Kaieteur News

ExxonM failed to provide evidence of “legal right” to pursue Gas-to-Energy pipeline - citizens tell Court

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL),theoperatorofthe Stabroek Block and subsidiary of oil major, ExxonMobil recently told the Court it has a legal right to pursue the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) pipeline project without the prior consent of landownerswithintheRight of Way (RoW) of the infrastructure, since the Government of Guyana (GoG)hasexerciseditslegal authority to acquire private lands to facilitate the initiative.

However, the two citizens, Vanda Radzik and Elizabeth Hughes, who instituted legal proceedings against the Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA)for issuing the Permit, responded to this claim in an Affidavit to the Court dated July 28, 2023 In the document, the applicants through their Lawyers, Melinda Janki and Abiola Wong-Innisspointedoutthat the oil company failed to provide evidence to support its “legal right” claim to the HighCourt.

Radzik and Hughes in their seven-page Affidavit told the Court that the deponent, Albert Tkachevwhosubmittedargumentson behalf of Exxon on July 14, 2023- has unfortunately erredandmisrepresentedthe basis of their case that the EPA failed to ensure Esso had the legal proof when it applied for the Permit on June 24, 2021. To this end,

the citizens noted that the Agency acted unlawfully by granting the Permit for the project on November 25, 2022.

Theapplicantssaid,“The deponent has not exhibited any document of title, any lease (or application for a lease) or any agreement between Esso and any landowner or occupier He has not provided any proof that Esso has the legal right/ abilitytoconducttheactivity without the consent of the landowneroroccupier.”

Further, they told the Court that the company also did not provide documents under Regulation 17(2) (ii) before EPA granted the Permit.

This regulation states, “An application for an e n v i r o n m e n t a l authorization…shall contain t h e f o l l o w i n g information…(c) proof that the applicant either owns the facilityorhasaleaseorother agreement with the landowner or occupier to enable the applicant to conduct the activity on the facility or has legal rights or abilitytoconducttheactivity without the consent of the landowneroroccupier.”

The citizens noted that while the deponent referred toanumberofextractsinthe Environmental Impact A s s e s s m e n t ( E I A ) conducted by Exxon for the projectandotherdocuments, theexhibitsdonotamountto theproofrequiredbylaw

For instance, they pointed out, “The letter of

23 June(exhibitAT-2)isnot rd even from the owner of the land but from Winston Brassington The letter merely says that the 'necessary land acquisition shall be undertaken in keeping with the project schedule for 2024...the letter alsostatesthatGoGcommits to working with EEPGL representatives “ in ensuring the mutuality of agreement regarding the finalityoftheroute””.

To this end, the citizens argued that the route of the pipeline was not final up to June 23, 2021 and therefore did not meet the application requirements of Regulation 17(2)(ii).

Additionally, they pointedoutthatthedeponent referred to Order Number 18 of 2021 made on August 7, 2021 which authorized the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) to enter lands for the “purpose of surveying or otherwise examining” the lands with a viewofacquisition.

As such, the applicants explained Esso was not authorized to conduct any activities relevant to c o n s t r u c t i o n , c o m m i s s i o n i n g a n d operations of the onshore naturalgaspipeline.

Similarly, in another letterthatwassuppliedtothe Courtbythedeponent,dated July 29, 2021, Esso was authorized to carry out geotechnical surveys and environmental studies for the project. This authority, the citizens argue, does not

amount to proof of any legal right.

“The EIA is not a title document, or a lease or an agreementbetweenEssoand alandowneroroccupier,and does not give Esso any legal right/abilitytointerferewith public or private land. In these EIA extracts, Esso merely takes it upon itself to state what the government willdo,”thecitizensargued.

Radzik and Hughes went on to state that they do not believeParliamentintendsto suspendtheeffectofnational law, such as Regulation 17, merely because an applicant fails to comprehend and comply with written i n s t r u c t i o n s a n d r e q u i r e m e n t s w h e n completing an application beforeitstartsaproject.

Theygoontonote,“Iam further advised by my Attorneys-at-Law and verily believethatGuyanaisastate based on the rule of law, not the rule of men, that the Agency has a duty to ensure compliance with the Regulations and does not haveany'discretion'toallow Esso to evade compliance withnationallaw...”

It was reported that Exxon told the Court it had a legal right to pursue the project. See details in link below https://www kaieteurne wsonline com/2023/07/19/e xxon-has-legal-right-topursue-wales-gas-project/ Courtcase

On March 27, 2023, Radzik and Hughes moved to the High Court,

c h a l l e n g i n g t h e Environmental Permit granted to Exxon for the pipeline component of the project.

The 12-inch pipeline, some 225 kilometers will be used to transport gas from the Liza One and Two fields in the Stabroek Block to the WalesDevelopmentsite.

Through their lawyers, the citizens are seeking an Order of Certiorari to quash the decision made by the E PA t o a w a r d a n Environmental Permit to ExxonMobil Guyana to undertake the GTE project activities, on the grounds inter alia that the decision was in breach of the p r o v i s i o n s o f t h e Environmental Protection Act (Cap. 20:05), and more p a r t i c u l a r l y , t h e Environmental Protection (Authorisation)Regulations.

Thecitizensoutlinedthat E x x o n M o b i l i n i t s

application, dated June 24, 2021 includes details of the project site, the proposed route of the pipeline and the areas to be used and affected by the project, which includes residential properties, commercial properties and state-owned properties.

Be that as it may, the application did not include or provide any proof of ownership, a lease or other agreement with the land ownersofthesaidarea. Notwithstanding, the EPA granted EEPGL a Permit to undertake the project on November 25, 2022. Subsequently, the Minister of Public Works, JuanEdghillinJanuary2023 passed various orders to acquirelandsforthepurpose oftheproject,pursuanttothe Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes Act, Chapter62:05.

ayanthony

AccordingtotheCustomAnti-NarcoticsUnit(CANU),Persaud was sentenced by Magistrate Judy Latchman, after he was found guiltyof narcoticpossessionforthepurposeoftrafficking.

Persaud was arrested on March 22, 2022, at New Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, after CANU officers discovered approximately 5.75 kg (about 13 lbs.) of cannabis in his possession.

Magistrate Latchman sentenced him to 43 months, and ordered himtopayafineof$5,178,600.

Citizen challenging the Permit granted to ExxonMobil for the Gas-to-Energy pipeline, Elizabeth Hughes

RPersaudcalled'Tony'wasonFridayjailedfor traffickingover13lbsofcannabis.

Man jailed for drug trafficking, fined

$5M

Rayanthony Persaud called 'Tony'

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor-:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

Rent a citizen

Peopleandcompaniesarecomingfromalloverthe worldtoGuyanatograbapieceofourwealth,and the bigger the piece, the better To position themselves properly, some have resorted to an old trick in thebook:theyengageinwhatiscalledrent-a-citizen,asina Guyanese, to be the face of their company The rent-acitizenpracticeismoreofamaskthanthesubstanceofareal face, meaning, someone who was recruited for the sole purpose of giving the appearance that a Guyanese is the dominantpresenceinalocalcompany,butisnot.

Thingshavegottensobadthatnotone,buttwoministers inthePPPCGovernmenthadsomethingcriticaltosayabout the foreign manipulations around, and exploitation of, Guyana’srigorousLocalContentActrequirements.InMay, Attorney General,Anil Nandlall, SC, spoke of continuing complaintsbeing lodged about the local content law being playeddishonestgameswith,andwithGuyaneseendingup asthelosers.MinisterwithintheMinistryofPublicWorks, Deodat Indar, a few days ago was prompted to revisit the infuriating local content issue, and noted that some companies in Guyana’s private sector are part of the problem,andthatthisisnotlookeduponfavorably

As seen, it is part of a continuum which features such shabby aspects as rent-a-politician to support a position or stay silent, rent-a-company to engage in sham compliance withthelaw,orrent-a-citizentogiveafootinthedoor,while appearing to adhere to the law The bottom line is that legitimateGuyanesebusinesscontendersandotherhopeful citizens, fall short of their visions at participating in the openings from their oil bonanza. This is especially so for newer ones in the commercial arena, who are vying for a levelplayingfieldandacleanopportunity Theyloseouton the rich prospects that the PPPC Government had made possiblebyreservingforGuyanesealone,enshrinedinlaw

The Local ContentAct could not be clearer: 40 sectors andsub-sectorsaretheexclusiverightofGuyanesetoenjoy thehighestpriorityconsideration. Thelawsaysonething, while real life practices are another kettle of fish. Clever foreign operators are using willing, maybe even naïve, Guyanese,as“fronts”togivetheappearanceoffulfillingthe 51% local ownership requirement. It is a purely paper arrangement,andnothingmore. Mattershavedeteriorated tosuchanextentthatthemajorlocalprivatesectorbody,the GuyanaChamberofCommerceandIndustry(GCCI)hadto takeoffthegloves,anddiveintothefray

Almost a year ago, the GCCI spoke well of the PPPC Government’s efforts, via local content legislation, for Guyanese to benefitfrom opportunitiesin the booming oil andgassector Itshouldhavebeenanopenandshutissue, asfarastheGCCIisconcerned. Astheentitystatedinthe clearest terms, its position is that Guyanese citizens and companiesmustbenefit,forthatisaprimeobjectiveofthe localcontentlaw Anymaneuverstotrickthesystem(and get around the law) must be identified, and dealt with appropriately

This means that there must be ongoing efforts to close loopholes, to investigate thoroughly where violations occurred, and who is frustrating the objectives of the law

One of the key areas to probe into has to be that of “beneficialownership.” Whatmattersboildowntoiswho isreallybehindthecleanandwell-preparedpaperwork? Is it a Guyanese, giving off the appearance of a controlling partner, but someone who is nothing but a passive and a sleepingpresence? Inotherwords,onerecruitedforasmall feefortheshowofcomplyingwiththelaw,andpositioning selftoobtainthecovetedlocalcontentcertificate.

This country and its citizens are already on the losing end of so many disturbing things in the rich oil and gas sector Rent-a-citizenpracticesaddssalttothewoundsby blocking those Guyanese who should have had an opportunity to share in their wealth. These arrangements mustbebroughttoahalt,andtheperpssentbacktowhere theycamefrom,withouttoomuchhemmingandhawing.

Violations of law

DEAREDITOR: I have been listening to ‘Observer Radio’ (Sunday Evening Program: “The Big Issues.”) The conversation was very interesting, building as it did on misconduct by elected officials in two Caribbean countries, Antigua and Anguilla.Thismisconductis nothing of the dimensions being experienced in Guyanatoday

They are talking of threatsafter,whatImaycall intense provocation of a woman, threats to a man aftershelosthertemper,and something of a similar nature. But the spirit and seriousness with which citizens engaged in the discussion was exemplary There was no looking over the shoulder at the authorities Citizens of Guyana at home and abroad wouldbenefitfromlistening tothisdiscussion.

Still there was no mention of Guyana, where the biggest allegation of misconduct by government currently prevails. This was very instructive. It shows countries are respected for various reasons, including their budgets. I have always suspected that Attorney Generals in Guyana have an overarching role in prosecution.Irecordthisnot outofmalice.ButIoncehad an exchange with Attorney General Mr Ramson in the press, when he had said to

the media, that attorney generals cannot prosecute, but may behind the scenes giveadvicetotheDirectorof PublicProsecutions(DPP).

I leaped on him and said “No,youcan’t.”Hehassaid, he does “not remember the incident.”AndIbelievehim, but perhaps it was a trifling incident in his life. I was once cross examined on zoomandquestionedwhenI and Dr David Hinds sued The Chronicle for libel. The presiding judge was Mr Justice Roy I persuaded Dr HindstojoinmeinsuingThe Chronicle (the government publication). This was in responsetotheclaimthatwe “both wished to see the destruction of Indians.” The Chronicle was not able to prevailinthisexchange.

May I now offer to the public, since the media cannot do it or perhaps should not do it, how I once intervened in a rape case, as Member of Parliament whereIhadnopower,except where I was publisher of ‘Dayclean’, the Working Peoples Alliance (WPA) publication, and I wrote there and also in ‘Open Word’, published by Brian Rodway I wrote many unsigned articles in both newspapers. The case had come to my knowledge throughawoman’shusband.

My lawyer, Mr Bayney Karran,putmeinthewitness stand in the High Court before Mr Justice Lorris

Ganpatsingh and the plaintiffs The four policemen,wererepresented by the Attorney-at-Law Mr Robinson. It was a tense moment I answered the questions. The Judge joined the cross-examination: “Did you believe this report?” I said:“Yes.”Iwentontosay whyIpublisheditbecauseit hadcomefromthehusband.

The Judge interrupted: “I don’twanttoknowwhyyou published it. It is sufficient thatyoubelievedthereport.”

The Judge then said he was setting a date for the policementoshowup.They did not show He set a later dateandsaidthatthatwould be a “peremptory” date and “wouldnotbevaried.”They did not show again. The Judge said: “Well the courtcandrawtheinference that the report was correct.” He awarded “costs” to defense counsel. Although the court absolved me of libel, prosecution of the policemendidnotfollow

There was another time, where a Minister was accused all over town of makinganafronttoawoman thatappearedinfrontofhim on business. This was not addressed in the media

Almost all media was government owned at that time. I again went public with a headline where I always protect the name of thevictim—asmustbedone insuchcases.Thiswasavery interesting episode for me. I

had reported under the headline: “Attempted Rape in a Ministry,” and I had described the alleged assailant, as “the country’s best rigger,” as in the fixing of elections, so as to cast some light on his identity. I hadnotnamedhim.Andthe woman judge asked me: “Had I any evidence of the rigging?” I proudly said: “No.”Iamnotacollectorof that kind of evidence. I lost the case My salary in parliament was garnished –that is a certain amount was taken out every month. My salarywasatthetime,bymy order, paid into the WPA account (one of the few regular subscriptions they had) and I received an allowancefromit. Iwasfinewithmylosing thecaseandmysalarybeing garnished. I could not stand staying silent, for to remain silent was to be complicit in this crime. I went to the woman’sfather,acelebrated professional in the city, a well-known member of the PPP Iwishedtogetacopyof his statement on the matter He said that “He was out of the country and that it was his brother who saw about his daughter.” I never saw a copy of that statement until some years after when it came into Mr Moses Bhagwan’shands.ButItook all the steps so that is what one can contribute, with no executivepower,tothe

(Continuedonpage06)

Abrasive Coexistence, how do we overcome?

