormanipulation. statements about Bagot which discourse. where Lewis was last seen driving capping stack. This instrument he The report also shows how shouldnothavebeensaid. The letter in question was intowithhiscarbeforevanishing. said can be deployed to shut off a some people in the region have

Dr Jagdeo was also keen to signed by the group’s members, According to information, a well blowout He noted that experienced this personally On clarify that the comments do not in namely Alfred Bhulai, Andre ‘problem’ had arisen between ExxonMobil and its partners are averageacrosstheCaribbean,11% any way reflect the views of the Brandli, Janette Bulkan, Lewisandthewoman’sfamilyover nowrequiredtohaveoneincountry (Continued on page 69) government or the party The Darshanand Khusial, Joe Persaud, her Lewis did not divulge the official said he supports any legal MikePersaud,andGangaRamdas. natureoftheproblemtohisrelative action Bagot should choose to take buttheysuspectthatherparentsdid regarding the said derogatory Govt. strengtheningory systems notapproveoftheirrelationship. comments. to address oil spills - VPJagdeo

Thewomanhadleftthecountry Several civil society actors to Int’l Lawyer Melind after then but returned close to the havealsojoinedincondemningthe legislative, regulata Janki time Lewis disappeared. The cop attack against Bagot as well as hadreportedlynotifiedhisrelatives President of the Guyana Press Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo thathewasspeakingwithheragain Association (GPA), Nazima has assured that the government is and they warned him to be careful Raghubir sparing no effort to ensure and “not get tie up with the girl OnWednesday, theOilandGas Guyana’slegislativeandregulatory again”. Governance Network (OGGN) systemsarestrengthenedtoaddress

Lewis, however, was not too issued a written appeal to the oilspillsandrelatedissues. keenontakingtheiradviceandhad n a t i o n ’ s 2 4 w o m e n His comment was in direct told them that the woman has Parliamentarians, urging that they response to International Lawyer, always been good to him and too denounce all attacks against Melinda Janki who urged helpedhimalot. journalistshere. Guyanese onWednesday to ponder

Relatives do not know if he had In the letter addressed to the how the government would handle hooked up with her again but officials, the group was keen to amassiveblowoutsimilartothatof recalled that he disappeared a few point out that women Members of the tragic BP Macondo well monthslater Parliament (MPs) make up 37 blowout. In her letter to the media, Lewiswaslastseenalivebyhis percent of the policy leaders in the Janki recalled that the Macondo mother, Charlene Jordon, around House and represent all political wellblowoutiswhathadcausedthe 17:15hrsafterleavingtheirhomeat party positions, beliefs and values DeepwaterHorizonRigtoexplode, La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank oftheGuyanesesociety leading to the death of 11 persons, Demerara(WBD).

“As Parliamentarians, you and the extermination of millions

He left in a silver-grey Toyota serve as potential role models for of animals (including birds, Premio Motorcar that he borrowed all Guyanese women and girls. dolphins,whales,fish,crustaceans, from a friend for work duties at the Additionally, being women, you sea turtles) The disaster also Agricola Police Station. Lewis are also sensitive to the dangers of destroyed the livelihoods of nevermadeitthere. unchecked misogyny, made visible thousandsofpeople.

From page 68

nts/Corruption-in-theof people reported attempts Caribbean-report-v4.pdf. to manipulate their vote in nationalelections,and8%in

Missing Berbice municipalelections. woman found with

It was stated in the report neck almost severed that vote buying occurs …Ex-lover wanted across the Caribbean, but voters in select countries see

One week after, 36-years u b s t a n t i a l l y m o r e old Telisha Domandeo a solicitations for their votes. housewife of Crabwood

In both national and Creek, was reportedly municipal elections, abducted, the woman’s body r e s p o n d e n t s i n t h e was found on Friday Dominican Republic and morning with her neck Guyana reported the highest almostsevered. rates of instances of being According to the Police, asked to vote for a candidate the woman was discovered orpoliticalpartyinexchange around 07:00 hours wrapped forafavororsomemoneyor in a blanket clad in a blue tgoods. These solicitations shirt and multicolored were higher on average in trousers in some bushes at both countries, as well as the Betsy Ground, East Canje, Caribbeanregionoverall,for Berbice. nationalelections.

The police reported that

The lowest rates of the murder occurred up the reported voter manipulation ranked 31% and Guyana and private sector was the countries where reported the lowest of Canje River where they were found in Antigua and ranked18%. widespread throughout the perceptions of private sector experiences with public discovered a mattress and Barbuda. For household members, Caribbean In fact, on n e p o t i s m a r e m o s t sector bribery, at less than pillowwithbloodstains.

With a regional average the regional average for average, 81% of those pronouncedareTrinidadand 1 % , w h i l e 1 9 % o f Following the gruesome of 11% for vote buying for national and municipal surveyed believe public Tobago 82%, Grenada 84%, r e s p o n d e n t s i n t h e discovery,theGuyanaPolice the national elections, 36% election is 11% and 10% officials practice nepotism; andSt.Lucia77%.

Dominican Republic and Force(GPF)issuedawanted of respondents from the respectively, with the 83% believe politicians and Kaieteur News recently Haiti reported having to bulletin for a 50-year-old Dominican Republic, and Dominican Republic at 21% elected representatives do publishedthatitwasstatedin provide a bribe, gift, or suspect, who shared a 23% respondents from (national election) and 19% so. theWJPreportthatGuyana’s favour within the last 12 r e l a t i o n s h i p w i t h Guyanastatedthatbeforethe (municipal election) and “The numbers are corruption rate is among the months. Jamaica 17% and Domandeo. election, they (or a member Guyana at 23% (national slightly lower for the private highestintheCaribbean.

