Kaieteur News

Guyana’s‘weaknesses’evidentasnewpetrostate -Bloomberg

Guyana is already exhibiting its weakness in managing the country’s petroleum sector despite commitments from theGovernmentthatitisdoingeverythingin its power to ensure Guyana and Guyanese benefitsignificantlyfromthesector.

According to a Bloomberg feature published early November several shortcomings have been identified by industryexpertsandotherstakeholders.

The publication which examined Guyana’sattempttouseitscrudereservesto protect it from climate change, as well as provideasustainableeconomicfutureforits people,pointedoutthatGuyanacontinuesto facechallengesregardingitsabilitytoprotect itsenvironmentanditsfinances.

Itreportedthatinfaceofthreatsposedto Guyanafromchangingweatherpatterns,the Guyanagovernmentisbettingonaparadox: “The very thing that threatens the country willbeitssalvationasthecountry’sleaders, praised in the past for their environmental stewardship, now believe the most effective way to rescue Guyana from fossil-fuelinduced climate change is—crazy as it sounds—to fully embrace the business of fossilfuels.”

“They’ve promised to create a different kind of petrostate: an environmentally sustainableonethatusesoilrevenuetobuild a more durable infrastructure powered by renewable energy Other developing countries with potential oil reserves are watchingGuyana:They,too,wanttoknowif drillingcouldbeanacceptablewaytopayfor entry into a post-oil future,” the agency related.

It continued that “the collision of these

elements—the tangible threat of climate change, the country’s extreme economic stress and the sheer enormity of the discovery—has turned this strip of South American coastline into something of a proving ground, the spot on the map where the contemporary tensions shaping the world’s energy landscape have most forcefullyconverged.”

Othercountrieshavestumbledupontruly transformationaloilfinds,butnonehasdone so under circumstances quite so stark, at a momentlongafterthedevelopingnationsof theworldpledgedtoweanthemselvesoffof fossilfuelsasGuyana.

“Sincethefirstoilwasdrilledthreeyears ago, Guyana’s economy has become the fastestgrowingintheworld,andsomeofthe new petrostate’s weaknesses are already beingexposed.ItscontractwithExxongives the company unusual advantages: a bigger shareofrevenuethannormalwithfewertax requirements.Evenso,Guyanaisexploiting asmuchofitsoilasitcan,asfastasitcan.”

Bloomberg reminded of the “unusually sweetdeal”thatGuyanagavetoitsStabroek Blockoperator,ExxonMobilandhighlighted whyTomMitro,aseniorfellowatColumbia University’s Center on Sustainable Investment,describedtheGuyanapetroleum production agreement with Exxon as “the most favorable I think I’ve ever seen in the industry,anywhere.”

Mitro had highlighted that beyond the basic percentage split Guyana has agreed to with Exxon, even more surprising concessions are entailed within the productionsharingcontract.

“Forexample,thecontractstipulatesthat

any income taxes imposed on Exxon and its partners be paid for by the government. However, Guyana passes the companies a receiptforthosetaxes,whichExxoncanuse to earn a foreign tax credit in the U.S.,” the reportsaid.

Exxon is also allowed to use current oil revenuetorepayitselfforfutureexpensesfor decommissioningandabandoningitswells.

Bloomberg said that both Exxon and Guyana’s government promised that the drilling operation offshore would have an unusually small impact on the environment. But while the oil company assured the governmentthatgaswouldn’tbeflaredatits rigsandwouldinsteadbereinjectedintothe ground, “that promise has been broken, repeatedly Afterthestartupperiod,Exxon’s subsidiaries flared thousands of tons of gas, andtheycontinuedtodosothroughoutmost of the first three years of production,” Bloombergstated.

It said that Guyana announced that insteadofrequiringExxontocutproduction to manage the flaring, it would fine the

company $45 for each ton of carbon emitted and based on the r e a s o n i n g b y f o r m e r Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) CEO Vincent Adams, the penalty seemed more of an incentive than a deterrent since Exxonwouldmake30timesmore moneythanifitweretocutbackon production.

“Jagdeo and Ali have responded to criticism by amplifying their insistencethatGuyanacan,ineffect,haveits cakeandeatittoo,”Bloombergsaid.

It quoted President Irfaan Ali as saying that Guyana has not moved away from its commitments. “As a matter of fact, we are expanding our commitments on the side of the environment,” the President said “There’sabsolutelynocontradiction.”

Bloombergsaidthatgovernmentbelieves that today’s oil revenues can ensure that Guyana thrives even after the international demand for oil dries up. They figure they haveabout30yearsuntilthathappens.

But “more than anything else, it’s this sense of haste—the desire to sign a contract and get the oil flowing with little regulatory interference—that has stoked the chorus of doubters.They’rearmedwithevidencefrom almostthreeyearsofdrillingandanalysisofa contract they say was flawed from the start. They believe the government’s plans have already begun to spin out of control,” Bloombergconcluded.

GUEST EDITORIAL: THAT ELUSIVE OIL CONTRACT AUDIT

Theauditoftheoperationsoftheoilcontractwith ESSOanditspartnersfortheyears2018–2020

appearstobeheadingnowhere.Thecontractfor the award by the Ministry of Natural Resources for US$700,000 audit was awarded in May 2022 to a group of Guyanese firms - Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc. –supported by two international firms- SGS and Martindale Consultants.

TheauditwasexpectedtobecompletedinSeptemberof this year which means that its report is now overdue by months.TheMinistryhasofferedthepublicnoexplanation forthedelayandwhetherinfactthecontractwasextended beyond the agreed four-month period. This newspaper is concernedthatlikethepreviousauditdonebyIHSMarkitof one element of the pre-contract costs incurred by the oil companies, this audit is going nowhere, will be a waste of money, at best an expensive waste and worst, a total whitewash.

InFebruary2022,PetroleumMinistertoldthepressthat thereweresomequeriesarisingoutoftheIHSauditwhich should have been “wrapped up” within two to four weeks. Therehasbeensilencesince.

Guyanese,itseemsareonceagainbeingtakenforaride. The spokesperson for this audit is the US-based Guyanese Certified PublicAccountant Mr Floyd Haynes who during the course of the unfinished audit was successful in his application for a licence to operate an Investment Bank in Guyana. Haynes who is known to be a friend of Vice President Bharat Jagdeo is not known to have an audit practice certificate in Guyana or any interest in an investmentbankintheUS.Indeed,onlyoneofthepersons who are involved in the audit is known to hold an audit practicecertificateinGuyana.

Mr Hayneswasagaininthemedialastweekandsought todampenexpectationsabouttheaudit,suggestingthathis grouphadbeencontractedtoundertakeacostrecoveryaudit “pursuant to the parameters of the 2016 Production Share Agreement(PSA)governingtheStabroekBlock.”

Mr Haynes is dead right about the audit being undertaken under the PSA but is totally wrong about the scopeoftheaudit.

It is not only about costs, but about the entire financial operations of the 2016 Agreement. The right of the Governmenttohaveanauditisprovidedforunderarticle23 oftheAgreementasbeing “the right to audit their counting records of the Contractor in respect of petroleum operations in accordance with accounting procedure.” This right is further amplified in section 15 of Annex C - Accounting Procedure,whichformspartoftheAgreement.

Mr Haynesandhisteammustbeawarethatproduction ranforafullyearin2020andalltherecordspertainingtothe production, allocation of production share, costs incurred, recoverableandnon-recoverableexpenditureandcoststobe carried forward all form part of the records of the oil companies. It goes without saying that all these costs are subjecttoaudit.

ThesuggestionbyMr.Haynesthatthisismerelyacost recoveryauditisdangerouslywrong.

This newspaper never thought it would be necessary to pointouttoateamofCharteredAccountantsthattheyhavea duty to familiarise themselves with the technical details of the Agreement under which they have undertaken a professional engagement. That costs are classified defined andallocatedacrosssixspecificheads.

Thatclaimsforrecoverableexpensesmustsatisfythree conditions.Thatrecordshavetobemaintainedtoallowfor the preparation and submission of seven Statements to the Government.

Werepeat:thisisfarmorethanacostrecoveryaudit.If Haynesandhisteamdonotunderstandthissimplefact,then Guyanese are headed for the same kind of mess that the APNU+AFC caused with the pre-December 2015 inflated expenditure,andthemysterysurroundingtheIHSaudit.

GuyanaseemstohaveaddedanewdimensiontotheOil Curse–oneofcontinuingincompetenceallaround.

Kaieteur M@ilbox

OGUNSEYE PICKSAND CHOOSES CONVENIENTLY

DEAREDITOR, disappoint.

Mohamed, for your honest ‘Africansareatthebottomof Permit my response to He picks and chooses andcandiddescriptionofthe the “social ladder” in Mr Tacuma Ogunseye’s instead of addressing the African condition in Guyana’ reportedly said by letterpublishedintheKNof entire picture. For example, Guyana!”Truetoform,heis Dr CheddiJagan. 12-01-22 titled “Mr Sultan Mr Ogunseye praises Mr an agitator who ignores the President Jagan was Mohamed was honest this Mohamed for “finesse” history of slavery of the telling the Afro-Guyanese time, African Guyanese are when he is partially pleased African condition. Instead, that under PNC - Burnham/ at the bottom of the that “What is now clear is Mr Ogunseye blames the Hoyte rule for 28 years, economicladder.” that with theAfrican masses PPP/C for Guyana’s Blacks were still at the

“By his own words, at the bottom of the perennialslaveryhistory bottom of the ladder Ogunseye’s position on economic ladder, it will Furthermore, was Mr Therefore, if Mr Ogunseye violence is unchanged” was always provide fodder for Mohamedusingguesstimate accepts Jagan’s quote, he theheadlineintheKNof11- agitators to seek cause for economics or piggybacking Ogunseye is also accepting 28-22 correctly describing dissension ” (Mr offwhatDr Jaganmayhave thatthePNCruledidnothing Mr Ogunseye’s shameless Ogunseye writes) My stated in 1992 that Africans substantial for Black proclivityforviolence.Inhis emphases here: “Africans at are at the bottom of the people The whole of letter of 12 01 22, Mr the bottom of the economic “social ladder” in Guyana? Guyanawasstarving Ogunseye does not fail to ladder” Thank you, Mr Let us examine this quote (Continuedonpage5)

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

IsGuyanapayingforandsponsoringsexuallydeviantmovement?

DEAREDITOR, asgayorbisexual.