DEAREDITOR, -OneNation

-Population 875,000

-Geography 83,000 squaremiles

-Ten(10)Regions

These numbers indicate how much of a village we reallyoccupy,howclosewe are,thatwehavelittlechoice but to live as far apart as possible – whether in ‘housingschemes’or‘gated communities.’ We are so divided as ONE NATION, that no longer six Races could share the same rules equally.Onthecontrary,we share only hostility though hardly equally – in this village managed by ten administrations – in turn submissive to Presidencies, the same as Ministers (totally unrelated to any religion, appointed only

afterseasonedelections).

Itisappositetonotethat Opposition offers minimal protection of constitutional rights, whether of coastal citizens or hinterland indigenous peoples, all of whom would have voted onceatatime.

In the absence of part of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC), the leading decision-makers speak down like fluent waterfalls, flooding out any pressure that derives from compulsive, concerned media.

T h e c o m b a t i v e relationship which is sustained demeans communication that should better inspire aspirations bothforadultsandyouthsto do better than mimic discouragingexamples.The

latter are confused by what they hear and behaviours they observe frequently in more trepidations regimes, exposedtoclimaticchanges in their respective political d e v e l o p m e n t a l environments. But why in our circumstances of fundamentally religious neighbourhoods are we persuaded by respective leaderships to be abrasive, rather than prayerful for the goodinoneanother?

Some, against better judgement, indulge in the diminutionofthespirituality of responding human beings. When are we going to reflect on how we can change first, so as to set examples to show errant leaders how successful they can,beweretheytobemore positive, trustworthy,

compassionate, make concessions, recognise, discuss how together they/we can be stronger in n e g o t i a t i n g O N E NATION’S future amidst theincreasinginvestmentby experienced foreigners who would exploit opportunity from perceived weaknesses (inDifferences)?

Who will rise to the challenge of constructing a playing field of equal winners; share the positive results of diminished hostilities; celebrate the a c h i e v e m e n t o f a meaningful management partnershipthatourprogeny would inherit with confidence? Hopefully, journalists would also be bound to congratulate – my wishfulthinking.

GuyanafastbecominganOrwellian StateunderthePPPGovt.

DEAREDITOR, International measures of economic growth –usually expressed as Gross Domestic Product – add the tremendous growth in the enclave economy of ExxonMobil and coventurers to the small locally-controlled business achievements. The official GDP figures contrast with the 48 per cent of the population living below the WorldBank’sestimateofthe povertyline. Theincreasing GDP numbers also contrast with the excellent but saddening series of in-thestreet interviews ‘How the cost of living is affecting people’ by Stabroek News journalist, Subhana Shiwmangal (35 parts to d a t e ; https://www.stabroeknews.c om/2023/08/07/news/guyan a/how-the-cost-of-living-isaffecting-people-part-35/).

Recent activities/events in the National Assembly add to citizens’ concern aboutthedeliberaterushby the ruling People’s Progressive Party government into massive public debt which can be serviced only by increasing relianceonoilmoney,forat leastahumangenerationof time Thecurrentpractices of our parliament are p r o f o u n d l y a n t idemocratic Withoutdoubt it is desirable that Guyana brings its often poorlydrafted legislation into conformance with international standards

Without quibble it is desirable that Guyana’s financial and governance systemsadoptsuchstandards against white-collar crime: smuggling of arms and gold, trafficking in cocaine and people, transfer pricing of ournaturalresources,underpayment of taxes, gross mismanagement and operation of government procurement systems, corruptionasanormatmany levelsandinmanysectors.

The enormous profits from criminality attract good brains. So modern

legislation is complex Parliamentary democracies depend on an array of supporting services, such the United States’ Congressional Budget Office and the UK’s parliamentary research staff, to draft options The democracies then refer the draftstonon-partisansectoral and select committees for the complex process of merging what is technically desirable with what is politically feasible Public hearings for presentationsofargumentsby ordinary citizens as well as paid lobbyists are normal, multiple revisions are conventional Thenthenearconsensus drafts are brought tothefloorofparliamentfor finaldebate. Bynomeansis thisaperfectprocess,asthe continual need for law r e v i s i o n c l e a r l y demonstrates.

But in Guyana we are g r a p p l i n g w i t h modernisation of legislation by the crudest of processes. The legal drafting is behind closed doors, select and sectoral committees scarcely function, lack of quorum on the feeblest excuses is frequent, there is no non-partisan research support, no budget office to compare costs of different options. As exemplified in the recent passage of the Petroleum Activities Act through the National Assembly, the incumbent government has discarded the provisions that were being developed under the Coalition government for technical advice by an apolitical Petroleum Commission prior to politicaldecision-making,in favour of an autocratic regime giving all-important powerstothepoliticianwith greatest power over the petroleum sector, without any need to consult with or takeexpertadvice.

While the PPP in opposition(2017-2020)was in favour of a Petroleum Commission giving technical advice to a decision-making Minister, nowtheMinisterhuddlesonly

withfellowCabinetmembers

The Attorney General and MinisterofLegalAffairs,Anil Nandlall, argued that it is the prerogativeoftheExecutiveto repose powers in an elected official instead of a nonelected official As reported by KN (‘House approves newoillawarmingminister with super powers over multi-billion dollar i n d u s t r y ’ , https://wwwkaieteurnewso nline com/2023/08/11/hous e-approves-new-oil-lawarming-minister-withsuper-powers-over-multibillion-dollar-industry/) Minister Nandlall said that “This Executive has chosenthemodelwherethe powersfallwiththeminister andwestandandfallbythat. We included in the Bill that for exceptional decisions he (the minister) has to consult with Cabinet and Cabinet is collectively accountable to parliament and that is what makes us a democracy We are holding ourselves out as being accountable because youcannotholdnon-elected people (appointed to a Petroleum Commission) accountable ”

Minister Nandlall apparently did not hear the APNUandAFCmembersof the National assembly arguing for the responsible Ministertobeadvisedbythe technical Petroleum Commission. Instead, the Petroleum Activities Act now gives autocratic authority to a probably nontechnical Minister over multi-billion dollar decisions. How can this possibly be a representation ofthewillofthepeople?

I applaud the dedication of the APNU and AFC parliamentarians who make reasoned arguments for improving draft legislation, only to have their proposals rejectedwithoutevenacivil debate on the merits. Guyanaislookingmoreand more like the totalitarian State of Oceania in George Orwell’snovel‘1984’.

Yourstruly, JanetteBulkan

DeronAdams,Region TenChairman,hasthe qualitiesofanationalleader

DEAREDITOR, Region Ten Chairman, DeronAdamshasturnedout to be one of the most hardworkinglocalleadersin the history of the PNC in Region 10, and I would venture to say, in the whole of Guyana. He is focused, committed and with tons of integrity

Adams is scandal free and has never been fingered inanyformofcorruption.He is from a religious background, is a very moral and disciplined individual,

and those tenets are exemplified in his role as a localleader He does not hug the limelight and many people mayharmlesslyoverlookhis depth as a leader that would make a great national politician.

I think one of the things lacking in our current opposition politics is our unwillingness to make known those in our midst thatareworthyofpraiseand therighttoupwardmobility It is generally difficult for

Black people to “give flowers” to their own while theyarestillinthelandofthe livingandareinvolvedinour nation’sstruggle.

Today, I want to break that curse and highlight Deron Adams as a must to become a national politician in 2025, and I take this opportunity to make him Today’s Special Person on thishumbleplatform.

Sincerelyyours, Norman

Browne Social and Political Activist

The financial state of municipalities a source of interest

DEAREDITOR, S o , t h e C i t y ’s coffers are empty and no budget for the year (News Room, Aug10), with half the year gone, is it a case of more of the same?

The former deputy mayor now mayor and his predecessor, who had much to say on his departure, must explain this poor state of affairs

Wasn’t there a chairman of the finance committee, a position held by an individualfordecades?

Explanations too must be garnered from this source on the daunting financial crisis facing the new council, with some old facesinthemix New day new council same City

story no money and the citizenry are the chief bearersofthisburden.

Wonder what’s the financial state of the other municipalities aroundthecountry?

Yourstruly, ShamshunMohamed

Contracts for Guyana’s oil ships help SBM’s profits soar to US$1.5B

SBM Offshore, one of ExxonMobil’s builders of floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels, has reported impressive mid-year financial figures for 2023, heavily influenced by its investments and activities in Guyana SBM Offshore is one of the many international companies making bigwinsinGuyana’soilsector

The company registered revenues amounting to US$1.49 billioninthefirstsixmonthsofthe year A significant portion of this achievement is attributed to its activities in Guyana, particularly the FPSO Prosperity and FPSO ONE GUYANAprojects. Notably, the FPSO Prosperity, which is under SBM Offshore’s full ownership, is on track with offshore commissioning activities.

The company aims to commence oil production with this vessel in 2023. The vessel will be able to produce 220,000 barrels per day (bpd) Concurrently, the ONE GUYANA project, also fully ownedbySBM,isprojectedtostart production in 2025. That will be abletoproduce250,000bpd.

These two FPSOs will add to Liza Destiny and Unity, which are collectively producing almost 400,000bpdintheStabroekBlock.

Delving deeper into SBM

Offshore’s financial overview reveals that the company experienced a surge in net debt, which rose from US$6.1 billion to US$7.2 billion by June 30, 2023. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bruno Chabas commented on this, stating “The increase in net debt reflectsourstrategicandcontinued investmentingrowth.”Hepointed out that while the Lease and Operate segment has been producing strong cash flow, they’ve leveraged project finance facilities,especiallyfortheFPSOs in Guyana, to fund ongoing constructions.

This investment strategy, designedtofostergrowth,doesnot overshadowthecompany’shealthy net cash balance which stood firmly at US$381 million by midyear The company’s backlog, a measure of its expected future revenues, also showed a marked increase by US$1 7 billion compared to its position at the end of 2022, bringing the total to a remarkable US$32.2 billion. This growth was primarily due to a 10year operations and maintenance agreement for the Guyana FPSO fleet.Withthesignedagreementin place, the company’s backlog ensures cash flow visibility

stretchingallthewayto2050.

In terms of future revenue distribution, the company expects to realize around US$1.9 billion from the Lease and Operate segment and a little over US$1 billionfromitsTurnkeysegmentin 2023. Moreover, SBM Offshore’s guidance anticipates earnings abovetheUS$1billionmarkforthe sameperiod.

However, it is crucial to note that the ongoing geopolitical tension between Russia and

Ukraine remains a variable in thcompany’s projections SBM Offshore’sguidanceacknowledges the potential impact of the conflict onitswork.Thedirectandindirect ramificationsofthissituationcould influence the company’s business outcomes and the realization of its 2023targets.

Additionally, the possible purchase of FPSO Liza Unity in 2023 is a significant event on SBM’shorizon.Exxonsaiditmay purchase the vessel, along with

Destiny, as its deal with SBM Offshore includes such an option. Chabas highlighted that any guidancewouldberevisedoncethe intricacies of this acquisition are settled.

Apart from its Guyanese ventures, SBM Offshore’s activities in Brazil, including projects like FPSO Sepetiba, FPSOs Almirante Tamandaré, and Alexandre de Gusmão, also play a significant role in the company’s earningsandfutureprospects.

Another bottle of rum

DEAREDITOR, He staggered along the street clutching a bottle of rum.Hefalteredclosetome; hehadastorytotell.

Hesaidwithasmilebutwith a sadness in his voice: “My friend, I have found sweet forgetfulnessinwhat’sinmy hand There’s more than medicineinthisbottle—it’s the very elixir that saves me from the ills of life. I greet thedayandsunwithanother bottleofrum,andwhenIgoto bedatnight,it’sthebottleIhold stilltight.Noteacher,friendor

dear one has shown me the way;thebottlecallsouttome and like a believer I obey” Then I tapped him on the shoulder and said: “Much of theworldinsomesuchstateof drunkenness though your much lauded bottle we may notembrace

Our robot-like motions muffle the awareness of the hummingbird, keeping us too busy and stealing our hallowed days. How little wehearthebluesakisinging on treetops. How little we watch wildflowers dancing

besidethelake.Anditwould be a doubledrunkennessifwe weretotakewhat’sinthisbottle to save us from the raging tempest Beware of a forgetfulness sleepingathigh noon lest, before we know, thesandsarethroughtheneck ofthehourglass

Breakthebottleandwith it the illusion of a carefreeness. Life’s a most precious thing to lose even foronepricelesshour.”

Faithfullyyours, Haimnauth Cecil Ramkirath

Violationsoflaw...

Frompage4 whole concept of the safety of women’s bodies, not mere idle thought. I worked closelywiththewomenoftheWPA.

Itmaybeasked,whetherIhaveeverhad the experience of tracking an Indian rapist. Theanswerisyes.