Guyana 16% also had Wanted is Sunil Durga of of their household) were e l e c t i o n ) a n d 2 3 % sector, where 75% of The Corruption in the similar rates of public sector BetsyGround. a s k e d t o v o t e f o r (municipalelection). respondents believe private C a r i b b e a n r e p o r t bribery K a i e t e u r N e w s somebody/some political Another key finding of sector employees frequently specifically probes the ABOUT THE WORLD understands that Durga and party in exchange for a favor the report is that the or very frequently exercise prevalence of bribery in the JUSTICE PROJECT Domandeo have a child orsomemoney/goods. perception of nepotism, influence over the hiring of region. While the perception The World Justice together

For municipal election h i r i n g a n d c a r e e r friends and relatives,” it was of corruption in the public Project is an independent, According to reports, the the regional average is 8%, advancement of friends and statedtoo. sector was high in the m u l t i d i s c i p l i n a r y woman was last seen alive with Dominican Republic relatives, in both the public According to the report, countries surveyed, an organization working to after she left her Crabwood averageofonly7%ofpeople create knowledge, build Creekhomeforhermother’s who had recent contact with awareness, and stimulate residence located at publicofficialsreportedthey action to advance the rule of Blairmont On April 14, were asked to give a bribe, law worldwide Effective Domandeo’s relatives favour, or additional sum of rule of law reduces reported to the Blairmont money corruption, combats poverty Police Station that the

The most frequent cases and disease, and protects womanwasabducted. of bribery came during people from injustices large Since then Durga was interactions with car and small It underpins listed as a suspect in the registration/driver’s licence development, accountable woman’s disappearance officers (9%, on average, government, and respect for However, the Police were amongthecountriesstudied) fundamental rights, and it is unable to locate the suspect and police officers 8%. The t h e f o u n d a t i o n f o r and Domandeo, until the least frequent involved local communities of justice, gruesome discovery was politicians 2%, doctors and opportunity,andpeace. madeonFridaymorning. nurses in public hospitals E x p l o r e t h e f u l l A n y o n e w i t h 2%, and public school Corruption in the Caribbean information about the teachers3%. R e p o r t a t : whereabouts of Sunil Durga

People in Antigua and https://worldjusticeproject.o is asked to contact the BarbudaalongwithGrenada rg/sites/default/files/docume nearestpolicestation.

Wanted for murder: Sunil Durga

Dead: Telisha Domandeo

WANTED VACANCY

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

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

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Professional Carpenters, Painters and Labourers wanted, attractive salary offered. Call: 686-1982.

One male night Guard to work on the Lower E.C.D and Labourers/ persons to pluck chicken. Call: 227-5222/ 6189186.

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One Canteen Attendant needed. Call: 698-4704/ 6967335.

Delivery Clerk and Porters needed. Apply at Lens 136 Sheriff Street C/Ville. Call: 227-2486/227-1511. Email: lensgy@outlook.com

Vacancy exists for Carpenter, $7000- $10,000 daily and Labourer, $5000-$6000 daily. Call: 650-1394/ 705-2817. Kitchen Assistant, Supervisor, Chef and Salesperson needed. Call: 659-5559.

Excavator & Skid Steer Operators, canter & truck Drivers, Civil Engineer & Foreman needed. Call/ WhatsApp: 613-0855/ 611-0350. Email: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com

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Vacancy exists for 1 Sales Clerk. Apply at Lens 136 Sheriff Street next to Buddys/ Pizzahut. Call: 227-2486. Email: lensgy@outlook.com

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

‘Anjanie’s Luscious Cheesecake’...

From page 62 the future is to be able to expand her business, adding more flavours and sizes of cheesecakes. Also her goal is to create a very spacious and fun cheesecake shop so that her customers can come and indulge in what she has to offer.

With Singh already making an impact through her business, when asked what role she thinks young entrepreneurs play in society, she said they are vital since they tend to inspire others.

“I think young entrepreneurs play a vital role in society since we can set positive examples for our young children and teens.

I also believe that this contributes to the younger generation finding their passion for something they love or want to do in the future,” she said.

She also mentioned that young entrepreneurs drive change through innovation, where new and improved products enable new markets to be created and developed. In addition, new entrepreneurs play a key role in shaping the economy and creating a more dynamic and di-

verse business landscape.

With that being said, she is of the view that a lot more can be done in our society to boost small businesses.

She suggested that more expos should be done and small ventures should be advertised more in our country, so that not only sales can be increased, but people will be aware of what is produced locally.

“I also believe that small business owners should get engaged in the WIN programmes that are offered by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security so that they can enhance their business in whatever shape

or form possible.”

Singh said she was a recent exhibitor at the We Lift 3 expo and expressed that she gained a lot of experiences from her fellow colleagues. Not only did she receive good reviews about her products and presentation, but also the idea of her putting cheesecake in “handy” cups and jars was the top tier.

For persons who would like to make contact with her business, can reach out to her via telephone number (592) 612-1024 or check out her business page on Facebook at Anjanie’s Luscious Cheesecake.

Citizens uncomfortable with EPA’s...

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Bel

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Self- contained rooms for rent in Prashad Nagar. Call: 227-2993.

From page 64 operating its facility, we just believe that it would be safer to operate offshore or somewhere that is not in proximity with people and their livelihood,” Radzik added.

The EPA on Monday issued a notice stating that Schlumberger Guyana is exempted from having to produce an EIA for a radioactive source storage and calibration facility at Lot 1 Area X Houston, EBD.

The EPA said it has evaluated the project as per section 11 (2) of the Environmental Protection Act, taking into account the project’s Site Verification Report, Environmental Assessment and Management Plan 2022, Project Summary, the International Atomic Energy Agency Safety Standards, and Security Guidelines, the Application submitted, and further relevant environmental information.

ventory of radioactive sources submitted with the application has been categorized under Categories 3-5 as per the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Categorization of Radioactive Sources (No.RS-G-1.9).