OGUNSEYE PICKSAND CHOOSES...

member of NAPS after a what mental health is,” he fact, SASOD was started of Timbuktu disintegrated. Three recent articles According to him, forum that addressed HIV said. with funds from the US Myquestionis–howcanthe caught my attention: sexuality is fluid and he is andmentalhealth.” “Craigwell, who left embassy SASOD receives US embassy bankroll such “Mental health crusader simply a man; he could be Issues raised were Guyana some 30 years ago, itsfundsfrommainlytheUS a n o r g a n i z a t i o n ? Antoine Craigwell fights to static or fluid at any given acceptance of self and by said as a young man in embassy with occasional Interestingly,acompetitorto ensure equal access for time. He has been married others, the role that religion Georgetown, he had several donationsfromtheCanadian SASODwasformedin2020. LGBTQ+ people of colour” twice to women, but he has and churches play in relationships with people of a n d B r i t i s h H i g h This is a more politically (SN, Nov 27, 2022), “I’m had relations with both men perpetuatinghomophobia bothsexes,butheknewtobe Commissions The EU neutralbodyalthoughoneof accusing the US embassy of and women, which started and about growing old as a discreet because the society mission here also donates itsfoundersisclosetooneof discrimination,” (KN, Dec. sincehewasayoungmanin gayblackman.“Myworkis andcultureherethendidnot funds to SASOD Those thePPPbignames. 1, 2022), and ”LGBTQ Guyana.”The photo caption nowaboutraisingawareness accept someone who was fundspaythemonthlyrentof MypointiswhySASOD community can visit Qatar, in the article was, “Antoine andcommitmenttoensuring involved in a same sex SASOD’s Charlotte Street is such a special child of the but don’t try to change us – Craigwell with members that black people and black relationship. He said he was office. western embassies? I close minister”(KN,Dec.2,2022, from the Guyana Defence gay men and by extension proud that an organisation It is my opinion that with my position on Reuters story). In the first Force (GDF) and Desiree LGBTQ+ people of colour such as the Society Against SASOD is an anti-Indian homosexuality I have no article, it was stated: Edghill, head of Artiste in get access to mental health Sexual Orientation outfit and is zealously anti- objection to LGBTQ “Craigwelldoesnotidentify Direct Support, and a care. That they are aware of Discrimination (SASOD) government; take that to activities. I am not against could have been founded in meananti-PPP Oneneedsto same sex marriage. I simply Guyana ” Why was mentionalsothatthereareno want to know why a Craigwell addressing the term limits for SASOD questionable organization GDF? Does the GDF have a officeholders.Itshead…has likeSASODgetssomuch gayproblem?Whoispaying been there since the empire (Continuedonpage6) forsomeonetotellushegoes with men and women, and that gender is a sliding scale whereyoucanbeamanora womanatchoice,regardless ofyourbodyparts?

Frompage4 by virtue of being Ogunseye is he seeks including Black people for overwhelmingly in the equality when he himself those 28 years. Since Black armed forces and violence agitates on the grounds that people suffered more under favours them; Indians are, slavery was not equal to the PNC, why doesn’t Mr. therefore,defenseless. indentureship. Can he Ogunseyeadvocateviolence In Guyana, as in the explainwhytheChineseand against them for the wrongs Caribbean, the Indian Portuguese indentured theydidtoGuyana? dilemma is fighting for servantswereelevatedinthe Mr Ogunseye can hardly be survivalinaBlackseawhere economic ladder but are not beating his chest in glee to he is often viewed by subjectedtosimilarbrutality threaten the use of violence agitators as an interloper liketheIndian? inGuyananowadays. Mr Ogunseye ducks I put it to Mr.Ogunseye The fact of the matter is responsibility for racial war that any relationship forged Black people suffered more as long as he achieves his in violence is doomed to underthePNC.Myquestion goals. failure and threatens racial to Mr Ogunseye is did InGuyana,thehistoryof relations and the unity of PresidentJagansaywhowas the Indian is one who has Guyana However, on top of the economic beenconstantlyattackedand Ogunseye must know the ladder? Surely, it was not his property burned and Indian mind is not the same Indians as they suffered looted whenever there is anymore. doublymore. Myopinionis violence.

Respectfully, who suffered more, African The problem with Mr VassanRamracha slave descendants or indentured servant descendants, is based on one’sethnocentricscale.

What cannot be ignored nomatterhowMr Ogunseye tries is the consequences of histhreattouseviolenceand the inevitability of all out racial war betweenAfricans and Indians. Mr.Ogunseye relishes the thought that Africansareprimarilyarmed

However, in the second article, a popular columnist said, “The US embassy bankrolls an LGBTQ entity namedSASODandnoother group in the broad category of rights activism gets moneyfromtheembassy.In

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

Government can use its approval powers to extract more revenues from Exxon

DEAREDITOR, country can therefore earn forced to spend on new Exxon has four approved technical skills to g r o u n d A m a j o r The Petroleum Sales morerevenuesfromabigger developments, the faster it projects (Liza I and II, implement. In other words, consideration, however, Agreement(PSA)withEsso cake (as is occurring recovers its earlier Payara, and Yellowtail), notthePPP must also be for the country (or”Exxon”, as we prefer to presently with soaring oil investment, the larger profit whose combined production Likely, the “faster is tooptimizethebenefitsfrom say) has provoked much prices) and/or from a bigger oil grows, and the more will surpass 800,000 barrels better” or the “Drill, baby, its natural endowment. To bellyaching Its alleged slice of the cake (increased dollarsGuyanagets. per day by 2025. A fifth drill” advocates will argue achieve this objective, if abominations are the 2% profitoil). The strategy then is for development at Uaru is againstapacedorspacedoil renegotiationsofthePSAare royalty(ridiculouslylow,we The country’s well government to cleverly mostly in the bag and will development strategy They not likely, then a competent oftenhear)andthewaiverof intentioned renegotiation leverageitsapprovalpowers take output above one will claim that speed is g o v e r n m e n t m u s t corporate taxes (foolishly lobby has demanded a reset to dictate the pace of Esso’s million barrels a day from warranted before the strategically use its powers generous,wearealsotold). ofthisratiotoensureGuyana large expenditures Of 2026.Wherearewewiththe imperatives of climate to grant authorizations to This letter does not pick can get more money earlier s i g n i f i c a n c e , n o costoil/profitoilratio? change reduce fossil fuels trapmorerevenues. up those issues. Instead, it and faster—a bigger cut of renegotiations are required, Acompetentgovernment consumptionanddenyusthe Sincerely, focusesonthecostoil/profit thecake. Butthereisaroute as the government already needs to sit down now with full benefits of our oil in the SherwoodLowe oil ratio of 75/25% other than renegotiations to holds these powers The Exxontoworkouthowthese G u y a n e s e b y n o w get more cake—and this is previous government set the five projects and future understand that as cost oil the proposal I hereby make. stage.UndertheformerEPA projects will affect the reduces (that is, as the Government can space out Director, the country growth of profit oil A company gradually recoups approvals or permits leveraged its approval formula should be worked its investment), the greater (environmental and others) powers to compel Exxon to out to allow Guyana’s the profits to share, and the with the aim of decelerating comply with environmental current12.5%shareofprofit moremoneythegovernment the company’s expenditure and insurance stipulations. oiltogrowandtogrowfast. receives In terms of on new developments This approach can be Whilethisapproachdoesnot numbers, as 75/25 trends to relative to its income from extended to cover other require renegotiations, it 70/30to60/40andsoon,the oilsales.Wordeddifferently, elementsinthePSA. requires a government with richerGuyanabecomes.The the slower the company is As matters now stand, the political will and

IsGuyanapayingforandsponsoring...

Frompage5 is illegal. “If you want to money from the US change me so that I will say embassy.” thatIbelieveinLGBTQ,that And finally, the third my family should be articlesaid,“Membersofthe LGBTQ, that I accept LGBTQ community can go LGBTQinmycountry,thatI totheWorldCupinQatarbut change my laws and the the West cannot 'dictate' to Islamic laws in order to Qataris what they should satisfytheWest–thenthisis believe, Qatar's energy notacceptable,”headded. ministersaid.”Iftheywantto Guyana needs to beware visit Qatar, we have no of those promoting the problemwithit,”Ministerof Sexual Deviant Movement StateforEnergyAffairsSaad in Guyana and fight to SheridaAl-Kaabisaidofthe preserve our family values lesbian, gay, bisexual and and traditions. To pay for transgender community, someone to come tell our speaking to the Bild GDF that he goes with both newspaper in comments men and women is published on Wednesday reprehensible Wake up ButhesaidtheWestwantsto Guyana!

“dictate what it wants” to Sincerely, Qatar, where homosexuality Dr.JerryJailall

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THE SELLING OF GUYANA’S OIL

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Will Guyanese ever get a little slice of justice with their oil?

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TheAmericans rob them. Now it is the turn of the British.

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There is clever money to be made from marketing Guyana’s rich oil.

Plenty of tricks in the trading of oil by which the British could treat themselves.

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We call on the PPPGovt: publicize the contract for marketing our oil.

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Already we hear about confidentiality, and competitive disadvantage.

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Guyanese beware: it is more of trade secrets and PPPGovt skulduggery.

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New PSA will have public input - Jagdeo

P r o d u c t i o n S h a r i n g

Agreement (PSA) being crafted by the People's Progressive Party (PPP) Government will be scrutinized by the public before being finalized and signedwithanyoilcompany

This assurance was given by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday at the sidelines of an event at State House.

The former President, in response to a question from Kaieteur News on whether the government will honour thecallsfromcivilsocietyfor the document to be released prior to it being signed, said thiswillbedone.

He explained that presently, “we are working on a rewrite” of the PSA and “oncethatdraftisavailableto us, we will share it with the oil companies, with the local private sector and then we will work to finalize it to get comments through a public process.”

At a press conference on November 3, Jagdeo announced some of the terms

tobeincludedinthenewdeal that will only govern future contracts.

Aspartofthenewmodel, governmentwillbeseekinga 10 percent royalty rate (up from the existing two percent), a 10 percent corporation tax and ringfencing provision among others. Ring-fencing would allow for the earnings from one project to cover the expenses in that specific development only, which would allow the country to seemoreannualrevenue.

In the absence of this key clause in the Stabroek Block PSA, oil major ExxonMobil is allowed to recover expenses from multiple projects from the revenue earned by one oil producing project.

The new PSA will also cap the recovery of expenses at 65 percent of earnings annually. Presently, the Stabroek Block operator is allowed to deduct 75 percent of costs from Guyana's earnings upfront to cover its expenses.

Jagdeo was keen to point outthatthe14oilblockstogo

on auction soon will be governed by these new fiscal arrangements, while Exxon, will continue to enjoy the lopsided2016deal.

In the meantime, Shadow Minister of Natural Resources David Patterson said the new contract must not yet be given a passing grade as the entire deal must be scrutinized in depth, before Guyanese laud the contract a 'better deal' compared to the 2016 contract signed by the APNU+AFC Coalition government.

Patterson was keen to point out that while 10 percent royalty for instance may sound exciting for the country, Guyana could be losingoutbiginotherareas.

In an invited comment, the Member of Parliament (MP) explained, “It is a step in the right direction but as I said before the devil is in the details. You have to look at everything holistically Somebody may shout 10 percent is a good number but

then when you do actually award the PSA, there is no clause in there for unlimited liabilityinsurance,thereisno clause for studies, for waste water management and those thingslikethat.”

Patterson has been the Coalition's key spokesperson on natural resources issues in Parliament, and has been arguing the need for those provisions to be included, to guidetheongoingproduction of oil by ExxonMobil in the StabroekBlock.

He reasoned, “You may

just look at the number, 10 percent, and people might shout that they have done a good job… (but) you could be charging them 10 percent, and you be giving away 50, 60, 70 percent with loose regulations and policies, so don't be caught up with the number.”

The former Minister believes that a proper PSA should specifically address full liability coverage in the event of an oil spill, and a clear no-flaring policy or a hefty fine around $3M per ton or carbon dioxide emissions, to deter operators from this dangerous activity offshore.

