Kaieteur News

Govt. unsure if Chinese company paid off US$5 million owed for GTT shares it sold 10 years ago Man stabbed to death at Reg. 7 backdam, three persons arrested GMSA Pres. wants removal of VAT on locally produced goods, data services

Govt. would not hand over oil

sector management

...Opposition would try to cripple the industry or delay operations

VP Jagdeo

VPJagdeolosestemperwhenquestionedon ExxonMobil’sUS-multibillion$$$expenses

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo during a media engagement at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC)onThursdaylosthis temperwhenquestionedbya Kaieteur News reporter on releasing the Cost Recovery Statements and forecast of expenditure by the

E x x o n M o b i l - l e d consortium, developing the resources in the oil-rich StabroekBlock.

So far, ExxonMobil has recovered US-billions in costs related to oil production. Last year alone, the company reported that a whopping US$7.4 billion in expenses were cleared through Guyana’s oil. This was over five times the revenue Guyana earned during the same period which totaled a meager US$1.4billion.

The Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with Exxon and partnersallowfor75percent oftherevenuetobededucted each month towards the recovery of costs This means Exxon is repaid a handsome sum of the proceeds each month towards recouping its investment.

In the absence of a ringfencing provision, the deal sees Exxon recouping costs from an oil producing project to pay for expenses unrelated to that specific development. For instance, last year the two producing fields, Liza One and Liza Two generated revenue that p a i d f o r t h e decommissioning (cleanup) costsforthethirdandfourth oil projects- Payara and Yellowtail- which are yet to commenceoilproduction.

Importantly, the governmenthasbeenfailing to conduct and complete timelyauditsofthecompany to verify the expenses being claimed by the Stabroek Block partners In the meantime, the co-venturers continuetorackupexpenses unrestricted, since Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo previouslymadeitclearthat

in the absence of a “comanagement arrangement”

Guyana is restricted to merely checking the bills after they have been s u b m i t t e d https://www.kaieteurnewso nline.com/2022/08/20/intribute-to-bibi-shadick/

Notably, the lopsided oil dealwithExxonrequiresthe oil companies to furnish the Guyana Government with various documents on their expected expenditure for a given year They are also required to provide details on how much of their investment has been cleared offusingGuyana’soil.

Annex C of the contract which outlines in detail the accounting procedures Exxon must comply with states that the Contractor shall prepare an annual budget pursuant toArticle 7 of the Agreement that will distinguish between Exploration Costs, Development Costs, and Operating Costs The statement must also show a forecast of expenditures and receipts under the Agreement for the calendar year as well as cumulative expenditures and receipts to the end of the said calendar year

This publication has reported that several industry stakeholders have calledfortheforegoingtobe in the open to deepen the public debate on how the nation’s oil resources have been and would continue to beutilized.

COSTRECOVERY STATEMENTS

Itisinthisregardthatthe VPwasaskedonThursdayto saywhetherthesestatements can be made public. This is the second for this year the question of the Stabroek Block expenses have been put to Jagdeo, who is tasked with managing the petroleumsector

InMarch,Jagdeosaidhe was comfortable releasing the statements since he believes Kaieteur News would “nitpick” and “lie about it”. He nevertheless

noted that “we are open to exploringitandseeingwhat morecouldbedone.”

During his press conference onThursday, the VP was reminded of his commitment and was asked whether he had arrived at a conclusion regarding the release of the cost recovery statementsespecially https://fb.watch/mwLU5

6Bxm7/(From2:14:43)

The query noticeably caused the chief policy maker to become annoyed. In his response, he said, “What is it that you want about the financial statementsbecauseIpointed out that Kaieteur News couldn’t read the financial statementssowhatdidIsay? Whatfurther?”

He was reminded by a Senior Journalist from this publicationthatheexplained before that this request wouldbeexplored,however he articulated: “but they are in the Court documents that you have, it’s just that you couldn’treadit,notyou,but Kaieteur News whoever wrote that article couldn’t read a financial statement. It’s in the Court document already.” ExxonMobil’s

Cost Recovery Statements

have never been attached in anyCourtdocument.

The Journalist also soughtanupdateonwhether the country has since managed to pay off the Liza Two development costs, to which he said he was not sure This project was pegged at US$6 billion, however due to the lack of ring-fencing provisions this costcouldstillbepending.

In February this year, Country Manager for ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge in response to a question from

thispublicationrevealedthat the Liza One project expenseshavebeencleared.

He explained, “On Liza, itallgoesintothesamecost bank but we have now recoveredcostthatwouldbe equivalent to the original investment for Liza Phase One.”

Routledge also pointed out that significant progress has also been made in terms of repaying the investment on the second deepwater project, Liza PhaseTwo. He could not state at that time how much of the expenses were paid off on the company’s second deep water project, but noted that these details would be included in the company’s upcomingfinancials.

SECRECYOFEXXON’S US-MULTIBILLION EXPENSES

The Vice President’s postureonthiscriticalaspect of the country’s oil and gas sector would raise further concerns regarding the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’ s managementoftheindustry Already, the political Oppositionhaschastisedthe government for “drowning” thesectorinsecrecy

InitsManifesto,thePPP said it would “ensure that e x p e n d i t u r e s a r e

transparently determined and go through the Parliamentaryprocess.” It is not clear whether this was specifictotheexpensesofoil companies or expenditure relatingtotheuseoffundsin the Natural Resource Fund (NRF). However, the Opposition believes this is a majorletdown,asthereisno transparency when it comes toanyoilrelatedexpenses.

EconomicAdvisortothe Opposition Leader, Elson L o w s a i d , “ T h e government’s refusal to release cost oil audits or to committoatimelinefortheir completion and release also violates their manifesto promisessincetheysaidthey would hold oil companies accountable and verify expenditures.”

Additionally, he noted, “Thereisalackofspecificity as to what exactly oil revenuesarebeingspenton, which also violates their c o m m i t m e n t t o transparency.”

He was referring to the circumstances under which revenuefromtheoilandgas sectorisbeingtransferredto the public purse without a clear outline of what “national development priorities” are being funded throughthatsource.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo responding to Kaieteur News during his Thursday press conference

Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

Migrant boat people

People are running away from the lands of their birth to gettoanyplacethatoffersthemachanceoflivingwithsome dignity They sacrifice through perilous travels to be able to breathe a bit more freely We read the horror reports of men, women, children, and even babies, dying at sea as they fall short in their desperate quest to rise above their punishing, dirtpoor,circumstances.

Some have died in the Mediterranean Sea, others around the coast of Italy, and just recently a half dozen met their end in the English Channel. It is the ultimate cruelty, for so hard wastheirjourney,andsoclosetotheir21stcenturypromised land,yetsofarintheirfailuretofindsuccorbythefingertips.

Grinding poverty is a driving factor that pushes many poorpeopletotakearisk,bravestormyoceans,andinhuman boat conditions. Their hope is of finding a place in some hospitablecountry,sothattheycanbegintostandontheirfeet financially, and live like human beings should. Another condition is the breakdown of government, and where lawlessness and brutality take hold, frightens citizens in manycountries,andforcesthemtogetawayfromthelandof their birth, and from family and friends. A third set of circumstances is fear and alarms generated by authoritarian governments, with power drunk national leaders, which chase citizens to jump their borders by any means possible, and at any cost, in the search for a better, more confidence inducing,life.

The people running away from their homelands are primarily from resource rich Africa, dictatorial Latin America, and some other places, like India. At the core, it is of poor lands poorly ruled, or ones rich with natural resources, but impoverished of ethical and transformational governmentsandleadership.

HundredsofthousandsofGuyanesecanrelatetomigrant boat people, and people travelling in overland caravans. For the last six decades Guyanese have been bailing out of this country by the droves, due to desperate economic circumstances, tyrannical leaders, and governments that shamethename. Atonetimeoranother,Guyanesehavebeen terrorized, pauperized, and demonized, which sent them hurrying for any available welcoming harbor What started 60 years ago has never really ceased, it could be asserted not evensomuchassignificantlysloweddown.

On any given day, the American Consulate has a full calendar of locals lining up, waiting, and hoping to get a prized visa to the land of milk and honey This is despite the decay of American cities, the usual destination of Guyanese migrants,theexplodinglevelsofcrimeandviolence,andthe worrying signs of racial inequality and racial hostility Though lesser than before, there is an active ‘backtrack’ acrossGuyana’sborders,withadventurousGuyanesebenton takingtheirchancesforabetterlifeanywheretheycanfindit. In sum,Africa has its migrant boat people, LatinAmerica its caravanpeople,andGuyana,itsmigrantplanepeople.

In the richest country in the world, this is the reality of Guyana. Guyanese have been classified as “high income peoplehavethewinningPowerballticket(oil),butoneintwo Guyanesecannotfullyhouseandclothethemselvesandtheir families. Therealityisthattheydonothaveenoughtoeatin what is a daily fight for a decent survival. The bills and housing and clothing, and tending to any illnesses, therefore, all become secondary and suffer from a chronic and severe lackoffunds.

The savage irony is that in the country calculated to have the biggest GDP per capita in the world, there is a mass of Guyaneseneedinghelp,andhopingthatsomethingwillcome theirway

Becausenexttonothinghasbeencomingintotheirhands from their incredible oil wealth, Guyanese who are trapped onthelowerrungsofthenation’seconomicstairwayhaveno alternative but to keep going, casting their eyes on any welcoming foreign shore that will receive them. Because politicians in both the government and Opposition partner with foreigners to strip Guyanese of hope, of their chance at riches,theygoelsewheretograspanyprosperitytheycanget.

Stop blaming the “other”

DEAREDITOR, theirjustdesserts.Narratives ground zero, we reflexively an agreement on the In the wake of this year’s arestoriesemplottedtomake also resort to narratives that objective facts that should c o m m e m o r a t i o n o f sense of our lives and our o t h e r s m i g h t h a v e constitute “history” Emancipation Day, there need to create them appears constructed around similar However, while reality may have been several panel to be wired into our brains. events. In a word, we fall be created by events and discussions and symposia An event occurs – say the backonour“remembrances” processes, our experience of organized by African elections contretemps at –whetherattheindividualor t h a t r e a l i t y i s t h e G u y a n e s e a c t i v i s t s Ashmins - and we are driven collective level. Narratives, “remembrance”ofit–thatis, discussing “the African- to explain how or why it did. t h e n , a r e n o t o n l y “our-story/narrative” Guyanese condition”. I have What happened first…what constituted; they are History and remembrance emphasised that each of the followed? Who were the constitutive as far as they are not the same. History is groups in Guyana have their persons involved? What did “explain” our experiences. thechronicleofthatrealityas ownnarrativeoftheirhistory each person do and what Muchofwhatwearefighting collatedbyhistoriansbutitis and these discussions and were their choices? What about can be described as our “remembrance” of the presentations illustrated the were the background “memorywars”. events that structure our African Guyanese. As with circumstances – social or In accepting there must responses. other narratives, they physical – that might have be some factual historical Why is it, we should ask, directed fingers of blame to broughttheeventabout?Ina truth “out there”, we should do the PNC/APNU/AFC the “other”, signalling they word,wewanttoknowabout appreciate we have to be coalition supporters justify areconflictedinvaluedareas “causation”. carefultofilterout,asbestas Mr Mingo’s interference ofnationalendeavour But in the creation of we can, the inherent with the tabulation of the We need to consciously narratives, since very few of subjectivities of all Reg. 4 SOP’s because of the construct a “national us are in a position, or have narratives - especially when claimed subsequent recount narrative” that would give the inclination, to conduct they concern history “writ “anomalies”uncovered? each group in our country rigorous enquiries from large”. We must begin with (Continued on page 6)

Respecting Guyana’s National Heritage – Monuments

DearEditor, futuregenerations. our heritage is not merely contribute positively to our ownership of nearby nearhistoricalsites.

I write to you today with Guyana’s historical sites about safeguarding the past; society Neglecting our historical sites This It is high time we a deep sense of concern and andmonumentsarenotmere it is about ensuring a heritage robs our youth of involvement can lead to a recognize that preserving urgency regarding the state structures made of bricks meaningfulfuture. these invaluable learning sense of pride and our national heritage of our national heritage – andmortar;theyaresymbols Preserving our national experiences. responsibility, resulting in monuments is not a luxury monuments here in Guyana. of our identity, telling the heritage monuments is not To address this pressing better care and protection of but a necessity We cannot Our nation boasts a rich and storiesofourancestors,their j u s t a m a t t e r o f issue, I propose a multi- thesemonuments. affordtoletthesesymbolsof diverse history, one that is struggles, and their sentimentality; it has pronged approach to the L e g i s l a t i o n a n d our identity crumble into reflected in the myriad of triumphs. economic and cultural relevantauthorities. Enforcement – Strengthen oblivion By taking monuments and historical These monuments benefitsaswell.Tourismisa Public Awareness legislation related to the collective action, we can sites scattered across our include sites like Fort vital industry for our nation, C a m p a i g n s – T h e protection of historical sites e n s u r e t h a t f u t u r e landscape.

Zeelandia, the Whitby, and and our historical sites have government and relevant and monuments, with strict generationsinheritarichand H o w e v e r , i t i s the 1763 monument of the potential to attract cultural organizations penalties for vandalism and vibrantheritagethattheycan disheartening to observe the Cuffy,whichhavewitnessed visitors from around the should launch a sustained neglect. Law enforcement beproudof. lack of respect and attention the unfolding of significant world. public awareness campaign agencies should prioritize In conclusion, respecting these vital pieces of our past events and have contributed

These visitors, drawn by to educate citizens about the thesecurityofthesesites. and preserving our national often receive. In this letter, I immensely to the shaping of the allure of our rich history, importance of our national Tourism Development heritage monuments is not wish to implore our fellow our national identity They w o u l d c o n t r i b u t e heritage monuments. This – Develop sustainable just a matter of civic duty; it citizens to recognize the are a testament to the significantly to our campaign should emphasize tourism initiatives around is a reflection of our importance of preserving resilience of the people who economy Neglecting these the cultural, economic, and historical sites, creating commitmenttoourcountry’s and respecting these built and maintained them, sitessendsamessagethatwe educational significance of employment opportunities pastandfuture. monuments for the sake of often under challenging do not value our own thesesites. for local communities and Letuscometogetherasa our collective identity and circumstances. heritage, discouraging Increased Funding – generating revenue for the nation,unitingtoprotectand

Sadly, many of these potential tourists and Adequate funding should be maintenanceofthesesites. cherish these invaluable invaluable pieces of our investorsalike. a l l o c a t e d f o r t h e Education Programs – treasures that connect us to heritage are in a state of Furthermore, our preservation, restoration, I n t e g r a t e h e r i t a g e our roots and inspire our disrepair, neglected, or monuments serve as and maintenance of our preservation education into future. subjected to acts of educationaltools.They offer historical sites and school curriculums and Sincerely, vandalism. an opportunity for our youth monuments. This funding conduct outreach programs Wayne Lyttle

This negligence not only to learn about the struggles shouldbeusedtohireskilled to schools and communities Journalist disrespects our ancestors but and achievements of those c o n s e r v a t o r s a n d also deprives current and who came before them professionals who can future generations of the These lessons in history, ensure the longevity of these opportunity to connect with perseverance, and cultural structures. ourhistory diversity are crucial for the C o m m u n i t y

It is essential to development of responsible, Involvement – Encourage remember that preserving informed citizens who will local communities to take DEAREDITOR,

The Elder should not be perplexed as to why the two topjudicialappointmentsare not substantive (SN August 19). This has been so for close to two decades. He didn’t ask when the former office holders demitted office in acting capacities. Why is it hard to understand it is the same reason the current holders are still acting? Until and unless there is the will of both sides to break the gridlock the Elder’s perplexity will continue.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

No need to be perplexed that two top judicial appointments arenot substantive

Good Morning Jagdeo

DEAREDITOR, outgrownyouandyourideas ignominy You can only law which allows you to Good Morning Jagdeo. fordevelopment. imagine what the other make contracts without There is probably not an This is not even foreign investors think of bringing them to parliament. articlethatIhavewrittenthat considering the national you.Youdon’twanttoknow If that move isn’t the height youhavenotread. embarrassment of having thewordspeopleareusingto ofeyepassanddisrespectfor

Today I want to give you you and your administration describe you and your Guyanese, Jagdeo, I don’t a reality check, share with continuetoagreetomaintain government Bharrat? This is knowwhatis. yousomethingwhichIdon’t the Exxon contract in its not a joke, Jagdeo You demonstrated think your ego has allowed c u r r e n t f o r m

A n Guyanese really think you r e c e n t l y t h a t y o u r you to grasp: Your brand of embarrassment it is Bharrat, have imprudent to agree to administration is now communist/cake shop because only you probably keeptheExxonContractasit practicing what I can only economics has long failed don’t know that Exxon is. describe as ‘wacko’ Guyanese. Now more than executives are laughing at NotonlyonExxon,there economics, pure nonsense ever, Guyana, Guyanese, you behind your back on arenumerousotherdealsand and destruction. There is no GUYSUCO, the banking their way to the bank every contracts like Bai Shan Lin, way on God’s good earth system, virtually every day while Guyanese suffer etc., plus the ones that you your last two budgets could economic sector has under the yoke of your intend to sign under this new be justified, this last one more than double the 2020 budget, reducing the rest of the economy’s share of GDP to 37%. Absurd? That is the point, my friend. This is because your government’s budgets are exacerbating Guyana’s supply constraints in both the real sector and our foreign currency markets, absent the benefits of our oil revenues, it seems. Your administration continues to irrationally insist, against sound economic sense, that bigger government spending is always better Well mister chief,youareseeingthe

(Continued on page 9)

Stop blaming the “other”

From page 4

Mingo’s stipulated power of divination has to do with the narrative used to “explain” the experience.African Guyanese haveahistoricalfearofbeing‘swampedandsubordinated”by Indian-GuyanesewhenthePPPwinselectionsviatheirvotes. And justify manipulations such as Burnham’s and Mingo’s to “rectify” that advantage. To assert that Indian- Guyanese are now one minority in a nation of minorities, in which either of the two major blocks have an equal chance of securing office through attracting votes outside of their base constituency, doesnotcutmuchice.

Today, we and all those who would examine our history, have the advantage of hindsight and access to a wider array of accountsthanthosewholivedthroughtheevents.Inattacking the possible illusions of retrospective determinism – that “there is no alternative” - we should connect the past with the present in a broader, more unified narrative that is healing rather than destructive.We cannot change the past but we can certainlyshapethefuture.

John Paul Lederach, the “International peace builder”, defines constructive social change as “the pursuit of moving relationships from those defined by fear, mutual recrimination, and violence toward those characterized by love, mutual respect, and proactive engagement.” If not love, let us at least have mutual respect to listen to the narrative of the “other” and address their fears. We must recognize the complexity of relationships and eschew the “us vs. them” mentality as we “generate, mobilize and build our moral imagination” by creating links between memory and vision. Don’tweallhaveavisionofafuturepeacefulandprosperous Guyanese community? By shifting the meaning of the past through a differential emphasis on particular events, we can transformhowweactinthepresent.

Thatpastmaynotliterallyexist-anymorethanthefuture does-butitlivesoninitsconsequences,whichareavitalpart ofit.Ourpastwascertainlynotallhateordivision.

Sincerely,

Ravi Dev

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It is now clear why Jagdeo was not holding press conferences.

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He was deciding who he wants to attack, so he can distract Guyanese.

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The oil is sending him crazy.

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Everywhere he turns, he sees an enemy.

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On oil, he can’t be about clean speaking.

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So he resorts to head butting.

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Jagdeo is driving himself crazy

AFC wants feasibility study on Guyana's oil refinery

As the world transitions to cleaner energy sources amid threats from climate change, the Alliance For Change (AFC) is calling on the Government of Guyana (GoG) to conduct a feasibility study for the nation'smaidenoilrefinery

The facility, once made operable would ensure a reliable source of fuel for the country, in keeping with President Irfaan Ali's vision foranenergyefficientnation. The industrial processing plant would treat and refine crude oil into products such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene andotherusefulfuels.

Evenwithitsbenefits,the project can have drastic impacts on the environment and even the country's economy should it turn out to be a white elephant, largely

owing to the global shift to renewables To avoid a wasted investment, the political group has called for an independent feasibility study to be conducted for the project.

Shadow Minister of Natural Resources and Executive Member of the AFC,DavidPattersonduring a party press conference on Friday said he supports the vision of an energy efficient economy, however any such major project should be rootedinathoroughstudy

Patterson,inresponsetoa questionfromKaieteurNews explainedthattheMinistryof

Natural Resource and a Japanese Consultant conducted a study which concluded that a modular refinery would only be appropriate for Guyana, considering its supplydemand balance, by 2027 or 2040.

T h e r e p o r t w a s completed by the Japan Cooperation Center P e t r o l e u m C h i y o d a Corporation (JCCP) and is available on the Ministry of Natural Resources website.

The document is dated February 2021.According to the study “Even keeping s t e a d y g r o w t h , t h e

conventional size of refinery is too large for Guyana from the viewpoint of supplydemand balance. 'Modular r e f i n e r y ' e x p l a i n e d hereunder, is appropriate for Guyana to support the domestic demand in 2027 and later to 2040 ” It estimated that such a facility could cost US$150 million for a 20,000 to 30,000 barrel perdayrefinery

Given the findings of that study, the AFC believes an analysis for the project's viability is critical to its success. Patterson stressed, “The Japanese that did the Oil and Gas Master Plan for Guyana indicated the volumes that we use here daily will be challenging for anoilrefineryandtheybroke it down to the question of logistics.”

He went on to point out

that the vessels that transport the oil out of Guyana stores about 1.5 million barrels of oil, making it uneconomical to bring the vessel to shore.

According to him, “Guyana cannot take off, even if we take our lifts, which is one in every five and we bring it to shore, we cannot store 1.5 millionbarrels,wecan'teven land the barge and it is uneconomicalforyoutogeta massive big tanker and then stop it to take out what we need in Guyana which is 30,000 barrels a day and obviously what we will havetodoistransshipit.”

The Shadow Natural Resource Minister explained that Guyana may have to operate a special vessel to transport the daily required crude to the facility to be refined. This, he said, could attract an additional cost which must be considered in the daily operation expenses forthefacility

To this end, he noted, “So while it is a lovely idea and I am in support of self efficiency, it requires more studytomakeitfeasible.”

OnAugust 8, 2023 it was revealed that Guyana and the Dominican Republic took a significant step in energy cooperation by signing a M e m o r a n d u m o f Understanding (MoU) geared towards identifying competent public or private entities from both nations eager to construct an oil refinery in Guyana This refineryisprojectedtohavea refining capacity of a minimum of 50,000 barrels ofcrudeoildaily

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday during a press briefing at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC) however clarified that while Guyanese authorities are interested in building the nation's first oil refinery, it is not in any hurry tobringasecondonstream.

The official's comment followed questions from Kaieteur News to explain the rationale for the State's independent pursuit of a refinery with a capacity for 30,000 barrels of oil per day

(bpd) while also agreeing recently to explore the possibility of establishing one here with the Dominican Republic.

With respect to the 30,000 bpd refinery, Jagdeo saidtherewasafirstroundof evaluationandauthoritiesare awaitingmoreinformation.

“Butevenaswedothat,a number of countries are sendinginproposalstous.At the end of the day, if it (a refinery in partnership with another country) goes forward, it has to be on conditions that are good for our country and they have to meet all the technical and financial requirements,” the VicePresidentsaid.

Simultaneously, he said the government has an interest in examining the costs of sending some of its crude abroad to be refined and have those products returned and stored as “strategic reserves.” In other words, the administration would create a holding place for oil products that can be tapped in instances of emergencies.

“Sooneofthereasonswe wanted a refinery was to ensure national energy securityandweareexploring what it would take to toll some of our crude and what fee we may have to pay for tolling the crude and then bringing back the refined products and storing them; like in the USA, they have strategic reserves,” the Vice Presidentsaid.

With respect to queries about the government's considerationofTrinidadand Tobago which has over 100 years in the oil refining industry, Jagdeo said there was some discussion about this at one stage but those did notmaterialize.

“…But if we are doing a refinery, it would be (have to be located) here because (having it elsewhere) defeats the purpose of your energy security…butifyoucangeta tolling fee, it can be refined anywhere in the world and you then store the refined products here,” the Vice Presidentsaid.

Shadow Minister of Natural Resources, David Patterson

Why are we building a refinery?

Jagdeo remains a bundle of contradictions At his mostrecentpressconference hesaidthatGuyanacanonly handle one refinery at this time. By that he probably meant that given the present level of oil production, the countrywouldnotbeableto have sufficient crude for processingbymorethanone smallrefinery

In July, President Ali announced that oil production was averaging 400,000 barrels of oil per day This would suggest an insufficientvolumeofcrude for more than one smaller refinery each capable of processing30,000barrelsof oil per day Guyana only obtainsprofitoilof12.5%of total production. It markets its share of profit oil internationally Ithassigned contracts for the sale of this oil. Based on the present levelsofproduction,thereis notsufficientoilavailableto operatemorethanonesmall refinery.

But you don’t plan to build refineries based on existing levels of production That would

amount to cake shop management A refinery takes years to build and therefore plans have to be basedonfutureproduction. By 2027, Guyana is projected to produce more than 1 million barrels of oil per day By then, which is only 3 and one half years away,Guyanashouldbeina position to have a second small refinery since there will be enough profit oil to run a second refinery at a capacity of 30,000 barrels perday

It is not therefore a question as to whether Guyana has enough crude presently to invest in plans for a second refinery It is more a question as to whether we are planning for whenoilproductionpeaksin afewyears.

But do not tell that to Jagdeo. He does not realize that he has to start planning todayforthenextfouryears since even a small refinery cannot be built in one year. His reasoning is therefore flawed.

Refineriesarenotgoing tobebuiltexclusivelybythe

government. Or at least one hopes that Jagdeo has no plans to use government fundstobuildarefinery The buildingofarefinery,evena smallrefinery,iscostly One study has estimated that building100,000barrelsper day refinery would cost US$5B.Anestimatetobuild a refinery for processing 30,000 barrels per days has been given as around US$2B.

No need exists for the government to use precious resourcestobuildrefineries. The investment has to originate from the private sector Why therefore is Jagdeotryingtospeakabout there being no need presently for a second refinery? If the private investors want a second refinery,thatistheirdecision and their risk. Or is the government trying to shield its proposed one refinery from competition? This would be anti-competitive. Is there a plan to have a refinery built with syndicatedinvestorsjustlike whatwasdonewiththeloan for the Marriot Hotel? Are

GoodMorningJagdeo...

Frompage6 results for yourself. I am quite aware that revenue from our oil wealth has changed Guyana’s financial dynamics. But then why istherethisproblem?

While I personally consider you a smart fellow, however, you seem unable to grasp thelimitationsofyoureconomicphilosophy Yourproblemisbecauseyouthinkyouknow everything,youhavestoppedlearning. Why isitthatafteralltheseyearsourpovertyrate hasjumpedtoover40percent?

This might be unreal to you, but travel around Guyana, visit Sophia, Albouystown, all the regions and communities across Guyana.

Because of you, Bharrat, your glorified

defunctcommunist/cakeshopeconomicsour national outcomes hold true for the conclusion of the politics of communism. Maintain the working class. Give them enoughtolive,tosurvive,andtocomework tomorrow Yes, in your eyes, by your measureofsuccess,youhavedonewell.

