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AIETEUR NEWS

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly Hamas Leader, Ismail Haniyeh

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Friday Edition August 02, 2024 - Vol. 26 No. 31 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 36,776

Jagdeo refuses to update nation on efforts to recover Guyana oil profits used by Exxon, for works in Kaieteur and Canje Blocks This child was among the thousands who flocked the National Park on Thursday to celebrate Emancipation Day in Guyana. The African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) organised a rich cultural programme to entertain those in attendance. (NCN photo)

Man arrested for sending threatening email to US Embassy ‘No extension to CGX licence for offshore exploration’ ...Jagdeo says company not forthcoming with information requested

ExxonM and Chevron’s fight over oil-rich Stabroek Block drags on ...as Hess shares drop due to delays Put our own meters on Exxon’s oil pumps!

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Kaieteur News

Friday August 02, 2024

Friday August 02, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Emancipation Day scenes at the National Park Young family adorned with matching African prints

Saxophonist, Roy Stewart with a live performance

The Greene Family that won “Best Dressed Family” in African wear competition

A performer singing at the National Park

An overseas-based Guyanese woman and her six grandchildren attending the Emancipation Day event at the National Park

A father and son who participated in the Best Dressed competition

The man who won the “Best Dressed Male” competition

Kaieteur News

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Emancipation – so many freedoms taken away, missing Emancipation in its smallest significance is about freedom. There are many facets to this freedom, many freedoms for citizens in a country, none of which must be restrained. For when taken one by one in a country, no one, no matter how powerful, no entity, no matter how dominant, should impair those precious freedoms through caprices or artifices. However poor or powerful, however he or she is found acceptable or objectionable, the freedom of the individual must not be shackled, nor any attempt be made to do so. The only qualifier, the only restraint, is that any freedom must yield to the requirements of just laws. This is what we at this paper believe the Emancipation of man, anything that can be defined as truly emancipatory, is at its core.

When there is Emancipation in its fullest forms, there is no place for government tyranny. Not even the smallest fissure should be created for such tyranny to shelter. We would betray truth were it to be said that government tyranny does not exist in Guyana today, in this its era of the greatest promise. This, we regret. It is to our immense regret also that the freedoms that real Emancipation foster are now subject to revolting leadership tyrannies. When political leaders are constrained by artificial circumstances of their own making to speak with clarion clarity, then they have done something, made some arrangement that tyrannizes their already fragile hold on frankness, unambiguousness.

When leaders dissemble, they have yoked themselves to some tyranny. When leaders are cornered for straight answers and they find every excuse not to give them, then they are not emancipated, they exist under a harness that controls and steers even what they are free to say. Those are not leaders that know what it is to be emancipated, or even ones that appreciate the workings of democracy’s ideals. It is of leaders who have allowed himself to be duct taped, consumed by some selfishness, for the return of some cheap, low-quality oats.

When leaders retreat from providing honest answers to simple questions, retaliate with an outpouring of vitriolic abuse, that is tyranny not emancipation. When leaders are vicious and vindictive towards those exercising the rights of citizens, or performing the duties of professionals, then that is one more expression of tyranny. The unvarnished truth is that leaders living and operating with the fullest strengths of complete emancipation are free, have freed themselves, from any inhibition that controls their tongue, manages their minds.

We invite honest thinkers, the free thinkers in Guyana, to check what we have in our leaders and how they are, then to decide for themselves whether they are emancipated or whether they are enslaved.

Emancipation at its brightest is the freedom to participate fairly and fairly in the national natural resources’ patrimonies, with none bigger and more beautiful than the national oil patrimony. When any single citizen of Guyana, little one or big one, poor one or rich one, is prevented in some manner from that fullness and fairness of participation, then that can never represent emancipation. We shall say it loud, and we say it clear: any limitation to enjoy the fruits of the national oil harvest is not emancipation at its truest. It is an abomination at its vilest, it most decayed. Being defined as the richest people in the world is an emancipation of an unequalled kind. What Guyanese live with, however, are the manacles of poverty: they trap tightly, they bite deeply and painfully. When a government is for the people, then it fights to its last breath for those same people, all of them. Neither government nor any of its leaders make it a point or practice to obfuscate with the facts, or retaliate with venom, or prevaricate with a stream of deceptions.

The incomparable national oil patrimony (plus other components of it) is the key to the emancipation that all impoverished Guyanese have yearned for, waited on, so long. This is the time of emancipation without condition.

This is the time for Guyanese to enjoy true economic freedom. Guyanese are going to have to rise for the freedom that is now denied them but is due to them.

Friday August 02, 2024

Emancipation Day: History, Deep Reflection, Freedom DEAR EDITOR, They suffered such cruelties at the hands of man, for the cause of greed, by the Romans, Arabs and the Europeans, unheard of in history, where tens of millions of the best and strongest, the wisest, among them kings and Princes, were brought into what was called by the Europeans the New World (the Caribbean and West Indies).

Stolen and claimed in the names of the Kings and Queens of Europe, though the lands were already inhibited.

In what was the Middle Passage, the hazardous, inhuman voyage, in ships laden with living human flesh, made stink.

The Africans were subjected to the slave trade to enrich Europe and its colonists to the so-called New World.

The African soul was penetrated, by the preaching against their creed and religions of the ancestors of Africa.

Whilst the bible was shared, they stole arid and valuable lands.

In the process, building castles, with European styles and creating Europeans lifestyles, stealing their diamond and gold- even their animals ravaged for export into their zoos and

shops, and body parts to enrich the Commerce of Europe.

This is the reality of history, regardless of how they distort it, for as we know the writing of history is in the hands of the victor, victors who can whitewash facts easily.

But closer to home, why this respect for the African ancestors, why this love and appreciation for Peoples of African Decent?

They taught us so much! Our Africans ancestors taught us after emancipation, English Language, they assisted in teaching us reality and how to fight for our rights, they took care of us in medicine and at times even protected us form the onslaught of brutalities brought on by the colonial masters.

Emancipation Day as it is celebrated and observed in our country over the many decades has always been one of calm and deep reflection, a period of mature festivities and enjoyment.

It is a period and time I believe that all Guyanese need to respect, applaud and appreciate for without our African ancestors’ b a t t l e t h r o u g h unimaginable pains and torture in these lands, in

their struggle and quest to regain their honour eventually led to freedom.

We the newcomers could never have been able to adjust and adapt but for their sacrifices.

To quote Mr. Norma Whittaker “I encourage you to once more get involved and participate in the various activities across our dear Land of Guyana.

T h e s e w o u l d u n d o u b t e d l y i n c l u de, cultural programmes aimed at informing the Guyanese people about slavery; African drumming, dancing, masquerade bands and traditional calypso, learning of the history of various villages across Guyana,

display of African attire, African dishes; metemgee, foo foo, drinks like mauby, crafts and artwork”.

We o f t h e R K ’ s Guyana Security Services and Business Enterprise, wish to applaud and celebrate the sacrifices and the battles of the African ancestors who laid their bones on these shores, so that the future generations and those who come after may live in a land of tranquility, peace and non-enslavement of people.

Dr. Roshan Khan Chairman/Founder RK ’s G u y a n a Security Services

At last decisive action against errant employers regarding NIS DEAR EDITOR It is heartening to see strong and decisive action taken against private security firms regarding NIS contributions. Finally, this category of employees can get their due.

It is a start and much work remains to be done to ensure others become compliant. Also, care must be taken to ensure, once

errant employers do not fall back into their old, uncaring ways.

While the campaign targets security firms with government contracts, those without government contracts must also be targeted and brought into the net.

So too are other businesses which are equally guilty of this illegality.

Shamshun Mohamed

Kaieteur News

Friday August 02, 2024

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GPSU’s Message to all on the Occasion of Emancipation 2024 DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) extends greetings for Emancipation Day 2024 to all, Locally, Regionally and Internationally.

Emancipation offers an opportunity to reflect on the difficult and untold sufferings of our forefathers, as there were long and grueling battles that ended harrowing crimes of enslavement that afflicted humanity for centuries, notwithstanding the terrifying cries and loss of lives in the fight for freedom.

Freedom guaranteed us the human right to live a life of dignity, and the security to live life according to one’s dreams and beliefs. As we continue to reflect, let us work towards a future of prosperity for all Guyanese, in togetherness as One People, One Nation, One Destiny – with a commitment toward development for all.

Historically, Human Slavery was institutionalized long before the year 1080, and despite efforts to end the slave trade in England in the

12th Century when the Ecclesiastical Council of London decreed that “let no one dare to engage in the infamous business…of selling men like animals”, it continued. Notwithstanding, an anti-slavery movement in 1783 and legislative restrictions, slavery itself remained unchallenged and flourished on the sugar plantations of the Caribbean.

Many African families were captured and sold into slavery during the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Barbarism and genocide were the fate of some slaves during this unfortunate period. Others endured sickness, starvation, torture and the brutal life sugar plantations offered…death was a relief from the sickening conditions.

The Jamaican rebellion caused the British Empire to hold an inquiry into the rebellion, which resulted in the passage of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 that became effective on August 1, 1834 throughout the British Empire except a few territories. With the passage of the 1834 Act 800,000

slaves were freed, causing an influx of indentured labourers to supplement the plantation’s labour force.

Under the Act 20-millionpound sterling were paid to slave owners as compensation.

Further, on January 1, 1863 the Emancipation Proclamation by United States President Abraham Lincoln to wit: “…all persons held as slaves…shall be forever free…and all authority thereof, shall recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons and will do no acts to reprise such persons in any effort they make for their actual freedom”.

This Proclamation was

o n l y e ff e c t i v e i n t h e rebellious States during the civil war which liberated 3.5 million slaves.

In 2024, 190 years later, there is still the call for Reparative Justice, for restitution to the victims of slavery or their descendants.

The July 2023 Brussels Summit of the European Union and the Community of Latin American and the Caribbean States (CELAC) Declaration 10 states: “We acknowledge and profoundly regret the untold s u ff e r i n g i n f l i c t e d o n millions of men, women and children as a result of the trans-Atlantic slave trade…including the acknowledgment that

slavery and the slave trade, including the transatlantic slave trade, were appalling tragedies in the history of humanity not only because of their abhorrent barbarism but also in terms of their magnitude, organized nature and especially their negation of the essence of the victims, and that slavery and the slave trade are a crime against humanity…”.

CELAC references the Caribbean Reparation Commission document that outlines the path to conciliation, truth, and justice for the victims of slavery and their descendants.

In today’s society, the conditions experienced by

the enslaved human capital of the 16th century no longer exist and several anti-slavery legislations are inforce to prevent a recurrence.

However, that process to emancipation was laced with blood and tears, many have died to secure freedom for all and the right to be born free, to live freely and to enjoy benefits compensatory to efforts.

As we enjoy our lives in freedom where the chains of bondage were broken, the shackles loose, let us strive to secure economic freedom as well as prosperity for all.