Thiswasthecaseofawomanofworking age who answered a help wanted advertisement at a business place at Camp Street.Shehadashortinterviewwithamale. According to reports, he began to touch her inappropriately. She resented it, objected, andwalkedout.Shereportedittothenearest police station. The report reached me at RodneyHouse.Thewomanhadaninterview with our sisters in WPA. Then I began to

work on the case. Ultimately, I went to the policestation,andaskedtheofficertoseethe fileofthisreport.Heturnedaroundandcame backtomeandsaid:“TheMinisterrequested thefile.”TheMinisterwastheHonorableMr GajrajwhowassentasGuyana’sambassador toIndiaafterhehadsurvivedapublicinquiry intohisconductasMinisterofHomeAffairs. We seem to send India the worst types we have.

While you are digesting this letter, I am preparing another, in which I will come closer to pointing out omissions which I thinkourlawentertainswithsomeinvitation toexpertstomakerecommendations.

Yoursrespectfully, Eusi

Kwayana

Guyana’s Prosperity FPSO

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

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Frequently, Exxon pushes production, presses the envelope.

Just as frequently, the company got the PPP and Jagdeo in a rope.

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

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Neither can say anything, stand for anything, or do anything.

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What did Exxon do, when neither PPP nor Jagdeo can float and sting?

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What did Exxon do, for the PPP Govt. to look like a ding-a-ling?

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

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

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

Pump,pump,pump

Guyana now a “pimper's paradise” where oil companies come and do what they want

...Deficiencies in new oil law would only make matters

Shadow Minister for the Oil and Gas

Sector, David Patterson recently described Guyana as “a pimper's paradise” where oil companies flock and are able to do as they please. His position was expressed during his contribution to the debate on the Petroleum Activities Bill 2023 on Thursday

Patterson said the Opposition no doubt welcomes the passage of the Bill that now awaits presidential assent. He said every member of the Opposition acknowledges the need for a modernized legislation that replaces the 1986 petroleum law. Be that asitmay,Pattersonlikemany of his colleagues expressed reservations about the Bill and its concentration of powers in the hands of the minister

Patterson alluded that Guyana has already found

itself in a predicament where the pace and magnitude of the oil industry is beyond of the capabilities of the government Patterson alluded that oil companies are able to get away with several transgressions since the government's regulators are either overwhelmed or in some instances, inadequate. He expressed fears that the extensive discretion now granted to the minister will onlymakemattersworse.

-

David Patterson

“This Bill concentrates all powers and decision makingforthesectorintothe hands of the minister with no oversight from any other agency,noteventheNational A s s e m b l y T h i s i s problematic from a government perspective,” theShadowMinistersaid.

To underscore his line of

worse

Shadow Minister for Oil and Gas, David Patterson

contention, Patterson highlighted that the Bill refers to the National Assembly all but four times while it mentions the minister 336 times. In the instances that there is reference to the National Assembly, Patterson said

they are not material from a standpoint of requiring t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability to the citizenry

“The minister however is mentioned 336 times and of these times, no where is he directed to lay a single report intheNationalAssembly,the highestforuminthiscountry He does not have to seek parliamentary approval for a single item, save and except forwhenthefinanceminister needs to pass a resolution for oil companies to be exempt from some taxes,” Patterson said.

The shadow minister for the sector pointed that the National Assembly has passed several bills in the past, all of which contained provisions for the subject minister to report to the House. He said this was done in the case of the Natural Resource Fund Law 2021 wheretheFinanceMinisteris required to lay reports on the performance of the oil account.Pattersoncontended that it is in the nation's interest that the Natural Resources Minister be required to act as a conduit to t h e p e o p l e o n t h e performance of the oil sector aswellashisdealingsinit.

“This Bill can be renamed Proclamation Bill as opposed to a Petroleum Activities Bill since it is more about the coronation of our minster rather than the safeguarding of our n a t i o n a l patrimony…There is absolutely nothing on the administrationofthesector outside of the minister who has now been anointed the emperor over all things petroleum in this country,” Pattersonsaid.

To ensure there is a degree of independence in the management of the sector, Patterson called for the Bill to require the establishment of a National Petroleum Commission Without it, he fears Guyana would be heading down a dark alley filled with corruptionrisks.

Despite his contentions, the government maintained that a commission was u n n e c e s s a r y T h a t amendment along with all others proposed by the opposition, were thrown out. The Bill was passed as is, paving the way for the minister to have significant authority over a spectrum of activities related to the oil sector

This Bill can be renamed Proclamation Bill as opposed to a Petroleum Activities Bill since it is more about the coronation of our minster rather than the safeguarding of our national patrimony…There is absolutely nothing on the administration of the sector outside of the minister who has now been anointed the emperor over all things petroleum in this country, Patterson said.

The non-bank cambios have outlived their purpose

How is it that Guyana is now earning significant oil revenues, believed to be in the tune of US$1B in 2023, which is about 70% of the country’s Budget in 2019, andyettheexchangeratehas not appreciated? How is it that billions of dollars of foreign direct investment is being pumped into the economy and this had has little or no impact on our exchangerate?

These are the questions which the government and its defenders are avoiding. Instead of trying to explain the paradox surrounding the value of the Guyana dollar, the government and its mouthpieces are clouding theissuewithalotoftheory about fixed and floating exchangesrates.

So for the benefit of our readers, let me explain the two systems A fixed exchange rate refers to a systeminwhichthevalueof a country’s currency is pegged or fixed to the value ofanothercurrency,abasket of currencies, or a commodity like gold. This means that the government or central bank actively intervenes in the foreign exchangemarkettomaintain the set exchange rate Guyana had a fixed exchange system when, for example, the official rate waspeggedatUS$1=G$10.

On the other hand, a floating exchange rate, also known as a flexible exchange rate, is a system where a currency’s value is

determined by the foreign exchange market based on supplyanddemandfactors.

The main difference between fixed and floating exchange rates lies in the level of control and stability they offer. Fixed rates provide stability and are suitable for countries with well-managed economies and low inflation. But they do require constant intervention to maintain the pegged rate. Floating rates, while less controlled, allow currenciestoadjustnaturally to changing economic conditions.

Guyanaoncehadafixed exchange rate. But when foreign exchange became scarceitledtotheemergence of an underground foreign exchangemarketinwhich,at one stage, the rate in the informal market was more than four times the official rate.

Eventually, under the DesmondHoytegovernment an attempt was made to mergethetwomarkets.This is how the country moved from a fixed to a flexible foreignexchangerate.

But this is where the floating exchange rates startedandended.Itwaspart of an attempt to link the official exchange rate with the rate in the informal foreignexchangemarket.

The floating exchange rate system has proven to providethegreateststability While there have been periodsofsteepappreciation of the exchange rates – the

Dem boys seh...

rate has hardly ever fallen significantly. The exchange ratehasremainedstableover thepast17years.According toWorldBankdata,in2006, the rate was US$1+G$206. In2o21,theexchangerateof the US dollar was around US$208.

Since oil production began there has been no major appreciation of the Guyanadollar Thisiswhere the paradox arises because Guyana is now the fastest growing economy in the world, foreign investment flows are said to be the highestinLatinAmericaand the Caribbean Guyana’s export earnings in 2018 was US$1.56B. Last year, this increased more than eightfold to US$11 2 B So against this background, how is it that the Guyana dollar has not strengthened againsttheUScurrency?

The theorists and mouthpieces of the governmentwilltellyouthat it is an intricate number of factors that are involved in determining the exchange rate under a floating exchange rate system. They will point to fluctuations in demand and supply within the foreign exchange market. They will identify a multiplicity of factors including persons not remitting their foreign currencyearningsinatimely manner They will even blame bottlenecks in the internal foreign exchange market.

All those explanations

Junkie gat more power than politician

Dem junkie running things in Guyana. Dem gat more influence dan dem politicians.

Dempoliticansdoesgat to talk fuh get people fuh listenandtoact. Mostofde time people does show no heedtodempoliticians.But leh a junkie pass by yuh house.Evendemostquiteof persons does gat something fuh seh and does become more alert than an alarm clock. Demjunkiedon’tgat to seh nutting and people done deh pun de defensive. Demmerepresencedoesgat peopleconcerned.

Politician does give people headache Junkie doescauseinsomamia.Dem gatpeoplesleepingwithone

eye open Dem junkie creating investment in almost every household Dem forcing people fuh investinrazorwire,security cameras, pit bulls and even security guards Dem forcing people fuh raise de height of dem fence. Dat is mo internal investment dan degovernmentcreate.

Dem junkie gat people bussing dem brains. When dem think dem safe with razor wire, dem junkie prove how not even dem razor wire gan stop dem. Dem still find a way fuh jumpyuhfenceandcomein yuh yard. De employment wah dem junkie creating mekkin’ de government

shouldbedismissedwithout credence The floating exchangeratesystemisonly intheory WhatGuyanahas, for all intents and purposes, is a de facto fixed exchange rate That is why the country’s currency has been so stable against the US dollar

It is in the interest of the government to not allow the Guyanadollartoappreciate. If the Guyana dollar should appreciate, it will affect the windfall of local dollars earned from exports, particularly from rice and g o l d A n d t h e s e commodities may even become less competitive globally if the dollar appreciates.

Butthereisalsoanother principal reason why Guyana has a de facto fixed exchange rate. There are powerful players in the

country – both in the business sector and within thenon-bankcambiosystem – that have the muscle to controlthecountry’sforeign exchange rate. If they wish the currency to depreciate tomorrow,theycancreatean artificial shortage. If they wish it to appreciate, they can do so with the click of a finger

Thereasonwhythenonbank cambios were established was to allow for an integration of the official andinformalrates.Thenonbank cambios have outlived their purpose. It is time for them to be disbanded and allowfortheformalbanking sector to handle all foreign currencytransactions.

But this will never happen because some players within the non-bank cambios have incestuous relations with the country’s

political elites. They fund political events and support therulingparty Assuchitis unthinkable to imagine that the government would disband the non-bank cambios.

It is in the interest of the political elite to have nonbank cambios even though there is now no informal foreign exchange system And it is also in the interest of the government, that is tied to this elite, to maintain the exchange rate at or around its present levels.(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

looking like a joke. Dem junkiecreatingjobsfuhjust fuh keen dem away from peopleproperty

When a junkie get charge with possession yuh does gat to ask whether it was drugs or somebody else’s property And when dem get stoned, is not necessarily somebody pelt demwithbrick.

Sincejunkielandpunde scene, is more dogs in de country And de more dogs, is more dog food gan sell. Dem junkie create a whole newlineindefoodbusiness – dog food- including dem rice eater wah gat fuh keep watch over dem owner property Talkhalf.Leffhalf

'50 Cent' stabbed to death during argumentat Haslington

A42-year-old construction worker identified as Eric Fraser called '50 Cent' was on Thursday stabbed to death during an argumentwithanothermanatHaslington,EastCoastDemerara (ECD).

According to reports, the fatal stabbing occurred sometime around19:30hrsatHaslingtonNorth.

Information reaching investigators revealed that Fraser left his home at about 16:00hrs that day and was at a barbershop at HaslingtonNorth,wherehewashangingoutwithsomefriends.

Police said while there, an argument ensued between him andthesuspect,whotookoutaweaponandstabbedFrasertohis left-side groin. It was reported that after being stabbed, Fraser ranabout200ftandcollapsed.HewaspickedupbyEmergency MedicalTechniciansfromtheMelanieFireStationandtakento theGeorgetownPublicHospitalCorporation(GPHC),wherehe waspronounceddeadonarrival.

Upon examination of his body, the police detailed that a single stab wound was seen. His body is at the hospital's mortuaryawaitingapostmortemexamination. Aninvestigationisongoing.

Candidates can request early results release for tertiary institutions application – CXC

T h e C a r i b b e a n Examinations Council (CXC®) on Friday reminded candidates that they may request an Early Results Release for their tertiary institution

during the Transcript order process.

“During the checkout process, candidates should indicate 'Early Release' in the notes section, to allow for expedited processing

applications.

In a release, CXC said that this process allows results to be sent quickly to universities or colleges when preliminary exam resultsarereleased.

CXC noted, Early Results Release requests may be submitted online at https://www cxc org/reque st-transcript-order-form

Transcripts are not delivered to individuals, only organisations such as educational institutions, evaluation agencies and prospective employers,” CXC stated.

The deadline for submitting these requests is 17 August, 2023, ahead of the release of preliminary results of the May/June examinations, on 24 August,2023.

Eric '50 Cent' Fraser

Essequibo man charged with felonious wounding

Hemant Singh, a 19-year-old welder of Lot 90 Suddie Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, Region Two was on Thursday charged with theoffenceoffeloniouswounding.

Reports are that Singh stabbed his father, 67- year-old Krishanan Singh, who also resides at the same address, onAugust7,2023.

The younger Singh was charged under Section 57(a) of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01. when he appeared at the Suddie Magistrates' Court before Magistrate EstherSam.

Hewasnotrequiredtopleadtothe chargeandwasgrantedbailinthesum of$20,000.

The case was adjourned to September1,2023.

Accused: Hemant Singh

Suspected bandit shot dead on King Street

…Accomplice arrested after robbery

As u s p e c t e d bandit was on Friday morning shot and killed along King Street, Georgetown following an attempted robberyinthecity

The dead man has been identified as 25-year-old Abednego Trotman, a known character to the police.

According to the police, Trotman's shooting occurred

sometime around 10:50hrs between Robb and King Streets. He was the pillion rider on a motorcycle (PL 2499), owned and driven by a 20-year-old vendor of Hunter Street,Albouystown, who was subsequently arrested.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that before Trotman met his demise, he along with the 20-year-old were part of an alleged

robbery in the area. It is unclear where or who the alleged robbery was committedon.

But while escaping on their motorcycle, Trotman wasshotabouthisbody

It is also unclear who shot Trotman This publication understands that while escaping along King Street, in the vicinity of the St George's Cathedral C h u r c h , t h e d u o ' s

motorcycle collided with anothervehicle.

It was following the collision, Trotman's accomplice was captured by thepolice.

