Kaieteur News

New $2.5B North West Ferry has “business oriented seats”

-saysPresidentashecommissionedthevessel

President Mohamed Irfaan

A l i o n S u n d a y commissioned the new $2.5B(US$12.7M)NorthWestFerry calledtheMVMaLisha.

The commissioning ceremony was held at the GuySuCo Sugar Terminal, Ruimveldt Georgetown. During his speech the president described the vessel as one with “business oriented seats” while adding that it much quicker than the currentferry,MVBarimathattravels toPortKaituma,NorthWestDistrict, RegionOne.

The MV Barima takes almost 24 hrs to arrive in Port Kaituma but according to President Ali, the MV MaLishacandoitin15.

He also said that the new ferry will save the Transport and Harbour Department millions of dollars in operatingcost.

“Twelve million dollars is spent every month to maintain the current NorthWestvesseleverymonth”said AliashereasonedthatMVMaLisha consumessignificantlylessfuelthan theMVBarima.

He believes that because of its lowfuelconsumption,thenewvessel willcostwaylesstooperate.

Apart from its efficiency and

business oriented seats, the MV Ma Lisha can carry 276 passengers, 18 crew members, and 14 sedan-type vehiclesalongwithtwotrucks.

Thevesselisalsosaidtobefully air conditioned and has VIP cabins withself-containedrooms.

Thereisalsoacoldroomforcold storage onboard of meat and other perishable goods. Mv Ma Lisha will also be equipped with Wifi so that passengerscanstayconnectedduring their 15-hour long travel to Port Kaituma.

The government was able to acquire this vessel via a loan it obtained from the Indian government Part of the loan conditionwasthattheMVMaLisha hadtobebuiltinIndia.

The deal was signed in 2021 and an Indian company, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited based in Kolkata, India, was tasked with the design and construction of the Vessel They were able to complete it in 23 months and in January, 2023 it was flagged to Guyana.

It departed Kolkata to Chennai and then Trinidad before finally docking in Georgetown, Guyana earlierthismonth.

The MV Ma Lisha docked at the GuySuCo terminal (NCN photos)

Man wanted for murder of ex-lover found floating in Canje Creek

Driver critical, passenger injured after bus crashes at Land of Canaan

A minibus driver is critical and his along the eastern side of the road when he passenger injured after he crashed on lost control of his minibus and crashed into Saturday into a metal rail along the East therail.

Bank Demerara (EBD) Highway at Land of As a result of the collision, the bust Canaan. flippedseveraltimesbeforecomingtoahalt.

Hospitalized at the Georgetown Public Primo and DeFretas had to be pulled out Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is Joel of the bus and rushed to the Diamond Primo. The injured passenger was identified Hospital. Doctors there referred them to the as28-year-oldCynthiaDeFretas. Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Primo was reportedly travelling south wheretheywerebothadmitted.

Guyana participating in WTCA General Assembly

Murdered, Telisha Domandeo Found floating in trench, Sunil Durga

Days after a wanted wrapped in a multicolored Domandeo’s relatives bulletin was issued for 50- blanket with her head almost reported to the Blairmont year-old Sunil Durga for the severed. Police Station that she was abduction and murder of the The discovery was made abducted. mother of his child, 36-year- around 07:00 hours at Betsy Durga was listed as a old Telisha Domandeo, the Ground Village, East Canje suspect since then and suspect was on Sunday Berbice. checks by the police had morning found dead floating The police reported that provenfutile. intheCanjeCreek,Berbice. the murder occurred up the Domandeo was last seen

Uptopresstime,Durga’s Canje River, some three alive when she left her causeofdeathisunknown.A miles from where they Crabwood Creek home for bulletin was issued on April discovered Domandeo’s her mother’s residence 21, for Durga following the body and a mattress and located at Blairmont. About gruesome discovery of pillowwithbloodstains. a week later the woman was Domandeo’s lifeless body O n A p r i l 1 4 , discoveredmurdered.

Speeding motorcyclists die in head-on crash at Timehri

Two motorcyclists on Saturdaynightlosttheirlives following a head-on collision on the Timehri Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

Dead are: 20-year-old RomeoReidand31-year-old LeonardoReevers.

According to the police, theaccidentoccurredaround 21:30 hours on Saturday night. The accident involved a motorcycle CJ 7405, driven by Reid of Lot 30 Hyde Park Timehri, and motorcycle CG 9504 driven byReeversofBlockR.Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara.

It was stated that Reid Reeversovertookamotorcar in an unconscious state and along with pillion rider Leon and ended up on the eastern taken to the Diamond Burnette, were proceeding sideoftheroad.Thisresulted Diagnostic Centre where south along the eastern side in the head-on collision with Reid and Reevers were of Timehri Public Road Reidontheothermotorcycle examined by a doctor on reportedly at a fast rate of which was proceeding in the duty and died whilst speed. It is understood that oppositedirection. receivingtreatment. neither Reid nor Burnette As a result of the The pillion rider, werewearingsafetyhelmets. collision, both motorcyclists Burnette was also seen and Similarly, Reevers was and the pillion rider fell onto examined by a doctor and not wearing a safety helmet the roadway receiving admitted as a patient in the and was proceeding north injuries to their heads and male surgical ward suffering along the western side of the abouttheirbodies. from pain in the body and road, also at a fast rate of The injured men were lacerations to the face. His speed. picked up by Police ranks condition is regarded as The Police reported that and public-spirited citizens, stable.

Guyana, through the World Trade Centre Georgetown will be making its debut participating in the 53rd annual General AssemblyoftheWorldTrade Centres Association (WTCA)inAccra,Ghana. According to a press statement the event commenced on Sunday and business, government, General Assembly is willrununtilFridayApril28, academia, media, and attracting more than 200 2023. international organizations, delegatesdrawnfromaround

G u y a n a w i l l b e reflecting the WTCA’s the world and is featuring an

represented at the WTCA diverseglobalfootprint. exhibition and a series of General Assembly, having WTC Georgetown business -to –business secured a license in May Executive Chairman, Komal meetings among companies 2022 for the setting up of Samaroo, who is also an and centers with mutual World Trade Centre Executive of DDL, said that interest.

Georgetown. This license is this meeting offers This year, the General held by Demerara Distillers tremendous opportunities Assembly will include Limited (DDL), a leading for businesses to network roundtables and discussions manufacturing entity in and connect in the quest to on key trade issues, Guyana and the Caribbean expandglobaltrade. including keynote remarks Community (CARICOM) “Our participation from H.E. Dr. Mahamudu with a reputable global provides for DDL to Bawumia, Vice President of footprint. highlight and promote our the Republic of Ghana, and

It was announced last range of products on yet special remarks from H.E. year that following talks another international Wamkele Mene, Secretary- between the CARICOM, the platformandtoprovideother General of the Africa New York-based WTCA, Guyanese businesses, Continental Free Trade andDDL,Guyanawillbethe especiallysmallandmedium Agreement (AfCFTA) host of the first World Trade size enterprises with access SecretariatonMonday,April CentreintheCaribbean. to training, information on 24.

WTC Georgetown emerging global trends, and Moreover, on Sunday, Executive Director, Brian guidance on strategies for WTC Georgetown released W e s l e y K i r t o n i s findingnewmarkets. its corporate brochure and is participating in the General Of course, it also scheduled to officially Assembly which will feature provides an opportunity to launch its web site later this new WTCA members at a highlight the developments week. sessiononTuesdaymorning. taking place in Guyana and It was stated that DDL is

The WTCA General the range of investment and currently repurposing its A s s e m b l y i s t h e joint venture opportunities formerheadquartersonHigh association’s premier annual currently available as our Street, Kingston, in the event and brings together economy grows,” Samaroo capital Georgetown, to WTCA members and their added. house a state-of-the-art global business networks

It was stated that the WorldTradeCenterfacility consisting of leaders from

Dead, Leonardo Reevers.

Dead, Romeo Reid

Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

No one is above the law

Inconceptandtheory,thereisacomfortingringabout that sentence. There is a powerful, inspiring,

electricalsurgeinallthatthosesixwordsinthatshort sentence signify National leaders, the rich, the famous, the believed untouchable, and the unreachable, have all been brought down by the majestic justness of the law, when it is allowedtofunctiontoitsfullestflower

In its simplest, most profound essence: break the law, and there will be consequences. This is as sure as the earth revolves on its axis with unerring constancy, with timeless, unchangingperfection.

Allofthisisupsidedown,renderedimpotent,inwhathas been happening in Guyana, what has been inflicted upon Guyanese, by a vile and vicious group of individuals, most likely of local political origins, and political backing. Guyanese have been mauled and made into objects of contempt, through secret concoctions of the malicious and the reprehensible by this group of believed politically sponsoredindividuals.

Decent,hardworking,principledGuyanesecitizenshave beenattackedandassaultedinwaysindescribable,otherthan to say that characteristics have been of an animalistic, primitive, criminal kind. Yet even those are too kind, too limited, to encircle what has been the record of this group usingtechnologytointimidate,silence.

Online facilities have been misused to spit venom on thosehelddisagreeable,hencetargetsforgoringandgutting.

Thegiveawayofthegroup'sidentityisthatthosesmeared andscorchedhavefounddisfavorinhighPPPCGovernment circles.

The unforgivable crime of conscientious citizens is to disagree, worse yet to object publicly The crime that calls for special punishment is when outspoken citizens keep on protesting,continuestandingagainst,andrepeatedlyexpress positions that clash with the narratives of a Government that failscrutiny

There has been no limit to the vileness that is then unleashed on commentators, reporters, and other public contributors.

What is troubling is that this group, widely accepted as a shadowy PPPC Government affiliate, is well protected. Its members are, for all intents and purposes, insulated from the reach of the law when terrible crimes have been committed. Libel is a start, with untold defamations following, but the groupisbarricadedfromthelaw.

This group has been immune from the long arm of the Guyana Police Force, and its cybercrime unit. It is beyond doubt that this Government group of schemers and lawbreakers live in an extraordinary safe harbor that is unbreachablebypoliceprobe,societalwrathanddisgust,and thescalesofjustice.

Because of all these realities, and what has been our own experience over the years, including recently, we at this publication have to sharply question how blind justice really is in Guyana (under the PPPC Government), and how come this group is above the law (as shielded by the same Government).

We return to that powerful statement: no one is above the law Plusanotherworthyofdeepconsideration:government oflawsandnotmen.

Clearly, the law applies to most Guyanese, but not this online group of Government fanatics, who wound and scar patrioticGuyaneseutilizingtheirconstitutionalrights,doing theirjob,beingresponsiblecitizens.

