Kaieteur News

President Irfaan Ali (sixth left) and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Anand Persaud (fifth left) with Mayors on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Center, Lilendaal. (DPI photo)

continues to fuel oil spill concerns

ExxonMobil is driving oil production in Guyana at unprecedented rates. With outputs from the Liza Phase One and Phase Two projects in the Stabroek Block breaching their designed capacities, the sheer volume of productionisstaggering.

However, beneath these profitable figures lies a growing concern: Is ExxonMobil compromising safety in pursuit of increasedprofits?

The Liza Phase One project, which commenced in December 2019, originally had a nameplate capacity of 120,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd). Exxon then debottlenecked the project, lifting its capacity to 150,000 bpd. On some days, this even peaked at about155,000barrels.

Liza Phase Two, which began operations in February 2022, initially boasted a nameplate capacity of 220,000 bpd Yet, official records have shown it sometimes producing more than 240,000 bpd Plans are also underway to debottleneck Phase Two, post which the company expects the production to soar to 250,000bpd.

Data reported by ExxonMobil to the Ministry of Natural Resources for the first half of 2023 paintsanilluminatingpicture.With a cumulative production of nearly 70 million barrels for the first six months of the year, the combined

dailyproductionfrombothprojects has averaged an astonishing 380,000 bpd. There were instances when the production peaked just over405,000bpd.

While these figures may be a testament to ExxonMobil's operational prowess and Guyana's rich oil reserves, they also bring to the fore an inevitable question: At what cost?The oil and gas sector, particularly offshore drilling, has historically been susceptible to accidents, some of which have had catastrophic environmental and human impacts. The Deepwater Horizonspillof2010wasoneevent that not only cost an oil company calledBPoverUS$70Bindamages but also had irreversible environmental consequences and a lastingimpactonmarinelife.

Theprimaryreason?Aseriesof cost-cutting decisions and an insufficientsafetysystem.

Research indicates that safety in the operation of oil projects isn't merelyachecklistitem.Itispivotal in ensuring the welfare of the workforce, the environment, and the broader ecosystem. Moreover, as a number of other oil spill disasters have shown over the years,anycompromiseonthisfront can have dire financial and reputational repercussions for the companyinvolved.

There is an inherent need to ensure that operations, particularly ones that have the potential for

large-scale ecological impact, adhere to the strictest safety protocols. This ensures minimal risk of spills, which can be catastrophic not just for the environment but also for the communities and economies that dependonit.

As ExxonMobil accelerates its operations in Guyana, local and regional stakeholders have urged that the lessons from past disasters serve as a stark reminder and impetus of what not to do. Even Exxon's stakeholders earlier this year, warned that growth in production, when unchecked, can sometimes be a double-edged sword.

Forthesakeoftheenvironment and for the long-term sustainability

of its operations, they too have said it is imperative that Exxon prioritizes safety over sheer productionvolume.

In a world where corporate responsibility and environmental consciousness are becoming central to operations, local advocates like Kaieteur News Publisher, Glen Lall have said the onus is on giants like Exxon to set the right precedent. Lall, like many other concerned citizens, has warnedabouttheneedforGuyana's oil story to not become another cautionary tale for the Caribbean Region.Severalgovernmentagents such as the Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA)havesaid they are not deaf to these safety concerns. The EPA has assured for

example, that there is an oil spill response plan in place for Exxon which complements the country's plansforindependentresponse.

Along with other initiatives, it has argued that some US$2.6B in insurance and affiliate company guarantees have been secured from Exxonforoilspillcoverage.Exxon too has said it would not neglect its responsibilities for an oil spill, noting at a press conference some monthsagothatithasoverUS$20B in assets against which it can activate loans to cover costs associatedwithaspill.

Thoseprovisionsaside,citizens still continue to express concern abouttheacceleratedpaceatwhich Exxon is moving with its operations.

Exxon's accelerated production for 2023 JagdeodependingonExxon cabletoverifyoilproduction

The Government of Guyana (GoG), after e s t a b l i s h i n g t h e regulatory framework for the country's rapidly developing petroleum sector, will construct a state-of-the-art operations center that will be fed information from ExxonMobil to verify oil productiondata.

This is according to the Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo. On Thursdayduringapressconference at Freedom House he told reporters that government plans to access the data that Exxon will be receiving at its new Headquarters at Ogle, East CoastDemerara(ECD)whileinthe meantime, remote monitoring to verify oil production data will be applied.

The VP said, “We will get past the core reforms first…the PSA (Production Sharing Agreement), the Local ContentAct, the auction, the PetroleumActivities Bill; when

we have upgraded the architecture we will then move to operation (and)complianceissues.”

The former Head of State was keen to note that the new PSA will strengthen the government's ability to manage the industry, since it would force oil and gas companies to produce pertinent data

Likewise, the new oil law that is expected to be passed by September will ensure petroleum companies submit timely data

According to the VP, this would give the regulators “a better realtimepictureoftheindustry”.

While government is aiming to utilize data from the company to verify production data, this move could deprive the nation an opportunity to independently confirm the number of barrels beingproducedoffshoredaily.

This means, Guyana would be blindly accepting the production rates which could be grossly

understatedbytheoilcompanies.

Nevertheless, the Vice President explained, “On issues relating to production verification, we said that Exxon is building an operational center as part of the headoffice.

They are gonna have a fiber opticcablecomingin,wemayhave togetanaccesstothefiberorinthe short term we will probably use satellite technology to have an independentmeasuringoftheflows andeverythingelse.”

Jagdeoaddedthattheuseofthis technology would verify the discharge waters and oil flows, along with other relevant data related to production on the Floating Production Storage and Offloading(FPSO)vessels.

This position was first announced by theVice President in Maythisyearwhilerespondingtoa questionfromKaieteurNews.

Back then, he said, “I admitted

that

lasttimethatbecauseourfocus hasbeenontheframework,thenext wave of the attention of the

capability.”

This picture sourced from the United Nations Environmental Programme shows some of the cleanup efforts done for an oil spill in California some years ago.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

$7.9M in debt looms for each Guyanese household with new debt ceiling

Five days ago, when t h e N a t i o n a l

A s s e m b l y approved a new debt ceiling to facilitate greater borrowing,italsocementeda $7 9M debt for each Guyanesehousehold.

This is according to Shadow Finance Minister, JurethaFernandes.

Fernandes during her th presentationatthe66 Sitting th of the 12 Parliament on ThursdayarguedthatGuyana has numerous examples of what not to do in an oildependent economy, yet the administration is doing exactlythat.

In fact, she said, “The PPP [People's Progressive Party] is operating as though thereisnotomorrow,ormore so, as if they are expecting to be out of office come 2025. They are spending all that we have,andnowspendingeven more of what we don't have. They are putting the country in a position that future governments will be faced with debt to service regardless of the economic viability.”

Fernandes described the government's borrowing as “reckless” since she believes the administration is piling on more debt based on projected earnings from the

oil and gas sector As such, she urged that it should be condemnedbyallGuyanese.

According to the Bank of Guyana (BoG) in its 2022 Annual Report, the country's total public debt when compared to December 2021 had increased by 16 percent tojustoverUS$3.6billion. When the government's borrowing was reassessed by Central Bank in the first quarter of 2023, it was revealed that the debt had further increased by 2 3 percent, taking the country's totalloanstoUS$3.7billion.

Fernandes in her debate presentation pointed to the recent report issued by the United Nations, titled 'A World of Debt' which cautioned developing countries about increasing debt, citing the major underlying implication of being forced to choose between servicing debt and servingitspeople.

Fernandes therefore highlighted that it is the citizenswhowouldbeforced to ultimately pay the price of an economy that is mismanaged through excessiveborrowing.

The Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) nonetheless mocked that the administration expects

Guyanese to “sit back and relax and allow them to borrow because they somehow have the illusion that they are in control of oil prices”.

She flagged that with the country's major sectors such as gold, bauxite and sugar underperforming, the administration still wants its population to believe that the non-oil sector would suffice to service the loans being contracted and keep the economyafloat.

P r e s e n t l y , t h e Parliamentarian noted that publicservantsarestruggling to feed themselves and families due to high inflation and minimal increase in

wages and salaries- a phenomenon she believes wouldonlyexacerbate.

With a new debt ceiling set, Fernandes said the burden on Guyanese households will be even heavier

She explained, “The new debt ceiling at the end of this debate will be $750 billion for domestic debt and $900 billionforexternaldebt.

This will be $3.6 million per household in domestic debt and $4.3 million per household in external debt and when exhausted, and make no mistake, it will b e e x h a u s t e d , t h e

collective debt per household will be $7.9

- Shadow Finance Minister

million dollars per household.”

To this end, the Shadow Finance Minister added, “One can just imagine the chaos that would unfold if or whenoil-pricesdropsandwe areleftservicesuchdebtwith increasinginterestrates.”

In an interview with this publication on Monday, Fernandes clarified that she considered the 210,000 householdsinheranalysis,as provided by the 2012 census, as updated statistics are not yetavailable.

S h e t o l d t h i s publication that the Opposition is particularly concerned that while government is increasing the country's debt, it has not been instituting policies to directly empower households, especially as it regardswagesandsalaries.

The Shadow Finance Minister argued, “You cannot be adding a debt burden that is equivalent to $7.9 million per household when you are barely increasingwagesandsalaries to a point that is not even sufficient to offset expenses or even improve the standard ofliving.”

Fernandes argued that government previously claimed that putting more

money in the hands of Guyanese through an increase in wages and salaries would cause inflation; however, she noted that government has pumped hundreds of billions of dollars into the economy through infrastructure development.

The MP highlighted that poverty is widespread in Guyana and affects every race and region in the country

To this end, she cautioned,“Ifyouaretolook at the amount of people living in poverty in this country you will understand the gravity of this $7 9 million per household because persons do not have the capacity for us to withstand any revenue shock if the oil prices go down because our non-oil sectors, and non-oil GDP is not in a position to withstand any huge plummet in the oil prices.”

Fernandes said that while thereisaplaceforborrowing in every country, leaders must be “realistic and not reckless” adding that the latter best describes the administration since “no matter what they say, it is not the non-oil sector that they areborrowingagainst”.

Shadow Minister of Finance, Juretha Fernandes

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

ExxonMobil showing its true colours

ExxonMobil is showing all of Guyana who is the real bossaroundhere. ExxonMobilhaspasseditsorderstothe PPPC Government, and its leading lights, now reduced to playfulpups,withoutanybarkintheirbodies. ExxonMobil callstheshots,andGuyanesepoliticiansrolloverandmakeit theirculturetocomeacrossascomedians,thosewithoutany residual self-respect. Now ExxonMobil is spreading its wings,asittakesaimatthelastbastionstandinginitswayin Guyana. Believeitornot,butExxonMobil’speoplearenow telling the people on Guyana’s judiciary how they must do theirwork.

Incredibly, this arrogant American supergiant oil companyisnowtellingtheHighCourtofGuyanesewhereit cango,andwhereitshouldnotgo. ExxonMobilnowhasthe audacity almost to instruct Guyana’s High Court not to interfere with the work of the local Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as such activities relate to the Wales gas-to-energy project. The reach of this voracious foreignexploiterofanoilcompanynowknowsnobounds, andconcludesthatitcanthrowitsweightaroundinthelocal arena, and push any and all Guyanese however it feels, so thatitsvisionsarefulfilled.

When ExxonMobil dares to push the envelope this far, and actually leans on local jurists, by calling for noninterferenceintheworkoftheEPA,itisjustanotherlash on the already raw camel’s back. There is no way that the likesofanExxonMobil,asgiganticandoverpoweringasit is,woulddreamoftryingsomethingasintrusiveasthisina realcountrywitharealgovernmentwithrealleaders. The people of ExxonMobil know that they risk the company being hauled over the coals for overreach, and they themselves being sharply wrapped on the knuckles, f not boxedontheirears.

In rawer terms, try that somewhere else, and the roof collapses. Here,andtoourregretandrage,thisAmericanoil companyhascapturedforitselfthepowersofthepresident, twisted the neck of the chief oil minister, and gutted the standingoftheleadingopposition,tothepointthatitisnot even a phantom of itself. Having succeeded in doing very well in deflating all of those pressure points, ExxonMobil has now clearly set its sights on disemboweling the local judiciary

It is not for ExxonMobil, or any other, not even the executivearmoftheGovernmentofGuyana,totakeitupon itselftolectureGuyana’sHighCourtaboutwhereitcanstick itsnose,andwhereitcannot. IfGuyana’sownheadofstate cannot, or should not be doing any such thing, then ExxonMobil should be given a swift kick in the derriere to makeitknowitsplace,andminditsmanners. Guyana’sEPA issubjecttoscrutinyandtheauthorityofthelocaljudiciary shouldmattersbebroughttothelatter’sattentionregarding dangerouslapsesoftheformer. ExxonMobildoesnotneed any education on this, yet in a sign of its unrestrained haughtiness, it ventures into the murky waters of passing what can only be interpreted as veiled orders to the local judiciary Nodoubtthisisaconsequenceofthecompany’s cozyrelationshipwiththerulingPPPCGovernment,andthe kindandgentleconditionthatithascultivatedinthemajor APNU opposition. History has taught new oil producing countries of the world a host of horrible lessons about the ExxonMobils in the fields of oil play One of the most enduringisthisone:giveanoilmajoraninchofrope,andit will strangle all local hope. Give it the green light to run amokinthelocalenvironment,anditwillmangleanymanor woman that gets in its way Members of the Guyana judiciaryareslowlycomingtothisunderstanding.

