Kaieteur News

extends deadline for

deepwater port facility for third time; now scheduled for 2024

The Berbice deepwater port facility being undertaken by Canadian oil explorer, CGX Energy Inc. through its subsidiary, Grand Canal Industrial Estates Inc (GCIE) would not be ready for use untilnextyear This is according to the latest financialstatementsfor CGX datedAugust10,2023.

The financial documents note that the port, located adjacenttoCrabIslandonthe Eastern Bank of the Berbice River, is being designed to service the oil and gas industry as well as general cargo and the agricultural industries in Guyana Notably, the port is expected to benefit from its proximity to the oil and gas industry in Suriname.

CGXsaidtheprojectnow targets operation of the cargo terminal aspects during first quarter of 2024 while the operation of oil and gas support base is slated for operation in mid-2024, subject to construction schedules, financing, and supply chains. It should be noted that this is not the first time the project has faced setbacksinitstimeline.Itwas initially scheduled to be completed since the fourth quarter of 2022 (See link for f u r t h e r d e t a i l s : https://www kaieteurnewson line.com/2022/08/11/berbice -deepwater-port-will-not-

meet-2022-deadlinecgx/#: :text=Kaieteur%20N ews%20%E2%80%93%20C GX%20Energy%20Inc,bank %20of%20the%20Berbice% 20River.).

That timeline was then pushed back to late 2023 which this newspaper reported on (See link : https://wwwkaieteurnewson line.com/2022/11/30/berbice -to-get-oil-and-gas-supportbase-in-late-2023/)

Even before the close of the year, the company has already put its shareholders on notice that critical aspects wouldnotbereadyuntil2024 but even that is hinged on certainconditionsasoutlined earlier

I n i t s f i n a n c i a l statements, CGX said significant infrastructure projects in Region Six which have been announced by the Government of Guyana are w h a t m o t i v a t e t h e completion of the cargo aspectsoftheport,especially with respect to the handling of aggregates and other construction materials which must be imported into the region from elsewhere in the country and offshore. Some of these projects include the construction of the Guyana Technical Training College which will place special emphasis on skill sets for the oil sector That project is set tobelocatedinPortMourant. It is a collaborative effort

between the Guyana Government and an ExxonMobil-led consortium which operates the oil-rich StabroekBlock.

During the six-month period which ended on June 30, 2023, GCIE said it incurred additional costs totalling US$551,549 for the port. For the year ended December 31, 2022 this total was US$3,245,855 It therefore means that approximately US$3 8M wasalreadyexpendedonthat aspect of the facility for that period, adding to the over US$20M already spent since the project got started. The total cost for the facility is peggedatUS$80M.

GCIE said it expects that the port will significantly boost local content engagementintheoilandgas sector and add enhanced

logistics capacity for import and export, including expandable capacity to accommodate the possibility of increased product flow to and from the northern states ofBrazil.

Due to its location close toSuriname,theport'soiland gas support functions will also help to serve the rapidly growingoffshoreexploration anddevelopmentactivitiesin that country's oil and gas sector

Furthermore, GCIE said the port is expected to add significant capacity to the agricultural sector, supporting rice, sugar, agroprocessing and agricultural materials. GCIE said too that it has performed various developmental works on the site,includingtheinstallation of vertical drains and geotechnical treatment of the

quaysideland.

The subsidiary noted that riverside construction is completed on approximately 500m of rip rap flood protection, a 10 acre quayside laydown yard built toafivetonspersquaremetre load bearing capacity, an access bridge to the main Corentyne highway and 2.6 km access road, both built to American Association of S t a t e H i g h w a y a n d Transportation Officials (ASSHTO) standards, concrete drains and drivewaysforresidentsalong theroadwayandextensionof municipalwaterandpowerto theportsite.

It said requests for proposalswereadvertisedfor the wharf platform and access trestle, capital dredging programme, design and construction of all gates,

buildings, firefighting and first aid structures and covered storage areas Kaieteur News understands that evaluations of submitted proposals for the capital dredging and construction of the wharf platform and access trestle were completed and a local c o n t r a c t o r , G a i c o Construction and General Services, awarded The successful bid incorporates an update to the design of the wharf and trestle to realize costefficiencies.

GCIE said work on inriver construction of the 50 x 12 m access trestle being built from the quayside yard westward into the Berbice River is progressing on budget and no health and safety related incidents, with completion of the trestle expectedinAugust2023.

One dead, three missing after drill rig accident in Nigeria

A drill rig accident in Nigeria on Wednesday morning left one person dead and three missing. The rig owned by Seplat Energy called 'Majestic',reportedlycapsized.

In a statement, Seplat said that 92 of the 96-member crew are accounted forandsafe.Itstated,“Tragically,one fatality occurred during the incident, while three other rig personnel are stillmissing.”

The company said too, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the crew memberwhosadlylosthislifeandthe three crew members who are still missing at the time of this report. Our emergency response and rescue efforts working alongside the rig owner and the authorities have been activated and are onsite. Our utmost priority will continue to be the safety and wellbeing of all the affected personnelandtheirfamilies.”

Seplat said that further details on the accident will be provided, at the conclusionoftheinvestigation. A screengrab of a video from the drill rig incident

A section of the port facility being done by CGX

US Company reveals talks ongoing for a floating natural gas site between Guyana and Suriname

United States oil exploration company, Apache Corp has announced that discussions are advancing regarding a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) site betweenGuyanaandSuriname.

This is according to a Bloomberg report which noted that the company's confidence in its recent oil discovery, achieved in partnership with TotalEnergies SE offthecoastofSuriname,hasledto active engagement in talks for this significantendeavour

Apache Corporation, often referred to as Apache Corp., is an American oil and gas exploration and production company Founded in 1954, the company is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Apache is involved in various aspects of the energy sector, including the exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gasliquids.

Natural gas is a by-product of oil production that companies and governments can utilize in a

number of ways. However,Apache has plans in the medium term to reinject the gas under the surface of Suriname.Recentlywhilespeaking at the Enercom conference in Denver, its Vice President, Gary Clark told analysts that in the long term,Apachecouldseektoexportit throughanLNGterminal.

It was keen to note that output from Guyana, the world's fastestgrowing economy thanks to massiveoffshoreoilreservesfound by Exxon Mobil Corp., already is surpassingexpectationsandshould producemorethan1millionbarrels perdayby2027.

In Suriname, no oil has been produced yet but Apache executives said recently that they are pausing drilling for the remainder of 2023 to appraise the company's recent work at an area that could have more oil than previouslythought.

Apache is not the first to hold talks on Guyana and Suriname working together to develop gas

resources. In fact, in May, Vice President of Guyana, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo disclosed that the country's National Gas Strategy will encompass a comprehensive examinationofkeyareas,including thepotentialforajointventurewith neighbouringSuriname.

Highlighting the government's dedication to refining the strategy,

he emphasized the awareness of Suriname's gas field discoveries and expressed interest in exploring collaborative development opportunities. This aligns with the government's broader objective of assessing the monetization of resources beyond the Liza field within the esteemed Stabroek Block.

Currently, Guyana is undertaking its own gas natural gas facility(NGL)undertheWalesgasto-energy project. Through this project, the government of Guyana aims to construct a 300-megawatt combined cycle power plant and NGLfacility BoththeNGLfacility and the gas-powered plant will be interconnected with a pipeline that receives gas from the Liza Destiny andLizaUnityfloatingproduction, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block. The construction of this pipeline is being undertaken by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), the localaffiliateofExxonMobil. Comprehensive utilization of the Gas-to-Energy pipeline has the potential to bring an additional 70 to 80 million standard cubic feet of gas per day ashore in Guyana. However, the specific applications for these supplementary resources willbeoutlinedinaGasUtilization Study conducted by ExxonMobil accordingtoJagdeo.

ExxonMobil searching for contractors to build US$100M oil and gas training facility

ExxonMobil's local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has published a Request for Information (RFI), noting that it is seeking qualified companies capable of constructing Guyana's first state-of-the-art oil and gas training facility at the Guyana Technical Training College(GTTC).

This facility, which is situated in Port Mourant, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), will be dedicated to the oil and gas industry and will be constructed to the tune of someUS$100million.

In December 2021, while delivering remarks after his site visit to the Berbice Deepwater Port, PresidentIrfaanAlimadethe revelation that the Port Mourant Training Centre would be transformed into the country's National Oil

andGasInstitute.

He cited the quality of the craftsmen that the centre has produced throughout the years, many of whom excelled outside of Guyana and with its drive for excellence; he indicated that it would be the perfect location to have the transformationareaofstudy In the Request for Information (RFI) published byEEPGLonWednesdayon the Ministry of Natural Resources website, it was outlined that the project's scope of work encompasses a multitude of aspects aimed at creating a comprehensive learningenvironment.

The project's buildings are expected to comprise various structures, each serving distinct functions and purposes. Collectively, these structures are anticipated to occupy a total area ranging between approximately 60,000 to 80,000 square feet. These

buildings will include dormitoriesforbothstudents and tutors, a versatile dining h a l l , c l a s s r o o m s , administrative offices, workshops, a guardhouse, and operation and storage facilities.

Each building is intended to be fully functional and will feature key components such as reinforced concrete f o u n d a t i o n s a n d superstructures, concrete masonry partition walls, waterproofing, thermal and acoustical insulation, roofing, as well as mechanical, electrical, and p l u m b i n g s y s t e m s Additionally, security systems including CCTV andfirealarmsystems,along with IT infrastructure, will beintegrated.

In addition to the main structures, the project scope features covered walkways and a gazebo spanning an approximate area of 10,000

to 15,000 square feet. These elements will be constructed with reinforced concrete foundations, supported by structural steel framing, and covered with metal roofing sheets. Adequate electrical lighting and grounding will also be provided for these areas.

The envisioned site enhancements encompass minor improvements spanning an area of approximately 5 to 7 acres. These improvements are set to include activities such as dewatering, as well as the proper clean and compacted fillofaround2feet.

T h i s s c o p e a l s o encompasses the creation of roads, sidewalks, and building pads. Furthermore, site utility services will be established through the procurement and installation of pipes and conduits to support various systems including potable water, wastewater, stormwater,

power, data, and a compressed air distribution system.

M o r e o v e r , comprehensive water storage and treatment system, as well as a wastewater collection and treatment system, will be incorporated.

To ensure security, a perimeter security fence will be erected around the property, and adequate site lighting and emergency power generation systems will be implemented, along with associated power distribution systems within theprojectsite.

In line with its commitment to fostering local talent and resources, EEPGL in its RFI placed considerable emphasis on local content requirements. The company said its local content strategy seeks to promote workforce and supplier capabilities within thecommunity,emphasising

the integration of local elements in the project's execution.

Contractors vying for participation in this project aremandatedtodemonstrate an understanding of the Local Content Act (2021) anditspotentialimplications on their work within the scope.

Furthermore, all bidders are expected to outline their preliminary local content strategies, aligning them with EEPGL's objectives andtheAct'sprovisions.

EEPGL indicated that this approach not only ensures the development of the local workforce but also the creation of opportunities for Guyanese suppliers and contractors.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

Gun and crimes

There has been a surge in crimes involving guns recently Citizenskilled,somedeliberatelytargeted,others randomlyshot,asgunfireandthemayhemthatitproduces touched the lives and communities of Guyanese from differentwalksoflife Averysenioreducationofficial,who wassharingarelaxingmomentwithfriendsinapublicplace methisdeathbygunfire,astraybulletendinghislife Death cancomefromoutofnowhereasthat,withtheinnocentand uninvolvedseriouslyinjuredorkilledbythisfearfulpresence ofguns,andwithoutanyonehavinganaccuratepictureofthe extentofthedanger

From high levels, announcements from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are that ‘serious crime’ is down. Guyanese would be interested to find out what the GPF categorizes as ‘serious’, and how it arrived at that conclusion. MoreinterestingcouldbewhattheGPFsawfit toleaveoutofitsso-called‘serious’categorization,andwhat benignhomewasfoundtoparksuch Itcouldbealsothatthe GPF has its own unique ideas of what constitutes a ‘crime’ thesedays,whichcouldbeanothermystery Oneaspectofthe workandnewcultureoftheGPFthatshouldnotberuledoutis thepossiblemassagingofnumbersanddefinitionstosuitits objectives. Whether serious crime is on the way down, or standing still, or travelling in another direction, Guyanese are dying, or getting injured, by gunfire, and through the seeminglyunstoppableproliferationofallkindsoffirearms locally AskanyGuyanesetheproperquestionsaboutcrime andguns,andmostarelikelytogiveresponsesthatspeakto dread and an abiding fear Check on the state of any community,andresidentsarefrankintheprecautionsthey havetotake,howtheyareconcernedaboutthepresenceof somanyguns,andtheapparentinabilityoftheGPFtomake a difference in the frightening presence of so many weapons,manyillegal.Evenwithingatedcommunities,and thepresenceofarmedsentriesmanningentrancesandexits, thereisahealthyworryaboutcrimeandguns.