Additionally, the new deal should also insist that there is no dumping of waste into the country's waters, as well as outline specific local content targets to ensure moremoney“stayslocally”.

Meanwhile, Economist Elson Low in an exclusive interview recently with this publication said he believes the new PSA should be published before Guyana approaches the auction of its oilblocks.

This is especially important as this contract is set to govern all future oil blocks.

Moreover, Jagdeo had said it will feature a Stability Clause, the said provision that both the Opposition and thePPPhavesaidmustnotbe violated in the process of seekingrenegotiationswhere needed.

According to Low, “it is notacceptablethatonlysome of the terms would be released. Instead, we need to see the entire document so that the nation can have a better perspective as to what exactly these terms will finally be because of course there are many ways to manipulate elements of the terms so that the return to the nation would be what it appears to be.We need to see thefulltermsofanynewPSA beforeitissigned.

I think it is a matter of serious urgency even as we approachtheauction.

It is unacceptable for them to enter into any agreement with any oil company before the full PSA ispublic.”

FAO warns that global food crises 'likely to increase' in the

Poverty, inequality, food insecurity and inadequate funding in agriculture are amongkeytrendstheUnited N a t i o n s ' F o o d a n d Agriculture organization (FAO) says will prevent the world from being able to feeditselfinthefuture.

In a report released Friday, 'The future of food and agriculture Trends and challenges', the international agency which works with governments and the private sector to ensure food quality and safety globally said that “Iftrendscontinue,thetarget of ending hunger by 2030 willnotbereached.”

The organization said that despite progress in reducing the prevalence of undernourishment, some 794 million people were e s t i m a t e d t o b e undernourished between 2014and2016.

The FAO said its most recent projections of trends in undernourishment, provided in another report, 'Achieving Zero Hunger', suggest that “under a “businessasusual”scenario, some 637 million people in low and middle income countries would be undernourished by 2030, most of them living in sub-

As improvements in food security are associated with increases in purchasing power, the organization submittedthatthetwin-track approach is needed; “one that combines investment in social protection, to immediately tackle undernourishment,withpropoor investments in productive activities, to sustainably increase the i n c o m e e a r n i n g opportunities of the poor.”

The FAO highlighted that agriculture remains much less capital intensive in lowa n d m i d d l e i n c o m e countries.

While this was not the case previous, the agency said that, “nowadays, lowa n d m i d d l e i n c o m e countries invest in agriculture almost as much, in absolute terms, as highincome countries – around US$190 billion in both cases. However, agriculture in high-income countries is still significantly more capital intensive than in low and middle income countries. It requires four units of capital to generate one unit of value added in high income countries, compared to around 1.5 in

low and middle income countries.”

The FAO reminded of the 'triple burden' of malnutrition, when it comes to food security It said that this issue remains a global healthemergency

“The 'triple burden', which consists of under nutrition, micronutrient deficiencies,overweightand obesity, affects large proportions of the world's population who still go to bedhungry.”

In fact, there are parts of

the world, such as sub Saharan Africa, where the rate of stunting is not declining fast enough Micronutrient deficiencies affect more than two billion people worldwide, FAO stated.

It continued that overweight and obesity levels are increasing and affect men and women of all ages, owing to increased consumption of foods high in calories and fat and with addedsugarorsalt.

With the increases in

food supply in recent decades, FAO highlighted that the world now produces more than enough food to satisfy the dietary needs of the entire global population.

An analysis by food groups reveals that in the last 50 years, per capita caloric availability and the diversity of foods consumed have increased in both high income and low and middle-incomecountries.

“Overall, the average dietary energy supply (DES) in low- and middle-income

countries remains well below that of high -income countries, but the gap is graduallynarrowing.”

It was related that in 1961, the DES of low- and middle income countries wasonly68percentofthatin high-income countries but rose to 81 percent in 2011. By 2050, it is projected to reach86percent.

The FAO noted however that “adequate food availability does not automaticallyimply

Saharan Africa and South Asia.”

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Wheat fields in Serbia (FAO)

future without wider systemic change

THE PLAYBOOK

Wh e n i n cardbeingplayedbysomeof necessarily flow from the contention of racial fromthePPP/C”–published

Opposition, itsoverseasbasedsupporters premise The fact that discrimination. in

the PNC/R who are falsely claiming contract employees may The second tactic from October6,2016.

News

a n d i t s discrimination They are have been terminated since its playbook is for the The last income and sidekicks are predictable joinedbylocalswhowithout the PPP/C took office does PNC/R’s sidekicks, expenditure survey also of political activism is Theyhaveaplaybookwhich a shred of evidence, speak not automatically establish particularly in the trade debunks the claim of ethnic predictable And it is guides their political abouttheestablishmentofan that these terminations were union movement to claim economic marginalisation predictable because the activism and which is apartheidstate. basedonrace. e t h n i c e c o n o m i c InastudyundertakenbyDr PNC’s and the PNC/R’s foreseeableandunchanging. In support of its wild It is a convention that marginalisation. RameshGampatandentitled attempt to benefit from The first tactic which is c l a i m o f r a c i a l political appointees lack The most often used “Guyana: Population, electoral rigging always employed by the PNC/R is discrimination,thesidekicks securityoftenureandcanbe basisforthisistheso-called Poverty and Ethnicity”, it leaves it in a crisis of theuseoftheracecard. ofthePNC/Ralludetosome removeduponassumptionto preference given to the was found that there is legitimacy

The idea is to foment 2,000 public servants who office of a new government. Indian dominated sugar greaterincome/consumption In addition, in order to racial antagonism so as to were dismissed. They have The APNU+AFC Coalition industry as opposed to the inequality amongst Indians deflect from its sordid undermine the government never presented a list of the had done the same when it African-dominated bauxite than Africans. And more electoral past, the PNC/R andkeepthecountrydivided names and ethnicities of the assumed office in 2015. It industry Indianslivedinpovertythan findsitselfhavingtoresortto inthehopeofrestoringtheir alleged 2,000 public would be interesting if a Thefactshoweverdonot Africans. the same old ignoble tactics dwindlingpoliticalfortunes. servants. comparison can be done support this assertion. For The third tactic from the of claiming racial

Thekeyistoeithercreate Public servants enjoy between the two lists of more than a decade, under PNC/R’s playbook is the discrimination and ethnic anincidentoruseanincident security of tenure and can terminatedpersons. PPP/C governments, the mushrooming, every time marginalisation. Unable to and twist it into a racial only be dismissed by the The Coalition also sent faltering bauxite industry the PPP/C is in office, of offer credible opposition to narrative. When Hoyte lost PublicServiceCommission. home thousands of sugar w a s s u s t a i n e d b y extremist talk show (and the PPP/C, its sidekicks the 1992 elections, the And the Public Service workersbutthesupportersof subventions provided by the now social media) activists. resort to extremists to drool PNC/Rusedalanddisputeat Commission is an the APNU+AFC do not State.Infact,onapercapita Theyspewtheiralmostdaily out their daily drivel on talk a place called Rosinante to independent constitutional concede that these basis,Region10enjoysafar poison of division and shows and now on social stirupracialanimosity Itdid bodyclothedwithautonomy terminations were based on higher degree of support animosity, reverting to media. notsucceedbutitbecamethe and has NOT dismissed ethnicity from PPP/C governments s w e e p i n g a n d (The views expressed in basis for labelling the then 2,000publicservants. The claim of racial thanmanyotherRegions,as u n s u b s t a n t i a t e d this article are those of the PPP/C government as being The PNC/R argument is discrimination however is was so compellingly argued generalisations These author and do not discriminatorytoAfricans. invalid. Its logic is flawed: the traditional battle cry of by former Prime Minister extremist elements have a necessarily reflect the AfterthePNC/R’sfailed workers have been the PNC/R. It uses this to Samuel Hinds in a letter – largefollowingwhotunefor opinions and beliefs of this attempttostealtheelections dismissed from the public mobilise its supporters, and “Linden/Region 10 received theirdailyfixofvitriol. n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s of 2020, it used a horrific service;thepublicserviceis to restore whatever is left of greater attention, subsidies The PNC/R’s playbook affiliates.) incident on the West Coast dominated by Africans, its tattered political Berbice to foment racial therefore the dismissals are credibility It also plays the animosity And now we are race-based.Notnecessarily! role of victim in seeking to once again seeing the race The conclusion does not internationalise this

FAO warns that global food crises ‘likely...’

Frompage8 and basic nutrition

excessive quantities of adequatefoodintakebyall.” education.Third,thisdietary sugar,saltandpreservatives, Itsaidfirstly,inequalities transition is partially has given rise to concerns in income and other means reflectedinimprovedaccess over the shift to less healthy of subsistence explain large to more nutritious foods, diets and the increasing differences in people’s including meat, dairy prevalence of micronutrient accesstofood. products, fruits and deficiencyandoverweight.” S e c o n d , p o o r e r vegetables, but not

The FAO said that households tend to face necessary in the right geopolitical instability; impedimentstotheadequate balance. scarcity; degradation of use of food, owing to a lack The FAO warned that, resources and climate ofaccesstofacilitiessuchas “thistrend,togetherwiththe change is among other storage, cooking equipment r a p i d l y g r o w i n g factors that can affect the and clean water, and to consumption of processed world’s future abilities to services such as health care foods that often incur feeditself.

Dem boys seh...

Christmas menu don prepare!

Dem boys bin studying what fuh cook eddoe curry If coconut price jump up to, fuhChristmasDaylunch.Demboyswanted demboysmighthavetosettlefuhsweetrice somethingGuyanese,natbecausedemboys insteadofshinerice. is a patriot but because dem boys can’t Dem boys nah tekkin chances though. afforddecostofturkeyandhamthisyear Dem done buy dem egss because dem nag Butwhendemboyscheckoutdeprices want de price of an egg reach $100 before ofduckandfowl,demboyshadtohidedem dem buy But is nat all bad news on the face.Islikedemchickeneatingspecialfeed eating and drinking side fuh Christmas. De becausenotonlydepricegoneupbutdesize priceof gingerfalling.Dem boys pay $700 gone down. So de smaller de chicken per pound (lb) fuh ginger dis week. A few growing, de mo money yuh gat to pay fuh weeksago,itwas$1000perlb. pluck weight. So dem boys decide on a lil Sodemboyscanbelikedemjailbirdand ital fuh Christmas. Dem thinking about eatjailbreadandgingerbeerfuhChristmas. some shine rice and eddoe curry But de Asfuhdepepperpot,depeppergetmo’ price of eddoes now gone up too. So it nah expensivedandepot. lookasifdemboysganbeabletoaffordde Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

the Stabroek

of

PROFESSOR BRANDLI: QUALIFICATIONS DO NOT PREVENT ONE FROM WRITING NONSENSE

Apersonbythenameof ingredients in the politics fromtheAfricancontinent. unlimited calories in your t r a i n i n AndreBrandlihasstatedhis and policies of Adolph Thereisnotoneshredof body and that tobacco statistics?), has qualifications and listed his Hitler?This was a manwho evidence supporting contains carcinogens persisted with his academic status as a sawrightinfrontofhiseyes Watson’s theory No Humans see what they want 98percentnonsense. professor He submitted his how h