When Kaieteur News arrived on the scene,

$23M Siriki Village health post commissioned

Residents of Siriki Village, Region Two will now benefit from health care in the village with the commissioning of a $23million healthpost.

Thenewhealthpost,whichwas commissioned on Friday by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, is expected to provide MaternalandChildHealth(MCH), Prevention of Mother Child Transmissions (PMTCT), and chronicdiseasesservices.

Further, the health post, is conveniently located on the southern bank of the Pomeroon River and is equipped with a solar powered system that includes four backupbatteries.

Minister Anthony, during his remarks stated that his ministry is currently working to provide approximately 216 medical interventions at the primary health carefacilities.

With this, he said patients will benefit from early detection and treatment for non-communicable diseases.

“About a year ago, one of the

things that we decided to do is to map what are the kinds of services thatwewanttoofferatourPrimary Healthcare facilities. Before, it used to be predominantly MCH services,butwewanttoextendthat and have a wider range of things at thesecentres.So,overthenextyear ortwo,we'llbeworkingtoenhance the number of services that we can offer,”hesaidyesterday

TheMinisteralsoadvocatedfor persons to take up the opportunity to be trained as Community Healthcare Workers so that they can aid in providing much-needed supportwithintheircommunity

Delivering brief remarks, the RegionalVice-ChairmanofRegion Two, Humace Oodit, highlighted that the newly constructed facility was built to be protected against flood.

“Today is a significant day for our region; this is a moment where residentscanhavequickaccessand more attention in health. This is something our government has been working to make certain that every community has renewed

facility This is another step in ensuring we reduce the risk of persons not having medical attention,”Ooditsaid.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat Siriki Village had a health post yearsagobutitwasrelocateddueto consistent flooding. The newly commissionedhealthpostwasbuilt on concrete columns above the ground in an effort to combat potentialflooding.

With the commissioning of the new health post, residents will no longerhavetotravellongdistances toreceivetreatment.

Trotman's motionless body was lying on the roadway near the motorcycle involved in the incident, at the corners of North Road andKingStreet.

Investigators are currently carrying out their

investigations. Meanwhile, Trotman's body was later removed and taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home for a soon to be conducted postmortem e x a m i n a t i o n A n investigationisongoing.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn (left) on Friday morning at the scene and being briefed about the incident.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony on Friday along with residents commissioning the newly construct health post.

The newly built $23 million Siriki Health Post.

Exxon has an “astounding record” bringing oil projects into production in Guyana

During a podcast which was focus on Guyana's oil boom, S&P Global Commodity Insights' oil pricing and news expert, Starr Spencer, highlighted that ExxonMobil Guyanahasan“astoundingrecord” of bringing oil projects in Guyana intoproduction.

S&P Global provides essential intelligence by enabling governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisionswithconviction.

During the podcast titled, “Guyanese Dream: Oil boom in Guyana could transform global crude market, ” Spencer underscored that Exxon only discovered oil offshore Guyana in 2015. She added that, four years after discovering oil, the company was able to start production at its Liza Phase 1 project located in the prolific Stabroek Block – which holds an estimated 11 billion barrels.

“And the ones that are being sanctioned, the subsequent ones, Liza 2 only took three years from sanction to first oil, and Payara is going to take about three years, fromsanctiontothefirstoilalso.So that's an astounding record,” she added.

Notably, she underscored that some oil projects take as long as a decade to move from discovery to coming online into the production stage. Furthermore, she stated that while it may not be a technical problem for the oil projects that are

still not into production stage; she said it requires the technical knowhow to be able to bring oil projects intoproductioninatimelymanner

Moreover, she highlighted, “And there's been a couple of discoveries elsewhere than the Stabroek block that were made, well, years ago, anyway, say, six or seven years ago, and they still haven't been brought on and I think it's because the companies are just small companies, and they just don't really have that technical know-howjustyet.”

Afewmonthsago,ExxonMobil wonanawardfortherapidspeedits affiliate ExxonMobil Guyana was able to develop Liza Phase 1 in Stabroek Block. On Sunday April 30, Exxon received the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) Distinguished Achievement Award 2023 for companies, organizations, andinstitutions.

OTC in a statement said that ExxonMobilreceivedtheawardfor their innovative work that has

Phase2thencameonlineabouttwo years after Liza Phase 1 and within eight years of discovery, total production from the Liza field is approaching 400,000 barrels per day — helping to responsibly meet the world's energy needs at a critical time Back in February, President of ExxonMobil's Upstream Company, Liam Mallon

resulted in Liza Phase 1 being one of the fastest projects of its type in the industry, cycling from discoverytoproductioninlessthan five years, compared to the historical 10-year timeline for projectsofthismagnitude.

Also, it was added that Liza

had boasted about the breakneck speed with which ExxonMobil, Guyana was able to cut the time in half to move from exploration to productioninadeepwaterproject.

“In total we've made more than 30 discoveries, and we're still exploring Guyana's vast potential,”

Mallonadded. Mallon continued, “And really critically, we moved from the very first Liza 1 exploration well to first

productionnearlythreeyearsagoin under five years. That is roughly half the industry average time for a typicaldeepwaterdevelopment.”

GGDMA supports miner accused of abusing rights of Indigenous people at Chinese Landing

By Shervin Belgrave

TheGuyanaGoldandDiamond MinersAssociation (GGDMA) has thrown its support behind a miner accused of abusing the rights of the Carib Indigenous people of Chinese Landing, Barama River, Region1.

Identified as Mr M.V by the Inter-American Commission on HumanRights(IACHR),theminer istheholderofaminingconcession in the titled lands of the indigenous community Chinese Landing residents are opposed to him being there and it has led to a 25-year-old battle over his mining concession beinginthecommunity

Followingrepeatedcomplaints, GGMC issued a cease work order to Mr M V but he took the agency to court. The case was heard at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) which ruled that the GGMC had no

authority to order Mr MV in November 2010, to cease all work athisChineseLandingoperation.

In March 2021, the village filed acaseagainstMr M.V andGGMC in the High Court but that case was dismissed on the basis that while the indigenous people are the owners of the lands, they do not own the minerals found therein. ThevillageofChineseLandinghas sincefiledanappeal.

Since the court's rulings, residents of the community allege that they have been receiving death threats and other forms of harassment and acts of violence by the General Manager and miners workingforMr M.V

After reportedly analyzing the allegations made and the law, the residentspresentedtheircasetothe IACHR which concluded that the Chinese landing residents' right to

lifeandpersonalintegrityareunder threat. The Human rights body has issued precautionary measures to protect the rights of the indigenous peopleandadvisedthegovernment toimplementsame.

LastSunday,afactfindingteam was sent to ChineseLandingby the government to investigate the allegations. They team was also tasked with responding to the IACHR onAugust 10. It is unclear if the team has concluded its investigation and met the deadline butonFriday,theGGDMAissueda

statement in defence of Mr M.V

who is a member of its organization.

The GGDMAsaid that it is Mr M.V who has been unlawfully deprived of the right to earn a livelihood on his legally owned property and not the Amerindian people.

“The Caribbean Court of Justiceisinfactthehighestcourtin Guyana and final arbitrator in legal matters, yet its decisions are being skirted and loopholed," the association stated while calling on

the regulatory body of the sector (GGMC) to adhere to the Court's ruling.

The Miner's Association said that Mr M.V must be allowed to work on his property and not be vilified In its statement, the Association warned of possible repercussions if the miner is not allowedtowork.

"Iftherightsofthosewhoshout the loudest triumph over the truth, then the entire industry will developadisrespectforthelawand

(Continued on page 24)

Liza Phase 1 Development offshore Guyana

Mining Operations on the disputed concession at Chinese Landing.

An Exxon official receiving the OTC award

HolderofTassawinigoldfieldyettoobjecttoCanadian takeoveroftitledIndigenouslands

By Shervin Belgrave

Holder of the Tassawini goldfield, Mr M.V is yet to object to the takeoverofthelandsbyaCanadian company,officialswiththeGuyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) told Kaieteur News last Sunday

The goldfield is located on the titled lands of the Carib Indigenous people of Chinese Landing, Barama River, Region One. It has been the center of dispute between the Amerindian people and Mr M.V for the last two decades. However,inApril,aCanadianfirm, Alerio Gold Corp claimed one hundred percent ownership of the land.

- GGMC

Opposition Member of P a r l i a m e n t , G a n e s h

Mahipaul on Friday said Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir disallowed his Motion on the tragic dormitory fire at M a h d i a t o p r e v e n t Government from taking the fallforthehorrificincident.

In an interview with Kaieteur News, Mahipaul explained that he submitted a

According to that company's website, it is in possession of four medium-scale mining permits for thelandsthatspanover3000acres.

AlerioGoldsaidthatthemining licences for the property were "renewed in June 2021 for five years.”Therenewalwasreportedly made in the name of Mr Chatradharee Mohan, owner of Goldeneye Capital- the local company that allegedly sold the propertytoAlerioGold.

Concerned that Mr M.V might havesoldthedisputedpropertytoa large-scale Canadian mining firm, the Chinese Landing Toshao, Orin Fernandes raised the issue with government officials on Sunday during a fact-finding mission to the community The government lead

team visited Chinese Landing to investigate allegations of human rights abuses against the indigenous people by Mr M.V However, Jimmy Reece, Deputy Commissioner of GGMC, who travelled to the community as part of the fact-finding mission, told Toshao Fernandes that while GGMCnoted theconcernsraised, there is no evidence to suggest that Mr M V has sold the concession.

"As far as our records are concerned Vieira (M.V) is still the legal holder of the property…No request for a transfer has been madetous,"Reecesaid.

At the conclusion of the meeting,KaieteurNewsenquired (Continuned on page 24)

Speaker disallowed Motion on Mahdia dorm fire to shelter Govt. from taking responsibility -Mahipaul

Motion to Parliament since June 19, 2023 calling on government, to among other t h i n g s , e s t a b l i s h a CommissionofInquiry(CoI) after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, AubreyNorton.

He noted that since there was no response about its admissibility for the Order paper, he subsequently submitted another Motion on August 8, 2023- this time under Standing Order 12 –Matters of definite urgent publicimportance.

In that Motion, the Opposition Member of Parliament(MP)wasseeking relief from the House to include specific terms in the scope of the inquiry for r e c e n t l y n a m e d

Commissioners who have already been appointed by President Irfaan Ali. These include an assessment of safety standards in the construction of the dorm, evaluation of oversight and accountability by the Ministry of Human Services andSocialSecurityandother relevant Ministries, examination of emergency response, the identification of potential negligence and misconduct on the part of individuals or institutions responsible for the management, maintenance, or oversight of educational facilities and dormitories, and finally, for preventative measures to be instituted at dormscountry-wide.

Mahipaul told Kaieteur

News that the Motion was critical in the conduct of a thorough CoI, since he believes it was the administration's lapse that led to the critical demise of the20childrenthatnight.

During Wednesday's Sitting of the National Assembly, the Speaker ruled, “The issue here is urgency That tragic incident happenedovertwoandahalf months ago and it was signaled that a Commission of Inquiry would have been established to look at the particular tragedy. Two and a halfmonthswouldhavebeen sufficient time for any member of this National Assembly to bring a formal motion to the house, have it tabledandtobediscussed.”

To this end, the MP pointed out that he is still awaiting word on his previous Motion, submitted sinceJune19,2023.

Assuchheconcludedthat the Speaker had no intention allowing his Motion since this would show that the government is responsible forthedeadlydormfire.

Mahipaul explained that a report by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) in an assessment of the dorms across Guyana last year found that the structures were a fire hazard; hence he believes immediate measures should have been taken.

In addition, the MP pointed out that a report by the Guyana Fire Service

(GFS) also confirmed the findings of U

“Unfortunately it led to a fire that cost the country 20 young lives and government is now trying to pat the families on their backs while running from the fact that theyareresponsibleforthis,” Mahipaulargued.

Opposition MP, Ganesh Mahipaul

Deputy Commissioner of GGMC, Jimmy Reece

Toshao of Chinese Landing, Orin Fernandes

Information about the Tassawini project on Alerio Gold's website

Aerial photographs of Chinese Landing and the Tassawini goldfield posted on the Canadian Company's website.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir

Guyanese youths draft climate change declaration

After a successful threeday Advocacy and YouthForumhostedby theRightsoftheChildCommission (RCC) and UNICEF Guyana, 150 youthsfromGuyana,havedrafteda youth declaration on climate change.

The three-day event held in recognition of 'International Youth Day, 2023' observed onAugust 12, saw a range of discussions on Climate Change, Green Skills and Youth, Entrepreneurship and Youth, Life Skills, Mental Health, andYouthandImmunization.

The young attendees touted the event a success as many solutions to issues surrounding the topics werediscussed.

Participant at the event, Delroy Marks of Region 6 , said the forum encouraged him to use his voice as ayouth.

“Ihavemetalotofyouthsfrom across the country that passionate about the same as me which include climate change, mental hea human rights and children rights This forum allowed me to create a v o i c e t o b r i n g awareness and create an impact in society,” Markssaid.

Sharing similar s e n t i m e n t s w a s Kimora Payne of

Region 4 who said, “From this forum I have learned a lot about green skills and the part youths play in making the world betterplace.Ialsolearned better ways to help with the earth andglobalwarming,andIamreally happy to have been apart of such a forum.”

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, during the finaldaypaneldiscussionsaidheis proudoftheinitiative.

“Being able to raise the awareness and be part of the global conversation is really important for the kind of future we are going to inherit. Climate change is real and is caused by a lot of our activities. We have to find the solutions…and I am extremely pleased to join in theconversation,”hesaid.

Commenting on the forum and assemblingoftheyouthdeclaration on climate change, UNICEF Deputy Representative, Irfan Akhtar noted the forum has achieveditsgoal.