Butyouknowcommunisteconomicshas failed everywhere Jagdeo. It has failed here. Guyanesehavenothingtohopeforinyou.

Thereisapathtoeconomicdevelopment which allows EVERYONE to achieve financialandsocialprosperityandhappiness. Anditdoesn’tresidewithyou.

Sincerely,

CraigSylvester DemocraticNationalCongress

Dem boys seh...

Only time will tell

We roads bustling more than Santa’s workshop on Christmas Eve. Dem metal monsters, wah we calling vehicles, zooming by like demauditioningforaplace inFastandFurious27.And depoorcyclistsdemgetting push off de road by de breeze when dem vehicles pass. Dese days, de roads are like a racetrack. If yuh blink, yuh might just miss dechequiredflag.

All of dis mekkin’ life riding, ahellfordembicyle man Imagine a cyclist trying to squeeze through a gapthesizeofashoestring.

It’s like trying to fit a bangamary through a keyhole-notaprettysight!

Anddon’tevenmention thempotholes Isitaroador a crater collection? It’s like cyclingthroughaminefield Witheverypedal,it’saleap of faith hoping you don’t take off like a rocket to the moon Nuffofdemnewroad donestartgethole,asifdem mekkin space fuh when de burialgroundfullup

But is dem speed monsters wah is de greatest threat Dem testing out dem accelerators fuh see if de

suchplansbeinghatched?

Jagdeo is the sole custodian of the country’s NationalDepletionPolicy It isallinhishead.Hesaysthat given Net Zero, Guyana has to exploit its oil resources and as fast as it can. No

wonder, Guyana is approvingfielddevelopment plansatrapidpace.

But if Jagdeo feels that Guyana only has a narrow window to exploit its oil resources given the global trend towards renewables, and if implicitly this means thatoil’sshelflifeislimited, why then is his government moving towards building a refinery?

The construction of a refinery is a long term investment Therefore, if Guyana is exploiting its oil resources at break-neck pace, what sense does it make for anyone to build a refineryinGuyana?

Jagdeo’s explanation is energy security A refinery he contends will allow greater energy security But

this is yet another contradiction because the government says it is transitioning away from fossil fuels towards natural gas and then towards r e n e w a b l e s T h e government is even suggesting incentives for electriccars.

Government’s transition away from renewables has led it to make huge investments in the gas-toenergyplantandtoresurrect the controversial Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Facility Given these investments, doesitmakeanysense,other than to Jagdeo, for the government to be inviting expressions of interest for a proposedrefinery?

The media and civil society should seek

clarification as to the financing for the proposed refinery for which the government has invited expressions of interest Certainly, it would be contradictory for the government to be putting resources into the proposed refinery project given its own approach towards oil extraction and renewables. But you dare not tell that to theVicePresident!

(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.)

of

cruising at a leisurely 60 km/h, dem zipping by at a cool 160 km/h These road rangers, or should we say roadragers,mekkinglifehard fuhothers

Onlytimewilltellabout de future of cyclists on de road But one thing is for sure: as long as we have driverstreatingderoadslike racetracks, and we gat potholes big enough to fit a small elephant, de humble bicyclemightneedtosprout wings Until then, keep pedaling and praying, folks! TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

GHK LALL

How Exxon stole a Third World Country

Somebody was kind enoughtoforwardaYouTube video titled, “How Exxon rd stole a 3 World Country”. The Guyanese sister is still held as a friend, despite sticking this obscenity of a recording all of 13 minutes and 51 seconds in my face, in my consciousness, and deep into my soul. It is corporate pornography, bestiality, and the down and dirty lifted from ominous Guyanese reality It is Nazi terror

unleashed on colored people in this South American plantation called Guyana This is confirmation of an American Reich riding astride Guyanese in full jackbooted Aryan march And they tell me that this is notaslavemaster'sparadise. What Kaieteur News and Stabroek News, (to a lesser extent and at a lower pitch), have had the courage to lay barebeforeGuyanese,isnow flitting on electronic wings

across global boardrooms and barren hamlets in sunspiced Guyana. What a production it is, a magnum opus of oil and how the mighty crushes the lowly, after first recruiting its traitors, defanging its potential subversives. In breathless Yankee accents, there is this torrent of words that represents a cascade of the captive conditions in primitive Guyana. This country is taken back against

its will (more frequently willingly) to the days of Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Benjamin D'Urban, except that the names that illustrate the pages are now that of Darren Woods and Alistair Routledge. The Englishmen got to kneel before their Queentocollecttheirhonors; the Americans get the world to kneel before them to receive the homage due to rd themforcapturinga3 World Country without so much as lifting a finger, raising a hostile eyebrow Banks kowtow Hedge fund billionaires fall in line Governments tie themselves into knots. Leaders, like Ali and Jagdeo cannot prostrate enough. Institutions like the EPA have perfected the art known as follow the leader And Guyanese law firms and accountants and its legislative body, parliament, turn cartwheels (some would say tricks) to get any leftover piece of the action. Any questions as to whom they are fighting for, fighting against? My God, my God, whyhastthouforsaken….?

Not a shot fired, and Exxonownsandcontrolsand patrolsandextolsthisoilrich Third World country The inference, the conclusion, is that this is a nation overrunning with cowards and weasels. But there are many brave Guyanese, those whoseearsarefinelytunedto Exxon'sunspokencommand, bent to detect its inaudible dogwhistle. Inolongerhave to waste pearly words like lackeys and lapdogs and flunkeys to describe these brave Guyanese; they apply those sleek unguents to themselves, and with gayful

pride.Fortheyare the ones who snarl andlungeandgrind their teeth at the few Guyanese who say something is wrong. Something is wrong with Mr.Alistair Routledge's attire, and it is more than his slip showing. Candidly, it is an ugly sight, a canvas of voracious appetite, and rapaciousintent.

Every single point in rd “HowExxonstolea3 World Country” is searing in its starkness, in its sinister implications for Guyanese. Some of those consequences arealreadydeeplyembedded inthecrawofacountrymore consumed at condemning its own, than in curtailing the new Gestapo that has taken root in this rich land. I had denounced them as slave masters before, and I damn them as slave masters today As always, the American carpetbaggers have their Guyanese scalawags standing ready to do any slobbering, slithering, sickening duty Nothing is too low, no trick too dirty, no dutytoogrisly Needawriter, thereisone;theyareadimea dozen. Callout for a media practitioner, and there is a small riot of Guyanese kickingateachothertogetto the front of the line. This is nottheratracefortheYankee dollar It is the Guyanese black man, the Guyanese brown man, and the inbetweenGuyaneseversionof yellow man, scraping the ground, breathing in the sawdust, in their race to kiss thewhiteman'sboot.

This is for their own wealth, the sweat of their forefathers never properly

paid “How Exxon rd stolea3 WorldCountry”isa smooth, glittering, creation that pinpoints the mystery of where the Government of Guyana ends, and where Exxon begins. For people like me, those who know the world like some of us do, it has never been a mystery; only the story of leaders who have grown to love making pitiful losers of themselves, and the people who trust them, before the whole world. On other days, in another context, I would containtherageattheslavery implied Today, the ire spirals when there is this corporate barbarity (Exxon) andtheputridpoliticalreality of a castrated PPP blending soeffortlessly,andsaturating the senses in living color The Coalition Government sold the entirety of this country's anatomy to Exxon. The PPP Government peddles its political flesh, for a seat at the dinner table with corporate cannibals, and the worst type of inhuman predators imaginable at any time,andinanyplace. rd Indeed, Exxon stole a 3 World Country Exxon also stole its wisdom, courage, intellectual capacity, and all the balls that once bounced here.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

Eight MPs given final warning to pay outstanding court cost

Eight Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) were given a final warning to pay outstanding court costs or face possible consequences of their action.

Last January, the eight MPs Annette Ferguson, Christopher Jones, Ganesh Mahipaul, Vinceroy Jordan, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Sherod Duncan, Maureen Philadelphia and Natasha Singh-Lewis were ordered to paycourtcoststothetuneof$350,000 each to three respondents involved in the case filed over their suspension fromtheNationalAssembly Letters from local law firm, Gunraj and Co. addressed to the eight MPs, outlined that they will face the consequences of failing to pay the outstandingsums.

“In the circumstances, we are instructed to demand, as we hereby do, that the said costs be paid within 14 (fourteen) days hereof, failing which our clients will institute proceedings to recoverthesamewithoutfurthernotice toyou,”AttorneySaseGunrajwroteto eachoftheMPs.

In the case, Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, SC, Speaker of theNationalAssembly,ManzoorNadir and Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs were listed as respondents.

Nandlall had revealed during his

Attorney: Sase Gunraj

programme “Issues in the News” recently that those steps have already been taken to recover the judgment sumsfromthosewhorefusedtopay

He explained that “the Opposition could also face jail time for failing to honour the judgments or cost orders. He said another option is going to their employers to garnish wages/salaries due to them monthly, or depending on

howtheyreceivetheirremuneration.”

He revealed that, “They were sent notification letters, they were sent reminders, the matter was widely published in the press when I made

ent proceedings would be filed and notwithstanding all the above, they have refused, obstinately refused, to paythecosts.”

“Thisconstitutescontemptofcourt and I have already instructed my lawyers to begin the process of enforcing the judgments or the cost orders. It means that persons' vehicles and other movable properties will be seized by Marshals of the High Court andsoldatanexecutionsaletorecover themonies.”

Among the cases in which the Opposition is yet to pay costs is the case in which Christopher Jones and NorrisWitter were each ordered to pay some $1.2 million in costs after the judge had dismissed their case against theStateoverthelegalityoftheNatural Resource Fund (NRF) Act passed in NationalAssemblyinDecember,2021.

The High Court had refused an application to overturn the suspension of eight Opposition parliamentarians for their role in the unrest in the Chamber of the National Assembly in December2021overthepassageofthe NaturalResourceFundBill.

Apology from Gladstone Heirs

The University of Guyana launches its International Centre for Migration and Diaspora Studies in collaboration with the National Reparations Committee and Heirs of Slavery, on Friday,August 25, 2023, in the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT) of the Turkeyen Campus, in Georgetown, Guyana, from 8:30hrs.to11:00hrs.

The Diaspora and Migration Centre is set up to pursue five (5) specific areas of research interest including, butnotlimitedtoDiasporaand Migration in and around Academia,Youth,Technology and Vulnerable Communities, Indigeneity,Indentureshipand Slavery as specific and integralaspectsofdispersion.

The research track for Slavery and indentureship is the reason why it was deemed appropriate to launch the Diaspora and Migration Centre (MiDias) in this historically auspicious month in regard to the emancipation of enslaved peoples as well as the 200th anniversary of the 1823 Slave Revolution in Demerara. The University has been collaborating for several yearswithseveralUniversities and the Guyana Reparations Committeeonspecificaspects of the impacts of the plantations' enterprise of Slavery and indentureship as well as indigeneity on native populations, including relations being experienced today

As such UG and the G u y a n a R e p a r a t i o n s Committee invited members of the Gladstone family, part of an heir of slavery grouping toparticipateintheeventsince

Quamina and his son John, who led the 1823 Rebellions were enslaved on Gladstone Plantations. The University itself is founded on Plantation Lands upon which part of the revolutions were enacted. The Gladstone family, which includes several historians, has today confirmed that they will in fact offer an apology given the role their ancestors wouldhaveplayedhere. Given this development, T h e U n i v e r s i t y a n d Reparations Committee have specially invited and continue to invite several elders, the G u y a n a R e p a r a t i o n s Committee and other groups, Students and senior potentates to witness and receive the formal apology at the short formal ceremony which begins at 9:00 hrs. at the GWLT on Friday, August 25, 2023 After the formal ceremony, the moment will be marked by an intergenerational dialogue betweenUniversityofGuyana students and youthful members of the Gladstone family; a linking of the University of Guyana Library with digital archives of the Council of World Missions and an exhibition of scholarly work throughout the day on thesubjectmatter.

The public is invited to attend either virtually or in p e r s o n . F o r Vi r t u a l registration, please use the followinglink:

https://zoom us/webinar/r egister/WN Ob0sefwYTYYVypQZPTePA#/registration

The Guyana Reparations Committee also has a series of events and conversations to mark this occasion, including achurchservice.

GovernmentunsureifChinesecompanypaidoff US$5MowedforGTTsharesitsold10yearsago

Ten years after selling out its 20% share in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) to a Hong Kong firm for US$30M, the government is unsure if an outstanding amount of US$5M was ever paidoffinfull.

Kaieteur News raised the question about the owed monies at a Press Conference held on Thursday by Vice

President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC), Liliendaal,Georgetown.

Responding to "if the US$5M was paid off or not", Jagdeo said, "I, I am have to verify that but most likely it has been paid but I have to verifyit"

The PPP led government in 2012 had sold the shares valued at some GYD$6B (US$30M) to Hong Kong

Body of missing ‘Rasta’ floats up

The body of a man called 'Rasta' on Friday floated up in the Mazaruni River, Region Seven, four days after his disappearance in a boat mishap.

At the time of the incident, police had only known him as 'Rasta'andMark,but found out that his real nameisRayPayne.

Dead, Ray Payne better known as "Rasta”

According to reports Payne was among three passengers in a wooden speed boat that sank onTuesday night while navigating through a falls in the MiddleMazaruniRiver

Investigators learnt that at around 20:30hrs that evening, Shojhi Roberts, a 32-year-old Ranger of Isseneru Village, Middle Mazaruni River, borrowed the village's wooden balahoo boat powered by a 75 Horsepower outboard engine, to go to Apaiqua Landing, located some five minutes away fromwheretheywere.

Roberts took 'Rasta' and another man named Mark Benn with him. However, shortly thereafter while navigating throughoneofthewaterfallsintherivertheboatcollidedwith arock.

Thepassengerswerethrownoverboardandtheboatsank. Benn and Roberts managed to swim to safety but 'Rasta' disappeared.

Several checks were made for 'Rasta' soon after but they werefutile.

Golden Telecom Limited (HKGT).Uponthesigningof the sales agreement with the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), HKGT only paid US$25M The outstanding payment was to be made within two years but the company never met the deadline.

PPP lost power and the coalition administration took over negotiations with the Chinese Company for the owedcashed

After a two-year-long negotiation failed, the Coalition took GTT to court in 2018.According to reports HKGT only wanted to pay US$3M and the government didnotagree.

The latest update on the owed monies came in 2020 when the High Court ordered GTT to pay US$3.2M to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited(NICIL).

Justice Franklin Holder presided over the case and in February 2020 issued a garnishment on GTT's accountforUS$3.2million.

US$3.2M were to be made within 14 days of the order and all future GTT dividends weretobepaidtoNICILuntil theremainingUS$1.8million is canceled. The company anditsshareholderswerealso ordered to foot NICIL's court costs.

However, since then, there have been no further updates by the Government or NICIL on whether the entireUS$5Mwaspaidoff.

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT).

Week-In-Review SUNDAY Government refuses to have parliamentary scrutiny for oil blocks awarded through direct negotiations

In recent Parliamentary discussions surrounding Guyana’s Petroleum Activities Bill 2023, Opposition Member of Parliament, David Patterson, voiced critical concerns regarding the provision thatwouldallowthegovernmentto issue oil blocks without a competitive tender He also proposedanamendmentthatwould add parliamentary scrutiny to this process, but it was rejected by the government’sside. sir,thatistransparency.” the context of Guyana’s oil Esso and its co-venturers have credibility.”

According to the provision, the Patterson wittily remarked that industry, these concerns are expended US$206 million in During Wednesday’s Sitting of process to grant a license under the the opposition does not want amplified, with many fearing that design and construction works for the NationalAssembly, Opposition act can be executed through direct anotherprincearrivingforavisitto thenation’s vast oilwealthmaynot the Gas to Energy Project. Further Member of Parliament Volda negotiations, when “special an eco-resort and leaving with a be equitably leveraged for the or additionally, Esso and its co- Lawrence asked Senior Minister in circumstances exist, which, in the petroleumlicense,allundercabinet collectivegood. venturersanticipatespendinginthe the Office of the President with national interest or national approvalforthenationalinterest. region of an additional US$792 Responsibility for Finance, Dr security, justify the use of direct The PPP/C rejected this Citizens question ExxonM’s million to complete and Ashni Singh to tell the House how negotiationtograntalicense.” proposal,andtheBillwaspassedas US$50 million expense on Wales commissionthepipelineelementof much has been spent by Exxon on

While he acknowledged that is. gas project - in Court document theGastoEnergyProject.” the project to date. Notably, the there may be cases where national The awarding of the Canje and

In a subsequent submission to FinanceMinisterdidnotrespondto interest necessitates direct Kaieteur blocks stands as a Esso Exploration and the Court dated July 14, 2023, the her specific concern, but instead negotiations, Patterson argued significant point of contention, Production Guyana Limited companysaid,“Todate,thesecond addressedspendingbygovernment strongly that there is a need for showing the potential pitfalls of (EEPGL), the operator of the respondent has expended in excess ontheproject. oversight. direct negotiations for contract StabroekBlockthatwasgrantedan of US$50.67 million upon the He said, “In relation to the Patterson further accentuated awards. These licenses, initially EnvironmentalPermittoundertake project,ofwhichUS$31.67million constructionofthepowerplantand his stance by revisiting a past granted to distinct entities through works related to the Gas-to-Energy on initial preparation of the plant associated investment including incident from 2020. “I want this direct negotiation, were (GTE) project recently told the site, US$8.75 million on the T&D (transmission and assembly to recall,” he began, “an subsequently acquired by HighCourtithasalreadyexpended construction of a material distribution), those investments are [Arabian] prince arrived in ExxonMobil, prompting o v e r U S $ 5 0 m i l l i o n i n offloading facility, US$6.34 being financed by the government Guyana… to look at agriculture, significant public and industry developmentworks. million on construction of a heavy of Guyana out of the budgetary housing, and infrastructure scrutiny Such transactions The company however did not haul road, US$2.88 million on appropriations that the Budget has projects. But he left after three shroudedinopacity,fuelsuspicions provide any documentation to construction of a site for the approved and now these days with a US$50 million of favouritism and misconduct, support this claim, a move that has pipeline seawall crossing and supplementary appropriations contracttosupplyCOVIDvaccines especially when vast economic been criticized by the applicants US$0.94 million on improvement beingsought.” withtheapprovaloftheCabinet…” interests are at stake. Critics argue challenging the Permit as lacking ofWestBankDemerarapublicroad Former Minister of Public Patterson explained that the that without rigorous oversight and anycredibility andbridges.” Infrastructure, David Patterson justification for the manner in transparency, direct negotiations EEPGL, the subsidiary of The huge discrepancy in the followed up on the response and whichthistransactionwashandled, can stifle competition, and allow American oil giant ExxonMobil, in figures presented by the company asked the Minister to disaggregate lackoftransparencyandallwasnot undue concentration of power in its application to the High Court would raise concerns regarding the the sum that has been expended on dissimilar to the ‘national interest’ the hands of a few corporations. In datedMay4,2023stated,“Todate, monitoring of expenses related to the activities so far, but Dr Singh provision that has been injected the project, even as ExxonMobil is committed to providing the into Guyana’s oil law. The yet to announce the Final information to the Assembly at a provision gives the People’s Investment Decision (FID) or cost laterdate. Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) of the venture. Already, the GTE It must be noted that the GTE administration the power to award project is the country’s single project features three components bypass the competitive process, largest financial venture ever including the pipeline being award oil blocks however, and to pursued. developedbyExxonalongwiththe whomeveritwishes,thenclaimitis

Vanda Radzik and Elizabeth NaturalGasLiquids(NGL)facility inthenationalinterest. Hughes who filed the legal and 300-megawatt power plant

The example of the COVID c h a l l e n g e a g a i n s t t h e being pursued by the Government vaccine deal with the low-ranking Environmental Protection ofGuyana(GoG). royal from the United Arab

Agency’s (EPA’s) decision- to Exxon will be funding the 12Emirates, SheikhAhmed Dalmook award a Permit for the pipeline inch pipeline that will transport the al-Maktoum,servesasacautionary works to Exxon-responded to the natural gas to the Wales example of the potential misuse of oil company’s claims on Development site, West Bank such provisions.While Guyana got expenditure incurred so far in an Demerara (WBD) In the the vaccines it needed, it application to the High Court dated meantime,governmenthaspursued significantly overpaid Such July28,2023. the United States Export Import transactions could be fronts for The applicants reasoned, “The (US-EXIM) Bank for a GY$134 rampantcorruptionandtheft. DeponentnowassertsthatEssohas billion (US$646 million) loan to

Given this, Patterson spent more than US$50 million on finance the other two components. emphasized the need for a the Gas to Energy project There has been no indication so far legislative safeguard “We’re Moreover he has produced no that the application was approved saying, sir, if [someone] comes and supportingdocumentation,nobills, bythefinancialinstitution. you decide that you’re interested in no receipts and no independent Courtcase him nationally, you have to come verification. Given the magnitude OnMarch27,2023,Radzikand back to this parliament and tell the of this assertion, the Deponent’s Hughes filed a legal proceeding in people the conditions under which failure to provide even one piece of theHighCourt,challengingthe you’ve awarded the contract, and, paper robs his statement of any (Continued on page 15)

Preparation works ongoing for the pipeline being laid by ExxonMobil

From page 14 the job done This was

Environmental Permit ultimately defeated in granted to Exxon for the Parliament, along with pipeline component of the several other proposed project The 12-inch changestothelegislation. pipeline, some 225

“Thereisnowayyoucan kilometers will be used to say we cannot afford to send transport gas from the Liza them to wherever they need One and Two fields in the to go to get specialization so Stabroek Block to the Wales justlikeanywhereelseinthe Developmentsite. world, you put them on a

Through their lawyers, contractforthreeyearsandif Melinda Janki, Abiola they want to move on after, Wong-Inniss, and Joel Ross, we can do that,” he said.The the citizens are seeking an Shadow Minister of Natural Order of Certiorari to quash Resources believes this the decision made by the process would ensure that E PA t o a w a r d a n the country is outfitted with

Environmental Permit to the required number of ExxonMobil Guyana to trainedspecialists. undertake the GTE project

Morewoodintofire activities, on the grounds floating, production, storage development project in the first plug the gap before oilblocks. Patterson told Kaieteur inter alia that the decision and offloading systems StabroekBlock. increasing the burdens of the Patterson explained, Newsthatthecountryshould was in breach of the (FPSOs). MODEC recently MODEC said it will agency

“The Natural Resources not move to entertain more p r o v i s i o n s o f t h e published its half-year design and construct the Presently, Guyana is yet Minister reported to the oil companies through the Environmental Protection earnings, which showed FPSO based on its M350 to complete the audit of oil

N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e auction of 14 new oil blocks Act (Cap. 20:05), and more improved net profit and new-builddesign.TheFPSO major ExxonMobil’s Committee about two weeks offshore until the human p a r t i c u l a r l y , t h e revenue in the first half of will be designed to produce expenses that were incurred ago, that the first audit is resourcegapisplugged. Environmental Protection 2023 which was 15 5% 250,000 barrels of oil per during the period 1999 and back with GRA for them to According to him, “We (Authorisation)Regulations. higher than the same period day,andwillhaveassociated 2017. Those bills amount to go through it. Now they are should not even be heading

Thecitizensoutlinedthat in2022. gas treatment capacity of US$1 6 billion, which understaffed,theycan’teven to an auction in the absence E x x o n M o b i l i n i t s The company expects 540 million cubic feet per Guyana is expected to pay get to that and every single of the required manpower application, dated June 24, steady demand for its main day, and water injection Meanwhile, another review day, every single second we need to conduct these 2021 includes details of the business of FPSOs for oil capacity of 350,000 barrels of the company’s expenses Exxon is racking up more critical audits. We are so far project site, the proposed and gas productions, perday amounting to US$7.3 billion expenses which they will behind in every area, we route of the pipeline and the especially in the ultra-deep The FPSO will also be isyettobecompleted.Those claimiscostrecoverable.” can’tgetExxonauditedafter areas to be used and affected water large-scale projects in installed in a water depth of costs, according to Exxon, In sharing what he they have been here since by the project, which which MODEC has a about 2000 meters, using a were incurred during the believes is a short term 1999whentheygottheirfirst includes residential competitive advantage. SOFEC Spread Mooring period 2018 and 2020. solution to the issue, the license, and they can’t be properties, commercial MODEC said, “Coexisting System and will be able to Notably,thetwoauditsmean formerMinistersaidGuyana audited now in 2023. For properties and state-owned with the decarbonization store around 2 million that Guyana is yet to verify should now move to import five years now we are properties. Be that as it may, trend and maintaining stable barrels of crude oil. “We are US$8 9 billion being the skills needed. He urged, producing oil and can’t get the application did not energy supply remains an extremely honored and claimedbythecompany “We can’t wait any longer thecompanyaudited.” include or provide any proof important issue In that proud to be selected to Inanexclusiveinterview for the agency to get up to Patterson argued that ofownership,aleaseorother context, the oil companies provide the FEED services with Patterson yesterday, the speed. Things are moving ExxonMobil is currently agreement with the land are continuing the deep-sea for an FPSO for the UARU former Minister of Public too quickly, the country is producingoilfromtwoofthe ownersofthesaidarea. oilfield development project, ” commented Infrastructure noted that the losing too much money and projects in the Stabroek Notwithstanding, the projects.” Ta k e s h i K a n a m o r i , revelation by the GRA boss, Exxon is milking our Block, with a third likely to EPA granted EEPGL a U n d e r t h e s e President and CEO of Godfrey Statia is very unpreparedness.” commence production Permit to undertake the circumstances, for the six MODEC. “We are equally “stressing” He explained Further to that, he urged before the end of the year project on November 25, months ended as of June 30, proud of our robust track that since the establishment that government must Moreover, an application for 2022 Subsequently, the 2023, the total orders on a record of successful project of the Natural Resources continuously train Guyanese t h e f i f t h o f f s h o r e Minister of Public Works, consolidated basis resulted deliveries in the South F u n d ( N R F ) t h e so that the country would be development is pending JuanEdghillinJanuary2023 in US$7,853,105, due to the Americaregion,andwelook administration indicated that able to effectively audit the approval at the EPA. To this passed various orders to new orders of construction forward to cooperating the GRA along with the oil companies operating end, the former Minister acquirelandsforthepurpose projects obtained for closelywiththeclientandits Audit Office of Guyana offshore. argued, “Just with what we oftheproject,pursuanttothe ExxonMobil Guyana’s Uaru partners to make this project would be scrutinizing the He reasoned, “I think we have, we are so far behind. Acquisition of Lands for project for which the FPSO asuccess.”TheFPSOwillbe expenses of the oil have at least 3,000 graduates Why are we pushing to get Public Purposes Act, will be deployed in the MODEC’s first for use in companies, however both out of University every year morewhenwecan’tevenfix Chapter62:05. Stabroek block field off the Guyana, however it will be institutions lack the required in all disciplines. We should what we have at the coastofGuyanaandEquinor the 18th FPSO/FSO vessel staff to complete this be selecting at least 10 of moment? I think that we are MONDAY Brazil Energia for which the delivered by MODEC for fundamentaltask. them and send them to do a unprepared and I think that FPSOwillbedeployedinthe useinSouthAmerica. Noting the complaint Masters or some form of we should sort out these Guyana contract BM-C-33 block field off the that trained specialists are specialized training You issuesbefore.” helps rake in US$1.59 coast of Brazil The Oil Blocks auction... being snatched by the c o u l d h a v e d o n e He stressed, “we have to Billion within 6 months consolidated revenue was Gov’t. putting more petroleum companies, accountancy at U.G, you sort out things, if not we will for Japanese ship US$1,588,647 due to the wood into fire as US$9B Patterson underscored that could have done any related just end up like one of those builder MODEC progress in the construction audits of Exxon still the country remains grossly subject and then you do the failed states with all the ofFPSOs. pending - Patterson underprepared for the specialized training so this resources and nobody to ExxonMobil Guyana In November 2022, it management and oversight question of us not being extract it...while the country contract with Japanese ship was announced that Withacurrentmanpower of the new US-billion dollar prepared is a no longer a is saddled with debt and builder, Mitsui Ocean ExxonMobil Guyana hired shortage at the Guyana sector In addition to the majorissue.” crime...wehaven’tsortedout Development&Engineering MODECtoconstructitsfifth Revenue Authority (GRA) revenue agency being Patterson pointed out those simple problems but Company (MODEC), has oilship. hampering the audit of unprepared, the Opposition t h a t h e m o v e d a n wearestilltryingtoputmore contributedtothecompany’s Exxon and MODEC expenses by oil companies, member flagged that the a m e n d m e n t t o t h e woodintothefire.”