It is this endless tide of guns that is present in local society, and that are clearly on the streets and primed for action in the commission of crimes, and the settlement of disputes. Though it is a hit and miss operation, the GPF could consider doing more sweep and interception operations. Thekeyistheelementofsurprise,andoncethat holds,thereisasolidprobabilitythatagunortwocouldbe netted, on each such occasion Once properly thought out, andwellimplemented,therecouldberesults,nomatterhow miniscule. It stands to reason that because guns are so prevalent on the streets and in the many communities of Guyana,thereisthestronglikelihoodofgunsbeingfoundon persons,orinvehicles,andchargesbeinglaid. Attheleast, suchexercisesbytheGPFwouldserveasadeterrentfromthe almostroutinepresenceoffirearmsonthegroundinGuyana Theeffectsaremany,andrangefromthepsychologicaltothe physical,amongothers.

While the GPF busies itself with polishing soothing statistics about inroads made against crime, and in the categories that count with citizens, we would recommend that there is greater attention to housekeeping, and managing its people better Too often, its ranks are seen openly consorting with those whom the GPF itself would call‘shadycharacters’orthosethatcitizenshavesuspicions about. The PPPC Government itself is more focused on money matters, and scrambling to lockdown deals that are abundant with possibilities for ministers and others in the party’s cabal of cronies and comrades. The kind of keen attentionthatshouldbebroughttobearwithlaserlikefocus isjustnotnoticed.

The most jarring example, perhaps, of the PPPC Government’s nonchalance with crime involves a brazen murder that occurred near to the President’s official residence. Ifgunfirecanerupttherewithmurderouseffect, thenallGuyaneseareexposed. WiththeGPFwishingtobe seen as stumped, Guyanese take stock and shrink from where they find themselves in this world and culture of guns.

Mr.Yusuf’s banalities are a cover for possible corruptions, mismanagement, and incompetence at Guysuco

DEAREDITOR, Someone drew to my attention a strongly worded letter appearing in the Chronicle newspapers of Monday August 14, 2023 titled“HamiltonGreenowes the Nation an apology.”The letter was about the state of the sugar industry and defendingthePPP’sroleand criticizing PNC/AFC’s stewardshipinthepost-2015 Coalition Government on the industry.The letter further referred to my own, publishedintheindependent media in which I referred to Guysuco’s administration gobblingupmorebillionsby the government seeking an additional large sum to put into an industry that continues to be used as a political football by this administration.

Emersononcesaid“truth is too simple for us: we do not like those who unmask our illusions.”What follows brieflyisthetruthandIhope that the state-controlled Chronicle has the journalistic decency to publishmyletterinthesame way that they published the oneastitledabovewrittenby HaseefYusuf.

First,Iwasnotamember oftheGovernmentwhenthe decision was taken to effect changes in the sugar industry, in the 2015/2020 coalition administration However, as a concerned citizen I held the view then t h a t t h e G r a n g e r Administrationwastryingto correct historical flaws

which characterized the previousmanagementofthe s u g a r industry Knowledgeable concerned citizens have earlier commented on aspectsoftheindustry Iwill ignore the banality of the languageusedinMr Yusuf’s letter but reminds us all to provide the evidence to support his contention that during the period 2015 to 2020, the APNU through subventions, and some according to him ‘Blood sucking Bond issue, gave Guysuco a total of 49.6 b i l l i o n d o l l a r s . ’ What I know is that the Guysuco Board kept badgering the Coalition government to put millions oftaxpayer’smoneyintothe sugar industry, a business supposedtoberuntomakea profitandnotbeaburdenon others Apart from the general environment, it was noted that substantial sums were used to pay the travel and accommodation expensesforthetopechelon of Guysuco. In some cases, merelyforthechosenfewto travelfromNorthAmericato attendBoardMeetings.

Of interest are the following-in2020whenthe PPP returned to power Guysuco’s production was 88,868 tonnes, but the 2022 total production was only around 47,000 tonnes, even after receiving massive subsidies. This decline was due to poor management, incompetence, and likely corruption.Mr Yusuf seems

to be satisfied that simply sayingthattheestateswillbe reopened is enough, but this is not supported by the response of the workers to takeupemployment.Infact, overtheyearsbecauseofthe failure to mechanize effectively,thecorporation’s yieldhasbeenfallingandthe workforce declining Yes, Guyana owes sugar much from its past contribution to the economy of this nation, but to keep the estate open and badly run with a dwindlingworkforceandno proper mechanization in placeisfoolhardy

It is wise that national ownership must benefit equally all of our citizens, whose ancestors worked as slaves, and later as indentured laborers to produce enormous profits for the old colonial masters ofthiscountry Anynational entity which is draining the incometaxesofthemajority taxpayers in the country, i.e. the police, the army, teachers, nurses and doctors inthepublicsector,thecivil andpublicservants,isaform of massive injustice This year, to achieve the meagre first crop achievement of 16,200 tonnes, they were forced to harvest a total of 1,800hectaresofthissecond crop canes, i.e. they were raping (This is not a typographical error, it is the termusedbyearlierplanters and managers to describe adjustments in harvesting to dealwiththevagariesofour weather) those canefields

since they raped - this second crop cane during the first crop of this year They are again raping the 2024 first crop cane now, to achievethe60,000tonnes,as promised by the Minister It is still advised by knowledgeable people that theywillnotmakemorethan about 45,000-50,000 tonnes thisyear

Editor, we must forgive the PPP for their wanton wasteoftaxpayer’smoneyin the Skeldon Estate, such as the $200 million plus squandered on the infamous Skeldon Estate venture and other misadventures in this industry Ihopetheyhaven’t lost their sense, not to recognize the changes that have and are taking place in the sugar industry.When I held the portfolio of Vice President (Production), Irecognised that young personsbornandgrowingup in the sugar estate environmentwerebeginning to shy away from the hard work in the hot sun associated with the harvesting of sugar cane.. Strikes to demand cut and drop instead of cut and load typified the demand for less drudgery and many young men, long before our oil boom and the expansion of technical training could secure employment in the construction and other industries.

Even when efforts were made to change methods of tillingandharvesting,our

(Continuedonpage06)

Broomes to lead the way forward

DEAREDITOR, Burnham said leave our wealth in the ground if you cannot agree to the deal we put on the table. He told the movers and shakers in the capitalist world we live in that the deal would be somethinglike70/30andthe 70 is ours. He knew we would not go hungry becauseourlandsandwaters were pregnant with food. It was the nation’s dignity he was concerned about. The White world would never haveagreedtosuchdeal.

Weneverwenthungryor died of malnutrition Burnham died and Hoyte took over Some historians tell me that Hamilton Green was to be where Hoyte was, buthewasnotanacademic. Hoyte, I was told, was an

economist He was an educator and very bright, they said. He give away Omai to a foreign company foramere5%.Weremained inpovertywiththehopethat Hoyte’s economic recovery programme would change ourfortunes.Itnevergotoff the ground. Hoyte died and HamiltonGreenisstillalive. What would Guyana have becomefor poor Blacks and the poor in general if Hammy had become president? Anil Nandlall is brighter than Jagdeo and Irfaan put together, but Jagdeo chose Irfaan over Nandlall to push the Indian empowerment agenda and the agenda of Black destruction. They are being successful as we speak with Irfanaspresident. Theoilis

pumping by the second and thecapitalistsinGuyanaare running things and sending our wealth back to their already filthy rich homelands and they don’t mind that the powerbrokers ingovernmentinGuyanaare laundering the billions they are collecting in those developed countries the capitalistsarefrom.

Meanwhile, there is a sudden surge in crime among young Black men. The daily violence with knives,icepicksandgunsis in full force. The police are targetingBlacksandtheyare brutal and quick to kill. It seems to me that our foreparents have always suffered and sacrificed to build worlds on this planet only for their generations

nevertoenjoythedayofthe feast Others are cutting steaks and we are left to cut eachother

We are sometimes architects of our own sorry destiny, making the same mistakes over and over throughtheages Tomorrow,I amchoosingBroomestolead Guyanaandtakeusoutofthis mess Iamnotchoosingasocalled economist, lawyer or another jackass with a big title Black people have sufferedatthehandsofsuch localcolonialleaders.Inmy book, it is Burnham or Broomes Burnham can’t make it at this time. Our liberationmustcome.

Sincerelyyours,

NormanBrowne Social and Political Activist

Guyanese toil in the sun, foreign exploiters and local house slaves celebrate in the shade

DEAREDITOR, Guyanese love brand names, like Nike shoes, Gucci sunglasses, Rolex watches, Versace belts, Mercedes cars, Kangol hats, Ford pick-up trucks, Sony TV, Apple iPhones, Pepsi drink, IBM computers, etc. Thosewhocanaffordtobuy them have them, those who don’ttrytostealthem. Now there is a big brand conquering all Guyana by the name of ExxonMobil, butmostofalltherearealso thePNCandPPPbrands.

If Guyanese fight for their rightful share of Guyana’s wealth, they can have all the name brands they want, but they have chosentobebrandedinstead like cattle by the PNC and PPP, who in turn have themselves branded by ExxonMobil as Exxon’s p r o p e r t y S i n c e independence these two political parties have evolved into name brands rather than political parties and Guyanese have been hooked by them so much, andrefusetostandupagainst these parties while giving them unconditional support. This is allowing foreign exploitationofGuyana’soil, resource wealth and environmental destruction

ThePNCandPPPforthelast forty years have never agreed on anything, except allowing foreign exploiters to carry away Guyana’s oil, gold, and other wealth, particularly ExxonMobil, while collecting no taxes with no environmental protectionforGuyana.

Exxon is like a customer atabrotheltalkingbigabout

financial capability and getting the top two prostitutes on both sides, namely, PNC and PPP When the prostitutes wake up they found out Exxon took back the money they paid them, took all their othermoney,andExxonalso took drinks and food at the brothel’s bar on their accounts. Yet the PNC and PPPfollow, lie and fight for Exxon against Guyanese constantly The VP, Guyana’soilczar,insteadof having Exxon relinquish the oil blocks as per law, have extended Exxon’s hold on the oil blocks, and since he hasbeengettingcriticismfor this,hasrespondedbysaying Guyana will get free gas from Exxon. The same Exxon whose shareholders want every cent from Guyana,andthesameExxon throwing bills on Guyana they themselves cannot substantiateaspertheGRA.

So, I don’t know which hole of ExxonMobil the VP willbegettingfreegasfrom for Guyanese. President Ali said, enforcing Guyana’s inadequate and outdated laws will strongarm the oil companieswhich he doesn’t wanttodo,yetthismanfully well knows that’s the exact reason why these laws were writteninthefirstplace,and himbeingthechiefenforcer is responsible for such enforcement. The PPP and their mouthpieces who criticized the handling of Guyana’s oil and resources by the PNC have now become hypocrites, turning criticisms of the same PNC policies,intonow“Goodfor Guyana” policies since their

party is now in power The PPP mouthpieces can’t face facts and figures, so now theyhavenowgoneintofull excuse mode for the PPP The PPP’s chief financial analyst writes to pro-PPP newspapers quoting laws that give Exxon and the governmenttherighttodeny Guyana parent company unlimited liability full coverage insurance for oil disasters.

Some mouthpieces say Guyanese should stop complaining, be contented with what they get, and go back to planting kitchen gardens and mining fowls andducks.

Yet, they are the same people who criticized Burnham and the PNC for the same thing when PNC implemented the “Self Sufficiency Food Drive”, whichsincethentotodayhas put food affordability out of the poor’s hands Other mouthpieces say if Guyanese get their get rightful share they will stop w o r k i n g a n d l i v e irresponsibly,yetthesesame mouthpieces will never accept anyone telling them how they should spend their wealth If they had any knowledge, they would know many people turn to alcohol, drugs, and other addictions because they can see no hope. Many people also take on risky jobs they arenotphysicallyfitforand do not have the necessary experience and skills to do, like security guards, prostitution and interior workjusttomakeendsmeet. Asperallthesocialexperts, poor people who get

assistancetomoveupinlife haveasuccessfulrateofover 85% by turning their lives around, me included, so I don’t know where these mouthpieces get their data from to criticize giving Guyanesetheirrightfulshare oftheirwealth.