It is interesting and helpful that Vice President Jagdeo finally found the light inside to condemn publicly what was theworkofthisodiousonlinegroup,butthatdidn'tgoaninch further Noticeably, soon after he spoke, the post was removed.

Isthissecretiveonlinegroupbiggerthan,orrelatedto,the

Slashing Parent Company Guarantee from Full Coverage to $2B is a sellout to Exxon

DEAREDITOR, FullLiabilityCoverage= as to who will cover costs incorporated in the

All Guyanese, our Insurance+ParentCompany overthat$2.6B. Bahamas, with very little Caribbean neighbors, and Guarantee for all remaining Though far less than assets, and set up as a Venezuela, must now be costs enough, theVPanswers this, Limited Liability Company worried sick by the This is similar to having by putting forth that (LLC) to operate Guyana’s Honorable VP Jagdeo’s health or car insurance, EEPGL’s$8Binassetscould oilprojects.LLCsaremainly announcing that slashing the where insurance covers a beseized. formed to protect the deep parent company guarantee certain percentage of the bill However, as sanctified pocket big boys like Exxon fromfullcoverage,downtoa and you have to foot the in the contract, all of fromliabilities. piddly $2 Billion USD, remainder.

EEPGL’s assets will be As a reslt, Exxon has no “remainsapriority”. Likewise, in the case of turned over to us “free of legal connection to the This in-your-face sellout an oil spill such as the charge”, since we paid for Contract or permits, and so, and betrayal of our people, Macondo in the Gulf of theseincostoil. free of all liabilities; hence, not only throws out the Mexico,a$2Bguaranteeand Thismeanstheseizingof whyitwasnecessarytohook existing legal full liability the $600M USD insurance, ourownassetsissenseless.It them in, with a full Parent coverage which the only add up to $2.6B which also begs the question, why Company Guarantee, which government has so cowardly islessthan2%ofMacondo’s did EEPGL get incorporated legallysecuresthattheyhave failed to enforce; but also, $145Bcost. in the Bahamas and not to pay for all damages not cold-bloodedly exposes The remaining $142.4B Guyana, and would this in coveredbyinsurance. Guyanaandourneighborsto have to come from itself, shackle Guyana from An eye opener is where potential economic ruins, in somewhere; thus, the accessing any of their little ShellOiliscurrentlyfighting theeventofamajoroilspill. absolute necessity for a full money,anyway? an oil spill lawsuit by Full Liability Coverage hook in of EEPGL’s parent Therefore, the VP must Nigerians; and you guessed as enshrined in the permits, companyExxontocoverthis identify which assets not right! Shell’s defence is that equals insurance plus a r e m a i n d e r , s i n c e owned by the Government, it is not responsible for its parentcompanyguaranteeto unaffordable for EEPGL in adduptothis$8B. subsidiary under which the cover “any” costs above suchascenario. EEPGL is only a spilloccurred. insurance. In mathematical Without this full hook in, subsidiary of parent TheVPhimself, parlance: there must be an explanation c o m p a n y E x x o n , (Continued on page 6)

GOAL programmes-Invaluable for the Country

DEAREDITOR, ofParliament. waterways, airport and so Community; Creating

I recently read that At the time, she detailed many other infrastructural Modern Society; Bridging “Seniors (over 60), enrolled that “ the Opposition developments. the Borders; Creating equal at York (in Canada) may Members have criticized I think of the fact that we opportunities; Creating have all, or part of their this initiative (GOAL), cannolongerlimitourselves equal opportunities; and academic fees waived at the including the fact that the to the University of Guyana, IntroducingEmpowerment. domestic fee rate, for York University of Guyana is not and like she pointed out, Thus, I firmly support University degree credit p a r t o f t h e G O A L “While the University of GOAL and advise that the courses. programme, they are also Guyana is an excellent nation capitalise on it

Whatawonderfulwayto beneficiariesofit institution run by brilliant According to the feedback go. It’s a start, but how much Imagine! I love the fact minds, we acknowledge that from many beneficiaries, betterthiswouldhavehelped thatshehadtoelucidatethat ithasafarwaytogo,andthe “The programmes offered if this offer had been “Guyana is developing at a government is committed to by the Guyana Online extended to say people in rapidpace,andtosatisfythe providing the requisite Academy of Learning their younger days, even if growing needs of the labour support for it to advance.” (GOAL) are playing a huge notthefull‘feecoverage.’ market, we need to act fast

Thus, I agree with her that part in bolstering the

So here in Guyana, we to produce the professionals “GOAL is an exceptional c a p a b i l i t i e s o f t h e have to be very grateful that that are required to take platform that offers wider education system in we have the ongoing GOAL, advantage of the growing and more convenient Guyana, as more teachers devoid of any monetary and opportunities ” opportunities for a higher complete these courses to age prohibition or exclusion. I mean this is how education.” advance their skills in the Itissimplyfree,butnottobe visionaries and planners If I were to compile a list classrooms.” taken for granted, not operate of the benefits of GOAL, it And this is just in one slighted. ‘Knee-Jerk’ reactions may take quite some doing. category

Inotethatalongthisline, always leave chaos Guyana However, just run through As a caveat, I ask that the back in January of this year, is preparing for some these few: Creating More facilitators of GOAL run Minister of Public Service, unprecedentedhappenings Employment Opportunities; more awareness campaign, Sonia Parag, had to defend In fact, Guyana’s Securing a Higher Income; and also keep open the the government’s Guyana landscape has changed Developing Problem- deadline until May Guyana OnlineAcademyofLearning significantly in the last three solvingSkills;Improvingthe needs to rein in as many as (GOAL) scholarship yearsorso. Economy; Providing a possible. programme against criticism I am talking here about, Prosperous and Happy Life; Yours truly, from Opposition Members roadworks, construction, Giving Back to the H. Singh.

government? Or,isthePPPCGovernmentuptoitsusuallow ItiseitherthereisgroupbeyondthecontroloftheState,or tricks of saying what is nice in public, but with a wink and a it enjoys the full backing of major political authors to wreak nod continues to condone what is criminal to the core? Or, is havoc.

the PPPC Government holding this group as a reserve stealth Thisiswhatmakesamockeryofnooneisabovethelaw force to set free, when necessary, to bash Guyanese into And this is a government of laws and not men. What about submission? thosemen,andbringingthemtojustice?

Randy Persaud denies OP Propagandist tag

DEAREDITOR, democratically elected much time to follow the past Westmaas wants to cannot be said for any trashing of Guyana’s oil and Please afford me the PPP/C without challenging issues as closely as they know what has changed. number of the people who gas industry when, in fact, spacetorespondtoamissive them. might like. At times it is Well, Freddie already will no doubt be the she was on the payroll of the by Nigel Westmaas which Note that my writing is necessary for me to resort to cleared that up – the beneficiaries of Nigel same oil companies she has was published in the press always based on two central the use of political, social, sustained effort to rig the Westmaas’s diatribe. May I all but declared war against under the title “Randy principles. Firstly, I write to and economic theory On 2020 National and Regional remindyouthatthetopWPA today? I am a citizen of this Persaud, the new…Czar at push back against the abuses other occasions, I concern elections in Guyana activist, Dr David Hinds, an country,andIcanassureyou

OP…” (KNApril 21, 2023). that come from the mouths myself with decoding the wounded him in a way and Associate Professor at myvoicewillbeheard. Mr Westmaas is correct that and pens of the Usual analyses of several he vowed to stand forever in Arizona State University, I will continue to expose I have responded to several Suspects as delineated and APNU/WPA/AFC linked defense of the democratic called for the 2020 elections the unsubstantiated individuals, groups, and described by Freddie intellectuals. I do not see rights of all Guyanese to be thrown out. Should I innuendos, the half-truths, organizations regarding the Kissoon. these engagements as Westmaas should know that stay silent on that? Should I, the outright lies, and economic and political I have no problem is unproductive. humansdonotcomeintothis or anyone else stay silent on certainly, the propaganda of situation in our country I exposing the fundamental Debating is a good thing. world with prefabricated Ogunseye’s filiopietistic the intellectual, highfalutin tried my best to decipher flaws in the arguments, I suspect that Mr Westmaas social, cultural, and political proclivitiesthatdescendinto p e r s o n a l i t i e s f r o m Westmaas’ concerns but did claims, and propositions of was moved to do his bit identities. world-class race-baiting? Georgetown, Brooklyn, not find anything of the Group of 26 that have against me precisely These are acquired Should I stay silent on Toronto, London, British substance except that he is been trying their best to sink because, unlike loudmouths, through experience. Freddie Amanza Walton-Desir’s Columbia, Arizona, concerned with my Guyana, albeit under the I am prepared to deal with Kissoon has been open- despicable characterization Germany, or wherever else effectiveness in critiquing guiseofpatriotism. the intellectuals sponsored minded enough and of the Government of theymaybe. and exposing the repeated I have no problem by the APNU, WPA, and courageous enough to make Guyana as approaching Sincerely, falsehoods peddled against pointing out the duplicity of AFC, on their own territory a stand, and to be strong totalitarianism? Should I Dr. Randolph Persaud t h e c u r r e n t P P P / C Red Thread, GHRA, and an Nigel Westmaas should enough to withstand the staysilentofMelindaJanki’s (Randy) administration He also amalgam of garden variety know that I have no consequences. But make no posed some questions civil society groups that are reservations exposing the mistake, Freddie will be regarding Freddie Kissoon, in politics for the mere half-truths of those like MP back Like Freddie, whichIshallsoonaddress. pleasure (jouissance) of it. I Annette Ferguson who n u m e r o u s p r e v i o u s

Nigel Westmaas should challenge Mr Westmaas, or claimed LFS Burnham was supportersofthePNCRhave understandthatIwriteofmy any of his comrades, to point sent by God. Nor do I have crossedovertothePPPaswe ownfreewill.Icannowstate to a single factual error or any second thoughts about saw just days ago with the boldlyandwithoutapologies misrepresentation I have demonstrating the fallacies LGE nominations. I doubt thatIwillnotstanddownand madetodate. andtacticalpatriotismofone that Nigel Westmaas watch the Georgetown elite Secondly, I am keen on ofthePeepingTomsinKN. seriouslybelievespeopleare and their overseas friends clarifying issues of public Regarding Freddie born with fixed political attached to the PNCR and policy and public interest for Kissoon, I can say, yes, we identities. W P A a t t a c k t h e those who do not have as have had differences in the Unlike Freddie, the same

Boysie Ramkarran was an important initiator of modern politics in Guyana

DEAREDITOR, The young people of though he was elected to withgreatsuccess.