US$1 59 Billion earned signed a contract to perform the Shadow Minister of Environmental Protection Petroleum Act in the Human resource within the first six months of Front End Engineering and Natural Resources, David Agency (EPA) also lacks the National Assembly to shortage at GRA 2023.

Design (FEED) for a Patterson believes the technical staff it requires to increase the funding for D u r i n g a P u b l i c

MODEC is considered FloatingProduction,Storage Government of Guyana regulatetheindustry,evenas capacity building since he Accounts Committee (PAC) the world’s second largest and Offloading vessel (GoG) is only adding more the country presses ahead believes Guyana has the meetingonJuly31,2023, production company of (FPSO) for the Uaru wood to the fire by failing to with the auction of 14 new requisiterawmaterialstoget (Continued on page 16)

From page 15 TUESDAY companies. To this end, he said, newly approved Petroleum Commissioner General of the “The government must support the ActivitiesBillreservestherightfor GRA, Godfrey Statia explained Oil sector drowning GRA if Guyana is to fully benefit government to engage in direct that a key unit established to in secrecy, blatant fromitsoilresources.” negotiations for the nation’s oil review the expenses of oil mismanagement No transparency blocksdespitethePPPpromisingto companies operating in the …as PPPwalks back The Opposition believes that “ensure that blocks are country is presently grossly on Manifesto promises theoilsectorisdrowninginsecrecy competitively tendered/ understaffed, with the agency - Opposition under the People’s Progressive auctioned.” anticipating that the gap will be Party (PPP) –led government, as it Lowexplained,“Ourpositionis pluggedinafewyears’time

The political Opposition in has been managing the affairs of that no direct negotiations should

The tax chief noted that while Guyana believes the oil and gas this sector behind closed doors. Of be done without first approaching 31 employees are on roll, 65 sector is being blatantly managed critical importance are the Parliament for approval of the persons are required for the job.As by the government, with the expensesbeingrackedupbytheoil termsofthenegotiation.” such, he underscored that the Cost industrydrowninginsecrecyasthe companies on a daily basis. These He went on to point out that the Recovery Unit lacks most of the administration now walks back on bills, though submitted to new legislation vests the Minister manpower needed to conduct its promises made during the 2020 governmentmonthlyarekeptaway with excessive powers, even reviews of the petroleum Electionscampaign. fromthepublic. though its manifesto says the companies.

In an interview with Kaieteur In its Manifesto, the PPPsaid it regulatory framework must be

He was keen to point out the News on Monday, Economic would “ensure that expenditures “independentofpoliticians.”

GRA has seen an increased Advisor to the Leader of the are transparently determined and So far, the administration has presence of petroleum operators Opposition and Spokesperson on go through the Parliamentary updated the decades-old Petroleum and contractors, with the agency Oil and Gas matters, Elson Low process.”Itisnotclearwhetherthis legislation to provide a modern stilltryingtocatchup. outlined that despite making a was specific to the expenses of oil framework for the management of lives.”

In 2019, Statia said the agency plethora of promises to the companies or expenditure relating the sector It has also drafted two had 15 trained personnel in this Guyanese population for better to the use of funds in the Natural new Production Sharing Couple found shot dead in department; however, it has now management of the petroleum Resource Fund (NRF). However, Agreements (PSAs) that will not suspected murder/suicide grown to 31, with at least 34 more industry, government has failed to the Opposition believes this is a however govern the resource-rich employeesneeded. actintheinterestofitspeople. major letdown, as there is no Stabroek Block Additionally, A couple was early Monday Back then, 121 petroleum Low noted that the government transparency when it comes to any government passed a new Natural morning found shot dead in a vehicle along a trail at Long Creek, Linden-Soesdyke Highway in a suspectedmurder/suicide.

Dead are Ajay Budhan, a 26year-old farmer of Long Creek and AshleySingh,18,ofSoesdyke.

Reports are the incident occurred sometime between 00:30 hrsand06:30hrsyesterday.

Police in Divisional ‘4’ B are investigatingthecouple’sdeath.

According to the investigators, Budhan was a licensed firearm holder of a semi-automatic 12gauge shotgun and the owner of a white Toyota Tundra with registrationnumberGAD8403.

In a statement, police said that at around 00:30hrs, the couple reportedly left a resort located at Hillfoot, Linden/Soesdyke Highway, and at around 06:30hrs a 23-year-old man of Long Creek claimedhewasridingamotorcycle along the trail when he saw the white Tundra parked on the companies were operating in the has failedthe country by not raking oilrelatedexpenses. ResourcesFund(NRF)Actin2021 northernsideofatrailwithitslights country, however it has now inmorerevenueoutoftheStabroek According to Low, “The to manage the revenues garnered on and what appeared to be a bullet increased to more than 350, with Block Production Sharing government’s refusal to release fromoilandgas. hole in the right-side front door thisnumberalsostillclimbing. Agreement (PSA) with the cost oil audits or to commit to a Low was asked whether he glass.

In the meantime, the ExxonMobil led consortium. He timeline for their completion and believes the government should be Uponseeingthis,themanmade Commissioner General said GRA remindedthatthePartypromisedto releasealsoviolatestheirmanifesto commended for these strides. In areporttothepolicestation. has been conducting “selective “immediately engage the oil and promises since they said they response, he noted, “A bad law is According to the police, upon audits” with the tax body gas companies in better contract would hold oil companies worse than no law That’s our core arrival at the scene, they found the concentrating its efforts on administration/ renegotiation.” Be a c c o u n t a b l e a n d v e r i f y concern in several areas; so no, we lifeless body of Singh slumped in clawing back the largest return In that as it may, Low pointed out, expenditures.” don’tgivethemanycreditforthat.” the right-side front seat with what addition to that, he said, “We have “The manifesto promises Additionally, he noted, “There He pointed out, “One of the appeared to be a gunshot entry to use external accountants to do renegotiation but the government is a lack of specificity as to what reasons Guyanese are not wound on the right-side neck and the cost recovery audit and we has not raised a single additional exactlyoilrevenuesarebeingspent benefiting from oil resources is an exit wound to the left side neck work along with them and we dollar of revenue because it refuses on, which also violates their because the PPP has consistently andshoulder Theyfurtherreported utilize their analysis and their to even engage the holders of commitmenttotransparency.” broken its promises As an that the body of Budhan was seen findings to guide us in our StabroekBlockinterests.” He was referring to the example, they promised to lower on the ground; face up on the left examination and review of the Further, the Economist circumstances under which the cost of living. By recovering side of the vehicle, with a gunshot accounts that would have been explained that the PPP in its 2020 revenue from the oil and gas sector money from even the first audit of wound to the right side of his head. submitted by the oil and gas Manifesto also committed to is being transferred to the public Exxon, each Guyanese household To the right of his body was his players ” “training thousands of Guyanese” purse without a clear outline of could have benefited from shotgun. See link for more details to manage the sector, however what “national development hundreds of thousands of dollars in Policerevealedthattheshotgun https://www kaieteurnewsonline c governmenthasfailedtodeliveron priorities” are being funded cost-of-living relief. On the other was examined, and a round was om/2023/08/02/oil-companies- this too as the Guyana Revenue throughthatsource. hand,bydemonstratinglittleregard found in the breach. There were 18 stealing-gra-trained-auditors-with- Authority (GRA) for instance is While still arguing the lack of for such accountability, going empty 12-gauge casings and nine big-statia-tells-parliamentary- still finding it difficult to train transparency in the management of forward Guyanese are left with live12-gaugecartridgesrecovered committee/ locals to conducts audits of the oil thesector,Lowhighlightedthatthe little hope of progress in their daily (Continued on page 57)

A section of the PPP’s 2020 Elections Manifesto

Opposition Economist & Oil and Gas spokesperson, Elson Low

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY!

SUNDAY –August 13, 2023

Gas-to-energy

Anybody with a question mustjoinaline.

Those waiting for an answer must go home and comeback.

The PPP isn't answering tough gas-to-energy questions.

OnthemosttoutedWales project, Jagdeo and Ashni Singhlosetheirmouth.

Both dig a hole and bury themselves,tohidefromgasto-energyquestions.

Guyanese had better watch out that they are not buriednext.

MONDAY –August 14, 2023

Is GUYSUCO a secret society?

Guysuco's name only comes up when billions are needed.

Or when production targetsproveelusive.

Or when management disappears under a carpet or inthetoilet.

Or when it is time for morebillions.

Is Guysuco a PPP slush fund?

Or is it a secret society runbythePPPGovt.

TUESDAY –August 15, 2023

Money like rice

Money like rice in Guyana…

By the millions and billionsofgrains.

One ministry after the otherisfattened.

Billions for this one, billionsfortheother!

It is one big bacchanal in PPPranks!

Fun and games, singing anddancing…

The people watch, will onlytakesomuch!

WEDNESDAY –August 16, 2023

Road accidents

We are in a race against time…

Guyanese are killing eachotherontheroads!

The roads have become a busygraveyard.

If not a graveyard, then a movinghospital, Traffic training, traffic cops.

Yet the speeding, the madnessneverstops!

THURSDAY –August 17, 2023

$33 billion more for Public Works

The self-enrichers must be celebrating at Public Works.

They cronies in the cabal arehavingXmasinAugust.

Like GuySuCo, Public Worksisnowasinkhole.

Bothdevourbillions,like

rodents.

Both gnaw and eat away atthetreasury

Both could be places of greatskullduggeries.

FRIDAY –August 18, 2023

Debt service going up

TheWorldBankdeclared Guyana a high-income country

Thanks for nothing, now that we have to come up with moresomething.

Much higher interest rateswillbendourbacks.

Don't worry says PPPbig shots,wehavethemoney Guyanese are the ones to bear the burden, the PPP tastingthehoney

It is borrow, spend, and steal.

Guyanesetaxpayershave todealwithhowthatfeels.

SATURDAY –August 19, 2023

More for sugar

Sugar is sweet, but only f o r b i g p e o p l e a t GUYSUCO.

Four plus billion before, nowanotheroneandahalf.

Sugar is sick, but this is how Guyana still get the shaft.

Sugar is sweet, but only PPPcronieshaveteeth.

And to the bank is the directionoftheirfeet.

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

Govt. expends close to $500M to procure Cutter Head Dredge

Agriculture Minister

Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha on Saturday commissioned a cutter head dredge at Little Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara.

According to a release from the Ministry of Agriculture, the dredge, a first of its kind for the ministry, and was procured by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) atacostof$497,464,600.The dredge will be used to desilt outfall channels and improve drainage systems across the country

Minister Mustapha in his address said that the newly commissioned piece of equipment was a testament to t h e g o v e r n m e n t ' s commitment to delivering quality services through state-of-the-art equipment to residents and farmers across

thecountry

“This cutter head dredge will not only improve the drainage in the residential area, it will also contribute tremendously to production in the farming communities. We have hundreds of outfalls around the country and this piece of equipment will help us to clear those outfalls easily Based on the specifications, we will now takeabouttwoweekstoclear an outfall where as it would usually take four weeks or more Not only will the residential areas benefit, but thefarmingcommunitieswill also benefit. Agriculture is now the bedrock of our country As a government, our vision is to develop this sector,” Minister Mustapha explained.

Chairman of the NDIA, Lionel Wordsworth noted

that although the idea of acquiring a cutter head dredge was conceptualized sometimeback,itwasonlyin 2021 that the government approved funds for it to be procured.

“This project was conceptualized a while ago but in 2021 we got our approved budget to move forward. It later went out for public tendering and through a competitive bidding process, a contract was later awarded. I'm happy to say that the entire design, supervision, fabrication, and

putting together of equipment was done by Guyanese engineers and staff.Thispieceofequipment is the first of its kind for NDIA wherebyit's a selfpropelled vessel equipped with the component to do the dredging. This will allow us to be more responsive to address the concerns of dredging outfall channels,” heexplained.

The dredge is outfitted with a global positioning system (GPS), life-saving a n d f i r e - p r o t e c t i o n equipment, propulsion and

steering systems, and operating equipment which includes two excavators, a cutter head and engine, a generator, living quarters for nineoperators,etc.

The cutter head was designed to be fitted on a short-reach excavator, which increases the mobility of the equipment, allowing it to have a wider range of operations as well as increased efficiency of the cutter head while excavating material. The cutter head has a suction bore of 250mm and

a discharge pipe of 250mm. Driven by another 400HP Cummins engine, the pump speedcanreachupto900rpm allowing for a mixture of speed and cutter discharge of 31250m /h at water head of 20m.

Back in May 2021, the NDIA signed a contract with S Jagmohan Hardware Supplies for the supply of the cutter head dredge. At the time, Minister Mustapha said the products that were to be provided were seen as critical.

...hundredsoffarmers,residents acrossthecountrytobenefit countr fromimproveddrainage

A section of the cutter head dredge

Minister Mustapha powering up the machinery

Govt.would not hand over oil sector management to Parliament

...Opposition would try to cripple the industry or delay operations – VP Jagdeo

ByKianaWilburg

T h e G u y a n a Government has rejected a number of legislative amendmentsbythepolitical opposition which sought to bring the oil sector under

parliamentary scrutiny It believes such a move would expose the multi-billion dollar sector to unnecessary delay tactics, and in more extreme scenarios, attempts to halt industry operations. This was the rationale

offered by Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo at a recentpressconference.

KaieteurNewshadasked the chief policymaker to explain whether he saw any merit in some of the opposition’s proposed

amendments to the Petroleum Activities Bill which is awaiting presidential assent to become the nation’s new oil law Chief among the o p p o s i t i o n ’ s recommendations was to

have the Natural Resources Minister seek parliamentary approvalforanyoilblockto be awarded through direct negotiations with international oil companies orcountries.

But the Vice President said bluntly that the government saw no merit in thatamendmentoranyofthe 32 others brought by the political opposition. “They were all half-baked, all nonsense, ” the Vice President told reporters last weekThursday.

The chief policy maker fortheoilsectorsaid,“They want to manage the oil and gas sector from the parliament;thatiswhatthey want to do… and you know what will come out of it…nowforthepublicshow, theywanttograndstandlike they are the conscience of thesector,whentheyarethe same people ExxonMobil walked all over; Exxon and the other oil companies walked all over them,” the VicePresidentsaid.

He said the political Opposition has no moral right to speak on such matters since it was responsible for condemning Guyana to honouring one of theworstoilcontractsinthe country’s history. That contract pertains to the Production Sharing Agreement signed in 2016 for the Stabroek Block with Exxon and two other oil companies. It is criticized r e g i o n a l l y a n d internationally for having some of the most lopsided provisions which allow Exxon and its partners to walk away with the lion’s share of Guyana’s oil resources.

Withsuchatrackrecord, Jagdeo alluded it would be

foolish to have critical sections of the management oftheoilsectormakeitsway to parliament for the opposition to have any say “You think we are going to hand over the management oftheoilandgassectortothe parliament where the grandstanding takes place? Theywouldshutitdownfor vindictive purposes. You thinkwearegoingtohandit over and give them veto power almost? It’s all a show,” The Vice President said as he questioned the opposition’s sincerity for goodgovernance.

Apart from having the awardofoilblockssubjected to parliamentary scrutiny, the political Opposition had expressed fears about the extensivepowersawardedto the Minister of Natural Resources,inthathehastoo much discretion and may abusesame.Notably,theBill allows the minister to be in charge of the licensing of petroleum exploration, development, production, transportation, and storage operations, including the geologicalstorageofcarbon dioxide.

The new legislation also states that the minister can delegate some of his powers/duties to an agency butrevokethosedelegations at any time. He is also allowedtoreviewandapply any variations he deems necessarytodecisionsmade byhisappointees.

Jagdeo assured however that the law is clear about how the minister is to exercise his powers, while noting that in instances where it matters, Cabinet willprovideguidance.

“In most cases where it matters,hehasto(act)with

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

AWE Region 10 Graduating Class with Speakers.

Coach Michelle during one of training sessions.

Young entrepreneur, entrepreneur Mia Roopnarine

This week's beauty is athletic enthusiast and the reigning Miss Bartica Emancipation 2023, Tytheon Jones. In addition to loving sports, Tytheon is currently focused on obtaining a degree in Psychology and Sociology. Her interests include playing football, athletics and dancing. Today, Tytheon shares her favourite quote by famed African President, Nelson Mandela "Honesty, sincerity, simplicity, humility, pure generosity, absence of vanity, readiness to serve others - qualities which are within easy reach of every soulare the foundation of one's spiritual life."

Tytheon Jones

Miss Bartica Emancipation 2023

Billboard Music Guide: new Music from Quavo,

Hozier,

Doechii,Addison Rae and More

Check out the must-hear releases of the week

(Billboard) Billboard’s complex light, and Young” to the gargantuan Jersey club style that never Music Guide serves as a immediately makes the case Brandi Carlile duet stops moving, might be the handy guide to this Friday’s as Quavo’s best solo “Damage Gets Done” to the moment where her appeal most essential releases — project restrained grace of closer spills over into the the key music that everyone Hozier, Unreal Unearth “FirstLight.” mainstreamonceandforall. will be talking about today, When Hozier revealed Addison Rae,AR EP and that will be dominating thathisthirdstudioalbum Although Addison Rae’s playlists this weekend and which follows 201 y released EP beyond.

Wasteland, Baby!, the first rescues a handful of

This week, Quavo pays No. 1 album of his career tracks intended for homage while moving — would be inspired by the influencer’s forward, Hozier takes us to Dante’s Inferno and never-released church (and the Inferno), include passages sung debut album, AR and Doechii wants you to in Irish Gaelic, fears does not sound dance at all costs Check out that the “Take Me To like a collection all of this week’s picks Church” singer- ofoddsandends: below: instead, the five

Quavo, Rocket Power songs engross the r e w a r d i n g s o n i c featuring Sabrina Carpenter

Quavo’s nephew listener with fresh exploration; with Funk on the remix, as a well- Migos co-leader, Take melodies and

Generation: A Favela Love earned victory lap for both was nicknamed “Th bursts of personality, Story, a three-song project artists: the K-pop group Rocket” and less wcasing the 22that follows up “Funk Rave” crashed the upper reaches of than a year after the -old as a quick study with two new heaters,Anitta the Hot 100 chart with the rapper was killed at this brand of pop. “2 has more or less confirmed undeniable sing-along, the age of 28, his

Die 4” with Charli XCX is hersuggestions while Carpenter is a little family member and Doechii, thehighlight—marvelatthe “CasiCasi”and“Usedto over a year removed from g r o u p m a t e i s “Booty Drop” mini-hooks jam-packed into Be” adopt different Emails I Can’t Send, one of drawing upon his “ S h a w t y , thatchorus!—butthewhole approaches — the former a the strongest pop albums of t h o u g h t s a n d what it is? / Bring p r o j e c t i s w o r t h chatteringsashay,thelattera 2022, and its viral hit i n s t i n c t s a s

that ass to the bookmarkingasthepotential slow-building reflection — “Nonsense.” inspiration for his new club, ” Doechii startofsomethingbig.

solo album Parts o

but Anitta excels at both Together, FIFTY FIFTY

commandson“Booty Anitta, Funk Generaton: tempos, and has us hoping and Carpenter reinvent a Rocket Power are rack Drop,”alatebidforthe AFavela Love Story forevenmoretocome. rock-solid hit ever so with grief, including mer’s most kinetic When Anitta released

Editor’s Pick: slightly, as Carpenter slides soulful highlight “H song The Tampa her single “Funk Rave” in FIFTY FIFTY feat. into the second verse and Me” and the memory- native has shown promise as June, the Latin music star Sabrina Carpenter, handles that sugary “I gave a flooded title track, although a recording artist and hinted that a deeper dive songwriter was turning “Cupid Twin Ver.” s e c o n d c h a n c e t o Quavo also makes ample performer over the past year into Brazilian funk music inscrutable were only

ThinkofFIFTYFIFTY’s Cupiiiiiid!” hook with room in the sprawling full- signing with TDE, would be both a way to natural. Yet Unreal Unearth new version “Cupid,” aplomb. length to celebrate life, as scoring an opening spot on honor her roots and a not only showcases the on the Future-assisted hit Doja Cat and Ice Spice’s strength of Hozier’s voice “Turn Yo Clic Up” and the upcoming tour, and and songwriting, but also crackling “Stain” with mesmerizing audiences remains accessible to BabyDrill; ultimately, the whenever she hits the stage hardcore fans and casual altalbum depicts a long- — but her latest single, a rock listeners, from the running rap star in a more gleefully explicit take on the snappy single “Eat Your

Quavo

Hozier

Anitta

Doechii

Addison Rae

Haiti: a peaceful multinational approach, not a warlike force

BySirRonaldSanders

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The viewsexpressedareentirely hisown.)

Haiti needs “to get its political and governance act together” Thatisamongthe important messages that UN Secretary General, António Guterres,deliveredtotheUN SecurityCouncilinaletteron August14,2023

Guterres’ letter was a response to the Security Council’s request for proposalstotacklethesecurity and humanitarian crises in Haiti While the Secretary General repeats his call made totheSecurityCouncilinJuly 2023 “to authorise the immediate deployment of a robust international security force” to help Haiti’s police fight criminal gangs, the significanceofthislatestletter is the importance of settling the vexed issue of the country’sgovernance.

Guterres emphasized that “Withoutameaningfulreform of the political system, Haiti will continue to face these cyclesofcrisesandinstability emanatingfromweakpolitical representation and disenfranchisement,apolitical climate, and fragile and politicizedstateinstitutions”

Failed and corrupt governance has been at the root of Haiti’s poverty, economic backwardness, andinadequatephysicaland socialinfrastructure. From these circumstances gangs wereformed,firstastoolsof rivalpoliticiansandbusiness oligarchs,andthenasaforce to take advantage of a situationoftotallycollapsed governance structures and systems.

Haiti has no legislature; its Court system is utterly dysfunctional; and many of Haiti’s political parties and civil society organizations havedeclarednoconfidence in the self-appointed government of Haiti which has shown no inclination to establish a transitional government that genuinely shares power and represents a broad cross-section of the society The situation in Haiti is dire, and the people of Haiti deserve to be

liberated from the persistent deprivation and suffering that they are forced to endure. But theproposed “deployment of a specialized multinational force enabled by military assets, coordinated with the nationalpolice”,shouldbeat the request of an agreed transitional government if it istoenjoypopularbacking.

As the organization, Human Rights Watch, observed: “The Haitian government has failed to protect people from the violence of these criminal groups,manyofwhichhave alleged ties with senior political officials, economic actors, and police officers. International security supportmayberequired,but it will most likely only be effective with a new transitional government and as part of a multi-faceted response with strong human rightssafeguards”.

Such a transitional government is necessary, bearing in mind that many Haitian organizations believe that any successful externalforcewouldendup, intentionally or otherwise, maintaining the present unelectedgovernmentofDr Ariel Henry If success means getting rid of gangs by “active use of force in targeted police operations against heavily armed gangs”,asSecretaryGeneral Guterres described it, then whatisreallymeantisawar against the gangs that are now entrenched throughout Haiti. Suchawarwouldnot result in casualties only among gang leaders and members.

It would also include f a t a l i t i e s a m o n g communities, which are used as protective shields in anyresistanceto“activeuse of force”. The deaths of combatants from any multinational forcecould alsobeconsiderable.

The governments of the Bahamas and Jamaica have understandably offered to join an external force. Both

slink away with their tails betweentheirlegs.Theywill fight,viciously

The argument has been advanced that, integral to stabilityinHaiti,aregeneral electionsatwhichvoterswill elect the president of the country and representatives to the legislature and municipalities.

countries face challenges from Haitians seeking refuge,leadingtosubstantial expenditures on border protection, repatriation efforts, and containment

This direct impact underscores their vested interest in Haiti’s stabilization.

The governments of Canada and the United States, arguably having a similar vested interest, have yet to express intentions to contributepoliceorsoldiers. Instead, they encourage countriesinAfricaandLatin America, and the Caribbean todoso,providinglogistical support and finance for operations.

ApartfromTheBahamas andJamaica,nogovernment has made a formal decision tocommittroops.

EvenKenyaisawaitinga study before declaring its position.

To some extent, reluctance stems from the fact that this would not be a “peacekeeping force”, operating with a mandate from the UN Security Council. Instead, it would beaforcemadeupofwilling countries, undertaking the “recapture of areas under gangcontrol”.Suchamission iseasiersaidthandone.

The gangs were already well-armed, violent, and accustomedtoconfrontation andkillingbeforethemuchpublicized discussions, concerning the deployment of a multinational force Someofthegangsarelinked to organized criminal enterprises and they would have been fortified with more powerful weaponry thantheyalreadypossessed.

Guterres pointed out to theSecurityCouncilthatthe “gangs have become more structured, federated and a u t o n o m o u s [ - ] consolidating control over the population”. Thegangs alsohaveavestedinterestin preserving themselves and the criminal activity from which they derive money and power; they will not

The argument continues that to mount such elections requires Haiti to be secure. Therefore, getting rid of gangs and establishing a functional police force are compulsory But even if a multinational force is constructed and it entered Haiti at the request of the unelected Prime Minister, Dr Ariel Henry, eliminating gangs after a bloody confrontation, the fundamental issue of Haiti’s

by D Henry’s government, would not satisfy any - other than hisownpoliticalparty-that such elections would be organized, administered, and conducted to produce free and fair results, particularly if they come after a period of violent conflict.

Theexistingdisaffection and hostility would explode i n t o p r o t e s t s a n d demonstrations.

Given all this, Haiti mightnowbestbeservedby a multinational team of negotiators and facilitators made up of persons from countries with leverage and others that enjoy the goodwill of Haitian players. Suchateamcouldworkwith

thevariouspartiesinHaitito establish a transitional governmentthatwouldhave the authority to interface with and make credible requestsof,theinternational community,includingforclearly definedpoliceassistance

The team might also begin to explore with the main gang leaders the terms of dismantling their organisations and laying downtheirweaponswiththe aim of preventing widespread violence and bloodshed.

Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com

Sir. Ronald Sanders

The EG.5 COVID variant is spiking in the U.S. Is it time to mask up?

(National Geographic)

variant might be able to important part is that a

A highly infectious, new evade prior immunity from booster can keep us healthy, COVID variant is spreading the original Omicron BA.5 tillwinterisgone,”saysCao. fast, barely three months o r X B B A s e c o n d Is this more dangerous? after the World Health preliminary study by Cao, WHO says there is no Organization declared that also not yet peer reviewed, indication yet that EG 5 COVID-19 was no longer a shows that EG.5-like spikes causes more severe disease. globalhealthemergency. created in the lab- Based on the available

EG.5, a descendant of a synthesized viruses help evidence, WHO thinks that previous XBB strain of them dodge or weaken public health risk posed by Omicron,wasfirstspottedin XBB.1.5antibodies. EG.5 is currently similar to Indonesia on February 17

Only more data and peer that of other recent COVID and has been spreading scrutiny will determine variantsofinterest. steadily since Infections whichconclusioniscorrect. However, because EG.5 began surging in mid- Are the current boosters is undoubtedly spreading June when a record- effective? f a s t a n d m a y e v e n breaking number of summer

Experts agree that potentially dodge previous travelers took to the skies current vaccines and the immunity, it can still upend and unprecedented high proposed fall booster will the trajectory of the temperatures around the p r e v e n t s e r i o u s pandemic through a fall NorthernHemisphereforced complicationsfromCOVID- surge in cases leading to people to gather indoors, 19, even if the new variants higher risks for vulnerable enabling the virus to spread might weaken them a little. populations. For example, easily “Many people assume that the number of COVID cases

That alarmed the WHO vaccines prevent infection,” among the nursing home and led them to elevate EG.5 says Sato. They don’t. “The residents has continued to to a “variant of interest” on main purpose of vaccination climb since the end of May, August 9, alongside other is to reduce the severity” of and are now nearing the highly contagious Omicron disease. levels seen at peak of variants such as XBB.1.5

The N-95 mask, pictured here, is the most basic requirement for health -care workers to protect themselves from being infected by a COVID-19 positive patient. The biggest difference between the N-95 and other face masks is the material is able to filter out the droplets and aerosols carrying the virus. (PHOTOGRAPH BY ROGER LEMOYNE/REDUX)

The new COVID-19 summer 2021—when Delta andXBB.1.16. booster vaccine is designed wasthedominantvariant.

“Basedontheexperience Rasmussen, a virologist at about 20 percent more concentration present in to target XBB.1.5, which Peoplewhoaregenerally that we have from the Vaccine and Infectious contagious than even samples of wastewater was the prevailing variant at higher risk the previous waves, we can Disease Organization in XBB.1.5. This research, led acrosstheUnitedStateshave until recently. The boosters immunocompromised, those project EG.5 is definitely a Saskatoon,Canada. by Kei Sato, a virologist at tripledsincetheendofJune. are expected in early with some pre-existing big deal,” says Rajendram Using testing kits, when the University of Tokyo, has Can EG.5 escape the October, according to the comorbidity, or people who R a j n a r a y a n a n , a symptoms suggest it could notyetbeenpeerreviewed. immune system? CDCdirector. are either unvaccinated or computational biologist at be COVID-19, and masking Tracking the variant

It’s too early to know if “EG.5 is not that are not up to date on their the New York Institute of up and staying home if While EG 5 is still any of the changes in the different from the immune v a c c i n e s a r e s t i l l Technology campus in COVID positive, can slow designated a step below spike protein can help EG.5 system’s point of view from vulnerable to a highly Jonesboro,Arkansas. thespreadofthenewvariant, variants of concern such as evade prior immunity XBB.1.5,” says Rasmussen. contagious variant, such as

In the United States, says Rajnarayanan “We Delta and the Omicron Scientistsareracingtofigure Despite some differences in EG.5,saysRasmussen. EG 5 is now the most need to minimize the spread parent, not many positive thatout. the spike protein, EG.5 and For example, the rise in prevalent strain of SARS- of the virus as much as we samples containing EG.5 are The study from Japan other Omicron variants are hospitalizationsinNewYork CoV-2 and has replaced can.” currentlybeingsequencedas shows that although EG.5 is more or less similar to each City, are mostly in the other XBB variants Amore contagious variant most people are using at- more contagious than other “XBB.1.5monovalent unvaccinated, according to (XBB 1 5, XBB 1 16, EG.5isanoffshootofthe home tests; further, many XBB.1.5. It also shows that booster is going to have the New York City XBB.1.9), according to data XBB branch of the Omicron states are no longer required synthetic versions created in broad protection against Department of Health and from the Centers for Disease variant,whichfirstarrivedin to report non-hospitalized the lab were less successful EG 5 or whatever XBB MentalHygienedata. Control and Prevention the Fall of 2022 XBB cases. This deficiency of in infecting cells in petri derived subvariant would be “The most vulnerable (CDC). This variant is now viruses are the fastest- genomic surveillance means dish. circulatinginfall.” needtobelininguptogetthe causing more than 17 spreading SARS-CoV-2 the scientists and the WHO While contagiousness of So, that means the vaccines” [if they haven’t percent of all reported variants with the power to nowhaveinsufficientdatato a virus depends on its spread booster dose will probably gotten one], and the new COVID-19 cases in the overcome immunity gained fully assess the impact of from one infected person to still work well in preventing boosterwhenitisavailable,” country The number of from vaccination or prevailingvariants. others; the infectivity of severe disease. “The most saysRajnarayanan. hospitalizations has risen by breakthrough infections of In the United States, virus measures how many 12.5percentinthepastweek priorOmicronsubvariants. wastewater monitoring and cells the virus can infect in a toroughly9,000cases. EG 5 differs from its hospitalization data, along petridish.

EG 5 is also causing XBB parent by a single with genomic sequences If the Japanese study is upticks in COVID-19 cases change within its spike from states such as New correct, the faster spread of worldwide. The number of protein, which protrudes York, California, and the new EG.5 variant is new COVID cases between from the surface of the Florida, provide an probably not because these July 10 to August 6—nearly virus When the spike binds indication of the state of viruses are more infectious. 1.5 million—is 80 percent to the ACE2 protein pandemicintheU.S. The study also shows that higher compared to the receptors on human cells “ L i k e e l e c t i o n EG.5 can still be suppressed previous 28 days. EG.5 has the virus is able to enter the projectionsandexitpolls,we bytheimmunitygainedfrom also been spotted in at least human nasal passage and can pick some bellwether a previous infection by XBB 51 other countries including lungs situations that are still subvariant. in those with high The majority of EG.5 sequencing well,” says However, Sato’s results vaccination rates: Canada, variants sequenced so far R a j n a r a y a n a n w h o conflict with another Japan, South Korea, and also carry a second mutation aggregates the data from all preliminary analysis of a China. in their spike protein; these available sources to synthetic EG.5 virus created

“We should take all of havebeennamedEG.5.1. visualize the daily in the lab of Yunlong Cao of these subvariants very Apreliminarystudyfrom prevalence of circulating Peking University in China, seriously,” says Angela Japan shows that EG.5 is variants The virus which suggests the new

This latest strain of SARS-CoV-2 is on the rise across the globe and sending more people to the hospital.“We should take all of these subvariants very seriously.”

Tips for Better Sleep, Straight from the Experts

Make sleepless nights a thing of the past with these sleep hygiene tips

(Shape) When it comes

bed,especiallywhendealing simple,andoftenaseffective to sleep, there are seemingly with certain conditions, such as sedative meds and two types of people in this as jet lag, delayed sleep- supplements when done world: people who find that wake phase disorder, or consistently.” sleep comes easily and have anxiety, reports the National Speak with a Professional no difficulties sticking to a Center of Complementary If you find that you are consistent sleep schedule. and Integrative Health. Dr consistently having

Others, well, just don’t

Claybonrecommendstaking difficulty with getting

More specifically, about 70 the supplements an hour or quality sleep and it’s million Americans suffer two before bedtime as it impacting your daily life, from chronic sleep doesn’t typically work as consider speaking with an problems, according to the quickly in the same way as a expert. “Finding the right Centers for Disease Control sedative. (Here’s what you combination of behavioral andPrevention. shouldknowaboutthesafety changes to optimize one’s

The onset of a pandemic of taking melatonin nightly sleep may be a challenge hasn’t helped matters over an extended period.) w i t h s o m a n y Researchers have noticed an

OneoptiontotryistheHello recommendations that float uptick in sleep disorders Bello Sleep Well Melatonin around,” says Siebern, who during the pandemic, (Buy it, $10, walmart.com), recommends finding a sleep according to the American which is tasty and coach. “Sleep coaching can Psychological Association. formulated with other sleep- assist with sorting through “The pandemic and political promoting ingredients like one’s sleep issues and unrest of the past few years chamomile. developing a plan of action have wreaked havoc on our demographics, and lifestyle, fall asleep within about 20 r

g Try a Breathing to start moving in a better already fragile human that it’s very difficult to minutes,leaveyourbedroom caffeine intake to before 2 Technique direction ” You can also psyche,” says Marcie define what is considered and do something relaxing, p.m,”explainsSiebern. “One of the absolute best meet with your primary care Claybon, M.D., a board- optimal sleep. “Ultimately, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Similarly, if consumed means of self-soothing and physician to help you certified internal medicine evenwiththemostadvanced Try reading or listening to too close to bedtime (think: entrance into a relaxed state identify and treat any physician and medical analytical data now at our soothing music and go back three to four hours before), is simple, conscious underlying causes that are director at BIÂN. Resulting fingertips, it is how we tobedwhenyou’retired. a l c o h o l c a n c r e a t e breathwork,” says Dr hinderingsleep,accordingto changes in your sleep could experience our response to Create a Restful fragmented sleep, increased Claybon. She recommends theMayoClinic. be causing a variety of sleep that remains the Environment snoring,anddelayedonsetof one to two seconds of “[Getting good sleep] is issues. Not getting enough reliable gold standard here,” “Dim bright light R E M ( d e e p ) s l e e p , mindfulinhalation,followed more about quality of life quality sleep can hinder saysDr Claybon. exposure one to two hours according to Siebern. She by five to six seconds of and engaging in the things cognition, concentration, Stick to a Schedule before bedtime, especially also recommends avoiding exhalation. “Repeat a few that we value and gives us productivity, emotional and Alot of people are guilty blue light,” says Siebern. large meals, especially high- minutes until awareness purpose,” says Siebern physical wellbeing, says of revenge bedtime “This way, the bright light carb, fried, sugary, or spicy shifts to only the breaths “Getting proper sleep helps Allison Siebern, Ph D , procrastination (i.e. staying won’t confuse the brain ones, because it activates the themselves This is free, bringusinthatdirection.” L.Ac., C.B.S.M, the head up late to do things you signal that regulates our digestive system, which sleep science advisor at didn’t have time for during circadian rhythms ” mightdisruptsleep.

Proper the day), and unfortunately, Technological devices Try Supplements

Of course, even the best delaying your sleep can ruin (phones, computers, TVs, “ M e l a t o n i n ofsleepershavetheirrestless your chances of quality and even some lightbulbs) supplementation can nights,butifyoufindthatno sleep. It can help to stay emitbluelight,whichtendto promotecircadianbalanceas matter how hard you try, consistent with when you keep you wired at night. The well,” says Dr Claybon. you’re unable to get a good wake up as well. “Sleep- light from these devices also While your body produces night’s sleep, then rest (pun enhancing lifestyle habits suppresses the natural melatonin naturally, taking a intended) assured that there begin the moment we wake production of melatonin, a supplement can help signal aresomethingsyoucandoto up in the morning,” says Dr sleep-inducing hormone, your brain when it’s time for help regulate your schedule. Claybon. “Maintenance of according to the Sleep “Restful, high-quality sleep relatively consistent wake- Foundation. is dependent upon the ability uptimes(evenonweekends) If you can, try switching toachieveastateofcalmness and simple exposure to toanold-schoolalarmclock, and emotional release of natural sunlight early in the which eliminates the need to chronic tension,” says Dr morningcanhelptostabilize have a phone in the bedroom Claybon. Ahead, learn how the body’s circadian rhythm at all, says Dr Claybon. “If to strike that balance and get patterns.”Therecommended the light is creeping into the better sleep with expert- amountofsleepforahealthy bedroom while the body and approvedtips. adult is at least seven hours, mind are seeking to detach

How to Get a Good reportstheMayoClinic. from external stimulation, Night’s Sleep Try going to bed and something as simple as an

Whatconstitutesa“good waking up at the time every eye mask can promote a night’s sleep” differs for day and allotting yourself better sleep environment,” everyone However, sevenhourstohelpreinforce sheadds. typically a successful night your body’s sleep-wake

Avoid Certain Foods and of shut-eye is determined by cycle.

Drinks Before Bed how restful and rejuvenated Don’t Look at the Clock

Consuming caffeine or an individual feels the next You know those nights alcoholic beverages before day,saysDr.Claybon. when you can’t fall asleep, bed can prevent you from F r o m a s c i e n c e when you start counting the getting a good night’s sleep. perspective, a good night’s number of hours you’ll get if Caffeine can stay in your sleep can be measured by you fall asleep at that hour? body for five to six hours total sleep duration, the Doing this can create anxiety a f t e r c o n s u m p t i o n , extent of interruptions, and andstressbeforegoingtobed, sometimes longer for people the proportion of deeper whichiswhySiebernadvises taking different types of sleep stages to lighter sleep against looking at your clock medication, explains stages (think: REM sleep at night “Turn the clock Siebern. Because it stays in versuswhenyouinitiallyfall around before going to sleep your system for so long and asleep), explains Dr and avoid the temptation to is a stimulant, it can cause Claybon. However, there is look at the time throughout difficulties in the onset of so much that can influence thenight,”saysSiebern sleep if it’s still in your body sleep such as genetics, That said, if you don’t comebedtime.“That’swhyI

Sleep Photo credit: (Getty Images)

y of Queen Char

This Day in History - Aug. 20

First enslaved Africans arrive in Jamestown, setting the stage for slavery in North America

Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky assassinated in Mexico

August20,1940

Exiled Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky is fatally wounded by an ice-axwielding assassin at his compound outside Mexico City The killer Ramón Mercader—was a Spanish communist and probableagentofSovietleaderJosephStalin. Trotskydiedfromhiswoundsthenextday

Born in the Ukraine of Russian-Jewish parents in 1879, Trotsky embraced Marxism as a teenager and later dropped out of the University of Odessa to help organize the underground South RussianWorkers’Union. In1898,hewasarrestedforhisrevolutionary activities and sent to prison. In 1900, he was exiledtoSiberia.

First set of slaves arriving at Virginia

August20,1619

Portuguese colonial forces, who sent

On August 20, 1619, ”20 and odd” captured members of the native Kongo and Angolans, kidnapped by the Portuguese, Ndongo kingdoms on a forced march to the arrive in the British colony of Virginia and port of Luanda, the capital of modern-day are then bought by English colonists. The Angola. From there, they were ordered on arrival of the enslaved Africans in the New theship San Juan Bautista,whichsetsailfor World marks a beginning of two and a half VeracruzinthecolonyofNewSpain.Aswas centuriesofslaveryinNorthAmerica. quite common, about 150 of the 350 Founded at Jamestown in 1607, the captives aboard the ship died during the Virginia Colony was home to about 700 crossing Then, as it approached its people by 1619. The first enslavedAfricans destination, the ship was attacked by two to arrive in Virginia disembarked at Point privateer ships, the White Lion and the Comfort, in what is today known as Fort Treasurer Crews from the two ships Monroe. Most of their names, as well as the kidnapped up to 60 of the Bautista’s exact number who remained at Point enslaved people. It was the White Lion Comfort,havebeenlosttohistory,butmuch which docked at Virginia Colony’s Point isknownabouttheirjourney Comfort and traded some of the prisoners

They were originally kidnapped by forfoodonAugust20,1619.

Professional football is born

August20,1920

On August 20, 1920, seven men, including legendary all-around athlete andfootballstarJimThorpe, meet to organize a professional football league attheJordanandHupmobile Auto Showroom in Canton, Ohio. The meeting led to the creation of the American Professional Football Conference (APFC), the forerunner to the hugely successful National Football League.

On August 20, 1920, the owners of four Ohio League teams the Akron Pros, Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland

s and Dayton Triangles—met to form a newprofessionalleague.

im Thorpe was

In 1924, Lenin died, and Joseph Stalin fromtheUSSRforeverbyStalin. emerged as leader of the USSR. Against He was received by the government of Stalin’s stated policies, Trotsky called for a Turkey and settled on the island of Prinkipo, continuing world revolution that would where he worked on finishing his inevitably result in the dismantling of the autobiography and history of the Russian increasingly bureaucratic Soviet state. He Revolution. After four years in Turkey, also criticized the new regime for TrotskylivedinFranceandthenNorwayand suppressing democracy in the Communist in 1936 was granted asylum in Mexico. Party and for failing to develop adequate SettlingwithhisfamilyinasuburbofMexico economic planning. In response, Stalin and City, he was found guilty of treason in his supporters launched a propaganda absentiaduringStalin’spurgesofhispolitical counterattack against Trotsky In 1925, he foes. was removed from his post in the war He survived a machine gun attack carried commissariat. out by Stalinist agents, but on August 20,

One year later, he was expelled from the 1940,fellpreytoRamónMercader,aSpanish Politburo and in 1927 from the Communist communist who had won the confidence of Party InJanuary1928,Trotskywasdeported the Trotsky household The Soviet bySovietleaderJosephStalintoAlma-Atain government denied responsibility, and remote Soviet CentralAsia. He lived there in Mercaderwassentencedto20yearsinprison internalexileforayearbeforebeingbanished byMexicanauthorities.

Viking 1 launched to Mars

August20,1975 the purpose of finding an appropriate Viking 1, an unmanned U.S. planetary landing site for its lander On July 20–the probe, is launched from Cape Canaveral, seventh anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar Florida,onamissiontoMars. landing–the Viking 1 lander separated from

On June 19, 1976, the spacecraft entered the orbiter and touched down on the Chryse into orbit around Mars and devoted the next Planitia region, becoming the first month to imaging the Martian surface with spacecraft to successfully land on the surfaceofMars.Thesameday,thecraftsent back the first close-up photographs of the rust-coloredMartiansurface.

In September 1976, Viking 2–launched only three weeks after Viking 1–entered into orbitaroundMars,whereitassisted Viking 1 in imaging the surface and also sent down a lander

During the dual Viking missions, the two orbiters imaged the entire surface of Mars at a resolution of 150 to 300 meters, and the two landers sent back more than 1,400 imagesoftheplanet’ssurface.

First set of professional footballers

American Professional Illinois defeating a team nominated as president of Football Association from outside the league, the the new league, as it was (APFA) and officially St. Paul Ideals, 48-0.Aweek hoped Thorpe’s fame would electing Jim Thorpe as the later, Dayton beat Columbus help the league to be taken league’sfirstpresident.

The Menendez brothers murder their parents

August20,1989

14-0 in the first game seriously

TheAPFAbegan play on between two teams from the On September 17, the September26,withtheRock APFA, the forerunner of the league met again, changing Island Independents of modernNFL. its short-lived name to the

Lyle and Erik Menendez shoot their parents, Jose and Kitty, to death in the den of the family’s Beverly Hills, California, home. They then droveuptoMulhollandDrive,where (Continued on page 39)

The Menendez Brothers

Compiled by Richard Francois. (From history.com)

Leon Trotsky

GMSA President wants removal of VAT on locally produced goods, data services

Ramsay Ali, the President of the G u y a n a Manufacturers Services

Association (GMSA), is a d v o c a t i n g f o r t h e elimination of value-added tax (VAT) on locally

manufactured and agroprocessed products, as well as data services throughout thenation.

In a recent interview, Ali emphasized that numerous locally agro-processed items are still subject to VAT,

despite their local origin. He citedexamplessuchasguava cheese that continues to attract VAT and stressed the

importance of zero-rating all locally agro-processed products,assertingthatwhile there are currently zero-rated products,thispracticeshould extend to all agro-processed goods.

He said, "There are still a lot of locally agro-processed products that are attracting VAT If you go to the Guyana shop you would see things like guava-cheese (attracting vat)."

Ali contextualized his stance, highlighting that a broader range of locally producedgoodsexemptfrom VAT would yield benefits for boththebusinesscommunity and the general public Lower VAT would translate to more affordable products, prompting businesses to a d j u s t t h e i r p r i c e s accordingly Ali noted that businesses often resort to price hikes when essential items they require start incurring VAT, resulting in greater financial burden for consumers.

The call for VAT removal on locally produced goods was initially raised by Ali at theGMSA'smid-yeardinner. During the event, he spotlighted instances of locally produced items like guava jam and chowmein from Beharry Limited being subjected to considerable VAT Ali pressed for the exclusion of VAT on data servicesaswell.

He concurred with the idea of using data for calls, reflecting the modernization of communication methods. "We have to zero-rated data and we're gonna keep pushinguntilwegetit.

There is one company in Guyana that is saying we should not be making calls using minutes anymore we should be using data,” he noted, referring to ENetworks which recently rolled out its mobile services that attracted a large customerbaseacrossthe

(Continued on page 62)

President of the Guyana Manufacturers Services Association (GMSA), Mr. Ramsay Ali

The Menendez brothers murder...

From page 34 apparent attempt to impress insisted that they had shot they dumped their shotguns hismistress. their parents in self-defense before continuing to a local But the woman ended up because they believed that movie theater to buy tickets going to the police with her Jose would kill them rather as an alibi. When the pair information and, in March than have the abuse be returned home, Lyle called 1990, Lyle, 22, and Erik, 19, exposed. 911 and cried, “Somebody werearrested.

The first two juries (one killed my parents!” The Forthenextthreeyears,a f o r e a c h b r o t h e r ) Menendez murders became legal battle was fought over deadlocked, and a mistrial a national sensation when the admissibility of Dr hadtobecalled.Forthemost the new television network, Oziel’s tapes. Finally, the part, the lack of a conviction Court TV, broadcast the trial California Supreme Court wasconsideredatravesty in1993. ruled that the tapes could be At the retrial, which

Although the Menendez played. began in October 1995, the b r o t h e r s w e r e n o t When the trial began in judge was much more immediately suspected, Erik the summer of 1993, the restrictive in allowing the couldn’t take the guilt and Menendez brothers put on a defenseattorneystofocuson confessedhisinvolvementto spirited defense In the alleged sexual abuse. In his psychotherapist, Dr L. compelling testimony March 1996, both Lyle and Jerome Oziel. Ignoring his lasting over a month, they Erik were convicted and own ethical responsibilities, emotionally described years sentenced to life in prison Dr Oziel taped the sessions of sexual abuse by Jose and without the possibility of with his new patient in an Kitty Menendez They parole.

Lessons from a Lashpreneur !!!

Why you should never do a diy lash lift kit at home

ByLatoyaZephyr

Hey lash babes, this week we’ll be looking at whyushouldneverdoadiy lashliftathome.

In short,always leave it totheprofessionals.

therearedangerstousing DIY lash lift kits at home. This is largely due to the chemical nature of the products; there’s also indepth training for professional lash artists regarding how long each stepshouldbeleftonforand the correct amounts of producttoapply

We cannot stress this enough: lash lift kits are extremely dangerous and should NOT be used at home.

The chemicals in these kits (when used incorrectly) can potentially cause significant damage and permanent lash loss, as well asthreatenyoureyesight. Is it safe to do your own lashlift?

The main ingredient in a lashliftiscalledAmmonium Thioglycolate This chemical is used in hair perming, hair straightening

and hair removal because it canchangehairstructurevia theDisulphidebonds(found inthecortexofthehair).

ThealkalinepHcanalso causethehaircuticletoswell and change the inner structure of the hair bonds. Whenapplyingthissolution to lashes it’s imperative that extremeprecisionandcareis taken.

Hence, only qualified lash artists who understand the potential hazards should be carrying out this service. If necessary precautions are not taken, this can cause

Enjoy the Enetworks list of must-watch shows this week

contactdermatitiswhichcan then lead to an ongoing eye sensitivity and allergic reactions to other products such as eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, and even skincare creams Not to mention the safety of your eyesight.

Peopleshouldabsolutely notbedoingat-homelashlift kits. They can cause severe danger to the eye if used without the correct training, suchaschemicalburnsfrom the ammonia that they often contain.

In short? It’s simply not

worthtakingthe risk.

ByLatoyaZephyr

Lash artists aretrainedinhow to use the correct formulations safely, using specifictimings,application techniques and equipment.

When a lash lift is performed,professionalsare using chemicals that if used incorrectly can cause significant damage, If steps aren’t left on for the correct timings, not applied in the correct way or not removed properly,thiscanleadtolash loss,Plus(withDIYlashlift

kits) any damage that has been caused isn’t immediatelyapparent,itcan takeaweekbeforethelashes might start to dry out or become brittle and snap, so it’s not easy to tell whether you have performed the lift properlyatthetime. We are all about ensuring the safety of you and your eyes and lashes....sodon’tbeafraidto askanyquestions.

GNBS IN FOCUS

Measurement and accuracy are the key foundations of any construction project, from ensuringtherightnumberof materials are ordered to h a v i n g a c c u r a t e measurements at the design stages and throughout the project The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) as the National Metrology (Measurement) Institute (NMI)offersawiderangeof calibration services to meet the needs of industry, regulators, and laboratories t h a t a r e o f f e r i n g measurement services using precisioninstruments.

For over 15 years, the GNBS has been calibrating instrumentsusedtomeasure temperature, pressure, dimensions, mass, volume, electricity and torque Standardsusedincalibration by our Industrial Metrology and Testing (IMT) Department are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), PTB Germany and other highly recognized NMIsintheCaribbean.

ELEVATE PRECISION – GNBS OFFERING EXPERT CALIBRATION SERVICES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

Calibration is a comparison between a known measurement (the standard) and your instrument It eliminates inaccurate results and is essential for the quality and safety of both products and services Uncalibrated instruments may deliver inconsistent data, as such, calibration helps to reduce errors and delivers data on the performance of your instrument.

In the rapidly expanding constructionsector,accurate measurements are crucial in ensuring the reliability and accuracy of instruments which include compression machines, calipers, digital multimeters, measuring rules and tapes. Measuring instruments may require regular calibration based on the required accuracy of measurement, frequency of use and condition under which it is used and stored. However, since measuring tapes or rules tend not to change or deform quickly, unless handled improperly, an initial calibration is recommended to determine accuracy

The construction industry requires calibrated, precise and reliable instrumentsforprojects.Not only does calibration ensure quality and accuracy, but it can also improve a building’s stability, reduces accidents and promotes a healthierenvironment.

The GNBS encourages every company and every laboratory to take advantage of its traceable, reliable and affordable calibration services Stakeholders are urged to submit their measuring instruments for calibration Service requests can be made by visiting https://gnbsgyorg/metrology /industrial-metrology/ Upon completion of the calibration process,acertificateorreport is issued by the GNBS to showthattheinstrumentwas calibrated To learn more abouttheseandotherrelated services provided by the GNBS, be sure to visit our booth at the upcoming International Building Expo on August 24-27 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara. Our team of experts is prepared to have

meaningful engagements with you throughout the four-dayeventaswestriveto create a culture of quality in

numbers: 219-0064-66 or

692-4627. You

gnbsgyorgan dourFacebookpage:gnbsgy

Look What Your Belly Button Says About Your Health

(DEMIC)-The belly buttonisanareainthebody that often receives less attention, unless you are the typetoconstantlycheckand ensureitgetscleaned.Some peoplemightevenfindbelly

buttons or the navel burdensome. However, new research aboutbellybuttonsandwhat they say about your health might just change the way youthink.