Let us continue the difficult journey in pursuit of a livable wage for workers. Social and (Continued on page 06)

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Kaieteur News

Friday August 02, 2024

We must not implicitly support bad behaviour DEAR EDITOR, The pursuit of no fault divorce legislation allows for adulterous and abusive behaviour to go unpunished.

No one misbehaving in a marriage should reap the same benefits in a divorce as the person who has remained faithful and well behaved.

The push for such legislation should be halted.

How many men or women do you know that will be ok with a cheating or abusive

spouse getting an equal share of everything? It is totally unacceptable, especially when children are involved!

We must not implicitly support bad behaviour. A spouse who knows that they can misbehave during a marriage and not face any consequences for such bad behaviour will ruin the institution of marriage. Let good sense prevail.

The person that ruins the marriage should not be given

equal treatment under the law. This is the equivalent of telling a homeowner that they are equally responsible for a thief stealing their belongings.

It is totally absurd. Will you punish the homeowner with the same prison sentence as the one given to thief that stole their belongings? Of course not!

Comparably we should not reward the spouse that ruined the marriage the same

way as the spouse who behaved. Can you imagine how it would feel for the person who was abused during the relationship to know that their abuser’s abuses were of no consequence in the judges decision? A no fault divorce system is an unfair one!

Sincerely, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

GPSU’s Message to all on the Occasion...

From page 05 economic equality must be attained to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor of our country. The inadequate provision of resources to meet the needs of people created another bondage for the citizens of Guyana. There must be economic freedom for the working class.

The Guyana Public Service Union advocates for unity and togetherness, to rid our country of the afflict of economic deprivation and the stronghold of poverty that continues to shackle the

working class. Let us work together to build a just and fair society where all are treated equally before the law, where all can share in the richness of our country’s resources, regardless of our e t h n i c i t y, s o c i a l a n d economic standing, or geographic origin. This is a Guyana of One People, One Nation, One Destiny. We must do better to secure a brighter future for us as a nation.Let Individual, Economic and Social Justice reign.

Happy Emancipation Day

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Friday August 02, 2024

Kaieteur News

Yesterday as a country and people we celebrated Emancipation Day.

It was a day when many reflected on the enslavement of Africans who were brought to these shores in chains. Freedom was fought hard for, yet as a people we are still to experience true freedom.

When there is Emancipation in its fullest forms, there is no place for government tyranny. Not even the smallest fissure should be created for such tyranny to shelter.

We would betray truth were it to be said that government tyranny does not exist in Guyana today, in this its era of the greatest promise.

This, we regret. It is to our immense regret also that the freedoms that real Emancipation foster are now subject to revolting leadership tyrannies.

When political leaders are constrained by artificial circumstances of their own making to speak with clarion clarity, then they have done something, made some arrangement that tyrannizes their already fragile hold on frankness, unambiguousness.

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 8 10

Monday Friday August May 02,02, 2022 2024

ExxonM and Chevron’s fight over oil-rich Stabroek Block drags on ...as Hess shares drop due to delays

C

hevron and Exxon are headed to a May arbitration hearing in the latest chapter of their ongoing dispute over the massive Stabroek Block oilfield off the coast of Guyana.

Chevron said Wednesday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission it expects a decision within three months of the hearing.

The Houston-based company added it had expected and requested to hold the hearing earlier, but the common schedules of the parties made it impossible.

The companies have been locked in a dispute since February, when Exxon threatened to block Chevron's acquisition of a 30% stake in the Stabroek Block, which is said to contain at least 11 billion barrels of oil. Ongoing arbitration hinges on the applicability of a "right of first refusal" contained in an operating agreement between subsidiaries of Exxon, Hess and China National Offshore Oil Corporation.

An abrogation of the deal could throw into question Chevron's $53 billion acquisition of competitor

Hess, which closed in October.

Chevron said in the filing that its views and those of Hess remain unchanged, while claiming that Exxon and CNOOC "continue to ignore the plain language of the operating agreement."

Exxon operates all production in Guyana, controlling a 45% stake while Hess and CNOOC serve as minority partners. Exxon and CNOOC Ltd filed arbitration claims claiming a pre-emption right to any sale of Hess' lucrative stake in a Guyana oil-producing joint venture.

The challenge threatens to block Chevron's biggest deal since its 2001 acquisition of Texaco for $36 billion.

Exxon and CNOOC have argued Chevron's bid for Hess triggered a right of first refusal clause in their Guyana joint operating agreement. Chevron and Hess dispute that claim.

The all-stock sale, announced last October, has been stalled by a second request for information by antitrust regulator, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Its review should be completed this quarter, a spokesman for Hess said.

Meanwhile, shares in the U.S.

over-year increase in Guyana to 192,000 bpd. Its Bakken shale output also rose, the company said.

It, however, expects a fall in current-quarter production due to planned downtime in Guyana and Southeast Asia. Third-quarter net production is expected to be in the range of 460,000 boepd to 470,000 boepd. oil producer Hess suffered their largest daily percentage drop in 20 months on Thursday on fallout from the lengthy new delay to its proposed sale to Chevron. Reuters reported.

Hess' stock fell $11.25, or 7.35%, the largest daily percentage drop since November 2022.

Chevron shares were also off 4%, or $6.57, at $153.93 in midday New York trading.

Kaieteur News reported on Thursday that Hess Corp (HES.N), beat estimates for second-quarter profit on Wednesday, helped by sharply higher oil production in Guyana and stronger prices.

A Reuters report stated that Hess's production rose 27.6% to 494,000 barrels of oil and gas per day (boepd), on nearly 75% year-

Hess said it expects its Guyana output to fall 10% as a natural gas pipeline is connected this quarter, and expects its North Dakota output to drop 4.5% on planned maintenance.

The company's average realized crude oil selling price also rose nearly 13% to $80.29 per barrel in the second quarter.

A three-person arbitration panel is expected to decide on the dispute with Exxon. Exxon believes the process could extend to 2025 while both Chevron and Hess expect a resolution by the end of the year.

Hess' quarterly profit of $2.62 per share beat analysts' average estimate of $2.48 per share, according to LSEG data.

Back in April Hess Corporation had announced that its profits leapt

by $626M in the first quarter of 2024 thanks to higher production volumes in the Bakken shale in the US and the Stabroek block offshore Guyana. Back then Hess' net income, the company said, was US$972M in the three months ended 31 March, compared to $346 million in the first quarter of 2023, according to the company's latest earnings report.

This would mean that Hess's profits have almost tripled over the previous reporting period.

According to Hess, its overall net production of oil and gas was 476,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, up 27 percent from 374,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) in 2023.

The Bakken production surged by 27,000 (bpd), according to Hess, “while Guyana offered up an additional 78,000 (bpd) this quarter.”

The first quarter results “substantially outperformed” expectations, according to a report from analyst firm TD Cowen back then. Overall production beat projections by 9 percent, while Hess' Guyana output beat consensus by 28 percent, Cowen had noted.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 02, 2024

PAGE 09

THE OLYMPiCS The Olympics is the world’s greatest sporting spectacle. It brings together athletes from all around the world to compete against one another and for personal and national glory.

The Games show the extraordinary limits to which human endurance and performance can be pushed.

It almost brings tears to my eyes witnessing the breathtaking performances which are turned out every four years.

Part of the traditional appeal of the Olympics has been its amateur status. But that is no more and the Games are now being made sour by the presence of professional athletes.

The introduction of professionals into the Games

is a violation of the Olympic spirit – the spirit of amateur competition. When professionals are allowed to take part in the Games in the disciplines of football, lawn tennis and basketball it makes a mockery of the Olympics. I do not think this should have been allowed to happen. The Olympics has for a long time been an amateur sport. It emerged as a contest between states in which all are equal. In reality of course countries with professional leagues tend to have the better athletes. The Olympics, as originally conceived, levelled the playing field and made it possible for weaker and smaller states to shine in the international limelight.

In 1986, the decision was

taken to admit professional athletes. This change resulted from pressure from commercial sponsors. In the process, the Olympic Games moved from being primary an Olympic sport to a commercial enterprise and because of this it was felt that there was a need to attract superstars to make the Games more appealing to sponsors.

The introduction of professional athletes contaminated the Olympic spirit. Sometimes you wonder whether the athletes are running, swimming, leaping or somersaulting for their country or for their sponsors and for future endorsements.

As someone once said, competing in the Olympics

DEM BOYS SEH

Money come in but cost of living fly up

D

em boys seh some security guards gat a new job these days: guardin’ demself from not eating enough. De oil money come in, and everybody tink it was plenty betterment. Some guards start tekking home $120,000 a month. That’s big bucks fuh dem who been used to scraping by.

But dem boys seh money come in but cost of living fly up. Now, dem guards ketching sense.

Dem gat more pay, but it lookin’ like dem can’t buy more. Dem boys seh is like dem getting pay in monopoly money. De $120,000 sound nice, but de extra money nah enough fuh put more food in de

food bowl.

Dem boys seh some guards belly rumbling louder because when dem eat dem dinner, by midnight dem need a lil snack and de money nah stretch fuh dis.

Some of dem begging fuh a lil transportation money.

Others asking fuh a small piece fuh buy green mango, just to stem de worms. Dem boys seh, “Imagine some big strong guards beggin’ like beggars!”

De guards now gat another problem. De bosses dem seh no more shuttingeye pon de job. Some guards use to catch lil nap in de night shift. Now dem can’t even do that. Dem boys seh de guards gat to keep eyes wide open like dem watching action

movie. No nap, no slack, no mercy. All this while dem belly crying out.

And de government?

Dem boys seh de government come wid deh deflated inflation numbers and talkin’ bout how de economy swellin’. But dem guards seh is de belly swelling, not de pay. Dem just wan’ know how dem gun keep dem eyes open and dem belly full.

So dem boys seh, some of de guards still standing tall, even if dem standing pon empty belly. Dey guardin’ more than building and people. Dem guardin’ de truth ‘bout dis so-called oil boom, and how it leaving dem dry like de well before de oil find.

Talk half. Leff halk

was about pride and glory for yourself and country not about money or power. And it simply is unfair to ask amateur athletes, particularly from poor countries to compete with professionals in developed countries who earn seven figure sums.

It is like asking the Guyana basketball team to compete against an all-star team from the NBA. Competition in certain sports such as basketball, soccer and lawn tennis has never been as imbalanced in the Olympics as it is today.

Since 1992 at Barcelona, the United States, stacked with NBA superstars, has won the basketball in six of the seven Olympics.

That 1992 US basketball team is often referred to as t h e D r e a m Te a m . B y common consensus it is considered the greatest basketball teams ever assembled. How can you ask amateurs to compete against such teams? No wonder the Dream Team has been so

consistent in steamrolling the Opposition.

The introduction of professions made the margin of victories lopsided. For example, the Dream Team from the USA defeated Croatia 117-85 in the 1992 finals. Imagine what would have happened if Olympic boxing had allowed professionals. Imagine Mike Tyson fighting at the Olympic Games.

Fortunately, boxing is one of those sports in which professionals cannot enter.