“This forum was very engaging and strategic in terms of bringing youths from different regions to reflect and discuss on various issueslikeclimatechangeandother issues affecting them. They have developed a plan of action and draftedayouthdeclarationthatwill guide and shape their intentions goingforward,”Akhtarsaid.

Chief Executive Officer of RCC, Andre Gonsalves expressed

content with the three-day event. Hesaid“Icannotwaitforthem[the youths] to present it [youth declaration] to the government and otherstakeholders.Iknowitsgoing to be an inclusive document. It includes voices from the National Toshao Council (NTC), the indigenous people's group and the migrantgroups.”

“They spoke highly of including indigenous voices…so therearesomanyangles,topicsand issues to be addressed. I am very proud of my Guyanese youths and children for the position they are taking to advocate for their rights,” headded.

Thethree-dayforumconcluded with a panel discussion and mini exhibition led by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in collaboration with the UN Guyana Volunteers.

Also, in attendance at the closing of the event was British High Commissioner to Guyana, H.EJaneMillerandUnitedNations DevelopmentProgrammeResident Representative,GerardoNoto.

This year, 'International Youth Day' is observed under the theme, “Green Skills forYouth:Towards a SustainableWorld.”

Millet trial to begin when land becomes available – Min Mustapha

With Guyana recently receiving a quantity of millet seeds, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha said the trial will commence as soon as land becomesavailable.

He made this disclosure while giving an update on the project on thesidelinesofarecenteventatthe National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), MonRepos,EastCoastDemerara.

“We will start roughly about a trial of 50 acres. I am hoping that right at Mon Repos here we can startthe50acrestrial,”theminister relayed.

Minister Mustapha noted that the search for the land is currently being done by NAREI and as soon as it is identified, preparatory works will commence and the milletcropwillbeplanted.

“We know that millet is a crop that can grow in different climatic conditions, it's a very hard crop so you don't need too much of caring. It could take the dry weather, it could take the harsh condition that we have here,” the agriculture ministerposited.

During the first week of August, Minister Mustapha received a quantity of finger and barnyard millet from the Government of India, which was handed over by India's High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa. The aim is to cultivate about 200acresofthecrop.

President

the crop will be grown in RegionsFour,NineandTen. Along with diversifying the various agricultural products,

Dr Mohamed Irfaan AliwhoattendedtheGlobalMillet ConferenceinMarch,inIndia,had said

the millet crop is also aimed at reducing CARICOMS's food importbill.(DPI)

(Left) Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K J Srinivasa handing over the seeds to Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Charles Ramson (second from right) among other panelists at the Advocacy and Youth Forum, 2023

Participant, Kimora Payne at the Advocacy and Youth Forum, 2023

Participant, Delroy Marks at the Advocacy and Youth Forum, 2023

CEO, Rights of the Child Commission, Andre Gonsalves

WANTED VACANCY

Wanted: Experienced Puri Maker, Cashier, Counter Person, Labourer and Cleaner. Apply at Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts.

One live-in Housekeeper needed to work in Virginia, USA. Ages 30-50 yrs. Call: 592-615-5476/ 845-325-8241.

Looking for a reliable live-in aide for an elderly woman. Call: 686-8051.

Security Officers urgently needed! Must be able to read and write, $350 and $400 hourly. Contact: 603-5140.

Security/ Handyman needed. Contact: 223-5273/223-5274.

One Driver and Personal Assistant needed to work with private company. Call: 6851735.

General live-in Domestic needed. Call: 660-9093.

Cook, Waitress and one part time Driver needed. Call: 6503680.

Farm Workers needed to work at Hauraruni. Call: 6620469.

Porter wanted. Requirement: Valid police clearance. Call: 265-7311 ( Ext 277).

One Domestic worker needed to work 2 times per week at 192, Duncan St Newtown, Kitty. Call: 649-3783.

One Clerk for TSI Eccles office.Must have grade 1or 2 Maths and English. Email: techserigy@yahoo.com or Call: 615-9132.

One office Assistant needed. Experience will be an asset. Call: 688-7911.

Sales Clerks, Delivery Clerks, Warehouse Manager & Graphic Designer needed. Apply at: Lens 136 Sheriff Street. Call: 227-2486/ 2271511, lensgy@outlook.com

One Manager for A&S General Store located at Charity, Essequibo. Call: 687-5814.

East Bank Electrical is now hiring Electrical Engineer, Outside Sales Staff & Counter Sales Staff. Call: 604-6394, sales@eastbankelectrical.com

Receptionist, Room Attendant, Laundry Attendant & Security Guard needed at 233, South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.

One Cashier needed. Must have English & Maths and previous experience. Apply at mikeswholesaledepot @yahoo.com or at their location.

Male Engineer needed, Must have atleast 10 years experience in road & building construction. Email CV: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com, Call: 613-0855.

1 Male Project Supervisor (construction field), ages 35-50 years. Must have atleast 5-8 yrs managerial experience. Email CV: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com, Call: 613-0855.

FOR RENT

One furnished, 2 bedrooms apt at Guysuco Gradens, long term or short term. Call: 222-7891/ 609-9202.

New unfurnished & furnished 2 and 3 bedroom houses in Enterprise, ECD. Call/ WhatsApp: +592-7000030.

VACANCY

Vacancy for Driver, Salesman, Porter, Bakers, Cleaners, Pastry maker and Baggers at Humphrey's Bakery 38 Ketley st. Charlestown. Call: 225-7864.

Handyman needed. Call: 696-9854/ 223-7165.

General Domestic needed to work 4 days per week, must know to cook. Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office.

CNQC is now hiring Construction Workers. Email resume: xu0wying@163.com

Pump Attendants urgently needed at Two Brothers Gas Stations, WCD/ EBE. Call/ WhatsApp: 592-708-3256. Cashiers needed at Two Brothers Gas Stations, WCD. 1+ experience. Call/ WhatsApp: 592-708-3256.

Able- bodied Porters/ Driver, Must have Lorry License and Cashier, CXC Maths & English required. Call Telles Steel & Hardware: 231-3265, 226-6771.

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

Maid needed to cook and clean at East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

One male Cleaner needed for Eccles area. Call: 615-9132.

Female Cleaner needed. Apply in person to Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St, Bourda.

FOR SALE

52 acres at Bendorff, East Bank Essequibo. Price $ 120 mil. Call: 226-8395/ 660-6044.

Half lot with two buildings, close to Independence Boulevard. Could be sold in 2 parts, price $ 22 mil. Call: 2268395/ 660-6044.

Pure breed German Shepherd puppy for sale. Call: 6971141/ 612-6672.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 4th day of July, 2023 the Applicant

was directed to effect service of her Application on you by publication of this Notice in two 2 (two) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaietuer News Newspaper, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the Worldwide web.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents.

AND FURTHER TAKE

LEGAL NOTICE 2

Filing Attorney: MS. MICHELLE MATTHIAS GUY ANA LEGAL AID CLINIC Maraj Building” 185 Charlotte & King Streets Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 225-9238/2259246 Email: legalaid@networksgv.com

TO LET

Studio apartment, $10,000 per week with 1 month down payment. Call: 645-1933.

1 bedroom apt in Lyng street,

per month. Call: 7131515.

Bobcat & Roller Operators needed. Ages 30 years & older. Must have atleast 5 years experience. Email CV: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com, Call: 613-0855.

Truck & Canter Drivers needed. Ages 30 years & older. Must have atleast 5 years experience. Email CV: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com, Call: 613-0855.

Diesel Mechanic and Skilled Labourers needed for road construction. Ages 20 years & older. Must have atleast 5 years experience. Email CV: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com, Call: 613-0855

Vacancy for a Domestic/ Maid full time or part time and a night cleaner man. Call: 637-6700.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

One CRV Honda, $3.3M negotiable and 1 Toyota Allion, $3.350 M, fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage . Contact: 649-0956.

SERVICES

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.

Visa Application to Canada and U.S.A, graphics design, advertisements,USA passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 6267040.

NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Application, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application, you must file a Reply to Application

Relating to Child, an Answer and/or Notice of lntention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry) in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the second and final publication of the Notice.

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1089 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-1089 BETWEEN:(OLOFINTUY DONNA WENDELLA nee YAW Petitioner/Applicant -and-(OLOFINTUYl) SAMUEL OLAGUNDOYE Respondent

TO: SAMUEL OLAGUNDOYE

OLOFINTUI

Last known address Lot 59 Vigilance North, East Coast Demerara

EDUCATION

Supercharge your child/ loved ones reading and writing skills using the highly effective hooked on phonics program. 7 years & older. Call: 650-8925.

LEGAL NOTICE 1

Applicant in person: Tamni Carmichael Address: Lot 5219 Central Amelia’s Ward Mckenzie Linden Tel#: 665-4981

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD782

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE

FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY

DIVISION

PETITION NO.: FD-782

BETWEEN:- TAMNI

CARMICHAELApplicant -and-

LYDON WISHART HUNTE Respondent

TO: LYDON WISHART HUNTE

Formerly of Lot 547 Moravalli Street

Retrieve Linden TAKE NOTICE that on the 18th day of May, 2022 an Application Relating to Children was filed against you by TAMNI

CARMICHAEL, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

TAKE NOTICE that the Application is scheduled for Directions Hearing on Thursday the 7th day of September, 2023 at 2:00 pm before the Honourable Mr. Justice Gino Persaud via Zoom Meeting ID: 733 558 9086 and Password: Court3.

IN DEFAULT of your filing a Reply to Application

Relating to Child, Statement of Arrangements for Children and/or Notice of lntention to Defend the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting Custody. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 14th day of July, 2023.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 13th day of July, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by DONNA WENDELLA OLOFINTUYI nee YAW the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 18th day of July, 2023 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Guyana Kaieteur News Newspaper, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (Online).

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of

$40,000

LEGAL NOTICE 2

the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 18th day of September, 2023 at 9:30am before an incoming Family Court Judge.

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 28th day of July, 2023.

Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 27th day of July, 2023 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two

(2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (online).

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.

Another 2,000 homes for Region Three – Pres. Ali announces

Applicant in person: Sandra Ramlochan nee

Harold Address : Lot 2414 Tuschen Scheme, East Bank, Essequibo

Tele#: 592-608-1143

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1033

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION

Petition No. FD-1033

Between:SANDRA RAMLOCHAN

nee HAROLD Petitioner -vPARMANAND RAMLOCHAN

Respondent

TO: PARMANAND RAMLOCHAN

Formerly of Lot 22 Zeeburg South, West Coast Demerara.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 4th day of July, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by SANDRA RAMLOCHAN nee HAROLD the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE

LEGAL NOTICE 4 LEGAL NOTICE 4

The government is set to embark on the construction of an additional 2, 000 low-income homes in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) by the end of 2024, in response to the growing demand for affordable housing.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made this announcement during an engagement with residents at the Uitvlugt Community Centre on Thursday. He was accompanied by Minister of Housing and Wa-

ter, Collin Croal and Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand.

The activity, which was organised by the Ministry of Housing and Water, saw some 32 families being prequalified for low-income units to be constructed at Anna Catherina and Leonora.

“We are doing an aggressive housing programme in Region Three,” President Ali underscored.

some people can immediately move into their new homes.

“Our position is to have some persons move immediately into their homes because some are already completed…Based on the individual needs, some persons can move into their homes within a month to a month and a half,” he said.

LEGAL NOTICE 3

Filing Attorney: Ms. Shellon Boyce GUYANA

LEGALAID CLINIC 185

Charlotte & King Streets, ‘’Maraj Building’’ Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 225-9238/ 225-9246 Email: legalaid@networksgy.com

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD639

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION

FAMILY DIVISION

PETITION NO. FD-639

BETWEEN:(CAPTAIN) SHAKILA

ALISA NEE ELCOCK

Petitioner/Applicant -and-(CAPTAIN) LANCELL LEON Respondent

TO: LAN CELL LEON

CAPTAIN

Formely of 22 Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, Guyana.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 20th day of April, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by SHAKILAALISA CAPTAIN nee ELCOCK the

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Thursday the 28th day of September, 2023 at 1:30pm before the Honourable Mr. Justice Gino_Persaud. Via Zoom meeting ID: 733 558 9086 and Password: Court3.

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 31st day of July, 2023.

NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 24th day of July, 2023 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaietuer News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the worldwide web.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the

divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 20th day of October ,2023 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf.

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 4th day of August, 2023.

While the government continues its house lot allocation exercise, President Ali has emphasised that the administration is actively transitioning towards the construction of housing units to address the growing demands.

“We are moving to home construction because we have seen the economies of scale and we are able to deliver a house to you,” he said.

The Head of State pointed out that many individuals favour this approach due to the numerous challenges they encounter with contractors, transportation, and overseeing their home construction. “So really, the government has taken on this responsibility of building the homes…the homes are built at a much less cost than if you were building it individually,” he pointed out.

The banks and the contractors were actively present to aid individuals in their prequalification process on-site

President Ali noted that once this process is over,

President Ali reiterated his government’s commitment to collaborating with citizens to guarantee an enhanced quality of life for all.

In July of last year, the CHPA and Republic Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to finance the construction of 500 lowincome houses in Region Three. In May this year, Minister Croal visited Leonora, Edinburg, and Cornelia Ida to inspect the construction of the initial 154 homes within these housing developments.

The 20 x 30 (625 square feet) two-bedroom flat units cost $5.5 million each, including the cost of the land.

Simultaneously, infrastructure development is ongoing in the housing schemes where the homes are being constructed.

These include the construction of road networks, bridges, culverts and utility networks.