On theanniversaryof his Guyana should know about Parliament. From 1957 to Mr Boysie Ramkarran father’sbirthday(April22),I their heroes and patriots and 1964 he was handily elected should also be remembered would like to publicly as we observe the 104th. to Parliament and served as for his wit and humour in apologise to Mr Ralph anniversary of Mr Boysie M i n i s t e r o f Parliamentary sessions Ramkarran for any Ramkarran’s birth, all Communications/Industry throughout the years-on one disparaging comments I Guyanese should know that where he proved to be a occasion, when President might have made about him Boysie was an important honest, committed and Burnham was still in in the past- his father, Mr initiator of modern politics excellent at his job; later on, Parliament he announced to Boysie Ramkarran and in Guyana when he helped from 1975 to 1985, he was Boysiethattheysharedjokes Ralph himself are true form the PAC in 1947 which the Leader of GAWU, the together and Boysie looked patriots of Guyana and led to the formation of the largest union in Guyana-he at Burnham and announced always served their country PPP in 1950- before that, he fought for and achieved that looking at Burnham’s tothebestoftheirabilities. was a leader in one of the recognition for GAWU and front bench Ministers, it was

My father, President most important trade unions brought many innovations a joke. Another time when Cheddi, always considered in British Guiana, always and changes to better the Mr Burnham brought an the Ramkarrans as bedrocks fighting and winning sugar workers’ lives by austerity budget to of the PPP and trusted both important struggles for various forms of struggle, Parliament,Boysiecalledit of them implicitly and, better working and living including the 133 day strike (Continued on page 16) moreover, valued their conditionsfortheworkers. advice and consent. I can After the British colonial vouch for that because I authorities suspended the always heard my father’s constitution in 1953 and praise and admiration for kicked the PPP out of them over the many years of government, Boysie was political commitment by the locked up (along with my Ramkarranfamily father and others), even

Govt. taking citizens for fools

DEAREDITOR, ferry arrives the wharfs will

A point of grave concern be ready So the ferry will be is that the government is parked while passengers blatantlytakingthepeopleof continuetosufferthelong16 Region One and Guyana for to 20 hours journey on the fools.After years of waiting, filthysmellingvessels.Hope thenewferryhasarrivedand the new vessel is not now the minister is not vandalised before it starts saying when the ferry will operating. Let the minister operate but saying contract and government come clean for wharfs will be issued. So andsayokaybyDecemberor the government is waiting next year June when wharfs when it needs to go toilet to arebuilttheboatwilloperate buildone. not say we have a game

Yearswewerewaitingon changerwhenitcan’toperate this ferry didn’t we know that’ssimplydreaming. new wharves are needed. So Regards, why they didn’t budget last Concerned Region One year so by now when the Resident

Slashing Parent Company Guarantee from Full Coverage...

From page 4 existing law calling for full commitment to this most lost and pending lawsuits future permits without all of my academic and admitted on the Glenn Lall parent company guarantee, important cause of fighting brought by governments in s i g n i n g t h e P a r e n t professional career show that “yes, full liability withoutfearorfavor Itnever for the nation’s protection AfricaandtheUSA,alleging Guarantee. Despite that, the grounded in the most coverage is in all of the misses an opportunity to go with a full parent company fraudulent reporting of data? Government seems to be powerful capitalist country permits”; and in his August after our own poor people, guarantee. Not to mention the shake-up loving Exxon more than in the world, including the 19, 2022 press conference, heartlessly tearing down Furthermore,tocover-up of their own Board, due to Exxon loves Exxon, when it privilege of operating at the exclaims “it is by law and by their little homes, and stalls the VP’s ba

ir retreated from what Exxon highest levels of the US the permit they have to do usedtoekeoutaliving. untruthfulness that I signed environmental stewardship. had willingly accepted. Lo Government, developing this. Full coverage: that is an Dumbfoundedly though, the very poor Liza 1 permit Furthermore, right in our and behold, the Government and executing policies to obligation…that’s what the is that theVPseems to know which preceded me by 15 back yard, the Peru wentaheadandapprovedthe keepAmericacompetitive. oil companies understand is more about what is in EPA’s months, the EPA peddled government was forced to Payara and Yellowtail My most fundamental thattheyareliableforanyoil permits than EPA itself, thattheLiza2permit(which seize the passports of permits, and renewed the take away from what spillaccordingtothelawand charged with enforcing the I signed to fix Liza 1), is Executives of Repsol, Liza 1 permit without the maintains America’s the EPA for full coverage, permits. In its March 23, “almost a replica of the Liza following a relatively small signed guarantee called for, economic paramountcy, is and the government’s 2023 letter to the Editor, 1 Permit” How could spill, and had to sue Repsol in all of those permits, the doctrine that there can be ultimate aim is to have a titled “The EPA is always anyone with any intellect for$4.5B,whilenowputting therebyrenderingillegal,the no development and guaranteethatcoversall,and learning and improving its and humanity, celebrate that laws in place for future ongoing operations at Liza 1 economic competitiveness any such liability.” The VP understanding of the oil and to have full liability protection. As old people and 2. Most conspicuously without reverence for the therefore owes it to the gas sector”, EPA brought to coverage in the Liza 2 seh,“whywaittillnighttime telling, however, was the rule of law with checks and people to explain his sudden lightitsembarrassinglackof permit, is the same as having tousecandlelighttoseewhat terminationoftheservicesof balances, unparalleled capitulation to Exxon. Also, understanding of what is in nocoverageatall,intheLiza youcanseeindaylight”. the EPA Attorney in charge c o m p e t e n c y , a n d since he validates the its own permits, including 1 permit, meaning that full Further aggravating the of finalizing the guarantee accountability Regardless existing legal obligations for whatismeantbyfullliability coverage means nothing to dire consequences of an oil and who was steadfastly of how much money comes that full parent company coverage, and what is the them? Is this a reflection of spill, are a litany of critical prosecuting the case filed from oil, Guyana will never guarantee, it means that this d i ff e r e n c e b e t w e e n EPA’s leadership continued shortcomings that are against EEPGL for six small attain its rightful place as the $2B is nothing but a “insurance” and “parent show of unfeelingness and irresponsibly countenanced spills, when EEPGL refused richest country, unless it gimmick to camouflage the companyguarantee”.Hence, disdain for the people of by the government: (1) to pay the tiny total fine of strives to attain those values; government’s bowing down to their pleading for Guyana who they are EEPGLis producing oil way $500 USD. Does anyone in thence,itisdiscouragingthat to Master Routledge’s “learning and improving its required to be serving? Is it above the “safe operating their right mind believe that Guyana is seemingly doing demands to cut the existing understanding of the oil and to distract from their limits” mandated by the Exxon would willingly pay the complete opposite by guarantee to $2B; when, gas sector”, I strongly subservience to Exxon and Environmental Impact billions of dollars for a large tearing down the necessary instead, all the government recommendthattheycontact negligence in not enforcing Assessment (EIA) – the spill, when they did not even institutional pillars of such needs to do, is carry out its the Red Thread women’s the requirement for full ‘bible’ of high risk want to pay $500 for small realizations. I would say solemn responsibility to its group to urgently garner that parent company guarantee? operations which is held ones? unequivocally, that Exxon people, by enforcing the missing “learning” , Or, is it a case of ineptitude, sacred, with unbearable Finally, my positions on would not even dream about including the digesting of similar to the EPA Head penalties including Guyana’s oil development doing in the US, what they Red Thread’s outstanding equating emissions from the shutdowns, when violated, are no secret My open are getting away with, in video on “full liability gasplantwiththatofamotor but for which the EPA has criticism of theAPNU+AFC Guyana; and Exxon knows c o v e r a g e ” a t car? proven to loathe; (2) the Government and the oil it.

https://www.youtube.com/w

Even with the littlest of government’s shunning of contract, even as an They must not be atch?y=3gbEpZbTdhM commonsense,onecouldsee the World Banks Plan for a employee, are well known allowed to leave big, fat and These courageously heroic that Exxon has no intention 36-member EPA Petroleum and hailed at the time, by my happy after their 20 to 30-yr women of Red Thread must of covering a big spill. Their Unit of highly skilled PPPCfriends;andasIrecall, sojourn, while we are left be highly commended for farcical tune is that they will professionalstoprovide24/7 I was the first to openly with the dreaded oil curse not only their knowledge never walk away from this on-site presence on the criticize the oil contract in a suffered by other countries a b o u t G u y a n a ’ s responsibility If that is the FPSOsanddrillships;(3)the Stabroek News cover story such as Nigeria and environmental issues, but case, why do they defy oil spill response plan is ofFebruary4,2018.Iopenly Venezuela. All we ask is for even more-so, for their signing the guarantee, grossly inadequate as support maximum oil Exxon to show us respect, personal sacrifices and especially since it does not verified by the Auditor production;however,itmust give us our fair share, and cost a single dime? Beyond General;andofcourse(4)no bedoneinfullabidancewith abide by the same rules and that, is this a company parentcompanyguarantee. thecountry’sruleoflaw;and valuesnolessthanwhatthey anyone should trust, By its signing of the in a responsible, safe, and have to abide with in their c o n s i d e r i n g t h e i r permits, Exxon willingly environmentally sound homecountry,USA. international reputation accepted that there shall be manner To add, I was most Regards, including the many reported nostart-uporissuanceofany fortunate to have had almost VincentAdams

reports robust growth despite

illicit trade threat, share price increase by 50%

Demerara Tobacco Company Limited (DEMTOCO) recently announced a strong operational performance for the second consecutive year achieving 3.6% volume growthcomparedtothepreviousyear

According to a press statement, the company’s revenue growth increased by 5.8%to$7.7billion,whichismainlydriven by improvements to portfolio mix and volume increases, resulting in a 2 5% increaseinearningspershare.

The Managing Director of the company, Vijay Singh, at the company’s 89th Annual General Meeting highlighted that “share price at the close of the financial year stood proudly at $3,000 representing a 50% increase, which solidifies the confidence of

our shareholders and commitment of managementtodeliveronexpectations.”

Singhinhisreportstatedthatthethreatof illicit trade is the greatest risk to their businessandthewiderbusinesscommunity

Thecompanybelievesthattherapidincrease and far-reaching presence of illegal cigarettes will negatively impact their business, government revenues and further incentivize criminal activities in the communities.

He noted that if things continue as they are, the company stands to see this illegal tradegrowbyafurther10%by2024,which willbeatunmanageablelevelsinthemarket. The company has seen a similar situation playoutinneighbouringSuriname,inwhich,

the trade, left unchecked, and ruined the revenue streams for the government and the legitimateindustry

In Guyana, DEMTOCO has been receiving support from the various law enforcementagenciesandthisisnoteworthy However, the Managing Director stated that much more has to be done and at an accelerated and urgent pace as the illicit tradersareincreasingtheirmarketshareona daily basis. He said the company remains committedtoraisingawarenessofthisissue through active engagement with regulators, government,andtheprivatesector

Despitethechallengesposedbytheillicit trade,thecompany’spremiumbrandDunhill grew significantly by 11%, driven by continuous innovation that the brand offers whichconsumersembracedanditsPallMall brandexperienceda7%growth.