The biggest mouthpiece ofall,rightlysaidGuyanais no longer a fly-over country for foreigners, but he didn’t mentionit’snowaland,load up,andleavewithGuyana’s wealth for foreigners. None ofthemouthpiecescondemn the foreign exploitation and destruction of Guyana, but give support to the government that is allowing this to happen, they will criticize opposing voices to theexploitationevenasthese opposing voices come from experts with proven track records.There is now a new no-skill or no-talent lucrative career in Guyana,

which entails, creating a forumtosupporttheforeign exploiters and their local enablers, just ask the Guyanese Critic and the others like him. The foreign exploiters, local MPs, and theirmouthpiecescantalkto Guyanese like this, because Guyanese seem to be like branded cattle to the PNC, PPP, and foreign exploiters, wherethecattlestayontheir owner’s ranch, accept the scraps thrown at them and march to the slaughterhouse whenever the ranch owner orders.

Guyanese, if you choose not to stand up against the foreign exploiters, the MPs, and their mouthpieces, then wakeupandgotoilinthesun for a pittance, just like the slaves in the days of slavery toiling, while the slave masters and house slaves sit in the shade and count the money they make off you.

Remember Guyanese, those slaves didn’t have a choice, but you do. So make the right one and stand up for what is rightfully yours Those who sold and are currentlysellingoutGuyana, along with those who support them, will take their ill-gotten gains and go into hiding,whentheygettiredof hiding, they will re-emerge, like Robert Persaud in New York and now author RaphaelTrotmaninGuyana, both former Minister of Natural Resources who sold this country out, citing flimsyexcusesforwhatthey did, but to them, others like them and their mouthpieces, I say, take those jiggerypokeryexcusesandputthem in the same ExxonMobil hole where Bharrat Jagdeo sayshewillgetfreegasfrom togiveGuyanese.

Trulyyours,

R.David

What accountability, what transparency?

DearEditor, I t i s b e y o n d understandingthatthelamebrained explanation offered by community officials to residents for a large sum of unaccounted cash as being discovered only when they returned to their hotel room and the commercial bank

“hadrobbedthem”.

Really! It is being alleged the matter was downplayed and no investigation was undertaken by the authorities(KNAugust16).

Now another set of unaccounted for monies matter has taken hold with

residentsprotesting. It has been boasted that measures are in place to avoid financial malfeasance withthenationalcoffers. With these revelations the echoes of accountability and transparency ring hollow ShamshunMohamed

Hooray for the Guyana-China relationship

DEAREDITOR, Region 3 social and economic development would not be derailed by simmering concerns over Guyana’s relations with a development/trade partner, China. The new Demerara River Bridge which is being builtthroughaChinesejoint venture will open vast new economic opportunities in the region, including the provisionofgreateraccessto markets, faster transport/ travel,uninterruptedflowof

traffic,lesscarbonemission, and significant reduction in lost person hours These factors will combine with others to stimulate and unleash the region’s entrepreneurialpotential.

A w e l l - k n o w n businessperson, RR, who transacts business with several countries including China, reminds us that Guyanahasestablishedtrade and technical assistance for decades with China. That relationship began with the

historiclinkthatcommenced in 1853 when Chinese indentured laborers were imported to work on sugar plantations. By 1879 when Chinese immigration ended, 13,541 Chinese landed in Guyana., The majority of Chinese and their descendants have made Guyanatheirhomeandhave established businesses, whilemanyhaveenteredthe variousprofessions.

Says RR, “It is the government’s neutrality

What needs to be done to improve the

safety

of tall buildings

DEAREDITOR, If per chance there has been a mistake, two not unrelated incidents of disrespect were reported to have occurred in Region 10 recently One revealed the apparent ineffectiveness of theMinistryofLabourinthe matter of a claimed worker in the mining industry; the other being the dismissive treatment of voted officials of that Region during an alleged celebration by the same employer in the presence of the highest leadershipofallMinistries.

Itisunclearhowalertthe latter has been about the dismissive manner in which the Ministry’s Officers were treated in the earlier legal issue.

Nor is it certain how appreciated the implied shortageofrelevantlyskilled Labour Safety Officers. A human resource deficit that would result in inadequate enforcement is critical Safety Regulations particularlyinrelationtothe current deposition towards infrastructuraldevelopment, more particularly in multistoried edifices For starters,thereappearstobea need to create at least two

official questionnaires for completionby:

1 Owner/Funder of the building in relation to:Design requirements as stipulated in the case of the capital city by the City Engineerandapprovedbythe CityCouncil Oneisuncertain whether similar authority obtains in other Regions for schools, hospitals, hotels and TrainingCenters,asexamples

2 Contractors The questionnaireswouldconcern, amongstothers:-Certification of relevant skills and experience - Provision of appropriate and legally required safety protection for workers From the groundfloorup.

Indeed, the excessive e x p a n s i o n o f t h e multistoried structures has created a challenging environmental issue that couldbetterbeaddressedby anappropriatelycoordinated Authorityinclusiveofsay:Ministry of LabourMinistry of Public WorksMinistry of Heath: and possibly -MinistryofLocal Government and Regional Administration, supported by representative Industrial TrainingCentres.

The Authority would

certifyandmonitor:-Design andoperationsofsay,

*Elevators

*FireAlarms

*ElectricalInstallation

*EscapeFacilities

*Andrelatedsystems

The Authority will conduct scheduled and unscheduled inspections, whether day or night, and reportaccordingly Itmustalso be able to recommend remedial action as necessary, aswellastoexerciserelevant disciplinaryresponses.

The foregoing clearing impliestheneedforthecurrent laws and regulations to be updated to the point of ensuring that all workers are registered,asoneconditionof employment In the process, urgentconsiderationmustbe g i v e n t o t h e conceptualization and promulgation of a more comprehensive national Occupational Safety and Health Programme, including for construction workers, taking also into accountthehighincidentsof fires. The Madia Incident wasnotanaccident,norwas theminingindustryincident onetocelebrate.

Sincerely,

E.BJohn

(non-aligned) policy in international relations that will also allow Region 3, as wellasotherregions,toburst forth with new economic opportunities, including infrastructural development. Thenewbridgethatisbeing built by Chinese contractors and with a loan from China will serve as an important gateway to the gas-to-Shore pipeline project that terminates at Wales. This project is being executed by Exxon,ofwhichtheChinese company CNOOC is a partner Guyana has established 50 years of diplomaticengagementwith China. Region 3 residents’ exuberance overshadows any worry over the growing trade and business relations between Guyana and China. They want and cannot wait too long to enjoy the prosperity(ofwhichthenew bridge is a component) that thegovernmentpromised. The new bridge that will run from Nandy Park on the EastBanktoLaGrangeonthe West Bank Demerara, is a fixedstructure,notbuiltupon pontoons, but above water, highenoughtoallowshipsto pass The new bridge with a length of 265km, a driving surface width of 236 meters, with bicycle lanes, will facilitate regular, uninterruptedtrafficonitsfour lanes (two lanes each way) Theprojectedlifespanis100 years The new bridge will replace the existing bridge which is 45 years old (35 yearsmorethanitsprojected life span of 10 years). The n e w b r i d g e w i l l accommodate more than 18,000 vehicles per day and thousandsofcommuters.

Apreviousbridgeproject proposal under the DesignBuild-Finance(DBF)model at a cost of $(US) 256.6 million by China State Construction Engineering CorpLtdwasshelvedbythe PPPC government because of the high financing cost. The government proceeded nexttonegotiatewithChina Railway Caribbean CompanyLtd(CRCCL)and its partner China Railway Engineering Bureau Group Company Ltd (CREBGCL) to construct the bridge but not under the DBF model. They agreed to build the bridge at a slightly higher cost of $(US) 260.8 million but with far better financing termsandwithfundingfrom the Guyana budget which accounts for $(US) 100 million and a loan of $(US) 160.8millionfromtheBank ofChinaLtd.

The fact that the new bridgeis“thebiggesttransport infrastructure project in the history of the country,” combined with other contract awardstoChinesecontractors suchasthe$(US)184million East Coast Road, and PresidentDrIrfaanAli’srecent visit to China, have unsettled some people’s nerves They believe that Guyana might be caught in the middle of a new Cold War battle between China and the US. This is an ambivalent position.AlthoughIndia,for example, has joined an antiAmerican economic system called BRICS that plans to replace the US dollar as the medium for international trade with their own BRICS currency, there has not been any outburst over this Skeptics conveniently

forget that China’s biggest investment in Guyana is within the oil and gas industry The Chinese companyCNOOCholds25% of the stake in the Exxon consortium This means that CNOOC’s investment (development) in four oil fields: Lisa I, Lisa II,Yellow Tail,andPayarawas$(US)7 billion, which is 1.8 times Guyana’s2023budget.

It is conceivable that Guyaneseskepticsrecallthe duringtheColdWarbetween RussiaandtheUnitedStates, how the latter intervened to curtail the ministerial power of the PPPgovernment after their 1961 electoral victory, and how they also removed the PPP government from office in 1964. Any fear should be allayed as those interventions happened in the early 1960s when Guyana was a colonial territory; now Guyana is an internationally respected sovereign state where the circumstances are anathema to intervention. The PPPC g o v e r n m e n t i s unequivocally committed to democracy, the rule of law, the Guyana constitution, inclusive governance, as wellasremainfaithfultothe to the Chaguaramas Treaty and various UN resolutions on freedom and democracy Let us be clear: China and India are important partners in Guyana’s development, and so is the United States, CARICOM, and other countries And the importance of GuyanaChinarelationsisalsoshared by residents in the other regionsofGuyana.

Trulyyours, Dr.

TaraSingh

Broomes to lead the way forward...

Frompage4 soil conditions presented a challenge. In Guyana even thoughwestillgettwocrops annually, we are technically talking of a single crop annually and the acreage of land has been substantially reduced.

Also noting that the acreage ofsugarcanelandscontinues

tobereduced. Many former sugarcane lands are now booming industrial and housing estates.

The question is - is the PPP governmentwillingtolisten to the advice of the few remaining experts to give them good guidance or as it appears to be, the only

advisors they are comfortable with are those who mount their political platformand are sycophants oftherulingelite.

For the sake of the industry, and for the sake of thosewhoaretruepatriots,I hope and pray that wisdom to make good decisions, wisdom to make difficult choices, wisdom to be courageous and not pusillanimouswillpenetrate andsavetheindustryandour country

ThisIbelieveiswhatour slave ancestors and those w h o c a m e a f t e r Emancipationwouldwishto seetakeplace.

Yourstruly, HamiltonGreen Elder

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

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

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

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

$33 billion more for Public Works

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

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

The self-enrichers must be celebrating at Public Works.

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

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

They cronies in the cabal are having Xmas in August.

Like GuySuCo, Public Works is now a sinkhole.

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

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

Both devour billions, like rodents.

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

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

Both gnaw and eat away at the treasury.

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

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

Both could be places of great skullduggeries.

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

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

Lack of consensus makes concept of power sharing unattainable - AttorneyGeneral

Lack of consensus on critical issues such as the appointment of a substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice is clear indication that Government and Opposition in Guyana are in no position to cooperate on the matter of sharedgovernance.

This perspective was shared Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC during his weekly live streamed commentary “IssuesintheNews.”

During his commentary broadcastedviaFacebookon Tuesday, Nandlall shutdown the calls for shared governance between the ruling People Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) and the Oppositions, A Partnership For National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

Nandlall said that the c o n c e p t w o u l d b e unattainable given that the two main political parties have a record of failing to agree on smaller, yet critical issues. The AG said while the concept of power sharing looks feasible on paper, it is not a viable governance structure.

“This issue of power sharing only arises and applies when the PPP/C is in government.Wehavepeople

c a l l i n g f o r s h a r e d governance overlooking the fact that we can't get these two parties to agree on a Chancellor and Chief Justice,” Nandlall said noting that the appointments require consensus between the President and the OppositionLeader

“These are important issues Right there, is mechanism for power sharing to take place since you are calling for shared governance but it has never happened for close to two decades it has never happened, ” Nandlall lamented.

The Attorney General said that given the current rapport between the government and the opposition, power sharing will ultimately lead to the

Suspect in ‘50 Cent’ murder charged

government grinding to a halt, since the opposing viewsofthepartiesarelikely toclash.

“Then, the government will indeed grind to a halt! Then you will have anarchy andchaosinthecountry!But maybe that is what they want; they want power at all costs. So, they will concoct and formulate these nonsensical formulations a n d s p o u t t h e m publicly…It's a veneer only so that it sounds intelligent and it sounds profound, but it's a nasty, shameless grab for power without winning anelection,”Nandlallstated.