It is ExxonMobil’s way, or none at all. The latest manifestationisthatGuyana’sjudiciaryoughtnottotouch, not to interfere with, what the EPA does, no matter how damagingsuchistothewellbeingofGuyanese. TheEPAis already a sitting duck, now ExxonMobil wishes to convert Guyana’sjudiciarytoalimp,toothlessplasticdoll.

NAC mourns death of Dr. Olato Sam

DEAREDITOR, TheNACwasshockedat the news of the sudden and tragic passing of Dr. Olato Sam on Friday August 4, 2023.

To his family and relatives, the Council offers

itssincerestcondolences.

Dr. Sam was an outstanding member of the Council who provided critical reviews of proposals that were laid before the Council.

At the time of his

passing, he was seeking fundingforthestrengthening of institutional capacity to aggressively pursue the implementation of NAC five-yearstrategicplan. His contribution to the Council’s business through

his wisdom and known intellectandexperienceasan outstandingeducationistand administrator will be sadly missed.

Yourssincerely National Accreditation Council

Dr. Roger Forbes Luncheon was a man with an exceptional mind

DEAREDITOR, I am motivated to pen these few lines, partly because I’ve noticed some persons on social media etc. castingaspersionsonthelate Dr.Luncheon.Iamyettosee any of those contributors, local or in the Diaspora, attestthatheorshewasinthe room, or have first-hand knowledge of the alleged societal wrongdoings they areparroting.

I feel that this sordid trend of wanton abuse of social media for character assassination could become counterproductive if continued to snowball unrestrained So dear readers, kindly permit me to

share some cherished thoughts of Dr Luncheon fromavantagepointofbeing directly addressed by him. And, by the way, even as I write this, another doctor is being crucified without an iota of unbiased, objective analysis of context, or a study of the influencing c i r c u m s t a n c e s R e m e m b e r i n g t h e gentleman’s sobriquet, I would adjust to say; “crucifiedasecondtime”. Dr. Luncheon’s vast experience and nimble intellect produced an uncanny way of politely completing my statement or question, and providing a response while I am still

workingoutinmindthebest way to present a matter consistent with the respect which should be accorded oneholdingthehighofficeof Cabinet Secretary and Head

of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and also, Secretary of the Defense Board.

Two examples come to mind:oneSaturdaymorning while chatting I thought that the line of conversation he initiated provided an opportunity to express my concern about the state of cooperatives in our cooperative republic The subject current Minister was undoubtedly committed to the philosophy and

movement,butIwasn’tsure the majority of Cabinet members had fully grasped the significance and potential of cooperatives alongwiththeapplicationof its resources as a game changer in Guyana’s multiethnic human development process.

On the contrary, Government had just unveiled a set of policies to support the intent that the private sector should be the engine of economic growth. However, the cooperative as a transformational galvanizing pillar was markingtime.Iwasthinking aboutmypossible (Continuedonpage05)

We need international experts to monitor and control EXXON

DEAREDITOR, RecentlyIsawavideoof a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee [PAC] of the Guyana Parliament, and the following was disclosed,theGRAbosstold the PAC that he required 60 plus persons to man the sectionofourGRAwhichis being trained to monitor EXXON et al, and that he only had half that number, since as fast as he was trainingthem,theyarebeing paid to leave the GRA for other more lucrative positions.

This is the same GRA which mixed up the TIN of Mr. Anthony Joseph Vieira, born 1945 with Anthony JosephVieiraborn1971!

It took me and my son years to unravel that mess. Thiswasnotdecadesagowe only unraveled the mix up twoyearsago.

Guyanese cannot monitor and ensure the country gets its just deserts from the OIL industry; we MUSTstopthisnonsenseof believingthatanyGuyanese currently living in Guyana canoperateattheselevelsin thepetroleumindustryatthe l

especially given its reputation of facilitating corruption worldwide according to the Natural Resource Governance Institute(NRGI).KNApril1 2022 “Exxon contractors linked to biggest corruption scandalsinoilindustry”

Since I have a pretty good understanding of the operations of the Guyana SugarIndustry,Iwillgive,as myevidence,theexampleof what happened there, since we clearly have many persons occupying the halls ofpowerinthiscountrywho are misled into believing otherwise.

In 1975 the year before nationalization, the Guyana sugar industry produced 298,751 tonnes of sugar In 1990, just 15 operational yearslater,theindustryonly produced 132,030.5 tonnes.

At which stage the governmentunderDesmond Hoyte, got the message, which was that political interference in the industry was destroying it, and that when the industry stopped operating under the discipline and expertise of Bookers, it left very few

managing the industry p r o p e r l y a f t e r Nationalization.

So he retained Booker Tate as Managers to run the affairs of the Corporation, andundertheirmanagement, by 1999, just 10 years after being hired, the industry produced319,829Tonnesof sugar!

In2006thePPP(Peoples ProgressiveParty)appointed as Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud who believedthatwewerepaying Booker Tate far too much and terminated their contract. Ten years later in 2016 the Guyana sugar industry, including the illconceived and poorly executed Skeldon estate expansion produced only 183,615 tonnes! The plan was for the local industry to produce 425,000 tonnes by then!

Thesearethefacts,andit showsclearlythatGuyanese with political interference cannot run the local sugar industryandithasfailed.

Wecontinuetomakethe samemistake.Nomatterthe cost we need international experts to monitor and control EXXON et al

especially since we had people in Guyana who were knowledgeable and even workedinoursugarindustry butwerestillunabletorunit! I cannot say that we have even one person in Guyana whoIbelieveiscompetentto ensure that EXXON et al is notrapingus.

Finally editor, I was a member of the PAC [20062010] along with the best parliamentarianIeverknew, Mr Winston Murray, and whatIsawoftheproceeding of the PAC was more of a political posturing rather than an actual examination of the areas which the Auditor General had highlighted as problematic in his audit, which is what it should be This left the Ministryoffinancewithegg on its face for not taking measurestorectifythis,what is for Guyana, MOST important function of the GRAi.e.tomonitorEXXON etal.Also,Idon’tremember seeingtheAuditorGeneralat thatmeetingofthePAC!

How can anyone think that the PAC can have a legitimate session without theAuditorGeneralpresent?

Tony

Vieira.

Guyana and the health sector have lost a champion - Roger Luncheon

DEAREDITOR,

We extend our deepest sympathiesandcondolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr Roger Luncheon, who recently passed away after a long strugglewithpoorhealth.Dr Luncheon’s passing on August 2, 2023, has left the Health Sector and medical profession in mourning. His loss is deeply felt in the health sector and across Guyana.

Dr Luncheon left a lasting impact on our country through his contributions to politics and healthcare. His legacy will be remembered for many yearstocome.

Dr Luncheon received hiseducationandtrainingin the USA. He became

Guyana’s

first Nephrologist

and dedicated almost two decades of service at the Georgetown Hospital During his early years, he workedalongsideagroupof renowneddoctors,including Dr Deen Sharma, the only urologist on staff; Dr Ramsundar Doobay, the medical specialist; Dr Bud Lee, the surgeon, Dr Moti Lall, and several others. He returned to Guyana in the early 1970s and served as a publicservantfromthevery beginningofhisreturn.

From the moment he returnedtoGuyana,hewasa devoted supporter of Dr Cheddi Jagan. For over two decades, from the early 1970sto1992,heservedthe GeorgetownPublicHospital withunwaveringdedication.

He not only provided his patientswiththebestquality medical care, but he also showed them kindness and patience. He made himself available to see patients at his home and even visited themintheirhomes.

Known as “Doc” to many Guyanese, he was beloved by thousands. Even as he pursued political work throughout Guyana, he always made time to visit thosewhoweresick.Despite hislongcareerinGuyana,he neveracceptedpaymentasa private doctor and relied solely on his public servant salary His home visits and medical services were always provided pro bono, asactsofgenerosity

During the 1980s, Dr Luncheon played various

roles in the healthcare industry He worked as a doctor at Georgetown Hospitalandalsoservedasa mentortomanydoctorswho arenowconsideredveterans in Guyana. Additionally, he wasateacherandlecturerat the University of Guyana’s MedicalSchoolwhenitwas establishedinthelate1980s. Dr Luncheon taught several of the medical school’s brightest students, who are nowshiningstarsinthefield.

Roger Luncheon was a trusted advisor to the MinistryofHealthfornearly 50years,despitehispolitical opposition to the government prior to 1992. He continued to provide guidance to the Minister of Health and government officials until his passing on

August 2, 2023. Although his role may not have been necessary or well-received between 2015 and 2020, he remainedwillingtoofferany assistancehecould.

During his time as the Head of the Presidential Secretariat from 1992 to 2015, Dr Luncheon coordinatedallCabinetSubCommittees, including the Sub-Committee on Health. He played a vital role in advancing healthcare in Guyana by overseeing the d e v e l o p m e n t a n d implementationofprograms

such as Cardiology, Transplant, Dialysis, and R a d i o t h e r a p y D r

Luncheon’s unwavering

support ensured the successfulestablishmentofa post-graduate program in

surgery, despite opposition from many within and outside of Guyana This program has grown to 18 specialistareas.

Additionally, he provided significant support for other programs at the University of Guyana, including the nursing and physiotherapy degree programs Without Dr Luncheon’s contributions, these programs would not havebeenpossible.

During the Ministry of Health’s efforts to reform and transform the legal and legislativeframeworkforthe health sector, Dr Luncheon providedvaluablesupportto Health Minister Gail Teixeira. Specifically, he playedavitalroleinthe

(Continuedonpage06)

Dr.RogerForbesLuncheonwasaman...

Frompage5 contribution to a greater awareness when he leaned forwardandsaid“youhavea lot of experience in field work and administration, your skills could be wider utilized in our nation’s developmentprogram.Send me a one or two pager outlining your skill set, background and willingness to serve in a higher capacity than your current assignment”. As I walked out his Office, I let out a conceding giggle; it hit home that the HPS had disarmed me and subtly conductedajobinterviewby applying a strategy of targeted, light banter with sprinklings of old fashion Guyanese vernacular that included his trademark “the banna/thembannas”.

IrecallanothertimeDoc displayedhis‘mind-reading’ gift Around December 2014,havinggottenpastthe topic of his official summons, he settled into initiating a free flowing discussionaboutsomeofhis

administrative experiences; I felt honored to be hearing such amazing analyses and conclusions.

Avoice in my head was saying “the great man is providing awesome guidance to me, a person with whom he only recently got acquainted (well maybe he had the benefit of a dossier).” Asifheheardmy thoughts, he switched gears and said “in life, to have someone of significance believe in you and got your backattherightfultime,isof inestimable value” He identified Dr Cheddi Jagan and Justice Kenneth George as having being two such persons to him. The former tookhimunderhiswingand protected his phenomenal personal growth, while the latter helped fashion his commitment to higher education, decency and professionalism. That was hisuniquewayofhintinghe mayhavebeentreatingmein asimilarlight.

The departed, as an individual, was committed

to a professional public service and representative industrial relations practices therein During our last meeting before the March 2015election,hementioned his disappointment at not fostering a robust Public Service Association (PSA) to look into the interests of seniorpublicservants.

The current PSA head had moved on from being a permanent secretary to an appointment as head of a newly established authority within the agricultural sector I was asked to considerakeyassignmentto help revitalize the PSA into becoming a more vibrant and effective body after the upcoming general and regionalelections.

We spoke briefly twice during the 2015 – 2020 previous administration period.

He emphasized two similar points both times: one, his failing health, in particular his eyes; and two, his deep concern that the government was making

several serious policy and administrative mistakes They blatantly ignored the fact that they could have reached out and tap into his two decades of senior governmentalexperience.

Asforthetwopager;Isent to him as requested Didn’t hear anything else though we interactedafewtimesafter He made no reference nor did I TowardstheendofDecember, 2014,someeightmonthsafter Isubmitted,hecalled(hehada way of calling late night around10pmwiththewords “youup?”.