Demerara Tobacco Company’s Managing Director urged shareholders to highlight this plight to ensure public awareness is at its peak. The company

remains committed to ensuring sustainable growththroughcontinuousimprovementsin their portfolio, distribution, and retention of thebesttalentinthemarket.

Managing Director of DEMTOCO, Vijay Singh

Guyana is not all that bad

After he fell one forthemedicalevacuationof while in Guyana, the just because of the there is culture here of afternoon and hit his head, the man was in order to save treatment may not be opportunities that they have people taking education Mr Winston Murray, a theman’sleg. adequate. had in the developed world. seriously and persons f o r m e r p r o s p e c t i v e Here again, the man’s They should be more In fact, those opportunities applying themselves. So that presidentialcandidateforthe relativesandassociateswere worried in some of the have been earned and do not when the students go Peoples National Congress right to be concerned and to foreign capitals since even come easy since there is overseas, they apply manyofthemarestillaround Reform, was rushed to the seek a second opinion. They with the best of facilities competition for these themselves also and this providingthesortofmedical G e o rg e t o w n P u b l i c obviously felt more there, the wait can be opportunities. allowsthemtosucceed. care that allows us to be Hospital. comfortable making a call interminable, not to mention Andthereasontheyhave We should therefore not respected.

The prognosis according about amputating after they thecost. done well is because of the believe that Guyana has any (The views expressed in to the doctors was not good. would have had specialist The cost of medical care attitude towards education. second rate doctors. Guyana this article are those of the He had suffered damage to opinion in the United States. in the United States has Thisisoneofthegoodthings has some of the finest a u t h o r a n d d o n o t his brain and they did not They cannot be faulted for caused a great many about educating your practitioners in the medical necessarily reflect the think that his chances were that. overseas-basedGuyaneseto childreninGuyana.Youmay field and they practice in opinions and beliefs of this thatgood. And so the man was come back here to look after not always have the best of Guyana And Guyanese n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s

R i g h t l y s o , h i s flown to the United States. their eyes and do their dental teachers and facilities, but should be grateful that so affiliates.) colleagues wanted a second The doctors there came up work. opinion. When it comes to with the same position as the These things can be done making the sort of call they local doctors: the leg had to either free or cheaper in had to make, they would beamputated. Guyana and a lot of those havebeenexpectedtowanta There are many persons overseas- based Guyanese secondopinionandonefrom both local and overseas who come here to enjoy the aspecialistasthat. like to put Guyanese cheapnessandthefreeness.

Arrangements were professionals down. There The public hospitals are made to fly in a specialist are many persons who feel overwhelmed. Because of from overseas. There were that Guyana does not have the improvements and the many citizens at the time good doctors. But time and increase in the number of who were casting aspersion timeagainithasbeenproven doctors, more and more on the local doctors’ that Guyana has top notch citizens are flocking to these prognosis.They were saying doctors who know what they institutions, and many “Bringinthespecialist.” are doing. Time and time workers are going to the

As it turned out, what the again, our doctors have been public hospitals simply to local doctors were saying vindicated. get a sick leave certificate to was correct. The specialist Our hospitals may not be stayawayfromwork. came and his examination up to first world standards. Guyana has its problems revealed that Mr Murray’s That is to be expected in a and things are not always brain was dead. He died a country where everyone can how they should be. And a fewweekslater still enjoy free medical care. great deal of criticism is in

Years ago also, there was Things are not the best but order But there are a great a plane crash. One of the there have been tremendous many persons who get passengers injured his leg improvementsovertheyears assistance each day and the during the episode and was inthelocalhealthsystemand systemworksformany admitted to the same this progress has been And our doctors and institution. complemented by some of medical professionals are

Not long afterwards, it thebestdoctorsavailable. amongst the best in the was reported in the media Yet many overseas world. Guyanese have risen that he was being flown out Guyanese are fearful of to the very top of their totheUnitedStatessincethe bringing their children to professions. In almost every local hospital had indicated Guyana on vacation because field that you think there are that his injured leg would they do not trust the health Guyanese who have done have to be amputated. It was care system. They fear that well. even hinted that everything should their children fall ill Theyhavedonewell,not

Dem Boys Seh…

Journalism is not for d timid

Lang ago dem reporter used to arm tosaythankstodemnewspapervendorswah themselves with de truth. But dese days dem does still deliver de hard copy newspaper to reporters are under stack. Dem gat to wear demboysletterboxeachmorning. air plugs fuh protect their ears from the It remind dem boys of de time a lil boy obscenities and de heckling.And dem gat to whousedtosellnewspapers,binstandingup stay clear of some media pages wah does at a corner shouting, “Read about it, fifty attackthem.Demreportersmightsoongatto personsgotprankedinoneday Fiftypersons walkwithprotectivegearandsecuritytoo. gotpranked!”

One thing yuh gat to learn when yuh is a Curiously,ahmanwalkedover,boughta reporter: yuh can’t be timid or afraid. If that paper, and checked the entire newspaper He is how you are, then journalism is not for did not find ah single line about any 50 you.Journalismisonlyfuhdebrave. personsbeingpranked.

One time a young reporter tell he editor So he turned to d lil boy and said, how he did not contact a source because he “There’s nothing in here about fifty people didnotwanttobeanuisance. gettinpranked.”

De editor seh, “That might me a good D paper boy ignored him and went on, humanqualitybutnotasareporter.” calling out, “Read all about it fifty one Demboysstillgattobigupdemreporter peoplegotpranked!” fuhdejobdemdoing.Anddemboysalsogat Talk half. Leff half.

A fight over a phone

ThePPPGovernmenthas moreheadachesthanitshead can accommodate It involvesaphoneandtheonesided fight over it The President and other ranking government leaders like to make pretty speeches about the Guyana-America relationship

Like this fight over a phone, all the strength is on the side of the Emperors of theNorth Aswithoil,allthe power and decisions rest in t h e h a n d s o f t h e N o r t e a m e r i c a n o s Interestingly, this phone plightputstheGovernmentof Guyana in a predicament It lookspowerless,anditis Itis

about what could be trapped in that phone, and the stories they tell of what is really going on here:Ashot across the bow of the PPP Government.

I paused in reading of a Permanent Secretary and her seized phone APS is not a clerk,butamostseniorpublic servant;thatphonehasmuch government business, possibly plenty of government secrets PS of Ministry of Home Affairs is notPSofAmerindianAffairs, with every regard for indigenousGuyanese Home Affairs means internal security, the Guyana Police Force, and the range of

responsibilities ThePSisthe CEOpresidingoverallthat,a literal storehouse of detail Oh,thisistroubleforthePPP Government

From the get-go, that phone retrieval was going to be a battle that couldn’t be won Simply too much is in it,toomanypeoplearepartof itselectronicrecord Someof themarenotlookedupontoo kindlybytheAmericans,and some of the police business and other internal security business in this country provokesmanyfrowns,more curses, in US Government circles Recall that Embassy Security Alert Pieces are liningup

These are predicaments damaging to the PPP Government; worse still, Guyana PPP Government friendlinesstosuspectpower players, friendliness to doubtful local characters, now haunt If the phone seizure was a shot across the PPP Government’s bow, the outright and insulting refusal to return it is a blow to midships Ithinkdistrusthas stopped all America-Guyana information sharing, as Americasecuresitsinterests

Another predicament for President, Vice President, Ministers,andpublicservants of a certain kind of distinctiveness is the corner into which this seized phone has backed all of them Yesterday, the tenseness was over a phone seized Tomorrow,itcouldbethebar raised and a person seized ThePSwaswiselyadvisedto returnviaLondon Againand again, I go back to that

American gospel: no permanent friends, only permanentinterests

ThePPPpowerswoulddo well to get that into their heads The PNC is right up the road, and straining at the leash to get a piece of the governanceaction Now,top Guyanesepublicservantsand politicians could be reduced totheignominyofbypassing travel through the US, by detouringthroughPanamaor Columbia Europe looks similarly problematic since American reach and

footprints there are dominant This is a problem because there are no direct flights to China, India, even Africa EmiratesAirlines or Kuwait Airways, anyone? I wonder if the PS’ visa has been yanked, another jab to theeyes Theresultispariah withoutofficialpariahstatus I did warn these big, bad brothersofmine:don’tmess with the Americans. Play straight Have story to match.

The next predicament faced by luminaries in the PPP Government is how to conduct their business, both official and covert The PS’s phone is not a random seizure, but one most likely propelled by considerable intelligence gathered from righthere

This means that the Americans are watching and listening,andtheyknowwho iswhere(andintowhat),and what is going down This backs ministers, heads of departments, commanders, commissioners, and others against a wall Talking in their offices could be a constantanxietyattack;there is no peace in cars, no offlimits,secureplaces.

Considering the range of American reach in Guyana, government officials have two places left to manage their affairs, especially undercover ones One is the vastNationalPark Theother isthelongSeawall Burnham

andJaganusedtomeetthere

Thenagain,Americahasthis placesowiredthateventhose may not be as secure from eavesdropping as is hoped for,orbelieved Whoisgoing to bet money on that, possesses such confidence? Certainly,notI;andIamnota governmentman

This effectively means that elected and selected governmentofficialsarenow forced to work with more phones than usual. One for aboveboardbusiness,another for personal business, and a third for business that is usuallybestwhennooneelse knows about it, but the two parties involved in the schemes

Allofthiscanbeavoided by following two simple steps Do the right kind of business Dobusinessinthe right way And do the right businessintherightway,but only with the right kind of people ClearlyAmericahas soured on the PPP Though China looks tempting, I wouldn’t recommend We aretooclosetoAmerica The PPPbroughtthisuponitself (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.)

Resolution of audit disputes to be addressed in new oil contracts

The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with oil major ExxonMobil not only allows for disputed costs flagged in an audit to be recovered by the contractor, but if the nation wishes to reclaim these expenses it must be prepared to head to an international arbitration process and pay all associated fees for both parties.

Recognizing this loophole in the existing agreement, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said this is one of the provisions the government will seek to addressinthenewDeepand Shallow Water PSAs being finalizedcurrently

During a recent press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Center, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, Jagdeo while responding to a question from this newspaper addressedtheissue.