He said that the persons who are now mounting calls for inclusive governance were silent when the PPP/C wasinopposition.

“They were comfortable with the status quo then. But every time the PPP gets into government, suddenly there is a clamour for power sharing and shared governance. And they create the impression that society will collapse and Guyana will implode, and we will have ethnic strife and ethnic war unless power is shared. Don't fall prey to the veneer of sophistication being used to wrap clumsy and ridiculous permutations and argumentations, ” AG Nandlallstated.

Terrence Sam, the suspect in the allegedmurderof42-year-oldEricFraser, called'50Cent',ofHaslingtonNorth,East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Tuesday charged and remanded to prison for the crime.

Fifty-one-year-old Sam made his first court appearance at the Cove and John Magistrates' Court before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore where the chargewasreadtohim.

Sam was not required to plead to the charge which alleges that onAugust 10 at Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD) hemurderedFraserofHaslingtonNorth.

The accused was remanded to prison and is expected to make his next court appearanceonSeptember26,2023.

Kaieteur News had reported that two days after the incident Sam had turned himselfintopoliceattheBrickdamPolice Station. After being transferred to the Cove and John Police Station, he reportedlyadmittedtothecrime.

It was reported that the 42-year-old construction worker was stabbed to death around19:30hrsthatday

Magistrates’

O n W e d n e s d a y afternoon, the $294 Million new Vigilance Magistrates' Courts, a technologically advanced court was commissioned – to improve the delivery of justice to residents of the East Coast of Demerara(ECD).

P r e s e n t a t t h e

commissioning ceremony wasActing Chancellor of the J u d i c i a r y, Yo n e t t e Cummings-Edwards, Acting Chief Justice, Roxanne George-Wiltshire, Minister ofLegalAffairsandAttorney General (AG),Anil Nandlall, SC and other members of the judiciary

The smart court replaces the old court which was built since the 1940's. The new building features two court rooms,amagistrateandclerk living quarters, drug treatment department, and a domesticviolenceroom.

T h e c o u r t w a s constructed by Builders

Hardware General Supplies and Construction at the cost of $263,019,670 The contract was signed on July 13, 2021. The furnishing of the court cost over $5 Million, the design and supervision of the court was donebyEandAConsultancy Inc. for the sum of over $25 Million.

The Magistrates who will bepresidingintheEastCoast Demerara districts are:

Senior Magistrate Fabayo

Information reaching investigators revealed that Fraser left his home at about 16:00hrs that day and was at a barbershop at Haslington North, where he was hanging out with some friends.

Police said while there, an argument ensued between him and the suspect, who took out a weaponandstabbedFrasertohisleft-sidegroin. Theargument,thispublicationunderstandswas overanoldgrievancethetwohad.

It was reported that after being stabbed, Fraser ran about 200 ft and collapsed. He was picked up by Emergency Medical Technicians from the Melanie Fire Station and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Upon examination of his body, the police detailed that a single stab wound was seen. Subsequently an investigation was launched in thematter

Mittleholzer, Alicia George, Rushell Liverpool and ChristelLambert.

Thecourtislocatedinthe same compound as the Vigilance Police Station, ECD.

During the ceremony, it was announced that the court will commence using Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) for bailandotherfees.Diamond/ GroveMagistrates'Courtand Vigilance are the first two courts that were designed to digitalize the work of the

courtandimproveservicesto citizens.

In her address, Justice Cummings-Edwards said the modernization of the court was long overdue as the o r i g i n a l c o u r t w a s constructedin the 1940s with no architectural style. She described it as a small twostoreywoodenbuilding.

The Chancellor said that overtime the building started to show severe signs of wear andtear,whichresultedin

(Continued in page 16)

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall ,SC $294M Vigilance

The new Vigilance Magistrates' Courts

Charged: Terrence Sam

Dead: Eric '50 Cent' Fraser

The Petroleum Activities Bill appears to conflict with the Constitution

Wh e n i n Opposition, B h a r r a t Jagdeo was opposed to politicians having control over the country’s oil revenues. This newspaper quoted him as saying, “We don’t want politicians to manage this money This fundhastobeindependently (and) technically managed notbypoliticiansandstored by Central Bank. We have a problemwiththatmodeland itdepartsradicallyfrombest practices such as (those observed by nations like) Norway and others where they have an independent groupthatmanagesthis.”

WhenthePPPCamended the Natural Resource Fund Act it instituted a Board, a Public Oversight and Accountability Committee and an Investment Committee. The Board does not consist of any active politicians. As such it is considered as apolitical. No politician has also been appointed to the other two bodies. In this regard, in relationtoappointments,the government can be said to have stuck to its philosophy o f i n s u l a t i n g t h e management and oversight of the NRF from direct politicalmanagement.

However, as has been pointed out, the Act itself allows the Minister of Finance considerable influence over the Fund. So while no politician is presently represented on the B o a r d , O v e r s i g h t Committee and Investment Committee, the Board and the Investment Committee are guided by directives from the Minister of Finance. Section 5(8) of the NRF Act provides that the

Minister, a political figure, may give general policy direction to the members of theBoardandtheyshallgive effecttosuchdirectives.Itis also the Minister that appoints the Investment Committee and who, in accordance with Section 27(h), provides directions relating to the Investment Mandate.

When in Opposition, Jagdeo was also opposed to having the Bank of Guyana manage the Natural Resource Fund But it appearsasifhisgovernment hashadchangeofheart.For, asisbeingreported,thenew Natural Resource Fund Act 2021, which was passed by thePPPCinDecember2021, givestheBankofGuyanathe responsibility for the operational management of theFund.

As has been pointed out by Professor Tarron Khemraj, fiscal policy is the remit of the political administration While the Board and Investment Committee may exercise controlovertheFund,based on directives from the Minister, it is the political administration which has complete control over the specific uses to which the proceedsoftheFundareput. Somuchsoforinsulatingthe fundfrompoliticalcontrol!

In 2018, the PPPC was stronglyopposedtopolitical influence over the NRF By 2021, this position had been diluted and has been further watered-down by the recently passed Petroleum ActivitiesBill.

The Bill, that will soon become law, assigns vastrangingandbroadpowersto the Minister responsible for petroleum.Thesepowersare

Dem boys seh...

of such a generalnature that they can allow for intrusion into operational matters rather than limiting the Minister to providing general policy directives

For example, the powers of the Minister include the licensing of petroleum exploration, development, production, transportation and storage They also include monitoring petroleum operations to ensure compliance with the Act and the terms and conditions of a license, permit or agreement entered into under the Act. In other words,theMinistervirtually replaces the Petroleum Commission It its criticisms of the Petroleum Activities Bill, the Opposition called for an independent Petroleum Commissionsoastoinsulate the sector from political partisanship. It should be recalled that under the draft PetroleumCommissionBill, d e v e l o p e d b y t h e APNU+AFC, the powers of the Minister were severely cut. Thegovernmenthasnot sought to hide the fact that under the Petroleum Activities Bill the Minister has wide-ranging and broad powers In the National Assembly, it was conceded that, “This Executive has chosen the model where the powersfallwiththeminister and we stand and fall by that.” The powers of the Minister, under that legislation, go beyond providing general policy directives In fact, the Petroleum Activities Bill specifies that the Minister has responsibility for exercising any other powers requiredforthemanagement of petroleum resources and

Tomorrow never comes

Nuffofdemwifehappy Demhusbandcominghome fuhwatchdeCPlcricket.It starting early and so some ofdemmenreachinghome earlyfuhwatchdegame.

Butdehgatsomewives dat nah happy Dem husband going to dem bars with large screen TVs fuh watch de game. And dem stayingoutlateandcoming home under the influence. So if yuh want to gat yuh hubby near yuh, volunteer towatchdegamewithheif hegoingtodebars.

But generally, the streetsganbelilmorequiet.

And we might get less accidents because less vehicles on de road. So leh we count we blessings and say thanks fuh de cricket and dem TV stations wah bringing de matches live in wehomes.

Dem local fans hoping dat de Amazon Warriors ganwin.Butdemgattoalso do some praying because yuh can never tell with de Amazon Warriors One time dem play unbeaten throughout the while tournament.Onlytolosein definals.

Every year dem fans

operations. It is the Minister who grants a production, exploration and other licensesundertheBill. These powers appear to c o n f l i c t w i t h t h e

Constitution of Guyana

Article 115 of the Constitution limits the role of the Minister, responsible for any department of government, to exercising ‘general direction and control’, a euphemism for makingpolicy Itistritelaw thatparliamentmaylimitthe

exerciseofpowerswhichare conferred on a Minister but cannot expand these beyond the boundaries provided by theConstitution.

The PPPC therefore has come full circle. Instead of seekingtoinsulatedecisionmaking and authority in the petroleum sector from politicalcontrol,thePPPCis now pursuing a model of development that gives the subject Minister excessive powers in relation to the oil and gas sector That surely,

given the experiences of other countries in managing their oil resources and wealth,isdisconcerting.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

hoopingthatdisganbedem years.Butasdemboyslike to remind dem, tomorrow never comes and next year also never arrives. But we gattohopethatdeteamcan bring home de goods this timearound.

Deh gat nuff people want to go to de matches. But dem nah want put dem hands in dem pockets and buy tickets. Dem looking fuh freeness. Dem gan gat to look hard dis year because dem free tickets limited and is nuff people competingfuhdefreeness. Talkhalf.Leffhalf

GHK LALL

Sketches of Oil Leadership – Pres. Ali, a Profile in Fear, Frailty, and Froth

What has this national oil p a t r i m o n y donetothem? I amspeaking of the three top political leaders in Guyana, His Excellency, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Vice P r e s i d e n t a n d O i l Commissar, Bharrat Jagdeo, and Opposition Leader, Mr Aubrey Norton. In three public contributions, my humble offerings before all Guyanese, I sketch each leader and brother, and what the arrival and stupendous growth of oil has done to them. Thisisarticulatedwith malice towards none, and charity to all, including Americans. Excellency Ali isfirst.

I once held hope that Excellency Ali would be a b r e a k o u t p r e s i d e n t , conducting himself like the head of an oil State. A true head of a true oil State; one that has the world hanging onto his every word, a world rushingtoworshipathisfeet, like those three wise men with their precious gifts. To say that disappointments choke and curl into a ball

understatesreality Withoil's might at his fingertips, Excellency Ali should have the majestic presence of William the Conqueror, yet his bearing and expressions arethatofWilliamtheSilent, of a man who lives with the dread of dark secrets. He looks over his shoulder in fear when he has all the armaments to convert him into the bravest, enough to make all fears beat a hasty retreat.

P r e s i d e n t A l i i s c o m f o r t a b l e g o i n g e v e r y w h e r e , a n d p r o n o u n c i n g a b o u t everything, save for one. No oil! He waxes poetic about loans from oil collateral; but on oil itself he is pathetic. It is not how a national leader withaPhDshouldbewiththe greatest national patrimony that Guyanese will ever see. Which American, which white man, could back him into such corners that he, the President of Guyana-a countrytheenvy,theglory,of the world-transforms into this weightless, wordless wonder? About oil, of all t h i n g s ? A b o u t i t s

management and condition and disposition? If the President of this hallowed Cooperative Republic of Guyana cannot speak freely with sparkling efficiency, with compelling astuteness, onwhatmeanssomuchtothe people who put him on his lofty pedestal, then of what canhespeak?

Belated appreciation emerges of the new interpretation that can be affixed to the new description, this new reality, of “Cooperative Republic.” Thanks to President Ali, Guyana is now a cooperative oil republic mutated into a state of utter cowardice. I envisioned a President Ali, afterhisfightingwordswhen in Opposition, to lead the charge against the likes of Alistair Routledge, or any new viceroy Exxon dispatches here, to feast in this buzzards' roost that is now Oil Guyana. Whenever oil is the subject, however, P r e s i d e n t A l i i s a conspicuous disappearing act.

The President may fool himself, and all the

French group looking to cash-in on Guyana's economic development

president's men join in the circus, that he is Akbar the Great, or Jehangir, when Guyanese live with an inglorious imitation of Baghdad Bob, and his blusters and pretenses at bravado It is history repeating itself: before maharajahs and nawabs rubbed shoulders with the British bulldog and emerged as whimpering pussycats Here, Americans replace British, with Guyana's NawabAliassmileyemoji. I thinkwhatthiscountryneeds most urgently is a refined version of Subhas Chandra Bose,butclearlythatisnotto be, as the entrails, livers, and frog's feet indicate. It would be interesting how the fancy pants Guyanese react to that last person named Fact check:oilhasproducedmore Guyanese turncoats and traitors than barrels coming out from below the sea daily I can't wait for the new AmericanAmbassador to get her hands greasy, for with a namelikeNicoleTheriot,she will make French fries out of Guyana, one leader, one Guyanese, one Yankee

Company at a time.