The admission of professional tennis, soccer and basketball players vulgarizes the Olympic spirit; it turns those events into a parody. Opening the Games to professional athletes also denies amateur athletes the opportunity that they should have to compete and win Olympic glory.

As such, I never look at Olympic basketball, football and tennis. I do not believe that now that professional athletes have tasted Olympic glory that these particular

Olympic sporting disciplines will ever return to being exclusively for amateur.

I am not original in this criticism. It was made years ago, by Cuban President Fidel Castro. In fact, it is bitterly tragic that while professional athletes are increasingly invading the games, baseball is still not a permanent Olympic sport.

This year, it is not being contested. I would not like to live to see the day when cricket joins the fray because it would mean that the sports premier competition, Cricket World Cup, would have to give way to the Olympics. It would not just be right. Nor should it.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Friday August 02, 2024

BY GHK LALL

H@RD TRUTHS PPP Govt. – an int'l obscenity, an entity that fears truth, light S

UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

LALL

There are some hard truths that all Guyanese must face up to, particularly PPP Government supporters. The leadership of the party and national government is now an international obscenity, mocks democracy, defaces even the smallest standards.

Except for a handful in its leadership cohort, this is the PPP: a group that races from anything that has to do with truth, what represents the light that Guyana needs. A million miles of roads do not speak to the pure truth; their twisted truths are buried in their tombs. Nor can all the

local building hideaway the decayed nature of a government and party gone wild, now rickety and sordid from an excess of power.

Here are some hard truths for Guyanese to savor; they are about how hard the PPP Government and leadership endeavor to bring down conscientious objectors, stifle dissent, frighten citizens.

The PPP Government and leadership try state media.

They fail.

The PPP Government and leadership work through social media.

They keep losing. The PPP

Government and leadership use private media, dark media, underground media with the same result: defeat and disgrace. What is the objective? To intimidate, to browbeat, to corner and kill off honest commentary, to suppress thinking.

I am honored to be targeted by all those media and media operators.

So much manpower, so much money, spent to derogate and deny one man (a few women, a few others of Guyanese heritage) from speaking their minds, for spreading some light. On oil.

About governance.

Relative to transparent leadership.

When the indefensible becomes the norm, PPP agents are consumed with what next will be written, what issues bared. They watch, they rail up, they stain themselves, rush for dark holes. This is how I invade the heads of government leaders and their minions, control their minds.

Because the PPP Government and leadership cannot stand the light of truth, both seek shelter in deep darkness. What kind of government runs from truth, hides behind extravagant

falsehoods, slink towards darkness? What does it say of the servants and their leaders that they have such a morbid dread of truth and light that they seek refuge behind high fences, higher government offices, and the grossest deceptions?

From life, we all know what those who have terrible secrets to conceal do. They cannot face honest people.

They can't deal with straight talk, so they steal away and twist things that expose their vulgar character, their corruption practices that diminish this nation so much.

So, they disappear behind thick bushes to bushwhack law-abiding Guyanese exercising their sacred Constitutional rights to speak and write what they think, how they assess developments.

Not as a government or any cult leaders push them to see it.

But as they see what is really going on in Guyana and care enough to expound upon such, come what may. By way of slight digression: PPP defenders who are ignorant of what bushwhack means can check with Mr. Alistair Routledge; it is the lingo of Texas.

For years, a few intrepid citizens have appealed to president, vice president, minister: do something, about those masquerades from Exxon passed off as public consultations on pending oil projects. Now there is movement: government will attend, listen, check things out; plus, the startling admission that “stupidness” could be in operation. Some Guyanese boldly pointed out that Exxon's billboards deceive citizens.

Immediately, government defensive postures were trotted out (by Guyanese collecting Exxon's money) in efforts to persuade locals that all is well.

Recently, after nonstop highlighting that Exxon's billboards are misleading, there is belated agreement from the political mandarin in charge of the oil. The billboards are wrong. Why only now? Why so long?

Why not listen to citizens who only want the best from o i l f o r t h i s c o u n t r y.

Government and leadership can collect the accolades.

But the leadership is so consumed by the destructive poisons of power that there is no listening, only wasting of

time trying to whip messengers with unwanted messages into submission.

The latest example of the PPP Government's fear of light and truth is related to a simple question: how many new barrels of oil have been found in Exxon's last eight discoveries?

The usual cover-ups from both government and leaders came and stayed. Exxon is focused on monetizing the already discovered oil assets.

Perhaps, the company was keeping those millions of barrels as strategic reserve, not selling them (marketing, monetizing) to rake in the billions.

The follow-up answer to that same question was that appraisals take time, as long as years, on occasion.

In the past, Exxon had announced new oil discoveries, and was enough of a frank partner to share its estimates of new barrels. But then came the stonewalling under different disguises (monetizing and appraisal time needed).

N o w, Guyana's oil boss, Vice President Jagdeo announced that Guyanese will be given the new current reserves (barrels) within a week. Why was there delay and dissembling before? What caused the change of heart: public clamor from the usual naysayers' sources, deviationist voices and keyboards? My hope is that it is an all-inclusive number, and not some fabricated one.

The last hard truth is this: if there was no calling out, no objection, no disagreement, then nothing would have changed.

The PPP Government and leadership would still be stuffing down Guyanese throats that all is as they say, everything is clean and straight. My last word to President Ali and VP Jagdeo is stop bludgeoning Guyanese who want what is right and fair from their patrimonies. To fight and try to foul from behind fowl pens only smears the record of the PPP Government, the standing of its leadership cohort, confirming the obscenity and putridity of both internationally.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

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Friday August 02, 2024

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Jagdeo refuses to update nation on efforts to recover Guyana oil profits used by Exxon, for works in Kaieteur and Canje Blocks Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has refused to update Guyanese citizens on the progress government has made to recover monies the auditors revealed was spent by oil giant Exxon Mobil from the Stabroek block to pay for works done in the Kaieteur and Canje blocks.

The VP was addressing the media on Thursday during his weekly press conference at the Freedom House on Robb Street.

Jagdeo, the chief policymaker in the oil and gas sector has refused in recent months to answer a number of important questions crucial to his portfolio.

Among the questions are: the status Guyana's oil reserve; the rental fee Exxon is paying for the capping stack it recently brought into the country and how much the company is paying to treat produced water from its offshore operations. Jagdeo has also refused to provide a comprehensive updates on the audit findings as well as the interest rates being charged by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) on its investments.

On Wednesday he was

asked by the Kaieteur News to say if there were "Any development to recover the money the auditors discovered Exxon spent in the Kaieteur and Canje oil blocks?" Jagdeo responded: "So the last time you said that the minister doesn't want to answer some of your questions. So he will have a press conference and all of these routine things, that are not policy-based you can find out there."

This publication reported previously that the audit team that reviewed ExxonMobil's US$7.3 billion expenses, incurred between 2018 and 2020, found that the company used $323 million of the revenue generated in the Stabroek Block to purchase vehicles that were used for operations in the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks.

According to the report completed by the auditors, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL)previously Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)- the operator of the Stabroek Block included in its cost recovery statement 100 percent of the costs for

Man injured as cars collide on Linden Highway Police are investigating a 'serious accident' which o c c u r r e d o n Tu e s d a y evening, on the Soesdyke Linden Highway, resulting in one person being hospitalised with a 'fractured backbone'.

The accident involved motorcar #PAB 1807, owned and driven by Seon Sagon, a 40-year-old of Yarrowkabra Village, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, and motorcar #PYY 6817, owned and driven by Michael Major, a 26-year-old from Silver Hill, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, and occupant Joel Howell, a 23-year-old from Amelia's Ward Linden.

Enquiries disclosed that motor car #PAB 1807 was proceeding south along the eastern side of the highway when the driver of PYY

6817, which was proceeding behind in the same direction, started to overtake PAB 1807.

Police said in a press release that in the process, the vehicles collided, and both drivers, along with the occupant, suffered injuries.

They were taken out of their respective cars, placed in a Police vehicle and escorted to the Diamond Hospital, where they were seen and examined by a doctor on duty. Major and Howell were treated and sent away.

The driver of PAB 1807, Seon Sagon, was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was further examined by a doctor on duty and was admitted as a patient suffering from a fractured backbone.

various vehicles.

The auditors, however, determined that the vehicles purchased were used for all of Exxon's operations, including those outside of the Stabroek Block.

Consequently, auditors informed the company that the costs should be allocated across the blocks. In response to the findings of the auditors, ExxonMobil confirmed that the vehicles charges were deducted from the Stabroek block. The c o m p a n y, h o w e v e r, disagreed that that the vehicle costs should be

shared. Auditors said Exxon “verbally advised that the 100 percent charge to Stabroek was proper because, paraphrasing, the reason the Contractor was in the country was because of Stabroek operations.”

The report highlighted that US$1,617,143.85 in vehicles were purchased during the period 2018 to 2020 from Beharry Automotive LTD, Ideal Autos Inc., and Massy Motors Guyana LTD. This amounts to just over GYD$323 million. Even though government has said

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo that this use of the Stabroek Block funds to offset expenses in the other blocks is illegal, Exxon will not be

facing any penalties of any sort.

Jagdeo had said at a previous press conference that the contract the oil giant signed with Guyana means that the expenses will not be included in the cost bank for the Stabroek Block. “I maintain my position that it would be illegal and I repeat that. The audits would have revealed that now and as I said before there will be consequences. If you did unauthorised work you don't go to jail according to PSA, it just doesn't form part of the cost bank,” the VP said.

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Friday August 02, 2024

Kaieteur News

‘No extension to CGX licence for offshore exploration’ ...Jagdeo says company not forthcoming with information requested Cabinet is highly unlikely to extend the exploration license granted to CGX Energy Inc. and Frontera Energy Corporation, joint venture partners in the Corentyne Block offshore Guyana, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has said.

Despite the company's hopes for additional time to assess oil prospects, the government remains cautious. During his weekly press conference on We d n e s d a y J a g d e o expressed dissatisfaction with recent responses provided by CGX to a series of government inquiries.

In response to questions at a news conference on Wednesday at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown, he said, “Cabinet is not inclined to grant an extension to the license”.

He emphasised that while the company had been given some time to return with further updates, the information provided so far was insufficient. “We are not inclined to give any extension but [Cabinet] still wants some additional information,” he added.

According to Jagdeo, the company currently holds no

license, relieving the government of immediate pressure to address the issues. CGX had retained a small portion of the Corentyne Block, having relinquished much of it as per its exploration agreement with the government.

In 2023, CGX discovered oil at its Wei-1 well, located 14 kilometers west of the Kawa-1 discovery within the block. Although oil was found at Kawa-1 in January 2022, CGX and Frontera chose to focus on the Wei-1 well. Further drilling in the Corentyne Block was said to depend on positive results at

Wei-1, with the joint venture reportedly having no further obligations beyond this well.