He said, “So what happens if you have a dispute, you have to go to arbitrationprocess.ThePSA allows them (ExxonMobil andpartners)tobasicallynot tomakeanyadjustmentuntil thatprocessiscompletedbut if you have a dispute you have to break the deadlock and that is why there is a processthroughwhichthatis done We may have to strengthen that process but rightnowyouwouldalways have to have a dispute resolutionprocess.”

The VP explained that it is standard for contracts which involve international companies to include a dispute resolution clause where the parties’ concerns can be heard before the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment

Disputes (ICSID) or before three arbitrators or a sole arbitrator. ICSID is an organization established by the World Bank to aid in resolvingsuchmatters.

While Jagdeo believes the arbitration process is critical to the resolution of disputes with international companies, he nonetheless conceded, “Dispute resolutions have to be strengthened…wearegonna review it in the new PSAto see if we can strengthen (it) but you may not be able to eliminate the international disputeresolutionclauses.”

Kaieteur News recently reportedthatthelopsidedoil contractallowsforcoststhat have been flagged in an audit, and deemed unacceptable; to be recovered by the Contractor untilthedisputeisresolved.

Annex ‘C’of the PSAat Section 1.5 (b) states “…In the event that an audit claimbytheMinisterisnot settled to the Minister’s satisfaction by the Contractor’s reply as provided for above, the Contractor shall be entitled to recover any disputed amounts pending final resolution of the claim…”

The agreement also statesthatExxoncanprovide reasons justifying the costs, but government would have to head to international arbitration to reclaim these sums.Upontheresolutionof the issue, Guyana would be repaid with interest, if the country is successful in its challenge. However, all the legal fees incurred for both partieswouldbebornebythe state.

While Guyana has settledforitsmoniestobe

onpage15

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Tenders open for cleaning, parking lot ‘face-lift,’ other services for Marriott Hotel

Four invitations for tenderonSundayopenedfor services for the Guyana Marriott Hotel, which is currentlyupforsale.

According to the advertisement in Kaieteur NewsApril23,2023edition, it was stated that the hotel intends to use part of its budgetary allocation for the following: striping and marking of the parking lot, washing and cleaning of the buildingfacadeandallglass windows and unarmed security service for a period of 12 to 18 months. All tenders must be address to thehotel’sFinanceManager, AhiliyiaKumaronorbefore May8,2023.

Thetendersforthehotels come at a time when bids havealreadybeensubmitted to National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) for the acquisition of the US$60 million Kingstown

Georgetownproperty

Last December, it was announced that the Government of Guyana (GoG)haddecidedtosellthe hotelwhichisnowmakinga profit. Months later Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo revealed that the hotel has emerged into a profitable venture since coming to existence back in April2015.

The sale of the Marriott Hotel is being facilitated by the government, through NICIL. On April 17, NICIL received six proposals for the “profitable” Marriott Hotel.

Among the bidders is an American company, a Jamaican company, as well as local companies. Coming in as the highest bidder at US$65 million is the American company X, LLC whose principal is listed as Ramy El-Batwari, local businessman and owner of the Pegasus Hotel, Robert Badalinsecondwithabidof US$55.5million.

The third highest bidder spot goes to a local consortium, Integrated Group Guyana Limited, headedbyRavindraPrashad withabidofUS$55million.

At fourth spot there is Georgetown Investments and Management Services Inc (Princess Hotel), General Manager Mustafa Eray Kanmaz bidding US$50 million. The lowest

bidders are: NCB Capital MarketsLimited,aJamaican Company headed by Steve GoodingwithabidofUS$33 million and Muneshwers Limited, owned by AmarnauthMuneshwerwith the lowest bid of US$25 million.

Moreover, while there is no public financial statements available for the Marriott Hotel since 2015, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NICIL, Radha Krishna Sharma, had disclosed that to date the audits for the years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, togetherwiththefieldaudits for the year 2020 and 2021 have been completed followingtheinterventionof the new Board of Directors for the hotel. He noted however, that the audit for theyear2022isstillongoing and when this is completed the audited accounts will be published.

PROFITABLE VENTURE

The Marriott Hotel started under the Jagdeo administration when he was President using taxpayers’ dollarsandwithasyndicated loan through the Republic Bank Limited of Trinidad and had opened its doors on April17,2015.

Jagdeo said during a press conference that the Marriott Hotel is “a profitable venture” and is “makingaprofit”,butstated that it is of no supreme benefit to the Government owningitanymore.

TheVPjustified the sale of the hotel by stating that within a few years several hotels are expected to come on stream and in order to avoidcompetition,thisisthe best time to maximize the profitandsellthehotel.

Importantly, the Vice Presidentalsostatedthatthe proceedsfromthesaleofthe hotel will be used, “to clear off the remaining loan and someofitwillcomebackto theTreasurytobeusedback for whatever purpose is determined.”

Kaieteur News had highlighted that under the syndicated loan agreement, the preferred rights goes to those investors – meaning that in the event of the hotel being unable to service the

ExxonMobil to release first quarter 2023 financial results on Friday

…company made US$6.3M an hour in 2022, US$56B in total profits

American oil giant, ExxonMobil Corporation will release its first quarter 2023 financial results on Friday April 28. This was recently announced by the oilmajorinastatement.

It was noted that a press release will be issued via BusinessWire and available at 5:30 a m CT at www.exxonmobil.com.

D a r r e n Wo o d s , Chairman and Chief

Executive Officer; Kathy Mikells, Senior Vice

President and Chief Financial Officer; and Jennifer Driscoll, Vice President of Investor Relations, will review the results during a live conference call at 7:30 a.m.

CT Thepresentationcanbe accessed via webcast or by calling (888)-516-2433 (United States) or (929)477-0431 (International) by

making reference to confirmation code 9075155 to join the call. An archive replayofthecallandacopy of the presentation with accompanyingsupplemental financial data will be a v a i l a b l e a t https://investor.exxonmobil. com.

Accordingtoreports,the oil giant made a whopping US$6.3 million an hour in 2022 resulting in its highest

profit ever of a whopping US$56billion.

It was the Guardian who reported that ExxonMobil made US$56 billion in profits,orUS$6.3millionan hour, last year after the war inUkraineignitedasurgein globaloilandgasprices.

It was stated too that the company’srecordprofitwas also the highest reported by anywesternoilcompany

The news agency also said that the oil industry’s outsized profits were criticisedas“outrageous”by the United States President, JoeBiden,duringhisStateof the Union address in February Biden has previouslyaccusedExxonof making “more money than God”.

ExxonMobil main US rival, Chevron, had a record US$36.5billionprofit,while the European oil company Shell announced the biggest profits in its 115-year history, at US$39.9 billion, and BP reported a US$27.7 billionprofit.

Additionally, the Guardian also reported that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ExxonMobil was handed a 52 percent pay

increase to US$35.9 million for 2022, after the oil companyreporteditshighest profitsever

The media entity reportedthatDarrenWoods’ salary rose by 10 percent to US$1.9 million last year while his bonus and share awardssurgedby80percent compared with the year before.

The company said the bumper payday was “reflective of record companyearningsandstock priceperformance”.

In an official company filing,Exxon’sremuneration committee said that under Wood’s leadership the

company had “delivered exceptional business results” Meanwhile, the company’s share price outpaced its industry rivals last year after climbing by 160percent.

In December 2022, Kaieteur News had reported that the US-oil major announced that Woods and other executives will be benefitting from an increase ontheirannualbasesalaries. This announcement cameafteritwasreportedin themediathatthecompany’s Britishemployeeshadtaken tothestreetsprotestingmore than the ‘pitiful’2.5 percent increase.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ExxonMobil, Darren Woods

Driver, passenger pulled from wrecked car submerged in Friendship koker

Public spirited citizens on Sunday afternoonplungedintoakokeratFriendship, East Bank Demerara, to save a driver and a passengerwhowereinjuredandtrappedina submergedmotorcar

According to a video seen by this publication, the men that jumped into the water to save the driver and the passenger hadtofirstpullapartthewreckeddoorofthe car to get access to the injured occupants. Aftersometimeofstrugglingtogetthedoor open, the men were able to remove the woman who was bleeding from the head in anapparentsemi-consciousstate.

Twomencametothecornerofthekoker where they reached down and assisted in fetchingthewomanontoland.

Moments later the men were able to removethedriverofthemotorcar,beforean ambulance arrived to carry them to the hospital.

At the time of writing, there was no statementbythepoliceontheincident.

NewpumpstationatCorentyne estimatedtocostover$798M

A $335M pump station, commissioned at Herstelling, EBD, by the Coalition Govt. in 2019

The Engineer’s Estimate (EE) for a new pump station at Letter Kenny, Corentyne is peggedatawhoppingGYD$798.3M.

This was noted after the Ministry of Agriculture placed an advertisement in the Sunday edition of the local newspapers invitingcontractorstobidfortheproject.

Thenewpumpstationispartofanumber ofprojectsbeingundertakenbytheministry to aid the mitigation of flooding in farming

communitiesacrossthecoastofGuyana.

It was first estimated to cost almost $1B ($936M) when the government initially announcedtheprojectearlierthismonth.

The Ministry had said that it will be spending all these hundreds of millions for “critical intervention” in farming communities so that the government can achieveitsgoaltolessentheregionsalmost

Continued on page 17

Screengrab of the video, showing the driver and the passenger being rescued from the wreckage

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Experienced Accounts Clerks & Office Assistant needed @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff St. Call: 609-2995, survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence Call 615-9132 or 645-8443.

Forty-five-year-old pedestrian Selena Sooklall, a resident of Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, on Saturday evening lost her life after she was struck down by a driver in a red pickup motor vehicle.

A statement by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), reported that the accident occur around 22:55 hours on the Vergenogen Public

Road. The Police reported that according to Samantha Manohar, a 26-year-old of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, who was driving motor car PKK 6534 west along the southern side of the public road at Vergenoegen when she observed the pedestrian Selena in a kneeling position on the southern carriageway, in her path.

Manohar said she then slowed down her vehicle and before she could have stopped it completely, the red motor pickup which was proceeding in the same direction behind her, overtook her vehicle and collided with the pedestrian, dragging her about 50 feet away.

Manohar said the pickup then stopped a few feet away from the pedestrian, after which the driver drove away in a western direction.

As a result of the collision, the pedestrian received injuries to her head and body. Her motionless body was picked up from the road and taken to Leonora Cottage Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor. Selena’s body was then taken to Ezekiel Funeral Parlor. Notably, investigators observed several CCTV cameras in the area and the footage will be reviewed as the investigation continues.

Law Week 2023 commence with Walkathon

The Bar Association of Guyana on Sunday commenced its second annual Law Week activities with a Walkathon event. Participants walked from the Square of the Revolution and ended at the Court of Appeal at Brickdam and High Street.