Because this was far apart, I would naturally respond “who is asking please”towhichhehungup. This morning around 6 am, having grown accustom to thedrill,Iwasprepared.We got past the “you up” salutation. He said “About

thatpaper,thePresidentand Ihavedecidedyoushouldbe invited to undertake higher g o v e r n m e n t a l responsibilities, your subject minister, (a man who was makingbabystepstobecome head of state) has readily concurred Letmeknowwhat youthinkearly Iamlooking forward to announce your appointmenttothenation”

Dr Roger Forbes Luncheonwasamanwithan exceptional mind who stealthily applied indescribable administrative powerwhichwasbuttressed by a disarming wit and unpretentious humility; a Guyanesetotheboneandan avowed Marxist clothed in unwaveringpatriotism.

It’s ironical that this accomplished medical doctor, who directly contributed to the healing

process of so many, fell victim to being an unrelenting workaholic that made missteps in taking better care of his health. Often at his desk from 5 am to having late night meetings, he used his Saturday 10 am ‘meet the people’timeto‘ground’with personsfromallwalksoflife while unwinding in the process; the Kitty ‘roots man’ on dashing display duringthediscourse.

Today,asIedgecloserto my allotted three score and ten, I can undoubtedly say thereisnootherpersonwith whom I have interacted so littlethattaughtmesomuch.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and others in mourning. May he restinpeace.

Yoursfaithfully, DerrickCummings

Guyanaandthehealth...

Frompage5 introduction of the Termination of Pregnancy Bill in Parliament and supported amendments to the Medical Council and NursingCouncillaws.

Dr Luncheon also contributed to the creation of several important acts, includingtheMinistryofHealthAct,the Health Facilities Licensing Act, the Allied Health Practitioners Act, the Pharmacy Practitioners Act, The Regional Health Authority Act, The Blood Transfusion Act, and The GPHC IncorporationOrder Hiscontributionstothe legislative framework were significant and greatlyappreciated.

He also worked on the draft Tobacco ControlBill,whichbecamelawin2016

In the 1980s, when the Guyana Medical Association had become defunct, Dr Luncheon, working alongside other iconicdoctors,suchas Deen Sharma and Walter Ramsahoye, ensured a new vibrant Medical Associationwasestablished.

By 1989, the group was agitating for more independent control of medical practitioners and in 1991, the government relented and permitted a bill to

beintroduced.

The present Medical Council functioning is still largely based on the 1991 Medical PractitionersAct ThisActwasslightlyamendedtoaddtwo non-medicalmembersin2006.

In 1992, Guyana’s new president, Dr Cheddi Jagan, asked Dr Luncheon to serve as Head of the Presidential Secretariat, which interrupted his full-time job as a doctor However,he continued to provide medical services to his colleaguesandordinaryGuyanesewhenever they needed it. Numerous individuals have sought him out for their medical requirements, particularly in the field of nephrology

Dr Luncheon has never refused assistance to anyone

Guyana’s health sector has suffered a great loss with the passing of a champion.

Although we cannot replace him, his contributions have made a lasting impact on the sector.

The Ministry of Health honours him as one of our most valuable assets and a true herointhefieldofmedicine.

MinistryofHealth

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Jagdeo not informed about GRA audit result

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Jagdeo says nobody at the GRA told him anything.

Jagdeo knows nothing about the Exxon audit.

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Jagdeo claims to know nothing about Exxon's pushback.

Jagdeo is out of the loop on Exxon refusing to pay.

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What does Jagdeo know about this oil?

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Is Jagdeo still on this planet?

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

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

Oil companies could potentially exploit loophole to recover 10% royalty for new blocks ...as

Govt. only lists signature bonus, training fees and financial support for social projects as non-recoverable in draft oil law

TActivities Bill 2023 which is expected to replace Guyana's 1986 oil law demands the payment of royalty from oil companies.

However, it does not explicitly state that this cost cannotberecovered.

Should such a loophole be preserved in the law, it could be potentially exploited by oil companies that would have to pay a 10 percent royalty for future blocks.

This 10 percent royalty represents a significant increase over the two percent being paid on oil production in Guyana's Stabroek Block. In that offshore concession, ExxonMobil leads a consortium where they are producing approximately

400,000barrelsofoilperday fromtwoprojects.

W h i l e t h e d r a f t legislation does not state that royalty is not recoverable, it clearlydoessoforthreeother categoriesofpayments.

At Part VII of the proposed law dealing with revenues and financial guarantees, it states that a signature bonus, a term appliedtothesumofmoneya company offers the government upon signing an exploration or production contract, shall not be cost recoverable.

At another section, it is noted that “A petroleum exploration, petroleum production licence, or petroleum agreement shall provide for the annual payment of a training fee during the period of the

licence or petroleum agreement.

The training fee shall not becostrecoverable.”Interms of financial support for projects, the Bill states, “A petroleum exploration l i c e n c e , p e t r o l e u m production licence or petroleum agreement may requirealicenseetoestablish a programme of financial support for environmental, socialandotherprojectstobe fundedbythelicensee,which shall not be cost recoverable. The licence or petroleum agreement shall establish the terms of the programme and the amount of financial contribution payable by the licensee.”

With respect to royalty, the proposed law states that the holder of a petroleum production licence shall pay

totheState,royaltyinrespect of the gross petroleum produced in the production area.

Where the holder of a petroleumproductionlicence failstopayanyroyaltydueto the State by the due date, or any further time allowed by the Minister, the proposed law states that the official may, by notice served on the licensee, prohibit the removal of any petroleum from the production area concerned, or from any other production area subject to a licence held by the licensee, until all outstanding royalty in arrears has been paid inclusive of interest accrued or until an arrangement has been made, and accepted by the Minister, for the payment oftheroyaltyinarrears.

The Bill also states that

interest in this case is to be appliedatarateofsixpercent per annum unless otherwise prescribedbytheMinister

Furthermore, any person who contravenes a notice for payment of royalty shall be guilty of an offence and s h a l l , o n s u m m a r y conviction, be liable to a fine of $20 million together with imprisonment for three years.

Additionally, the Minister may, on application of a licensee, and after consultation with the M i n i s t e r a s s i g n e d responsibility for finance, by order—remit, in whole or in part, any royalty payable by the licensee; or defer paymentofanyroyaltybythe licensee on such conditions as the Minister may specify intheorder

The proposed law was laid on the National Assembly last week and is expected to be debated on Wednesday

If successfully passed, it will mark the completion of one of the remaining tasks authorities said would be completed before accepting bids in September for the nation'sfirstauction. That bid round is set to feature 11 shallow water blocks and three deep water concessions.

The passage of the new oil law will also complement two modernized oil contracts that the government is still refining.

Thosenewcontractshave appropriately designed terms and conditions that will govern the shallow and deepwaterblocks.

Developing countries pay much higher interest rates on loans

ArecentlypublishedUnited Nations (UN) report h i g h l i g h t e d t h a t developing countries, like Guyana are the ones who have to pay much higher interest rates when they borrow monies.

The report, 'A World of Debt: A growing burden to prosperity' was produced by the UN Global Crisis Response Group and released in July 2023.

Public debt can be vital for development, some Governments use it to finance their expenditures, to protect and invest in their people, and to pave their way to a better future – it was stated in the report. However, it was noted that it can also be a heavy burden.

Explaining the inequalities in the international financial architecture, it was stated that developing countries are dealing with an international financial architecture that exacerbates the negative impact of cascading crisesonsustainabledevelopment.

Further, it was highlighted that the burden of debt on development is intensified by a system that constrains developing countries access to development finance and pushes them to borrow from more expensive s o u r c e s , i n c r e a s i n g t h e i r vulnerabilities and making it even hardertoresolvedebtcrises.

In addition, it was said that when developing countries borrow money, they have to pay much higher interest rates compared to developed countries, even without considering thecostsofexchangeratefluctuations.

UN Report

In the report, a comparison was done for the bond yields (2022-2023) between developing countries and developedcountries.

It showed that countries like the United States and Germany had interest rates of 3.1% and 1.5% respectively Whereas, for developing countries in Asia and Oceania, Latin America and the Caribbean and Africa, those countries had to pay interest rates ranging from 6.5% to 11.6%.

“Countries in Africa borrow on average at rates that are four times higher than those of the United States and even eight times higher than those ofGermany,”itwasunderscored.

To this end, it was said that high borrowing costs make it difficult for developing countries to fund important investments, which in turn further undermines debt sustainability and progress towards sustainable development.

“Developing countries face additional major challenges due to high levels of external public debt, which make them more vulnerable to external shocks When global financial conditions change or international investors become more risk-averse,borrowingcostscanshoot upsuddenly,”itwassaidinthereport.

Similarly, it was noted that when a country's currency devalues, debt payments in foreign currency can skyrocket, leaving less money for

developmentspending.

Notably, last week the National Assembly approved a US$3 Billion hike to Guyana's domestic public and externaldebtceilings.

SeniorMinisterintheOfficeofthe President with responsibility for Finance,Dr AshniSingh–whotabled the motion to raise the debt ceilings –indicated that as Guyana's ability to borrow more increases the Government will return to the NationalAssembly to further increase thedebtceilings.

Devotingmoremoneytopaydebts

The report said that in Latin America and the Caribbean, developing countries are devoting more money to interest payments rather than to investment. The report notedthatacrosstheworld,risingdebt burdens are keeping countries from investinginsustainabledevelopment.

“An increasing number of countries find themselves trapped in a situation where both their development and their ability to manage debt is compromised. Currently at least 19 developing countries are spending more on interest than on education and 45 are spending more on interest than on health. In total, 48 countries are home to 3.3 billion people, whose lives are directly affected by underinvestment in education or health due to large interest payment burdens,” the report added.

The comparison of interest rates in developing countries and developed countries

What happened to the 5 billion dollars?

Th e P P P C government did

n o t h a v e a comprehensive plan to address the cost of living crisis This betrayed the intellectual bankruptcy of the government and particularly its inability to develop wide-ranging and effective policies to counter the rising costs faced by consumers.

This is why during its Budgets, it has had to announce that it was setting asidefivebilliondollarslast year for the cost of living relief. At the time of the presentationofBudget2022, it could not announce the usestowhichthefivebillion dollarswouldbeputbecause it simply did not have a comprehensiveplan.

ItwasnotuntilMay2022 that the government announced a one-off cash

grant for households in riverine and hinterland communities This was estimated to have cost the government less than one billiondollars

This year, another five billion dollars has been set asideforcostoflivingrelief.

But no measures were announced as to how this fivebilliondollarswouldbe allocated. Andasattheend of July, this year not a cent had been allocated to cost of livingrelief

The government has never developed a comprehensive menu of measures for cost of living relief. This is why it is seeking refuge in the supposed increases in disposable incomes as a responsetothecostofliving crisis TheremovalofVATon water and electricity and water and the reintroduction

of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant were not cost of living relief measures These had nothing with cost of living and were merely concernedwithreversingthe actions of the APNU+AFC government The removal of VAT on certain basic food items followed the same rationale: how dare APNU+AFC place taxes on items which were previously freeofVAT?Thisisnottosay that there were no positive measures implemented to stemthecostofliving.They were. The reduction of the excisetaxesonfuelhelpedto suppress the pass througheffects of rising fuel prices.

Considering that in 2020, almost20billiondollarswas collectedbythegovernment asexcisetaxesonpetroleum products, this measure representedasignificantloss of revenues for the

Several injured in accident at Craig, EBD

Several persons were on Monday night injured in an accident on the Craig Public Road,EastBankDemerara(EBD).

According to videos seen by this publication,theaccidentinvolvedatruckand twocars.KaieteurNewsunderstandsthatthe truck collided with one of the cars, causing thatcartocrashintoanother

The impact resulted in some persons beingflungontotheroadway Avideoofthe

aftermath of the accident showed publicspirited persons attempting to free some people who were trapped in the backseat of thecarthatcollidedwiththetruck.

This publication was reliably informed that three injured persons were taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital, but two were then transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospitals Corporation (GPHC) for further treatment.

Dem boys seh...

Burnham’s

Like we austerity foods comingback in style. Or as we say, it becoming once more‘trendy’.

It’s dat time of year again, when Burnham’s death anniversary rolls by We marking de death anniversary of de Founder Leader,demanwahhelpall of we fuh understand how fuh stretch a dollar longer thananelasticbandandfuh create a meal out of bare essentials.

And whenever de anniversary come around, demboysdoesstartcraving fuh some of dem food wah weusedtohavetoresortto fuh mek ends meet and fuh feedwepickney Demboys feelingpeckishandlonging fuh good ol’ poor people food.

Back in de day, salt and rice was a culinary necessity Itteachyuhhow fuh be thrifty with de household money. .

Nowadays,nuffpeoplewah grow up poor acting like

Bargain Bites!

dem never eat salt and rice or drink milk-less tea made frombush.