This year, some $15.47 billion in contracts were signed for infrastructure development works at Meten-MeerZorg Phase Three, Stewartville East and West, and Leonora Phase Two. (DPI)

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali engaging residents

CARICOM Youth Ambassador Dean wants youth to lead Region’s green transition

In keeping with this year’s theme for International Youth Day, Anguillan Tiffany Moore, the new Dean of the

C A R I C O M Yo u t h Ambassador Programme, advocates for the full involvement of Caribbean youngpeopleintheRegion’s sustainability

‘InternationalYouthDay, 2023’ being observed today is themed “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World” The theme aligns with CARICOM’s efforts to ensure all stakeholders, including youth, are given a platform and their voices

heard in discussions surrounding the impact of climate change on Small Island Developing States (SIDs).

Ensuring a sustainable future for our people is particularly important as attention turns to the upcoming 2023 UN Climate

Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28). In a statement, CARICOM said thatthisyear’sobservanceof ‘International Youth Day’ is particularlysignificantasthe C A R I C O M Yo u t h

Ambassador Programme celebrates its thirtieth anniversary

Moore, the new Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme said,“Today,morethanever,

the world faces the urgent taskoftransitioningtowards asustainablefuture.Climate

change, dwindling r e s o u r c e s , a n d environmental degradation have become existential

threats that demand immediate action. At this

c r i t i c a l j u n c t u r e , empowering youth with greenskillshasemergedasa promisingsolutiontobuilda sustainable world By equippingyoungpeoplewith the knowledge, expertise, and opportunities to participate in this transition actively,wecanunlocktheir tremendous potential as change-makersandcatalysts forpositivegrowth.”

The Dean said that the shift towards a sustainable world is not merely a buzzword since it reflects a fundamental rethinking of how societies operate. “This transition demands a workforce capable of navigating complex ecological, economic, and social intersections. Green Skills encompass diverse abilities, from renewable energy technologies and circular economy practices to sustainable agriculture, waste management and conservation sciences. By cultivating these skills, young individuals enhance their employability and contribute to fostering a harmonious relationship

between humanity and the planet.”

Further, she posited that green skills empower young people to take proactive measures against climate change. Moore said that youth today are more connected, engaged, and p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t environmental issues than ever before. “By equipping themwiththetoolstoengage in sustainable practices, we empower them to become green leaders of tomorrow

HolderofTassawinigoldfieldyettoobject...

Frompage20 whether Mr M.V made any objectionstotheallegations.

The GGMC official respondedinthenegative.

Kaieteur News learnt that due to Mr M V’s silence,adecisionwastaken to write him about the allegations It is unclear whether he was indeed written to. Further, it was disclosed that the Canadian company has claimed ownership of other mining blocksinGuyana.

One of those blocks is the Puruni Goldfield

According to GGMC, the legal holder of that

property had contacted the Commission objecting to theCompany’sclaimofhis land

The owner, Nelson Alphonso had even written alettertothemediastating that he never gave up the rights to his land and will be taking legal action against Alerio Gold for falselyclaimingit.

As it relates to the Tassawini gold field, Kaieteur News received information that an

individualpossiblylinkedto the Canadian company, had approached the Chinese Landing Village Council

seeking permission to mine the lands but was denied. Notwithstandingthatdenial, the representative of the company was reportedly seenflyingovertheproperty with a helicopter taking aerial photographs of the mininglands.

The photographs were subsequently posted on the company’s website to boast of‘goldfever’inGuyana

Additionally, Alerio Gold stated that the government of Guyana is supportive to foreign investors and has favourable mining laws for business

From innovative ideas to transformative projects, young people with green skills can contribute substantially to reducing carbonemissions,promoting clean energy alternatives, and influencing sustainable policies,” the young woman said.

“Beyond environmental stewardship, green skills also offer immense economic opportunities. As theworldtransitionstowards cleanerandmoresustainable

technologies, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in the green sector By providingyoungpeoplewith relevant training and skills, we prepare them for the greenjobsofthefuture.This ensures a sustainable job market and brings about socio-economic benefits for communities. Green skills can drive economic growth, foster entrepreneurship, and create new opportunities for a more inclusive and equitablesociety,”theyoung leadersaidwhileaddingthat creating an enabling environment for young people to harness their potential is crucial to successfully embarking on thegreentransition.

“This includes adequate investment in green education and training, the promotion of sustainable career pathways, and facilitating mentorship and networking opportunities

Collaborative efforts between governments, educational institutions, businesses, and civil society organisationsareessentialto ensure a coordinated approachthatmaximisesthe impact of green skills initiatives. Access to these skills must be democratised, ensuringthatallsegmentsof society, regardless of background, can participate inthegreentransition.”

Additionally, Moore believes it is essential to recognise that today’s youth “are not merely passive beneficiaries of these efforts but dynamic agents of change.” She said, “Their energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives breathe life into the sustainability movement. By empowering young people with green skills, we equip them with the tools to actively shape a more sustainable world Their voices are needed at the decision-making tables, their ideas are crucial for drivinginnovation,andtheir c o m m i t m e n t t o sustainability will shape futuregenerations.”

She concluded, “The world stands at a critical juncture where the green transition is no longer a choicebutanecessity Young people are poised to play a pivotal role in this transformative process, and green skills are the compass that guides them. We can harness their energy, creativity, and passion to drive the green transition by equippingyoungpeoplewith knowledge, expertise, and opportunities in sustainable practices.

Letusseizethismoment, and collectively work towards a more sustainable world where today’s youth a r e c h a m p i o n s o f tomorrow’sgreenfuture”.

GGDMAsupportsmineraccused...

Frompage19 just practice shouting,” GGDMA stated while accusing the residents of Chinese Landing of telling untruths during the fact findingmeeting.

“Asexpected,thevillage councilhasstatedthatitdoes not approve of the government’s fact-finding mission,theyareinfactquite unhappy with any factfinding mission, they have one position, deprive the legal mine holder of his rightsandgiveittothemto use without regulation or oversight,” theAssociation said while adding “The facts of the matter are that these are not the barefoot teary-eyed actors who appear before the government commission, international lobbying bodies and the numerous political parasites. These are in fact the millionaires who evade taxes, royalties, legal and environmental oversight”

The mining body said,

“The facts of the matter are thatthesearenotthebarefoot teary-eyed actors who appear before the government commission, international lobbying bodies and the numerous politicalparasites.

These are in fact the millionaires who evade taxes, royalties, legal and environmental oversight

These are illegal operators who live in multi-milliondollar houses built from illegitimateproceeds.

These are not the poor starving villagers the lobbying groups make them out to be, they are wellarmed,well-fundedandfully equipped to strip bare the landwithoutoversight.

Whattheyareaskingfor isnotforprotection,rathera carte blanche to rob Guyana.”

The GGDMAsaid while the organisation appreciate and respects Amerindians, many of whom are “proud miners and stalwarts of the industry it is axiomatic that

all Guyanese are equal and afforded same protections underourlaws.”

“Recent efforts to canonise the rights of Amerindians at the expense of other Guyanese is ill founded; the propagation of such actions will rend nationalunity

The false narrative of presenting certain Amerindian communities, suchasthegroupresidingat Chinese landing, as the guardians of the land is myopic; a fact-finding mission will expose exactly who has been illegally mining these lands for the last12plusyears.”

In this regard, the GGDMA has called on the government to involve the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Financial IntelligenceUnit(FIU)inits fact-finding mission and to investigate the last 12 years of illegalities perpetrated at ChineseLanding.

Tiffany Moore, Dean, CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme

Miner remanded for murder of girlfriend's ex-boyfriend

Twenty-six-yearo l d E l i u g e Allicock, a miner of Annai Village, Region Nine, was on Friday remanded to prison for the murder of Quincy Calvin Nelson, a miner of West Indian Housing Scheme, Bartica Nelson was Allicock's girlfriend's exboyfriend.

Allicockwasnotrequired to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on August 5, 2023, at Honey Camp Backdam, Middle MazaruniRiver,hemurdered 39-year-oldNelson.

The accused appeared at the Bartica Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Crystal Lambert where he was remanded to prison. He is expected to return to court onAugust29,2023.

On Monday, a wanted bulletin was issued for Allicock. The following day he was apprehended, told of the allegation and cautioned.

He subsequently admitted to committingthecrime.

AccordingtothePolice,a 22-year-old female cook of Tasserene Village, Middle Mazaruni River, and the a c c u s e d s h a r e s a relationship The woman

once shared a relationship with Nelson who was fatally stabbed.

T h e w o m a n t o l d investigators that on Friday night, she and Allicock went to Honey Camp Landing, where they consumed Guinness and became intoxicated. She said around 01:00 hours (Saturday), they then went to Clive Smith's Shop and continued to drink Guinness. However,whileat the shop, Nelson approached the woman and they had a conversation.

According to the Police, this annoyed the accused and resulted in him grabbing the woman and assaulting her Nelson intervened and a scuffle ensued between him andAllicock.

During the scuffle, Allicock drew a knife and dealt Nelson two stabs to his chest area Nelson was rushed to the Issano Health Outpost but was pronounced deadonarrival.

Dead: Quincy Nelson

Ambati Rayudu joins St Kitts & Nevis Patriots

Indian batter Ambati Rayudu has joined the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots for the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League. Rayudu will replace Tristan Stubbs who is now no longer available.

Rayudu is a veteran of 61 international matches for India and has played 291 T20 matches so brings a vast amount of experience with him. Rayudu was part of the Chennai Super Kings that claimed their fifth IPL title in May this year.

With over 4000 runs in the IPL and international pedigree, Rayudu represents a big signing for the Patriots who will be looking to reclaim the CPL title they won in 2021.

The 2023 CPL season gets underway on 16 August with the Patriots playing their first match against the Trinbago Knight Riders on 19 August.

Mahesh Ramani, Chairman of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, said: “As the Chairman of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots it has always been my endeavour to try & attract impact making talent to our team in pursuit of our goal to be Champions.

“In that endeavour, it is my pleasure to let the Patriots fans know that we have signed Ambati Rayudu as one of our overseas players for the 2023 season.

“I am sure Ambati’s seasoned expertise of having

won multiple championships with various teams in an illustrious career in India will undoubtedly enrich the experience of our young players as

Saturday August 12, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

A heightened level of intuition and understanding of others might catapult you to the center of attention at a gathering, Aries. Knowledge combined with experience results in wisdom today.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Communication with friends who have traveled widely could have you hankering to make a future visit to a distant place that you've always wanted to experience.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Dreams or visions could put you in touch with deep feelings that you may not have been aware of before, Gemini. This could enable you to release traumas from your past and give you a new sense of lightness.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Relationships of all kinds are likely to be strengthened by an increased level of understanding today, Cancer. Your thinking is greatly enhanced by your emotional intuitiveness.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Today your emotional intuition intensifies your mental abilities, Leo. Friends and family members are likely to grow closer to you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Relationships with those closest to you, particularly friends and love partners, should be enhanced by an increased understanding of their emotional world, Virgo.

Monedderlust FC and Paradise Invaders FC score easy wins

Monedderlust Football Club and Paradise Invaders Football Club won their matches when play in the Berbice Football Association Football Competition continued at the Rosignol Ground, West Bank Berbice.

The two teams of West Coast Berbice got the better of their two New Amsterdam counterparts, New Amsterdam United Football Club and Cougars Football Club, respectively.

3rd, 49th and 70th minutes. Also on target with one apiece were Paul McDonald (11th), Okeno Collins (61st) and Brenthnol Frank (86th).

NA United’s consolation goal came off the booth of Omar Glenn in the 23rd minute.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Dealing with the ups and downs of other family members could be easier for you today than usual, Libra. You're less inclined to be logical and more apt to identify with what other people feel.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Today your mind is strongly influenced by feeling and intuition, Scorpio, so you'll be able to communicate especially well with others. You might sense what they need to hear before.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

You generally like to think of yourself as someone who faces life logically and rationally, Sagittarius, but today your intuitive side could prove a valuable resource.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Your intuition is usually very strong, Capricorn, and your level of empathy enhances your relationships. Today, however, a burst of logic could enable you to see many things.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Your intuition is heightened almost to the point of telepathy today. Aquarius, you may be able to sense what others want and need even before they know it themselves.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Getting in touch with your closest friends could bring about some intense communication, with many revealing some of your deepest concerns, Pisces.

we chase our second CPL title in 2023.”

Pete Russell, CEO of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, said: “A player with Ambati Rayudu’s track record of success joining the Patriots for this year’s CPL is exciting for the tournament and for St Kitts & Nevis. Once again the Patriots and the CPL will be drawing the world’s attention towards the Federation and Rayudu’s arrival only further cements that focus. We look forward to seeing Rayudu in action and we can’t wait for this year’s tournament to get underway on Wednesday 16 August.”

Peter Lewis Asphalt Plant...

From page 32 multi-million-dollar computerized facility has the potential to produce 60 tons of asphalt per hour.

Just recently, Peter sponsored another Guyanese masters’ cricketer to enable his representation on the West Indies O50s masters’ team to participate in the recent IMC O50s World Cup held in Cape Town, South Africa during March 2023.

Masters cricket has been growing exponentially across the world and has a very important role to play in the growth & development of our cricketers from all age groups.

Firstly, having these cricketers actively involved in the game into their 60s bodes well for their lifestyle and longevity as they are required to get and maintain themselves at a fair level of fitness.

There are numerous other spinoff benefits of masters’ cricket since these same senior sportsmen will return to the clubs around the country and strengthen them and they can serve in various capacities at these clubs and serve as role models for the youths in our society.

The results saw Monedderlust whipping NA United 6-1 in their encounter as Atlin Brown led the way for Monedderlust with a hat trick with goals in the

In the other game, Paradise Invaders eased past Cougars FC 4-1. Quincey Aulder with a double in the 33rd and 38 minutes along with Akeem Wilson (2nd) and Compton Cudjoe (86th) accounted for the goals. Cougars’ lone strike was by Lomar Reid in the 42nd minute.