ity research has been done in toseeanditwasnoteasyand TheAGbecauseof scholarly status in a letter colleaguesweredeniedtheir thatsubjectarea.Infactboth itwillnotbeeasyinthelong his governmental responding to the Attorney- right to life simply because casual and studied futuretochangethattrait. position cannot use General on the question of theywereJews. observation of the different The point of this long harsh words to actualballotswere647,778. thevoterturnout. He fell in love with a races of people suggest the digression before we come describe the unacceptable Ifvotingnumberswere468, One important lesson Jewish philosophy student opposite, that is, sexual to Professor Brandli is that miscalculations of Mr 184, then where are the must be learned by people. who had to run for her life. practice is more prevalent education does not prevent Brandli.TheprobleminMr missing 179, 594 ballots? If Educational qualifications The story of Martin among races where is there very qualified humans from Brandli’scontentionmaybe Brandlicannotseethatheis do not prevent people from Heidegger’s flirtation with isnomelaninintheskin.The speaking and writing methodology writing nonsense, then doing three things – writing NaziGermanywillremaina feeling worldwide is that nonsenseoneventsthatthey Brandli persists with the people are going to tell him nonsense on things for mystery in psychology Watson is a racist. I believe knownothingabout. 98 percent conjecture to stick to science in the whichtheyarenotqualified, because Heidegger is not heis. We must not be deterred because he uses data from laboratory pronouncingonthingsbased alivetoexplainthisaspectof Next is the chemical in confronting the aridity theInternationalInstitutefor ThisisexactlywhatIam on beliefs rather than hislife. harm in marijuana. Humans and banality in people’s Democracy and Electoral telling him now and I don’t research findings, Next is James Watson. tend to cling to beliefs long pronouncement because Assistance (IDEA). Based care what academic susceptibility to racist He won the Nobel Prize in induced by tradition and they are educated The on that data base, he makes positions he held at what thoughts. medicineforhisworkonthe culture. When tradition and Attorney-General replied to hisconclusion. universities If his

Let us offer some structure of the DNA culturetakeoveryourmind, Professor’s Brandli’s But how does IDEA get submission is based on a examples. The first one is Watson’s discovery of the education may not override contention that in the 2020 its statistics? Their statistics mediocre understanding of about a truly fantastic book. doublehelixstructureofthe it There has been no election, almost 98 percent is not pulled from the skies. statistics, then he should ItisthebestbookIhaveread DNA has an everlasting scientific research from the oftheelectoratevoted. IDEA cannot attribute sticktomolecularbiologyor on philosophy – German legacy top scientists and top The AG replied with statistics to GECOM that maybe Brandli has a philosopher, Martin

Humans can descend to laboratoriesoftheworldthat statistics from GECOM GECOMhasnotgivenit.In politicalagenda. Heidegger’s fantastic levels of racist thinking or marijuana is a destructive which should have put the 2020, the electoral roll had (The views expressed in journeyintoanexistentialist irrational beliefs Watson substance To date, the matter to rest Using 660,998electors. this article are those of the explanation of the nature of believes thatAfrican people researchshowstheopposite, GECOM data, the turnout In the election of March author and do not existence.Thebook’stitleis haveadeeperandlargersex especially in the area of was just under 71 percent. ofthatyear468,184persons necessarily reflect the “BeingandTime.” drivebecauseofmelanin.In medicine Yet humans The highly qualified voted. opinions and beliefs of this Howsuchalearnedmine India, there are ethnic accept the research findings professor(trainedinbiology If 98 percent of a list of n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s could have found positive groups darker than the folks that sugar generates – but what happens to those 660,998 persons voted then, affiliates.)

FrederickKissoon

Guyana heading down a dangerous road if auditors think they must merely check Exxon's bills - Chris Ram

Christopher Ram believes thatGuyanaisonadangerous path if auditors believe that they are merely required to checkUnitedStates(U.S.)oil giantExxonMobil'sexpenses to verify some US $7.3B in expenditure for the period 2018-2020.

T h e C h a r t e r e d Accountant was responding to a recent report published by the Kaieteur News on November 27, 2022 and headlined “Auditor only reviewing Exxon's US$7.3B bills, not doing forensic audit”.

In that article, Financial Analyst and Certified Accountant, Floyd Haynes said that the audit of costs incurred by ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block is not a forensicauditorawitchhunt.

In a recent interview on K a i e t e u r R a d i o ' s

Programme, Guyana's Oil and You, Haynes said that, “a forensic audit is done with the aim of identifying fraud and embezzlement with the goal of gathering evidence to beusedinacourt.”

He said, contrarily, a cost r e c o v e r y a u d i t o f ExxonMobil's bills is being done pursuant to the parameters of the 2016 Production ShareAgreement (PSA) governing the StabroekBlock.

“The goal is to verify the accuracy or rather the legitimacy and validity of costs claimed…there is a hugedifference…,”hesaid.

However,Ram,inaguest editorial published on page four of this newspaper today, said while it is true that the audits have to be conducted in accordance with the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA),

theauditorsarenotrestricted.

“Mr Haynesisdeadright about the audit being undertaken under the PSA but is totally wrong about the scope of the audit. It is not only about costs, but about the entire financial operations of the 2016 Agreement. The right of the Government to have an audit is provided for under Article 23 of theAgreement as being “the right to audit their counting records of the Contractor in respect of petroleum operations in accordance with accounting procedure ” This right is further amplified in Section 15 of Annex C - Accounting Procedure, which forms part oftheAgreement.”

Ram, who is also an attorney, is adamant that Haynes, the Guyanese spokesperson on the audit panel, along with his team

Agreement

must be aware that oil production ran for a full year in 2020 and all the records pertaining to the production, allocation of production share, costs incurred, recoverable and non recoverable expenditure and coststobecarriedforwardall formpartoftherecordsofthe oil companies that should be subjectedtoscrutiny

To this end, Ram noted, “The suggestion by Mr

Haynes that this is merely a cost recovery audit is dangerously wrong. [I] never thoughtitwouldbenecessary to point out to a team of Chartered Accountants that they have a duty to familiarise themselves with the technical details of the Agreement under which they h a v e u n d e r t a k e n a professional engagement; that costs are classified, defined and allocated across sixspecificheads;thatclaims for recoverable expenses mustsatisfythreeconditions; that records have to be maintained to allow for the preparation and submission of seven Statements to the Government.”

As a consequence, he arguedthatGuyanashouldbe conducting more than just a costrecoveryaudit.

In May, the Government signed a four month contract withVHEConsulting-which is a registered partnership betweenRamdihal&Haynes Inc; Eclisar Financial; and Vitality Accounting &

Consultancy Inc. – along withinternationalfirms SGS and Martindale Consultants for the 'Cost Recovery Audit and Validation of the Government of Guyana's ProfitOilShare'.

This includes costs incurredfortheLizaOneand Liza Two Projects which are currently producing over 360,000barrelsofoilperday Importantly, the audit will cost Guyanese some US$751,000.

Early last month, President Irfaan Ali told reportersatthesidelinesofan event that the audit process was delayed and the first report is expected to be handed over to government beforeyearend.

The Head of State said, “They expect the first report before the end of December and the delay was because of coordination issues with the auditors themselves which is n a t u r a l i n t h e s e circumstances so before the end of the year we expect the firstreport.”

Though the Government ofGuyana and United States (U.S.) oil giant ExxonMobil have inked an agreement for the massive Gas-to-Energy project being developed, the agreement cannot be made publicjustyet.

Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat in a written response to Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), David Patterson, on Wednesday explained that the agreement outlines the principles and c o n d i t i o n s f o r t h e commercial and technical aspectsoftheproject.

“Mr Speaker, the Government of Guyana has signedaHeadsofAgreement (HOA) with the Stabroek Co-ventures 30th June 2022. This agreement sets out the principles and conditions for thecommercialandtechnical arrangements of the Gas-toEnergy Project,” Bharrat said.

Patterson in his request for the information, submitted to Parliament on October 18, 2022, had asked whether any agreements were signed with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) in connection with the Wales project and if yes, for the Minister to supply the House with a copy of the said agreement.

However, Bharrat in his

response to Patterson said, “There are other agreements o n s u p p l y, b u y e r ' s a g r e e m e n t , f i e l d development, licensing conditions, onshore works, and land matters that are currently being drafted. The respective agreements and policy documents will be presented to this Honourable House when they have been agreed upon and executed. All agreements are being done in a timely manner to meet the Final Investment Decision which will allow for the project to be completed by our committed deadline of December 2024.”

Efforts to contact Patterson on Saturday were futile. Since the inception of this US$2B project, the entire agreement has been shrouded in secrecy. When the Heads ofAgreement was signed, the press was invited but were not allowed to ask questions. There has been no pressconferenceonthemega project too, even though thereisnoupdatedfeasibility studyprovingtheviabilityof theproject.

Government said the venture will lower electricity costsby50percent,however independent analysts have said this may not be possible due to the increased pricetagoftheproject.

The Wales GTE project

entails three components inclusive of the pipeline, a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility to treat and separate the gas and a power plant to generate 300 megawatts of electricity Exxon's pipeline so far is expected to cost US$1 3 billion, while Government anticipates the other two aspects would cost an additional US$700 million.

On November 25, the oil company received the b l e s s i n g f r o m t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to commence workontheproject.

In the meantime, it was reported that government will likely be issued with the requisite environmental approvals in another few weeks'time.

In September, members of civil society told Kaieteur Newsthattheagreementsfor the project ought to be made p u b l i c e v e n b e f o r e Government attaches its signature.EconomistRamon Gaskin, Transparency Activist, Dr Yog Mahadeo and Attorney at Law, Elizabeth Deane-Hughes all insisted that mistakes made in the 2016 oil contract must not be repeated in the gas d e a l w i t h E x x o n G o v e r n m e n t , however, remains adamant against the release of such criticaldeals.

APA asks Govt. to end 'inexcusable pattern of inaction' on Chinese Landing matters

… vows to continue support to Indigenous communities

TheAmerindianPeoples Association (APA) on Saturday said that it will continue to support Chinese Landing, Isseneru and the U p p e r M a z a r u n i communities as well as those close to the Marudi Mountain in their respective landissues.

With specific reference to the issues at Chinese Landing, the APA in a press r e l e a s e u r g e d t h e Government to “end its inexcusable pattern of inaction towards Chinese Landing under its statutory function and prior commitments.”

The Association at its recently concluded Annual General Meeting (AGM) adopted several resolutions acknowledging the need for the recognition, protection, and advancement of Indigenous Peoples' rights inGuyana.

“The APA is aware that the health, safety, freedom, and quality of life of the community of Chinese Landing continue to deteriorate rapidly, and exhorts the National Toshao's Council (NTC) to urge the Government to end its inexcusable pattern of

inaction towards Chinese Landing under its statutory function and prior commitments,” the release said.

In July, Kaieteur News reported that the failure of authorities to control miners moving into the titled lands ofIndigenouspersonsliving in the Region One community of Chinese Landing,hasmorphedintoa dire situation with threats now being made against residents and leaders of the community.

Toshao Orin Fernandes, told the Kaieteur News the villagers now feel “helpless,” being unable to get the intervention of authorities to prevent the continued invasion of their lands for the purpose of mining.