In a recent notice of potential commercial interest submitted to the Guyana Government, the joint venture sought additional time to appraise the Wei-1 discovery and evaluate its viability.Back in May this year this newspaper reported that Houlihan Lokey, a leadIng global investment bank and capital markets expert was supporting active pursuit of strategic options for the Corentyne block, including a potential farm down, as it sought to develop

The Guyana Government said it is not inclined to grant an extension to CGX license t h e p o t e n t i a l l y transformational oil investment in one of the most attractive oil and gas destinations in the world today, Guyana.

This was disclosed to minority shareholder in the Corentyne Oil Block, CGX Energy Inc., which had released its unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in May for the first quarter of 2024, which included a number of other transactions completed by the oil company and its partner, earning itself more cash.

The Company is the operator of the Corentyne block and currently holds a 27.48 percent working interest, while Frontera Energy Guyana Corp (“Frontera Guyana”) holds the remaining 72.52 percent interest in the block. To this end, the company reported that the 2023 JOA (Joint Operating Agreement) Amendment was completed during the fourth quarter of 2023, pending approval from the Government of Guyana.

Additionally, it was

reported that according to the final cost of the Wei-1 well, the Company would have the right to receive from Frontera Energy Guyana Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Frontera Energy Corporation a reassignment of 0.78 percent participating interest in the Corentyne block.

CGX however said back then that pursuant to that certain Closing Letter dated March 7, 2024, between the Company and Frontera Guyana, the Company has instead agreed to receive from Frontera Guyana the reassignment of a 0.18 percent participating interest in the Corentyne block. This in addition to US$1.5 million cash consideration to cover certain other operating expenses of the Company, and US$0.6 million in settlement of other accounts payable related to the Joint Operations.

Additionally, it was reported that during April, 2024, the company received the cash consideration of $1.5 million from Frontera Guyana as part of the 2023 (Continued on page 16)

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Man arrested for sending threatening email to US Embassy

A

nand Persaud, a 31-year-old man from Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara, and former employee of the United States Embassy in Georgetown, is in police custody after he was arrested for allegedly sending a threatening email to the Embassy's email address.

The email which was sent last Thursday (July 25, 2024) contained threats directed towards United States Government personnel and the Embassy's Georgetown facility, a

Suspect: Anand Persaud police press release stated.

Consequently, security officials of the US Embassy made a formal report of the threat to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters.

Based on diligent investigation by detectives with assistance from overseas law enforcement personnel, the 31-year-old suspect, a former security guard attached to the Embassy, was arrested by detectives at his Sisters Village address and escorted to CID Headquarters.

Further investigations were conducted, and investigators were able to link the suspect to the email address that was used to send the threatening email to the Embassy.

The investigation is ongoing.

PAGE 21

Man caught on camera stealing car in Sophia A

man dressed in a white hoodie was on Wednesday caught on camera stealing a white 2016 Model Axio motorcar, PAC 1855, off of a bridge on Dennis Street, Sophia.

The car belongs to Yonathan Benjamin who is pleading with the public to assist him in finding his car.

CCTV Footage showed a man dressed in white hoodie and what looked like a pair of short black denim pants walking up to the

driver’s side of the parked vehicle. The man spent about a minute prying the lock before he finally got into it and drove off with the vehicle.

Benjamin has lodged a report with the police and is pleading with the public to share any information that may lead to the return of the car.

Persons with information related to the stolen car can also contact Benjamin on telephone numbers, 637-7214 or 219-7214.

PAHO to intensify HIV response in Caribbean Rio de Janeiro, 31 July 2024 (PAHO) - The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and global health initiative Unitaid have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to intensify collaboration to advance HIV response in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The US$ 5 million grant, which was signed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 30 July, aims to reduce HIV deaths in the region by addressing the prevention and management of advanced HIV disease. The project will focus on identifying gaps and barriers in national HIV programs, strengthening HIV surveillance, accelerating the introduction of new tests and treatment, and training healthcare workers. “ To i m p r o v e a c c e s s t o prevention and treatment, we must decentralize HIV care so that it is closer to patients,” PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said during the

signing of the agreement. “This grant will allow us to support countries to incorporate tools that will enable us to move even faster towards the elimination of HIVrelated deaths.” An estimated 2.3 million people live with HIV in Latin America and 340,000 in the Caribbean. Thanks to modern treatment options, the number of HIV-related deaths has declined over the past 10 years in both Latin America and the Caribbean (by 28% and 57% respectively).

However, in 2023, new infections increased by 9% in Latin America, despite reductions of 22% in the Caribbean and 51% globally, highlighting an urgent need for more targeted interventions.

Advances in medicine and public health have enabled rapid diagnosis as well as the development of methods for combined prevention and effective

treatment against the virus. A person with HIV who adheres to treatment no longer transmits the virus, and people who are at substantial risk can avoid HIV infection by taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that ensures 99% protection. New antigen based rapid diagnostics can also identify if somebody with HIV has a severe infection (such as tuberculosis, histoplasmosis or cryptococosis), which helps to ensure earlier access to treatment.

New data supports the use of shorter prevention and treatment options for many of these opportunistic infections. “This new agreement is part of our effort to support countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to get the innovation they need to fight HIV and it will consolidate the work we are already doing,” Unitaid Executive Director,

Philippe Duneton said. “As we move ahead in the fight against HIV, I am optimistic that bringing in new tools and new public health approaches will result in the impact we want on advanced HIV disease in the Americas.”Since 2020, PA H O a n d U n i t a i d h a v e collaborated to support health innovations in the region of the Americas. Earlier this year, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding to intensify collaboration to end 30 preventable communicable diseases in the region by 2030, including cervical cancer, HIV and Chagas disease.

HIV infection is one of the diseases addressed in PAHO’s Elimination Initiative, which aims to eliminate more than 30 communicable diseases and related conditions by 2030. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve health and

quality of life. Founded in 1902, the organization is the world’s oldest international public health agency and serves as a specialized health body of the Inter-American S y s t e m a n d World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Americas.Unitaid saves lives by making new health products affordable and available in low- and middle-income countries.

Collaborating with partners, Unitaid identifies innovative treatments, tackles market barriers, and quickly delivers solutions to those in need.

Since 2006, Unitaid has unlocked over 100 health products, addressing HIV, TB, malaria, women’s and children’s health, and pandemic preparedness.

Every year, these products benefit more than 170 million people. Unitaid is a hosted partnership of the World Health Organization.

27.7 % of Caribbean people can’t afford a healthy diet - New FAO report Rome – More than a t h i r d o f t h e w o r l d ’s population could not afford a healthy diet in 2022, and some regions have yet fully to recover from the harms wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an innovative data set published in the 2024 edition of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, the flagship hunger report issued last week by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and four sister United Nations agencies.

While food prices increased throughout 2022, pushing up the average cost of a healthy diet, this was largely offset by economic recovery and the ensuing positive income effects. As a result, some 35.4 percent of the global population, equal to 2.826 billion people, were unable to afford a healthy diet in 2022.

That compares to 36.4 percent and 2.823 billion in

2019.

However, this recovery to pre-pandemic levels in 2022 was achieved in an uneven manner across regions.

“In 2022, the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet dropped below pre-pandemic levels in the group of upper-middle- and high-income countries. In contrast, low-income countries had the highest levels since 2017,” the first year for which FAO has published estimates, said Maximo Torero, Chief Economist of FAO. The finding highlights “a major structural problem of our agrifood systems,” said David Laborde, Director of FAO’s Agrifood Economics and Policy Division.

He noted this part of the SOFI 2024 report revealed significant variation across and within regions that in turn point to where national and international attention should be prioritized.

Key findings The share

of people in Africa unable to afford a healthy diet was 64.8 percent. In Asia, the figure is 35.1 percent; in Latin America and the Caribbean, 27.7 percent; in Oceania 20.1 percent; and in Northern America and Europe, 4.8 percent.

In low-income and lower-middle-income countries, the number of people unable to afford healthy diets grew from 2019 to 2022, an outcome that reflects how postpandemic economic recoveries were unevenly shared and how more advanced economies were better placed to cope with supply-chain shocks and worldwide inflationary pressure on food commodity prices. The SOFI 2024 report details the methodology used to calculate the affordability of a healthy diets, defined as c o m p r i s i n g d i v e r s i t y, adequacy, moderation and balance.

The main takeaway is that the prices, in purchasing power parity (PPP), rose significantly – a global average of 6 percent in 2020 and 11 percent in 2021 – but the impact was diluted where income growth was also robust and where food as a share of household budgets was lowest, as in higher-income countries with greater fiscal capacities. “The uneven progress in the economic access to healthy diets cast a shadow of achieving Zero Hunger in the world, six years away from the 2030 deadline,” the SOFI report says. “There is the need to a c c e l e r a t e t h e transformation of our agrifood systems to strengthen their resilience to the major drivers and address inequalities to ensure that healthy diets are affordable for and available to all. But there is also a need to assure people that can access and consume healthy

diets,” said Torero.

Mapping the details The global average cost of a healthy diet rose to 3.96 PPP dollars – a measure that compares purchasing power parity across economies - in 2022. Subregional variations were considerable, ranging from a high of 5.34 PPP dollars in Eastern Asia to a low of 2.96 PPP dollars in Northern America. For Africa, the average price was 3.74 PPP dollars; for Asia 4.20 PPP dollars; for Latin America and the Caribbean 4.56 PPP dollars; for Oceania 3.46 PPP dollars and for Northern America and Europe 3.75 PPP dollars, with a sizable difference between Southern Europe, at 4.15 PPP dollars and Western Europe at 3.01 PPP dollars.

1.677 billion people living in lower-middleincome countries cannot afford a healthy diet, and the same holds for 503 million people living in low-income

countries. Combined, these account for 77 percent of people unable to afford healthy diets. People who cannot afford the least-cost healthy diet in their countries are likely facing at least some degree of food and nutritional insecurity and thus face the risk of swelling the ranks of the hungry as measured in SOFI’s traditional measures of chronic hunger as well as chronic conditions such as stunting and wasting.

FAO’s ongoing foray into gauging and tracking the cost of affordable diets offers an early warning indicator of sorts. As the alarm is greatest where countries’ fiscal capacities are weakest, and where the cost burden perpetuate itself by dragging down economic growth, the data in SOFI 2024 highlight the need for greater and more innovative investments in agrifood systems, the topic of the second section of the flagship report.

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Kaieteur News

Labour Minister urges private sector to give apprenticeships to youth trained by Ministry Some of the participants of the Learning Business by Doing Business (LBDB) initiative with Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton and other officials.

WANTED

VACANCY

Wanted hair dressers and Nail Technician. Call: 6218851.

Wanted! Workers for packaging pasta and chowmein. $4100-$4900 per day. Workers paid weekly. Call: 6117839.

Two general workers wanted to work in Georgetown & Land of Canaan. Call: 225-6337 , 654-8997, 266-5243.

Auto Electrician and Mechanics needed. Send your CV To: omaransarimi@gmail.com or Call: 618-7066.

Vacancy for Receptionist and Hotel Attendant at Hick's Ville Hotel. Email: info @vegeworld.net or Call: 2310951/ 231-0952.