Although everyone is born with a belly button, each one is surprisingly unique.

Not only can they tell somethingaboutyourhealth but also your personality or

level of perceived attractiveness. Here are different types of belly buttons, and let’s check out which type you mayhave:

Bulged Belly Button –

Like A Button

A somewhat bulged navel is acceptable, butifyouseethatthebulgeis morepronouncedthanusual, it could mean that you have lifted something heavy It couldalsoputyouatriskofa hernia.

LittleBulge

People that have belly buttons that slightly bulge are said to be more prone to thefluvirus.

TuckedNavel

People who have tucked navels are said to have weightproblems.Also,these peoplearesaidtocommonly

experience problems with digestionlikeconstipation.

Almond-shaped

This belly button shape means that people are more likely to experience muscle painsandmigraines. Also,boneweaknesshas beenobserved.

BulgedwithaU-form

This is one of the most beautiful forms of navels, but it indicates a person’s risk of having skin and kidneydiseases. Also, children are less likelytobebornwithgenetic abnormalities.

iPhone 15 production begins in India as Apple aims to diversify from China: Report

(CNBC) Apple supplier Foxconn is semiconductors. beginning production of the iPhone 15 in Apple has more recently ramped up India as the company moves forward with its iPhone production in India, assembling more effort to diversify its manufacturing from than $7 billion worth there in the last fiscal China,BloombergreportedlastWednesday year, Bloomberg earlier reported. The outlet Foxconn’sSriperumbudurplantisgetting saidinAprilthatAppleproducesnearly7%of ready to deliver the new phones weeks after its iPhones in India, citing sources. Prior to they begin shipping from China-based that, iPhone assembly in India lagged China factories, Bloomberg reported, citing by six to nine months, Bloomberg reported, unnamed sources. Apple has been aiming to but that gap has significantly closed. Apple diversify its supply chain as the dynamic typicallyannouncesitsnewlineupofiPhones between the U.S. and China continues to at its annual event in September This year’s grow tense.After a meeting with India Prime update is expected to include major camera Minister Narendra Modi at the White House updatesandanimprovedprocessorinthePro this year, Apple CEO, Tim Cook told CNBC models, according to Bloomberg. Pegatron thatIndiarepresentsa“hugeopportunity.” and a Wistron factory being acquired by the Amid bipartisan U S skepticism of Tata Group will also soon begin assembling

den theiPhone15inIndia,accordingtothereport. administration has taken multiple actions to Pegatron declined to comment. The other restrict the flow of key technologies and U.S. companies named in this article did not investment into China. China has also placed immediately respond to requests for restrictions on the sale of some U S comment.

Google CEO, Sundar Pichai and Apple CEO, Tim Cook listen as India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, speak during a meeting with senior officials and CEOs of American and Indian companies, in the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 23, 2023. Brendan Smialowski | AFP | Getty Images

CONSUMERCONCERNS RENEWED ALBOUYSTOWN OFFERS REAL ESTATE BARGAINS

PATDIAL

In the last two months there have been several mediareportsoftherenewal which has been taking place in Albouystown. Until the 1950’s, Albouystown had the reputation of being a culturallyebullientsuburban village, with the largest settlements of Portuguese, Chinese and East Indians in the City The owners of properties lived on them, in most cases with a tenant

livingintheflatbeloworina smallhouseelsewhereinthe yard. Since the owners of thepropertieslivedonthem, houses were kept in good repair and in many cases there were small gardens in front of the yards. In most yardstherewerefruittreesof onekindoranotherandthese includedmangoes,jamoons, genips, sapodillas, at least one coconut tree, breadfruit, star apples and every yard, de rigueur, had a clump of

sugar cane All the neighboursofvariousethnic groups lived in the greatest amity and would assist each otherinavarietyofways.

Alargeproportionofthe City’s tradesmen lived in Albouystown.Herewerethe tailors, the goldsmiths, carpenters, vat makers, shoe repairers, tin smiths; plumbers, many of whom worked at the shelter belt whichsuppliedthecitywith piped water Transportation

ofgoodsofvariouskindsfor thebusinesscommunitywas done by horse or donkey carts,mostofwhichwerein Albouystown.

There were a large number of grocery shops which were usually at the juncture of two streets and therewerethreebakeriesand three large rum shops which produced their own individual blend of rum There were also four drug stores including one owned bythefatherofMr Hamilton Greene who became one of thecountry’smostimportant political leaders. The one medical doctor was Dr J.P Lachmansingh, whose surgery was at James Street near the La Penitence Market. Dr Lacmansingh, though not a wealthy man, collected fees only from the wealthy and served most of hisclientsfree.

Most of the stevedores that is the workers who loaded and unloaded ships lived in Albouystown and H.N.Critchlowbecametheir leaderandorganizedthefirst Trade Union in Guyana. TherewereseveralChristian churches and one large Hindu Temple to which was affiliated the Dharamshala, which provided a home for the poor of all races and

religions. The head of the Dharamshala was Pandit Ramsaroop Maraj who stands out as one of Guyana’s greatest philanthropists. There was also a strong Cumfa organization which had regular ceremonies with drumminganddancing.

Thevariousracialgroups lived in fraternity and celebrated with each other and were with each other in sicknessordeath.

Then came the 1960’s and the country was overtaken with racialpolitical strife of a kind which had never before occurred in Guyanese History People moved into communities where their ethnicgroupwasinmajority and people from the countryside moved to Georgetown. Manyofthese people, the Africans in particular,foundtheirwayto Albouystown.

All the Portuguese and Chinese and many East Indians left the ward and almost all the Portuguese and Chinese emigrated to NorthAmerica. Theowners who had left the ward neglected their properties which, in many cases deteriorated and the City Council seemed to have

turneditseyesawayfromthe ward. Nowthereseemstobe anewattitude.

T h e C e n t r a l Government,allthepolitical parties and the City Council itselfareallcommittedtothe renewalofAlbouystown.

The first major effort in this development has been Independence Boulevard which promises to be anotherRegentStreet;many houses are being renovated; the drains are all being concretedandarefunctional andthismakesAlbouystown one of the best drained parts oftheCity Severalpersons havebeguntobuildblocksof flats and new people have beguntooccupytheward.

Albouystown has now become the most attractive part of the City for investment and properties could still be obtained at bargainprices.

As important, all the political parties and Government are now committedtoitsrenewalsoa brighter future awaits Albouystown.

(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.)

The Interesting and Delicious History of Ramen

Ever wondered where your Cup Noodles came from?

(Reader’s Digest) You may think of ramen as collegekid cuisine, but dressier versions of this noodles-and-broth dish, with toppings such as roast pork, fish cakes, bamboo shoots and poached eggs, blow the instant kind out of its bowl. Over the last few years in the United States, gourmet ramen restaurant options have jumped more than 30%, so youcanlikelyenjoythisAsiansensationclosetohome.

Chinese immigrants first brought the wheat noodle recipe to Japan, according to historian and ramen expert George Solt. In his book, The Untold History of Ramen, he tells of a scholar from China during the 17th century who instructedtheJapanesefeudallordheworkedfortoaddpork andvegetablestohisnoodlesoup.

By 1910, the first ramen restaurant in Japan, Rai Rai Ken, was serving the dish to Tokyo diners. It was called shinasobainJapanese(shina isanarchaicJapanesewordfor “China,” while soba are thin buckwheat noodles). But the Japanese pronunciation of lamian, the Chinese word for the softwheatnoodles,evolvedintotoday’s“ramen.”

World War II interrupted the dish’s popularity, as food shortages led the Japanese government to ban “luxury foods,” including ramen. In 1945, as the seven-year Allied occupationofJapanbegan,theworstriceharvestindecades caused widespread hunger Fearing that food shortages might alienate the population and lead them to gravitate toward communism, the U.S. occupiers began to import American wheat into Japan. The renewed availability of

wheat noodles refueled the demand for ramen, which became a street food as stalls popped up to sell the tasty and affordabledishtothehungrypopulation.

In 1958, a Taiwanese businessman named Momofuku Ando created a dehydrated version of ramen that only required the addition of boiling water In the 1970s, it came to the U.S. in Styrofoam cups under the name Cup O’Noodles. (In 1993, the company dropped the O’, so now the official name is Cup Noodles.) The Americanized version had shorter noodles that could be eaten more easily withaspoon,asopposedtothetraditionalchopsticks.

Today there are two museums in Japan dedicated to Ando’s creation, and his name inspired Korean American celebrity Chef David Chang’s Momofuku Noodle Bar in Manhattan. Chang’s restaurant, an early seller of gourmet ramen, helped change the perception of the dish from a cheap, prepackaged pantry staple to a complex and indulgenttreat.

Hungry visitors to ramen shops can typically choose from four broths: shoyu (which is soy sauce based), miso (made with fermented soybean paste), shio (or “salt,” often withachickenorfishbase)ortonkotsu(richandfatty,made from pork). The salty broth is what gives ramen its mouthwateringumami,apleasantsavorytaste.

Tokyo remains the ramen capital of the world, with well over 10,000 ramen shops. Among them: Ichiran, with locations not only in Japan but also in Hong Kong, Taiwan andNewYorkCity

Whether you choose shio or shoyu, instant or gourmet, itadakimasu—bonappetit!

AND THE COLD PLANET

by Daniel Errico

Raymond Mayweather tuned up his ship. checked every latch, and he fixed every drip.

It was time for his voyage to deep outer space As always, he hoped to find some unknown place.

Raymond's ship hurtled into outer space. He flew pastalloftheotherplanetshe had visited. He took the Galactic highway to the very end. He flew further into space than he ever had before!

Eventually,hecameupon asmallblueplanet.Ashegot closer, he realized that the entire planet was covered in ice.Hesethisshipdownona landing pad and was greeted by a small blue creature coveredinfur

Raymond put his arctic snow suit on and hopped out ofhisship.

“Hello there!” said the furry creature, “Than Goodness you're here. Do youhavethetilberweneed?”

Raymond was a bit confused.

“I'msorry,butIdon't knowwhattilberis.Iam Raymond Mayweather, space traveler and arctic-adventurer extraordinaire.”

“ O h t h a t i s disappointing.,” said the creature as they both walked into a large igloo-shapedbuilding.

Raymondwasnotusedto such a cold welcome, and he needed to warm up. When they got inside he found that it was not any warmer than outside!

The fuzzy creature was sitting around a table surrounded by more furry creatures. Raymond decided tocallthem'fruzzies',inhis

FUNWITHPOETRY

spacelog.

“Excuse me,” said Raymond, “But what is tilber? Each planet has a different name for things. Maybe I do know where sometilberis.”

“Tilber, is the what we use to heat our planet. We burnthetilberanditkeepsus warm. We ran out of all our tilber days ago. I sent for more, but no other planets

“Mr Chancellor, sir,” said a female fruzzy with long frizzy hair, “As head of yourChiefScientist,Isaywe buildrocketsandusethemto push our planet closer to the sun.Itmightbeagoodideato buildsomebrakestoo…”

“Our planet is fine where it is,” said the Chancellor,” and rockets need tilber to run.”“Dad!” said a young fruzzy, “I think the best idea is to give e v e r y o n e thermometers that say it is warmer than it really is. That way they'll think that they arewarmer.”

It was then that Raymondspokeup.

Count down calendar for back to school

by Rachel M · on August 16, 2017

Doodlebug DesignsPetitePrints

*CricutMachine

*CricutDesignSpace

*Adhesive

*Ribbon

First, search for images that are school related that are easy to cut out. I found a cute bus, apple, books, glue, schoolhouseandartsupplies touseinmycalendar

After you have decided on your images, cut and assemble all pieces together

using adhesive. Punch two holes to the tops of each piece and thread ribbon throughthem.

Here comes the fun part for your child! Have them write on the back of each banner piece what makes them excited for school like making new friends and attending art class. Find out whatyouareeageraboutand havewriteitdown.Writingit outwillhelpeasesomeofthe fears and get you excited for school!

Each day during the

week before school, go through and talk about what you wrote down with them. Discuss what it will be like meeting that new teacher or what fun things will be learning in class. Help ease the worrisome thoughts by talking through all the fun activites you have to look forward to. This banner will also make an adorable keepsake for the years to come. How fun to look back on what your childhood was like in school and seeing youradorablehandwriting!

uptometofindmoretilber.”

Theotherfruzziesaround the table started to throw out ideastohelp.

“Mr. Chancellor, sir,” saidastern-facedfruzzy,“As head of your military, I suggest we attack another planetandtaketheirtilber!”

“It is not their fault that we ran out of tilber,” said the Chancellor,“No.”

“Mr Chancellor, sir These are all interesting ideas But, if you have any tilber at all, I can study it back on my ship. If there is none left anywhere, then maybe I can find something just as good ” The Chancellor agreed took Raymond behind the building to where the tilber used to be stored. The other fruzzies argued overwhichideawasbestand the Chancellor's son was winning.Behindthe

(Continued on Next Sunday edition)

Goodmorning,God

Word Search

Develop practical steps to develop your Sense of Personal Competence

These are the stages by which you can develop this important sense of being able to achieve the things which you plan to do so that you can be assured of success:-

deal with the problem or to achievethegoal.

by William Ernest Henley

1.

FIND OUT THE OPTIONSAND ALTERNATIVESAT YOUR DISPOSAL

When someone is faced with a problem to be solved, or a goal to be achieved, the first thing that needs to be done is to identify what are the options or alternatives available to

In many cases, a young personwouldnotknowwhat resources that can help in thisprocessareavailable Whenthisisso,thenone must not be too proud or too reserved to ask someone to assistinthisrespect.

2.DEVELOP PROBLEM-SOLVING AND COPING SKILLS

In every instance of someone working towards achieving a goal, problems would arise. These would involvethosethathavetodo

with the way the goal has to be reached, as well as those which relate to the abilities ofthepersonwhoisworking towardsthegoal.

Identify the skills you would need in your work, and then submit yourself to thetrainingtogainthemand apply them to the problems athand.

Also,youwouldneedto formpositiveattitudeswhile tackling problems, so that you are not easily discouraged when things seem to be going wrong. Many people react to the pressureswhichtheyexperience whileattemptingtogainsuccess at any undertaking by taking to drugs, withdrawing or denying, or avoiding the problembygivingup

If at school, they would cut classes or drop out entirely Others may get disturbedemotionally,oreven move to reacting with violence.

Here again, a young person should seek the support of competent persons to help to build selfconfidence.

Encouragement during a period of frustration will

BRIDGES

Connect these i s l a n d s w i t h bridges until each island can be reached from any other island, and each island has as many outgoing bridges as its number You may only connect islands vertically or horizontally and bridges may notcross.There may be one or t w o b r i d g e s connecting pairs of islands, but no more than two Each puzzle has a unique solution that can be found without making guesses.

keep them focused on their goals and acting positively towardstheirachievement.

3. EVALUATE YOUR PROGRESS PERIODICALLY

Self-evaluation and assessment of your progress is continually necessary to keep you on the right track. When this is done efficiently,thenaneffortcan be made to adjust or correct any deviation from the right direction.

4.SATISFACTION WILL COME FROM DOING YOUR BEST

Many times we will fall short of achieving exactly whatweplannedtodo.

T h i s s h o u l d n o t discourageusandpreventus fromsettingothergoalstobe accomplished.

The fact that we have done our best at any undertaking is enough for us to accept the satisfaction which we deserve, and will go a long way towards our achieving success in future endeavours.

We hope you work diligently to follow these guides, and so develop your uniquepurposeofyourlife.

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.

nor menace me

When you live with full confidence that you are living your special purpose in life, you will have more chance of success while working towards your goals.

Solutions to last week’s Periodic table word search

Steps to Achieving Total Self-Love

1. Stop comparing yourself to others

We're socialised to be competitive, so comparing ourselves to others is natural. But it can be dangerous. There's just no point in comparing yourself to anyone else on the planet because there's only one you. Rather, focus on yourself and your journey The shift of energy, alone, will help you feel free.

2. Don't worry about others' opinions

In that same vein, don't worry about what society thinks or expects of you. You can't make everyone happy, so this is a waste of time and will only slow you down on your journey to being the best you.

3.Allow yourself to make mistakes

We're told again and again from a young age “nobody's perfect, everyone makes mistakes.” But the older you get, the more pressure you feel never to fail. Cut yourself some slack! Make mistakes so you can learn and grow from them. Embrace your past. You're constantly changing and growing from who you once were into who you are today and who you will be one day

So, forget about that voice in your head that says you need to be perfect. Make mistakes — lots of them! The lessons you'll gain are priceless.

4. Remember your value doesn't lie in how your body looks

This is fundamental! So many things in the world want to distract you from this powerful truth. Sometimes even your own internalized sexism affirms your thoughts of inadequacy You are valuable because you are you, not because of your body

So, wear what makes you feel good. If it's a lot or if it's a little, wear what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and happy

5. Don't be afraid to let go of toxic people

Not everybody takes responsibility for the energy they put out into the world. If there's someone who is bringing toxicity into your life and they won't take responsibility for it, that might mean you need to step away from them. Don't be afraid to do this. It's liberating and important, even though it may be painful.

Remember: Protect your energy. It's not rude or wrong to remove yourself from situations or the company of people who are draining you.

6. Process your fears

Like erring, feeling afraid is natural and human. Don't reject your fears — understand them. This healthy exercise can really help with your mental health. Interrogating and evaluating your fears helps you to gain clarity and unmask issues in your life that were causing you anxiety That, in turn, can help alleviate some — if not all — of your anxiety

7. Trust yourself to make good decisions for yourself

We so often doubt ourselves and our ability to do what's right, when most of the time we do know in our hearts what's best. Remember that your feelings are valid. You're not losing touch with reality. You know yourself better than anyone else, so be your best advocate.

8. Take every opportunity life presents or create your own

The timing is never going to be perfect for that next big step in your life. The set up may not be ideal, but that shouldn't hold you back from reaching to meet your goals and dreams. Instead, seize the moment because it may never come back.

9. Put yourself first

Don't feel bad about doing this. Women, especially, can grow accustomed to putting others first.Although there's a time and a place for this, it shouldn't' be a habit that costs you your mental or emotional well-being.

Find the time to decompress. Without decompressing and recharging you can put serious strain on yourself. Whether it's spending the day in bed or outdoors in nature, find what helps you decompress and dedicate time to this.

10. Feel pain and joy as fully as you can

Allow yourself to feel things fully. Lean into pain, revel in your joy, and don't put limitations on your feelings. Like fear, pain and joy are emotions that will help you understand yourself and ultimately realize that you are not your feelings.

11. Exercise boldness in public

Get into the habit of speaking your mind. Boldness is like a muscle — it grows the more you exercise it. Don't wait for https://www.healthline.com/health/13-self-love-habits-everywoman-needs-to-have#Takeaway

(Continued on Next Sunday edition)

25 graduate from AWE Entrepreneurial Training for Women in Region 10

AWE Region 10 Graduating Class with Speakers.

Twenty-five graduates were

recognized as the curtains came down on WeLead Caribbean's Region 10 Academy of Women Entrepreneurs training program in partnership with the United States (U.S.)

Embassy

The graduating class included women from Linden, Ituni, and Kwakwani, with businessesandbusinessideasrangingfrom cosmetology, farming, healthcare, timber and technology The AWE program has successfully nurtured the development of invaluable business skills among the

participants, as well as forged a network of over 50 women entrepreneurs that empowers personal and professional growth for the participants with funding provided by the U S Embassy Guyana and the U S DepartmentofState.

In a press release, WeLead Caribbean's founder Abbigale Loncke-Watson, herself a product of similar training under the Young Leaders of the Americas program offered through the U S Embassy, urged the graduates to stay awakened to the opportunitiesavailabletothem,especially

(Continued on page 62)

Cherrise Duke, best graduating participant with Abbigale Loncke and Mayor Solomon

Abbigale Loncke-Watson

Misdiagnosed: Medical doctors treated child for asthma for 12 years causing heart condition to worsen

ByDavinaBagot

Six months after being born to her mother in Non Pariel,EastCoastDemerara, Vinita Dowlatram, began experiencing shortness of breath and had to be rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Doctors at the public health institution diagnosed and treated the child for asthma after her visitations becamemorefrequent.

Thechild’sgrandmother, Lookrajie Polo in a recent interviewtoldtheWaterfalls that Vinita attended Primary School but was unable to attendSecondarySchooldue to her progressing medical condition.

It was not until she was 12 years old that she was diagnosed with a clinical c o n d i t i o n c a l l e d Eisenmenger syndrome

This is the development of pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) due to an untreated congenital heart defect at an earlystage.

Dr Yusuf Abdullah, a General Physician attached to the Georgetown Hospital said, “The attending doctors atGPHCdidnotpickupthe problemwithVinitauntilshe was 12 years of age when a team of doctors from the United States and Canada visited Guyana. At this age, her heart condition was no longer amenable by surgery.”

He explained that in 2015, while doing clinical rotations as a medical student he caught sight of a young girl sitting on a chair, lookingstarvedofair “Iwas filled with empathy and compassion as I walked towards her to enquire what the matter was. Soon I was interceptedbyawomanwho happened to be her mom. Sherelatedthatsheroutinely brings Vinita to the hospital fromtimetotimetotapfrom the hospital’s Oxygen pipe, however, she was not

receivinganyattentionfrom anyone,”thedoctorrecalled.

He said the sight of the little girl struggling to squeezeairintoherlungsdid not attract anyone to attend to her, so he immediately sourced a face mask and connected her to an oxygen port until she was fed enough, and her symptoms wererelieved.

“Vinita’s mom also

expressed deep concern for herdaughter’shealthandher inability to attend school. Shealsoaskedmeforhelpto purchase a portable oxygen tank at home so she doesn’t have to be on the road with Vinita to and from the hospital. I promised I would help even though I knew I didn’t have the means as a medicalstudentatthetime,” Dr Abdullahexplained.

Since then, he said the youngladybecamehis

Continuedonpage64

Before Vinita was correctly diagnosed by an overseas team of doctors, she attended school regularly and hoped to one day become a Nurse.

At 12-years-old, the young lady’s life took a U-turn after her family learnt that she was being incorrectly treated for her heart condition which could no longer be corrected via surgery.

At 20-years-old today, Vinita is hoping one day to live a normal life.

The ailing young woman receiving oxygen at home, during an attack last year

ByRehannaRamsay

The road to finding fulfillmentinajoborcareer is not always easy, sometimes a person’s professional journey will take them along a path with several twists and turns, beforetheyfindexactlywhat they are supposed to be

fulfillment in helping people in relationships thrive...

Guyanese-born coach,

MichelleCumberbatch IS A SPECIAL PERSON

doing.

Thisispreciselythecase of Guyana-born American Relationship Coach, MichelleCumberbatch.

“Coach Michelle,” as many in her circle call her, indulged in other types of vocations before she embarked on what she now referstoashertruecalling.

She told the Waterfalls that she went from being a professionalcheftoworking as the Human Resource (HR) Director for the American Fast Food Franchise Chick-Fil-A for several years, before she realized that she had what it took to successfully help people achieve their

relationshipgoals.

Today,CoachMichelleis a published author and relationship expert who offers advice and training to numerous men and women struggling in relationships. She comes highly recommendedbyherclients. She told this publication that from a young age, she

was fascinated by adultrelationshipsand intimacy However, she couldn’t explain why She always wondered why adults were inclined to share their most intimate and vulnerable informationwithher “Back then, I didn’t know what it was.Ididn’thaveanamefor it I just knew that I felt at home helping people to cometogether,communicate better, and have loving relationships… It took me years before I could put a name or label to it” Coach Michellesaid.

AftermigratingtotheUS at the age of 12, she said everything remained the sameregardingherdesireto serve others in their relationships.Thisdesireshe said, basically followed her throughoutherlife.

CoachMichellesaidthat it was after completing her education in the US that her own relationship problems caused her to develop a deeper understanding about whatshewassupposedtobe

doingwithherlife.

“I was married quite young and that marriage fizzledprettyquickly ThenI metmycurrenthusbandand our relationship problems started.Ididsomerealsoulsearching…I had hit rock bottomthatiswhatledmeto understandrelationships,the wayIdotoday,”shesaid.

She stressed that what should have been a bad experienceturnedouttobea blessingnotjustforherown life but for many other people whom she now coaches “Divorce and relationship issues are horrible; nobody wants them,butmineturnedoutto beahugeblessing,”shesaid.

GUYANESEVALUES

Thoughshemigrated

Continuedonpage55

GuyaneseAmerican Relationship Coach, Michelle Cumberbatch

Coach Michelle shares a moment with popular radio personality, Sophia Dolphin during a recent business conference in Guyana.

MichelleCumberbatch...Guyanese-born coach,

Frompage54

quite young, Coach Michelle held on to many of her Guyanese traditions and values. She shared “Icomefromabigfamilymanyof them still live in Guyana. My parents, Lynette and Elton Fraser lived on Regent Street in the heart of the city but on weekends we went to Victoria on the East Coast ofDemeraratospendtimewithmy extendedfamily.”

TheRelationshipCoachsaidof all her memories of living in Guyana, how the people related to each on a day-to-day basis stayed withher

“My parents were always big on having manners and respect. ComingfromGuyanatotheStates wasabitofacultureshockforme because I was so accustomed to greeting random people on the street with a bright Good Morning!!! Or salutation for whatevertimeofthedayitwas,but over here it is quite different everybodyjustgoesabouttheirday not caring about those they pass by,”shesaid.

However, rather than being conformedtotheAmericannorms, Coach Michelle held unto the tenetsofherGuyaneseupbringing.

“It was not until I became the HR Director for the Chick-Fil-A branch in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania thatitreallybotheredme. Iwould go into the office and say Good morning and no one would answer me. That really bugged me until I resolved to myself, I will not conform to their standardsIwillkeepdoingit,”

She said adding that gradually, the employees around her began to greet each with the warmththatsheisusedto.

“I can safely say that I was abletochangethecultureofthat place for the better,” she added. She said that it was evident because even after she resigned fromHR,thefastfoodcompany kept her on their payroll as a consultant.

BECOMINGCOACH MICHELLE

Coach Michelle said before she became a professional relationship coach, she experienced heartbreak and separation. She had married her Guyanese childhood sweetheart.

“Iwasyoungandhewasrunning with the wrong crowd He promised to change but he didn’t and so we separated shortly after the wedding,” she revealed of her previousmarriage.

The Relationship Coach eventually found her true love in Nigel, her current husband However, she said that it was through this relationship, she discovered her insecurities, strengths, resilience, and the importanceofmaintainingherself.

“It was on the heels of our relationalchallengesshefoundher

miracle. It was my defining momentIwasatacrusadeandIjust knew I had to dedicate my life to God. Within six weeks, I was baptized.Thatcrusadechangedthe trajectoryofmylife,”shesaid.

Shortly after, Coach Michelle stumbled upon a book written by Christian authors Steven andAlex Kendricktitled“TheLoveDare.”