Fernandes said that over the past seven years, the c o m m u n i t y h a s continuously highlighted the influx of unauthorized persons into the village, but within the last three years, these movements have intensified.

To date, it is estimated that hundreds of “outsiders” have now moved into the

titled space of the Chinese Landing community, despite provisions within the Amerindian Act, stipulating the exclusive right of village leaders to determine who gets permission to enter the community

On Saturday, the APA said that it will support Chinese Landing's legal claims that its rights under the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyanahavebeenviolated.

Meanwhile, expressed dissatisfaction with Government's response to the Inter American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) in the case of Isseneru Village, e s p e c i a l l y i n i t s discrimination against Indigenous peoples by prioritizing mining interests.

“The APA will continue tosupportIssenerutosecure its collective rights over its customary lands,” the press releasesaid.

The Association said it a l s o s u p p o r t s t h e communities of the Upper Mazaruniinurgingthecourt todeliveritslong-overdue

Chartered Account

Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram

“Gas-to-Energy

BLUNTNESSONINDECENCY!

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

SUNDAY

– NOVEMBER 27, 2022

Police24-hourpatrolsfor Christmas

That's a wonderful thing for a most wonderful time of theyear

ThePoliceshouldalsobe on the lookout for criminals initsmidst

Traffic Ranks sending drivers to the station, and not ticketingthem

Desk Officers collecting cash,andnotwritingcharges

The Police should know that's24/7corruption

All Guyana knows this becauseitisroundtheclock

MONDAY –

NOVEMBER 28, 2022

Audit of Exxon's expenses

Fromthestart,therewere suspicions about the Exxon audit.

Those suspicions have nowturnedouttoberight.

From the get-go, there were fears of what Guyana would get from the Exxon audit.

Those fears are now confirmed.

The audit of billions in Exxon's expenses is a sham, a hoax, a Xmas masquerade parade.

We could have saved the US$700,000plusauditfee.

Jagdeo could have hired CXC students, give them addition machines and calculators.

The same result would havebeenhad-allisinorder with Exxon's billions which theyclaimedtheyspent.

What a fraud! What a mockery of the Guyanese people!

TUESDAY

– NOVEMBER 29, 2022

Thomas Sankara, a true leader

This Burkina Faso improved the lot of his people.

In ways they could feel, andenduringly

He improved food production.

He built massive infrastructure without much foreignaid.

ThomasSankaragavethe poorland.

Vaccinated millions of children and improved literacyrates.

President Ali are you

listening? Jagdeo, is this registering? Mr Norton, are youinterested?

WEDNESDAY –

NOVEMBER 30, 2022

Thomas Sankara -a man forthepeople-Part2of3 Burkina Faso is called “Land of the Incorruptible People.”

He reduced the pay of publicservants.

Hereducedhisownpay

T h o m a s S a n k a r a prosecuted corrupt State officials(PresidentAliwhere areyou?).

Sankara promoted women to high national offices.

He planted 10 million trees.

Hispeoplelovedhim.

Thomas Sankara did what was right by them and forthem.

THURSDAY –December 1, 2022

Thomas Sankara, a man amongmen-part3of3 Drove out the French imperialists.

Thomas Sankara stopped borrowingfromtheIMF The corrupt ones hated him.

They ended up killing him.

At 38, he was the late ThomasSankara.

A good man who died young, a very good one gone veryyoung

FRIDAY – December 2, 2022

Workers' union begging,

politiciansfeasting

Guyanese workers are beggingforalivingwage

The best they can expect togetisafewmoresscraps

The ordinary Guyanese workforcebegstogetbywith alittledignity

Guyanese politicians and their families fatten themselves on the people's wealth.

Guyanese workers can barely buy bread, struggle to paytheirbills

Guyanese politicians feasting on champagne and steak, cheesecake and the richestice-cream.

This is Guyana:thehaves andhave nots

The few that are banqueting, the many living withanemptyplate

SATURDAY –

December 3, 2022

ViolenceagainstWomen

Gentlemen, brothers, let's stophurtingourwomenfolk

We damage them, we destroyourselves

We hurt them; we harm o u r f a m i l i e s , o u r relationships,ourprospects

Our women deserve better from partners and lovers

Love and respect, trust and care

How about some of that, fath e r s , b r o t h e r s , s o n s , l o v e r s , neighbours?

Guyanese men: put a little l o v e i n y o u r heart Then add to that

Sweet Stabroek Block PSA allows investors to recoup exploration, development costs before production begins - Hess

CEO tells investors

Hess Corporation's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Hess, recently assured investors that while project developments and exploration programmes at the Stabroek Block are moving at industry leading speeds, they have nothing to fear Profits, he said, will remainsky-high.

During a recent Bank of A m e r i c a ' s E n e r g y Conference, Hess explained that the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) is so perfectly designed for the investors' pockets that it allows the recouping of e x p l o r a t i o n a n d development costs way before the time kicks in for production.

Hess said, “Each one of theseinvestmentsinGuyana is between US$6B to US$10B and that includes the costs for a Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, drilling, and subsea infrastructure Exxon has done an exceptional job bringing several projects in Guyana forward ahead of schedule and under (the original) budget. At the end of the day, 75 percent of revenue made goes against the costs incurred each year So that is a very tax efficient and cash efficient way for you to recoup your investment.”

He told investors that witheachshipthatcomeson board, Hess makes an easy

US$1B in profit. Hess said Guyana is a prime piece of oil real estate and while 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources have been unlocked, the partners expectittodoubleastheygo deeperforsweetoil.

In terms of the state of play for its current projects, Hess said the Liza Phase 1 and Phase 2 developments are currently operating at their combined gross production capacity of more than 360,000 barrels of oil per day at the Stabroek Block.

Thethirddevelopmentat Payara is on track to come online at the end of 2023 utilizing the Prosperity Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel with a production capacity of approximately 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day The fourth development,

Yellowtail, is expected to come online in 2025, utilizingtheONEGUYANA FPSO with a production capacity of approximately 250,000 gross barrels of oil perday

Aplanofdevelopmentis expected to be submitted to the Government of Guyana before year end for a fifth development,Uaru,whichis expected to come online at the end of 2026 with a gross production capacity of approximately 250,000 barrelsofoilperday

Guyana's Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers). ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds 45% interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30% interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limitedholds25%interest.

CEO of Hess Corporation, John Hess

Sunday – Nov. 27, 2022

guaranteed that work is still on schedule and should conclude in a Auditor only reviewing week’stime.TheAuditornotedthat Exxon’s US$7.3B bills, an interim report will be issued in not doing forensic audit the first week of December to government.

FinancialAnalyst and Certified “Lots of people said it couldn’t Accountant, Floyd Haynes has be done and it has been…We’re on sought to assure the public that the schedule and we will deliver and audit of costs incurred by then the Government will decide ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block whether they want to make that is not a forensic audit or a witch publicornot,”expressedHaynes. hunt.

Meanwhile, Haynes reiterated

During an interview on that the audit was not a witch hunt Kaieteur Radio’s Programme, or a “Got You!” exercise. “You Guyana’sOilandYou,Haynessaid cannot convict someone without a that he is disappointed with the trial and no serious professional degree of misrepresentation in the will litigate something this pressthatovershadowstheauditing complexinthenewsmediawithout information on those types of process. first having seen the audit or intheoilandgassector day and when they failed to return, thingsandthat’swhatwedid,”said That discussion focused in part looking at the costs or any of those a search party went up the river theAuditor on the US$751,000 contract that things. I think it’s reckless and Panicked US Tourist where they found Weiland and He added, “Out of that you will was awarded earlier this year to ratherirresponsible…” had jumped overboard Georgeontheisland. have findings, you will write up

VHE Consulting, a registered Haynesadded,“Icanassureour before boat sank The two had reported what your report, and give it to the partnership between Ramdihal & Guyanese that no stone will be left transpired and the matter was Government, from there, the Haynes Inc, Eclisar Financial, and unturned, we will look at American Tourist, Thomas reportedtothepolice.Asearchwas Government will engage Exxon in VitalityAccounting&Consultancy everythingandwearedoingthison Carstens Jnr. has been found in the conducted for Carstens Jnr the somekindofadiscussion,itwillgo Inc. The local consortium was behalf of the government and Rupununi River and according to followingdaybuthewasnotseen. back and forth, and we will supported by International firms— ultimately on behalf of the Police, the man drowned after the However, on November 24, probably go back and then produce SGS and Martindale Consultants Guyanese people but at the same boathewastravelingincapsizedin around 12:30hrs, police said the a final report. That’s kind of the for the ‘Cost Recovery Audit and time we don’t walk into an audit the Essequibo River, in the vicinity partially decomposed body of the processinabroadway.” Validation of the Government of assuming that the company is toApoteriVillage,RegionNine. US tourist was found some five GREATEST LESSON Guyana’sProfitOilShare’. guilty.”

Police said 38 year old kilometers away from where the Haynessaidhealwaysknewthe The auditor said that some

THEAUDITING PROCESS

Carstens Jnr. panicked and jumped incident happened.Ablack camera level of complexity would be high. stakeholders are of the view that a The Certified Accountant was overboard when the boat started wasstrappedtohisbodywhichwas “But having done lots of audits forensic audit is being undertaken keen to share his experience taking in water on Tuesday. His facingdownwardinthewater. before, I think this one takes the butthiswasnotthecase. working on the audit. He said it bodywasrecoveredonThursday. Police reported that the body cake in terms of the degree of He explained that, contrarily, a involvedthereceiptofaJointAudit

The deceased, another was examined and no marks of complexity These spreadsheets cost recovery audit is being done Data Exchange (JADE) report. American 24 year old Jered violence were seen. Carstens Jnr.’s you’re looking at are so huge you pursuant to the parameters of the This report contains all of Exxon’s Weiland and six other foreign bodywastakentotheAnnaiHealth have to run pivot tables, you’ve got 2016 Production Share Agreement costs claimed as part of their cost Tourists had arrived in Apoteri Centrewhereapostmortemwillbe tochopitinslicesanddices.” (PSA) governing the Stabroek recovery and according to Haynes Village on November 18. They conducted Investigations are Haynes said the greatest Block. contains tens of thousands of lines traveled via a private chartered continuing. takeaway for him, is understanding

Haynes said that Guyanese can oftransactions. aircraft for a seven-day fishing that this kind of work really rest assured that no stone was left expedition which was hosted by Monday – Nov 28, 2022 requires a high level of expertise in unturned by Auditors involved MarkBoltonofKanukuLodgeEco order to be able to perform. He said the examination of ExxonMobil’ Resort.