Now hiring: Executive Secretary, Project Engineer & Accounts Clerk, To apply send application via Whatsapp: 638-5303/ 638-1111.

Josel Educational institute seeks to employ a qualified science teacher. Email: joseleducation@yahoo.com or call: 226-7868 / 678-0652.

One Nail tech to do house call. Please contact 2235273/74

ENTERTAINMENT Aracari Hotel WBD (VreenEn-Hoop) crystal clear swimming pool. Adult/children sections. Music & food.

Contact:264-2946-9

ACCOMMODATIONS Aracari Hotel WBD (VreenEn-Hoop) A/C rooms from $75 usd/$40 usd day rate WIFI, secure parking & poolside. Contact: 264-29469 / www.aracariresort.com

FOR RENT 4 bedrooms house at Lamaha Gardens, $2,800 USD. All amenities provided along with parking, long term only!

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Office space for rent at 43 Croal Street. Call : 681-6018 / 672-8599.

TOURS Bus tour to Suriname. 3 Nights & 4 days holiday, from Tuesday 6th August to Friday 9th. Contact : 650-3686.

EDUCATION Nayelli school of cosmetology is n ow enrolling for cosmetology courses beginning September 9th,2024, 211 New Market st. Call: 226-2124.

One Clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics, grade 2. Email application: techserigy@yahoo.com or Call: 615-9132.

Maid to cook & clean for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132 Male Cleaner for Eccles. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.

Female Cleaner for office in Eccles. For more information Call: 645-8443 Experienced cook & kitchen assistant needed at Famous Flavour Creole Restaurant.

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Hiring Cooks, Kitchen Assistant, Servers & Cashier. Apply at Beacon Cafe. Email : beaconcafe6690@gmail.com / whatsapp 655-8944.

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Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, on Wednesday, urged Guyana’s private sector to supplement the government’s efforts to increase the employability of the nation’s youth. The comments came while the Minister was delivering his remarks at the launch of the Guyana Ignite Project.

The project is a Learning Business by Doing Business (LBDB) initiative by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Youth Resilience, Inclusion, and Empowerment (Y-RIE) program.

Its goal is to provide training and mentorship, and subsequently facilitate employment or investment, for youth 16-25 years of age from the Sophia, Werk-en-Rust, Albouystown, and New Amsterdam areas.

This initiative, which is a partnership with Male Empowerment Network (M.E.N.), will directly benefit Guyana’s workforce and the target communities by improving the employability and entrepreneurial skill of its young participants.

Minister Hamilton took the opportunity to urge the private sector to invest in apprenticeship programs in order to develop long-term employees for the benefit of their respective companies and the workforce.

“I’m saying to the private sector, while we’re here, these people we train is for you! So you have to give us support.

Apprenticeship programs, where you can develop monthly employees, you have to spend some money there,” he said.

He proceeded to highlight the disconnect between the private sector’s desire for skilled labour and its contribution to the development of the workforce.

“The data from our National Apprenticeship showed limited private sector involvement… the private sector is on me: ‘We need so many of this [profession], we need some…’ Where you think they coming from, heaven?!” Finally, he implored that they offer their assistance and resources to the Guyana Ignite Project in ways that would directly benefit the

young participants.

“So I call out on the private sector to open their businesses to ensure the success and expansion of this initiative, I call upon our private sector partners to open their businesses for the exposure tours, volunteer their time as mentors, and engage more deeply with our programs,” Hamilton said.

Meanwhile, Richard Collymore, Coordinator of the Ignite Project and founder of the Male Empowerment Network, urged the youth to take a chance on both themselves and the Ignite initiative, and put their all into the next several weeks of training.

Other speakers at the launch included Tiffany Daniels, Guyana’s Y-RIE Country Director who explained the role that USAID and its Y-RIE program intend to play in the life of Guyana’s youth.

Adrienne Galanek, Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy to Guyana, and Marlon Joseph, President of the Together We Win Business Network, also attended the event and gave brief remarks.

Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by representatives of the USAID YRIE program and the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training.

The participants of the program expressed a readiness and willingness to improve themselves via the program, which will run for a total of 10 weeks.

“I hope to gain the skills to become a welder. So I will come every day and take in everything that they teach so that I can get my degree and become a welder,” 18-year-old Samuel Allen told Kaieteur News.

Another Ignite Project participant, 21-year-old Annalisa James, told this publication, “I see myself doing electrician, carpentry, and plumbing work mostly. I will try my best to bring as much as I can to the project, but other than that I will just learn as much as I can. I need to do this because I see myself doing something more in the future, and that’s what I’m looking for, for myself in the future.”

‘No extension to CGX licencse for offshore exploration’...

From page 12 JOA Amendment signed on August 9, 2023.

Meanwhile as it relates to the investment bank’s farm into the oil block, CGX said “there can be no guarantee that the review of strategic options will result in a transaction.” The company last year made its second successful discovery offshore Guyana at the Wei-1 Well on the Corentyne Block, approximately 200 kilometers offshore Guyana.

Previous reports indicate that the well was drilled in a water depth of approximately 1,912 feet (583 metres) to an anticipated total depth of 20,500 feet (6,248 metres). According to the partners the Wei-1 well encountered 210 feet of hydrocarbon bearing

sands in the Santonian horizon. CGX and Frontera had commenced spudding the well in January last year and revealed that the operations would cost an approximate US$190-US$195 million to complete.

The Joint Venture had updated its previously announced discovery in the Maastrichtian and the Campanian intervals to 77 feet of net pay. Fluid samples were retrieved from the Campanian and Maastrichtian indicating the presence of light crude in the Campanian and sweet medium crude oil in the Maastrichtian.

The joint venture said the drilling operations were successfully completed with no safety incidents while the

drilling rig is expected to be released early next month. It added that the data acquisition program included wireline logging, MDT fluid samples and sidewall cores throughout the various intervals.

Over the next few months, results will be integrated into the geologic and geophysical models to form an updated view of the entire northern portion of the Corentyne block.

The northern portion of the Corentyne block includes the channel complexes discovered by the Kawa-1 and Wei-1 wells, and a prospective central channel complex, which is yet to be evaluated.

The Joint Venture is excited by the definitive presence of oil in the Maastrichtian and Campanian and the presence

of hydrocarbons in the Santonian and believes there is significant potential in the block. Earlier this year, the partners said any future drilling in the block would be hinged on the success of the Wei-1 well.

After more than 20 years of exploration activity in the Corentyne Block, the Canadian partners finally struck oil in January 2022 at the Kawa1 well. Kaieteur News in an earlier report detailed that the companies pumped more than US$350 million during that period before landing its first discovery.

Prior to its two successful wells, the Canadian Energy companies drilled two wells in the Corentyne Block.

These include Horseshoe in 2000 and Eagle in 2012.

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Friday August 02, 2024

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GRA to spend $186M to fix-up NA office It was ‘hell’ The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has set aside approximately $186,545,139 to execute rehabilitation works at its Strand Street, New Amsterdam office building.

This is according to a recent opening of bids at the National Procurement and

Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office which revealed that five companies had applied for the project. The contractors are AYN Construction & General Services, Wazeer Khan & Sons Construction, BM Property Investments Inc., Dundas Construction

Below are the companies and their bids:

Inc., and A&D General Building & Construction Company.

Back in 2022, GRA had announced in a release that its main operation from its Strand Street location was being relocated to a more spacious and upgraded building which is now at

Ferry Street and Esplanade Road, New Amsterdam.

It was also reported by the agency at the time, that the old office at Strand, is being retrofitted to house a regional Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) Office of the Guyana Revenue Authority.

Repairs to road at Hugo Chaves Centre.

Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Rehabilitation of GRA Office building at Strand Street, New Amsterdam.

Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Supply and delivery and installation of Printer for the ministry.

Repairs to road – Palms.

Supply and delivery of cooked meals for the Residents at the Night Shelter, East La Penitence.

Procurement of trainers for Women’sInnovation Investment Network (WIIN) 2024.

Entertainer Vybz Kartel leaving the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre Wednesday evening. (Photo: Karl Mclarty) After almost 13 years in the absence of defence custody Kartel urges witnesses, the absence of Jamaican youth to ‘stay out prosecution witnesss, the physical, psychological of crime’ as he walks free Jamaica Observer - and emotional health of Walking out of the Tower Palmer, and the possibility Street Adult Correctional that Campbell and Jones C e n t r e W e d n e s d a y would get more time if a evening, after spending new trial was ordered.

The Court of Appeal more than 12 years behind bars, dancehall superstar a l s o n o t e d t h a t t h e Adidja “Vybz Kartel” estimation was that it Palmer described his time would take 15 years before spent in custody as “hell” in the matter would go for a response to a question from retrial.

Members of the legal the Jamaica Observer.

Amidst pandemonium team which represented the created by the scores of four men — Isat Buchanan, screaming fans of the John Clarke, Alessandra entertainer outside the L a b e a c h a n d I q b a l prison, Palmer said, “One Cheverria —were ecstatic thing mi a tell di youths following the ruling.

Buchanan said that he dem, a stay outta crime”.

He was then whisked was happy for the verdict away in a white limousine and pointed out that although some fixing is without further comment.

In 2014, Palmer was needed in the justice sentenced to life in prison system, the constitution with eligibility for parole worked. He thanked the after 35 years. He was other members of the team sentenced along with then for the hard work they put co-accused Shawn “Shawn into the case.

“If you listened to the Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John for judges in terms of how they the 2011 murder of Clive laid out the facts, they had nothing to do with jury “Lizard” Williams.

The other men also tampering and there was no received life sentences evidence of anything in with Campbell and Jones relation to tampering of sentenced to serve 25 years evidence.

I can now say clearly in prison before becoming eligible for parole, while St that the men are innocent John would have had to and anybody wants to serve 30 years before the challenge that, then that is just on them. They can possibility of parole.

However, on March 14, believe what they want,” the London-based Privy said Buchanan “If we respect the Counsel overturned the convictions on the grounds constitution, that is what of jury misconduct and sent matters and that is the the matter back to the Court conversation we ought to of Appeal in Jamaica to have because there is a lot decide if the case should be of change that needs to come including the start of retried or the men released.

On Wednesday a panel an innocence project of judges led by recently because the idea that apponted president of the persons can gamble with Court of Appeal Marva the constitution and the McDonald Bishop, and l i b e r t y o f p e o p l e i s including justices Paulette something we ought to be Williams and David Fraser, very afraid of,” added said they considered 12 Buchanan In the meantime, factors in arriving at the decision not to retry the Clarke said that the Court of Appeal must be men.

The factors included c o m m e n d e d f o r i t s the absence of evidence, decision.

Friday August 02, 2024

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Hamas leader’s funeral draws crowds in Iran BBC - Thousands have turned out for the funeral procession in Iran of the Hamas political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in a s t r i k e i n Te h r a n o n Wednesday.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, led prayers for the Hamas leader, whose body will be buried in Qatar.

US media have quoted Iranian officials as saying the supreme leader has ordered a direct attack against Israel, which it says was responsible for the attack on Iranian soil.