And what about egg curry? De man was a genius,metellyou!Heturn eggs from just a breakfast thing to a national treasure. You used to watch them eggs boil and think, “Yuh better taste good, because yougonnabedestarofthis pot!”

Eggfriedrice?Thatwas de original special before chickenfriedrice.

Eddoe soup without obstacles!Whocouldforget thatheartybowlofcomfort that could full yuh belly fasterthanaglassofwater?

Rice pop and rice flour porridge – the double whammy of Burnham’s brilliance!Hemekriceinto a superstar You couldn’t walk past a pot of rice pop withoutgrabbingabowlful. Especially if it packed with sugar.

But oh, how times have changed.Peoplenoweatso

government.

The government also sought to contain imported inflation by allowing importers to pay import taxes on a pre-pandemic freight rates This reduced the taxes thatimportershadtopay This it was hoped would help to contain the prices at which these imported items were sold. The measure failed because consumers did not benefit much from reduced freightcostadjustments.

The freight rates have sincedeclinedtoalmostprepandemic levels. But there has been no corresponding declineinthepricesofgoods ontheshelves,meaningthat the business class has been profiteeringfromthefreight costadjustmentmeasure.

The government also promised farmers’ markets to ensure that local produce was sold at a lower price to consumers This was a recognition that green grocershadjackedupprices in response to the general increase in inflation. This measurewasmereawindow dressing. Farmers markets were held too intermittently toimpactonfoodprices.

Inthisyear’sBudget,the

government sought to classify and employmentgeneration measure, the part-time jobs programme, asacostoflivingmeasures.

The part-time jobs programme has been poorly implemented and has deviated from its stated intention that the beneficiaries would have been the sole income earner in their household. In many instances, this rule has been observedinthebreach.

The part-time jobs programme is geared more as an unemployment programme(safetynet)and not as a cost of living relief measure. The programme ie mired in controversy since many of the beneficiaries were not actively seeking jobs and many have paramours that are employed.

Thegovernmentwasnot receptive to the suggestion thatamonthlycostofliving allowance be paid to public sector workers until prices returntonormal.Thiswould have brought immediate relief to government workers, placed monies directly into their hands and force private sector

companies to follow suit. Instead, the government has monies set aside for cost of living relief but does not know what to do with these sums. ThepeopleofGuyana are not unreasonable. They are not going to blame the government entirely for the rise in cost of living. The average citizen knows that there is a global inflation crisis Guyanese living overseas would have been conveyed to their relatives back home that they too are experiencinghighprices.

What citizens need are not promises about setting aside 5 billion dollars or giving concessions to the business class. A cost of living allowance for public sector workers was doable. Themoneywastheretopay this allowance. It is not too lateforasmallallowanceto be paid. It is not too late to address one of the root causes of the local inflation crisis:greed.

much meat and fish, dem platesnahlookinglocal.

But just like bellbottoms and mini-skirts, Burnham’s poor people food mekkin’ a comeback. We craving for dat taste of simplertimes,whenaplate of salt and rice could make youfeelricherthanadredge owner

So let us hail up dem poor people food which nuffofwegrowupwithbut now too shame to admit. AndlehwethankBurnham fuh teaching we how fuh survivehardtimes.

Sodenexttime,yuhdig yuhteethintosomesaltand rice or rice flour porridge, remember you are being transported back into history, and giving due recognition to a man who was a genius and who taught us dat cheap food could make us feel like millionaires.Burnham,yuh might be gone, but yuh flavorsdehlivin’on! Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

Exxon is a slavemaster

S o m e G u y a n e s e delightedly take Exxon's side, give testimonial: the c o m p a n y i s n o t a slavemaster No, sirree, sir! I humbly, respectfully, sincerely, beg to differ.

Exxon is a modern-day slavemaster with the barbarities inflicted on every single Guyanese, including endorsers, marketers, leaders, and other defenders o f t h i s A m e r i c a n

monstrosity Unlike that great American Manichean, George W Bush, I refrain from declaring the company aresidentevilinGuyana.

Insharing,fourthingsare

emphasized. This space will never be used to vilify fellow Guyanese; disagree, maybe, but smear, never Second, this is not an engagement, only a citizen's conviction, statement. Third, a tetanus shot was taken considering the toxic environment. Fourth, this is not about what otherpeoplethink,itiswhatI think, what the reality is. I live here. Observe. Now, to businesspending.

Forstarters,1%,then2%, royalty for our light, sweet, super crude oil are reminiscent of the bells, whistles, mirrors, colored strings, and shiny trinkets that African traitors were given to sell the prime manhoodandwomanhoodof their continent into lifelong bondage Summary: incredible domestic cheapness for stupendous external richness Two percentisslavery,andExxon owns it. Translation: slave master Note parallels: Exxon is the East India Company, and it has captive Guyanese slave labor working for its interests ranging from parliament to Freedom House to Congress Place. Anybody study our political people, really study them sniffing the air and pawing the ground, when oil is the subject? Who is master, and who is serf/slave?

Second, the new Father of Guyana, Mr Alistair Routledge, looks down his nose at his restless Guyanese minions, and reassure them that the Exxon contract is the bestthingthateverhappened to Guyana, viz , revenue stream.

Thinking of that statement, I recall an eerie precedent to Massa Routledge's dripping, paternalistic, barely concealed, condescension 'Itsoundslikethis:lookatthe slaves, look how happy and contented they are. They have never had it so good; it is certainly better than what they had in the dark, savage heart of Africa.' Exxon first tricked Guyanese, and then turned around and kicked them with that insult. Most

Guyanese can count past 2%

a n d s o m e denounce that

billion-dollar

b o n a n z a masquerading as secret expenses. Whysecrecy?

Why my brothers, my protectors,myadvocates,Dr. Ali and Dr, Jagdeo, reject disclosing the details of Exxon's billions in oil expenses? I resurrect still another barbaric aspect in slavemasters'behaviorinthe slave aristocracy of the American South No to learning, no to education, no to exposure, for the slaves. Forthentheywouldgetideas aboutfreedom.

Similarly, it is no to expenses disclosures, for there would be freedom to d e t e c t p o s s i b l e skullduggeries buried in thesebillsforoilexploration, production, transportation, other likely billion-dollar fabrications. Why hide if nothing to slide past locals? Though sealed, info sneaks out via watchdog studies about corporate banditries that proliferate Oil c o m p a n i e s a r e n o t missionaries; Exxon has been conspicuously among mercenaries. Are Exxon's markups so huge, its 'mistakes' so many? I reintroduce contemporaries to another slavemaster practice: keep them dumb, give them rum, and leave themnumb.

Dumb and numb to the predations; the ones of today may not be sexual, but probably expense violations andravages.

Fourth, when Exxon says No!No!No!torenegotiation of this odious Guyanese institution called the 2016 Exxon-Guyana oil contract, remember what happened in civilized UK, and the good oleUSA.

Pressure and pleas to free and release the shacked slaves met with resistance, rancidness, and rage. No to renegotiation is tantamount to what was said when the sacred rights of man were vestedinwordslikeabolition and emancipation. No to

renegotiation is Exxon slavemasters drawing their line in sand, and saying no the emancipation of Guyana today Continue, and there will be a time when that line turnscarmine.

This is neither theory nor philosophy; this is Guyanese reality.

This is not logic inspired by proposition; this is the savagery of Guyana's condition, a statement of local economic fact. This is st not hypothesis about 21 century slavemasters, this is the state of crisis brought about by the callous, even cruel, inhumanity of Exxon and its buccaneers in Guyana. When Mr Darren Woods can transform into William Wilberforce (emancipation through renegotiation), then I would drop the company's slavemaster label, slur, denigration. Because Mr Routledge is the face, voice, and manipulative engine of the company here, then he hastohearit,tasteit,andlive withit. Thebestworkhecan do for Exxon is to absorb the growing disgust and rage of Guyanese at Exxon, and take itbackwholesaletoTexas.

The Exxon contract is enslaving. The language, body language, and unspoken language of Exxon are those of slavemasters. Practices and profits match. Meanwhile, impoverished high-income people are still chainedtoslavery Povertyis slavery

The prostrations of nationalleadersconfirmtheir captivity So, when they avert eyes and kneel, who is boss, who is bozo?One last time, who is slavemaster and who is slave? Somebody is tryingtomakeadamnfoolof Guyanese.

D i s c l a i m e r : T h e opinions expressed in this column are those of the author They do not purport to reflect the opinions or viewsof Kaieteur News

Tearful Chinese Landing residents demand Govt. return their lands during “fact-finding" meeting

By Shervin Belgrave

The Indigenous people of Chinese Landing, Barama River, Region One, broke down into tears at a "fact-finding meeting" on Sunday as they demanded the returnoftheirtitledlands.

According to residents, the lands are used to provide for their families As many cried, the residents accused the Government of taking away their “daily bread” and giving them to miners thereby forcingthemtosuffer

The Indigenous residents said that the very miners the Government is giving the lands to, aredestroyingtheenvironmentand abusingtheirhumanrights.

Ateam of government officials led by Member of Parliament (MP) Alister Charlie visited the remote village on Sunday on a "factfinding” mission to investigate allegations of environmental and human rights abuses against the Indigenous people at Chinese Landing.

Other members of the team included Head of the Guyana Police Force's (GPF) Of Professional Responsi Dennis Baird, Regional Health Officer for Region One, Dr S t e v e n C h e f o o n Representative of the E n v i r o n m e n t a l Protection Agency (EPA), Collin Primo, Deputy Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Jimmy Reece a n d S e n i o r Environmental Officer of GGMC,VickramManu.

The team was sent to the Indigenous village following the issuance of Resol 41/2023 by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) That international body called on Guyanese authorities to implement a series of measures to protect the Indigenous Carib Community of Chinese Landing.

According to the Commission, the Carib community which has approximately 210 residents, is currentlyatseriousriskofsuffering irreparable harm to their human rights by miners and even some members of the Guyana Police Force.

Details of those risks were outlined in a petition to the international body which was filed by the Chinese Landing Village Council, the Amerindian Peoples Association of Guyana (APA), and theForestPeoplesProgramme.

At Sunday's meeting, the head of the team, MP Charlie told the residents that his government stands with them in the fight but in the same vein, attempted to scold the villagers for complaining about their human rights abuse to the Non-Governmental Organizations

(NGOs) while refuting claims made that the government did nothing to protect their rights from beingtrampleduponbytheminers.

The APA is one such organization that has been representing the people of Chinese Landingintheirfighttoregaintheir livelihood and stop the human rightsviolationsagainstthem.

Charlie started off by saying " I won't say that government isn't doing anything" before adding, "We got to be careful residents, we got to be very much careful. We have Amerindian representatives, and NGOs are operating in the name ofAmerindians, representing but we need to be careful, we got to be educated because we see a lot of NGOs using theAmerindians and I s t r e s s o n t h e w o r d Amerindians [They] are using theAmerindianstoaccessfundings for theirorganisation.We arebeing used, our Amerindians are being used".

Just before cautioning the

residents, the Member of Parliament sought to remind the residents of Chinese Landing that the government has been issuing grants to the community His statement angered those present at the meeting. The residents said Charlie's statement suggested that they should be content with whatever cash handouts are given to them and ignore the abuses they arefacingonadailybasis.

Veron Miller, one of the residents, told MP Charlie that he needstobemindfulofwhathetells the members of the community Miller reminded that the community has been seeking help from the government for years but the help sought has not materialized. The resident noted too that had it not been for the intervention of the international organisation and the NGO, the government would not have sent a fact-findingmissiontothevillage.

She said, "Especially to Mr Charles (Charlie) let me tell you something today, the Indigenous people are not very happy and pleased." Miller said it is the very government that shortchanged the residentsbytakingawaytheirlands and giving them to miners. She made it clear that the issue isn't a political one while noting that the rightsofAmerindiansareatstake.

"...Whenthey(thegovernment) give you $40,000 (part-time job pay) we does still got to feed we children beyond forty thousand dollars. When them give you a $50,000 flood relief (grant) we still have to survive beyond that," a frustratedMillersaid.

According to Miller, the residents of Chinese Landing would mine for gold to make extra money to support their families. Thiswasinadditiontofarmingand hunting However, since the government sold the lands to large-

scale miners, they are without the addedsourceofincome.

Miller said that not only have thelarge-scaleminersusedforceto prohibit them from pork knocking but the environmental damage caused has chased away their fish. The residents of Chinese Landing have complained that the miners have also forcefully stopped them from accessing their hunting grounds. They are able to farm but the produce is only consumed by the residents since the miners have refused to buy their produce or supportthecommunityfinancially

The only thing that is keeping them alive is farming and the villagers farm only to eat because theminershaverefusedtobuytheir produce or support their communityfinancially

"Itrytoeducatemychirren.My sonisoutinGeorgetownwhenIgo andseetheconditionofmeson

(Continued in page 17)

Residents of Chinese Landing at the fact-finding meeting on Sunday

The fact-finding team that was sent to Chinese Landing by the government on Sunday.