EPAgives approval for Guyanadoesnothavethis. costs incurred in the Stabroek

The Guyana Police Force Gas-to-Energy project without The Fraud Examiner believes Block. (GPF) in Press Release said at insurance guarantee …grants that the partnership with the

Following the contract about 07:00hrs on November 22, ExxonMobil “reasonable time” international consortium will award, Haynes who is a Partner Carstens Jnr and Weiland, along to provide “financial assurance” help in providing the at Ramdihal & Haynes Inc. with a 29-year-oldTour Guide, Jim knowledge transfer that will, said he observed several George, who is also a boat Captain The Environmental Protection over time, allow locals to misconceptions being peddled from the Apoteri Village departed Agency (EPA) on November 25 eventually conduct similar in some sections of the media. theresortforthefishingtrip. gave US oil giant, ExxonMobil its audits. He said too that he has TheBusinessProfessorsaidhe

The police learnt that at about blessings to commence the US$1.3 d e v e l o p e d a h e a l t h y felt it prudent to set the record an hour and half in the river billion Gas-to-Energy project that appreciation for the amount of straightonthesematters. upstream, they were going through will allow for the construction of a effort that must go into such

He pointed to the inaccurate rapids when the outboard engine natural gas pipeline, as well as a exercises. statements about the costs being encountered a mechanical problem NaturalGasLiquids(NGL)facility

OUTSTANDING

reviewed by the Auditors while whichcausedtheboattodriftdown andsupportinginfrastructure.

AUDIT REPORT

While many stakeholders had IHS Market, a British firm, was US$7.3B incurred by Exxon from

noting that approximate therapids.

Asaresultofthis,waterentered raised concerns regarding the contracted back in 2019 to audit 2018 to 2020 is being audited and the vessel causing Carstens Jnr to safety of the project, the EPAin its Haynes said there is noAuditor overUS$460Mincostsincurredby not US$9B as reported by the panic, police stated. Investigators decisiontograntthePermitsaidthe in the world that can sit down and Exxon.Thebillsaresupposedlyfor media.This includes costs incurred were told that Carstens Jnr had project’s Environmental Impact go through all of it. In fact, he said exploration and administrative for the Liza One and Liza Two jumped into the water where he A s s e s s m e n t ( E I A ) a n d no audit is ever done that way costs incurred prior to oil being Projects which are currently held onto the side of the boat. He Environmental Impact Statement Haynes said Auditors take a discovered in 2015. It was also producing over 360,000 barrels of then tried to get back into the boat (EIS) have been declared representative sample, rather, a responsibleforauditingaportionof oilperday butwhiledoingso,theboatbecame acceptable, by the Environmental scientific sample of the costs costs incurred from 2015 to 2017 Additionally, Haynes said offbalanceandtookinmorewater Assessment Board (EAB) in incurred. He said that sample is but there has been no official concernswereraisedrelatingtothe Reports are that Weiland and accordance with section 11(13) of basedonanumberofthings. confirmation of what this amount date of execution of works. He George then jumped into the river the Environmental Protection Act, “It could be high risk areas that is. explained that while the contract They managed to swim to an island Cap.20:05. you think have potential for Government has also not given was awarded in March, the audit that was about 7 meters away from “The EPA is satisfied that the exposure based on past experience a definitive statement on the status startedinJulyfollowingthereceipt where the boat began to take in project can be conducted in orbasedonhavingdoneworkinthe ofthisexercise. of the commencement of work water CarstensJnr reportedlywent a c c o r d a n c e w i t h g o o d industry before. So you take a President Irfaan Ali has since orderfromGovernment. underwaterandneversurfaced. environmental practices, and in a sample of those, you look at it pledged to make these reports

Though the Auditors are but a

The trio was expected to return mannerthatavoids,preventsand closely and then you ask for public, in keeping with his desire few weeks outside of the stipulated to the Resort around 17:00hrs that (Continued on page 15) corroboration or additional fortransparencyandaccountability four month deadline, Haynes

Accountant and Fraud Examiner, Floyd Haynes

From page 14

Essequibo Coast, Region the back of her neck and minimizes any adverse Two. another to the right side of effects which could result

The dead woman her head. Some of her hair fromtheactivity,”itsaid. identified as 75 year old appeared to be cut off and

Thirdly, the agency said Angelica Agatha Gamell, of was found next to her body technical reviews and Lot 168 Charity Housing Detectives also found a recommendations from a Scheme was reportedly blood-stainedscissorsontop team of independent killedaround04:00hrs. a gas stove and suspected International Experts, the Reports are that the that could be the weapon public inputs at the scoping elderly woman usually usedtokillGamell. stage, views expressed by resides alone in her flat After conducting the members of the public concrete house.Aneighbour necessary investigations at during consultations, the recalled hearing loud the crime scene, detectives submissions made after the screams and sounds of a began the search for the EIAwassubmittedforpublic cryingbabycomingfromher granddaughter who was review,andallotherrelevant homethatmorning. reportedly found still considerations, indicate that

The noise reportedly wandering the streets with t h e p r o j e lasted about 15 minutes her baby. She was arrested environmentally-sound before it suddenly went and the baby was placed in and in the public’ silent. Sometime later, the the care of her relatives. interest. teacher reportedly turned up Kaieteur News understands H o w e v e r, at the neighbour’s home and that the suspect had some when the five- knocked on her door The injuries to her hand but y e a r woman recalled that the appears to have little Environmental teacher’s hands were recollection of what Permit was bloodied and she was t r a n s p i r e d i n h e r m u s t , a s s o o n a s It must be noted that examined by holding a naked baby in her grandmother’s home that reasonably practicable, Guyana is still currently this newspaper, arms. She allegedly told the morning. It is believed that provide from the Parent struggling to secure full it was discovered neighbour that her baby had the woman may be suffering Company or Affiliate liability coverage from that Exxon ha just died and attempted to from mental health issues. Companiesof PermitHolder ExxonMobil for its oil been given t give her the child, but the Police have indicated that a and its Co Venturers production activities opportunity to decide woman refused and the psychiatric evaluation will (“Affiliates”) one or more offshore Guyana in the when it will provide teacher walked out of the bedone. legally binding agreements Stabroek Block. Exxon has insurance for the yardanddisappearedintothe to the Agency, in which the toldthenationthateachofits Liabilities are considered to project, as there is no streets. Tuesday – Nov 29, 2022 Parent Company or Affiliate Stabroek Block projects is includecostsassociatedwith definitive timeframe set out Realizing that something Companiesof PermitHolder covered by a US$600M responding to an incident, by the regulator According was amiss the neighbour ExxonMobil now seeking and its Co Venturers policy, while it is still in clean up and remediation toSection108ofthe50-page notified the police of her local insurance for undertake to provide discussion with the and monitoring The documentissuedbytheEPA, encounter with the teacher US$10B Yellowtail adequate financial resources government for a combined estimation is not expected to “The Permit Holder is liable and the screams she heard Project, US$2B Gas-to- forPermitHolderanditsCo- US$2B package of affiliate address unidentifiable or for all costs associated with earlier coming from Energy venture Venturers to pay or satisfy company guarantees; inestimablecosts which may clean up, restoration and G a m e l l ’ s h o m e t h e i r r e s p e c t i v e bringing the total coverage b e a s s o c i a t e d w i t h

Investigators were sent to ExxonMobil subsidiary, environmental obligations costtoUS$2.6B. compensation for loss and damages caused by any check out the location and Esso Exploration and regarding the Stabroek This means that Guyana ongoing damage to other d i s c h a r g e o f a n y when they entered Gamell’s Production Guyana Limited Block,” Section 119 of the mayverywelllefttofootany parties,andwhichareableto contaminant, including the Permit states. It goes on to be pursued through civil cost of all investigations into explain that if the Permit action,thePermitsaid. pollution incidents or Holder and/ or its Co Section118ofthePermit discharge of contaminants, Venturers fail to do so, it states that the Permit Holder conducted at the instance of mustprovideevidenceofthe shall submit to the Agency, Agency.” following: (i) That the as soon as reasonably Meanwhile, Section 109 Affiliate(s) are authorised to practicable upon its request: goes on to explain, “The provide that guarantee or a c o p i e s o f t h e Permit Holder shall provide a g r e e m e n t i n t h i s Environmental Liability and/or declare within jurisdiction; (ii) That the Insurance policies; a reasonable time upon Affiliate(s) have sufficient s u m m a r y o f t h e signing of this permit a financial strength for the Environmental Liability combination of the amount of the potential Insurance policies detailing followingforms of Financial liability; (iii) That the the insurer, the type of Assurance to cover all its Affiliate(s) have the insurance, the amount of legitimate liabilities under corporate legal capacity to coverage provided by each this Permit These shall additional costs related to

compensation for any

is on the hunt for enterintotheagreement. policy, key terms of the include: a) Insurance in thecleanup,restorationor local companies that are Additionally,itmustalso insurances policies, what accordance with Condition compensation following capable of providing agree to provide notification types of environmental 114 and shall cover clean up a large-scale oil spill. insurance for its US$10B of cancellation, expiration, damage the policies cover, and third party liability on Forinstance,emergency Yellowtail Project as well renewal or non-renewal and what types of environmental terms that are market response and cleanup of as its US$2.2B Gas-to- expiry dates of the damage the policies do not standard for the type of the British Petroleum Energy venture. This was Agreement as well as cover, and the duration of coverage: and b) A Parent (BP)Macondooilspillin noted in its Request for provide audited annual each policy It also wants Company/Affiliate (of the Gulf of Mexico has so I n f o r m a t i o n ( R F I ) financial statements and evidence that the insurer is Operator and Co-Venturers far cost more than US$70 publishedonMonday notificationiftheAffiliate(s) authorised to provide the (CoVs)) undertaking that billionaccordingtoreports. The document said arenolongerlikelytobeable insurance in Guyana; provides indemnification for EEPGL is seeking detailed to meet specified financial evidence of authorisation of liabilitiesunderthisPermit.”

Woman kills commercial and technical obligations. The Permit will the institution or parent The amount of Insurance grandmother at

residence, they found her information from Suppliers remain in effect until (insurers) to provide willbeguidedbyanestimate dead. who can provide local November 24, 2027. It will insurance; evidence of the ofthesumofthe“reasonably

A 21 year old teacher According to police, insurance to cover four be renewed only after the insurer’s financial strength; crediblecosts, expenses, and was on Sunday arrested for Gamell’s bloodied remains majorareas. Permit Holder submits an and evidence of the insurer’s liabilitiesthatmayarisefrom the brutal killing of her were found lying face down The company said it is application form six months BBBgrade. any breaches of this grandmother at Charity on her kitchen floor There seekingcredibleInsurance before its environmental

“The Permit Holder P

authorizationexpires.