Ambati Rayudu

BCB Cricket Development Programme…

Port Mourant CC and Cotton Tree CC receive $1M worth of equipment for youth focus

Th e B e r b i c e Cricket Board u n d e r m y leadership is fully committed to making sure thateverycricketingtalentin the county is given an equal opportunity to excel on the cricket field. We will work hard to provide all the necessary equipment for youth development so that the next generation will follow in the footsteps of John Trim, Rohan Kanhai and Basil Butcher These were the words of the President of the BCB, HilbertFosterasheofficially handed over $1M worth of bowlingmachineandbatting cage to the Cotton Tree CC and the historic Port MourantCC.

Foster,whoispersonally spearheading the Berbice Youth Development Programmetoldmembersof

the two clubs to take proper careoftheequipmentandto primarily focus on the development of youth playersfromtheunder-11to under-19 levels. Youths, he stated are the ones that will carry on the legacy of Berbice cricket. The PMCC received a batting cage, practice net and a bowling machine while Cotton Tree CC received a bowling machine and practice net. The Cotton Tree Club only recently got involved in youth cricket after primarily concentratingontheSecond division. Currently, they are involved in youth cricket at theU11,U13,U15,U17and U19 levels They have produced players like Arif Khan, Shoaib Gafoor and Arif Bachus. Despite not winning any Berbice junior levels, Cotton Tree has reached several semifinals

overthelasttwoyearsandon Sunday last, won their first major BCB second division title They defeated Achievers B to emerge championsoftheDaveWest Indian Imports 40 overs tournament.

The Port Mourant CC has a special place in the history of Berbice cricket as the club that produced the most test players The historic club has produced seven test players such as John Trim, Rohan Kanai, Ivan Madray, Basil Butcher, Roy Fredricks, Alvin Kallicharran and Mahendra Nagamootoo Currently, they have youth players like Pampertab Ramnauth, Rampersaud Ramnauth, Salim Khan, Navin Budhwa andRavinBudhwa.Thetwo clubs also have the services of coaches attached to the BCB Cricket Development

Project. The coaches are responsible for the holding of practice sessions and coaching Over the year, cricketclubshavebenefitted fromthedonationsofcricket gear, uniforms, water pitchers, pitch covers, catching cribs, educational materials, coaching equipment, school bags, cycles and educational grants among others In 2023,theBCBhavedonated six bowling machines to

R H T Y S C , U p p e r

Corentyne,RoseHallCanje, Port Mourant, Cotton Tree and Bush Lot United. Five batting cages were also handed over to the abovementioned clubs apart from Cotton Tree. The objective of the BCB Development Programme is to produce another twelve players for theWestIndiesoverthenext sixyears.TheBCBunderthe presidency of Foster, has produced twelve players for

the regional side since 2018 at all levels. The players include Gudakesh Motie, Kevlon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair, Ramario Shepherd, Sheneeta Grimmond, Shabika Gajnabi, Isai Thorne, Ashmini Munisar, Ashley Ramnauth and Rampertab Ramnuth. The batting cage was sponsored by contractor Peter Lewis andthemachinebyMinister VickramBharrat,whoisalso thePatronoftheactiveboard

returns as Bangladesh ODI captain for Asia Cup and World Cup

Shakib

(Cricinfo) - Shakib Al Hasan has been appointed Bangladesh ODI captain once again, and will lead them in the Asia Cup and World Cup. Shakib takes over following Tamim Iqbal’s resignation on August 3 after he was ruled out of theAsia Cup because ofabackinjury Shakib takes over at a critical time for Bangladesh, with the Asia Cup followed by a home ODI series against New Zealand in September, beforetheytraveltoIndiafor the ODI World Cup starting onOctober5.BCBpresident Nazmul Hassan made the announcement in a surprise media briefing at his residenceinDhaka.

“Shakib Al Hasan is the captain for the Asia Cup, New Zealand series and World Cup,” he said. “We willspeakmoretohimwhen he returns to Bangladesh [from Lanka Premier League]. We have to know hislong-termplan.Ispoketo him on the phone yesterday Butitisbetterifwetalktohimin

personsinceheisbusywitha franchise league currently We will also talk about which format he will keep leading, whetheritisallthreeformatsor oneortwoofthem.

“There was never any confusion Itoldyoubefore He istheobviouschoice Whoelse canlead?Butwehadtotalkto him before appointing him Nobodyshouldthinkanything else Shakib is the captain He wasalwaysthemainchoice”

Hassanfurthersaidthatthe Asia Cup squad will be the sameastheWorldCupsquad “Theyhavejustonespotopen We still don’t know about TamimIqbalwhoisrecovering from a back injury We might trialoneortwoopenersinthe AsiaCup,”hesaid

Shakib is, for now, the Bangladesh captain in all threeformats,havingstarted histhirdstintasTestcaptain andT20Icaptainlastyear Shakib had also led Bangladesh in 49 ODIs between 2009 and 2011, when he first became captain,andwon22ofthose. Itwasanon-again-off-again

job for Shakib, who was essentiallydeputisingforthe frequently-injured Mashrafe Mortaza Shakib later captained Bangladesh in threemoreODIsin2015and 2017, each time standing in for Mashrafe. Shakib has so far led Bangladesh in 19 Tests and 39 T20Is, and the lastofhis50ODIsascaptain wasin2017.

The change in leadership comes after Tamim quit as Bangladesh’s ODI captain because of the uncertainty aroundhisfitnessasherecovers fromabackinjury Whileheis outoftheAsiaCupthatstartson August30,Tamimhopestobefit intimefortheODIseriesagainst New Zealand that begins on September 21 and the ODI WorldCupthatfollows Tamim’s resignation camelessthanamonthafter he reversed his emotional decision to retire from internationalcricket.Hehad retired on July 6 but the following afternoon, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested himtochangehisdecision.

BCB president Hilbert Foster hands over bowling machine to Roshan Gaffoor of Cotton Tree machine

India tour of West Indies and United States of America… West Indies look to seal series; India in search of equaliser

After losing the first two T20Is, India kept the five-matchseriesalivewitha thumping win in the third. While, in the long run, the result of this series will matter little, India are looking to try out personnel forthe2024T20WorldCuphanding Yashasvi Jaiswal a debut in the previous game wasasignofthat.

At the same time, they haveaneyeontheupcoming ODI World Cup, and Tilak Varma has emerged as a strong candidate for the No. 4 slot in that squad. Tilak’s international career is just three T20Is old, but he has impressedeveryonewithhis temperament.

Moreover, India don’t have a left-hander in their first-choice top six in ODIs. Ifpicked,hecanfillthatvoid too.

India, however, know that success in T20Is is no

guarantee for success in ODIs. In the last two years, Suryakumar Yadav has had an extraordinary run in T20Is, but he has himself admitted that his ODI numbersare“reallybad”.

Tilak’s List A numbers

are outstanding, though: 1236runsin25matchesatan averageof56.18andastrike rate of 101.64. He has five hundredsandasmanyfifties in the format. If they want, India can test him further in theAsiaCuptoseewherehe

stands, especially if Shreyas Iyerisn’tfitbythen.

WestIndiesarenotgoing to the ODI World Cup, but under Rovman Powell, they are rebuilding their T20I side. In March, they beat South Africa 2-1 and now

have a chance to win backto-back T20I series for the firsttimesince2017.

So far, this has been a seriesofmiddlingtotals.But that could change as the caravanmovestoLauderhill in the USA for the last two games.

After the first T20I, Powell said that the series wouldbedecidedbyhowhis left-hand batters, Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer, play spin in the middleovers.

While Pooran seems to have hit a purple patch, Hetmyer has looked offcolour Playing for West Indies after almost a year, Hetmyer had scores of 11, 9 and 4 in the ODI series. In three T20Is so far, he has managed10off12,22off22 and 9 off 8. Can he turn it around on Friday and help WestIndieswintheseries?

If fit, Jason Holder should replace Roston

Chase. West Indies can also consider bringing in Shai Hope for one of Brandon KingandJohnsonCharles.

Shubman Gill finished theODIseriesasthesecondhighest run-getter, his tally of126takinghimtoNo.5in the ICC ODI batters’ rankings However, runs havebeenhardtocomebyin theT20Iseries:Gillhasbeen dismissed in single digits in all three innings With India’stailstartingfromNo. 8, they would want bigger contributionsfromhiminthe remainingtwogames.

In the last two T20Is played in Lauderhill, Indiabatting first both timesposted191for5and188for 7. They won both. In fact, teams batting first have won 11ofthe13completedT20Is played here However, a 47% chance of rain in the afternoon may be a temptation for chasing (ESPNCricinfo)

President Ali to play in ‘Cricket for in Charity’ match at One Guyana T10

The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast finals head to the National Stadium, Providence, on Saturday, August 12, from 14:00hrs.

The final is set for 20:00 hrs.

A p a r t f r o m t h e championship match, the charity match, dubbed ‘Cricket for Charity,’ has attracted growing interest since the organisers initially announcedsomepersonsset tocompete.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, the tournament’s patron, is set to showcase hisTapeball skillsagainstmembersofthe PrivateSector

PresidentAli, who has a blazing tapeball hundred against members of disciplined services, is expected to lead several government officials on the field to face business communitymembers,allina nobleefforttoraisefundsfor charity

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr , Devendra

Bishoo Rawle Ferguson, Kerwin Bollers, and cricket legends Ramneresh Sarwan, Lennox Cush, Devindra Bissoo and Steven Jacobs and other officials are confirmedtoplay

PresidentAliandLennox Cushwillcaptaintheteams.

The charity match is scheduled to start at 18:00 hrs, and the organisers have staked G$200,000 for the winning side to donate to Charity

PresidentAli, one of the first to support the tournament, noted the event would bring many people together from various communitiesunderthe‘One Guyana’banner

Meanwhile, the first semi-final pits the rampant Eccles All-Stars against TeamCorruptionfrom14:00 hrs, followed by V-Net Vipers, who ousted Village Rams,againstTarmacTitans from16:00hrs.

underlights.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali (right) will have Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. as his partner again as the two play in the Cricket for Charity match on August 12

Below the Green Stand will host the Corporate Village and have all amenities such as food and drinksforthefans.

Thefirst-everchampions willpocketG$1M,whilethe losing finalist will collect G$300,000.

The two losing semifinalistswillwalkawaywith G$100,000 each. There will also be prizes for outstanding individual performances.

The Most Valuable Playerofthetournamentwill get a motorbike valued over G$250,000, compliments of AssuriaInsurance.

FinalsSchedule:

Match 29 – Eccles AllStars v Team Corruption –14:00hrs

Match30–V-NetVipers vTarmacTitans–16:00hrs

Match 31 – Charity

Match–18:00hrs

and

Match 32 – Final -20:00 hrs

Suryakumar Yadav brought up his half-century in 23 balls to pilot India’s win. (AFP/Getty Images) India’

Coach Hamid hails 34th edition of Joy/ Hamid Basketball Foundation a success

Attheendofwhat was surely a n o t h e r successful year of the 34th edition of his summer camp held by the Joy /Hamid Basketball Foundation last Saturday at the Mackenzie High school hard court, veteran coach Abdulla Hamid, the former national playerwhowaspleasedwith thisyear’sclinic,dubbedita resoundingsuccess.

In fact, after two weeks ofteachingthefundamentals ofthegametoboysandgirls betweenages6to15,Hamid said“Iwanttosaythankyou toalloursponsorswhocame onboard.Thisprogrammeis onethatwewillseenational players produced like years ago. So we need to build on thisanditwaswellattended by youths and they adhered to the new age limits of 6 to 15years.

He said, “Persons that showed an interest for the developmentoftheyouthsin Linden and I was overwhelmed to see the parentswhocameouttosee and support their kids, and this was what we had asked forovertheyearsandnowit hasbecomearealitythatwas great plus for this programme.”

Among the main sponsors for the second successiveyearwasMs.Joy

Adams, a Guyanese professional basketball player from Amelia’s Ward, whoisresidentintheUnited States.

Hamid noted were the Caring for Others Foundation,whichisheaded by local representative Jermaine Figuiera MP, Best BarberShopandPowerscar rentalamongothers.

All the children who participated in this year’s clinic at the conclusion last Saturdayweregiveneithera basketball,playinguniforms

and this included two Joy Adams professional tops, backpacks,andsneakers.

Similar clinics by other basketball coaches are also planned for Amelia’s Ward,

VictoryValleyandBlock22 intheminingtownofLinden overthesummervacation.

Coach Abdullah Hamid (far left) with some of the participants from his clinic at the MHS hard court.

Hero’s welcome for history-making athletes

ByRawleToney

Hero’s welcome awaits Guyana’s history-making representatives upon their return from the justconcluded Commonwealth YouthGamesinTrinidadand Tobago.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that officials fromtheMinistryofCulture, Youth and Sport, led by MinisterCharlesRamsonJr., in collaboration with representatives from the NationalSportsCommission (NSC),theGuyanaOlympic Association (GOA), and the Athletics Association of Guyana, will gather alongside parents and wellwishers of the country’s athletes today at the Cheddi JaganInternationalAirport.

Theathletesandofficials areexpectedtotouchdownat 2:30pm.

Guyana’sparticipationin the seventh edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games resulted in an impressive haul of four medals, consisting of two gold, one silver, and one bronze.

Thecountry’sdelegation encompassed eight athletes,

competingacrossswimming andtrackandfieldevents.

While the swimmers didn’t makea splash in their competitions, all eyes were fixated on the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Porto

Guyanese athletes truly shined Tianna Springer exceeded all expectations, igniting the spark for an extraordinary performance by securing Guyana’s firstever gold medal in the Commonwealth Youth

Games with her victory in thewomen’s400mfinals.