The EPA said it is important to note that the IAEA has specified that these sources may only pose a potential risk to individuals close to them when they are unshielded, with typical durations ranging from days to weeks.

the combustion of fuel.

The EPA was keen to note that the company has demonstrated using the best available technology, such as spark arrestors, and practices, such as regular preventative and corrective maintenance of engines to reduce emissions.

An air quality assessment indicated that the Nitric Oxide and Sulphate at the Facility were below the World Health Organisation (WHO) limits for the respective gases.

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Based on its assessment, the EPA said it has concluded that the environment will not be significantly impacted by the project as such; it said the project is exempted from the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment (ElA).

In outlining the reasons for its decision, the regulator explained that the in-

The EPA explained that the operator has demonstrated adequate safety and security measures to effectively limit public exposure to radiation in keeping with the IAEA Safety Standards. It said too that the source storage pits are constructed with 300mm thick reinforced concrete and lined with 7mm thick carbon steel plates, providing optimal shielding to restrict the movement of radiation waves.

Additionally, the EPA said air emissions from the facility will be generated by the sole stationary source of emissions, a 550kW diesel standby generator, as well as mobile sources transporting the sealed sources within the facility’s compound, which will release particulates from

Importantly, the EPA said the facility will not produce radioactive waste.

It said, “All sealed sources that are no longer in use or fail to meet the requirements for operations will be deemed disused.

Disused sources will be returned to their respective manufacturers or suppliers outside of Guyana. There will be no disposal of disused sources within Guyana.”

It said too that the current location does not require the transport of the sources along the main public thoroughfares, e.g. the East Bank Public Road, since all calibrated sources are returned offshore via vessels leaving the Port west of the Facility. It is said that internal transport reduces the risk of accidents, loss, and public exposure to radiation during transportation.

ExxonMobil violates sanctity of contract...

VEHICLES FOR SALE Round Wallaba ploes, diameter 4"-6", length 8ft. Call: 674-3624. A new company is looking for a personal Secretary. University students are welcome to apply. Call: 675-3777.

One male to work on chicken farm in the Interior. Must have knowledge of chicken rearing, accommodation provided. Call: 680-2702.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Property for sale at 211, Mon Repos, North. Call: 614-0005/ 602-4105.

Live-in Domestic needed, ages 30-50 yrs. 4 days off, $120,000 monthly. Call: 6467142.

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From page 17 feasibility study on the utilization of excess associated gas is not completed before the submittal of the Development Plan, the contractor shall provide the Ministry with regular updates on the progress of such feasibility study. Upon completion, the study shall be submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). According to the agreement, the contractor’s feasibility study shall be completed no later than 5 years following the submittal of the Development

Plan. Efforts made by this publication yesterday to clarify whether the feasibility study conducted by ExxonMobil Guyana were unsuccessful. Pre-feasibility study Back in 2018, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) partnered with the State to conduct a feasibility study of the planned natural gas pipeline. The primary objective of the study, which was executed by Energy Narrative for US$70,000—an international entity that provides strategic market analyses and advice was to determine the overall feasibility of transporting natural gas from off-

shore Guyana, building a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) separation plant and a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) production plant to market the liquids from the natural gas stream, as well as building a new electricity generation station to use the remaining dry natural gas.

The AFC is adamant that this study considered the project at a combined cost of US$478 million; whereas the project today now stands in excess of US$2 billion.

The party maintains that this document must inform the future of the Wales Gasto-Energy project.

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

2020 Nissan Navada frontier pickup truck 4x4. Fully loaded with excellent working condition. Call: 6499419/ 675-3777. Email: nytech18@aol.com

Israelis rally against judicial reform plan

Plans by Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to weaken the Supreme Court have outraged many in Israelisociety

Aljazeera - Protestors take part in a demonstration against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Tens of thousands of protesters have flocked to Tel Aviv and cities across Israel to express their oppositiontoPrimeMinister Benjamin Netanyahu’s farright government and its divisiveplantooverhaulthe country’sjudicialsystem.

Crowds of Israelis held banners with the words “Crime Minister” overlaid on Netanyahu’s face in Tel Aviv at Saturday’s protest, the latest in a series of weekly actions since the startoftheyear

Plans by Netanyahu’s government to weaken the Supreme Court have outraged Israelis who see it as an assault on their country’s system of checks and balances and a threat to itsverydemocracy

“This is not about socalled judicial reform, it’s about democracy,” said Sheila Katz, head of the National Council of Jewish Women, from the rally in centralTelAviv

“Inorderforyoursacred courtstoprotecttherightsof allpeople,theymustremain independentfrompolitics.”

Protests last month brought Israeli cities to a standstill and threatened to shut down the economy, compelling Netanyahu to delay the judicial reform plan in hopes of finding a compromise.

However, protesters have been undeterred

Crowds of Israelis chanting “Shame!” have flooded the streets in the weeks after Netanyahu backed down, demandingthattheoverhaul bescrappedaltogether

The plan would give Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, and his partners in Israel’s most hardline coalition in its history the final say in appointing the nation’s judges.

It would also give parliament, which is controlled by his allies, authority to overturn Supreme Court decisions and limit the court’s ability toreviewlaws.

Fearsforfuture

Al Jazeera’s Mohamed Jamjoom,reportingfromTel Aviv,saidmanypeoplewho cametotheprotestwiththeir children expressed their worryforfuturegenerations.

“They believe what is going on right now with the overhaul plan is a real danger to democracy om Israel,”Jamjoomsaid.“And if they are passed, they will push this country towards autocracy.”