(EEPGL),

Charity

Housing Scheme, on the were large gaping wounds to

Executive Director of the EPA, Kemraj Parsram

Crime scene

Dead: Agatha Gamell

From page 15 February 1, 2022 to December 31, The Yellowtail offshore warehouse. Providers for all Subsea, 2027 is stated as the duration of development is expected to start Speaking to reporters at the Umbilical, Riser, Flowlines coveragefortheTPLandOEE. production between 2025 and 2026 scene, Businessman Zaid (SURF), shore base construction, Additionally, the selected andcontinuetobeoperationalforat Mohammed related that he was in andrelatedassetsfortheYellowtail Insurer will be reinsuring 100% of least20years.Duringthattime,itis office when he received a phone development This coverage is the policy based on the agreed expectedto produceapproximately call around 16:30-hours informing expected to be from February 1, terms,conditions,andpremiums. 900millionbarrelsofoil. him about the fire at the bond. 2022toJune30,2026. The Yellowtail Development is The Gas-to-Energy is expected Mohammed stated that he For the gas-to-energy project, the fourth project planned in the to come on stream in 2024 and immediately contacted the fire EEPGL is desirous of having StabroekBlockoffshoreGuyana.It provide for the transportation of department who responded to the insurance coverage for all Subsea, involves the development of the natural gas from the Liza field in emergency call. The businessman Umbilical, Riser, Flowlines Yellowtail and the Redtail the Stabroek Block to the Wales added that at the time of the fire (SURF), connections to Floating, discoveries located in the eastern Development Zone, where the none of his six employees was at Production, Storage and half of the concession. It will be a onshoreplantsaretobebuilt. the warehouse. “I don’t know if it’s Offloading(FPSOs)vesselsaswell subsea development tied back to a The Guyana Government electrical, but it could be as modifications to FPSOs, new floating production, storage recently issued a no-objection for electrical,” Mohammed said. Up to offshore pipeline to shore, onshore and offloading vessel called ‘ONE U S b a s e d p a r t n e r s h i p press time, there was no official pipeline until connection to a GUYANA’.TheFPSOwillbebuilt CH4/Lindsayca to construct the report on the fire from the Guyana Natural Gas Liquids plant, onshore bySBMOffshore.Itisestimatedto 300 megawatts (MW) combined FireService. enablingworks,andrelatedassets. have an optimum production cycle power plant and natural gas Importantly, EEPGL is also capacity of 250,000 barrels per day liquids (NGL) facility. The Wednesday – Nov 30, 2022 this newspaper the report will not seekingprovidersforanOperator’s (bpd) of oil. The vessel will also Administrationdecidedtobuildthe beinthebestinterestofthecountry Extra Expense (OEE) policy. This have a storage capacity of two two plants in an integrated facility, Guyana must conduct thorough

He said, “The people who are is to cover costs pertaining to the million barrels of crude oil, gas asitisexpectedtosavecosts. audits of ExxonMobil’s doing the audit will not be able to control of wells, redrilling/extra treatment capacity of 450 million CH4/Lindsayca had tendered a bills – Ramon Gaskin produceaprofessionalreportinthe expenses, seepage and pollution, ft³ a day, and water injection bid of approximately US$898 best interest of the country…I have clean up and contamination of capacityof300,000bpd. million. In earlier submissions to As Guyana awaits the been doing auditing for many exposures. Furthermore, the vessel will be the EPA, ExxonMobil estimated its completion of a US$7.3B cost years, I know what audits are all It is also going after a General designed to perform produced aspectoftheprojectwhichinvolves recovery audit of ExxonMobil’s about and… you ain’t gonna get no Third Party Liability (TPL) policy watertreatmentfunctionsaswellas building the pipeline would cost expensesbetweentheyears2018to proper audit. The type of audit that which will cover sudden and oil separation and gas injection. It US$1.3billion.Ithadindicatedthat 2020, some stakeholders are not is being done is the type of audit unforeseen pollution, along with will include a flare tower, safety a higher certainty estimate would veryconfidentthatthisprocesswill that the Production Sharing any liabilities arising from all system and power generation be forthcoming after the bearmuchfruitforthecountry Agreement allows and checking Yellowtail and GTE Project capability, and crude metering negotiation of major contracts.The EconomistRamonGaskin,who billsisnotanauditreally Anybody exposuresonaninternationalbasis. system. current estimate for the Gas-to- spent several years of his can check a bill. You don’t need E n e rg y p r o j e c t i s n o w professional career conducting professional auditors to check bills approximatelyUS$2.2billion. audits, in an exclusive interview butthatiswhatishappeningnow.” Furthermore, the Government with this newspaper on Tuesday Gaskin was keen to point out has selected Engineers India said what the country needs is a that the review process demands Limited to supervise the thorough audit, rather than a team more than checking the expenses. Engineering, Procurement and to check the bills it received from He reasoned that it requires a Construction (EPC) of the onshore theUSoilgiant,ExxonMobil. competent team, expertise and plantfacilityandisexpectedtohire “What we need is a proper knowledge, especially since the anotherfirmtooperatetheproject. audit, a serious audit of the affairs audit is intended to confirm some

The Environmental Protection of Exxon. Not what they call US$7.3B in expenses the country Agency (EPA) on Friday last gave checking the bills. No, they need a willpayfor theprojectitsblessingsfollowinga more serious comprehensive audit

The transparency activist reviewofanEnvironmentalImpact of the situation and I don’t get the posited,“Thisisnotsomethingyou Assessment (EIA) submitted by impression that that’s what we’re can just rush because you got to go ExxonMobilGuyana. getting.WhatGuyanastandstolose through the thing, the financial

The approval includes is that you are not going to get a affairs carefully and cautiously so development of a Natural Gas professional audit done and if you you could actually verify those Transport Pipeline, Materials do not get a professionally proper numbers. An audit is really a Offloading Facility and Natural audit, Guyana will lose because verification process that is what it GasLiquidsPlant. you won’t get proper results,” means- verifying what they are Gaskinexplained. saying.”

Fire destroys

His comments come on the

He is of the view that the ECD hardware bond heels of a revelation made by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Financial Analyst and Certified government is not serious about

A massive fire on Monday Accountant, Floyd Haynes who is verifying the costs that Exxon afternoon destroyed a hardware part of the team conducting the claims to have spent, since the four bond at Plantation Le Ressouvenir, audit on behalf of Guyana. He months deadline given to complete East Coast Demerara, belonging to recently sought to assure the public theprocesswouldnotbesufficient. Z.MohammedandSonsTrading. thataforensicauditorawitch-hunt

Back in May of this year, When Kaieteur News arrived at is not being conducted He Government signed a four month the scene thick smoke billowed explained that, “A forensic audit is contract with VHE Consulting- from the warehouse as scores of with the aim of identifying fraud which is a registered partnership onlookers gathered in front of the and embezzlement with the goal of between Ramdihal & Haynes Inc; Grand Costal Hotel which is gathering evidence to be used in a Eclisar Financial; and Vitality nearby Firefighters along with court.” Accounting & Consultancy Inc. – several fire tenders were in place Contrarily,acostrecoveryaudit alongwithinternationalfirms SGS battling the blaze which took is being done pursuant to the and Martindale Consultants for the several hours before it was parameters of the 2016 Production ‘Cost Recovery Audit and completelybroughtundercontrol. ShareAgreement (PSA) governing Validation of the Government of This publication understands the Stabroek Block. “The goal is to Guyana’sProfitOilShare’. that the bond was stacked with verify the accuracy or rather the This includes costs incurred for thinners, sheet rack, ply-board and legitimacy and validity of costs theLizaOneandLizaTwoProjects other hardware materials. During claimed There is a huge which are currently producing over theirhours-longquesttogetthefire difference so I wanted to clear that 360,000barrelsofoilperday under control, several explosions up,”hesaid.

(Continued on page 65) were heard coming from inside the To this end, Ramon Gaskin told

Economist, Ramon Gaskin

A monument of Mahatma Gandhi can be found on the grounds of the gardens.

Guyana's Promenande Gardens. (photo credit: Tourism Guyana)

VILLAGE

- Once a swampland now buzzing with life Kilcoy

By Malisa Playter-Harry

who was employed with a contractor to build the The village of Kilcoy is one of Corentynehighway Inthose the many villages located within days, she said she sold thelargerconfinesofAlbioninEast greens and provision at the BerbiceCorentyne,Region6.What market, all in an effort to was once a swampland with no one support her family of six living there, is now a community children. Harinarine said at wherepeopleliveincomfort. that time, she lived with her When The Waterfalls visited, in-lawsbutshealwayshada streetswerebeingrehabilitatedand desire to own their own villagers were either heading to house and land. It occurred work, going home or having an to her that the stretch of afternoonchitchat.Sincetheareais swampland she overlooked populated by persons either from across the main canal employed in the sugar industry, separating Kilcoy and

The main canal which separates Kilcoy from Albion Village.

Mark who has been working at the estate as a fitter/machinist with GUYSUCO for the past five years was all smiles as he made his way to work.

One of the streets that is being rehabilitated

fishingindustryorengagedinsome Albion,couldbetheirs. small-scale cash crop and livestock She said she wasted no farming, some of these livestock time, and spoke with someone could be seen roaming and grazing in authority who then granted the area I was particularly her permission to occupy a intrigued by how friendly and kind piece of the land. Harinarine the people were, they were willing said it was music to her ears to have a conversation about and that she was enthusiastic anything, as if we had known each about this new development. other for years. Their warmth and She and her husband built a welcoming demeanour stood out small house made of zinc with aboveeverythingelse. one bed and they lived Sumintra Harinarine called comfortably while working “Shako”, 80, was sitting with her until they could afford a bigger

are mostly rooted in the Hindufaith. A n o t h e r resident who ives in Kilcoy said she has been

itvacant...” i n g i n t h e

She added community for over 21 since living in the years. She previously lived community, they are now seeing in Hogtown but got married and some major infrastructural moved to Kilcoy where she has developments on the streets and sevenchildren.

Entering the community of Kilcoy, Corentyne, Berbice.

Within a few weeks, others the main access road She “Kilcoyisaniceplace”shesaid started doing the same and expressed that living in Kilcoy is as she hurriedly left to go about her moved over, taking up quite enjoyable and hopes to business. Her sister was earnestly various parts of land, continue living there for many waitingonher built their homes and moreyearstocome.

InKilcoy,youcanfindafishing lived. Eventually, they Another resident, Mark wharf when you make your way all were granted legal Kamaladeen, 24, was heading to down to the end of the village and a documentation for the work at the Albion Sugar Factory s l u i c e w i t h t h e lands. on his bicycle when he stopped to Albion/Kilcoy/Chesney canal “Dis binna wan chat with us for a few minutes. He running through. Just a stone’s savannah, a swampland grew up in Kilcoy and said that the throw away is the Albion Police and so when me done sell area is peaceful and the people are Station, the Albion Magistrate go and tell the man (who industrious. Court, a building that once housed got permission from for the Hehasbeenafittermachinistat an orphanage and Sita Hardware land) and me tell am seh me want a GUYSUCO for the past five years and Bridal Store. There is also the piece land to make house and that daughter who was visiting from andbetterhome. andsaidheloveshisjob.

popular “Bull Shop”, one of the me get five daughter and one son Georgetown, Region 4. Harinarine Harinarine said that when they

Within the community itself, oldest shops in the community On and he ask me where me see the is the first inhabitant of the village! moved over to the land, it was a

you can find a Hindu temple and theothersideoftheroadisthemain land and me tell him where dem She revealed that she previously swampland but it did not matter one Christian church, there is no entrance to the Chesney New people does throw garbage and that lived in Albion with her husband since they knew it was now theirs. mosque. The residents of Kilcoy HousingScheme.