“Thatbookchangedmylifeand saved my marriage. To this day, I hold it 2nd to the bible,” she declared

Therelationshipcoachsaidthat the authors of the book invited her totakeachallenge.

“Thereisa40daysrelationship challengeinthebookwhichItook part in that became a catalyst that made me push into the business of relationship coaching,” she revealed.

Coach Michelle noted after finding her authentic self and realizing that loving her encompassesloveandalltheflaws, andtheweaknessesasmuchasthe strength, she started to share that with everyone that came into her path.

She started coaching in 2009 but it took about five years before shediditprofessionally Thechef pursuedherBachelorofSciencein Leadership and found herself after thatgoingafterhercertificationfor coaching.

better relational skills through courses like, First LoveYourself;DateWithA Purpose; Becoming His Wife, Premarital; and RelationshipRehab.

Her new book “Who I Am?Whose IAm? IAm... is all about self-discovery and a journal on the importance of loving one’s selfunconditionally

SERVINGGUYANA

Coach Michelle has manyclientsintheUSand theUKbutitwasn’tuntila year ago, when she came hometovisithermomthat everythingseemedtoshift. She said she was having a conversation with a young lady who follows her on socialmedia.

“We decided to continue the conversation later that day To my surprise,thatafternoon,shegotthe neighborhood church as the space tocontinuethediscussion,onlythis time;shebroughtherclosefriends and family with her That afternoon she turned into a three andhalfhourssession.Iwenthome exhaustedbutexcited.Thenextday she received a phone call asking if shewouldreturnbecauseeveryone didn’t get to ask their questions. I returned eager to help but soon

authenticselfthenothers.”

“The seminar was a success. I wasabletoblesswomenwithacare package and lift their spirits However, my spirit was heavy because she wanted to do more. It was within these weeks that I got myfirstfourGuyaneseclients.”

Overthenextfewmonths,after countless conversations between herself and her husband, she decidedtomoveherbusinessfrom

radio personality and CEO of Glosee Media, is so passionate about the conference, that she is adamant that every woman should entertheroom.

She says this conference will help participants foster self-worth and develop their passion, while cultivating healthy relationships, choose partners intentionally, and learn healthy communication skills.

“It is the perfect opportunity forbusinessesintheprofessional arena to buy. This event was organized to empower individuals with actionable insights on building successful professional and personal relationshipsbytappingintotheir potential. It’s time for your team memberstoelevatetheircreative confidence and unlock new avenuesofgrowth,”Dolphinsaid that her recent Brunch with the Bossesevent.

Coach Michelle will lead interactive sessions combining personal growth with professional strategies These carefully crafted sessions will provide employers/employees with the tools needed to attract and maintain healthy relationships, boosting their creativity and performance withintheworkplace.

“In 2017, I registered the businessforprofessionalcoaching. All I wanted to do was seminars with couples and help them,” CoachMichellesaid.

Sincethen,shehasworkedwith countless people and a number of couples to help to them achieve theirgoals.

Shesaidherrunningjokeisthat God used life as the classroom for the people she now serves

experience, she has developed strategies to help people foster

realizedtheyneededhelpandthatit could not be done in two afternoons,”sheexplained.

This session alerted Coach Michelletotheneed.

As a result, she said, “Somethingwasbirthedinme.”

She noted, “I couldn’t go back tolifeasusual,soIdecidedtotake allofmybirthdaymoneyandthen some and return home to hold a seminar where I shared the importance of applying the relationship Trinity, of aligning with God and finding your

theUStoGuyana,wheresheshares her message of self-love and the power of healthy marriage empowerment.

Coach Michelle is now fully transitioned to Guyana and the Caribbean. She said over the past ten months, she has witnessed hundreds of families impacted by hercoaching.

CoachMichelleishostingatthe Pegasus Hotel on August 27 a conferencecalled:‘Manifestingthe RelationshipYouWant’.

Ms. Sophia Dolphin, a popular

Theconferenceisdesignedto focus on issues: Changing Personal Perspectives On Relationships; Cultivating Authenticity And Vulnerability; Embracing Self-Love And SelfWorth;AndAligningDesiresWith RelationshipGoals.

Through the event, Coach Michelle hopes to transform the lives of women and their families, reminding them that they are worthy of love and capable of achieving their dreams The conference also includes panel discussions, workshops, and a MasterClass.

Coach Michelle shares a light moment with the love her life and husband, Nigel Cumberbatch.

Coach Michelle during one of training sessions.

forallyourGifts, AccessoriesandClothingnecessity Mesmerisa

One of the many people who was able to take advantage of the opportunities the COVID-19 pandemic created, was 20-year-old Mia Roopnarine, whotooktheboldstepoflaunchingherownbusiness called‘Mesmerisa’.

‘Mesmerisa’, a gift, accessories and clothing business,waslaunchedbackinMarch2021.

In a recent interview with The Waterfalls magazine,Roopnarinesaidtheinspirationtoopenher own business came from her loved ones, who motivated her to go after the opportunity and pursue her desires. “My family and husband inspired me a whole lot to start my business; I had no knowledge about business or how to even operate one. They helpedmewithmypricerangeandwhattobuyjustto nameafew,”shesaid.

Itwastheirtremendousimpactandsupportthatshe hasbeenabletotakeherbusinesstowhereitistoday, Roopnarine stated. Her business which can cater for any of your upcoming occasions, sells clothing and accessories for men, women and children, which you canalsopreorder Also,ifyouarelookingforgiftideas, Mesmerisa also does customize wooden key rings, lettersandsomuchmore.

Beinginthebusinessarenaforovertwoyears,the youngwomanrelatedthatthefeedbackandsupportfor herworkhasbeentremendous.Roopnarinesharedthat despite this, her business also faced its fair share of challengeslikeanyotheremergingbusiness.

Forher,oneofthechallengesshehadtodealwith was sales. She explained that some months, sales are greatwhileinothermonthsitwouldbeless.Howshe managed to overcome this, Roopnarine related, was that she has been putting her business on a larger platform where she can meet more customers and potentialcustomers.

When asked, how the effects of the pandemic affected her operations, she explained that “I started mybusinessduringthepandemicandIstartedworking aroundthesametime,sowhileIwasn’tgettingmany customersviaFacebookandInstagram,myworkmates andfamilymemberssupportedmebackthen.”

Not letting the challenges get in the way of her vision for her business, she has plans to expand ‘Mesmerisa’, where one day she can open her own space for all to see what she has to offer “At times it canbealittledifficultbutItrytodoasmuchasIcanfor mybusinessandseehowIcangrowitbecauseIwant mybusinesstobeouttheretobeseen,”sheexpressed.

Roopnarine, who has been making a meaningful impact in our society through her business, is of the view that “Young Entrepreneurs create value in the economyandareabletoovercomenewchallenges.”

Shesuggestedthattoboostsmallbusinessesinour society,thereshouldbemoresmallbusinessseminars being held. “Classes on how to better your business, pop up shops (on a large scale), and grants to assist smallbusinesses,”shepointedout.

For persons interested in ordering from ‘Mesmerisa’ you can do so via WhatsApp on telephone number (592) 648-0223. Check out their social pages on Instagram at mesmeris.gy or on FacebookatMesmerisa.gy.

ByAllyiahAllicock

“Young entrepreneurs create value in the economy and are able to overcome new challenges.”

Young entrepreneur, Mia Roopnarine

From page 16 to decommissioning. As such, he

American Development Bank at the scene. Also recovered were noted that while the Opposition (IDB) for a US$30M loan to two Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max cell supports the decommissioning enhance public assistance phones. fund, they asked for it to be placed programmes in place for the

After being identified by their inescrow protection of vulnerable respective relatives, the bodies of He cited what occurred in populations including persons SinghandBudhanweretakentothe California, United States with living with disabilities as well as DiamondDiagnosticCentre,where American oil giant; ExxonMobil victims of human trafficking and they were officially pronounced andBritishoilgiantShell. GenderBasedViolence(GBV). dead.

“In California and other places According to the project profile

The bodies are currently at the in America, they are having issues prepared by the IDB, this would be Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, with a decommissioning plan done by enhancing the MHSSS’s awaiting a post-mortem because what normally happens, capacity to efficiently implement examination. what can happen in the industry is several mechanisms for fiscal

Aninvestigationisongoing. that an operator towards the end of support. The specific objectives a field they normally farm-out the include: improving the efficiency

WEDNESDAY well. So what they normally do and transparency of the ministry’s they farm it out to smaller programmes through digital

Guyana should be wary of operator,”Pattersonsaid. transformation; expanding the decommissioning clause in new

He explained that towards the coverage and improving the oil law – MPPatterson …cites end of the project life, when the oil delivery of the public assistance what Exxon, Shell did in U.S. has been depleted - the wells are no programmesforvulnerablegroups; longer beneficial to big operators and supporting strategies and

Shadow Oil and Gas Minister like Exxon. As such he said, in services that address human and Opposition Member of some cases, they can sell their traffickingandGBV Parliament (MP), David Patterson shares in the oil block to small With respect to the need for last week stated that the operators - in the process, digital tools and management decommissioning clause in the transferring the responsibility for information systems at the Petroleum Activities Bill of 2023 decommissioning to small ministry,theIDBsaidthisiscritical spellsdangerforGuyana. operators. Due to the high price tag since it relies on multiple systems

Decommissioning is the associated with decommissioning, lawmakers and environmentalists

According to ProPublica, and databases, resulting in process of ending offshore oil and if a small operator is unable to foot are concerned about the deals, California is unique because State scattered and unconsolidated data gas operations at an offshore the decommissioning cost, noting that the sales shift law allows regulators to call on that hampers effective decisionplatform and returning the ocean taxpayerscanbeleftwiththatcost. environmental liability from former operators such as Shell and making. and seafloor to its pre-lease “So, there are issues on the corporate powerhouses to less- ExxonMobil to help pay for The bank said the ministry has condition. decommissioning fund, so we capitalized firms, increasing the plugging onshore oil wells if they started working on a Beneficiary

The Bill was passed in the saying that it should be put in risk that aging wells will be left are later orphaned, even by a Registry and Document National Assembly last Thursday. escrow. So therefore, even if they orphaned, unplugged and leaking different owner. But companies ManagementSystem(MIS),andon ItwastabledbyMinisterofNatural farm it out, that money is there all oil, brine and climate-warming have escaped responsibility under the conceptualization of a new Resources, Vickram Bharrat and thetime,”MPPattersonadded. methane. They see a threat that the this stronger legal standard, by information technology unit, but once enacted will replace the 1986 Kaieteur News had reported State’s oil industry could repeat a exploiting loopholes such as a these initiatives have not been Petroleum (Exploration and that last September when Exxon pattern seen in other extractive porousbankruptcycode. implementedyet. Production)Act Cap. 65:04 and the and Shell announced they will be industrieslikecoalminingandlead

Some experts question whether To support the wellbeing of the Petroleum (Production) Act Cap selling their California wells; U.S. totaxpayersbearingclean-upcosts. Shell and ExxonMobil would be elderlypopulation,itwasnotedthat 65:05. Minister Bharrat during his officials raised concerns that the California Assembly Member, required to pay if the wells they are the ministry implements a presentationontheBillhighlighted reason behind the oil companies’ SteveBennett,aDemocratwhohas selling to IKAV are ultimately universal Senior Citizens Pension that Government made provisions departures is the looming liability long worked on oil policy, has seen orphaned, saying their ownership (SCP) programme, which targets intheBillfordecommissioning.He for environmental clean-up – oilcompaniesinhisVenturadistrict of the wells through a separate individuals 65 years and older The said, “To ensure that the operators which can be left on U.S. taxpayers walk away from environmental company, Aera, might shield them programme has approximately bear the responsibility of the tofootthebill. liability “It gets passed on to a fromliability

68,147 beneficiaries and delivers a decommissioning process, this Bill ProPublica, a non-profit smaller company and to a smaller

Additionally, Exxon’s affiliate, monthly transfer of US$158 (GY will set up a decommissioning newsroom that investigates abuses company until someone declares Esso Exploration and Production $33,000). Based on a comparison fund.” of power particularly in the oil and bankruptcy and the public is stuck GuyanaLimited(EEPGL)hasbeen of Latin American and Caribbean

Thelawstates,“Theholderofa gas industry – reported that despite withtheclean-upbill,”hesaid. taking out money from Guyana’s country, the IDB said this pension petroleum production licence shall the price of oil produced in According to ProPublica, if it’s o i l p r o d u c t i o n f o r scheme has very high coverage establish an abandonment fund for California, this year it has reached not profitable to return wells to decommissioning – this money is (92% of the target population) but the purpose of ensuring adequate its highest level in a decade – production, they need to be beingcontrolledbythecompany low value (with the pension f u n d i n g t o i m p l e m e n t Exxon and Shell who have done plugged.Butifacompanydoesnot During an engagement with representing 30% of preretirement d e c o m m i s s i o n i n g a n d businessintheStateformorethana plug its wells before walking away, media operatives in June 2022, averageearnings). abandonment operations upon century, are selling assets and wellsareorphanedandtheclean-up E x x o n M o b i l G u y a n a Additionally, the IDB said the cessation of production and the beginningtopulloutofCalifornia. costs ultimately fall to taxpayers a c k n o w l e d g e d t h a t majority of pensioners still receive subsequent expiry of the ProPublica also reported that andcurrentoperatorsthroughfees. decommissioning funds are not their benefits through vouchers production licence... The annual the oil giants agreed to sell more It was stated that in order to needed until 20 to 30 years down obtained from post offices. The contribution to the abandonment than 23,000 wells in California, minimize the Government’s the line. Be that as it may, the IDB said this is a challenge for fund must ensure that the full which they owned through a joint exposure if wells are orphaned, company noted that the provisions residents of remote areas, as travel estimated cost of abandonment is venture called Aera Energy, to producers must put up a bond, of the 2016 Stabroek Block deal costs incurred to cash the transfers paid to the fund two years prior to German asset management group, typically held as cash or a surety allowforearlyrecovery canamountto20%ormoreoftheir the anticipated commencement of IKAV, for an estimated US$4 policy Thebondsactlikeasecurity The oil giant assured value. The IDB said efforts have d e c o m m i s s i o n i n g a n d billion. deposit in which the company gets nonetheless that when Guyana been made to introduce alternative abandonment operations in the While Exxon and Shell say the itsbondbackifitcleansupitsmess, needs that money for clean-up, the payment methods, including direct productionlicencearea.” deal will strengthen their but the Government keeps the moneywillbehandedover cash payments, payments through

During his objection to some businesses – Greg Rogers, an money if the company orphans its alternate venues (other than the clauses of the Bill, Patterson said Attorney and Accountant who wells. Guyana seeks US$30M loan to traditional post offices), bank that allowing the oil companies to researches the oil and gas industry, While California has the strengthen public assistance transfers and the Mobile Money only submit money two years prior said the deal allows the sellers to authority to ask for an additional programmes for elderly, Guyana mobile wallet application. to the decommissioning process shed decommissioning costs. “You US$30 million in financial security domestic violence victims However,theIDBsaidmigrationto canleaveaburdenontaxpayers. got bad assets with big liabilities, from a single operator – Shell and alternate cash payments has been Patterson said that Guyana and you can get rid of both at the Exxon’sjointventureholdsaUS$3 The Government of Guyana low(lessthan1.5%). should be wary of what occurred in same time. That’s a win for Exxon million bond. As a result, Aera’s through the Ministry of Human Regardingthepublicassistance other countries, dealing with oil andShell,”hesaid. bonds cover way less than what Services and Social Security programmeforpersonslivingwith and gas companies when it comes Other industry experts, wouldberequiredtoplugthewells. (MHSS) has applied to the Inter- (Continued on page 58)

Shadow Oil and Gas Minister and Opposition Member of Parliament, David Patterson

From page 57

Government and an completed on approximately

the region from elsewhere in agricultural sector, disabilities (PwD), the the country and offshore. supporting rice, sugar, agrofinancial institution said this Some of these projects processing and agricultural programme delivers a include the construction of materials.GCIEsaidtoothat monthly transfer of US$77, the Guyana Technical it has performed various and targets three groups: (i) Training College which will developmental works on the persons living with place special emphasis on s i t e , i n c l u d i n g t h e permanent disabilities; (ii) skill sets for the oil sector installation of vertical drains individuals facing economic That project is set to be and geotechnical treatment hardship; (iii) individuals located in Port Mourant. It is ofthequaysideland. whohavetemporarymedical a collaborative effort Thesubsidiarynotedthat conditions which restricts between the Guyana riverside construction is themfromearning.

Approximately 16,000 ExxonMobil-led consortium 500m of rip rap flood PwD are currently enrolled which operates the oil-rich protection, a 10 acre i n t h e p r o g r a m m e , StabroekBlock. quayside laydown yard built representing 64% of its During the six-month to a five tons per square beneficiaries. The IDB said period which ended on June metre load bearing capacity, the programme is under- 30, 2023, GCIE said it an access bridge to the main dimensioned, in terms of incurred additional costs Corentyne highway and 2.6 both benefits which totalling US$551,549 for the km access road, both built to representhalfofthetransfers port. For the year ended American Association of paid to older persons) and December31,2022thistotal State Highway and coverage, as the number of was US$3,245,855 It Transportation Officials psychosocial services, implementationofthepolicy News%20%E2%80%93%2 beneficiaries represents only therefore means that (ASSHTO) standards, counselling and forensic actions promoted by the first 0CGX%20Energy%20Inc,b about one third of the target approximately US$3 8M concrete drains and interviews, and referrals to operation. ank%20of%20the%20Berbi population. was already expended on driveways for residents other supportive services ce%20River.).

Notably, the IDB said that aspect of the facility for along the roadway and This initiative addresses the THURSDAY That timeline was then human trafficking is on the that period, adding to the extensionofmunicipalwater fact that Guyana has one of pushed back to late 2023 rise,affectingmostlywomen over US$20M already spent andpowertotheportsite. the highest rates of GBV in CGX extends deadline which this newspaper and girls and among them, since the project got started. It said requests for theregion. for Berbice deepwater reported on (See link : migrants and young people The total cost for the facility proposals were advertised

The IDB noted that port facility for https://www kaieteurnewso from rural and indigenous ispeggedatUS$80M. for the wharf platform and women in Guyana report third time; now nline com/2022/11/30/berbi communities in particular

GCIE said it expects that access trestle, capital experiencing higher rates of scheduled for 2024 ce-to-get-oil-and-gasThe bank said trafficking the port will significantly dredgingprogramme,design physical violence (35%) support-base-in-late-2023/) occurs in remote interior boost local content and construction of all gates, than in other Caribbean

The Berbice deep-water Even before the close of communities with limited engagement in the oil and buildings, firefighting and countries, such as Trinidad p o r t f acility b ein g the year, the company has government presence. For gas sector and add enhanced first aid structures and and Tobago and Suriname undertaken by Canadian oil already put its shareholders 2022, the government and logistics capacity for import covered storage areas (both at 27%). Although the explorer, CGX Energy Inc. onnoticethatcriticalaspects n o n - g o v e r n m e n t a l and export, including Kaieteur News understands Ministry has several throughitssubsidiary,Grand would not be ready until organizations identified 231 expandable capacity to thatevaluationsofsubmitted programmes which address Canal Industrial Estates Inc. 2024 but even that is hinged victims which represented accommodate the possibility proposals for the capital these issues, the IDB said (GCIE) would not be ready on certain conditions as an additional 27 victims of increased product flow to dredgingandconstructionof there is need for a foruseuntilnextyear Thisis outlinedearlier relative to 2020. Of these, and from the northern states the wharf platform and comprehensive strategy according to the latest I n i t s f i n a n c i a l 218werewomen,20ofthem of Brazil. Due to its location access trestle were which incorporates all of financial statements for statements, CGX said underage,exploitedinsexor close to Suriname, the port’s completed and a local theseprogrammestoaddress CGXdatedAugust10,2023. significant infrastructure labortrafficking. oil and gas support functions c o n t r a c t o r , G a i c o

GBV, which should include The financial documents projectsinRegionSixwhich

In May 2023, Guyana will also help to serve the Construction and General an increase in the coverage note that the port, located have been announced by the a p p r o v e d t h e n e w rapidly growing offshore Services, awarded The and quality of the existing adjacent to Crab Island on Government of Guyana are Trafficking in Persons Bill, e x p l o r a t i o n a n d successful bid incorporates services. For example, only the Eastern Bank of the w h a t m o t i v a t e t h e whichexpandsthedefinition development activities in anupdatetothedesignofthe 10% of the reported cases of Berbice River, is being completion of the cargo of exploitation and aims to that country’s oil and gas wharf and trestle to realize domestic violence were designed to service the oil aspects of the port, strengthen the government’s sector. cost efficiencies. GCIE said prosecutedin2022. and gas industry as well as especiallywithrespecttothe ability to respond to the

Furthermore, GCIE said w o r k o n i n - r i v e r Wi t h r e s p e c t t o general cargo and the handling of aggregates and issue. As part of the the port is expected to add constructionofthe50x12m financing, the IDB said the agricultural industries in other construction materials implementation of the Bill, significant capacity to the (Continued on page 59) proposed programmatic Guyana. Notably, the port is which must be imported into the ministry is tasked with policy-based loan is expected to benefit from its supporting victims Its structured in two technically proximity to the oil and gas Counter-Trafficking in linked but financially industryinSuriname.

Persons (C-TIP) Unit independent operations. The CGX said the project supportstheidentificationof first,describedinthisarticle, now targets operation of the the victims and provides leverages parallel co- cargo terminal aspects them with social welfare and financing resources from during first quarter of 2024 assistance. GlobalAffairsCanadaforan whiletheoperationofoiland Importantly,theMinistry amount of US$90 million. It gas support base is slated for of Human Services is the promotes the preparation operation in mid-2024, principal government and/or approval of strategic subject to construction partner for the Spotlight and regulatory policies in schedules, financing, and InitiativeProgramme,which three areas: (i) digital supply chains. It should be a i m s t o c r e a t e a n transformation of the noted that this is not the first environment for women and ministry,aimedatincreasing time the project has faced girls to live a life free of the efficiency of the setbacks in its timeline. It violence, harmful practices country’s safety net; (ii) was initially scheduled to be and intersecting forms of improved coverage and completed since the fourth discrimination. To this end, implementation of the safety quarter of 2022 (See link for the Ministry implements net; and (iii) addressing f u r t h e r d e t a i l s : c o m m u n i t y - b a s e d human trafficking and https://www kaieteurnewso awareness and advocacy gender-basedviolence. nline com/2022/08/11/berbi initiatives, and provides Meanwhile, the second ce-deepwater-port-will-notvictims of gender-based operation of this programme meet-2022-deadlineviolence (GBV) with w i l l f o c u s o n t h e cgx/#: :text=Kaieteur%20

A section of the port facility being done by CGX

The trail where Ramcharran's body was found.

Dead: Ganesh Ramcharran

From page 58

was expected to occur this year, in access trestle being built from the keeping with the 2016 Production quayside yard westward into the Sharing Agreement (PSA); Berbice River is progressing on however,itwasextendedduetothe budget and no health and safety COVID pandemic. To this end, he related incidents, with completion said, “That’s the force majeure; we of the trestle expected in August lookedattheforcemajeurealready 2023. That’s a different matter We explained it in the period and why

Pomona farmer dies at ‘Grave andallofthat.” Hill’on return home from farm

InafollowupquestionKaieteur News asked the VP about the due

An Essequibo farmer was on diligence by government to prove Tuesday reportedly killed after the oil company’s operation was allegedly losing control of his indeed affected when he motorcycle while returning home responded, “Don’t worry with that. from his farm located east of It’s just another waste of time. I’m Mashabo Mission, Essequibo not wasting my time anymore with Coast,RegionTwo. Norton.”

Dead is 40-year-old Ganesh Ramcharran of Pomona Housing

Govt. only addressing pollution Scheme, Essequibo Coast and harassment, not impact to Ramcharran was found dead while livelihoods ofAmerindians at lying faced down a short distance Chinese Landing - Jagdeo away from his motorcycle along a trail at ‘Grave Hill’ Mashabo

The impact of mining on the Mission,justafter16:00hrs. livelihoods of the Amerindian

Investigators learnt that peopleatChineseLanding,Barama Ramcharran had left his home River, Region One will not be around06:00hrsonTuesdayforhis addressednow,onlytheallegations farm. of pollution by miners and the

Ramcharran lost control of the harassment they face, Vice motorcycle while on his way home President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said and fell onto the trail. It is believed government should provide the forcing the company to not give onThursday that the impact of the fall was so evaluation it conducted for the backaportionoftheBlock. Jagdeo was at the time severe that it killed Ramcharran on publictoanalyze. He asserted, “That can’t be the responding to questions posed by thespot. Low stressed the importance of waythatthecountryisrun.Weneed Kaieteur News at a Press

Another farmer passing by a the document citing that the toseeanevaluationthatneedstobe Conference held at the Arthur short while later, found administration has a history of not releasedtothepublicsothatwecan Chung Conference Center Ramcharranlyingmotionless.That conducting requisite studies and see the government did its due (ACCC),Liliendaal,Georgetown. farmer alerted other farmers and should justify its decision for the diligence in making this decision. Kaieteur News while seeking villagers living close by and police extensionandclarifythatitwasnot This can be a multibillion-dollar an update on the “fact-finding” werecalledin. pulled“outoftheclearbluesky”. decision; of course blocks that are team’s report following a visit to

Detectives said that when they According to him, “While I can relinquished can then be Community on Sunday, August 6, arrivedatthescene,theysawblood understand COVID-19 being a auctioned.” 2023, noted that the residents had on Ramcharran’s face and some reasonable reason, what I would TheOppositionEconomistsaid also raised concerns that the oozing from his nostrils. No marks always ask is can the government he suspects that the government takeoveroftheirtitledlandshasleft of violence were seen on his body provide to the public, a document does not have such a document but them without a main source of and the front wheel of his which is evaluating the situation; nonethelessissuedachallengeforit income to provide for their motorcyclewasbent. which they were able to receive tobereleased. families.