Toshao Orin Fernandes during the meeting.

Michael Miller,

A Chinese Landing resident, demanded that his titled lands be returned

Pastor Evon Thomas, a resident of Chinese Landing makes a point during the fact-finding meeting.

Member of Parliament, Alister Charlie

New Mayors, Deputy Mayors take oath of office

Newly elected Mayors

and Deputy Mayors

were on Monday charged to put their political affiliation aside and work together to improve the services being offered to communities across the country

This charge was made by President IrfaanAli at the swearing in ceremony for Mayors and Deputy Mayors of the country's ten municipalities held at the Arthur

ChungConferenceCentre.

The Mayors and Deputy Mayors who took the oath of office are: Georgetown: Mayor Alfred MentoreandDeputyMayorDenise Miller; New Amsterdam: Mayor Wainwright McIntosh and Deputy Mayor Kirk Fraser; Corriverton: Mayor Imran Amin and Deputy Mayor Satyanand Ramraj; Rose Hall: Mayor Dave Budhu and Deputy Mayor Roydel Lewis; Linden: Mayor Kuice Sharma

Solomon and Deputy Mayor Dominique Blair; Anna Regina: Mayor Devin Mohan and Deputy MayorLornaFitzallen;Mabaruma: Mayor Trevi Leung and Deputy Mayor Liane Ann Persaud; Lethem: Mayor John Macedo and Deputy Mayor Indira Singh; Bartica:MartinMurrayandDeputy Mayor Gail Ann Persaud; Mahdia: Eslyn Gail Ramascindo-Hussain andDeputyMayorAkitaJohn. The Vice Chairman of Region

Man busted at CJIA with G$27M worth of cocaine wor

Ten, Mark Goring, was also sworn in.

In his remarks, President Ali said, “There are no winners when communities and public assets are neglectedorfallintodecay Ioffera hand of friendship and support to all local government bodies Central government stands as a partner in development We're ready to partner with you based on mutual respect, accountability, and inclusivity.”

The President underscored the importance of collaboration between the Central Government and the local authorities in bolstering local governance and ensuring that citizens have access toimprovedservices.

“Local government elections are over It is now the time to work collectively to pursue the development and advancement of thepeople,allourpeopleinallof

(Continuned on page 16)

The parcels of cocaine valued G$27M and a 9mm pistol and a magazine with 14 matching rounds which were found in his possession.

A37-year-old man was on Sunday intercepted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with approximately 26 016 kg (almost 57.35 lbs.) in narcotics, a firearm and ammunitions.

The Customs Anti- Narcotics Unit (CANU) made the bust during a routineoperationattheAirport.

According to CANU, while conducting a routine operation at a cargo company adjacent to the CJIA, they intercepted a motorcar driven by Christopher Michael Douglas, of Lot 1070Providence,EastBankDemerara (EBD)andof127KingEdwardStreet, Albouystown,Georgetown.

A subsequent search of the motorcar led to the discovery of twenty-three (23) brick-like parcels of suspected cocaine and a 9mm pistol and a magazine with 14 matching rounds.

Douglas was arrested and taken to CANU Headquarters along with the suspectednarcotics.

According to CANU the narcotics tested positive for cocaine, weighting approximately 26 016 kg (almost

57.35 lbs.), with a street value of approximatelyG$27million.

Aninvestigationisongoing.

Meanwhile, CANU in a press release said it continues to work assiduously with other stakeholders to ensure that narcotics are not transshipped via passenger or cargo throughtheCheddiJaganInternational Airport and the Eugene F Correia InternationalAirport.

Arrested: Christopher Michael Douglas

President Ali and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud and Deputy Mayors sworn in.

East Canje man killed in Cotton Tree accident; three injured

An early morning two-car accident on the Cotton Tree Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCB) claimed the life ofa60-year-olddriver Dead is as Carlton Maltay of East Canje,Berbice.

Injured are Jurjan MacAndrew and Auria Maltay, who were passengers in Maltay's car and Rajendra Deonarine, driveroftheothermotorcarinvolvedin theaccident.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported that the accident occurred around02:00hoursonMonday

It was stated that Maltay was the driver of motorcar PTT 7168, when he collided with motorcar PWW 5977, driven at the time by 22-year-old Deonarine, of Bath Settlement, WCB, withtwootheroccupants.

Dead: Carlton Maltay

The Police reported that Maltay was proceeding east on the northern drive lane at a fast rate While

negotiatingaturn,helostcontrolofthe vehicle and collided with the vehicle driven by Deonarine, which was proceeding west along the southern drivelane.

As a result of the collision, Maltay and his passengers received injuries and were picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to Fort Wellington PublicHospital.

Maltay was pronounced dead on arrival. His body was then taken to the hospital'smortuary

Auria Maltay and MacAndrew were examined by a doctor and transferred to New Amsterdam Public Hospitalwheretheywereadmitted.

Deonarine was admitted to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital for observation. The two occupants in his vehiclewerenotinjured.

Man wanted for murder of miner

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday issued a wanted bulletin for 26-year-old miner, Eliuge Allicock, for the murder of 39-yearold Quincy Calvin Nelson, a miner of the West Indian Housing Scheme, Bartica.

The bulletin listed Allicock's last known address as Hubu Parika, East Bank Essequibo and Issano Landing, MazaruniRiver,RegionSeven.

AccordingtothePolice,a22-yearold female cook of Tasserene Village, Middle Mazaruni River, and the suspect shares relationship. It was a alsostatedthatthewomanonceshared arelationshipwithNelson.

Nelson was fatally stabbed early Saturday morning at Honey Camp Landing, Region Seven, after he intervened and attempted to save the woman from being assaulted by the suspect.

The woman told investigators that onFridaynight,sheandAllicockwent to Honey Camp Landing, where they consumed Guinness and became intoxicated. She said around 01:00 hours, they then went to Clive Smith's ShopandcontinuedtodrinkGuinness. However, while at the shop, Nelson approached the woman and they had a

Woman drowns after falling off Leguan Stelling

Police in Region

T h r e e a r e investigating the death of 35-year-old Rabonie Sahoye of Lot 4, LaBagatelle,LeguanIslandwho allegedly drowned after fallingofftheLeguanStelling onFriday

Sahoye's relative told Kaieteur News on Monday that at about 17:00h the woman left her Leguan with her husband to take someone toParikaviatheirboat.

The relative said that around 20:30hrs that Friday night they received a call informing them that Sahoye fell overboard at the Leguan stelling.

After receiving the news, relativesrushedtothestelling where a search began for Sahoye.

The relative told Kaieteur News that Sahoye's husband said that they had just returned from Parika when she (Sahoye) jumped onto the stellingtohelptietheboatbut reportedly slipped and fell intothewater

“He [Sayohe's husband] said that she went on the

stelling and she fell over the rail,hethrowtheboatropefor her to catch and she was standingandslip,thatwhathe said,” the relative told KaieteurNews.

The search for Sahoye Fridaynightprovedfutileand relatives retired and resumed on Saturday when they were told that the woman's body wasseenataround12:30hrs

(Continued on page 16)

Grove man dies in East Bank crash

Dead: Quincy Nelson Wanted: Eliuge Allicock

conversation.

According to the Police, this annoyed the suspect, resulting in him grabbing the woman and assaulting her Nelson intervened and a scuffle ensuedbetweenhimandAllicock.

During the scuffle, the suspect drew a knife and dealt Nelson two

stabs to his chest area. Nelson was rushed to the Issano Health Outpost butwaspronounceddeaduponarrival.

Allicock escaped and up to press time, has not been apprehended Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspect is asked to contactthenearestPoliceStation.

Prison Officer killed in hit-and-run at Swan

Dead: Shamar Charles

A 20-year-old member of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) was on Sunday evening killed in a hit-and-run at Swan, Soesdyke/Linden Highway

DeadisShamarCharles,ofSwanVillage.

Reports are that the motorcar that hit Charles was proceeding south along the eastern side of the road at a fast rate. At the same time, Charles wascrossingtheroadfromeasttowestwhenthecarcollidedwithhim.Asa resultofthecollision,Charlesfellontotheroad,wherehereceivedinjuries tohisheadandabouthisbody

Thedriverofthevehicledidnotstopbutinsteadmadegoodhisescape. According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the driver's name, addressandvehiclenumberareunknown.

Charles was picked up in an unconscious condition by public-spirited citizens,placedintoapassingvehicleandtakentotheDiamondDiagnostic Center Hewasexaminedbyadoctorondutyandwaspronounceddeadon arrival.HisbodywastakentotheMemorialGardensFuneralHomewhere itisawaitingaPostMortemExamination(PME).

Thirty-year-old Ishmael Cort, of Lot 33 North East Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), died on Sunday morning after crashing into a culvert located on the Little DiamondPublicRoad,EBD.

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the accident occurred around 02:30 hours on Sunday Cort was driving motorcar PAD 8961 when he met his demise.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that around 23:30 hours on Saturday, Keyah Cort, the owner of the motorcar, parked his car and went to bed. At around 3:05 hoursonSunday,hereceived a phone call that his car was involved in an accident on the Little Diamond Public R o a d . K e y a h t o l d investigators that he then made checks and observed thathiscarwasmissing.

When he arrived on the scenehesawhisvehiclewith extensive damage mostly to thefront.Whileonthescene, Keyah was informed that his brother,Ishmael,wasdriving the car and was removed

Dead: Ishmael Cort

from the vehicle in an unconscious condition by public-spiritedcitizens.

The injured man was taken to the Diamond Hospital where he was examined by a doctor before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for furthertreatment. Ishmaellatersuccumbed.

Dead: Rabonie Sahoye

M&CC needs updated assets register and timely submission of financial statements

– former Mayor

Former Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine has lamented on the need for an updated and comprehensive fixed assets register at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC). Healsopointedto the need for the timely submission of monthly financialstatements.

In a letter to the new Financial Management C o m m i t t e e o f t h e Municipality, the former Mayorrequestedthatthetwo critical matters, that have been a cause for concern w i t h i n t h e c i t y administration under his tenure,beexamined.

“For quite some time, since I took office in 2019 it w a s b u r d e n o n m y shoulders,” Narine said in hisletter

“A comprehensive fixed assets register is crucial for e ff e c t i v e f i n a n c i a l management,asitprovidesa complete record of the city's tangible assets, such as buildings,infrastructure,and equipment It ensures transparency, accountability, and facilitates prudent decision-making regarding asset allocation and maintenance,”hesaid.

However,theMayorsaid despite his repeated requests since taking office in 2019, the Town Clerk's office has consistently made excuses for the delay in establishing and maintaining an up-todatefixedassetsregister

He explained that such excuses not only hinder the

city's ability to manage its assets effectively but also erode public trust and c o n f i d e n c e i n t h e administration.

According to the former Mayor, several letters were s e n t t o t h e L o c a l Government Commission (LGC) on the issue but nothing was done to date about Town Clerk and other s e n i o r o f f i c e r s o f M u n i c i p a l i t y o f Georgetown's failure to carry out the council's decisions “I urge the Finance Committee to exercise its authority and request the immediate completion of the fixed assets register and I can clearly say the then Town Clerk (ag.) who paid a lot of attention to getting the fixed assets register update was Ms. Sherry Jerrick I must say she is very professional at any work the council mandates her to do in that capacity as Town Clerk…”

Narine added Further, the former Mayor called for the timely issuance of monthly financial statements. He said

that the “Timely and accurate financial reporting is essential for both internal management and external stakeholders Monthly financial statements provide a snapshot of the city's f i n a n c i a l h e a l t h , highlighting revenues, expenditures, and budgetary variances They enable effective monitoring of financial performance, identification of potential issues, and prompt corrective actions, if required ”Narine stressed that it is imperative that the City Council and its constituents have access to this vital information, allowing for informed decision-making and

fostering a sense of trust and transparency within our community

As such, he urged the Finance Committee to take immediate action to address the aforementioned issues to demonstrate its commitment t o t r a n s p a r e n c y , accountability, and responsible financial m a n a g e m e n t

Former Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine

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President Ali extends Hicken’s tenure as Acting Top Cop

President Irfaan Ali has extended Com missioner of Police (ag.) Clifton Hicken’s tenure in office.

Hicken turned 55, the age of retirement, on July 22, 2023.

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President Ali told reporters on Monday on the sidelines of an event held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center, Liliendaal that he has officially communicated to Commissioner Hicken that he desires him to remain on the job as the country’s Top Cop.

“I have already issued a letter extending the services of the Commissioner of Police to a date to be determined,” President Ali said.