The protests have galvanised people across Israelisociety

Thousands of officers in elite reserve units of the military have said they will refuse to report for duty High-tech business leaders a n d t h e s e c u r i t y establishmenthavecomeout against the proposal. Trade unions have called for a generalstrike.

The United States, Israel’smostcrucialally,has even publicly rebuffed Netanyahu, with President JoeBidentellinghimthathe “cannot continue down this road”.

Tens of thousands of

Protesters take part in a demonstration against the nationalist coalition government’s proposed judicial overhaul, in TelAviv, on Saturday [Ilan Rosenberg/Reuters]

Seven homes affected by waste oil discharge from unauthorized Coverden business

…cease order to be issued, citizens urged to limit use of ignition sources - EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently investigating the release of a “considerableamount”ofwasteoil from a concrete manufacturing facility at Coverden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), owned by NationalHardware.

EPAsaiditreceivedareportof the discharge on April 21, 2023, and activated its Emergency Response Protocol, dispersing its Environmental Officers to the

location to conduct an investigation.

In its preliminary findings of the investigation, the Agency reported that the facility is not authorized. Further, the amount of waste oil released is so far undetermined as further investigations will be required to establishtheamount.

Some seven residences have been affected by the waste-oil release Presently, the Environmental agency is working

with a team from the company to cleanupthesite.

Theregulatorinastatementon Saturdayexplained,“TheEPAwill issue a Clean Up Order directing the operator to clean up all contaminants Further, a Prohibition Notice will also be issued for the operator to cease all activities at the location The Agency will also determine other enforcement actions against the developer.”

The regulator also said it

continued its investigations yesterday with support from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) andotherrelevantauthorities.

Residents within the affected areaarebeingadvisedtolimittheir use of ignition sources such as cigarette smoking, lighters, and othersatthistime.

The EPA said further information will be provided upon theconclusionoftheinvestigation.

The Environmental Protection (EP) Act states that each project

which can cause harm to the environment must be subjected to the approval of the EPA. The law states at Section 21(1) that “No person shall- (a) construct, alter, extend or replace any plant, structure, equipment, apparatus, mechanism, or thing that may discharge or from which may be discharged a contaminant into any part of the natural environment except under and in accordance with a construction permit issued bytheAgency…”

NBA roundup: Nikola Jokic, Nuggets take command over Wolves

Reuters - Nikola Jokic amassed 20 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds while leading the Denver Nuggets to a 120-111 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series on Friday in Minneapolis.

The top-seeded Nuggets grabbed a 3-0 lead in the bestof-seven series and will aim for a sweep on Sunday in Minnesota.

Denver, which never trailed in the final three quarters, got 25 points and nine rebounds from Michael Porter Jr. Jamal Murray contributed 18 points and nine assists. The triple-double was Jokic’s seventh in postseason play. The only center with more career postseason triple-doubles was Wilt Chamberlain, who

had nine. The eighth-seeded Timberwolves fell short despite Anthony Edwards’ game-high 36 points. KarlAnthony Towns logged 27 points, and Rudy Gobert totaled 18 points and 10 rebounds. Knicks 99, Cavaliers 79 Jalen Brunson produced 21 points and six assists to help host New York register a convincing victory over coldshooting Cleveland in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.

RJ Barrett registered 19 points and eight rebounds and Josh Hart added 13 points and six rebounds as New York took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Julius Randle contributed 11 points and eight rebounds despite 3-of-15 shooting, and Immanuel Quickley also scored 11 points.

Sunday April 23, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

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

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

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

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

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

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

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

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

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

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

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

Donovan Mitchell recorded 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists and Caris LeVert added 17 points for the Cavaliers, who shot just 38.8 percent from the field, including a woeful 7 of 33 (21.2 percent) from behind the arc. Game 4 is Sunday in New York.

Hawks 130, Celtics 122

Trae Young had game highs of 32 points and nine assists to lead host Atlanta to a victory over Boston in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Young, who added six rebounds and two blocked shots, was 12-of-22 from the field and scored nine consecutive points as the Hawks finished up the win. Dejounte Murray added 25 points for Atlanta, which lost the first two games of the series in Boston. Game 4 will be played Sunday night in Atlanta.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

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

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

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

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

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

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

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

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

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

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

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

Boston trailed 124-121 and had the ball, but Jayson Tatum missed a 3-point attempt and Young made a jumper on the ensuing possession to put the Hawks up 126-121 with 45.5 seconds to play.

Tatum led the Celtics with 29 points and 10 rebounds and added five assists.

Marcus Smart finished with 24 points, eight assists and three steals, and Malcolm Brogdon scored 17 points.

(Field Level Media)

Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin (16) during game two of the 2023 NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)

Titans deny Super Giants top spot as Mohit sparkles in dramatic finish

SportsMax - Gujarat

Titanstookfourwicketsina dramaticfinalovertoclinch a seven-run win against the Lucknow Super Giants, denying their opponents top spot in the Indian Premier League as Mohit Sharma starred.

The Titans were limited to 135-6 on a tricky surface, andtheSuperGiantslooked set to edge a low-scoring affairwhenKLRahulstarted therunchasestrongly

However, a man-of-thematch display from Mohit –who took 2-17 and closed

out a final over containing fourdismissals–ensuredthe Titans snatched a dramatic successatthelast.

The Titans made a poor startwiththebatasShubman Gillwentforaduck,handing Ravi Bishnoi a catch in the deep from just his second

ball, but his exit allowed Wriddhiman Saha and HardikPandyatotakeupthe mantle.

Saha was caught off Krunal Pandya’s bowling three runs shy of his halfcentury, but Hardik remained steady as the

wickets tumbled around him,hitting66off50ballsto keep the Titans in contention.

Hardik’s knock looked an excellent one on a slow surface, but the Titans skipper saw brother Krunal join Marcus Stoinis in claiming two wickets to leave the Super Giants chasinganattainabletotal.