Israel has not commented on the assassination directly.

However, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country had delivered “crushing blows” to its enemies in recent days, including the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon hours before the Tehran strike.

Thousands have turned out for the funeral procession in Iran of the Hamas political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in a strike in Tehran on Wednesday. (Getty Images He warned Israelis that “challenging days lie ahead”, as fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East grow.

“Since the strike in Beirut, we have heard threats from all sides,” he told a televised address.

“We are prepared for any

scenario and we will stand united and determined.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned against a “dangerous escalation” of hostilities in the region.

Hamas’s armed wing said the death of Haniyeh, who was widely viewed as

the group’s overall leader, would “take the battle to new dimensions” and have major repercussions.

While Haniyeh’s funeral was still taking place, Israel’s military said it had confirmed that Hamas’s military chief, Mohammed Deif, was killed in an air

strike in the Gaza Strip last month. Deif was targeted in the strike on a compound in the Khan Younis area on 13 July. Hamas is yet to confirm his death.

Israel says Deif was one of the figures responsible for planning the 7 October attacks in southern Israel in which 1,200 people were killed. Since the attack, Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas.

Hamas ‘in shock’ over Haniyeh death Haniyeh, who played an important role in negotiations over a ceasefire in Gaza, was killed hours after attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, in Tehran.

A senior Hamas official told the BBC the killing took place in the same building where Haniyeh had stayed during previous visits to Iran.Three Hamas leaders and a number of guards were with him in the

same building, they said.

Khalil Al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, told a news conference that a missile hit Haniyeh “directly”, citing witnesses who were with him.

The group’s leadership has been left in “a state of shock”, top Hamas officials have told the BBC. Hours before Haniyeh was targeted, Israel said it had killed senior Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr in Beirut.

Israel believes he was responsible for a rocket attack that killed 12 people in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday. Hezbollah has denied any involvement.

The Iran-backed group confirmed Shukr’s body was found among the rubble of the residential building which was struck.

Four other people, including two children, were killed.

Maduro manoeuvring to stay in power in Venezuela BBC - There is turmoil in Venezuela following the announcement by a government-controlled electoral authority of a disputed election result that handed a third consecutive term in power to President Nicolás Maduro.

The opposition says the result is fraudulent and that its candidate, Edmundo González, won the election by a wide margin.

The National Electoral Council (CNE), which announced the contested result, has so far failed to provide the voting tallies from individual polling stations that the opposition says demonstrate Mr González is the winner.

With pressure on the CNE growing to release the tallies, Mr Maduro has turned to Venezuela’s top court. The move has caused concern. Here we explain why.

What are the voting tallies?

Ve n e z u e l a h a s a n electronic voting system.

Voters punch in a button assigned to their preferred candidate on a voting machine.

Once the button is pressed, the machine also prints out a paper receipt.

Voters place that receipt in a ballot box.

Once polling stations close, the counting begins.

Each voting machine prints out a summary of all the votes cast by voters who used that particular machine.

Additionally, a count of the paper receipts is also conducted at each individual polling station to confirm the m a c h i n e ’s p r i n t o u t i s correct.

By law, this process is public and anyone can witness it. There are also a number of accredited witnesses representing the different parties.

Once the chair of the count and the accredited witnesses are satisfied that the numbers match, they sign the tally and it is sent electronically to the CNE. Accredited witnesses are handed a copy and paper printouts of the tallies are also transported to the CNE by the military.

Why are they so important?

Elvis Amoroso (right) is a close ally of President Maduro Out of the five members who make up Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE), three are staunch government allies. Its president, Elvis Amoroso, used to work as Mr Maduro’s legal counsel.

Fearing the CNE could

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro (EPA)

tamper with the election results, the opposition asked thousands of Venezuelan citizens to go to their polling stations to act as witnesses during the vote count.

Just after midnight on election night, the CNE announced its first partial results.

It said that with 80% of the votes counted, President Maduro had 5.15m votes compared to 4.44m votes for Mr González.

CNE President Elvis Amoroso said that those figures meant that Mr Maduro had “a convincing and irreversible lead” with 51.2%, and that the opposition trailed with 44.2%.

The opposition quickly

contested those results.

Its witnesses had provided it with copies of the voting tallies from polling stations across the country.

Just hours after the election, opposition leader María Corina Machado announced that having seen 40% of the voting tallies, they could confirm that it was their candidate, not Mr Maduro who was in the lead.

In the days following the election, the share of voting tallies the opposition has received has risen to 84%.

The opposition says that those tallies show that Mr González won with 67% of the vote.

Opposition campaigners have shared them with international organisations

and independent researchers and uploaded them onto a website which Venezuelans can access by entering their ID number.

They have also urged the CNE to make all the tallies public, arguing that they will show that the Maduro win which the electoral authority announced on election night was fraudulent.

Latin American leaders, including leftwing leaders from Colombia and Brazil, have joined the US, the European Union and independent election observers in increasingly forceful demands for the CNE to finally release these tallies.

What has Maduro said?

Mr Maduro has now turned to Venezuela’s top court On Wednesday, three days after the election, President Maduro said his coalition was “ready to present 100% of the voting tallies that are in our hands”.

H e m a d e t h e announcement at the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ), Venezuela’s highest court.

He had earlier blamed t h e C N E ’s delay in publishing the tallies on “an unprecedented cyber

attack”, which he alleged had disrupted the transmission of the tallies from the polling stations.

But instead of making the tallies public, he took the unusual step of filing a “writ of amparo” - a legal move normally used by citizens who think their constitutional rights have been violated.

He asked the top court to audit the voting tallies with a view to confirming the results provided by the CNE which handed him another six-year term in power.

Why has this triggered concern?

Thousands of Venezuelans have taken to the streets in protest after the CNE declared Mr Maduro the winner Mr Maduro’s statement may look like he is bowing to pressure for the tallies to be made public.

But by resorting to the top court, he has found a way to both deflect attention away from the CNE and to delay the publication of the tallies in one swoop.

The ball is now in the court of the Supreme Tribunal (TSJ), whose j u s t i c e s a r e overwhelmingly government loyalists.

Friday August 02, 2024

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Kaieteur News

Friday August 02, 2024

Volodímir Zelenski

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New addition Stormy Victory acclimatizing ahead of Guyana Cup Seven new horses touched down in Guyana during this week and are in full preparation mode ahead of the 16th running of the Guyana Cup which is set for August 11 at Rising Sun Turf Club.

One of the new additions, Stormy Victory of the Simply Royals Racing

Stables, began training at Port Mourant on Tuesday, and has since been acclimatizing to new conditions.

According to Winston Appadu, a veteran jockey who was working Stormy Victory, the horse looks comfortable. “He is comfortable on the track, on

the first day in Guyana. He has a chance to win at Guyana Cup, a very good chance. I can’t rate this horse yet, based on jogging.”

Stormy Victory was imported from Miami, and according to co-owner, Christopher Deroop, Stormy Victory entered Guyana in good condition.

Friday August 02, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries. Your persuasive manner and gentle nudges are just enough to get people where you want them.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) When faced with ten entrees on the menu, it might be hard for you to choose just one.

Feel free to order two or more, Ta u r u s . D o n ' t l e t indecisiveness slow you down. At the same time.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act on them, Gemini. No one else is going to do it for you.

Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take matters into your own hands.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them no mind, Cancer. You have the right to live your life any way you want to.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Reach for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closer than you think. Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think about what it is that you want most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to how far you can go.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra.

There's an incredible opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm. Follow the music.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring more magic into your life.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Today is an excellent day for you, one in which you'll find a great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius. Trust that your instincts are serving you well.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you need to make sense of it all. In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself.

Let your creative nature shine through.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Mix your reality with a bit of fantasy today, Aquarius.

Allow your feet to come off the ground for a little while. Give yourself a rest. Take some time to meditate and clear your mind of your daily worries.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces.

Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor. Dream as big as your mind allows.

“The horses should be ready for Guyana Cup. We are expecting a lot come Guyana Cup, because the horses have been running and training in Florida,” young Deroop said.

According to Equibase, Stormy Victory had seven starts this year, where he recorded one first, one second and one third place.

Based on reports, Stormy Victory is expected to join stablemate Stolen Money in the Guyana Cup feature event.

Stolen Money is one of Guyana’s top horses in 2024, and with the latest addition, Stormy Victory, the Simply Royals Racing Stables will fancy their chances of claiming the Guyana Cup. The 16th running of the Guyana Cup is organised by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing, with more than 40 million Guyana dollars in cash for prize money. Last year’s Guyana Cup saw a total purse of $24 million.

The drawing for the 16th running of the Guyana Cup will be held on Sunday, August 4 and fans will be aware of all the top entries.

This year’s Guyana Cup will certainly be the biggest

Paris Olympics: Italy’s Angela Carini...

From page 33 Khelif by foreign media outlets. “Such attacks on her personality and dignity are deeply unfair, especially as she prepares for the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics,” the statement read. Prior to Thursday’s fight, Italian officials publicly questioned the fairness of the IOC allowing Khelif to compete. Many people pressured Carini not to fight, Renzini said, telling the Italian boxer, “Don’t go, don’t go, please. She’s a man. It’s dangerous for you.”

When asked his opinion whether Khelif should be allowed to compete against women, Renzini was diplomatic. “It’s not my decision,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to be in those shoes because I think it’s a very difficult decision.”

Before concerns about her eligibility emerged, Khelif drew attention primarily for the obstacles that she has overcome.

ising Sun Turf Club, where top DJs will battle for supremacy from near and far.

Ten races are listed on the provisional programme, and registration closes on Saturday August 3. No late entries will be accepted at this year’s Guyana Cup. Races for Guyana Cup starts at 12:00h local time at Rising Sun Turf Club on

horse race event in the history of the country, and the day will be packed with side attractions. The firstever fun park is set to ignite the Rising Sun Turf Club, where kids will witness a parading bar on spot, and multiple stages will be set up across the venue.

The biggest DJc o mpetition will also ignite R

Spartans dominoes club competition set for August 11

S

pocket a trophy and $500,000, runner up a trophy and $250,000 and third place a trophy and $150,000. The most valuable player in the final will receive $30,000.

Teams can contact Referee Harry on 697-7777 for registration. Double-six time is 14:00 hrs.

partans dominoes club will be hosting a fund raising dominoes competition on August 11 at YMCA, Thomas Lands.

Entrance fee is $15,000 and the competition will be played on a two in, one out, six sitting basis.

The winning team will

Berbice River Bridge Closure to Road Traffic Friday August 02, 2024

For Ocean going Vessels & Trawlers 15:30hrs Saturday August 03, 2024

For Ocean going Vessels & Trawlers 16:10hrs For Ocean Going Vessels opening last 1-1½ hrs

Demerara River Bridge Closure to Road Traffic Friday August 02, 2024

For Ocean going Vessels & Trawlers 02:30hrs Saturday August 03, 2024

For Ocean going Vessels & Trawlers 03:30hrs For Ocean Going Vessels opening last 1-1½ hrs DATE: 07/31/2024

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G.L.C. 357 Lamaha Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown Tel:226-0753. While every effort is made to ensure numbers are correct, please call the hotline for confirmation, The G.L.C. and Kaieteur News cannot be held responsible for printing errors.