Hicken has been acting in the position of Commissioner of Police since March 2022. He took charge of the Police Force after the retirement of Deputy Commissioner, Nigel Hoppie, who was also acting in that post.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Communication’s Unit in a press release to the media said that the extension by the President is indicative of the confidence reposed in

Hicken. “The President’s decision to extend Mr. Clifton Hicken’s tenure is a clear message that he has full confidence in Hicken’s competencies, professionalism and abilities to continue leading the Guyana Police Force,” the GPF said in its release.

The GPF also lauded Hicken for his leadership and dedication to the role of Commissioner of Police (ag.).

In its statement, the GPF described Hicken as a very pro-active individual, well known for his transformational leadership qualities.

“His passion and drive in getting youths and members of the public involved in the process of policing has seen

tremendous results,” the statement read.

“Since assuming the leadership of the Force about 16 months ago, the infrastructural landscape of the Guyana Police Force has improved and continues to change which has seen enhanced accommodation at barracks, new police stations and the sprucing up of the general police environs, all of which are being supported by the Government of Guyana,” the GPF said.

In this regard, the GPF extended best wishes congrats are extended to Mr. Hicken on the extension of his tenure as ‘Top Cop’.

Woman drowns after falling off Leguan...

From page 14 on at a beach on the island. Sahoye’s body was found by a resident in the area.

janitor at the Leguan Secondary School, and resided with her husband and three children.

not go but she said that she going and will come back just now,” the relative recalled.

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The body was then identified and taken to Ezekiel Funeral Home and Parlour. A post mortem examination is scheduled.

Meanwhile, Kaieteur News understands that up until her death, Sahoye was a

“The last interaction with her was that day.

She was with us, and we were just begging her not to go and it was late, and her husband had called her and normally they go together, and her children begged her

Sahoye was described as a very great and kind person.

She was the eldest of her sisters and a mot her figure to everyone. She leaves to mourn her two sons, daughter and other relatives.

New Mayors, Deputy Mayors take oath...

From page 13 Guyana, every single region.”

He emphasized that his government has demonstrated its ability and philosophy of working with all the people of Guyana, adding that the government is strongly committed to bringing people together and promoting important ideas that can transform communities.

“This government has demonstrated its firmness in the unification of our people, in the expansion of ideas that are critical and important for the transformation of every community, every society.”

The Head of State reminded of the massive trans-

formation his government has undertaken in every sphere of development and national life, including housing, infrastructure, water, education, and health care, among others.

“Over the next seven years I will continue to lead a government that would build and advance an integrated framework for national development that would focus on sustainability, resilience and competitiveness of our country and our economy.

The progress must be manifested at all levels of our system of government; national, regional and local. This is why local government is so important. It is vital to ensure

that the dividends of development permeate through our towns, villages and communities.”

The President emphasized the importance of adopting a new approach to governance, one that aligns with the needs of modern times.

This fresh approach to governance, according to the President, should also align with financial accountability, diligence in revenue collection, protection and preservation of public assets, timely and efficient services, greater responsiveness to citizens, and an end to internal discord.

M, fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage . Contact: 649-0956.

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

President Irfaan Ali Commissioner of Police (ag.), Clifton Hicken

Mahdiadormfire:LawyerasksDPPtowithdraw20murder chargesagainstteenclient …threatenslegalaction

Attorney-at-Law

DexterTodd has threatened legal actionagainsttheDirectorof Public Prosecution (DPP) ShalimarAli-Hack, SC, and the State if the 20 murder charges in relation to the Mahdia Secondary School’s female dormitory fire, againsthis15-year-oldclient arenotwithdrawn.

The 15-year-old girl is presently on remand at the Juvenile Holding Centre, located in Georgetown. She was not required to plead to the indictable charge which allegesthatshemurdered19 girlsanda5-year-oldboy

Todd’s basis for wanting the charges withdrawn were highlighted in a letter he wrotetotheDPP According to a letter seen by this publication and dated August 3, 2023, Todd is contending, “there is absolutely no evidence that could support a charge of murdermuchlesstosecurea conviction against our client.” The lawyer’s letter came after receiving full disclosure of the evidence the State has against his client.

Todd noted that the offence of murder requires

two main elements to be fulfilled, mens rea (mental element) and actus reus (physicalelement).

He said in his letter, “None of the witnesses placedourclientinthearea in which the fire started, none of them stated that they saw her light the fire, noneofthemstatedthatshe accepted responsibility for the fire, none of them said they saw her walking or running from the area

where the fire allegedly started prior to the great blaze ”

Assuch,Toddcontended that the State’s case against his client is based on circumstantial evidence. He alsopointedoutthattheState has no forensic evidence againsthisclient.

Given that the next hearing of the matter is September 1, 2023, Todd saidthathehopesthematter is withdrawn against his

client before the next court date.

He said, “It is a great injustice to have this innocent 15-year-old young lady in a holding center for an offence in which the prosecution has no likelihood of success. The nextdatesetforthismatteris September 1, 2023, at 9 am before the Mahdia Magistrates Court. We do hope that you could request and review this file before

thisdate.”

Moreover, the lawyer threatened legal action againsttheDPPandStateif the charges are not withdrawn against his client Hesaid,“Pleasenote that should this charge not be withdrawn against our client and it goes the full length, we will be forced to institute civil and constitutional proceedings against the Office of the DPP and the State, seeking

Attorney-at-Law, Dexter Todd

certain order, declaration, andsubstantialdamages.”

According to reports, around 23:00 hours on Sunday, May 21, 2023, the fire erupted at the dormitory TheGuyanaFire Service (GFS) reported that thepointoforiginofthefire was in the south-western interior of the building, in thelavatoryarea

TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) said that the fire was maliciouslyset.

Todd’s client is facing murderchargesforthedeath of Adonijah Jerome, Tracil Thomas, Lisa Roberts, Delecia Edwards, Lorita Williams, Natalie Bellarmine, Arriana Edwards, Cleoma Simon, Subrina John, Martha D’Andrade,(andtwin)Mary D’Andrade, Belnisa Evans, Loreen Evans, Omerfia Edwin, Nickleen Robinson, Eulanda Carter, Andrea Roberts, Rita Jeffrey and SheranaDaniels.

Tearful Chinese Landing residents demand Govt. return...

Frompage12 because I couldn’t work to get money to buy food, my son turn likeaskeletonandIamnottheonly person,” Miller lamented while adding“Ifyoucareaboutus…why would you sell four medium-scale mining blocks and ga we fighting forover25years?”

Similarly, another resident brokedownintearsassheclaimed thatshespendsmanydayswithout eating a meal. In tears, she asked, “How yall expect we to get back moneytosendbackwechildrento school?” “We can’t continue mining because y’all take way we landjustbecausethepeopleagive ayuh lil gold. Yall is Government people…yallsupposedtoshowwe better example this is really wrong fuh we. This shouldn’t a neva happen at Chinese Village. y’allthinkwecouldgobyayuhand tek away ayuh land them? No… neva! Neva! Neva! you will neva dothat,”shelamented.

The woman told the factfinding team that the residents of ChineseLandingcanill—affordto wear fancy clothes noting that she cannotaffordtoputslippersonher feetorbuyanewdress.

“Yallbuytheslippersandgive me fuh wear,” she clamored as he demanded “We want back our land…givewebackweland!

Thevillagersmadeitclearthat the only solution they want as it relatestotheminingblocksontheir titled lands, is for the government to revoke all mining permits it has granted They also requested impartialpoliceprotectionfromthe miners since threats were made against their lives. The team was unabletogiveanypositiveanswers in relation to the revocation of the mining permits but promised that after investigating their complaints, a report will be compiled and shared with the Village Council for perusal Thereafter, a meeting will then be organized between the village representatives and a high-level teamtodiscussthewayforward.

As part of their fact-finding mission, Regional Health Officer, Dr Chefoon and his team took blood,urine,andhairsamplesfrom some 46 households in the village totestformercurypoisoning.

It is believed that the miners have polluted the waterways and thishasseverelyaffectedthehealth of residents Toshao Orin Fernandes has already tested positive for mercury poisoning, according to the IACHR Resolution.

Additionally, the Head of the PoliceForce’sOPR,DennisBaird, and his team took statements from

villagers regarding the alleged collusionbetweenpoliceranksand the miners’alleged threats to their lives and terrorize them for the disputedlands.TheEnvironmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) team led by Collin Primo took water samples to test for possible mercurycontamination.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Landing Village Council in a statement after the meeting said, “The village had hoped that this meetingwouldbegintheprocessof consultative discussions toward agreeingonmeasurestoimplement the IACHR’s request ” The IACHR’s requests are; for the government to take the necessary measurestoprotecttherightstolife and personal integrity of the members of the indigenous Carib Community of Chinese Landing with a cultural, gender-based, and age-appropriate perspective to prevent threats, harassment, and otheractsofviolenceagainstthem, to consult and agree upon the measures to be adopted with the people of Chinese Landing and their representatives and to report on the actions taken to investigate theeventsthatledtotheadaptation ofthisprecautionarymeasure,soas to prevent such events from reoccurring. However, Research Officer with the Ministry of

Parliamentary Affairs, Anil Singh said that the fact-finding team is only dealing with the third precautionarymeasuregivenbythe IACHR The government reportedlyhas20daystorespondto the IACHR’s resolution and that deadlineissetforAugust10.

The Village Council also relatedthatitwasdisappointedthat theMinistryofAmerindianAffairs didnotaccompanytheteamonthe mission “However, the community was disappointed to find out that the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, which is supposed to represent the interests of all indigenous peoples, was not part of the team,” the Village Councilstated.

While the Council supported the temporary cease order by the governmentonallminingactivities on the disputed lands, it believes that the action taken is not enough toprotectthevillagers’rights.

“Whether or not they are mining,theminersarestillpresent on the blocks, and they still carry weapons,” the Council said while noting that “the GGMC team sent tohaltthemininginformedusthat they did not issue any new cease work orders on Mr M.V blocks”.

“On hearing that a team was coming, the miners paused their work, as they routinely do when

government teams arrive,” the village council said. Although the results of the meeting were unsatisfactory to the villagers, the Council promised to continue engaging the government as was advisedbytheIACHR.

The battle for the right to ChineseLandinghasbeenongoing for25years.

In 1995 the Government had reportedlygrantedamedium-scale concessiononthetitledlandstoMr M.V without seeking the consent ofthevillagers.

According to the Amerindian Act of 2006, such action is unlawful Following repeated complaints, GGMC issued a cease workordertoMr.MVbuthetook the agency to court. The case was heard at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) which ruled that the GGMC had no authority to order Mr MV in November 2010, to cease all work at his Chinese Landingoperation.

InMarch2021,theVillagefiled acaseagainstMr M.V andGGMC intheHighCourtbutthatcasewas dismissed.

TheVillage has since appealed the matter and the decision is pending.PicsavedasBlood Blood is being drawn from a child at Chinese Landing to be testedforthepresenceofmercury

Guyana's oil industry to soon benefit from new waste transportation service, warehouse/offshore operations facility

Guyana's oil and gas industry will soon benefit from the business ventures of two local players that intertwine environmental r e s p o n s i b i l i t y a n d operational prowess to supportGuyana'sburgeoning oilandgassector

These companies, Asif Auto Imports and Advocat Guyana Holdings Inc (AGHI),havebothsubmitted Project Summaries to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are awaitingapproval.

Asif Auto Imports, in an innovativecollaborationwith Sustainable Environmental Solutions (SES), is set to redefine waste transportation services within the industry through a strategic partnership with SES, an I n t e g r a t e d W a s t e Management Facility (IWMF) known for its

$23.7M

expertise in hazardous and non-hazardous waste treatment.

Central to this venture is the methodical orchestration of waste transportation, fortified by stringent safety protocols and meticulous adherencetoregulations.The transportation initiative spans hazardous and nonh a z a r d o u s w a s t e , strategically culled from industry heavyweights like HalliburtonandSaipem.

SES's management facility is strategically positionedwithintheGuyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) at Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD). While the f a c i l i t y i s l o c a t e d approximately three kilometres from greater Georgetown, it maintains a safedistancefromthenearest residences. This separation it said is crucial, as the predominant land use of the

area is industrial, while the residential area lies east of theprojectsite.

Hazardous waste to be transported includes toxic, flammable, and infectious materials, among others

Meanwhile the nonhazardouswasteincludesdry solids, plastics, wood, and general trash. The company noted that the collaborative effort ensures that all waste generated from the oil and

contract signed to repair BIT Learning Centre at Unity

gas sector is handled and transported following environmentalregulations.

In a parallel realm,AGHI is set to inaugurate a groundbreaking chapter with an innovative multi-million warehouse and lay down yard facility. The site, strategically positioned between the eminent Baker Hughes Guyana Supercenter and Triple D's Inc , capitalizes on its adjacency

totheDemeraraRiver

This strategic locale streamlines the movement of products and supplies, reducing the dependence on traditionalroadnetworksand paving the way for heightened operational efficiency

AGHI's venture holds great prospects, beginning withanestimatedinvestment of approximately US$4 million. It has a multi-phase roadmap which reflects its commitmenttoprecisionand value creation, promising to fortify offshore energy projects for up to 20 years or for as long as its services are contracted As the first chapter unfolds, Block 1 of the facility is poised for development within two years, underscoring AGHI's penchant for seamless projectexecution.