Rahul led the run chase, accumulating68off61balls, buttheTitansteedupatense finishwhenNicholasPooran (1) swept into the hands of Hardik with three overs remaining.

Having kept things tight to leave the Super Giants needing 10 from five deliveries, Mohit decided the contest by having Rahul and Stoinis (0) caught off successiveballs,withAyush Badoni and Deepak Hooda run out at the last as the Titans claimed a remarkable win.MohitthestarasTitans holdon

When Mohit regained the ball after 17 overs, the Super Giants were chasing 23 runs from 18 balls with seven wickets in hand and looked destined to leapfrog

the Rajasthan Royals at the topoftheIPLstandings.

However, Mohit concededjusteightrunsover his final two overs with the ball,withhisfiguresof2-17 – and his role in having BadoniandHoodarunoutat thelast–guidinghisteamto victory Hardik edges family affairSaturday’sgamesaw Hardik pitted against older brother Krunal, who looked set to edge this family affair after getting two wickets and supporting Rahulwithaknockof23. However, a series of late wickets ensured Hardik’s Titans came out on top, maintaining his excellent record as skipper

Hardik has won 75 per cent of his games as captain in the IPL(15/20) – the best such rate of any player to have led their side in the competition.

Scores: Gujarat Titans 135 for 6 (Hardik 66, Saha 47, Krunal 2-16, Stoinis 220) beat Lucknow Super Giants 128 for 7 (Rahul 68, Noor 2-18, Mohit 2-17) by sevenruns.

That’s the end ofAyush Badoni, the third wicket in the final over. (AFP/Getty Images)

Mohit Sharma was nerveless in the death as Gujarat Titans closed out an improbable win. (BCCI)

Mahrez hat-trick sends Man City into FA Cup final

LONDON, (Reuters)Riyad Mahrez scored a hattrick as Manchester City snapped their losing streak inFACupsemi-finalswitha 3-0 stroll over second-tier Sheffield United at Wembleyyesterday

Afterexitingatthesemifinal stage for the last three seasons, Pep Guardiola’s treble-chasingside were not abouttosufferthesamefate and won without requiring topgear C h a m p i o n s h i p promotion hopefuls United beganbrightlyandfrustrated Cityformostofthefirsthalf butMahrezfiredCityahead from the penalty spot in the 43rdminute.

Mahrez then waltzed through some flimsy defending to make it 2-0 in the 61st minute and completed his hat-trick five minutes later with a clinical finish from Jack Grealish’s lowcross.ItwasthefirstFA Cup semi-final hat-trick since Alex Dawson for Manchester United against Fulhamin1958.

“ThequalityofRiyadwe have seen for many years in this country, also with Leicester,”Guardiolasaidof a player not always guaranteedastartingplaceat City “Heisahugementality competitor Huge ambition toscoregoals.Scoringatthe end of the first half was so important.”

Cityhavenotconcededa

goal and scored 17 in reaching their 12th FA Cup final in which they could face Manchester United in what would be the s h o w p i e c e ’s f i r s t Manchesterclash.

United are up against Brighton & HoveAlbion on Sunday

Withthetiesafelyinthe bag, Guardiola substituted Grealish and goal machine ErlingHaalandwithoneeye on Wednesday’s looming Premier League showdown withArsenal.

Cityarealsointhesemifinals of the Champions Leaguewheretheywillface Spanish holders Real Madrid.

Itprovedadisappointing day for Sheffield United who last won the FA Cup almost 100 years ago, although the Yorkshire club’s priority will be sealing promotion back to the top flight after being relegatedin2021.

City’s Guardiola spoke of the fatigue of his side’s relentlessfixtureschedulein the build-up to the semifinal.

But apart from a couple of anxious moments in the opening minutes, one of which saw Iliman Ndiaye denied from close range by the legs of City’s secondchoice goalkeeper Stefan Moreno, this was about as stress-freeasitgets.Thegulf in class between the two

sides was summed up by City’s 79% possession and by the fact that Moreno was largely a spectator against a side second in the Championship.

United thought they would arrive at halftime level with the English champions but a poorlytimed tackle by Daniel Jebbison on Bernardo Silva gave referee Stuart Attwell aneasydecision.

Mahrez slotted the kick home to send City in ahead and the Algerian could hardly believe his luck just pastthehourwhenhepicked the ball up in the centre circleandsaunteredthrough unchallenged to shoot past WesFoderingham.

Grealish then dazzled United’s defence before cutting back a pass for Mahreztoconvert.

“It is an honour to be in the FACup final on 3 June. We will be here. Today we played really good, everyone was serious,” Guardiola, whose side can seizecontrolofthetitlerace if they beat Arsenal on Wednesday,said.

As a spectacle it was a disappointing affair and while Sheffield United’s fans made the most of their day, the thousands of empty seats in the huge stadium gave more ammunition to those who disagree with semi-finals being played at Wembley

Salmon runs 57.30 to win 400m hurdles season opener at Michael Johnson Invitational Kentucky’s Turner, Charlton take long jump titles

SportsMax - Shiann

Salmon, Jordan Turner and Anthaya Charlton were among the winners on day one of the 2023 M i c h a e l J o h n s o n

Invitational held at the Clyde Hart Stadium in TexasonFriday

Adidas’ Salmon, silver medallist at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, produced 57 30 to win

the Women’s 200m behind Adidas’ Anavia Battle (22 58)

a n d W o r l d Championship finalist

Abby Steiner’s stadium record22.30.

Turner, the 20-year-old Jamaican Kentucky freshman, continued his

solid form this season with 7.80mtowintheMen’slong jump ahead of another Jamaican, Nebraska sophomore Kavian Kerr, who jumped 7 70m Northwestern State’s Andrew Gilreath was third with7.45m.