His body was taken to the expert advice as to whether or not

Meanwhile,OppositionLeader, Jagdeo in his response said, Suddie Public Hospital, where it theyshouldrelinquish.” Aubrey Norton commented that “That is not what went before the was further examined by a doctor Low pointed out that the over there is need for transparency and humanrightsbody Youknowwhat beforebeingsenttoamorgue. the past few years, ExxonMobil accountability in the sector, went there, we have to respond to through the Stabroek Block especially as it relates to the that,thepollutionintheareaandits President Bharrat Jagdeo during a FRIDAY operator, Esso Exploration and extension granted for the overrun by mining I don’t know pressconferenceatFreedomHouse Production Guyana Limited relinquishmentoftheBlock. whatwegonna(do)”. backinJune.TheVPtoldreporters, Opposition demands (EEPGL) has substantially ramped He argued, “Jagdeo cannot tell The human rights body, the “The force majeure that was given justification from Govt. for up oil production, pushing this nation that it was done as a Inter-American Commission on to them in the COVID period extending a portion of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product resultofCOVIDwithoutproviding HumanRights(IACHR)hadcalled extends the relinquishment ExxonM’s Stabroek Block (GDP)aboveitsforecastedgrowth. clear documentation so that we can on the Guyanese authorities to provision.” He therefore reasoned, “This know the rationale...the only way implement a series of measures to

Notably, the 20 percent portion “Billions of US-dollars are at indicates that the company’s we could verify it, is by having the protect the Indigenous Carib of the Stabroek Block is equivalent stake.” This was the Opposition’s operations are functioning and documentationtobeabletodiscern CommunityofChineseLanding. to 120 oil blocks or one fifth of the contention yesterday as the have been functioning well. What whether what he’s saying is true, or According to the Commission, entire 26,800 square kilometers or political group questioned the we need to see is what evaluation he is just being Jagdeo and the Carib community which has 6.6millionacres. Government’s move to allow has the government done to formulating his realities as he approximately 210 residents,

With no documented proof that United States oil major, determine that the company’s movesalongandsendthemoutasif currently is at serious risk of the company’s operations were ExxonMobil, an additional year to operations were inhibited and what theyaretruths.”

suffering irreparable harm to their indeed impacted by the Corona explore the resource-rich Stabroek evaluation was done to give us an Jagdeo responds human rights by miners and even Virus Pandemic, the Opposition is Block. understanding that the company Notably, Vice President Jagdeo some members of the Guyana demanding an evaluation by the The company was expected to should not be relinquishing the was asked during his press PoliceForce. administration to confirm Exxon’s give back (relinquish) a portion of blocks.” engagementabouttheOpposition’s Details of those risks were claims. the block, equivalent to 20 percent

To this end, the Economist call for government to release the outlined in a petition to the Economic Advisor to the inOctoberthisyear,howeveritwas flagged that the 20 percent that document that shows why international body which was filed Leader of the Opposition and granted an extension by the should be relinquished by Exxon government is extending the oil by the Chinese Landing Village Spokesperson on Oil and Gas, governmentwhichgaveintoclaims couldbevaluedtensofUS-billions. company’s hold on the Stabroek Council, the Amerindian Peoples Elson Low while speaking at a of the company’s work programme Given its potential, Low argued he Block when he provided an Association of Guyana (APA), and press conference on Friday being hampered by the COVID-19 does not believe a determination unrelatedresponse. the Forest Peoples Programme. explained that while the pandemic Pandemic. should be made by a single Kaieteur News pressed the VP, Someoftheallegationsmadeare is a reasonable explanation, This is according to Vice individual who does not feel like explaining that the relinquishment (Continued on page 60)

Map showing the size of the Stabroek Block compared to the Kaieteur and Canje oil blocks offshore Guyana

Economic Advisor to the Leader of the Opposition, Elson Low

From page 59 mining permits registered to Mr pollution to the environment, Wayne Vieira must be revoked and destruction of their homes, and the miners, along with all threats against their lives for equipment and weapons, be protesting against the takeover of removed from the village’s lands. theirlands. We call on the Government to Afact-finding team was sent to immediately implement this”, the investigate the allegations and the MDC stated. The MDC also residentshadbrokedownintotears stressed that the lands are used by astheydemandedthereturnoftheir the residents of Chinese Landing lands. people to maintain their families.

According to residents, the The Council said it will be raising lands are used to provide for their the issue at the upcoming National families As many cried, the Toshao’sCouncil. residents accused the Government The MDC is made up of 12 of taking away their “daily bread” indigenous villages, Santa Rosa, and giving them to miners thereby Kariako, Kokerite,Waikrebi, Santa forcingthemtosuffer Cruz/LiLle Kanuballi, Chinese Jagdeo at his press conference Landing, Assakata, Warapoka, on Thursday said that his Santa Rosa, Kwebanna, Waramuri, government is aware of those Father’sBeach,andManawarin. concerns too, but in the same vein claimedthatwhileamajorityofthe SATURDAY residents at Chinese Landing want the miners off their lands, CGX racks up US$155M specifically Mr M.V, the legal in expenses to recover holderofagoldconcessionontheir against Corentyne Block US$460 million in pre-contract an offshore supply base for the oil given the current pace, the loan’s titled lands, there are others who costs for the Stabroek Block, and is and gas industry and as a full disbursement before the wanthimtocontinueworking. Canadian oil explorer, CGX now adding tens of billions more multipurpose terminal to service original closing date is an “ Some people want the Energy Inc. has made it clear that it with wells and projects. If CGX agricultural import and export, unrealistic expectation.As a result, mining and some don’t want the intends to recover US$155M in goes forward with their Corentyne containerized and specialized theGuyanaGovernmentsoughtthe mining, a few believe that Vieira costs brought forward from its Block development, it would mark cargo including aggregates for aforementionedextension. (M.V) should continue and the originalCorentyneBlocklicense,if the second time a company is construction purposes. The port February 2023 saw the World majority believe that he shouldn’t it develops the resources found inserting pre-contract costs into the aims to enable provisioning of Bank deployed a Technical continue and it’s a complex there. This would make the second cost bank. The government has operators and vendors in territorial Mission, which paved the way for situation,” the Vice President told time a company moves to recover been handling the audit of Exxon’s waters of both Guyana and the recent Midterm Review (MTR) reporters. ‘pre-contract costs’, after pre-contract and current contract Suriname. held in June 2023. This mission

The Vice President continued: ExxonMobil and the Stabroek costs with a worrying lack of scrutinizedandendorsedaseriesof “One thing is sure, that we are on Block. transparency It would be more World Bank agrees measures designed to counteract the side of the village and we have CGX has not decided yet worryingforanotherblocktomove to restructure US$20M the perceived underperformance always been from the timewe went whether the resources it discovered to development, with the loan for oil sector and to align the project more to court and we want to protect the at the Wei-1 and Kawa-1 wells are government continuing to treat the closely with the Guyanese villagersandtheirinterests.” commercial Once potential transparencyofauditsinthisway The Guyana Government, via Government’sreshuffledpriorities.

One of the interests that the c o m m e r c i a l p r o d u c t i o n

CGX’s

projects its Ministry of Natural Resources, A significant outcome

of these

The Wei-1 well, as of June 11, has convinced the World Bank to discussions was the consensus on 2023, reached a depth of 20,450 restructure a US$20M loan, the new project’s deadline and a feet. By July 5, the operations were initially approved in March 2019. revisedallocationofresources. completed. The Wei-1 well This loan aims to fortify in-country Sources familiar with the encountered 210 feet of expertise for the burgeoning oil matter informed this publication hydrocarbon bearing sands in the sector. that part of the funds will be Santonianhorizon. The crux of this restructuring redirected to other areas related to

The Joint Venture acquired requestinvolvesanextensiontothe addressing the capacity constraints wireline logs and extensive core project’s closing date, pushing it for management of the oil sector. samples from the Santonian, from its original date of March 30, Thispivotisadirectresponsetothe however, due to a tool failure 2024, by a substantial 21 months. unexpected needs stemming from downhole and a back-up tool not Consequently, the revised deadline the swift acceleration of Guyana’s being available, oil samples were willbeDecember31,2025. oil production and export activities not obtained. The rock and fluid According to documents seen sinceMarch2019.

IACHR asked the government to commences, CGX is permitted to properties of the Santonian are by Kaieteur News, this marks the The World Bank, reflecting on protect is the villagers’ “rights to recoveritscosts. being analyzed ed by an inaugural restructuring of the the project’s journey, commented life and personal integrity”. The Should CGX decide to develop independent third-party laboratory project. It is worth noting that all on the evident momentum gained government was reportedly given theresources,theywillalsoattempt over the next two months to define audit reports concerning this recently Itpointedtothesuccessful 20 days to respond to the IACHR’s to recoup the current contract costs net pay and a basis for the endeavour are current and have awarding of consulting contracts, resolutionandthatdeadlinewasset connected with the drilling of the evaluation of this interval. The been given the nod of approval by whichbolstertwoprimaryfacetsof forAugust10. Kawa-1 and Wei-1 wells Joint Venture updated its the World Bank. The records also the project The financial

The government has failed to Moreover, there’s potential for previously announced discovery in indicate that there aren’t any institution also noted that meet the deadline but Jagdeo said more wells to be drilled by June the Maastrichtian and the outstandingauditmatters. Component A focuses on refining the report will be “released 2024, which will add further to the Campanian intervals to 77 feet of Financial data reveals that, up the legal framework and enhancing shortly”. costs to be recovered. CGX is also netpay to this point, 45 percent (or stakeholder relations, while

“I guess that the response racking up expenses with the Last year, CGX announced the US$8.59M) of the loan has been Component B zeroes in on the should be made shortly that is my construction of a deepwater port at discovery of 228 feet of net pay disbursed. Out of this, the actual capacity building of pivotal latestupdate,”Jagdeosaid. Berbice. The port, aiming to serve across the Maastrichtian, documented spending stands at institutions.Thesestrides,theBank

While the residents await the theoilandgasindustryandprovide Campanian, Santonian and US$6.52 million. This equates to opined, are indicative of an government’s findings, the Moruca a multipurpose terminal, is Coniacian horizons at the Kawa-1 33percentofthetotalloanamount. upswing in both procurement and District Council (MDC), Region expected to be operational mid exploration well Third-party Thesefigureshaveraisedeyebrows implementation.

One in statement on Wednesday 2024 Together, CGX’s pre- analyses indicated the presence of at the World Bank, with the Given the recent surge in called for Mr M.V mining permits contract costs, the costs associated light oil in the Santonian and institution highlighting a activities and the mutual toberevoked. with its wells, and the cost of the Coniacian, and gas condensate in significant delay in the financial understanding regarding future

“The residents of Chinese deepwater port, will add up to theMaastrichtianandCampanian. implementation. milestones, the World Bank Landing have been clear that for hundredsofmillionsofUSdollars. CGX is also building a Berbice A statement from the World concludes that the revised deadline their rights to be protected, the ExxonMobil had racked up Deepwater Port facility to serve as Bank expressed concerns that, isbothappropriateandjustified.

A map showing the location of the Corentyne Block

Govt. using bogus excuses to deny livable income for ordinary Guyanese

Despite massive and growing oil revenues, life remains a daily struggle to make ends meet for many citizens and households. The living standards of many Guyanese families continue to decline as their incomeshavereducedorstagnated, and the cost of living continues to increase and is increasingly burdensome. This was highlighted by Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton during his press conference onFriday

Norton lamented that despite our oil wealth, the government continues to deny livable incomes to workers and other struggling Guyanese by hiding behind claims that higher wages and more generous social programs will spur higher inflation or the Dutch disease. Norton noted that the while the government is claiming inflation as an excuse for not increasing wages, Guyanese must be reminded of two occasions where substantial salary increases didnotleadtohigherinflation.

“The first occasion is the Aubrey Armstrong Arbitration PanelAwardforpublicservantsand the Malcolm RodriguesArbitration Panel Award for teachers, both of 1999 The Armstrong panel

awarded public workers salary increases of 31.06% for 1999 and 26.66% for 2000.The Rodrigues Panel awarded teachers an increase of 10% at the bottom scales and 12% at the top for 1999 only,” he said adding that in the aftermath of the payouts to the roughly 30,000 public employees over a few months, inflation actually dropped from 8.6% in 1999 to 2.6% at the end2001.

“We believe the government today can substantially increase the disposable income of Guyanese households without any great risk of higher inflation,” the Opposition Leadersaid.

According to Norton, the nd Government's 2 excuse that an increase in disposable income will result in the 'Dutch Disease' is even abiggerlie

He explained that the 'Dutch Disease' mostly refers to the appreciationofalocalcurrencyand the resulting effect on the export sector and the non-tradable sector An appreciation of the Guyana dollar,forexample,couldmakeour rice and other exports more expensive and less competitive, resulting in the overall decline of the non-oil sector Paying livable

Govt. would not hand over...

From page 20

the approval of Cabinet so he cannot, unlike the old legislation, do it on his own. It now requires collective scrutinyofthedocumentsandtheexerciseofhispower We can't vest that in (Shadow Minister for the Oil Sector, David) Patterson or (Opposition Leader, Aubrey) Norton. We vested it in a larger group that has a collective responsibilitytothepeople,”theVicePresidentsaid.

The official also noted that at the appropriate time, the powers of the minister will transition to a Petroleum Commission.

ThepassageofthePetroleumActivitiesBillisoneofthe key elements Guyanese authorities promised to have in place before the September 12 deadline for the submission of bids in its maiden auction. That licensing round which features 14 oil blocks will see awards being completed on November1,2023.

The indicative terms for that auction include a 10 percent royalty, a US$1M annual training fee, a US$1M annual rental fee, 65 percent of gross production going to expenses after the royalty is allocated, and the remaining profit oil being split 50/50. The law also provides for the finance minister to exempt future blocks from the payment ofPropertyandCapitalGainsTax.

Notably, this law will only apply to ExxonMobil from a management and administrative perspective. The Vice President previously explained that Exxon which operates thecountry'sonlycommercialblockwillnotbesubjectedto thenewfiscaltermswhichalsoincludethepaymentofa10 percentIncomeTax.

Opposition Leader: Aubrey

Norton

wages or guaranteeing livable incomeshasnothingtodowithit.

He said it is therefore paradoxicalisthatthegovernment's refusal to substantially increase the real incomes of most Guyanese in this time of plenty has created a dangerous gap between the economic fortunes of oil sector relativetoothersectors.

He stressed that if workers can readily earn wages several times higher in the oil sector than any other,thenourtraditionalindustries will lose their existing employees andfailtoattractnewones.

Norton noted that “The IMF describesthisasbeingthe“resource

movementeffect”ofDutchdisease, inwhichlaborandcapitalaredrawn to a dominant industry, causing others to underperform If we continue to keep wages low in the public and non-oil sectors, we may soon find that Guyana produces little else beyond oil The government must therefore pay Guyanese workers a livable income.”

According to the opposition leader, the recent complaints about labor shortages in the rice industry areanearlywarningsignofthis.

“A recent editorial in the Stabroek News highlighted the fact that the rice sector in Berbice is

currentlyfacedwithanacutelabour shortage, including a shortage of tractor operators, likely caused by the migration of workers to the oil and construction sectors. Similarly, theGGDMAjustlastweeksounded alarm bells over the migration of labourers away from the gold industrytowardsthecoast.,”hesaid adding that increasing salaries, raising the tax-free threshold, spurring the growth of small businesses, among other measures highlighted, will ensure that the labor market does not skew toward oilandgasactivities.

He said, “The contradiction in the PPP's position, therefore, is that suppressing wages and salaries could induce the very 'Dutch Disease' conditions …Increasing wages and salaries across the board prevents the emergence of such activities.Butjustascritical,higher wages ensure that the country can retainitsteachers,medicalworkers, anduniversitygraduates.”

At the end of the day, the Opposition Leader noted that the Government's excuse to deny Guyanese a livable income merely exposes what is fundamentally flawedandheartlesswithitscurrent approach.

WANTED VACANCY

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

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

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

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

Experienced Land dredge Workers and male Cook needed to work in the Interior. Call: 684-1030.

Experienced Nanny preferably from the East Bank. Contact : 693-5014.

Wanted! Male & Female workers for packaging pasta and chowmein on the Back Road (Mandela Ave). Call: 611-7839.

One male and female ablebodied Staff needed to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 2261497, 658-8559.

Looking for a land to buy in Kuru Kuru, offering price- 58 mil. Call: 261-5926.

Handyman needed to work shift, Security Guard and Housekeeper at Signature Inn Hotel. Contact Rosa: 644-2020.

GMSA President wants removal of VAT...

From page 36 country. Furthermore, Ali underscored the significance of data services for business operations and the switch from minutes to data for calls. This transition, he explained, would enhance convenience and cost-effectiveness for enterprises utilizing data services.

ducers for procurement of goods made within Guyana’s borders.

efforts to improve and expand the local agro-processor community.

FOR RENT

One apartment for rent @ First St Mon Repos E.C.D, Market street. Call: 614-0005/ 602-4105.

Bottom flat, 2 bedrooms and top flat 3 bedrooms at Durban Street. Call Leon or June: 612-5296 or 623-1562.

Live-in and business quarters for rent at James Street. Call: 674-0614.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

VACANCY

Accounts Clerk needed. Must have a sound secondary education and 1-2 years Accounting experience. For more information Call: 2262621.

Demerara Transportation & logistics Inc is looking for suitable and qualified individuals for Site Manager & Supervisor positions. Call: 671-5433.

Vacancies exists for Glass & Window Installers. Must have at least 3 yrs experience & a valid drivers license. Send applications: 654-3905.

We are now hiring Bartender, Waitress and experienced Cook. Preferably from WCD, attractive salary offered. Call: 689-7481.

Driver needed. All Applicants must have Motor Car, Van & Lorry Licence. Apply to: Human Resource Manager Global Healthcare Supplies Inc Or Via Email: globalhealthsuppliesinc@ gmail.com

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

Ali reiterated GMSA’s unwavering support for the “support local” initiative. At the dinner, he urged the government to prioritize local pro-

Ali also illuminated GMSA’s aspiration to attain international recognition for local agro-processors. Acknowledging the costliness of participating in expos abroad he noted that more assistance is needed from the government. He even suggested an allocation from the government to agro-processors in the annual national budget as it would bolster its

The GMSA President also previously underscored plans to expand the UncappeD Marketplace, an exposition organized by the association, on an international scale. Ali revealed intentions to host UncappeD in countries with a significant Guyanese diaspora, aiming to spotlight the products and services of the nation’s small agro-processors.

25 graduate from AWE Entrepreneurial...

From page 51 those doors opened by this program and the networks it facilitated.

“We are looking forward to see what other opportunities you take hold of to build on this beginning and further grow your business,” she told the graduates.

The Cherie Blair Foundation will also provide one-year mentorship opportunities for the top five graduates, which Mrs. Loncke-Watson in expressing her gratitude for this extensive input also remarked that “If this girl from Essequibo could use these opportunities to succeed, I am sure that you could too.” In relating a very moving account of her own journey, she said, “the support that I received was instrumental and we try to provide the same tools you need to succeed, and as long as you have these tools, I want to assure you that we are excited to see what comes after this.”

Linden’s Mayor Sharma Solomon spoke of his personal experience having a mother, who was a seamstress, putting two children through college and university serving to convince him of the importance of women being involved in business. He also stressed on the im-

portance of women being given the opportunity to earn and learn, remarking that “programs like this are in agreement with our Council’s vision for the development of women and I want us to congratulate the organisers on providing this initiative at Linden so that they will bring more sessions like these.”

EDUCATION

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

FOR SALE

Modern home under construction at Annadale, ECD. Land size 54X100, building 30X45. Call: 675-1510/ 6137964.

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.

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.

PEN PAL

Male seeking single female penpal. WhatsApp: 698-6391.

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

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

Factory Worker needed. For more infoCall: 226-2621.

FOR SALE

Canje transported farm land 207 acres, recently used for rice cultivation, fresh water own koker. Email: gelgin15@gmail.com

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.

Offering congratulations to the successful participants, Kelly McCray, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Guyana, encouraged the participants to take full advantage of the training provided. She challenged the graduates in her remarks to grow and share, since “you are now positioned to help others as well, so I charge you to share your knowledge that you have earned with others and to help other Guyanese women realise economic prosperity.” The program, which has now been offered in Essequibo and Berbice, received welcoming remarks from the Regional Vice Chairman Mark Goring who commended the organisers for investing in the development of the women entrepreneurs in Region 10, especially by extending the program to include women from sub-region 2, Ituni and Kwakwani. In remarks echoing the sentiments of previous speakers on the importance of improving on the training provided, he said, “As you graduate this program today, I challenge you all to find more ways to grow, as I am sure it will result in your personal development, but also in development for so many others within your sphere of influence.” Founder and CEO of The NICO Consulting Michelle A. Nicholas weighed in via a recorded message to share in the excitement of the graduation, “You did it!” she exulted. Expressing that the entrepreneurial journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and this program is one of the rest stops, Ms. Nicholas reminded the graduates to “take it all in…take your 5-mins of selfcare everyday… and remember that you matter.” She also took time to thank all of those who contributed to the success of the activity. “Collaboration matters, we can’t do it alone,” she shared in recognizing the importance of these inputs. Encouraging the en-

trepreneurial spirit of the participants with a commitment made at the launch of the program to waive membership fees in the Chamber for this year for the participants, the President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Development Lyndon Younge again praised the timeliness of the initiative. He shared on the importance of being goal focused and utilizing the resources that are readily available.

IICA’s representative at the graduation Dr. Maxine Parris congratulated the graduates, stating that even by way of signing up for the opportunity they demonstrated the desire to learn and improve.

“Many times, we are our own worst enemy,” Dr. King remarked, “many times, we say that we have a little business, please don’t’ say that. You don’t have a little business, you have a big dream and you have a whole future ahead of you.

But having been exposed to the training, I am sure that has now broadened your mind to the possibilities, so I want you to step into these possibilities.”

The training program was a hybrid of online and in-person sessions hosted in Linden, with the participants required to maintain attendance and participation rates that would ensure a thorough delivery of the curriculum. Speaking on behalf of the participants, the best graduating participant Cherrise Duke, praised the organisers for the comprehensive training offered to herself and 24 other entrepreneurs. She assured the program partners that the experience provided has indeed significantly impacted the participants’ businesses and lives. Tandika Harry, entrepreneur and founder of AgriChef served as emcee of the graduation.

WeLead Caribbean intends to continue replicating this training in other communities across Guyana with the continued support of the program partners, and urged interested businesswomen to keep abreast of these plans via their social media page and in the mass media as well.

To learn more, please contact Abbigale Loncke-Watson, weleadcaribbean@gmail.com or +592.648.4302.

NDIA to build all-weather road at Buxton at

During the recent opening of ten ders, it was re-

an estimated $79M

vealed that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is looking to

Below are the companies and their bids

National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA)

Construction of all weather road at Buxton.

build a new all-weather road at Buxton for an estimated figure of $79,332,000.

A total of five contractors have bid to undertake the works.

Guyana Water Inc. Supply and Installation of Transmission Main for Onderneeming Water Treatment Plant (Riverstown to Suddie).

Seven killed, scores wounded in Russian missile

strike on Ukraine’s Chernihiv

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

Supply and delivery of garbage and lining bins.

Supply and delivery of paper towels and dispensers.

National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI)

Procurement of 100 Green houses.

Thousands evacuated as fires rage in Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands

The fire was at a scale that has never been seen before in the Canary Islands, officials say.

(Al Jazeera) - Thousands of residents from Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands have been evacuated as a wildfire authorities deemed “out of control” rages on for a fourth day.

The Canary Islands emergency services said more than 26,000 people had been evacuated by Saturday afternoon, according to provisional estimates, a sharp rise from 4,500 on Friday. Some 11 towns have now been affected.

The Atlantic island is home to about one million people and is also a popular tourist destination.

The seven-island archipelago is located off the northwest coast of Africa and southwest of mainland Spain.

At their nearest point, the islands are 100km (60 miles) from Morocco.

Fierce flames lit up the night sky overnight and on Saturday helicopters were seen dropping water on areas close to homes where smoke billowed into the air.

Some 5,000 hectares (12,000 acres) have been burned so far with a perimeter of 50km (30 miles).

The fire was at a scale never been seen before in the Canary Islands, Tenerife Council President Rosa Davila told reporters. She said the priority was to “protect people’s lives”.

The blaze has not destroyed any homes so far, she added, citing the fire brigade.

The island’s popular tour-

ist areas have so far been unaffected and its two airports have been operating normally.

The blaze broke out on Wednesday in a mountainous national park around the Mount Teide volcano –Spain’s highest peak – amid hot and dry weather.

The fire is located in a steep and craggy mountain area with pine trees, with several municipalities on its flanks. Access for firefighters is extremely difficult.

The Canary Islands have been in drought for most of the past few years, just like most of mainland Spain.

The islands have recorded below-average rainfall in recent years because of changing weather patterns

impacted by climate change.

Scorching heat and dry weather this year have contributed to unusually severe wildfires in Europe, including in Spain’s La Palma Island in July, and Canada.

Blazes on Hawaii’s Maui Island earlier this month killed more than 110 people and wrecked the historic resort city of Lahaina.

Scientists have said climate change has led to more frequent and more powerful extreme weather events.

European Union officials also blamed global warming for increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe, noting 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017.

REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko

(Reuters) - Seven people including a 6-year-old child were killed, at least 129 wounded, and 41 were in hospital after a Russian missile struck a central square in the historic northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv on Saturday, Ukrainian officials said.

“A Russian missile hit right in the centre of the city, in our Chernihiv. A square, the polytechnic university, a theatre,” President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who was on a visit to Sweden, posted on Telegram messaging app.

“An ordinary Saturday, which Russia turned into a day of pain and loss,” he added of the strike on Chernihiv, a city of leafy boulevards and centuries-old churches about 145 km (90 miles) north of the capital Kyiv.

Of the 129 counted as wounded in the search and rescue operation, 15 were children and 15 were police officers, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on Telegram. Regional governor Viacheslav Chaus said later on Telegram that 140 people had sought medical help and 41 were in hospital.

Debris was scattered across a square in front of the damaged theatre and surrounding buildings, where parked vehicles were heavily damaged. A 63-year-old who only gave her first name, Valentyna, showed the damaged balcony in her apartment opposite the theatre.

“It is horrific. Horrific. There were wounded, ambulances and broken glass in here. Nightmare. Just nightmare,” she said.

The roof of the neoclassical theatre was torn off by the strike.

Russia has attacked Ukrainian cities far from the frontline with missiles and drones as part of the full-scale inva-

sion that began in February 2022.

People leaving church after marking a religious holiday and others passing by were among those hurt when the missile hit the theatre, where a meeting was taking place, Chaus said.

Law enforcement agencies were looking into how Russians became aware of the event, which he said included business and community representatives but Ukrainian media reported involved drone manufacturers. Both sides have widely used drones on the battlefield.

An event organizer said all the participants, including engineers, members of the military and volunteers, were asked to go to an air raid shelter in the theatre when the alarm sounded, but some people went outside.

“All those who took shelter remained safe,” Maria Berlinska, a co-founder of the Dignitas Fund, whose fundraising includes money for drones for the frontline, said in a Facebook post.

A wounded woman said her friend pulled her out of one of the damaged buildings after a part of the ceiling fell on her head.

The streets were stained with blood trails and strewn with scraps from first-aid supplies that had been used to treat the wounded.

Kyiv’s air force said early on Saturday the Ukrainian military had shot down 15 out of 17 Iranian-made Shahed drones launched by Moscow in an overnight strike.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Saturday it had destroyed a Ukrainian drone in the Belgorod region and jammed another near Moscow. A third struck a military airfield in the Novgorod region, damaging a warplane, it also said.

A view shows a site of a Russian missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Chernihiv, Ukraine August 19, 2023.

Misdiagnosed: Medical doctors treated child for asthma...

Frompage53

friend and patient “My disconcertmentforherdrove metodiscusshercasewitha goodfriendofminewhowas touched by her story and promised to buy the oxygen tank. We bought the oxygen tank and presented it to her family It brought joy and tears to her parents. For me, that was very rewarding seeing Vinita and her mom easedfromtheirstruggles,at least temporarily,” the doctorintimated.