A m i d s t t h e s e groundbreaking endeavours,

both initiatives are expected to cast ripples in the socioeconomic landscape. During the construction phase, these undertakings stand poised to embrace hundreds of local workers, invigorating neighbouringcommunities.

On a broader canvas, these efforts echo Guyana's emergence as a significant contender in the global oil industry Both ventures align harmoniously with the nation's emphasis on local content and infrastructure enhancement, seamlessly dovetailing with the sector's trajectory. With their distinct yet harmonizing roles, Asif Auto Imports and AGHI are gunning to emerge as harbingers of conscious innovation and operational finesse, charting a course towards a sustainable and prosperous oil and gas landscapeinGuyana.

Friendshipmanchargedwith securityguard'smurder

The Ministry of Labour on

Monday signed a $23.7 million contractfortherehabilitationof a Board of Industrial Training (BIT) LearningResourceCentreandatacuttingedge Welding and Fabrication facility at Unity, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The contract was awarded to Perba Trading and Construction and was signed in the presence of Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, Permanent Secretary, Bishram Kuppen, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Denise Sealey, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BIT, Saskia Eastman–Onwuzirikeandotherofficials.

Upon completion, it is expected that the residents of Unity and surrounding communitiesontheECDwillbenefitfrom the rehabilitated Learning and Resource Centre and the welding and fabrication facility

At the contract signing, it was disclosed that with training to commence in2024,thebuildingwillfacilitatewelding

programmes at the highest level and will also ensurethatallskilledtradesmenarecorrectlyretrainedandofficiallycertified.

It also aligns with the Government's manifesto to providing technical and vocational training programmes to fulfill the country's skilled labour needs, particularly in the oil and gassector

Minister Hamilton noted that it is an importantinitiativethatwillsignificantlyhelpin changingthelivesofpeople.

The facility will be built in accordance with the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs)standards,KaieteurNewsunderstands.

DuringthebudgetestimatesbackinJanuary, some$139millionwassetasidetoconstructand rehabilitate several training centres across the country

“The intention for the Unity building is to utilise it as a training centre to certify and accreditpersonswhoalreadyhaveaskill.So,we have persons who are carpenters, masons, and electricians who don't have the requisite certification and qualifications,” he had told the CommitteeofSupply

The 22-year-old Friendship, East Coast of Demerara (ECD) resident who had surrendered to police in relation to the murderof GeraldSobers, a securityguard, was on Monday charged and remanded to prisonfortheoffence.

Osaffo Chester, a security guard, made his first court appearance yesterday at the Cove and John Magistrates' Court before SeniorMagistrateFabayoAzorewherethe chargewasreadtohim.

Chesterwasnotrequiredtopleadtothe charge and was remanded to prison until September26,2023.

This publication had reported that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had issued a wanted bulletin last week for Chester after Sobers died on July 29. Sobers was allegedly shot by Chester during an altercationtheduohadinJuly

Sobers had sustained a gunshot wound to his neck during an altercation with anothermanonJuly2,2023.Twenty-fiveyear-old Sobers died at the Infectious Disease Hospital at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara (ECD) while receiving treatment.

Reports are that on the day of the incident,Chester,whoissaidtobeafriend

Charged: Osaffo Chester

of Sobers, confronted Sobers while the latter visited his aunt at Dazzel Housing Scheme, ECD.

“Apparently the friend went looking for him,” a relative of Sobers had related to this publication.

The relative said while Sobers was hospitalized, he told them that while visiting his aunt, Chester walked up to him and shot him at pointblankrangeafteranargument.

Eyewitnesses related that the suspect and SobersexchangedwordsandChesterreportedly toldthevictimthattheyshouldburythehatchet. However, an eyewitness disclosed that “in the wink of an eye” Chester shot Sobers and ran away

Reports are that the suspect and the victim workedatasecuritycompany Itisbelievedthat Chester used the company's firearm to shoot Sobers.

Sobers sustained a gunshot wound to the backofhisneckandrelativessaidthathisspinal cord was damaged. “His lungs were ruptured, and he was paralyzed from his chest downwards,”hisrelativerelated.

She said Sobers regained consciousness whilehospitalizedbuthewaslaterhookedupto a life support machine as his condition deteriorated.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton (right) stands alongside Permanent Secretary, Bishram Kuppen as he hands over the $23.7 million contract to Perba Trading and Construction on Monday. (Photo courtesy, DPI)

Dead: Gerald Sobers

Ten-player England scrape through as Nigeria pay World Cup penalty

AFP - England beat Nigeria on penalties yesterday to scrape into the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup after playing the whole of extra-time with only 10 players.

Nigeria had the better of the chances, but the European Champions held out for a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes and prevailed 4-2 in the shootout in front of almost 50,000 spectators in Brisbane.

Playmaker Lauren James, the two-goal hero in the 6-1 win against China, received a red card for violent conduct after a needless stamp on Michelle Alozie on 87 minutes. She will be suspended when the Lionesses face Co-

lombia or Jamaica on Saturday for a place in the semifinals as they aim to add the World Cup to their European crown.

Nigeria manager Randy Waldrum said his side had shown their inexperience after James went off.

“We created more chances against 11 players than we did against 10,” Waldrum said.

“It goes down to experience, I don’t think our players handled it very well.

“But credit to England, they were very well organised and prepared for it.”

England coach Sarina Wiegman said her team had

England’s players celebrate after the winning penalty (Patrick Hamilton)

Allicock, Amsterdam qualify for Pan Am Games

Guyanese boxers

Desmond Amsterdam and Keevin Allicock have both gained qualification to 2023 Pan American Games, which is slated to take place from October 20 to November 5, in Chile, at the La Reina Community Sports Center.

both boxers also made it to the semifinal round in their respective weight class.

practised and were prepared for the shootout. “We have trained for penalties, we had a plan worked out,” she said.

“But at the end it’s the players who make the deci-

Tuesday August 08, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Share your skills today, Aries. You will find that as you engage in the role of teacher, you learn more than if you just hold onto your knowledge without sharing it.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Don't underestimate the power of other people today, Taurus. They may seem flighty and scatterbrained on the outside, but underneath you will find that they have a great deal of wisdom to share.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Remember that there's a benevolent force out there that loves you, Gemini. No matter what, there's always a shoulder to cry on, even if it isn't a tangible one. Even in your darkest moments.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Don't hesitate to say the obvious today, Cancer, even if it sounds corny. Many times people hesitate to say what they really feel because they think it's obvious to everyone.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Look to older figures for advice today, Leo. Seek counsel with a parent or grandparent on issues you feel strongly about. Relationships with older people are likely to go especially well.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Consider composing a bit of poetry today, Virgo. Use this as an exercise to condense your ocean of emotions into a very few words.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Just because your emotions are reserved or somber today doesn't mean you shouldn't share them with others, Libra. Work through difficulties.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

You may need to jump to many different people and situations today, Scorpio, yet something is holding you back. Listen to this inner voice that's asking you to be conservative at this time.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

ou feel like you have a stone strapped to your back, Sagittarius. The farther you walk with this load, the slower you go, and the more hunched over you will be by the time you reach your destination.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It

Feel free to break ties with certain people now, Capricorn. You may be overextending your emotional bank account by investing too much of yourself in others' lives.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Less is more should be your motto for today, Aquarius. The more you cut back in certain areas of your life, the more room you open up to bring in new and exciting things.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You may be asked to slow down today, Pisces. Whether this comes in the form of a speeding ticket or a scrape on the knee when you trip.

sions as to who wants to take the penalties. “We know how to do it, and we have the experience.” England started the match strongly and had more possession but it was the Nigerians who looked the most dangerous.

The Pan American Games is the first direct qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Competing at the AMBC Elite, Youth & Junior American Boxing Championships in Cali, Columbia,

Last evening, Amsterdam was scheduled to face Trujillo Barillas of Guatemala in the Elite Men 75-80KG Light Heavy Weight Class while Allicock was billed to take on Caleb Josue of Puerto Rico in the Elite Men 54-57KG Feather Weight Class.

Up to press time, the boxers had not entered the ring. Details will be available in tomorrow’s issue.

From page 23

Vienna Bharosay and drawing her games with Jessica Callender and Aniyah Couchman.

Adia Alphonso and Couchman ranked fifth and sixth with 4.5 points each. Callender, Aditi Joshi and Chelsea Harrison all finished on 4 points to take seventh, eighth and ninth positions and will advance to the Nationals. The final qualifying spot went to Italy Ton Chung with 3 points.

Head of the Women in Chess Committee Marcia Lee was present to award medals to all ten players advancing to the nationals. Since the Women in Chess Committee was established under Mrs. Lee’s leadership, the participation of women and girls in competitive events has increased significantly.

More so, creating avenues for community and bonding among female chess players has added value to the local chess community by creating spaces for girls to learn from more senior players and improve their game, narrowing the gender gap in the historically male-dominated game.

This Championship could not have been possible without the generous support of Diamond Fire and General Insurance. As such, the Federation extends its gratitude for acknowledging the value of this tournament and contributing to the advancement of chess for women and girls in Guyana.

Special thanks to the School of the Nations for granting the use of their facilities for both the Qualifying event and the National Championship.

Sasha Shariff wins Diamond...

Rutherfordnamedplayerof

the

seriesas MontrealTigersbeatSurreyJaguarsbyfive wicketstoclaimGlobalT20Canadatitle

SportsMax - The

Montreal Tigers are champions of the 2023 Global T20 Canada after a five-wicket win over the SurreyJaguarsinthefinalat theCAACenterinBrampton onSunday

The Tigers restricted the Jaguars to a modest 130-5 from their 20 overs after winningthetossandelecting tofieldfirst.

Jatinder Singh led the way for the Jaguars with an unbeaten 57-ball 56 while Ayaan Khan made 26 off 15 ballsincludingtwosixes.

Montreal’s bowling effortwasledby17-year-old AayanAfzalKhanwhotook 2-21 from his four overs while Andre Russell also bowled well for his 1-24 off fourovers.

Player of the Match and

playeroftheseries,Sherfane Rutherford, then led the successful chase with a responsible 38* off 29 balls as the Tigers reached 135-5 off20overs.

Rutherford’s knock includedthreefoursandtwo sixes.

CaptainChrisLynnalso contributed 31 while Russell hit 20* off just six balls including the matchwinningsixoffthefinalball with the Tigers needing two towin.

IftikharAhmedtriedhis best for the Jaguars with 28fromhisfourovers Rutherford ended the tournament with 220 runs from eight innings at an averageof44.

Barbadian Matthew Forde took 15 wickets to finishasthetopwicket-taker

West Indies vs. India 3rd T20I at Providence (West Indies lead 3 match Series 2-0)

Final battle at Providence could see fireworks from T20 stars

Withtheseriesleadof2nil for the West Indies, today’s final match in Guyana could be a firecracker as both CPLand IPLstarsfromtherespective teams look to provide one last round of high quality cricket for the Guyanese fans.

Today’s encounter could beusedasawaytoseemore of the West Indies’ young talent playing more freely comethismatch.

Also with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) just around the corner, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powelltonameafew,willbe keen on gathering as much form as possible, especially with their contributions throughoutthisseries.

Outside of King, who could show up today given theadvantageofwinningthe series already, the aforementioned core most notably Pooran, fresh off a fifty, will want to sign off withabang.

West Indies will also want their bowlers to continue in the same vein, with fast-bowlers Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph and left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein

scything through India’s batsmen in the last game, with veteran pacer Jason Holder being the leader of theyoungpack.

India on the other hand, could easily see the series at 2-1 should the likes of ShubmanGill,IshanKishan, Captain Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson and their star from game 2, Tilak Varma, accepttheresultoftheseries andplayfreer,Windiescould beinforabattle.

Pandya already showed glimpses of his devastating batting skill while Gilla and Samsonfailedbutcouldturn up the heat with no pressure toplayforwhileKishanwho had quickfire 27 in the last match,willwanttocontinue his form at the top of the order

Bowling will be key for bothteamstodayandPandya already demonstrated is adaptability to Guyana by leading his team’s bowling with 3 wickets in the previousouting.

Left-armpacerArshdeep Singh bowled caused a numberofproblemsandwill support his skipper alongside spin twins Axar PatelandYuzvendraChahal.

Today’s match bowls off atyour1030h.