Turner’s Kentucky teammate, Bahamian freshman Anthaya Charlton, took first place in the Women’s equivalent with 6.39m ahead of Iowa’s Tiona Tobias and Ashley McElmurry, who both produced a best jump of 6.25m.

Manchester City’s Erling Braut Haaland in action with Sheffield United’s Jack Robinson. (Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff)

Milo U18 School Football Championship…

Chase’sAcademic Foundation (on ball) were constantly on the attack against Mackenzie High.

Santa Rosa, Chase’s Academic to vie for title tonight

Mackenzie, Carmel battle for third

Over 24 hours of inclement weather almost gaveascaretotheorganisers of the Nestlé-sponsored Milo Under-18 Schools Football Tournament, but their continuous dedication toupgradingtheMinistryof Education (MoE) facility,

has allowed them to forge a path to culminate the event thisevening.

After 62 matches which, produced a total of 313 goals, it will be the impressive Santa Rosa and the up-tempo Chase’s Academic Foundation

(CAF) locking horns in the finalefortophonours.

Prior to that match which, is to be contested under lights, Mackenzie High and Carmel are scheduled to collide in the third place showdown. The Linden versus Georgetown clash kicks off proceedings at 16:00 hrs then the finale gets underway from 18:00 hrs.

At stake is for the ninth edition’s winner is the Milo Cup, $300,000 towards 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 last, the semifinal round unfolded at the same venue as CAF became the first team to moveonwhentheydefeated MackenzieHigh,3–0,inthe opening match while Santa Rosaprogressedwitha2–1

result over Carmel in the othersemi-final.

Forthefinalists,theyare the only two teams in the tournament that are undefeated, but only one team will keep that status when the dust settles in a finalethatfeaturestwosides that have recorded remarkablestatsthusfar

CAF enters this showdownwithawhopping 37 goals from the six matches they’ve played while Santa Rosa sports 27 goals from an equal amount of encounters However, CAFconcededonlyonegoal intheGroupstageandtwoin the elimination while Santa Rosa has conceded three goals in the knockout stage andtwointheGroupstage.

The two teams have displayed contrasting gameplays throughout their campaigns, so it is anticipated to be an exhilarating climax An admission fee of $500 is set for fans to witness the event’sfinalfourinaction. 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.

Kennard Memorial Turf Club will be holding Horserace meets on CARICOM, Boxing Days

The highly rated Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC), at Bush Lot FarmCorentyne,Berbiceis regarded as the premiere horseracing facility in the country It will be staging two more major horse race meets for the year The club, like most in the country has annual or traditional racing dates and two such is their CARICOM meet and the BoxingDaymeet.

The racing entity is led by Matriarch and Honorary President Mrs Chan Kennard who took over the reins from her late husband Retired Chancellor Justice CecilKennard.

Speaking to the media recently Mrs Kennard stated that despite some smalltalksinsomecorners, therearenoimpedimentsto the KMTC staging their

traditional CARICOM Day and Boxing Day horserace meets. She said that there are rules and regulations and things must be done properly and in order and personsmustnotbeallowed to play bully “The KMTC willbetryingitsbesttohelp the small horse owners, many of whom do not get much out of the sport because of how it is done. Races are not fixed for them, we must help them. There are many horses around and the local horse owners must have an opportunity to get something out of the sport. Itistimethatwepushthose horses up and put some money in the pockets of t h o s e o w n e r s

There is no point you have yourhorsesinthestableand t h e y c a n ’ t r u n ”

As such the KMTC has

made a decision to stage racesfromGandlower The dates are set for Monday July3,CARICOMmeetand Tuesday December 26th BoxingDayMeet.

A keen follower of the sport, Mrs Kennard stated the recent meeting with horse owners and other connections was very informative Since that meeting the Club has been bombarded with calls for another meeting and plans are in train to keep a follow up ShesaidthattheKMTC has constantly been doing workonthetrackinaneffort to keep the turf in excellent shape Stating that they do notwanthorsesandjockeys to fall and get serious injuries.Shehasalsojoined the call for the urgent passageoftheHorseRacing Legislation (Samuel Whyte)

Arkansas’s Nugent runs meet record 11.13 for 100m victory at John McDowell Invitational in Fayetteville

SportsMax - Arkansas

junior Ackera Nugent produced a meet record

11.13 to win the Women’s 100m at the 2023 John McDonnell Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Friday Nugent, who set a collegiaterecord7.72onher way to claiming the NCAA Indoor 60m hurdles title in March, won ahead of the USA’s Jayda Baylark (11.24) and her Arkansas teammate Ariane Linton (11.31).

Another Jamaican Arkansas junior, Phillip Lemonious, took first place intheMen’s110mhurdlesin 13.77 ahead of teammates Matthew Lewis-Banks (13.90) and Brevin Sims (14.05).BahamianGabrielle Gibson ran 13.07 to win the Women’s 100m hurdles ahead of Missouri

Southern’s Kiara Smith (13.22) and Ashley Wallace of Kansas, who also did 13.81inthird.Allthreetimes werepersonalbests.

The men’s 400m was also filled with personal bests with Harding’s Dakari Bushtakingthewinin46.00 overArkansas’sJeremyFarr (46.45) and Kansas’ Grant Lockwood(46.63).

Jamaican Arkansas sophomore Nickisha Pryce ranapersonalbestandmeet record 51.47 to win the Women’s equivalent over teammate’s Paris Peoples (52.19) and Aaliyah pratt (53.36).

Jamaican freshman Devontie Archer added to Arkansas’ dominant day with a personal best 51.50 for victory in the Men’s 400m hurdles over Kansas’ Jameir Colbert (52.34) and

Missouri’s Zachary Charles (53.28).