Kaieteur News

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Friday August 02, 2024

Outstanding Rifle Shooter Ransford Goodluck has died Outstanding Guyanese Rifle Shooter Ransford Goodluck has died. Kaieteur Sport understands that he passed away after a battle with illness over a period of time.

Goodluck was a prolific marksman who has represented and who has held both Guyana and West Indies individual full-bore titles and represented G u y a n a a t t h e Commonwealth Games and the West Indies at several international rifle shooting tournaments. This former member of the Guyana Police Force has contributed significantly to the

development of Rifle Shooting in Guyana and the Caribbean.

Ransford Roxroy Goodluck was born 24th January 1953 to parents Isaac and Elaine Goodluck in Queenstown, Georgetown, Guyana.

He Joined the Guyana Police Force on 10th January 1972 where his skills for handgun and rifle shooting were developed. He became an outstanding member of both handgun and rifle teams representing the GPF in competitions involving the Joint Services during the time he served. In January of

1979 he became a member of the Guyana NRA through the urging of a good friend who was also a member. At that time, Guyana was in the process of rebuilding a representative rifle team and preparing to host the Caribbean championships in 1979. Suffice it to say that Mr. Goodluck was selected and Guyana for the first time w o n C a r i b b e a n championship with Mr. Goodluck emerging the Junior champion. This was the beginning of a most outstanding Full-bore shooting career internationally and in the

Ransford Goodluck and Mahendra Persaud at practice at the Kadarpur range. (Paul Slowe photo) Caribbean.

Having been elected Captain in 1994, Mr. Goodluck, along with other team members, proceeded to retool and rebuild the team in preparation for hosting the championships in 1995.

Specifically, the team’s major weakness was Long range shooting (9-1000 yards) and well worn out equipment. Upon his instance, rigorous training was done over these two ranges, and along with proper retooling, Guyana for the first time, won all the team and individual competitions with Mr. Goodluck emerging the Caribbean individual and overall champion for the first time.

This individual success was followed up in 1996 when Guyana hosted the Great Britain rifle team on the first stop of its tour of the Caribbean. Mr. Goodluck won the individual competition over three days beating the world renowned the late Andrew Tucker into second. This was followed up with the hosting of the Caribbean championship 1996 in Jamaica. The Guyana team was led to an unprecedented long range victory over GB, Canada and the Caribbean teams at

Twittingham park, the first by any Caribbean team. To date, this still stands as our most outstanding team achievement.

M r. G o o d l u c k h a s represented Guyana as a competitor at several Commonwealth Games – 1994 Victoria Canada, 1998 Malaysia, 2002 London England, 2006 Melbourne Australia, 2010 Delhi India where Guyana placed 5th in the team match – the highest placing of a Caribbean team to date. He managed the 2014 Full-bore team to Edinburg Scotland where they placed a creditable 6th.

He returned as a competitor in 2018 Gold Coast Australia where the team performed creditably as a team and individually.

Having won his first individual Caribbean Championship in 1995 in Guyana, Mr. Goodluck followed this performance up with championships – 1998 Barbados, 2000 Jamaica, 2004 Trinidad, 2008 Jamaica, 2010 Barbados, 2018 Barbados – seven (7) occasions, more than any other Full-bore shooter in the history of Caribbean to date.

Locally, Mr. Goodluck has won the Full-bore championships, Spoon

shoots and Recorded shoots on more occasions than any of the current shooters.

Based on these performances throughout his career, he was awarded National Runner-up Sportsman of the year 1995, 1998, 2004 and outright National Sportsman of the year 2005. Throughout, Mr. Goodluck has been the one who, on most occasions, singlehanded has been training and producing top quality Fullbore shooters both locally and making significant inputs with others in the Caribbean territories.

The Guyana rifle team initially rebuilt by Mr. Goodluck and company in 1995, continues to dominate full-bore shooting in the Caribbean, especially at the longer ranges having lost on only three occasions since 1995.

B a s e d o n h i s achievements, Mr. Ransford Goodluck is regarded in the C a r i b b e a n a n d internationally as a Caribbean Icon in the sport of Full-bore Rifle Shooting.

The entire shooting fraternity along with his many friends and the Kaieteur Sports Department extends heartfelt condolences to his family in this time of grief.

VMFA U12’s off to Trinidad for International tourney Former national footballer and founder of Vurlon Mills Football Academy along with a 16-member squad have departed local shores yesterday headed for Trinidad and Tobago to compete at the Athletic International Academy (AIA) Summer Cup invitational 2024.A spirited group of Under-12 players along with four support staff will be in Port of Spain from August 1-4.

The tournament will provide a valuable opportunity for the young players to test their skills against international competition.

The VMFA boys will be in action today

from 2pm at the Eddie Hart Stadium.

The selected players for the tournament include; Davin Smith, Leslie Khan, Noel Persaud, Aderemi Simon, Adiel Hamilton, Lamar Lovell, Jarell Mendonca, Dontay Kowlessar, Wyatt Fernandes, Omari St.Hill, Fabio Kowlessar, Tyrese Robinson, Raheem Gill, Godfrey Greaves, Avion Lynch and Simeon Devonish.

Coaches Vurlon Mills, Oshazay Savory, and Wheatland Fordyce accompany the team, and Marisha Fernandes serves as the Team Manager.

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Friday August 02, 2024

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Malteenoes bring down curtains on Kyle Karran scores 100 not out as Cool successful 2024 Cricket Summer Camp Runningz register ORSCA T20 win

Coaches Quasen Nedd and Clive Grimmond among those seated and flanked by this year’s Academy Graduates of the Malteenoes Cricket camp.

T

he annual Malteenoes Cricket Camp concluded recently with a large number of graduates set to now continue their journey on their way to becoming future cricket stars, following a highlysuccessful 2024 programme, held at the Malteenoes Sports Club Ground.

Operating under the motto “Our Youth, Our Future”, Roughly 90 attendees, both boys and girls completed a successful fundamental course on the pros and cons of being a p r o f e s s i o n a l c r i c k e t e r, starting from the grassroots level.

Key areas like batting, bowling, fielding alongside

various drills and stamina/endurance related tests were conducted during the span of the camp.

With senior facilitators like National youth coach Quasen Nedd, Women’s U19 T20 Regional winning coach Clive Grimmond along with a slew of former players, both club and national; helped make the camp a tremendous success.

There to give the youngsters one final boost of encouragement before handing out well-deserved certificates of completion, former Guyana all-rounder and MSC Vice-president Steven Jacobs, who initially urged the youths to make the most of the camp; said he was overly happy at the final

outcome of this year’s camp.

Jacobs lauded the batch of young men and women who dedicated their time over the past few weeks to ensure that they finished the camp on a high note.

He said the expectation for the players was to see them not stop here, but ramp up the hard work and dedication now that they have a solid understanding of the rudiments of the game.

The former player turned businessman, further highlighted that he was impressed by the raw abilities of most of the kids, adding that now will be the ideal time to funnel those players into a structured cricketing system.

Young, talented opening batsman Kyle Karran hit an attractive, unbeaten 100 to lead Cool Runningz to an exciting, 23-run triumph over 4040 WIBS in an Ontario Round-Arm Softball Cricket Association (ORSCA) Regular Season T20 competition fixture. Playing last Sunday at the Hanover Public School ground in Brampton, the righthanded Karran helped his team total up a sufficient 199-6 from the allotted 20-overs.

4040 WIBS, in reply, threatened the target momentarily before they ended at 1765 when proceedings came to a conclusion.

Despite the loss of few wickets, Karran kept his composure to hit 11 sixes and three fours from 58 balls.

He and his dad the Canada-based Guyanese Muniram Karran, a veteran player in the softball circuit in Ontario, collaborated in a match-defining 156-run, third-wicket stand. Muniram is also a right-hander and he struck 9 sixes and four fours during his 44ball 83. Ravindra Sukhu churned out an impressive bowling performance for 4040 WIBS by bagging 3-27 from his allotted four overs while Aseeb Khan was expensive having conceded 39 runs in his two overs but ably took two wickets.

For 4040 WIBS, the in-form former Canadian player and Berbice-born Aftab Shamshudeen knocked a top-score of 55 while Khan proved his all-round capability by making a steady 37.

Ex-Guyana youth player Kevin George once again with a promising 28 and simultaneously displayed his consistency after several scores in the 40s this season so far. Mitch Bacchus, the experienced, left-arm bowler, grabbed 3-30 from his maximum

Kyle Karran

four overs to play an instrumental role for the winning combination.

Kyle, the 19-year-old, was selected as the Most Valuable Player for his excellent batting effort. Kyle has gained tremendous prominence in softball cricket in the last two consecutive seasons for his consistency with the bat along with his twin-brother Kristopher.

Both of them do play hard-ball cricket also in the popular Toronto and District Cricket Association various tournaments.

They represented Ontario at the youth level in Provincial cricket competition which firmly indicted their natural batting talent.

Kyle has two centuries so far in ORSCA cricket and Kristopher registered two as well.

Friday August 02, 2024

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Barbados defeat Leeward Islands to complete CWI Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 2-Day, 50-over double

Barbados Under-19s added the CWI Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 50-over title to their 2-Day championship. (Windies Cricket) SportsMax - Barbados Under-19s added the CWI Rising Stars Men’s Under19 50-over title to their 2Day championship crown with a six-wicket win over the Leeward Islands at the Cumberland Playing Field on Tuesday.

The Leewards were bundled out for just 105 in 39.4 overs after winning the toss and choosing to take first strike. Isra-el Morton made 20* to lead the way for

the Leewards while Devanand Singh (19) and captain Jewel Andrew (17) also got starts.

O ff - s p i n n e r S a u r a v Worrell was the main man in the Bajan attack with 428 from his 10 overs and was well supported by Zishan Motara’s 2-17 off 10 overs. Barbados then used just over half of their allotted overs to successfully reach 110-4 and secure the title.West Indies Under-19

representative Joshua Dorne led the way with 40 while wicket-keeper Joshua Morris made 30 against 2-31 off five overs from pacer Michael Palmer.

In Tuesday’s other round five games, Jamaica d e f e a t e d Tr i n i d a d & Tobago by 65 runs at Arnos Va l e w h i l e G u y a n a defeated the Windward Islands by five wickets at Park Hill.

Injury and focus on 200m prompt Shericka Jackson’s withdrawal from 100m at Paris 2024: 200m world record chase is off, for now SportsMax - Citing recent injury concerns and a strategic focus on the 200m, two-time World Athletics 200m champion Shericka Jackson has withdrawn from the 100m event at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Jackson, who has been chasing the 36-year-old world record in the 200m, emphasized the need to protect her body and concentrate on excelling in one event as the Games approach.

“It’s a combination of things,” Jackson explained at a media event on Wednesday at Puma House.