Notably, it was announced thereafter, that Attorneys-at-Law in private practice who have so volunteered will give of their time and resources to offer pro bono services through the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic.

This year’s Law Week theme is “New Frontiers in Law, Preparing for the Future.”

In a press release, it was stated ‘Law Week’ is a feature on the calendar of many Bar Associations around the world. It aims to bring attention and understanding to the importance of the Rule of Law in society.

Some of the participants of yesterday’s Walkathon (Photo credit, Delon Fraser)

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Like last year, the Bar Association will host a mix of in-person and virtual events and outreaches which will build capacity, foster camaraderie and enhance collaborations with the Bench and other related agencies.

The Bar Association in collaboration with CARICOM Competition Commission will host a Webinar to build capacity at the Bar on Competition Law and Consumer Policy on Tuesday April 25, 2023.

Capacity building will continue on Wednesday with a Virtual Law Conference. Presentations will be made by members of the Bench and Bar in Guyana, together with colleagues from the Houston Bar, New York Bar, British Virgin Islands and Trinidad & Tobago’s Public Defenders’ Department.

On Thursday evening the Bar Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will host a Panel Discussion as an extension of the bodies’ Pro

Bono 500 Initiative which commenced in December 2021. During the day, through the facilitation of the Ministry of Education, Attorneys-at-Law will visit high schools in all three counties to give guidance on the responsible use of social media in keeping with the Cyber Crime Act.

The week will come to a close on Friday with a Symposium at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC). The Feature Address will be given by the Hon. Justice Winston

Anderson, JCCJ along with an address by the Hon. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Mohabir A. Nandlall, S.C. Remarks will be given by the Hon. Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, OR, CCH, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag.) and Ms. Pauline Chase, President of the Bar Association. In the evening, Hon. Justice Winston Anderson, JCCJ will be the guest of honour at the Cocktail Gala which will bring the curtains down on Law Week.

Boysie Ramkarran was an important initiator...

From page 5 an “ass-tearity” budget-always bringing laughter and lightening up the serious business of Parliament. As a youth, I was always aware of his wit and humour when he visited while I knew that he was really a very serious man, committed to his political principles-I always admired and liked him.

621-4273.

Editor, if anyone had

asked whom among his associates and comrades was the most loyal and committed in his political life, President Cheddi would have singled out Boysie Ramkarran as one who would have been at the top of his list and at a personal level, I would like to thank Mr. Boysie Ramkarran for sellingat a more -than-reasonable price, the land where we finally lived in Plantation Belair, right

next to him. After we left Red House in 1964, my father owned no property and we were forced to rent a home on Camp Street until Boysie, through his kindness and generosity came to our rescue allowing President Cheddi to finally own our own property.

Young people of Guyana should remember and cherish the great contribution, heroism and patriotic dedication

of Boysie Ramkarran and subsequently, his legacy should be recognized by all Guyanese, regardless of race, ethnicity or religion.

Thank you, Boysie Ramkarran and may your great soul rest in peace and tranquility as your legacy will always resonate in Guyanese hearts.

Yours faithfully, Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr.)

Ex-president Toledo returns to Peru after US extradition

Peruvian authorities have accused Alejandro Toledo of receiving millions

In surprise move, Peru’s Pres. names

four new ministers

of

dollars in return for public works contracts

AL Jazeera) Former lawyeraswell.”

t

She said that some of Alejandro Toledo has Toledo’s supporters had returned to Peru from the arrived at the airport in a UnitedStatestofacecharges show of solidarity with the of money laundering and formerpresident. corruption during his Toledo’s extradition mandate. process began in 2018. He

The 77-year-old, who had been declared a fugitive served as Peru’s president in his country the previous from2001to2006,iswanted year when he travelled to the by Peruvian prosecutors US amid corruption investigating a sprawling investigationsagainsthim. scandal involving Brazilian Toledo–aneconomistby construction conglomerate profession, with a doctorate Odebrecht. from Stanford University in

He is accused of having the US – became the second received millions of dollars former Peruvian president to from Odebrecht in return for beextradited. publicworkscontracts.

H i s p r e d e c e s s o r,

Official images shared President Alberto Fujimori, by Peruvian authorities was extradited from Chile showed Toledo arriving at and is serving a 25-year Lima airport on Sunday prison sentence for human Toledo turned himself in on rightsabuses. Fridayforextradition.

Meanwhile, former AlJazeeracorrespondent

Peruvian authorities PresidentPedroCastilloisin Mariana Sanchez, reporting have accused Toledo of pre-trial detention while from Callao in Peru, said receiving $35m in bribes being investigated over Toledo remained at the from Odebrecht in exchange allegations of “rebellion” airport and was expected to for the company winning the after trying to illegally be transported to prison later c o n t r a c t f o r t h e dissolve Congress in onSunday InteroceanicaSurhighway December Former President

“He will not be taken to

He denies the allegations Pedro Pablo Kuczynski is the criminal courthouse, ofcorruptionbyprosecutors, alsobeinginvestigatedinthe which was the previous plan whose charges include Odebrecht case and was in the centre of the capital,” money laundering and underhousearrest,whileex- she said. “Instead the top collusion and who have President Alan Garcia shot prosecutor in the country is requested a 20-year prison himself in the head to avoid here at the airport with the sentence. arrest in 2019 and died in former president. They are

Toledo still at the airport hospital. probably talking with the

New pump station at Corentyne...

Bids were invited for the empoldering of $5 billion food import bill by 25 per cent by farmlands in Bethany Creek, Essequibo theyear2025. Coast, Region Two with an engineer’s

From page 15

Only recently through its agency, the estimatedcostofover$25million. National Drainage and Irrigation Authority Bids were also invited for the (NDIA) signed over $500 million in rehabilitation of drainage channels at Aliki contracts to aid in flood mitigation and and Beribissibali, East Bank Essequibo improve the drainage and irrigation system (EBE), Region Three with an engineer’s inseveralareas. estimatedcostofover$91million.

(Reuters) - Peru’s President Dina Boluarte on Sunday swore in new ministers of justice, education, work and external trade in a surprise move in the South American nation that has endured intense political infightingforyears.Boluarteassumedpower in December when then-President Pedro Castillo illegally tried to dissolve Congress and reorganize the judiciary Protests against Boluartetakingpowerbecameviolentand50 people were killed She made the announcement of the cabinet changes in a ceremonybroadcastonstatetelevisiononthe same day as former President Alejandro ToledowasextraditedfromtheUnitedStates, becoming the third head of state to be currentlyimprisonedoncorruptioncharges. of work, Magned Marquez as minister of Boluarte swore in Daniel Maurate as education and Juan Carlos Mathews as ministerofjustice,AntonioVarelaasminister ministerofexternaltrade.

Peru’s President Dina Boluarte speaks as she meets with foreign press, in Lima, Peru January 24, 2023. REUTERS/Angela Ponce

Former President of Peru Alejandro Toledo speaks during a discussion in Washington, DC in the US in 2016 [File: Mandel Ngan/AFP]

Resolution of audit disputes to be...

Frompage12 deductedbytheoilcompanies operating in the Stabroek Block and only be reclaimed through international arbitration, Trinidadian Energy Strategist, Anthony Paulinanexclusiveinterview with this newspaper said the recovery of costs in dispute are in keeping with the onesided nature of the 2016 oil contract

He explained that contractsgenerallyallowfor costs to be recovered only after the dispute has been settled.Ontheotherhand,he also shared that the twin island has asserted its sovereignty in cost recovery by assigning the Minister responsible for Finance as thefinalarbiterinallmatters relatedtotaxation,including costrecovery

As such, he noted, “The notion of having foreign

courts of jurisdiction and arbitration is a slap in the face for sovereign nations, indicating that we are not to be trusted in making such decisions, even though they involve our own property This is consistent with the way our people and resourceshavebeenseenand

treatedforcenturies.”

The specialist explained that oil companies very frequently attempt to force countries into international arbitration, fully cognizant ofthefactthatgovernmentslike those in the Caribbeancannotaffordtheprocess,so theyavoidit,evenataloss.

Tendersopenforcleaning...

Frompage13 firstlienontheproceedsofanysale.

Notably, a decision by the former administration has resulted in US$1.1 million ($226 million) of taxpayers’ dollarscomingouteverysixmonths(since2017)toservice the US$27 million loan from the bank – for a 13-year period. This was after the hotel was unable to service the loan. In order to prevent the hotel from being acquired by the bank, the former Government inApril 2017 made the decision to transfer the hotel’s financial obligations to the CentralGovernment.

However,VPJagdeostatedthatwhileinOppositionthe PPP-administration was opposed to the hotel’s financial obligationbeingtransferred.

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the trophy after winning the Barcelona Open in the final match against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas.

(REUTERS/ Nacho Doce)

Alcaraz beats Tsitsipas to clinch back-to-back Barcelona titles

BARCELONA, Spain, (Reuters) - World number two Carlos Alcaraz beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 to win the Barcelona Open yesterday and clinch his third ATP Tour title oftheyearandtheninthoverall forthe19-year-old.

Alcaraz,whohadaninjuryplagued start to the season and was beaten by Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of his last tournament, the Miami Open, won in Barcelona for the second consecutive year, taking the title without losing a set.

TeamEvolutionandWeStand...

From page 24 extended to all those who have contributed to making the event a success a release from the organisers informed. KARCC would also like to thank: former cyclists Geron Williams,ChristopherHolderandLouiePereiraforhopping aboardatsuchshortnotice.AlsototheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) Traffic Department for their assistance in ensuring thatourcyclistsweresafethroughouttheentireevent.

Monday April 24, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Don't fear any changes that lie ahead,Aries.Evenifyouthink you don't adjust well, you have more adaptability than you realize. Without change, lifewouldbecomestagnant.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Make your dreams a tool for gaining insight, Taurus. In the past, some rulers believed that their dreams held great insights and they employed peopletointerpretthem.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Follow your instincts. Even if you have a tendency to listen more to reason, put it aside today. While your ears hear words, your intuition can hear what's between the words and unsaid, providing you with a bigger picture than whatever ispresented.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Feed your mind new knowledge Visit a bookstore or read some interesting information on the web If you havemoretime,visitthelibrary orfindoutabout some courses thatmightbeperfectforyou.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Try to see nightmares as safe ways to understand feelings, Leo No one likes to experience them, and we'd sooner forget them once awake, but the best way to ensure they don't return is to understandthem.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Are you living your dreams, Virgo? Are you still in touch with them? The energy from today's planetary aspects can l e n d s t r e n g t h a n d encouragement to this part of yourlife

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Check out advancing your career or education today, Libra. The energy can favor expansion and growth. When was the last time you learned a new skill? It doesn't have to be workrelated.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

Make your dreams a tool for gaining insight, Scorpio. In the past, some rulers believed that theirdreamsheldgreatinsights and they employed people to interpretthem.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Use your creativity to make things happen today, Sagittarius Remember that creativity doesn't always take the form of a finished product. Use it to come up with innovative ways to approach a task,project,orproblem.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Findsomenewwaystoexpand your horizons, Capricorn. The web has an infinite amount of information to explore, and your community and local colleges offer many courses fromwhichtochoose.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Try to see nightmares as safe ways to understand feelings, Aquarius. No one likes to experience them, and we'd sooner forget them once awake, but the best way to ensure they don't return is to understandthem.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Are you satisfied with your current career, Pisces? If not, start by making a plan. There are specific steps that you can follow to take the greatest advantage of the available opportunities.