St Vincent & the Grenadines’ Shafiqua Maloneytookthetitleinthe Women’s 800m in a meet record and season’s best 2:03.20 ahead of the USA’s HonourFinley(2:03.62)and Arkansas’s Lainey Quandt (2:05.58).

In the field, Arkansas sophomore Ralford Mullings threw a meet record 60.71m to win the Men’s discus ahead of the Kansas pair of Dimitrios Pavlidis (57 93m) and PatrickLarrison(55.87m).

The Men’s shot put saw Arkansas senior Roje Stona produce a meet record and personal best 20.08m for victory ahead of Jamaica’s Rajindra Campbell (19 98m) and Arkansas’s JordanWest(18.99m).

Lukaku’s ban overturned in statement against racism

REUTERS-InterMilan

striker Romelu Lukaku will playintheCoppaItaliasemifinal second leg against JuventusonWednesdayafter his one-match ban was overturned on Saturday by the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) as a measure to fight racism.Inter expressed their disappointment on Friday whenItaly’sSportsCourtof Appeal upheld the ban for Lukaku, imposed after his expulsion for a second yellow card, saying the Belgian player had been punished despite being racially abused in the semifinal’sfirstleg.

H o w e v e r, F I G C

President Gabriele Gravina overturned the suspension afterevaluatingthereportof the Federal Prosecutor’s Office,thefederationsaid.

The report indicated “unequivocally that the behaviour of the player sanctioned by the match directorfollowedtheserious and repeated displays of h a t r e d a n d r a c i a l discrimination by the opposing fans”, the FIGC statementadded.

“The measure reiterates how the fight against all forms of racism constitutes

Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku. (REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini)

one of the founding principles of the sporting system,”itsaid.

Lukaku was happy with the decision, saying the president had shown great sensitivitytothesituation.

“I believe that thanks to his intervention justice has beendoneandthissendsout agreatmessagetothewhole world of sport and beyond,” Lukakusaid.

“Thishasshownthatthe desire is there to fight racism.”

Thestrikerwassubjected to racial abuse during the first leg at Juventus “before, during,andafterthepenalty” he scored to earn Inter a 1-1 draw, the player’s representativessaid.

Lukaku was then sent off after receiving a second yellow card for his goal celebration during which he held his finger up to his mouth in front of Juve fans, a gesture which w a s j udged to be provocative.

Ackera Nugent (middle) took home the Women’s 100m ahead of Jada Baylark (right) and Ariane Linton (left). (Arkansas Track & Field)

RHTYSC congratulates Kelvon Anderson

The President and members of the Rose Hall TownYouthandSportsClub would like to specially congratulate our member KelvonAndersononscoring his maiden first division century - 153 versus the Headley XI in the Cricket W e s t I n d i e s Headley/Weekes cricket

series. The club is full of pride and joy at Kelvon’s achievement and we are confidentthatitwouldbethe first of many more to come inthefuture.

Kelvon joined the RHTYSC in 2011 when he accompanied his older brother to practice and in 2013, his talent was

recognized when he was named the Cricketer of our annual cricket academy, which attracted over one hundred youths from across the county. Kelvon has represented the club at the under15, 17, 19, 21 and 23 levels along with intermediate, second and first division. He presently

servesascaptainoftheRose Hall Town NAMILCO

Thunderbolt Flour First Division team and has been one of the top performers withthebatoverthelastfive years. He is one of several exciting young players that has emerged from the RHTYSC as a result of a carefullydevelopedplan.

The others include West IndiesplayerKevinSinclair, AmazonWarriorsallrounder Junior Sinclair, promising pacer Slyus Tyndall, off s p i n n e r J o n a t h a n Rampersaud, West Indies players Sheneta Grimmond and Shabika Gajnabi, Matthew Pottaya and JermeySandiaamongmany others.

The RHTYSC would like to salute the official sponsors of the club who have all contributed to the development of Kelvon Anderson cricketing career and they are Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Bakewell,

DDL/Pepsi, Gizmos and Gadgets and NAMILCO

ThunderboltFlour.Aspecial thank you also, to the numerous coaches who worked with our youths especially Winston Smith.

The RHTYSC is committed to upholding our pattern of excellence and we look

forward to producing more players like Kelvon in the future.

We would also like to urge him to remain focused and to remember the club formula of success as he pattern his career -faith in God, hard work, honesty, disciplineanddedication.

KelvonAnderson (CWI)

GFF signs another MOU for Scholarship Programme with MACORP

Guyana Football

Federation President Wayne Forde and Machinery Corporation of Guyana

( M A C O R P ) C h i e f Executive Officer Mr Guillermo Escarraga on F r i d a y s i g n e d a M e m o r a n d u m o f

Understanding (MoU) for a period of one (1) year to allowthecontinuationofthe excavator and technician scholarship programme for footballersinGuyana.

The simple ceremony was held on April 21 at MACORP Headquarters in Providence, East Bank Demerara, and attended by Ms. Saskia Eastman,Acting Chief Executive Officer, BoardofIndustrialTraining, MinistryofLabourandGFF andMACORPofficials.

The scholarship was launched in 2021 and a total of 21 male and female footballers have completed the three-week training programme and are now certified MACORP operators. This new 2023 MoU provides for an additionaleleven(11)young footballerstoaccessthislifechangingskillsdevelopment

scholarshipprogramme.

GFF President Forde saidthepartnershipbetween the Federation and MACORP will continue to haveapositiveimpactonthe lives of footballers by equipping them with a key skill that is now in high demand in Guyana, thus enabling them to be better prepared for life after football.

“The skills and the certification they would have earned is going to benefit them whether they choosetousethatskilltoday, or two to three years down theroad.