“I got hurt in Hungary and it’s a good decision to run one event. I think this is just to protect my body. For the last three years, I’ve been competing in both events, and I think this decision is a combination of both, just focusing on one event and what happened in Hungary.”

Jackson’s pursuit of the world record saw her come agonizingly close at the World Championships in Budapest in 2023, where she clocked 21.41 seconds, breaking her own championship record of 21.45 seconds set in Oregon the previous year. Her 21.41 is the second-fastest time ever run by a woman over 200m.

Despite her impressive

Shericka Jackson

form, Jackson has decided to focus solely on the 200m at Paris 2024. “That decision was based on coach and I,” she told Olympics.com at a press meet-up on Tuesday in Paris. “It’s a combination of a lot of stuff. And I made that decision not to contest the 100m and focus only on the 200, and I think we’re pretty happy with that. I just [want] to compete at my best, as everybody is here to win.”

Jackson is also uncertain about her participation in the 4x100m relay, an event in which she helped Jamaica secure an Olympic title at Tokyo 2020. “The focus is on the individual event first and then we speak about the relay after,” she stated.

In her last race on July 9 at the Gyulai István Memorial in Székesfehérvár,

Hungary, Jackson pulled up on the home stretch of the 200m. Despite this setback, she assured fans that she is in good shape to challenge for her first individual Olympic title. “Honestly, I was only supposed to compete in that event, and as coach stated, we only run a few races in Europe, and I think that was the only race all of us were supposed to run… I’m in pretty good shape,” said the five-time Olympic medallist.

Jackson’s primary target remains the 200m title rather than the world record of 21.34 seconds set by Florence Griffith-Joyner in 1988. “Given how I have been progressing this season, I don’t think the world record is on my mind right now,” she said.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 02, 2024

PAGE 31

KFC Elite League Season Six...

Guyana Police Force FC overwhelm Ann’s Grove United 7-0 Den Amstel FC and Western Tigers finish 1-1 Guyana Police Force Football Club cruised to a 70 victory over Ann’s Grove United Football Club on Tuesday, while Den Amstel Football Club battled to a 1-1 draw against Western Tigers in Round Two of the KFC Elite League Season Six. The double-header on July 30 took place at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Guyana Police Force FC’s Neron Barrow led the scoring with two goals, netting in the 6th and 47th minutes. Nicholas McArthur added another in the 20th minute, giving them a 2-0 lead at half-time.

A n n ’s G r o v e F C struggled to find a breakthrough, while the Police squad pressed on with goals from Adrian Arron in the 54th minute, Dorwin

Action in Round Two of the KFC Elite League Season Six played on Tuesday last at the GFF NTC. George in the 79th, Chai Williams in the 88th, and Keswin Fraser, who added a final strike in stoppage time

at 90+1 minutes.

In the evening’s final match, Den Amstel FC took an early lead with a goal

from Gideon Payne in the 10th minute, but Western Tigers FC equalised through Michael Oie in the 41st

minute.

Guyana Defence Force FC maintains the top position with an impressive forty points, driven by a record of thirteen wins, one draw, and a remarkable sixty-one goals scored in just fourteen games, underscoring their dominance.

Slingerz FC sits in second place with thirty-nine points from fifteen matches.

Their record includes eleven wins, three draws, and seventy goals scored.

Guyana Police Force FC holds steady in third with thirty-four points, achieved through eleven wins, one draw, and three losses.

Santos FC occupies fourth place with twentyseven points, thanks to nine wins, six losses, and thirtyone goals scored. Western Tigers FC remains in fifth with twenty five points,

recording eight wins, one draw, and seven losses.

Den Amstel FC is in sixth with nineteen points, reflecting five wins, five draws, and seven losses.

Fruta Conquerors FC stays in seventh with sixteen points from five wins, one draw, and nine losses.

Ann’s Grove United FC is in eighth place with fifteen points, accumulated through four wins, three draws, and ten losses. Monedderlust FC drops to ninth, now on nine points from three wins, three draws, and nine losses.

Buxton United FC remains at the bottom with just one point from a single draw and seventeen losses.

The August 3 action gets underway at 6:30 p.m. as Monedderlust FC faces off against Fruta Conquerors FC. The evening continues with Santos FC taking on Slingerz FC at 9:00 p.m.

PAGE 32

Kaieteur News

Simone Biles clinches gold in Paris, makes Olympic history with second individual-all around victory Suni Lee took home bronze for Team USA and Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade won silver Yahoo Sports - Simone Simone Biles Biles made history, winning the gold in the individual allaround final at the 2024 Paris Summer Games on Thursday to become just the third woman after Larisa Latynina in 1956 and 1960, and Vìra Èáslavská in 1964 and 1968 to win the women’s individual all-around twice.

Biles started strong with a massive 15.766 on vault, but made a mistake on uneven bars that briefly put her in second place behind Andrade. Biles then bounced back on beam and put up a massive performance on floor to win her second allaround gold medal.

Andrade was solid in every event, putting up routines on bars — leading to make it back to the particularly high scores on the field with 14.866 — and p o d i u m s i n c e N a d i a vault and floor to propel her floor to secure an Olympic Comaneci in 1980.

Biles, the 2016 allto her second-straight all- all-around medal for the around Olympic silver after second-straight Olympics. a r o u n d O l y m p i c g o l d Lee, who overcame kidney medalist, becomes the first taking silver in Tokyo.

Lee, meanwhile, had issues in the gap between w o m a n t o w i n n o n decent scores on vault and games to appear in Paris, is consecutive Olympic gold beam, but put up huge the first former gold medalist medals in the event.

Friday August 02, 2024

Stephen Francis: Noah Lyles’ mind games won’t affect Kishane Thompson ahead of 100m showdown SportsMax - As the highly anticipated men’s 100m showdown at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approaches, Stephen Francis, coach of Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson, remains unfazed by the prospect of Noah Lyles’s mind games.

Thompson, who boasts the fastest time in the world this year at 9.77 seconds set at the national championships in June, is seen as a formidable contender for the Olympic title.

The blue-riband sprint promises to be an electrifying event, with Jamaicans aiming to reclaim the Olympic title last held by Usain Bolt, who won his third consecutive 100m gold at the 2016 Rio Games. Italy’s Marcel Jacobs claimed the title at Tokyo 2020, but American Noah Lyles, the 2023 World Champion, is determined to become the first American since Justin Gatlin in 2004 to

Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson

win the Olympic 100m title.

Lyles, who ran a lifetime best of 9.81 seconds at the London Diamond League meet, exudes confidence heading into Paris. “I beat everyone that I touch.

I don’t see why the Jamaicans are any different.

This is what I pray for, this is what I live for and I back myself up, don’t I?” Lyles stated. However, Francis b e l i e v e s t h a t Ly l e s ’s psychological tactics will have little impact on Thompson. “I don’t think Noah Lyles can play mind games this time,” Francis remarked in response

to a question from Sportsmax’s Donald Oliver. “I think you will find he plays mind games with those he is faster than. I don’t think he will have the opportunity this time around, but we will see if his mind games work on people who have demonstrated they are a lot faster than he is.”

Lyles faces a formidable challenge from the Jamaican duo of Thompson and Oblique Seville. With Thompson’s blistering 9.77 a n d S e v i l l e ’s o w n impressive performances, the stage is set for a thrilling contest.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 02, 2024

PAGE 33

Paris Olympics: Italy’s Angela Carini abandons fight with Algeria’s Imane Khelif, who failed gender test, after 46 seconds Yahoo Sports - PARIS — Less than a minute into her bout against an Algerian boxer barred from the 2023 world championships after failing a gender eligibility test, Italy’s Angela Carini decided that she was done.

She raised her hand to stop the fight after absorbing a flurry of powerful jabs from Algeria’s Imane Khelif in the opening seconds of the first round.

Carini told her coach Emanuel Renzini that her nose hurt too much for her to continue. Renzini urged her to try to make it to the end of the first round so that they could talk further, but Carini raised her hand again after taking just one more punch from Khelif and asked once more to abandon the fight.

“She’s too strong,” Renzini recalled Carini telling him.

A tearful Carini addressed reporters for 20 minutes after the fight, apologizing to her country for lasting only 46 seconds and lamenting that she had worked so hard for this moment only to have it end so quickly.

“I had entered the ring to fight,” Carini said in Italian after. “I didn’t give up, but a punch hurt too much and so I said enough. I go out with my head held high.”

Khelif ’s thoroughly dominant showing on Thursday will only inflame the debate over whether she and Chinese Tapei’s Lin Yuting should be allowed to compete at the Paris Olympics. Last year, at the W o r l d B o x i n g Championships in New Delhi, Khelif was disqualified hours before her gold-medal bout as a result of International Boxing

Association rules that prevent athletes with XY chromosomes from competing in women’s events. The IBA disqualified Yu-Ting before her bronze medal bout for the same reason.

The International Olympic Committee has since stripped the IBA of its status as the global governing body for boxing because of long-running governance issues and a series of judging scandals.

That leaves boxing in Paris under the umbrella of the IOC’s Paris 2024 Boxing unit, which has more relaxed rules than the IBA and has chosen to disregard the results of Khelif’s and YuTing’s gender eligibility tests last year.

When asked about Khelif and Yu-ting on Tuesday, IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said, “I would just say that everyone competing in the women’s category is complying with the competition eligibility rules. They are women in their passports.”

“These athletes competed many times before for many years,” Adams added. “They didn’t just suddenly arrive.”

In a statement released We d n e s d a y, t h e I B A explained that the disqualifications, “made after a meticulous review,” were the results of two tests conducted on both athletes, the first during the 2022 IBA W o r l d B o x i n g Championships in Istanbul, the second during aforementioned 2023 world championships.

“While IBA remains committed to ensuring competitive fairness in all of our events, we express

Italy’s Angela Carini reacts after abandoning the Women’s 66kg preliminary round match against Imane Khelif of Team Algeria. (Richard Pelham via Getty Images)

concern over the inconsistent application of eligibility criteria by other sporting organizations, including those overseeing the Olympic Games,” the IBA said in its statement. “ T h e I O C ’s d i ff e r i n g regulations on these matters, in which IBA is not involved, raise serious questions about both

competitive fairness and athletes’ safety.”

Khelif was escorted past reporters by her coaches after Thursday’s fight and did not stop to talk. Only a d a y e a r l i e r, A l g e r i a ’s Olympic committee released a statement strongly condemning “the unethical targeting and maligning” of (Continued on page 27)

Imane Khelif of Team Algeria punches Angela Carini of Team Italy during the Women’s. 66kg preliminary round match.

(Richard Pelham via Getty Images)

Outstanding Rifle Shooter Ransford Goodluck has died

s port

S

Ransford Goodluck

Stormy Victory being attended to before a session here.

New addition Stormy Victory acclimatizing ahead of Guyana Cup Vurlon Mills Football Academy U12’s at the CJIA yesterday ahead of departure to Port of Spain.

VMFA U12’s off to Trinidad for International tourney Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.