The Spanish teenager beat world number five and second seed Tsitsipas with the same ease that he dispatched every other opponent in Barcelona thisweek.

Alcaraz, who in December became the youngest year-end world number one since the ATPrankings began, was close to perfection on Sunday and gaveamasterclassashewonin lessthan80minutes.

It was Tsitsipas’s fourth consecutivelosstoAlcaraz.

“Today I was myself, I was fluid and relaxed. It was the perfectmomenttodoitandI’m super happy to have delivered it in outstanding fashion,” AlcaraztoldTVE.

“Yesterday, before going to sleep I was so tense and woke up today very nervous However, the warm-up helped me to relax, and I thought I should let my body flow and notbetight.

“I wanted to forget about everything else and just be me onthecourt.Iamstillsurprised to receive such a warm welcomehereinmycountry,as a 19-year-old kid I could not imagine that I would experience what I’m living whereverIgo.”

Tsitsipas managed to break Alcaraz in the third game, but the Spaniard hit right back and got another break before closing out the first-set in 38 minutes.

Alcaraz was even more aggressive in the second set as he attacked relentlessly and broke Tsitsipas’s serve in the fifthgame.

He did not give his opponentachancetofightback andclosedoutthematchwitha powerful forehand before celebratingwiththehomefans.

The next step in the Spaniard’s buildup to the French Open will be the Madrid Masters which starts nextThursday

Alexander Leung came 1st in KARCC 12-laps circuit race.

- Tournament rescheduled to April 29

GBF National Women’s 3x3 Championship dampened by rain

The rain had the final say Salvador, the tournament is announcement. We have to on Saturday when the being held as part of team keep the players engaged as G u y a n a B a s k e t b a l l selectionandpreparation. much as possible. And, as I Federation (GBF) attempted President of the GBF, mentioned before, the GBF tohostitsinauguralNational Michael Singh, said, “It was will emphasise female Women’s3x3Championship unfortunate that the women participation during this inLinden. didn’t get to hoop in Linden Administration’s tenure,” The Retrieve Hard Court over the weekend, but we Singhsaid. was set to host the GBF’s (the GBF) appreciate their The University of first competition for 2023, eagerness to play I admire GuyanaTrojans(twoteams), and scores of players had their commitment, and it’s President’s College (two travelledtotheMiningTown encouraging to the teams), Kwakwani (two to compete at the first 3x3 Federation.” teams) and Linden are the tournamentorganisedforthe According to Singh, the teams competing in the seniorwomeninGuyana. tournamentwillbeplayedon tournament that will be With Guyana’s women’s Saturday,April29,atavenue played in a round-robin sidequalifyingtocompeteat to be announced in the format.

the Jun 23 - Jul 8 Central comingdaysbytheGBF Trophies, other prizes, American and Caribbean “We will look at several and bragging rights will be (CAC) Games in El options and make a formal upforgrabs.

2023 Milo U18 Football Championship…

AP Invitational returns June...

From page 25

Amoah held off Guyana’s Emmanuel Sport.InFebruary2020,APInvitationalwas Archibald(10.33secs)whofinishedsecond, announced by World Athletics as part of its while Winston George (10.40 secs) was structuredWorldAthleticsContinentalTour third.

World Athletics had stated that the However, George bounced back to take impetus for creating the Continental Tour the 200m crown, running 20.75 secs to win was to provide more competition and ahead of Linden’s Daniel Williams (21.10 earningopportunitiesformoreathletes. secs) and Berbician Leonel Marks (21.20

At the 2018 AP Invitational, Kirani secs). James, the 2012 Olympic Champion and In the 400 metres,Arinze Chance ran an 2016 Olympic silver medallist, clocked almostperfectracetocrossthelineinatime 44.99 seconds to not only win the ‘AP’ of 46.14 secs, beating Trinidad’s Deon Invitational 400m, but set a new Track Lendore (46.17 secs) and Brian Romain Record. (48.53 secs). In the women’s 800 metres,

The AP Invitational, which ran off its Joanna Archer set a new meet record, inaugural event in 2016, saw 11 athletes, all running two minutes 13.01 secs (2:13.01), from overseas, move on to compete at the removingher2018timeof2:13.76s. OlympicGamesinRio. In the men’s 800 metres, Devaun

2019 FLASHBACK! Barrington ran one minute 50 95s

Several meet records tumbled at the 4th (1:50.95s), beating Anfernee Headecker installation of the Aliann Pompey (1:52.40s) into second place and Samuel Invitational. Lynch1:55.13s)intothird.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Kamaria Durant Chantoba Bright also set a new meet won a ‘sprint double’; clocking 11.39 record in the women’s long jump (5.83 seconds to win the women’s 100m and metres), to win the event ahead of former crossing the line with a time of 20.75 record holder Ruth Sanmoogan (5 82 secondstowinthewomen’s200m. metres)andKelizaSmith5.74metres.

Santa Rosa outshine Chase’s Academic to claim title

- Carmel sink Mackenzie High to take third

SantaRosaputforth Education (MoE) Ground That meant Carmel a scintillating yesterdayevening. secured the $100,000 third performance in the Santa Rosa persevered place prize and trophy while

Ghana’s Joseph Amoah ran 10 20

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton seconds to set a new meet record in the betteredher2017meetrecord(56.83secs)in Men’s 100m, erasing Barbados’ Levi the women’s 400m hurdles and replaced it Cadogan’s10.24secssetin2017. with52.25seconds.

finale of the 2023 to emerge victorious, 5 – 4 Mackenzie walked away Milo Under-18 Schools on penalties, after a 3 – 3 with the $75,000 prize and Football Championship, to deadlock at full time, to fourthplaceaccolade. claim the title when they cart off with the Nestlé- More details will follow defeated Chase’s Academic sponsoredMiloCup,thetop intomorrow’sissue. FoundationattheMinistryof prize of $300,000 in kind The ninth edition of this and a year of bragging tournament was sponsored rights by Nestlé through their Milo

Unfortunately, Chase’s brand,organisedbythePetra Academic had to settle for Organisation, sanctioned by the runner up trophy and the MoE and supported by $200,000 second-place MASSY Distribution, MVP prize. Sports, Guyana Industrial

Lastnight’scurtainraiser Minerals Inc (GINMIN), was the third place General Equipment Guyana showdown, which was won Ltd (GENEQUIP), Farm byCarmelwithaconvincing Supplies Ltd (FARMSUP), 3 – 0 result over Mackenzie Yellow Steel Inc and High. WestzydeMarineInc.

Players from the six participating teams at the GBF National Women’s 3x3 Championship.

Santa Rosa went ecstatic when the decider was scored in their favour during the penalty shootout.

Deo cops Chung’s Global Inc golf title Chung’

OnSaturday,twenty-five

tailored to suit any business (25) of Guyana’s top golfers or residential property and came out to do battle in the customers can customize Chung’s Global Inc golf their maintenance which tournament. However, in the includes weeding, cleaning end experience prevailed, of drains & trenches, Maurice Deo was able to landscaping, pressure outplay is much younger washing, etc. CGI operates opponents. from Monday to Saturday

Speakingonbehalfofthe from 8 AM to 5PM and is LGC at the end of the reachable on numbers 218tournament was Vice 5120-22or603541. President Brian Hackett,

The results for the who said, “Chung’s Global tournamentwereasfollows: Inc is a friend of the 1st-MauriceDeoHC26, Lusignan Golf Club. We’ve Gross93,Net67 known him for quite a 2nd - Jordi Pinol HC 27, number of years.And I think Gross98,Net71 since we approached him

3rd-MikeMangalHC7, and made the requests, he Gross79,Net72 had no hesitation, he came Nearest to Pin - Ayube on board right away and in a Subhan bigwayaswesawmorethan Longest Drive - Gavin 25playerscomingout.Itwas future development with located on MandelaAvenue, engineeringservices. lots, bridges, culverts. At Todd an exciting day It was cool, them and the Lusignan Golf opposite the Dynasty These services range Chung’s,

thesunwasnotupandIthink Clubintheyearstocome.So

the players really had a good we look forward for more

BCBtoconstruct5battingcages withsponsorshipfromPeterLewis ConstructionandDr.Denbow

Keen competition is expected in the Seven Seas National Indoor Archery Tournament.

Seven Seas National Indoor Archery Tournament shoots off from April 25 at National Gymnasium

The Competitions Committee of Archery Guyana (AG) will host the Seven Seas National Indoor Championships which will be held at the National Gymnasium, from tomorrow,TuesdayApril25.

Some58archershavealreadybeenregisteredwithaction settoendonFridayApril28.

Archers are asked to ensure they are on site at least an hourbeforetheirscheduledstarttime.

The finals will be held on SundayApril 30 from 7:30h to 17:00h. Archery Guyana will also be hosting a fundraising BBQ, with action throughout the competition starting from 17:00hto20:00h,daily.

B e r b i c e sections of the game. Clubs icket Board in the county would also CB) would receive donations of cricket o r t l y b e balls to assist them to fulfill five batting theirmandate. part of a massive Dr Denbow, a highly developmental renowned medical doctor, The board over stated that he was very months will be pleased to support the very several major active cricket board Dr strives to make Denbow played a major role every cricket talent in bringing Sir Curtly is developed to Ambrose to Berbice for a potential. week long fast bowling cageswhichwill cliniclastyear constructed locally, were The clinic was attended p sible with by Shamar Joseph, Slyus sponsorship from popular Tyndall and Demetri

Contractor Peter Lewis and Cameron. Mr Peter Lewis overseas medical Doctor Dr. has been a strong supporter AlsteinDenbow. of Berbice Cricket under

Lewis is sponsoring the Foster leadership and stated construction of four of the thathewasconfidentthatthe cages at the cost of eight cageswouldbeamajorboost hundred thousand dollars foryouthbatsmentopractice the combined projects are to towards the development of while Dr Denbow would across the county The BCB improve the ability of more exciting batting talent sponsoroneatUS$1000. has already acquired four Berbician youth batsman acrossthecounty

The cages would be bowlingmachinesatthecost against fast bowling, to Lewis is the leading shared out across Berbice of $1.6 M and they would be allow better practice contractor in the county and with one each at West usedtogetherwiththecages. sessions and to allow even is heavily involved in road B e r b i c e , N e w The machines and cages one player to practice at a construction and drainage Amsterdam/Canje and wouldremainpropertyofthe time. The BCB intends to works. The four bowling Upper Corentyne while two BCB and Foster stated that undertake several other machines were donated by would be in the Lower regular checks will be made developmental projects Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, Dr Corentynearea. on them to make sure that including its annual cricket Terrence Blackman and Foster stated that the theyarebeenlookedafter academy and coaching Region Five Vice Chairman cageswouldbeamajorboost The main objectives of programmesforthedifferent RionPeters.