Cajun cooking it will be Unfortunately, President Ali will be as he has been. I should say blowhard, better is diehard for Exxon and America, and damn Guyanese.

Under President Ali's watch, the damn Yankees keep coming This is Guyana, not Texas; but President Ali is all smiling, welcoming, hugging. In this land of Lilliputians, PresidentAli is pleased to be hollow giant behind Alistair Routledge and Bharat Jagdeo. Another barbarity is that President Ali has presided over the arrival of all these swaggering Klansmen, who turn Guyana into Stone Mountain, Georgia, that revered outpost of bigots in white sheets and cone hats. They burn their crosses on our backs; brand them across our foreheads, whileExcellencyAliglistens with indifference, silence, impotence I imagine apoplexyinOP

Separately, discernments solidify re: how the ICJ can

be influenced, and neighbors to the north discover a different confluence of circumstances here, should American grily maneuver ButIalsoknowthatlifeisnot worth living under the enslaver's boot, the piracies of predatory exploiters Guyana needs a president on a horseback with its oil wealth, not one riding pitifully and helplessly about town on some trick pony Do this! Or be gone! This is my birthright, and there will be no begging, no abject kowtowing. Not to Exxon and Routledge Not to government, and not to Excellency Ali. To both Exxon's Routledge and Guyana's Ali, I say: do right with this oil, and a champion maybeborn.

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

Universal Health Care Laboratory certified byGNBS

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Wednesday certified the Universal Health Care Laboratory to the National Standard GYS 170:2021 – “General Requirements for the O p e r a t i o n o f a Laboratory” This is the thirtieth laboratory to join the Bureau's Laboratory CertificationProgramme.

Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh (right) and members of the French group

Senior Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh onWednesday met with the Regional Head –Southern Cone of Proparco, Julien Vanhooydonck, and the Project Manager Suriname-Guyana, of the French DevelopmentAgency (AFD), Julie Grunner, at the Ministry of Finance located in Georgetown.

The Ministry of Finance reported that the AFD is France's inclusive public development bank that commits financing andtechnicalassistancetoprojectsinvarious sectors including energy, healthcare, biodiversity, digital technology, professional training, among others to assist with transitions towards a safer, more equitable, andmoresustainableworld.

It was stated too that, Proparco is a subsidiary of the AFD Group that provides funding and support to private sector development, and its action focuses on key development sectors including infrastructure - mainly for renewable energies, agribusiness, financial institutions, health and education, all with the aim to strengthen the contribution of private players to the achievementoftheSDGs.

During discussions, Minister Singh invited the Proparco's officials to continue to explore Guyana's financial landscape to examine ways in which they can forge possiblepartnershipswiththevariousprivate sector institutions and contribute to the country'scurrenteconomicdevelopment.

Laboratory Director, Dr. Ravi Persaud received the certificate on behalf of Universal Health Care Laboratory during a simple ceremony held at the facility's Grove, East Bank Demerara(EBD)location.

General Manager, Mr Devendra Singh expressed gratitude to the GNBS Technical Officers who worked with the laboratory

to meet the requirements of the National Standard. “We have worked hard, and we will continue to work with the Standard to consistently produce quality results,” he affirmed. The laboratory is certified to perform tests relating to Haematology, Biochemistry, Serology, Urology and Immunology Thecertificatewashanded (Continued on page 16)

L-R: Deputy Quality Manager, Mr. Lendon Wilson, Laboratory Director, Dr Ravi Persaud and General Manager, Mr Devendra Singh of Universal Health Care Laboratory pose with affixed GNBS Sticker on the front door of the premises.

‘Rasta’disappearsafterboat sinksinMazaruniRiver

The trail where Ramcharran's body was found.

Pomona farmer dies at ‘Grave Hill' on return home from farm

Aman identified only as 'Rasta' is feared dead after the boat he was traveling in on the MazaruniRiver,RegionSevensank.

Otherpassengersonboardthevesselsaid the man known to them only as 'Rasta' and 'Mark'isbelievedtobefromRegionTwo.

Investigators learnt that at around 20:30hrs, Shojhi Roberts, a 32-year-old RangerofIsseneruVillage,MiddleMazaruni River, borrowed the village's wooden Balahoo boat powered by 75 Horsepower outboard engine to go to Apaiqua Landing, located some five minutes away from where theywere.

Roberts took 'Rasta' and another man named Mark Benn with him. However, shortly thereafter while navigating through one of the waterfalls in the river, the boat collided with a rock. The passengers were thrown overboard and the boat sank. Benn and Roberts managed to swim to safety but 'Rasta'disappeared.

Several checks were made for 'Rasta' but theywerefutile.

The incident was reported to police and a search party was formed around noon on Wednesday

Robertsisinpolicecustodyassistingwith investigations.

An Essequibo farmer was on T u e s d a y reportedly killed after allegedly losing control of his motorcycle while returning home from his farmlocatedeastofMashabo Mission, Essequibo Coast, RegionTwo.

Dead is 40-year-old Ganesh Ramcharran of Pomona Housing Scheme, E s s e q u i b o C o a s t Ramcharran was found dead while lying faced down a short distance away from his motorcycle along a trail at 'Grave Hill' Mashabo Mission,justafter16:00hrs.

Investigators learnt that Ramcharran had left his home around 06:00hrs on

Tuesdayforhisfarm.

Ramcharran lost control of the motorcycle while on his way home and fell onto thetrail.Itisbelievedthatthe impact of the fall was so severe that it killed Ramcharranonthespot.

Another farmer passing by a short while later, found R a m c h a r r a n l y i n g motionless That farmer alerted other farmers and villagers living close by and police were called in Detectives said that when theyarrivedatthescene,they saw blood on Ramcharran's face and some oozing from his nostrils. No marks of violence were seen on his body and the front wheel of hismotorcyclewasbent.

Hisbodywastakentothe Suddie Public Hospital, where it was further examined by a doctor before beingsenttoamorgue.

GPHC and HERO collaborate to nd complete 22 surgical mission

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has announced the completion of yet anothersuccessfulsurgicalmission incollaborationwiththeHealthand Education Relief Organization (HERO).

HERO, a US-based non-profit organization that has a longstanding partnership with GPHC, once again demonstrated their commitment to delivering vital medical care to those in need by completing 18 surgeries, the GPHCsaidonWednesday

During its recent mission, HERO combined their expertise to performeightpaediatricorthopedic surgeries, targeting lower extremitydeformitiesinchildrenat GPHC. Additionally, 10 plastic surgeries were undertaken, primarily breast reduction proceduresforwomeninneed.

“The surgical procedures have not only provided life-changing transformations for patients but also exemplified the dedication of both organizations towards enhancing the quality of life for

those who need it most,” GPHC said in a statement.The hospital said that HERO's support extended beyond surgical procedures, as their skilled anaesthesia assistance provedinstrumentalinensuringthe safety and comfort of the patients throughout the operations. This

collaboration, according to GPHC, underscores the importance of teamwork and cross-border partnerships in delivering comprehensivemedicalcare.

The hospital in a statement, noted that since its inception in 2007, Operation Hero has

facilitatedhundredsofsurgeriesfor patients in dire need, significantly impacting their lives and wellbeing.

“The partnership has also enabled GPHC's medical team to gainvaluablehands-onexperience, exposure to intricate cases, and

access to advanced surgical materials and equipment This dynamic exchange of knowledge and resources has contributed to enhancing the overall capabilities of GPHC's medical professionals,” GPHCsaidinthestatement.

HERO was founded by Guyanese physicians in the United States who shared a common goal of giving back to their homeland. Their commitment to making a difference is evident through their biannual visits to Guyana, usually occurring in March and August. These visits encompass not only surgical missions, but also educational and medical initiatives aimed at uplifting various communities.

While HERO's medical and educational missions extend across different communities in Guyana, thesurgicalaspectoftheireffortsis primarily conducted at GPHC. The strategic focus allows for the concentration of expertise, resources, and facilities to maximize the impact of each surgicalmission.

Dead: Ganesh Ramcharran

The area where the boat sank.

The HERO Team that completed their 22 surgical mission at GPHC

Missing: ‘Rasta’

Adopt-an-Orphanage initiative …142childrenbenefitfrommedicalscreening

Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Guyana, Guo Haiyan on Wednesday making a contribution to First Lady Arya Ali's 'Adopt-an-Orphanage' initiative.

As part of First Lady Arya Ali's, 'Adopt-anOrphanage'initiative,a totalof142childrenfrom10homes and orphanages benefitted from a number of medical services on Wednesday

The medical outreach was held at State House, Georgetown and was done in partnership with the Embassy of the People's Republic ofChina.

The initiative, which has since adopted 11 orphanages and homes, was launched in 2021 and seeks to provide financial and other support to underfunded orphanages across Guyana through assistance from theprivatesector

Delivering brief remarks at the outreach, the First Lady said the medical outreach is to give the children the care and attention they need that their respective homes and orphanages are unable to provide.

“Children in institutional care require greater medical care and attention for a number of reasons. First, children in general have weaker immune systems when compared to adults. This therefore limits their natural ability to fight infections,”shedisclosed.

The First Lady also explained that children, especially under the age of five, have significantly higher developmental delays and are vulnerable to illnesses as their immune systems are not fully developed.

As a result, children who fall into this category require greater medicalattentionandcare.

Mrs.Alisaidtoothatchildrenin institutionalcareareatahigherrisk at developing mental and physiological problems which in turnaffecttheirphysicalhealth.

“Children in institutional care fight many silent battles that we do not know of, in many ways they struggle mentally, emotionally and physically almost on a daily basis and a fact that we know this poses on us a responsibility to act,” she said.

The First Lady thanked Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Guyana, Guo Haiyan and her team for partnering with her office to ensure the children receive the care they need. She said that the Chinese Embassy has always been a pillar to her office Meanwhile, Ambassador Haiyan in her remarks said the people of China are always pleased

to be a part of such initiatives and that the embassy would continue to support the orphanages, as well as lendsupporttootherprojects.

Wednesday's outreach was carried out by a 16-member group of medical professionals from the Chinese MedicalTeam.Among the

services offered were eye, hearing, and dental tests, blood pressure testing as well as heart and lung examinations.

Children between the ages of three and 22 years benefitted from theoutreach.

The participating homes and

orphanages are: Hope Children's Home, Shaheed's Boys and Girls orphanages, Joshua's Children Centre, Ruimveldt Children Home, Bless the Children Home, Prabhu Sharan orphanage, St John's B o s c o , a n d R e d C r o s s Convalescence.

Six Guyanese Youth chosen for the 2023 Youth Ambassadors Program

Six Guyanese youth, aged 15 to 18, as well as two program mentors, will be representing Guyana in the U.S. Department of State's sponsoredYouthAmbassadors Program from Wednesday, August 16 to Wednesday, August30,2023.

Representing Guyana in this year's exchange program are Shonjay Mendonca, Naila Rahaman, Alyssa Persaud, Mya Saunders, Charisa Corbin, Carrian Perriera, and mentors Omario Gooding and MellesiaLindie.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Guyana, the inperson exchange brings together outstanding young people between the ages of 15 and 18 from across the

Americas for an enrichment program to explore themes such as civic education, leadership, cross-cultural connections, community service, and youth and social transformation through experientiallearningactivities, leadership training, civic participation at the community level, and mentoring by community, business, and N G O l e a d e r s , a n d volunteering. Theyouthswere shortlisted from a large pool of applicants after going through an interview process. They join a cadre of sixty-one youth leaders and eleven adult mentors who have been part of the Youth Ambassadors Program (YAP) since September2012.

The 2023 Youth Ambassadors

Rewa village store commissioned

Mi n i s t e r o f

Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai on Tuesday commissioned a village storeinRewa,aremoteAmerindian Village located in the North Rupununi,RegionNine.

AccordingtotheDepartmentof Public Information (DPI), the store was constructed by villagers and was funded through the ministry's $10 million Economic Investment Fund/Covid-19 Relief Fund which wasprovidedtovillagesin2021.

Minister Sukhai congratulated the village on the construction of the new village store while r e m i n d i n g t h e m o f t h e government's mandate to provide resourcestoAmerindianvillagesto bridgethedevelopmentgap.