Vinita lost her father two years ago, while the mother whocouldnolongercarrythe burden of her two daughters, leftVinitaandhersister

Today the young lady is stillaliveandlayshopelesson her bed with an almost permanent facial adjunct (a faceMask)whereshereceives oxygen at her Non Pariel home, under the care of her grandmother

Dr Abdullah said he has beenseeingVinitawhoisnow 20-years old and have been providingprivatemedicalcare in addition to extensive research to find a solution to her condition The doctor explained that his love for helping children led him to join a non-governmental organization, ‘Three Rivers Foundation’ in Georgetown This group is geared towards

assisting children with surgically manageable cardiovascular conditions abroad, especially those that cannotbetreatedinGuyana

“IdiscussedVinita’scase with them, and the foundation had promised to flyherabroadforoperations in India, but unfortunately, the hospital says organs are prioritized for Indian citizens. So, Vinita lost that opportunity Vinita still has hope to live like many other children and go to school. She needs a lung-heart transplant, an operation that canbedoneinGermany,the U.S., andAustralia. She can be flown with an Air

Ambulance to any of these countries for the operation,” the medical professional explained.

Vinitaishopefultooneday become an accountant

Growing up she was an aspiring nurse, but changed courseafterrealizingshecould nottolerateseeingsickpeople unabletohelpthemselves She enjoys cooking, baking, watching television, and spending time with her peers

Her grandmother told the Waterfalls that she does most thingsforherselfbutbecomes exhaustedfasterthananormal individual

“She helps to wash but sometimes when she throws stuff on the line she would have to come and take a five because she can’t fatigue herself too much Sometimes whenshegetreadyshewould pick up her oxygen tank and take a walk by her friend not too far from us in the street too,” Vinita’s grandmother said She even noted that the youngladyenjoysagoodday atthemall,butsheneedstobe supervised

Vinita’sdreamistobeable

togotoschool “Shewantedto gobacktoschoolsobad She always talks about how she missesschool,uptoyesterday shewassayingshewouldhave been the first one to graduate because she is my eldest grandchild Sometimes she would sit down and I think it would get to her more as she gets older She can’t watch horror movies; the sounds would make her jump so sometimesIwouldtroubleher andsaylewwewatchahorror movietocheerherup”

About two years ago, Vinita started presenting a newsymptomwhichmadeher relativesfearful “Wefindthat she would sit down and she wasn’t responding The way shewassitting,shewassostiff that they pulled out the chair from under her and she was still stiff and in the sitting position Theyhadtogiveher the oxygen and the next day the same thing kind of happened when she was so stiffthattheyhadtotakeher totheHospital.Theygaveup onher,butmydaughtertold them she just need the oxygen and then she got

better, ” the woman explained.

Doctors have told the family that these symptoms confirmthatherconditionwas deteriorating and in the days ahead, Vinita’s other organs may shut down “Sometimes weneedtabletsandwewould get donations from overseas otherwise, we would have to buy it and it’s like $5000 a monthifwegetthegramswe are looking for,” the woman said The grandmother and doctor are appealing to the public to assist in whatever way possible to give the youngladyanextendedlife. Dr Abdullah has said financialaidfromthepublic can facilitate the transplant needed to save Vinita’s life. Theoperationisexpectedto cost US$2.6 million. They are hopeful that she can one day live a normal life and possiblyattendschool.

Persons who are willing to assist in funding Vinita’s transplant or assisting through any other avenue cancontacthergrandmother on 592-671-6659 or 592677-0673.

backdam, three persons arrested

Police in Region Seven are investigating the murder of a miner identified as 'Sunny' who was reportedly stabbed to death at Kumung Kumung Backdam, Puruni River, following an altercation at a shop in the area.

According to reports, the fatal stabbing occurred sometime betweenAugust 17 and18.

Police said investigations into the incident revealed so far that around 23:00hrs on August 17, Sunny was in the company of two female Venezuelan nationals and others drinking alcohol at a shop, when he approached one of the ladies and requestedtodancewithher

R e p o r t s a r e t h e

Venezuelan woman declined Sunny's request, which caused him to become annoyed, and he then held on to her The woman, police reported, pushed Sunny away whichthenledtoanargument betweenthem.

Eyewitnesses reported that during the argument the woman broke two bottles and threatened'Sunny'.

Persons at the shop attempted to calm the situation, but 'Sunny' then

began to behave disorderly and assaulted two of the men that were trying to subdue him. According to the police, the two men, in turn, dealt Sunny several cuffs and lashes about his body He was later taken to his camp in an intoxicated state and sometimeafter,retiredtobed.

On August 18, at about 06:00hrs, it was reported that the Venezuelan woman who Sunny had the argument with was seen running away from his camp He was later discovered covered in blood, lying motionless in his hammock.

Policesaid,uponarrivalat the camp, his (Sunny's) body was examined and one stab wound was seen to his upper left side chest, two stab wounds were below his left armpit, and one to his upper leftsideback.

The police related that a 23-year-old female from Puerto Ordas, Venezuela who is the woman Sunny had the argument with, was arrested and taken into custody. Also, the two men who allegedly assaulted Sunny at the shop on August 17 were also arrested and are in police custody An investigation is ongoing.

CANU discover $11.2M in ganja at Sandaka Creek

Customs Anti Narcotic Unit

(CANU) during an operation on Saturday at Sandaka Creek, Corentyne, Region Six, discovered some $11.2 million in cannabis.

According to a release from CANU, officers conducted an

operation at Sandaka Creek, East Berbice-Corentyne, where they discovered several bags, containing several parcels of suspected cannabis in clumps of bushes along thecreek.

The suspected cannabis was retrieved and taken to CANU's

Skeldon Office, where it was tested positiveforcannabis.

It was reported that when weighed it amounted to approximately 37.4 kg (about 82.4 lbs.), with a street value of approximatelyGUY$11.2million.

No one was arrested and an investigationisongoing.

Sweden beat Australia to end third at World Cup

(BBC Sport) - Kosovare

Asllani’s stunning secondhalf strike sealed victory for Sweden as they beat Australia to finish third at the Women’s World Cup.

She rifled in a shot from the edge of the area to add to Fridolina Rolfo’s first-half penalty as Sweden won the bronze medal match for the second World Cup in succession. Despite the defeat, this represents co-hosts Australia’s best ever World Cup finish but the Matildas were unable to end on a high.

Rolfo’s penalty gave Peter Gerhardsson’s side the lead after a video assistant

referee (VAR) check confirmed that Claire Hunt had clipped Stina Blackstenius in the box after 26 minutes.

And on the hour mark, Blackstenius played a superb square ball to Asllani, who stroked in a first-time shot to double their lead.

“It was an incredibly im-

Republic Bank GCB U23 Super50…

Skeldon, Port Mourant rack up wins in Berbice round

Port Mourant and Skeldon Community Centre registers huge wins on Saturday when the Republic Bank GCB U23 Inter-Club Super50 tournament continued in Berbice.

Port Mourant beat Rose Hall by 5 wickets

Sweden players celebrate another third-place finish at the Women’s World Cup. (Getty Images)

portant match and the final 10 minutes were really tough,” said Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson.

“So when that final whistle went and we had won, there was a great sense of relief and it was a wonderful feeling. “It’s great to win a match of this magnitude -

Sunday August 20, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

People are apt to try to hit you square on the head with their ideas and thoughts today, Aries, so be ready for the onslaught of information that may come your way. There's a distinct advantage.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Anchor yourself in practical matters before you try to prove your point to others. There's a great deal of primal energy rising within you today and searching for some sort of outlet.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Don't take no for an answer today, Gemini. Know what you believe in and stick with it. There's a distinct advantage to holding true to your inner nature.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Be a pioneer thinker today, Cancer. There's a noble courage in your thoughts, so don't let this quality go to waste. You will be surprised at how cutting edge you can be when you put your mind to it.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Be aggressive and forceful when it comes to exerting your will, Leo. Let others know that you won't be a pushover. Your opinions are extremely important,

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Today may be one of those days in which you come to a four-way stop and no one knows whose turn it is. Don't sit and wait for everyone else to go first, Virgo.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

People would be foolish to challenge your thinking now, Libra. The power behind your words is volatile, and you may find yourself going to extremes in order to get your point across.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Your old ways of thinking have carried you quite far, Scorpio, but you may now find that it's time to seek a new platform for your ideas. Look for more adventurous ways to express yourself.

.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

One quick phone call to a friend may turn into a long discussion about the meaning of life, Sagittarius. Be conscious of the fact that there's a great deal of momentum building in your mind now.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

It could be that you feel a bit of pressure today to start or create something that you aren't quite ready for, Capricorn. There is hesitation on your part that indicates you should take it slowly .

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Move forward with your plan of attack today, Aquarius. There's an anxious rumble within you that's urging you to get going with a current plan. You have all the facts you need,

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Add spark to your life today, Pisces. It could be that things are getting stale and boring. If so, consider the possibility that you simply aren't challenging yourself.

there’s been a lot of attention paid to this tournament back in Sweden.” Sweden win bronze again Sweden have plenty of experience of playing in the third-fourth place match, having reached the semi-finals on five occasions but only making the final once - in 2003, when they were beaten by Germany.

And they dominated the game to win bronze for a fourth time.

They were already on on top before Rolfo beat the dive of Australia keeper Mackenzie Arnold with a well-placed penalty into the bottom left corner to give them the lead. And Asllani’s super strike secured victory in a game of a few clear cut chances. It has been another fine tournament for the Scandinavians who topped their group with maximum points before knocking out defending champions the United States in the last 16.

An impressive victory over Japan followed, but their failure to successfully negotiate a semi-final once again after their dramatic exit at the hands of Spain, will be their lasting memory of this tournament. Australia capture the nation’s imagination

The Matildas’ achievement in finishing fourth cannot be understated in a country where football is not the number one sport. Their 3-1 semi-final defeat by England was the most watched TV event in Australian history with 11.15 million viewers tuning in. But they seemed deflated on Saturday and put in a tired performance, with even their talisman Sam Kerr struggling to make an impact on the game - in fact, she had the fewest touches of any player on the pitch in the first half.

Their best chances fell to Hayley Raso and Clare Polkinghorne, but they were both denied by Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic.

“We wanted to have some hardware to take home, it wasn’t to be,” said captain Kerr. “We’ve proved to the world - and also within Australia - that we are a footballing nation.”

Australia, who had only ever reached the quarter-finals once previously, in 2015, were the first hosts to reach the semi-finals since United States in 2003.

Batting first, Rose Hall finished on 133 all out with Romesh Bharat (46) and Jonathan Rampersaud (20) leading the way.

The Boodwah trio of Navin 3- 20, Ravin 2-25 and Romel 3- 21 sliced through the opposition bowling for Port Mourant who in reply ended on 134 for 5 in 34.1 overs.

Rampersaud Ramnauth (41) ,Dave Ramgolam (31) and Navin Boodwah (29) led their team’s batting. Rose Hall

bowling was led by Jonathan Rampersaud (2-25).

Skeldon Estate Community Center beat 69. Vikings by 132 runs Skeldon Estate Community Center scored 188 all out in 23 overs. Sarwan Chitnarine (79), Abseer Hussian (24) and Farhan Elmodeen (21). Bowling for 69 Vikings saw T.Lemraj leading with 5-47 off 5 overs while A. Yacoob 2-37 and G.Doodauth 2- 36 lent support. In reply 69 Vikings were skittled out for 56 with the pair of Yacoob (15) and Doonauth (14) returning to attempt saving their team. M.Chaitnarine 4-18 and A. Hussian 4-28 were the stars with ball for Skeldon.

Action continues today.

World Athletic Championship 2023… Another historic run by Archibald to reach semis at Worlds

ByRawleToney

Emanuel Archibald continues to script his own narrative in the realm of track and field, with his historic performance at the W o r l d A t h l e t i c s Championship in Budapest, Hungary, marking his latest chapter

Archibald,who thisyear became Guyana’s first CAC Games 100m champion, once again achieved a significant milestone as the first male Guyanese sprinter to advance to the semifinals of the men’s 100m at the pinnacle event of World Athletics.

He clinched the third spot in heat seven at Hungary’s National Athletics Centre during last evening’scompetition.

The men’s 100m stands as the premier event of the Championships, and Archibald ensured that the Golden Arrowhead proudly adornedtheranksoftop-tier nations competing for sprint supremacy

To secure his place, Archibald navigated the preliminary rounds with aplomb, clocking 10 27 seconds, thereby securing thetopposition.

Subsequently, he faced formidable competition in his heat, contending with 2019 champion Christian Coleman and 2018 Commonwealth Champion AkaniSimbine.

Noteworthy is the fact that while Archibald’s personalbestis10.14s,only a hair’s breadth away from Adam Harris’ National record of 10 12s, both Coleman and Simbine boast sub-10timings.

Given this challenge, it n e c e s s i t a t e d a n extraordinary effort from Archibald to progress to the next round Nonetheless, Archibald delivered a commendable performance, clocking a time of 10.20s to securethethirdposition.His performance trailed behind the winner Simbine, who clocked9.97s,andColeman, who completed the race in 9 98s In the upcoming semifinal, Archibald will once again share the track

with Coleman and Simbine; twosprinterswhoaredriven bythedesiretoreaffirmtheir prowess after missing the podium in the previous year’s championship in Eugene,Oregon,USA.

Simultaneously, Allyah Abramsissettocompeteinthe women’s400mevent.

Abramsisinthemidstofa fruitful season, marked by her establishmentofanewNational Record for Guyana in this event

Abrams’ outstanding achievement came at the NACACNewLifeInvitational Women’s 400m event in The

Bahamas, where she clinched firstplacewithatimeof50.20s, shattering Aliann Pompey’s 14-year-old national record of50.71s,whichhadbeenset attheWorldChampionships inBerlin,Germany,in2009. As a result, Abrams now holds the distinction of being thefastestGuyaneseathletein the 400m event and her recordedtimeranksasthe17th fastestgloballythisyear. Following a semifinal exit in the previous year’s championship, Abrams is resoluteinherquesttoreach the medal round in this iterationoftheevent.

…AllyahAbramstocompeteintoday’swomen’s400m

AliyahAbrams will run in the women’s 400m

EmanuelArchibald

RL Construction BCB U-15 Tournament…

RHT Farfan and Mendes to clash in today’s finale

Sohail Mohamed

The Area ‘H’

Groundwillcome alive today when the Berbice Cricket Board hosts the finals of its 2023

RL Construction Under 15 Tournament The

Tournament started early in the year with eighteen (18) teams competing. Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes had advanced to the finals after defeating Bath while Rose Hall Canje crushed Cotton Tree by a massive 184 runs in the other semifinals.

Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Ltd will be led by national player Sohail Mohamed while the visiting team would be spearheaded by Adrian Hetmyer Mohamed is expected to be supported by Tameshwar Deonandan, Raffel

McKenzie, Moonish Rampersaud, Aakash

Sooklall, Dev Seepersaud, Leon Reddi and Kumalchan Ramnarace.

Rose Hall Canje effort will be led by Richard R a m d e h o l l , L u k e

Amsterdam, Adil Hemraj andBrandonGrimmond.

The winning team, runner up and Man of the Finals will be awarded trophiesandcashprizes.

Meanwhile, playing at the Jai Hind Ground in Canje, the RHCCC amassed 203alloutin47.5overswith national Under 13 vicecaptain Richard Ramdehol top scoring with a delightful 95 not out and Luke

Amsterdam, 26. Ramdehol wasleftunbeatenafterheran outofpartners.

BowlingforCottonTree, David Alfred took 3 for 45,

Fayad Gafoor 2 for 31 and Arif Bacchus 2 for 24. In response,thefirst-timesemifinalistsCottonTreeCCwas shotoutforameager19from 8.1 overs as medium pacer

Adrian Hetymer and Adhil Hemraj created havoc

Heytmer claimed 4 for 6 from4.1overswhileHemraj hadfiguresof4for12from4 impressiveovers.

The tournament is sponsoredbyRondallLewis ofRLConstructionLtd.

Adrian Heytmer

Cricket Gear for young and promising

cricketers in Guyana continues

Former National Junior cricketer ChetramBalgobin benefits from this noble initiative.

Balgobin represented DemeraraandGuyanaatthe under-17 and under-19 levels. The twenty-year-old hard-hittingleft-handerwho bowls off-spin as well, was the recipient of one cricket bat. He is a member of EnmoreCricketClub.

At a simple ceremony held recently, he was thankful for the token and promised to continue to workhardonhisgame.

Thisprojectispleasedto be part of Balgobin’s development.

Total cricket-related items received/purchased so far is $370,000 in cash, which include: thirteen colored cricket uniforms, twotrophies,seventeenpairs of cricket boots, thirty-one pairs of batting pads, thirtytwocricketbats,twenty-nine pairs of batting gloves, twenty-twothighpads,three pairsofwicketkeepingpads, five arm guards, two boxes, ten cricket bags, six bat rubbers,sixhelmetsandone fiberglassbat.

In addition to the above, $600,000 worth of gear was donatedbySheikMohamed, former National wicketkeeper/batsman.

To date, sixty-six young players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyanahavebenefitedfrom three junior gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, twenty-seven bats, two boxes,fivehelmets,twentytwo pairs of cricket shoes, fifteen pairs of batting pads, twothighpads,onebatgrip,

twenty-four pairs of batting gloves and two

p a i r s o f wicketkeeping gloves.

In addition, two clubs in th

Pomeroon a benefited from two bats.Pomeroon,Leguanand Wa k e n a m C r i c k e t

CommitteesandCottonTree

Die Hard also received one boxofredcricketballseach, Cold Fusion Cricket Club

thirteen color uniforms while RHCCCC received three boxes of balls, fifteen whitecricketshirts,onepair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket keeping gloves, a set of stumps and bails.

Other beneficiaries are The Essequibo Cricket Board,theTownofLethem, youth coach Travis Persaud (oneboxofredcricketballs) and female softball teams in theUpperCorentynearea.

Cricket-related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana.

Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients.

Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent. Progressive and well-managed cricket clubs with a youth program, willalsobenefit.

We take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish PandayofPandPInsurance Brokers, Sean Devers,

TrevisSimon,ÅrïêlJ.Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh,RomashMunna,Ravi Etwaroo, Kelvin Brijlall, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru and Dennis Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra SadeoandRameshSunichof Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies, Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Gajanand Singh, Peter Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Chin Singh,DeneshChandrapaul, Davo Naraine of UK, Dr Cecil Beharry, Raj Mathura, Raj Bharrat, Latch Mohabir and family, Suresh Dhanai, Vishal Nagamootoo, Moses Nagamootoo Jnr, Regal Sports Store, Omkar Singh, Parmanand Dhaniram, Reshma Mathura, Booman Singh and Krishna Rengensamy We thank the media for the role they are playing in promoting this venture.

Distribution will continue. Anyone interested to contribute can contact AnilBeharryon623-6875or Kishan Das on +1-718 6640896.

GFASML: Triple-header billed for GFC today

The closing rounds of the Georgetown FA’s Senior Men’s League (SML) will continue today with a triple-header at the GFCground,Bourda.

The one-round League competition has now been reduced to eight teams after internal problems within Camptown FC created3forfeitedgames,forcingtheGFAto take the necessary action of removing them fromtheSML.

Today’sfixtureswillbeginat3pmwhen bottomteamOrderandDisciplineon3points from5gamesface4thplacedVengyFCon10 points from 5 outings. The 2nd encounter slated for 5pm will feature leaders Beacons on15pointsinsearchoftheir6thconsecutive win against 6th placed GFC who are on 7 pointsafter6matches.

The final match at 7pm will bring together3rdplacedPeleFCon10pointsafter 5 games and 5th placed East Veldt on same points from 6 matches,but with an inferior goaldifference.

Beacons FC seemingly on course to capture the title have Vengy and 2nd placed Riddim Squad to play and should they continue in the same vein will reach the unassailablemaximum24points.Winsinthe remaining2gamesfortheMocha-basedunit who also have Black Pearl to confront can takethemto18points.

Pele or Vengy, on 10 points each, can steal the title if Beacons win today and thereafter lose both of their remaining matchesandeithersidewintheirremaining3 games,includingtoday’sgames.

Chetram Balgobin

Winfield Braithwaite Int’l School Boys and Girls Boxing C/ship…

Tiquan Sampson shines as Guyana impresses on opening night

The curtains rose on the 6th edition of the Winfield Braithwaite International Schoolboys and Schoolgirls Boxing Championship, inaugurating its pugilistic festivities at the National Gymnasium located along MandelaAvenue.

The opening day of this championship delivered an electrifying array of nine schoolboys’ clashes, culminating in an enthralling finale between Tiquan SampsonandDenzelStephen

The host nation, Guyana, demonstrated its pugilistic prowess by seizing victory in five encounters on the championship’s opening night Trinidad and Tobago secured threetriumphs,whileSt Lucia clinched a lone victory, setting the stage for the forthcoming secondday

The initial bell chimed just little past 7:00 pm on Friday which set Nicholai Hinds against Isiah Jones in the ring Isiah’s diminutive stature belied the thunderous power he wielded, as he unleashed a series of penetrating jabs upon his towering adversary, Hinds The initial rounds were dominated by Jones, who skillfully asserted his dominance The ensuing round witnessed both combatants fiercely engaging, exchanging a substantial barrage of blows Theclimacticthirdroundsaw Jones once again emerging victorious, securing an impressive win on the t o u r n a m e n t ’ s commencement.

In the subsequent bout, the prodigious Roopesh Balgobin hailing from Guyana squared off against Trinidad’s own Johnathan Khan. Balgobin,a masterof his craft, displayed calculated aggression, landing a powerful right hook early in the first round that sent Khan reeling Succumbing to the onslaught, Khan yielded the contest merely one minute and 25 seconds into the secondround,thusaffording Balgobin a comfortable triumph in his maiden internationalendeavor.

The Guyanese boxer, Dontavian Denny, found

Guyanese

Roopesh Balgobin punishes TT’s Johnathan Khan on opening night

himself outmatched by Trinidad and Tobago’s MalcieveBellilleinthe57kg schoolboys’ bout. Bellille emerged victorious via the judges’ scorecards

Meanwhile, the formidable Shakquain James of Guyana showcased remarkable skills on the opening night, triumphing over Barbados’ Nathan Walcott in the inauguralYouthWelterweight (67kg) bout Trinidad and Tobago initiated their 2023 championship campaign with a resounding victory, as Anferney Baptise bested Guyana’sCliptonJackson.

The climactic moment approached with the first finalsoftheevening,pitting Curtis McDonald (Guyana) against Jaheim Alexander ( Tr i n i d a d ) i n th e Schoolboys’ 32kg encounter McDonald’s astute boxing tactics p r o p e l l e d h i m t o outmaneuver Alexander, ultimately claiming victory

by way of the judges’ unanimousdecision.

The seventh battle of the nightborewitnesstoSt Lucia’s hard-hitting John Dedier, whose formidable fists sent Jonathan Clyne of Grenada to the canvas The referee intervened, halting the contest at one minute and 11 seconds into the second round Later, Guyana’s fortunes took a downturn as Kaide Wetthers succumbed to the skillful footwork of Trinidad’s Joshua Lewis, whose impeccable m o v e m e n t p r o v e d insurmountable for the burly Wetthers. The night’s concluding showdown unveiledaboxingprodigyin theformofTiquanSampson (Guyana), who swiftly vanquished Denzel Stephen of St. Lucia in a mere one minuteand22secondsofthe first round. Stephen proved nomatchfortheflamboyant Sampson, suffering defeat by way of Referee Stopped Contest(RSC).

Kaide Wetthers of Guyana in battle with Joshua Lewis (backing)

Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League 2023…

Bad Weather spoils double-header featuring Amazon Warriors -Teams

share points following ruined games

Th e G u y a n a AmazonWarriors had their opening match versus the St. Lucia

Kings scrapped due to weather as Saturday’s double header was ruined at the Darren Sammy Cricket

Ground.

Saturdaywasravagedby intermittent showers forcing what was a highly-

anticipated battle for the Guyana Amazon Warriors andthehometeam,St.Lucia Kings, to a 5 overs aside battle, to which both teams sharedpoints.

TheWarriorsspedto562 from their quota, led by openerSaimAyubwhohit3 fours and a six in 21 off 16 and a firery innings of 21 from 11 not out by Azam Khanwhichfeatured2huge sixesandafour

Chris Sole (1-22) and Jair McAllister(1-7)didwhatthey couldfortheKings,whowere unable to take the field for the chase, as officials called curtains on the match, bringing a sad end to what wasdubbedtobeanexciting match.

Also, the opening match earlier in the day, was also stopped due to rain as the Trinbago Knight Riders managed to reach 19-1 after

3 overs versus the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, before theweatherhaditsfinalsay The tournament is scheduledtocontinuetodayat the same venue with another double-header that will see theBarbadosRoyalsfacethe Jamaica Tallawahs in the opening match at 10:00 hrs whiletheSt.KittsandNevis Patriots oppose the home team,theSt.LuciaKings,at 19:00hrs.

Triple Crown bonus on the table ... JJTRC continues to boost horse racing

Oneofthehighestprofile events in G u y a n a ’ s sporting calendar, The Guyana Cup, has added a new dimension to the future ofthesport.

Promoter of the event, Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC), announced that Easy Time, runaway winner of Sunday’s 1,600metre Guyana Cup and runner-up, El Tarzan, have both gained automatic eligibility for next for the 2024renewalofthemarquee GuyanaCupline-up.

This means that Easy TimeandElTarzancannot be eliminated from next year’s event when entries areacceptedfortheevent

Before the running of Sunday’s Guyana Cup, Nasrudeen Mohamed, JJTRC’s Chief Executive Officer made a public announcement of ‘win and youarein.’

Mohamed disclosed he has sought a meeting with other promoters of the sport to discuss some proposals

Mohamed said he wants everyone’s views on what system should be instituted for the eligibility fortheremainingslotsinthe Guyana Cup and the proposed Triple Crown races.

He also suggested that JJTRC is giving serious consideration regarding

staging a Triple Crown series for the top-class horses (locally bred) and possibly West Indian-bred three-year-olds.

The JJTRC President

is also looking at ‘sweetening the pot’ by announcing a bonus to the owners of any horse that wins all three races in the topcategory

He added, “We are open to options, and suggestions to level the playing field for alltoparticipate.”

He also announced, “We arelookingatimprovingthe localbreedingindustry

A lot of local breeders are calling for a Derby for Guyana-bredhorsesonly

We will go a step further, and look at staging a Triple Crown series for them, but we need a good field, otherwise, we will have to make it open to West Indian-bredalso.”

“We are looking at bringing innovations to the sport We expect that these initiatives will encourage more owners to invest in the sports’ development

I was made aware other racing jurisdictions in the Caribbeanarelookingatour purses and are interested in competing, but we need to haveourregulationsinplace forthemtoparticipate.

Nextyearwearelooking atincreasingpursesinallthe majorracesagain.”

Guyana’s EmanuelArchibald (centre) runs ahead of Macau’s Chan Kin Wa and Tuvalu’s Karalo Hepoiteloto Maibuca (not in picture) in the men’s 100m preliminary round at the WorldAthletics Championships (Getty Images)

- Teamssharepoints followingruinedgames

AzamKhanofGuyanaAmazonWarriorshits a6duringhisinningsagainstSt.LuciaKings. (PhotobyRandyBrooks/CPLT20viaGettyImages)

GuyanaAmazon Warriors’s SaimAyub was crafty with his shot at the top of the order. (Photo by Randy Brooks/ CPLT20 via Getty Images)