The top performers.

A representative of Lewis Construction, Ms N. Hoyte hands over sponsorship cheque to BCB President Hilbert Foster.

Region-3’sbiggestB’balltourneyreturns with‘AbovetheRim’slatedforMay1

It’s just about seven TheAbove the Rim One- Bartica, Uitvlugt, Parika, in this district. This shows Nadira Persaud, Kamani Chaddie (Canada), Krishne daysbeforethemuch Day basketball tournament Patentia, Golden Grove, that we are growing and PersaudandRandySinghfor Mangal & Sons Sawmill and anticipated One-day will consist of three Tuschen, Den Amstel, West credit must go out to our committingtothecause. Lumber yard, Supreme

Kenya’s Kiptum breaks

London Marathon record, Hassan makes stunning debut

thriller; D-Up categories: the Under 14 Demerara, Coven Garden, committee members for The tournament is Petroleum (Tuschen), F&R Basketball Academy’s Boys, Under 18 and the Stewartville and also D-Up making this possible.” Also sponsored by D-UP Supermarket, Double Day Annual ‘Above the Rim’ Adult category Trophies BasketballAcademy special thanks to; Miss BasketballAcademy,Trophy Hotel (Tuschen), Khalid basketballtournamentwhich along with medals will be Kandar in a brief Coleen Gibson, Kamala Stall, West Indian Friends Alami (USA), Linel Lobert is scheduled for Monday, 1st given to first and second comment explained, “We’re Rameshwar, Ele Daniels, That Care, Mark Gonsalves (USA) and HarryGobin May at the Tuschen Primary placefinishers. a s m a l l b u d g e t e d Quamy Cato, Richard and Family, Gamal Hamid Construction co Action school,basketballcourt. The Most Valuable organizationwithbigdreams Phillips, Maggie Gomes, and Family (Canada), Mel starts9:00am. See some of the best Player of the tournament is of reaching the NBA and youth teams competing for alsoexpectedtobepresented breaking all stereotypes here the primary cause of with an individual trophy in Guyana ” He also promoting the sport of a n d c e r t i f i c a t e o f expressed sincere thanks to basketball in the West recognition. all the players and coaches Coast/Bank of Demerara According to the U-Up that will be represented on The event will feature over Basketball Academy the day of the competition. twenty teams vying for top Chairman, Anthony Kandar, He continued, “I am spots and bragging rights for the event is promised to be extremely excited about this a year; in what is deemed as long day filled with electric tournament;forthefirsttime the biggest Basketball and exciting Basketball in Guyana more than 20 tournament of the region- entertainmentwithteamsout youth teams will participate threedistrict. of Linden, Kwakwani, inanybasketballtournament

Team Evolution and We Stand United st cop 1 place in KARCC 12-laps race

Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club (KARCC)

Twelve-lap circuit race was contested yesterday, around the outer circuit of the National Park. Senior cyclist Curtis Dey and Junior Alexander Leung pedaled their way to victory, while Ian Jackson came first in the Master- Over 45 race. These are the list of winners across thethreecategories:

Seniors/ Open category

1st. Curtis Dey- Team

KFCEvolution

2nd Christopher

Griffith- Team KFC

Evolution 6th Alexis Mendes-

3rd Ajani Cutting-

3rd Robin Persaud- KaieteurAttackRacing. KaieteurAttackRacing.

TeamKFCEvolution Juniors category Masters Over 45

LONDON, (Reuters) - the way to her competing conference “Just keep Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum set over the marathon distance going as much as possible a London Marathon course at next year’s Paris and maybe you will surprise record yesterday, finishing Olympics. yourself.” intwohours,oneminute,25 Hassan, who has won Hassan said she planned seconds, nearly three Olympic gold in the 5,000 to run the marathonin either minutes ahead of second- and 10,000 metres, made a Chicago or New York later placed Geoffrey Kamworor dramatic comeback after an this year after focusing on in a rain-drenched race full early injury to prevail over the track for the World ofdrama. Olympic champion Peres Athletics Championships in Kiptum, who ran the Jepchirchir and defending BudapestinAugust. fastest-ever debut marathon L o n d o n c h a m p i o n The women’s marathon in Valencia last year, made Yelamzerf Yehualaw in world-record holder, his break at mile 19, whatorganiserssaidwasthe Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei, was establishing a solid lead to besteverelitewomen’sfield a surprise early drop-out, deliver the second-fastest fortheevent. limping off the course less marathonofalltime. The 30-year-old looked than three minutes into the T h e 2 3 - y e a r- o l d to be in pain around the hip race. She has been battling a collapsed on to the ground, flexor just under an hour in, hamstringinjury exhausted,aftercrossingthe falling behind as she In his last marathon finish line He ran the stopped and stretched, but before retirement, Britain’s second half of the race in she caught up with the Mo Farah finished ninth in just 59 minutes and 45 leading pack with just over 2:10:28. seconds. sixkmstogo. Switzerland’s Marcel

“I am so happy with the Hassan finished in Hug won the elite men’s result,” Kiptum told the 2:18:34 with a desperate wheelchair race, beating his BBC. “I don’t know what to sprint in the final 100 own course record with a say right now, I am just metres, three seconds ahead time of 1:23:44 for his third grateful.” of second-placed Alemu London victory in a row.

4th. Alexander Leung- 1st. Alexander Leung-

1st.IanJackson TeamWeStandUnited TeamWeStandUnited

2nd.TalimShaw

5th Paul Denobrega- 2nd Aaron Newton- Specialthanksis TeamKFCEvolution TeamWeStandUnited (Continued on page 22)

Earlier, Dutch middle- Megertu of Ethiopia. Australia’s Madison de distance athlete Sifan Kenya’s Jepchirchir Rozario clinched the Hassan scored a stunning finishedthird. women’s wheelchair race in upset to win her debut “I learned to be patient 1:38:51, in a thrillinglytight marathon, an event she saw and just to run your own win over Switzerland’s as a test which could pave race,” Hassan told a news ManuelaSchaer

Anthony Kandar (far left) poses with D-Up Basketball Academy youth players while some committee members shares’ the moment.

Curtis Dey receives his reward for his 1st place finish in the senior’s race.

Grandmaster Nigel Short forges path to elevate chess in Guyana

International Chess development of Chess in vast experience in his Federation (FIDE) Director Guyana. decades playing chess at the f o r D e v e l o p m e n t His trip was not all highest level to impart

Grandmaster Nigel Short business, however. As an advice and game analyses to MBE has made strides to avid cricket fan, he had the youngminds. boost chess in young and opportunity to visit the Furthermore, scores of d e v e l o p i n g C h e s s famousEverestCricketClub chess fans and players Federationsacrosstheglobe. guided by Speaker of the attended his meet and greet

ThevisitbytheGrandmaster NationalAssemblyManzoor attheAmazoniaMall,where to Guyana was included in a Nadir The they discussed tactics and tour of Belize and Suriname, Club has a rich history in chess puzzles and picked the having already met officials Cricket, with the first match brain of England’s brightest in the Cayman Islands, playedin1915,continuingto chess mind Fans were Dominica, St. Kitts-Nevis, thepresentdayhostingmany allowed to pose for Grenada, Antigua & regional and international memorable pictures with Barbuda to reinforce chess fixtures. GM Short also paid GMShort. development, and in most aquickvisittothe His visit inspired many cases, to start new chess Georgetown Cricket parents to contact the associations in those Club and was given a guided Federation to get their territories. tour of the Uitvlugt Estate, children involved in the

His recent stop in I r f a a n A l i , w h o s e British High Commissioner workinpromotingchessand thankstoMr game and be part of the Guyana was no different. He contribution of one million toGuyana. its organizational structure. Sasenarine Singh, CEO rapidly developing sport h a s s u c c e e d e d i n d o l l a r s f o r c h e s s Both promised their He expressed these ofGuySuCo. GM Short has promised strengthening partnerships, development in Guyana was support in working with the sentimentsatadinnerhosted During his visit, the support in planning improving awareness, and wellreceived. Guyana Chess Federation to bytheseniormanagementof Grandmaster also engaged initiatives regionally in b r i n g i n g v a l u a b l e Additionally,hemetwith bring chess to a higher level DemeraraDistillersLimited. four schools in Georgetown collaboration with other discussions to the attention His Excellency Dr K J inGuyana. The Topco brand of DDL, with very active chess national chess federations in ofhigh-levelofficials. S r i n i v a s a , H i g h T h e G M a l s o whose support has been communities. Through these the Caribbean that share Grandmaster Short was Commissioner of India to c o m p l i m e n t e d t h e invaluable in the past, has meetings, he pulled from his similargoals. grantedanaudiencewithHis Guyana, and Her Excellency management of the Guyana renewed its commitment to Excellency President Dr Judy Kpogho, Deputy Chess Federation for its c h a m p i o n i n g t h e

APInvitational returns June 24

By Rawle Toney

Afterafour-yearhiatus,AliannPompey’s“AP Invitational” track and field championships will return on Saturday June 24 at the National Track andFieldCentreinEdinburgh.

Pompey, Guyana’s Commonwealth Games 400m gold and silver medallist, saw her fifth edition of the AP Invitational, like most sports eventsin2020,cancelledbecauseofCOVID-19.

The Olympian made several attempts to host the championships, but in 2022, she curtailed by severalchallenges,includingrelayingofthetrack atthecountry’slonesyntheticfacility

This time around, however, Kaieteur News understands that the remedial works at the National Track and Field Centre will be completedintimefortheChampionshipsthatwas endorsedbytheMinistryofCulture,Youthand (Continued on page 22)

Marian Primary School

GM Nigel Short with Mazoor Nadir at Everest.

National 100m Champion Emanuel Archibald could line-up at the 2023 AP Invitational. Aliann Pompey