It was the first time the NationalAnthem of Guyana was played at the games whichstartedin2023,andit certainlywasnotthelast.

In the climactic event that brought the games to a close, Springer anchored Guyana’s 4x400m Mixed Relay team to another gold medal, partnering with Malachi Austin, Javon Roberts, and Narissa McPherson. However, their

achievement went beyond just winning the gold; their record-breaking time of 3:22 07 obliterated the previous game record of 3:25.08, set by Australia in 2017 This exceptional performancestandsasoneof Guyana’s finest showings at the Commonwealth Youth Gamessinceitsinauguration in2000.

Priortothe2023Games, Guyana’s medal tally consistedofthree:twosilver medals in boxing and a

bronze in squash women’s doubles.

McPherson,whosecured third place in the 400m race won by Springer, completed a remarkable one-three finishforGuyana.

Meanwhile,Austin, who had an impressive competition, attained a Personal Best of 47 97 seconds in the Men’s 400m, securing a commendable secondplaceinthefinals.

Roberts, an integral memberofGuyana’shistoric

Concacaf U15 Championship…

gold medal-winning 4x400m Mixed Relay team, along with Attoya Harvey, didnotprogresstothefinals intheirrespective800mand 1500mevents.

Thesterlingperformance ofGuyana’strackathletesin Trinidad and Tobago bolstered the country’s overallmedalcounttoseven over the history of the Commonwealth Youth Games, tracing back to the inauguralgamesin2000. R e c a l l i n g p a s t achievements, the 2008 Games in India saw accomplishedamateurboxer Clevon Rock claim silver after his final match in the Men’s Bantamweight division.

In2015,inApia,Samoa, LarissaWiltshire andTaylor Fernandes-Henry secured a bronze medal in the Squash women’sdoublescategory. Inthe2017GamesinThe Bahamas, Keevin Allicock reached the finals of the Men’sflyweightdivisionbut wasunabletosecurevictory Notably, boxing and squash were not featured in the 2023 Games hosted in TrinidadandTobago.

Haiti, Jamaica claim quarterfinal victories

(SportsMax)-The2023 Concacaf Boys’ Under-15 Championship was back in action on Thursday with teams in League A and League B taking the field in the Quarterfinals and PlayOffs.

In the League B quarterfinals at the Stadion Rignaal Jean Francisca in Willemstad, Curacao, Martinique upended hosts Curacao 4-1, Nicaragua emergedvictorious4-2from a penalty shootout with AntiguaandBarbudaaftera 1-1draw,SaintLuciaedged Barbados 1-0, while Bermuda came away with a 4-3penaltyshootoutvictory against Belize after a 0-0 drawbetweenthetwosides.

The League B Play-Off matchesalltookplaceatthe Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad, where Bonaire defeated Saint Kitts and Nevis 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw,

GuadeloupegotpastGuyana 2-0, Suriname slipped by Grenada3-2andArubabeat Cayman Islands 4-1 in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw

T h e L e a g u e A quarterfinalsalltookplaceat the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, beginning with a 4-1 triumph for Jamaica over Honduras.Alsoregisteringa victory was Mexico, 1-0 versus Puerto Rico, Haiti handled Canada 1-0 and the United States fended of Guatemala4-1.

In the League A PlayOffs at the Estadio Panamericano in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, El Salvador defeated Cuba 3-0,Trinidad andTobagodownedQatar30, Costa Rica marched past DominicanRepublic3-1and Saudi Arabia squeezed past Panama2-1.

(L-R) Tianna Springer, Narissa McPherson, Malachi Austin and Javon Roberts after bring the CYG’s 4x400m Mixed Relay record.

Guyana’s U15 squad at the Concacaf Championship in Curacao.

Guyana U-17 wings off to T&T ahead of Rising StarsRegional Tournament

TheGuyanaunder17 team left

Guyana this morningfortheCricketWest Indies (CWI) Rising Stars

Regional Under-17

Tournament scheduled to bowl off from todayAugust 12 to September 1, 2023, in TrinidadandTobago(TT)

The multi-talented Jonathan Van Lange, who is also a national table tennis player, will lead the team. He is expected to be well supported by Vickash Wilkinson, the Under-17 Inter- County MVP, ViceCaptain Matthew Pottaya, opener Rampersaud Ramnauth, Sanjay Algoo, Nicholas Shiopersaud and Kevin Kisten, all of whom were top performers during the inter-county tournamentplayedinJuly

The squad left Guyana

following a 12-day intense training camp under the guidance of Cricket West

Indies (CWI) Level 2 coach Quasen Nedd and Neil Rudder, who was a member

Peter Lewis Asphalt Plant Sales & Construction Services supports Big Man Cricket 2

Once again, Peter Lewis from Peter Lewis Construction&Asphalt Plant Sales & Services comes on board in strong support for Masters Cricket inGuyana.

Thisisthe2ndsponsorto jump on board for the BIG M A N C R I C K E T 2 tournament being contested between 14 teams from across the country Blue Watershadalreadycomeon board as the official water for the BMC-2 O40s tournamentwhichwillentail 45 matches all across Guyana.

The first round of 6 matches was played back in May 2023 but due to the inclement weather the tournament had to be postponed after the first round. Weather permitting, the BMC-GY Committee is looking to restart the tournament on August 19. Fixtures for that weekend willbereleasedshortly

P e t e r L e w i s Construction is one of the premier construction companies in Guyana and offersasphaltplantsalesand construction services Its

owner, Peter Lewis has continuously pledged his support for masters’ cricket inGuyanaandhasdisplayed a strong commitment to assisting various charitable organizations around Guyana. His Company is also known as Associated Construction Services (ACS).ACSwasestablished in1997andhassolidifiedits

place in the construction arenathroughcompletionof num

Specializinginroadbuilding ACShasalsocommissioned anAsphalt Plant to increase efficiencyonprojects.

As such, the Asphalt Plant has been servicing other contractors to ensure their timelines are met. The (Continuedopnpage27)

ofthedisciplineforce.Given the favorable weather conditions during their

encampmentwhichincluded 2-daymatchesanda50overs practice match, this unit

leaves Guyana confident of becoming the first Guyana team to win the regional under-17tournament.

This year’s regional under-17 tournament will have a 2-day format as well as a 50-overs format with the Super50 playing first.

Guyana plays their first match against Barbados at Gilbert Park onSaturday,August12 Guyana U17 Team: Johnathan Van Lange (Captain), Rampersaud Ramnauth, Kevin Kisten, Vickash Wilkinson, Romeo Deonarain, Ari Afrizal Kadir, Nityanand Mathura, Sanjay Algoo, Matthew Pottaya (Vice/Captain), Golcharran Chulai, Nicholas Shiopersad, SalimKhan,BruceVincent andDarwinJoseph

Digicel Schools’ National Football Championship… New Champion to be crowned in

Season eight of the Digicel Schools’ National Football Championships, which is billed to culminate onSunday,August13,atthe Ministry of Education Ground, had the captains of the finale share their sentiments ahead of the title match.Captains of Carmel and St Ignatius have both expressed confidence of claimingthecovetedtitle.

T h e r e s p e c t i v e sentiments were shared at a pre-match press conference onFridayatSpiceGardenin the Brandsville Hotel, Campbellville.

StIgnatiuscaptainReyes Williams is convinced his team is well-prepared and confidentofatriumphdueto theirstyleandoveralltalent.

On the other side of the ring, skipper of Carmel Secondary, Shem James, stated that his team is also confident claiming the crown,notingthattheteamis built on the principle of teamwork and discipline in everyaspect.

Meanwhile, Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of the Petra Organization, who was intrigued at the level of play in the quarterfinal and

James and St. Ignatius’ captain, Reyes Williams, pose with the C/ship hardware, prior to the final showdown.

semi-final rounds, stated, “We expect no less from whatwesawinthesemifinal round.” He further said that anexcitingfinaleisexpected as both teams are first time finalists, which has highlighted the competitive natureofthechampionship.

DigicelCommunications Officer,GabrielleChapman, statedthatthesheisproudto be working for a company that is contributing to the development of youths, adding that the company is

proud to the sponsor is the event, and will continue in suchamanner She added that it’s an impossibletasktoselecttoa favouritefortheencounteras b o t h t e a m s h a v e demonstrated exceptional quality throughout the tournament.

Meanwhile, Region 7’s D.CFoxwillopposeRegion 1’sWaramuriTopinthethird placeshowdownat17:00hrs, prior to the finale which kicksoffat19:00hrs.

Carmel’s captain, Shem

The Guyana U17 Team

Ramona Budram, Officer of Peter Lewis Asphalt Plant Sales & Construction Services hands over the sponsorship cheque to Director of BIG MAN CRICKET, John Ramsingh John Ramsingh

Basil Butcher Memorial Trust Fund…

RHTYSC NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour and Bakewell teams honor five fire officers

The Rose Hall Town NAMILCO Thunderbolt

Flour Under 23 and first division along with the Bakewell Under 17 and seconddivisionteamsjoined hands on Tuesday last to honor five outstanding firemenattachedtotheRose Hall Town Fire Station. The officers were honored under thetributetoheroessegment of the RHTYSC/ Basil Butcher Memorial Trust FundProgramme.

Those honored were Delroy Benn,Ajay Gopilall, Jermon Willimas, Trvor

Crawford and Rayon

Ramalho They were selectedbytheleadershipof the Rose Hall Town Fire Station. They were selected based on their work ethics, discipline and dedication to the job. RHTYSC secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster was accompanied by club e x e c u t i v e s R o b b y Kissoonlall, Tyrone Pottaya and cricket coach Winston Smith Foster urged the awardees to continue to serve with distinction and to alwaysstriveforexcellence.

T h e l o n g - s e r v i n g secretary/CEO, who is also the president of the Berbice

CricketBoarddisclosedthat his admiration for fire officers increased when he saw a documentary on how they place their lives on the line when disaster occurs. The township of Rose Hall and the county of Berbice, Foster stated was very grateful for their excellent service.

The officers honored were the first set of fire officerstobehonoredbythe RHTYSC. In the past, the club had honored postal workers, teachers, police officers, municipality workers,sportsmen,doctors, nurses, pharmacists and therapy workers under the Basil Butcher Trust Fund

Tributes to Workers Programme. The Rose Hall

T o w n N A M I L C O

Thunderbolt Flour and Bakewell Second Division are the two most senior teams of the RHTYSC and annually undertake a combined eighty to one h u n d r e d p e r s o n a l development programmes under a wide range of subheadings including sports, charity, youth development, educational,anti-drugs,anticrime, publication, religious

and health. The teams host programmes each year such as Tribute to Law Enforcement officers, Cricket Academy, Summer Camp, Feeding of the Poor, Christmas villages, Tribute to Mothers, Tribute to Fathers, Annual Christmas

Charity Programme, Tribute to Medical workers and Tribute to Postal workers. Eachofthefiremenreceived threespecialgiftsalongwith a medal of excellence and a framed certificate The NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour First Division team is

led by national player Kevlon Anderson and includes players such as Kevin Sinclair, Clinton Pestano, Junior Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall, Shawn Perriera, Jason Sinclair, KhemrajMahadeoandKeith Simpson Surendra

Kissoonlall leads the Bakewell Second Division team while he receives support from Jonathan Rampersaud, Jeremy S a n d i a , S h e m a i n e Campbelle, Shabika Gajnabi, Mahendra Gopilall andRyanAlgu.

St Lucia name 10-member team for Winfield Braithwaite Boxing Championships

St. Lucia has officially announced a 10-member fight contingent for the prestigious Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys/Juniors Championship slated for August 18th - 20th at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue Thishasincreasedthetotalnumber ofvisitingcountriestofour

The Windward Island nation officially submitted its roster yesterday to the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA). The traveling delegation comprises Joshua Rene -Schoolboys-[Heavyweight-8692KG];JackSurage-Schoolboys[Light Middleweight - 63 567KG]; Denzel StephenSchoolboys - [Lightweight - 5760KG]; Jeannan GaspardSchoolboys-[SuperHeavyweight92+KG]; Herve CharlemagneSchoolboys-[LightWelterweight60-63.5KG];JohnDidier-Youth[Light Heavyweight - 75 - 80KG]; and Kyle Marcel - Youth[Middleweight-71-75KG].

Meanwhile, the technical staff features Coaches Yunior Quintero and Conrad Fredericks, whilst Stanislaus Bishop will serve in the capacityofTeamManager

To date, Barbados, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago have officially confirmed their participation.TheGBAisawaiting wordfromBahamas.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle statedhisorganisationisthrilledto confirm the announcement of St.

Luciawhichaddstotheexpanding international flavour of the championship. Ninvalle said that every nation that has confirmed its involvement innately brings its own style and characteristics to the event, w

Caribbean region “The list of participants which is expected to grow, as the battle draws near, signals, and underscores

that the championship has evolved into a measure of regional importance that cannot bedenied

This is an accomplishment that the GBA is not only proud of but will work assiduously to build on,” the GBA President said St Lucia Boxing Team: Schoolboys; Joshua Rene[Heavyweight - 86 - 92KG],

Middleweight - 63 5 - 67KG],

Denzel Stephen [Lightweight57 - 60KG], Jeannan Gaspard [Super Heavyweight - 92+KG], Herve Charlemagne [Light Welterweight - 60 - 63 5KG], John Didier [Light Heavyweight - 75 - 80KG] and Kyle Marcel [Middleweight-71-75KG]. Technical Team; CoachYunior Quintero, Coach - Conrad Fredericks and ManagerStanislausBishop

The five awardees pose with executives of the RHTYSC

Jack Surage

Kyle Marcel

Joshua Rene

Herve Charlemagne

Digicel Communications Officer, Gabrielle Chapman (left), and Petra Co-Director, Troy Medonca, flank the captains and managers of the finalists following yesterday’s briefing.