Notably the minister highlighted that other villages have

been benefitting from significant investments through Presidential Grants, Community Development Projects, and now funds earned from the sale of Guyana's carbon credits.

She explained, “We need to bring the hinterland closer to what exists elsewhere and so, while it may look as though more attention is being poured into the hinterland, it is not generally because we want to short change othercitizensinthecountry,butfor too long, the hinterland which includesthemajorityofIndigenous communities have not been able to catchup.”

Meanwhile, Rewa's Toshao, Dickey Alvin during an interview with DPI explained that $2 million fromtheCovid-19ReliefFundwas issuedtoconstructthebuildingand

another $2 million to stock the store.

Toshao Alvin explained that once profits are made from the stores, it will go towards the students who are attending SecondarySchools.

Additionally, a cheque valued over $4 million was handed over to the Village Council, as part of the $3 billion supplementary fund provided by the government in 2022, following the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference.Thefundswillbeused to commence the first phase of construction of a multi-purpose facilityinthevillage.

Minister Sukhai also delivered abrushcutterandsewingmachines

tothevillage,whichwillbeutilized by Community Service Officers (CSOs) and the sewing centre, which generates incomes for womenwithinthevillage.

The Minister also engaged villagers of Apoteri and apprised them of the developments that are taking place across the country. Youths were also encouraged to takeadvantageofavailabletraining opportunities through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme andinthehealthsector

Theministeralsohandedovera $1.5 million Presidential Grant cheque to the Apoteri Village Council, as well as a brush cutter andsewingmachines.

$38M health centre commissioned at Fort Ordinance

A spanking new health centre valued at $38M was on Monday commissioned at Fort Ordinance, Canje,Berbice.

The new facility was commissioned by Minister of Health,Dr.FrankAnthony.

The facility has a number of examination rooms and a spacious waiting area. The building is also equipped with air conditioning units.

During the opening ceremony, Minister Anthony said that the government's intention is to ensure that Guyana has a world class health care system that would providequalityservicetocitizens.

"In terms of building a world class system, the government is investing in building twelve new hospitals and you would have two of those hospitals here in Region 6,"theMinisterofHealthsaid.

The minister disclosed that construction of a new hospital at Skeldon and the New Amsterdam are ongoing. He said the New Amsterdam hospital is expected to bealevelfivefacilityoutfittedwith modern amenities that will allow fordiagnostictestsandclinicalcare for patients with complex medical cases.

Minister Anthony said that his

ministry has recognized that the existing facilities throughout Region6andacrossthecountryare in need of upgrading and has noted that since 2020 the government of Guyana has been upgrading Health Centers and other health facilities there.

He noted that Region 6 as the first to receive $100M to rehabilitate the health centers throughout the region. “We saw thatworkedsowellinRegion6and we adopted it to the other regions and we gave them each $100M so thattheycanupgradetheirfacilities as well," Minister Anthony said.

TheMinisterofHealthsaidtoothat through the supplementary budget that was recently passed in the National Assembly, an additional $1B has been allocated to rehabilitate other health centers as well as accommodation for health care professionals. He said Region 6 is expected to benefit from another $100M facilitate the rehabilitativeworks.

Dr Anthony urged residents to make full use of the services that will be offered at the health center and also encouraged healthcare workers to provide the best health careservice.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, David Armogan said several things were taken into consideration when constructing a newhealthcenter

"One is the population of the area and two the proximity to the nearest health facility and those weretwomajorcriteria.In2022we recognized the growing population in this area because we have an additional area at the back where the ministry of housing is developingsoitisalmostautomatic that we should put down a health center in this particular area," he

said.The Regional Chairman said that under the leadership of Roy

Neighbourhood Democratic Council Chairman, there were strong recommendations for Fort Ordinance to have its own health center He said that following through on Jafarally's suggestion, the government has decided to construct three other health centers in Region Six: Albion Chesney, Canefield East Canje Berbice and MaraontheEastBankofBerbice.

“...So therefore the Ministry of Health and by extension all the

health services in this Region and throughout the country, have an important role to play in ensuring thatourpeople'shealthistakencare of...”Armogan said too that once the health centers are completed, it would aid in the reduction of the number of persons who visit the hospitals to seek treatment and collectmedication.

Additionally, the Regional Chairman disclosed that given the expansive yard space, a businessman expressed an interest in creating a recreational space for childrenofthecommunity

The newly built Fort Ordinance Health Centre

The 10M village store that was commissioned by the Ministry of Amerindians Affairs in North Rupununi, Region Nine

The brush cutter that was handed over to CSOs of Apoteri

WANTED VACANCY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for a land to buy in Kuru Kuru,

More than 60 migrants feared dead at sea off Cape Verde coast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR RENT

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

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

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

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

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

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

Person needed to assemble and build bicycle wheel. Apply at Alabama Trading,

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

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443. Maid needed to cook and clean at East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

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

Factory Worker needed. For more information Call: 2262621.

BBC - More than 60 people are feared dead after a boat carrying migrants was found off Cape Verde in West Africa.

Thirty-eight people were rescued, including children aged 12 to 16, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.

An estimated 100 people, mostly from Senegal and Sierra Leone, were said to have been on board the boat and had been at sea for a month.

It is not immediately clear when the incident occurred.

The vessel was first spotted on Monday, police told the AFP news agency.

Initial reports suggested the boat sank, but it was later clarified that the boat was

found drifting.

The wooden pirogue style boat was seen almost 320km (200 miles) off the island of Sal by a Spanish fishing boat, which alerted authorities, police said.

Senegal’s foreign ministry said in a statement issued late on Tuesday that the boat had left Senegal on 10 July with 101 passengers on board.

The ministry said it was liaising with authorities in Cape Verde for the repatriation of survivors, one of whom was from GuineaBissau.

Cape Verde is around 600km off the coast of West Africa on a maritime migration route to the Spanish Canary Islands, often used as a gate-

way to the European Union.

IOM spokeswoman Safa Msehli said:

“Safe and regular pathways to migration are sorely lacking, which is what gives room to smugglers and traffickers to put people on these deadly journeys.”

At least 559 people died trying to reach the Canary Islands in 2022, according to figures from the IOM, while 126 people died or went missing on the same route in the first six months of this year with 15 shipwrecks recorded.

At least 15 people drowned when a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of the Senegalese capital Dakar in late July.

$294M Vigilance Magistrates’ Courts...

From page 8 frequent repairs.

TO LET

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

1 bedroom apt in Lyng street, $40,000 per month. Call: 7131515.

This she said took a chunk of the judiciary’s annual budget to upkeep. Further, she disclosed that members of the judiciary held discussions in 2020 with the Government and had also submitted their proposals for a new court house.

However, the green light was not given for the Vigilance, Port Kaituma, and Mabaruma.

The Chancellor disclosed that President Irfaan Ali was later contacted and the judiciary resubmitted its proposal

to the Ministry of Finance, and funds were released for the construction of the new Magistrates’ Courts. She underscored that the new Vigilance Magistrates’ Court signifies improved access to justice and noted that the other courts are in the final stages of completion.

Chancellor CummingsEdwards thanked stakeholders including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Canada, United States and United Kingdom for their donations towards buying equipment and furniture for the court.

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall disclosed that next week the Government will turn the sod for the construction of the $388 Million Friendship Magistrates’ Court and the $303 Million Timehri Magistrates’ Court – which are going to improve the delivery of justice on the East Bank corridor.

“These new facilities and addition to the architecture and design of these court houses no doubt will enhance and augment efficiency,” Nandlall said.

FOR SALE

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

Universal Health Care Laboratory...

From page 10 over by Head of the GNBS Certification Services Department, Mr. Keon Rankin and is valid for two years during which surveillance audits will be conducted.

dard; the Balwant Singh’s Hospital Laboratory and the Anamayah Memorial Hospital Laboratory.

results to customers.

SERVICES

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

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

Mr. Rankin extended congratulations to the management and staff of the laboratory for demonstrating commitment to quality. He encouraged the laboratory personnel to continue to maintain the requirements of the Certification Programme.

Meanwhile, two laboratories were recently recertified to the revised National Stan-

Through its Laboratory Certification Programme, the GNBS ensures the operations of Medical and Testing Laboratories satisfy the requirements outlined in the National Standard. Laboratories, which conform to the requirements of this standard are provided with formal recognition to attest that they have implemented an effective laboratory management system, which aids their provision of accurate and reliable

The Bureau encourages all uncertified laboratories to pursue certification under its Laboratory Certification Programme. Certification can serve as a stepping-stone towards international accreditation while it also improves operational efficiency, boost customers’ confidence and attract more clients.

To learn more, please visit the gnbsgy.org website or contact GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064-66, the GNBS hotline number 2190069 or Whatsapp us on 6924627.

VACANCY

65 Robb St, Bourda.

offering price- 5-8 mil. Call: 2615926.

Survivors were helped ashore in Cape Verde (Reuters)

Guyana’s oil discovery prompted BVI trade mission

BVI News - Deputy Premier and Trade Minister, L o r n a S m i t h h a s underscored Guyana’s discovery of oil and its stratospheric economic rise in recent years as being behind the BVI’s quest to bolster trade relations with theSouthAmericancountry

Smith,alongwithateam ofgovernmentofficialsanda group of private sector representatives, embarked on a three-day trade mission to Guyana late last month where matters in relation to trade, agriculture and financial services, among otherthings,werediscussed.

Smith told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday that Guyana will, in the next few years, become one of the largest oil producers in the world andarguedthattheBVIhas the kind of investment structures needed for Guyana

“GuyanaisaCARICOM member, and the BVI is an Associate Member and we all know that Guyana has discovered oil and gas,” Smithsaid.“So,thereisthat

reality Why now? The BVI has the kind of financial servicesstructuresthatcould be used for investment into Guyanaandviceversa.”

Chief Executive Officer of BVI Finance, Elise Donovan, in supporting Smith’s position, added that Guyana has had an unprecedented growth rate ofsome62percentinthelast few years. “That is arguably thehighestgrowthrateinthe world, in terms of economic development,” Donovan

said.

Shecontinued:“BVIisa facilitator of global trade and investment and business, and we see the synergiesthatweareableto produce across the world in terms of facilitating global trade, that we can be that facilitator with what we see happeninginGuyana.”

In the meantime, the Deputy Premier explained that there is already a natural alignment between Guyana and the BVI, given

Man remanded for robbing GNBS inspector

An unemployed man was on Wednesday charged for robbing an Inspector with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) at Friendship School Road, East Bank Demerara(EBD).

The alleged bandit is Chris Charles, 22, of Lot 34 Friendship, East Bank Demerara(EBD).

He made his first court appearance at the D i a m o n d / G r o v e Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Judy Latchman. He was charged with Robbery Under Arms and pleaded not-guilty to the offence.Hewasremandedto prison and will make his second court appearance on September28,2023.

According to details of the investigation, he allegedly robbed the GNBS Inspector of his haversack containing, $15,000 cash, his bank card, and a dark blueSamsungGalaxyS10E smart phone, valued at $75,000.

Persons from the communitysaidthatCharles “isaregularthiefman”.

their respective regional positions and association withCARICOM.

AccordingtotheDeputy Premier, the spirit of partnership between the two countries was evident throughout and there was mutual agreement that the mission was what she described as the ‘starting gun’ on building a closer relationship.

She also alluded to the strong cultural connection whichexistsbetweenthetwo countries, with Guyanese forming the third largest immigrant group in the

Virgin Is

d

nd constituting a significant portionoftheworkforce.

Smithfurthersharedthat the BVI wants to turn that natural alignment into a more robust partnership and developmutualbusinessand investment opportunities between Guyana and the BVI.

“Guyana’s economic growthisclearlysignificant, andwewereveryimpressed withthegovernment’sfocus on using its oil and gas resources to develop a sustainable economy,” she added.

Trade Minister, Lorna Smith and CEO of BVI Finance, Elise Donovan. (BVI News photo)

Remanded for armed robbery, Chris Charles

Sugar Workers on strike over return to Rose Hall Estate

…demandcompensation,callformeetingwithPresident,VP

Sugar workers who were originallystationedattheRoseHall SugarEstateandthentransferredto the Albion and Blairmont Estates after its closure in 2017 are demanding that the Government of Guyana compensates them for being transferred back to the Rose HallEstate.Thesugarworkers,who were mainly cane harvesters, were partofastrikeWednesdaymorning

where they called on the President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo to meet with them tohavethematterresolved.