Sasha Shariff wins Diamond Insurance Women’s Chess C/ship Qualifiers

Sasha Shariff has emerged victorious in the Diamond Insurance W o m e n ’ s C h e s s

Championship Qualifiers, finishing with 6.5 points after seven rounds of play

Sheisoneoftenplayerswho will now advance to the Nationals to pursue the coveted title, National Women’sChampion.

Shariffistheloneplayer heading into Nationals who hasheldthetitlebefore.She reigned as National Women’s Champion from 2020 to 2022, until current champion Pooja Lam claimed the title last year

With Lam unable to defend her title this year due to commitments in her academic studies, Shariff is nowtheplayertobeatwhen the round-robin Women’s Nationals commences on

Thursday, August 10th at SchooloftheNations.

19-year-old Shariff is by faroneofthemostseasoned competitorsintheevent.She holds the title of UG Chess Queen - the top female player at the University of Guyana.Shehasrepresented Guyana at the Batumi Olympiad in 2018, the Chennai Olympiad in 2022, andmanyotherinternational chesscompetitions.

Coming in second in the qualifying event is National Under-16 Champion Anaya Lall. As is usually the case for Lall, she is the only deaf chessplayercompeting.And onceagain,ithasnotswayed her on her steadfast path to victory She finished the tournament with 5 points, heronlylossbeinghermatch againstWaveneyJohnson.

Shedrewhergameswith

Aditi Joshi and Italy Ton Chung. Lall has also graced the international stage for Guyana in the International Chess Championship for PersonswithDisabilitiesand in the 2022 Olympiad in Chennai. She is definitely a player to watch in the Nationals, having come in 5th in the last year’s Nationals.

Third place went to formerUnder14Champion, Ciel Clement, also on 5 points but ranking lower than Lall through the Sonneborn–Bergertie-break employed in GCF Swisssystemtournaments.

Waveney Johnson is fourth with 4.5 points after losing against eventual champion Shariff, stalemating a winning endgamepositionagainst (Continuedonpage21)

Guyanese athletes excite on day one of track and field

Springer, Harvey, McPherson andAustin advance to finals

ByRawleToney

The Guyanese athletes left a distinct impression on the opening day ofTrack and Field events at the Commonwealth Youth Games, at the renowned Hasley Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.TiannaSpringerundeniablylivedup totheheightenedexpectations,deliveringthe fastest performance during the women’s 400m qualification round, thus securing her advancementtothefinals.

Springer, the CRIFTA Games gold medallist and an emerging talent within the Caribbean’s 400m scene completed the distancein54seconds.

She was notably over a second quicker than the next-best qualifier, England’s CharlotteHenrich,whoran55.16seconds.

In a parallel feat, another Guyanese contender, Narissa McPherson, earned her position in the women’s 400m finals by virtue of her time of 55.46s, positioning her inthetopthreeamongthequalifiers.

Turning our focus to the Men’s 400m category, Malachi Austin exhibited an exceptional performance, marking a personal-best effort that propelled him into thefinals.

His timing, registered at 48.13 seconds, was also the day’s fastest performance among the other competitors who progressed.

Amidst the intense competition of the Women’s 1500m semifinals,Attoya Harvey enduredachallengingcontest.

Nevertheless, her time of four minutes and 55 14 seconds secured her a commendable sixth-place finish, clinching thefinalqualifyingposition.

In contrast, Javon Roberts was the only Guyaneseathletetonotmakeittothefinals, withhis4:20.45intheMen’s1500mkeeping himoutsideofthequalificationbracket.

Meanwhile,itwasanotherdisappointing day for the country’s swimmers at the NationalAquaticCentreinCouva.

The top ten players from the qualifiers have advanced to the Women’s Championship.

Another goalless draw for Guyana at Concacaf U15 tourney

…JuniorGoldenJaguarsinmust-wingametodayagainstBelize

Guyana’sparticipationin the Concacaf U15 Championship in Curacao has so far resulted in backto-back goalless draws, positioningthematopGroup F

In their opening encounter at the Stadion Ergilio Hato in Willemstad, Guyana faced off against Guadeloupe.

Despite generating several opportunities, the young Jaguars couldn’t capitalise, leaving the scoreboarduntouched.

Their second match

played against Barbados, showcased a similar narrative, even with the ‘Bajans’putting up a strong defensive performance, Guyana’s chances remained unconvertedonceagain.

Collecting a solitary point from each of their initial two games, the Guyanese youths now lead the group standings. Their ultimate Group Stage game againstBelize,scheduledfor today at 4:00 pm, will determinetheirfate.

The ongoing Concacaf U15 tournament, spanning

untilAugust13,hasbrought together 39 Concacaf MemberAssociations.

Notably, two guest nations, Saudi Arabia and Qatar,representingtheAsian Football Confederation, havealsoparticipated.

Qatar’s return to the tournament is noteworthy, marking their reappearance aftertheirlastengagementin 2019inMiami,USA.

Comprising athletes associated with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Academy Programme, the junior national squad draws

WDFA Men’s Senior League... Crane Rovers draw with Belle West as Pouderoyen held Eagles to a 1-nil defeat

Saturday’s Goalscorers for Slingerz FC L-R:

talentfromregionsincluding Bartica, Berbice, Rupununi, G e o rg e t o w n , E a s t

and Upper Demerara. Additionally, the team boasts international

The West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) Senior Men’s F o o t b a l l L e a g u e commenced with a bang on Saturday, although it experiencedaslightdelayin thebeginning.

Once underway, the tournamenttreatedfanstoan exhilarating doubleheader Slingerz FC dominated Wales FC with a jawdropping11-0victory,while Uitvlugt suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of LeguanFC.

Sunday’s action at the Tuchen Community Centre groundwasnolessexciting, f e a t u r i n g a n o t h e r captivatingdoubleheader In the first match, Pouderoyen FC displayed their confidence and edged past EaglesFCwithanarrow1-0

victory,courtesyofDwayne St. Kitts’ goal in the 74th minute, securing their first winofthecompetition.

In the second match of the day between Crane Rovers FC and Belle West FC turned out to be an absolute spectacle Crane Rovers took the lead in the 14th minute, thanks to a brilliant goal from Marvin Griffith. Belle West fought back tenaciously and Pablo Singh netted an equalizer (24').

Crane Rovers responded with Kwesi Henry’s goal (34'), making it 2-1 in their favour

However, Belle West managed to level the score again just before halftime, withanimpressivegoalfrom AdrianWebster(39').

The intensity continued

inthesecondhalf,withboth teams battling for dominance.

Crane Rovers snatched the lead again as Christon Archerscoredabeautyinthe 47thminute,makingit3-2in their favour Belle West refusedtobackdown,Singh (60') and Webster (66') struck back, each with exceptional goals, putting Belle West ahead 4-3. The game took a dramatic turn when Tyler Wharton of CraneRoversscoredhisfirst goal in the 70th minute, levelingthescoreat4-4with around twenty minutes left before the final whistle Despite valiant efforts from both sides and a few unsuccessful goal-scoring attempts, the match ultimately ended in a thrillingdraw

The Guyana BoxingAssociation (GBA) will commence its official registration drive for the opening of a new gym in the Mining TownofLindenonSaturday,August12that theMackenzieCarParkfrom12pm-6pm. The registration period and the eventual opening of the gym which will be located at theBayrocAispartoftheGBA’sobjectivein resuscitatingtheboxingsceneintheMining Town.

Initially, the GBAhad as conceptualized twosmallerregistrationperiods,whichwere August 3rd and 4th respectively However, this major registration drive will now be conducted, which will also feature an exhibitionofactivitiesattheMackenzieCar Park.

Approximately 30 individuals will form the machinery for the registration process and the exhibition exercises. The quartet of Seon Bristol, Lennox Daniels, Lancelot ‘Wild Pine’ Easton, and Cuban national FranciscoRoldanaretaskedwithsupervising the impending cataloging procedure on behalf of the GBA, while 20 fighters from various gyms will be utilized during the exhibitionsegment.

Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Bristol stated, “The registration drive on Saturday will target all ages. This is just the start becausetheywillbeacontinuousregistration process when the gym becomes operational in 4-6 weeks. Linden doesn’t have an active gymatthemomentandthatissad.”

According to Bristol, “In addition to the registration process, exhibitions, demonstrations, and training exercises will bestagedduringthisperiod.Wearegoingto take the ring to Linden and conduct these exhibitions and exercises during the registration period, which will provide a previewofwhatistobeexpectedatthegym when it becomes operational.At the official opening of the gym, a national tournament

talents

from the United States and Canada. (RawleToney)

GBA starts registration for new gym in Linden on August 12 at Mackenzie car park

featuringallthemajorgymswillbestaged.”

Hefurthersaid,“Lindenisaveryimportant regioninboxing,theyhavealwayshadworldrankedfightersandmanyofthetopprospectsin historyhaveemanatedfromLinden Theyhave astronghistoryofbuildingqualityfightersand we cannot ignore that We cannot afford to forget this region because they have made significant contributions in both the amateur andprofessionalranks.”

Meanwhile,GBAPresidentSteveNinvalle affirmed, “Linden as a community is unquestionably revered in the local sporting landscape In boxing, their athletic achievementsarestoried,andthismove,which is of developmental enterprise, has the sole objectiveofresuscitatingasportthatproduced and unearthed notable talents from that fertile soil” “The GBA has a commitment to develop every aspect of the discipline, from itsphysicalstructuretoitssoftinfrastructure. Thatisourmandate. Weendeavortorestore prominence to the community that has a storiedboxingtradition,which,willbetothe overall benefit of the discipline and the nation.Thatisnationaldevelopment!”

Demerara,

hailing

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

Leo Lovell, Randell Peters, Jamal Codrington, Samuel Garnett, Cardel Roberts, Dominique Babb, Ricardo Halley, and Hector Azacon.

Seon Bristol

Archery Guyana’s Inaugural Youth Championship a success

Archery Guyana recently held its Inaugural Youth championship at the National Gymnasium which wasdeemedasuccess.

The youths exceeded all expectations and won the heartsoftheaudience.

Therankingroundswere a resounding success with the highest score being 395 held by Saifullah Gani from ProArchers Guyana in the men’s category The women were not far behind, Saifullah’s sister, 10 years oldFatimaGani,heldascore of301,alsofromProArchers Guyana.

The match play events began in the Barebow Divisionwiththefinalistsin their respective categories; Men U18, Women U18. In Men U18, Saifullah Gani captured the gold against Daniel Elliot of Qayyim Archerywhoreceivedsilver, andMuhsinWazidalialsoof Qayyimwonbronze.

In the Women U18, FatimaGaniwonGoldina nail-biting 1 arrow shoot off against Summayyah

Karim of Qayyim Archery, who won silver and Stephanie McTurk of Nations Archery Club coppedthebronzemedal

At the presentation ceremony after the event, President of Archery Guyana, Mrs Vidushi

Persaud-McKinnon thanked the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon Minister Charles Ramson, the National Sports Commission and Director of Sport, Mr. Steve Ninvalle, for their usual kind support of the sport, as well as the beverage sponsor Guyana Beverages Inc for their tremendoussupport President of Archery Guyana also went on to thank the Judges for their e f f i c i e n c y a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l i s m t h r o u g h o u t t h e competition: Messrs Ryan

McKinnon and Robert Singh She also extended thanks to the Chair of the Tech Committee, Mr SaeedKarim President Mrs Vidushi

Persaud-McKinnon announced the results and together with the Chair of Competitions Committee, Mr Jeewanram Persaud and Vice-chair of Competitions Committee Mr Umasankar Madray, presented the medals Participation medals were also presented to each and everyparticipant

The final results are as follows:

Prize winners and officials take a photo after the event. of

Archers line up to begin their shoot during the competition.

Guyana U13 vs Trinidad and Tobago U13 Bilateral 40-over series...

Henry, Silas, Holmes dismantle feeble Trinidad U13 as Guyana seal series

It was a clinical showing by the Guyana Under-13 team who surged to their third successive win over Trinidad&Tobago,thistime by5runs,totakethe4-match Series 4-nil with today’s finaltobedecided.

Guyana remained in control of this 40-over bilateral series which will endtodayhavingsurgedtoa 3 wicket win this past weekend.

Guyana ended on 89 all out from 33.1 overs with Lomar Seecharran 18 and Tameshwar Deonandan 10 thetwokeybatters.

Jerome 3-14,

-

finalmatchbowlsoff today

Reyad

Davis Guerra 2-8, Jaden

Seurattan 2-10 led with ball for the Trinidadians who were bowled out for 84 all

outin39.3overs. Jaden Seurattan (13), Adrian Singh (11) tried but

could not resist the brilliant form of Guyana’s bowling attackledbyBrandonHenry

3-6, Ethan Silas 2-11 and Makayah Holmes 2-16 who were again exceptional with

theball. The final match bowls offtoday

The Guyana U13 squad and officials.

West Indies players have a practice session at Providence yesterday.

DesmondAmsterdam (Photo: IBA)