For many of them, they are acquiring an invaluable skill at a time when the demand for skill labour in Guyanaisatitshighestinour Country’shistory Thisisdue primarily to the aggressive transformational national development agenda being pursuedbyPresidentAliand theGovernmentofGuyana.

These young men and women will be much better prepared for life after football, much more so than many former players that wouldpavedthewayforthe

GFF President

bounty of opportunities this new generation of footballersareenjoying.

The GFF is a player centered organization, It is thereforemyvisiontocreate more skill and educational opportunities for our footballersandtoencourage and challenge Corporate Guyana to consider and p e r h a p s e m u l a t e MACORP’s example of goodwilltowardstheyouths ofourNation.”

He thanked MACORP for their commitment to footballdevelopmentonand off the pitch and

congratulated the players whohavegraduatedfromthe programmeoverthelasttwo years. “All of the players whowehaveenteredintothe programme to date have completedtheprogrammeso this is an accomplishment that we are particularly proudof,”Fordeshared.

MACORP CEO Mr Guillermo Escarraga added that the past graduates “did very well They actually attended all the classes and we had good feedback from our trainers.” Mr Escarraga also noted that his company wantsgraduatestoutilisethe

skillsacquiredbyworkingin theindustry

“We want to see engagement. That is very important that they actually see this as an opportunity...a

once in a lifetime opportunity Not everybody would have that chance, so wewanttoseethoseselected show up on time, make sure thattheydo theassignments andtobeabletoprovidethe trainerswithfeedback.

We want them to be engaged in the industry At the end of the day, this is whatreallymattersthatthey canactuallygoandperform.

Labour Ministry Board of Industrial Training CEO Acting Ms. Saskia Eastman saidshewaspleasedthatthe GFF is focusing on the development of the players for life after football so that they can “provide for their families,communityandthe countryatlarge.

The GFF under the leadership of President Forde through strategic partnerships with corporate Guyana continues to focus on equipping footballers with crucial skills that will better prepare them for life afterfootball.

Punjab Kings edge Mumbai Indians in high-scoring clash at Wankhede

SportsMax - A highscoring affair in the Indian Premier League ended with PunjabKingsclaiminga13run victory over Mumbai Indiansyesterday

Harpreet Singh Bhatia and Sam Curran’s 92-run partnership set the Kings on their way to setting a target of 215, which Mumbai briefly looked like they could knock off until Arshdeep Singh’s supreme finalover

After hitting Cameron Green for four in the third over, Punjab opener

Matthew Short (11) went after his fellow Australian againnextballandendedup finding only the safe hands ofPiyushChawla(2-15).

Prabhsimran Singh was goingwellbeforeaswinging yorkerfromArjunTendulkar trapped him lbw for 26, while Chawla claimed both Liam Livingstone (10) and AtharvaTaide(29).

The Kings’ run rate slowed right down after that flurryof wickets,butBhatia (41)andcaptainCurran(55) steadied the ship before stepping on the accelerator in the 16th over, hitting 31 runsfromit,andafurther26 fromthenextninedeliveries beforeBhatiaplayedaGreen ballontohisownstumps.

Curran reached his halfcentury before falling to England team-mate Jofra Archer(1-42),thoughJitesh Sharma arrived and shone brightly but briefly as he hit 25 from just seven balls, before being bowled by Jason Behrendorff in the final over as the Kings finishedon214-8.

Ishan Kishan (1) fell early in reply, but Rohit Sharma and Green put on a partnership of 76 to take a chunk out of the imposing target.

Livingstone eventually removed Rohit for 44,

caught and bowled from a sloppyshot,butSuryakumar Yadav picked up where his captain left off with a fiery innings.

Green smashed 67 from 43 balls before a slower delivery from Nathan Ellis saw him find the safe hands of Curran, but Suryakumar

kept going, reaching his 50 from just 23 balls, though aftergettinghisteambackin the game, he was gone after hitting Arshdeep (4-29) straighttoTaidefor57.

Tim David (25 from 13) forcedareachablefinalover chase,withMumbaineeding 16, but a superb six balls from Arshdeep, including twomorewickets,endedany hopes as they could only manage201-6.

Curran and Bhatia lay thetableforsuccess

It was very smart play by Curran and Bhatia to lay a calm foundation before piling on the runs, with their 92-run partnership the secondhighestforthefifthwicket by a Kings duo in IPL history Punjab scored 96 runsofftheirlastfiveovers, withonlyRoyalChallengers Bangalore having struck moreinthelastfiveoversof an innings in IPL history

(112 vs Gujarat Lions, May 2016).

Rohitreaches250

Itwasanobleeffortfrom Mumbai Indians as they chased a big target, with Green and Suryakumar making impressive contributions, though it was Rohit who achieved a notablelandmark.

He became just the third batter and first Indian to reach 250 sixes in the IPL after Chris Gayle (357) and ABdeVilliers(251).

He is also just one maximum away from becoming just the second player to reach 200 maximums for M u m b a i i n t h e competition after Kieron Pollard(223).

Scores: Punjab Kings 214for8(Curran55,Bhatia 41, Chawla 2-15) beat Mumbai Indians 210 for 6 (Green 67, Suryakumar 57, Arshdeep4-29)by13runs.

Wayne Forde and MACORPCEO Mr. Guillermo Escarraga on Friday signed a MoU for a period of one (1) year to allow the continuation of the excavator and technician scholarship programme for footballers.

It was even stevens when the last over started, butArshdeep Singh made sure the result went his team’s way. (BCCI)

Sports

Sheffield United’s Jack Robinson in action with Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez. (Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff)

CAF captain Seon Cato (left) and Santa Rosa captain Ron Vonsluytman display the Tournament Hardware.

Darius Williams (left) and Ian Daniels both scored for Santa Rosa and Carmel in the semifinal.