The once closed Rose Hall Estate is scheduled to be reopened in September. Kaieteur News understandsthatonWednesdayata meeting held at the Albion Estate, some workers were informed that 130 workers from the Blairmont

Estate and 140 from the Albion Estate will be returned to the Rose HallEstate.

“Some was transferred to the Blairmont Estate and some was transferred to theAlbion Estate and it is unfair to us to go back to an estate wah already close down, pay off and reopen back now… We the frustrated workers out here requestingtoseetheExcellencythe

President and the Vice President Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo fa come and solvethisproblemhereforus,”one workerexpressed.

The workers told Kaieteur News that while they have raised their concerns with senior officials inthesugarsector,theybelievethat only the President and Vice President could respond appropriately and favourably to

their concerns and requests “We are asking his Excellency to come out so we can voice our concern and we the frustrated workers out here is not cutting no more cane until they come and solve this problem,” another workertoldKaieteurNews.

The strike is scheduled to continue until the country's two leadersmeetwiththeworkers.

Some of the sugar workers protesting on Wednesday morning

Letter to the Sports Editor

No Goodwill for Guyana’s 2023 Goodwill Swimming Championship Team, it seems

Dear Sports Editor, The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) entered a team of fourteen swimmers to represent the Co-operative Republic of Guyana at the 27th Edition of the Goodwill Swimming Championship, August 18-20, 2023, Jamaica. Contrary to what the President of GASA has reportedly said to potential donors, there are several medal contenders in this team. These swimmers have been training very hard and

are eager to represent their country at this regional developmental meet. Attending this meet is all the more important since Guyana last participated, at this level, at the 25th Edition of the Goodwill Swimming Championship in 2019, where the team placed fourth out of nine countries, earning 43 medals (six gold, five silver and 12 bronze medals in individual categories and eight gold, four silver and eight bronze medals in the relay categories) in the process.

Even though GASA entered a team to participate in the Goodwill Swimming Championship in 2022, the first after the Covid-19 pandemic ended, they failed to send the team to represent Guyana. At that time GASA, under this current President, promised solemnly to not let such a situation occur again.

At this late stage, a few days before the 2023 Goodwill Swimming Championship commences in Jamaica, on August 18, 2023, it is very dis-

Thursday August 17, 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.

heartening to learn, that GASA has no money to even pay for a Coach to travel with a reduced team of swimmers.

Several weeks ago, the President and Vice President, Administration of GASA met with the parents of the selected swimmers at the National Aquatic Centre.

The President of GASA promised that he will seek to utilise a portion of the Olympic Aquatic Support Programme (OASP) funds, which World Aquatics pledged to GASA, for swimmer development from grassroots to elite levels. Even though he said, several weeks ago, that he will seek to have an emergency meeting of GASA to discuss the use of a portion of the OASP funds, he confessed that he has not presented a proposal to the GASA Council as yet, because he had no figures. The figures he speaks about have been shared several times with him.

He also promised that GASA would seek additional funding from the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Olympic Association and the private sector. Parents are aware also and have accepted that they needed to make a contribution to their children participating in the Goodwill Swimming Championship.

The President of GASA has recently informed us that he has received no funding from anyone and that GASA has no money either to assist the Goodwill Team. Given the situation with lack of funding, several parents committed to fully funding their children’s participation.

This meant that most of the team had to withdraw due to lack of funding.

Even with this approach, GASA at the very last moment, said they had no money to pay for the Coach to travel with the reduced team to Jamaica.

Despite valiant efforts from parents, GASA has provided very little support to me as Team Manager of Guyana’s 2023 Goodwill Swimming Championship Team. The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association seems unconcerned that Guyana, as a founding member of the Goodwill Swimming Championship, missed the championship in 2022, for no good reason, that its desire to host the Goodwill Swimming Championship in 2025 will suffer a huge setback if no proposal

is presented to the congress of the Goodwill Swimming Championship in Jamaica on August 17, 2023, that the young swimmers have been training very hard for several months with the expectation of participating in this swimming championship, that there are several medal contenders in the team and that this seeming callous treatment of young swimmers may have a negative impact on their (and other young swimmers) further engagement in

this vital core sport/discipline. At this stage, I am unaware if GASA has made a decision or has communicated anything further to the Aquatic Sports Association of Jamaica, regarding Guyana’s participation in the 27th Edition of the Goodwill Swimming Championship, August 18-20, 2023, Jamaica.

Mrs. Atanica Vieira

Team Manager

Guyana’s 2023 Goodwill Swimming Championship Team

England reach first World Cup final despite Kerr stunner Kerr

SYDNEY, (Reuters)England reached their first Women’s World Cup final after beating Australia 3-1 yesterday despite a wonder goal from Matildas striker Sam Kerr as the co-hosts’ fairytaleruncametoanend.

Afterfallingatthesemifinal stage in the previous two World Cups, England will face Spain on Sunday lookingtoaddaworldtitleto last year’s European Championshiptriumph.

Attacking midfielder Ella Toone gave England a first-half lead to silence the crowd of 75,784 but a stunning strike from Kerr, making her first start of the tournament, squared things upafterhalftimeasStadium Australia erupted in euphoria.

However, Lauren Hemp restored England’s lead beforeAlessiaRussoputthe result beyond doubt shortly beforetheend.

“This is the one thing I’vealwayswanted,tomake finals at a World Cup and after two times of getting huge disappointment, honestly I can’t believe it,” England full back Lucy

Bronzesaid.

“Wealldreamedofbeing inthefinalandallourfamily and friends who booked to stay here until the final because they all believed in us.” Sarina Wiegman’s side clearly had a game plan to impose themselves physically on Australia, committingninefoulsinthe first half as they nullified their opponents’ attacking options.

England opened the scoring in the 36th minute whenRussoworkedherway to the byline before cutting the ball back and Toone smashed it into the top right cornerforherfirstgoalofthe tournament.

HISTORICMOMENT

Australia started the second half much brighter and began pressing England higher up the pitch, looking to create a historic moment that would match Cathy Freeman’s incredible 400 metres victory in the same venueatthe2000Olympics.

And they got it in the 63rd minute when Kerr received the ball in her own half, ran toward goal and fired an unstoppable rocket

into the top left corner from 25 yards out beyond the divingMaryEarps.

The stadium erupted as Australia fans finally got to see their star striker score at this tournament, reigniting hopethatTonyGustavsson’s side could yet play for the title.

But the hosts found themselvesbehindagainless than10minuteslater

Matildas defender Ellie Carpenterfailedtodealwith alongballoverthetopfrom Millie Bright, allowing Hempaneasyfinishintothe bottom corner to restore England’slead.

The 23-year-old was involved once more as the game entered the final stages.ShortlyafterKerrhad missed a golden chance to equaliseagain,Hempturned brilliantly on the halfway line before releasing Russo, whofiredalowshotintothe far corner to seal England’s placeinthefinal.

Australia will play Sweden in the third-place playoffonSaturdayandKerr saidtheywereproudofwhat they had achieved despite falling at the penultimate

Beacons win to stay atop, Rivers View lose again

Former Champions Beacons FC won for a sixth time while defending champions Rivers View suffered a 2nd defeat when the Senior Men’sLeagueoftheBartica FA continued last Wednesday night at the Bartica Community Centre ground.

Ledbya2ndhat-trickof the season from Shaquille Hopkinson, Beacons brushedasideMilBallers41 to remain the only unbeaten side at the end of thefirstroundofmatchesin the9-teamLeague.

Hopkinson netted in the 2nd, 22nd and 40th minutes topushhistallytoeightand Kyle Caesar added the fourth, one minute into the 2nd period. Kishon Tobin reduced the lead in the 66th minute.

At the completion of their quota of games

Beaconshavesixwinsand2 draws to top the table on 20 points,whileBallerslostfor the7thtimetostay2ndfrom

thebottomon3points. Intheothermatchofthe double-header, cup holders Rivers View were outlasted by Rising Stars, thanks to a 61stminutestrikebyTyrese Gomes. It was the 4th win

fortheStarswhooccupy4th place on 14 points, while Rivers View are kept on 18 pointsandoneplaceabove.

The start of the 2nd roundofcompetitionwillbe nextMonday

hurdle. “We can’t thank the fans enough, they’ve been amazing,” she said. “We’ve felt the love all over the country Just to see the supporthasreallypushedus on.“So hopefully this stays aroundbecausethishasbeen amazing for us... It’s hard to think about (the third place playoff) now but Tony’s already said it’s a quick

turnaround.

“We’ve got to pick ourselves up and hopefully not go home emptyhanded.”

After leading her native Netherlands to a runners-up finish in 2019, Wiegman becomes the first coach to taketwodifferentteamstoa WorldCupfinal.

“ T h i s t e a m h a s

ruthlessness, whether it’s up frontorindefence,wereally want to keep the ball out of thenet,wereallywanttowin andwesticktogetherandwe stick to the plan, and it worked again,” the 53-yearoldsaid.

“I’ve never taken anythingforgranted,butI’m like ‘Am I here in a little fairytaleorsomething?’”

John Fernandes Ltd supports GAPLF for the 2023 FESUPO Powerlifting C/ship

JohnFernandesLimited (JFL), the leading customised shipping and logistics solutions in and out of Guyana, connecting with any worldwide destinationsareonboardas a sponsor of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) to the 10thSouthAmericanMen’s and Women’s Classic Powerlifting&BenchPress C h a m p i o n s h i p s (FESUPO).

The competition, bringing together the best athletes in the South AmericanRegion,willtake place from September 610thinLima,Peru.

Yesterday, at the company’s24WaterStreet, Georgetown,Guyana,Head Office, The Office Manager, Ms Alisa Maxwell, handed over a sponsorship cheque to the Treasurer of the GAPLF, Mr Maxwell Denny, in the presence of President, Franklin Wilson Ms

Maxwell expressed her company’s delight at being able to contribute to the GAPLF’s expenses for T e a m G u y a n a ’ s participationattheevent.

”John Fernandes has been very supportive of Guyana’s sportsmen and women over the years acrossmanydisciplinesand we are proud to maintain this legacy We are well awareoftheexploitsofour powerlifters over the years and we are happy to be of assistance to the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation. We wish the teameverysuccessandlook forward to you continuing todoournation,proud.”

Mr Dennyconveyedhis gratitude and that of the Powerlifting Federation to JohnFernandesLimitedfor their support which he said would certainly assist the TeamingettingtoPeruand doing the nation proud ”The support of corporate Guyana for athletes in their

quest to represent the Golden Arrowhead is alwaysimportantandweat the GAPLF would like to express our thanks to John Fernandes for being a partner in this journey We canassureyouthattheteam will be ready to take on the challenge that’ll be presented by the athletes from the other competing nationsandwilldoGuyana, proud.” Some ten nations, including the host, will be batting for podium positions from September 6-10 in the equipped and classic s e g m e n t s o f t h e championships Over 230 athletes (male & female) alongwithofficialsaswellas executives of the contesting nationswillbeconvergingin Peru Guyana, Suriname, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Columbia, Uraguay, and Bolivia will betestingeachotheronthe platform in the three lifts, squat, bench press, and deadlift.

England’s Ella Toone celebrates scoring their first goal. (REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli)

Shaquille Hopkinson

Twin-brothers Kristopher and Kyle Karran hit centuries in ORSCA’s T20 playoffs

Kyle Karran and his 18-year-old twin-brother Kristopher Karran struck a century each last Sunday in representation for Cool Runningz against Panthers as the 2023 Ontario RoundArm Softball Cricket Association (ORSCA)/T20

Playoff segment got underway

P l a y i n g a t t h e EmancipationParkatDixee407 in Brampton, the righthanded Kyle fashioned an impressive 132 while his sibling Kristopher carved outanequallyattractive102.

T h e y s h a r e d a magnificent, unbroken 249run second-wicket stand, perhaps historical since the formation of the ORSCA in 2011.

Their team galloped to a daunting249-1fromthe20overs while Panthers, in reply, reached 152 all out from 20-overs. They lost by 97runs.

Kyle batted with more aggression despite he was put down on few occasions, clobbering14sixesandfour fours during his 66-ball displayatthecrease.

Kristopherfaceduponly 50 balls knocking ten sixes

andfourfours.

Both players have been p l a y i n g h a r d - b a l l professionally representing various teams and also this Province in CanadaCricket’s tournament at the Under-19level.

When Panthers batted, Avinash Basdeo hit a fighting 62 laced with nine sixes from 42 deliveries.

Dinesh Ajodha and Rishi Sancharachippedinwith21 runsapieceasCanada-based Guyanese Mitch Bacchus grabbed 3-37 from three expensive overs Jordan Bacchus claimed 2-8(2) while Kyle Karran proved his all-round capability by

Sukhwa

(101) spurs Riverside Cricket Club to championship

Another century from opening batsman Adrian Sukhwa was enough to inspire Riverside Cricket Club to an efficient fivewicketvictoryoverConcord Eagles in the final of the 2023 Connecticut Cricket League40-overscompetition

The right-handed Sukhwa slammed 101 to help Riverside Cricket Club safely reach 187-5 with a whopping 52 balls remaining. Concord Eagles had earlier tallied up an inadequate182alloutinthe 40 overs Riverside Cricket Clubwonthetoss

Adrian Sukhwa

middle-order batsman

taking two wickets as well but conceded 29 runs from his maximum four overs.

Reggie Lalsaran also accounted for two victims (2-37) in his four-overs outing.

Meanwhile, details from the other games in a subsequentpost.Semi-finals are slated for August 26th with matches across the Greater Toronto Area, though.

This Saturday, the 10-10 Adana Homes knockout competition will continue with the quarter-final showdown.

Their parents are Canada-basedGuyanese.

Insemi-finalatthesame Keney Park venue, Sukhwa slammed 144 the previous Sunday On this occasion, the Berbician, a former Guyana youth cricketer, batted with similar aggression hammering six sixes and seven fours from 66 balls. He also shared an enterprising, 109-run opening stand with exGuyana and West Indies playerNarsinghDeonarine.

The left-handed Deonarine stroked 43, an inningscontainedthreefours andasix.AshishMasseyand Vaibhav Sharma ended with 2-23 and 2-28 respectively forConcordEagles.

When they (Concord Eagles) batted, right-handed

Lahiru Perera top-scored with 77 which spanned 76 deliveries. He tucked away three sixes and four fours while Venkat Rao contributed 40 and 21 from ShoaibShaikh.

Seamer Ashish Eppa grabbedthreewicketsfor33 offhismaximumeightovers forthewinningcombination on a pitch that offered variable bounces. Skipper Bruce Blackwood, the brotherofWestIndiesplayer Jermaine Blackwood, supportedEppawith2-23in his eight overs as well Sukhwa was named playerof-the-match for his

outstanding batting

performance, and he received cash incentives

Thewinningandrunners-up teams were also awarded with trophies. Meanwhile, the 24-year-old Sukhwa

expressed elation with his batting display and was indeed delighted to make a big contribution for the team. Quizzed on how he approached the innings, Sukhwa responded: “Just went out there and be positive and I was confident our team coming out victorious.”

Sukhwacontinuedtoply his trade in North America andgladthatheisgettingto opportunity to play competitive cricket He mentioned that he is very ambitious of representing Guyana at the senior level and will continue to work hardonhisgame.

“That [is] my priority nowtobebackintheGuyana Cricket Board’s setup and representthecountryinboth the four-day and limited formats, ” Sukhwa commented.

Republic Bank, GCB launch historic Under-23 Inter-Club

Super50 nationwide tourney - Action bowls off Friday August 18

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and Republic Bank Limited continued their decades-long relationship when they officially launched their nationwide sponsored, inauguralUnder-23Super50 inter-club cricket tournament.

During yesterday’s historic launch held on the Bourda Cricket Club Ground, cricket was again takentoanewerheightwith the launch of this U23 initiative, which is set to bowl off on Friday August 18.

Delivering the opening remarks, GCB Secretary Ronald Williams said this new concept will target specifically, players who havefinishedtheircareersat theU19levelsbutmayneed to further hone their skills while needing a feeder-like system to enable that final spark which leads to senior

or West Indies cricket selection.

The GCB Secretary added that the 44 respective clubs from across the 3 counties (Demerara, Essequibo, Berbice) will now play a huge role with this new format expected to host many national cricketers who are on the cusp of commencing their careers as seniors; add that RepublicBankandGCBwill now help to bridge the gap between Junior and senior cricket.

senior team before it’s too l a t e Commercial Manager, Republic Bank Mr Harry Dass Ghaness during his brief remarks, outlined the bank’s pleasure in supporting the GCB for yet another venture, adding that the two entities have been sharing close working ties for decades, citing one main factor as having a major impact on lives and youth development.

needed to thrive in both a social and economic structure while building an overall competitive environment.

Meanwhile, GCB executive Robby Saywack laudedtheBankforplayinga huge role in cricket growth, fillingavoidwhichhasbeen there since he was a former player,addingthatthevoidis now filled thanks to the supportofRepublicBank.

- Anthony

GCBManagerofcricket operations

D’Andrade who gave more logistical insight into the structure of things, said beforehand that the GCB found it necessary to introduce this system as it will play a key role in feeding from one system to more senior, regarding transitioning.

Operationswentthroughthe GCB’s recent string of events which featured the Republic Bank 5FORFUN

whichtargetedagegroups510, the GCB U13 intercounty and the recently concluded U13 Bilateral

Series held in Trinidad & TobagobetweenGuyanaand thehosts.

He noted that players whomaynotbesuccessfulat U19 could play U23 to keep their careers going with another shot at making the

With Republic Bank beingthepremiersponsorof this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Ghanessstatedthatcricketis the Bank’s Social Investment Program as it creates an environment for kids and Sports alike while creating a huge positive impact for all beneficiaries.

He said cricket especially, allows youths to find at an early age the tenacity, strength, and confidence

Essequibo will have 7 teams playing in 6 matches whileBerbicewillfeature16 teams who will battle in a total of 18 matches

Demerarawillhave21teams playing in 19 matches, with the winner of each county competinginanationalplayoff County finals are expected to bowl off September 1 as county preliminaryandfinalsareset to end on August 30. The Finals will be held on September3rd.

GCB Secretary Ronald Williams during his opening feature address.

Kyle Karran

Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboy/ Junior boxing c/ship set to kickoff tomorrow

As the highly anticipated W i n f i e l d Braithwaite Caribbean

Schoolboys/Juniors

Championshipdrawsnearer, the spotlight is on the 17 skilled local boxers who are gearing up to step into the squared circle The championship is scheduled to take place from August 18-20 at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue Out of the 17 participants, 16 will be making their debut on the internationalstage.

These promising young boxerssettomaketheirmark areJoelHinds,MarkelBlue, Shemroy Wintz, Jofes Jackson, Matthew Thomas, Travis Sancho, Kenyon Hamilton, Chance Niles, Raheem Peters, Khumba Alexander, Ken Harvey, Ryan Rogers, Leon Albert, Arlington Johnson, Keyon Britton, Tianna Moore (the solefemaleparticipant),and

Roopesh Balgobin. Notably, Tianna Moore brings valuable international experience from her participation in the 2023 Organization of East Caribbean States (OECS) Championship.

Guyana’s boxing scene has taken a leap forward as thecountryproudlypresents the largest group of

debutants since the championship’s inception in 2016 The roster of

participating nations includesBarbados,Grenada, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago, all of which have formally announced their involvement.

Theselectionprocessfor this formidable team began with the monthly U16 Championshipshostedatthe Andrew “Six Head” Lewis Gym in Albouystown

Following the conclusion of the previous competition in July,thetalentedcombatants were shortlisted for further

evaluation.Asadirectresult of this meticulous process, the team was expertly

Messi magic continues as Inter Miami reach Leagues Cup final

(Reuters) - Lionel Messi notched his ninth goal in six matches as Inter Miami crushed Philadelphia Union 4-1 to reach the LeaguesCupfinalonTuesday

Philadelphia, who made the MLS Cup finallastyearandhaveadominantrecordat home,werepoisedtobeMiami’sbiggesttest sincethelatteraddedtheArgentineanstriker to their roster last month. But the visiting Miami once again got off to a quick start when a running Josef Martinez scored three minutesintothegameonapassfromSerhiy Kryvtsov

Messi was somehow left unguarded just past midfield where he caught a pass from Martinezanddribbledforwardbeforefiringa shot from distance in the 20th minute that

rolled past Union goalkeeper Andre Blake, who was slow to react. Jordi Alba further demoralizedtheUnionwithagoaljustbefore halftimefora3-0leadasfansbooedthehome teamastheyheadedintothelockerroom.

Philadelphia got one back through Alejandro Bedoya in the 73rd minute but DavidRuizfoundthenetinthe84thminute forMiami,whohavescored21goalsintheir lastsixmatches.

Miami will face either CF Monterrey or Nashville SC, who play later onTuesday, in Saturday’s Leagues Cup final, Miami’s first finalappearanceinclubhistory

The win also mean Miami will play in their first ever CONCACAF Champions Leaguenextyear

during the preparatory phase

the

Tribunal finds Marlon Samuels guilty under anti-corruption code

SportsMax - Former West Indies player Marlon Samuels has been found guiltyoffouroffencesunder the Emirates Cricket Boad (ECB) Anti-Corruption Codefollowingahearingby an independent AntiCorruptionTribunal.

Samuels, who was charged by the ICC (in its capacity as the Designated Anti-Corruption Official under the ECB Code) in September 2021, has been found guilty after he exercised his right to a hearingbeforetheTribunal.

The Tribunal will now

consider the submissions of each party before deciding on the appropriate sanction tobeimposed.

The decision will follow induecourse.

Samuels has been found guiltyof:

Article 2 4 2 (by a majority decision) – Failing todisclosetotheDesignated Anti-Corruption Official, the receipt of any gift, payment,hospitalityorother benefit that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the Participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute.

Article2.4.3(unanimous decision)- Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official receipt of hospitality with a valueofUS$750ormore.

Article2.4.6(unanimous decision) – Failing to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’sinvestigation.

Article2.4.7(unanimous decision) – Obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant to the investigation.

chosen. The coaching staff supervising

team

includes GBA coaches Lennox Daniels, Sebert Blake, Clifton Moore,

Cuba’s Francisco Roldon, and Technical Director TerrencePoole.

Marlon Samuels

Scenes from July’s Pepsi Schoolboys boxing tourney as boxers prepare for Caribbean Schoolboys championship which start tomorrow

Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) dribbles the ball before missing a shot against Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake (18) during the second half at Subaru Park. (Bill Streicher-USATODAY Sports)

GBA’s Referee/Judge training seminar underway

Participants engage with Trinidad Instructor James Beckles (right-standing) on the opening day of the 3Star Referee-Judge training seminar.

Th e G u y a n a B o x i n g Association (GBA) has embarked on a significantendeavorwiththe commencementofatwo-day Referee/Judge training seminar yesterday at the National Racquet Centre locatedinWoolfordAvenue. Distinguished Trinidad and T o b a g o 3 - S t a r Referees/Judges Assessor, JamesBeckles,arrivedinthe country to spearhead these essential workshops coinciding with the prestigious Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys/Juniors Championship.

Beckles, a standout figure as the sole 3-Star Referee/Judge Assessor in the English-speaking Caribbean, has undertaken theresponsibilitytoleadtwo pivotaltrainingsessions.His

expertise will be channelled into an intermediary forum addressing recent rule changes made by the International Boxing Association (IBA), the world governing body Additionally, a beginner seminar is on the agenda to nurture emerging talents in thefield.

Havingpreviouslyvisited as a referee judge, Beckles now holds the prestigious position of IBA Olympic 3Star referee/judge’s Instructor/Evaluator The comprehensive workshop structure encompasses both theoretical and practical facets. Mornings sessions are dedicated to theoretical knowledge dissemination, while afternoon sessions are earmarked for hands-on practical evaluations. The overarching goal of these workshops is to elevate the

caliber of local refereeing andjudging.

Prominent attendees at theinaugurationofthistwodayworkshopincludedGBA President Steve Ninvalle, revered referee/judges Winfield Braithwaite,AIBA certified International Technical Officer (ITO)

E l t o n C h a s e , a n d distinguished female referee/judge Paulette Nurse Alongside these established figures were a number of fresh faces, showcasing the widespread enthusiasm for enhanced training.

In his address, Ninvalle underscored the workshop’s significance,highlightingits potential to enrich the local refereeing and judging landscape. With optimism, he expressed hopes that participants would acquire substantial knowledge,

ultimately earning an IBArecognized 3-Star certificate The seminar, spanning the upcoming days, promises to be a

seminar serves as a testament to their commitment to nurturing talent and fostering excellencewithinthesport.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle (right) with IBA3Star Instructor and Evaluator, James Beckels as he delivered his opening remarks.

Players, the Republic Bank team alongside their commercial Manager as well as GCB executives following yesterday’s launch at Bourda Ground.

FL’s Office ManagerAlisa Maxwell (center) hands over cheque to GAPLF Treasurer, Maxwell Denny in the presence of President, Franklin Wilson.