A resident who has been living in Kilcoy for over 21 years

Sumintra Harinarine, the first person to live in Kilcoy

Higher cost of living demands competent governments

(The writer is Antigua dependenceonit. experiencing the residual products because they are theseactionsisthat and Barbuda’s Ambassador The refusal of the big oil impact of the COVID-19 less reliant on such imports g o v e r n m e n t to the United States of producing countries to pandemic that severely due to their relatively larger r e v e n u e s a r e A m e r i c a a n d t h e increase their output to disrupted supply chains for agricultural sectors. But diminishing, and Organization of American compensate for shortages food, medicines, and even these three states still their ability to service States. He is also a Senior created by the isolation of c o m m o d i t i e s f o r confront both the shortages the demands of every Ukraine and consequent Fellow at the Institute of Russia, increased oil prices constructionandagriculture. and high prices for sector of their society is retaliation by the US, Commonwealth Studies, globally Inturn,thiscaused Costs of construction agricultural inputs, such as considerablystrained. Canada and the European University of London and the Biden administration in material increased by as ureaandammonia. A s i s p r e s e n t l y Union end? Right now, it Massey College in the the U S to release oil much as 90 percent since the In a sentence, the current happening in Antigua and looks set to drag on into next University of Toronto) supplies from its strategic startofthepandemic. riseinthecostoflivingisnot Barbuda and in Guyana, year Throughout the world, stock, reducing gasoline and T h e C a r i b b e a n due to policies of Caribbean Caribbean governments will Caribbean countries, p e o p l e a n d t h e i r diesel prices. Because of Community (CARICOM) governments; it is caused by also have to increase wages therefore,shouldbeworking governments and Central Biden’s action, by the time countries,particularlythesix external factors beyond the and salaries, including the feverishly to implement the Banks are worrying about the mid-term elections were smaller nations that controlofgovernments. minimum wage, so that the manyplans,whichtheyhave inflation, or the rate of held, the value of this issue, comprise the Organization To be fair, all Caribbean general population can cope agreed to increase trade in increase in the cost of living. inpoliticalterms,droppedto of Eastern Caribbean States governments, to one extent with increased prices goods and services among In many countries, this 38 percent amongst the (OECS), have little control or another, have taken steps Overall, this will lead to themselves;toestablishjoint concern about the cost of electorate. over the cost of living being to cushion the effects of higher per capita incomes, v e n t u r e s f o r t h e living has become a prime However, the oil issue experienced in their i n f l a t i o n o n t h e i r resulting in disqualification m a n u f a c t u r i n g a n d consideration in general persisted in Europe which respectivecountries. Asthe populations, especially the by international financial agricultural production; and e l e c t i o n s , b e c a u s e had developed a dependence Governor of the Eastern poor and vulnerable. Many institutions from access to forairandseatransportation. electorates want competent on Russian oil and gas Caribbean Central Bank g o v e r n m e n t s h a v e low cost borrowing, They also have to governmentsinwhosehands Europe will barely manage (ECCB), Timothy Antoine, introduced measures to precisely when Caribbean enhance the Caribbean t h e y c o m m i t t h e i r to keep prices down this put it in July, “We import subsidise the prices of basic countriesneeditmost. Development Bank and expectations. winter only because inflation, principally from foods. InthecaseofAntigua In Antigua and Barbuda, consider new ways of Two questions arise: Europeannationswillutilize theUSandalsofromEurope and Barbuda and St Lucia, the Government and the investing Caribbean savings what is responsible for the Russian supplies that they ourmajortradingpartners”. f o r i n s t a n c e , t h e private sector managed to andprofitsbyinvestingthem cost of living, and can had stockpiled prior to the In the specific case of governments subsidise the agree on an increased withintheregion,ratherthan governments in small, RussianwaronUkraine. The Bahamas, largely costs of oil and gas minimumwage,recognizing abroad. developing countries, such Both for the US and because of geographic Furthermore, inAntigua and that cost of living increases

Sir Ronald Sanders

In other words, the as those in the Caribbean, Europe, heating and its proximity, it conducts 85 Barbuda, the government had to be met to maintain Caribbean has to become take actions that would attendant costs to consumers percent of its trade with the has written off arrears owed social and economic more self-sufficient and less a d d r e s s t h e i s s u e willbeaproblemthiswinter U.S., importing almost $3 for electricity, water and stability vulnerable to external satisfactorily? Butnextyearwillbeworseif billion in goods in 2021 and property taxes, as further The big question that factors. Inthemid-termelections the isolation of Russian oil giving the U.S. a balance of measures to ease the impact remains for the region is: Responses and previous in the United States of and gas from the world trade surplus of $2.5 billion. of imported inflation on the when will the global c o m m e n t a r i e s : America (U.S.) last month, market continues. Stocks Therefore, the Bahamas is population. economic disruption caused www.sirronaldsanders.com inflation (roughly translated will be depleted if not veryvulnerabletotheimpact A major consequence of by Russia’s invasion of as ‘the Economy’) was an exhausted, causing prices to ofinflationintheU.S. issue that surfaced in early soar

As small states, with campaigning, although it All this could cause limited capacity for the waned toward the end. The serious social unrest in production of goods, mainconcernintheU.S.was Europe. There have already Caribbean countries import the high cost of oil that been protests in Greece, from the U.S. and Europe, followed Russia’s invasion Belgium, Germany, France, bringing to their shores the of Ukraine and the Spain,AustriaandtheCzech highcostsinthosecountries. consequent efforts in Europe Republic-thelatterofwhich Belize, Guyana and and North America to has seen household energy Suriname have some boycott Russian oil, or at billssurgetenfold. capacitytodulltheimpactof l e a s t t o m i n i m i z e The world is also still importing agricultural

TERES MUSCLES

Familiarize yourself with muscles in the body (Part 1)

ByDavinaBagot

Exercise for a lot of folks simply means getting up in the morning to practise a routine they believe fitstheirschedule,or,hittingthegymlaterin thedaytoboostmusclestrength.

While both activities are quite fine, it is importantthatwefamiliarizeourselveswith the various muscle groups and the correct way to target them during exercise, as this helps to make what we do more effective. This week, we’ll learn about the muscles in thechestandback.

CHESTMUSCLES

Iwillstartwiththemusclesinthechest. Themainmusclegroupofthechestiscalled ‘pectorals’.Itisalsocommonlycalled‘pecs’

dotoexercisethispartofyourbody,asIhave sharedinpreviousarticles.

THEBACKMUSCLES

The back muscle is the most complex major muscular structure in the entire body, as it is a perfect combination of multiple muscles working in harmony and complementing each other in various physicalactivities.Thereareessentiallyfive muscle groups present in the back, and they are:

LATISSIMUSDORSI

involved in many swimming movements.

RHOMBOID

The rhomboids are located in the upper back. They are underneath the trap muscles and not visible from outside. They originate from the spinal cord and mergeintothescapularbone.Thesemuscles can’t be seen but they play a vital role in strengthening the scapulae and all the back movements.

TRAPEZIUS

Also known as, the traps, these muscles are located between the shoulders and the neck.Thetrapscanfurtherbeclassifiedinto threedivisions-theuppertraps,middletraps, and the lower traps, with the lower traps extendingaslowasthelowerback.Thetraps control the scapulae or the shoulder blades and play an important role in shrugging and neck movements. They are used to tilt and turn the head and neck and shrug the shoulders. They also provide support when youliftitemsoveryourhead.

TERESMUSCLE

shoulder presses, and rows also target this muscle.

ERECTORSPINAE

The erector spinae or spinal erectors is a set of muscles that straighten and rotate the back. They are actually deep muscles that help to extend the spine and are essential in maintaining good posture. They are also important when bending forward, and sideways.

MULTIFIDUSMUSCLES

Another important back muscle is the Multifidus. Its function is to stabilize the vertebral column by providing stiffness and support.

The best exercises for this are the squat and dead-lifts using progressive overload, which covers all the muscles in the back. In fact,Multifidusareveryimportantinhelping topreventbackpain.

for short sometimes. These muscles are full of thick muscle fibres and add size to the upper body The chest muscles are divided into two parts: The pectoral is major and pectoralisminor Theyprovidesupportwhen you hold objects in front of your body and they are activated when you reach across your body The pecs are activated in many everydaymovements,mainlyattheshoulder joint.Forinstance,whenyougrabaseatbelt orcombyourhairontheoppositeside.

There are various exercises that you can

This is a large, flat muscle on the back thatstretchestothesides,behindthearm,and ispartlycoveredbythetrapeziusontheback nearthemidline.Itissometimescalled‘lats’ or ‘wings’’. The lats facilitate the body in pulling movements and it complements the arms in pursuing various physical activities like pulling something into your body, or whenyoutakesomethingdownfromashelf above your head. Also, they are heavily

This muscle lies underneath the ‘lats’. It works with the lats as well as the rotator cuffs. Exercises like the single arm lat pulldowns and pullovers target this muscle directly Compound exercises like deadlifts,

THE

Court Journal

Process of bail and how to reclaim bail money

Have an upcoming court Bailable offences handed to the person posting the sentencemaybegiven. matter? Here are a few tips on the Some offences are disposed of bail. This receipt must be kept While in some cases, both process of bail, and how you can in the Magistrate’s Court untiltheendofthematter parties tell the court that they have reclaimyourbailmoney However, for the more serious Insomeinstances,whenbailis cometoanunderstanding(inmost What is bail? Bail is a cash offences like murder, rape, and granted to a defendant, conditions instances compensation) and that bond for a person to be treason, a preliminary inquiry (PI) may be attached. Some conditions they no longer wish to proceed temporarilyreleasedfromcustody or paper committalwill be done in attached to bail are a defendant with the matter The matter will pendingtrial. the Magistrate’s Court to may be required to lodge his/her then be dismissed if the court is

Bail can be granted at a police determine whether or not there is passport, report at an identified satisfied. station or the court. In this article, sufficient evidence against the policestationonaninstructedday, Bailor we will examine the process of defendant for him/ her to be keep-the-peace-bond or stay 100 A bailor is a person whose bail and reclaiming bail money in committed to stand trial in the feetfromthevirtualcomplaint. name is on the bail receipt for a theMagistrate’sCourt. HighCourt. Other persons are released on defendant.Mostpersonswaituntil It should be noted that not all Some bailable offences are: self bail upon his/her own the end of the matter to reclaim criminal offences are bailable and larceny charges such as ‘simple recognizance. This means that the bailmoney,butthebailmoneycan not everyone that appears in court larceny,’ ‘larceny from the defendant will not be required to be withdrawn at any time during for bailable offences is placed on person,’ ‘break and enter and lodge any cash or property, but thematter bail. Bail is often granted at the larceny;’ assault charges; he/she must sign a recognizance If a bailor wishes to withdraw a fine also known as ‘mulct’is an Magistrate’s discretion and it is threatening and abusive language. bywhichhe/shepromisestocome his/her money before the matter is order by the Magistrate for the sometimes granted with In some instances, bail is granted backtocourtfortrial. completed, the defendant can find defendant to pay a given amount conditions attached to it based on for serious offences like sexual Renewal of bail an alternate bailor However, with ofcashasapunishmentforacrime therequestoftheprosecutor assault charges, rape, carnal If for some reason or the other, no alternate bailor and the bailor or other offences and is not Being charged knowledge, and even causing your bail application was refused informs the court that he/she recoverable. Before the matter reaches deathbydangerousdriving. onyourfirstcourtappearance,you wishes to withdraw their money,

court, there’s a process at the Appearing in court can always renew it during the the defendant will automatically

By Renay Sambach

Reclaiming bail money

police station to prepare the The first hearing of a matter is trial. bearrestedandplacedincustody At the various courts, either at matter and send it before a when most persons or their If a bail application is denied Forfeiture of bail and the end of the matter or during, Magistrate attorneytriestosecurebail. by a Magistrate, the defendant or consequences bailors who wish to reclaim their If you or someone you know After the charge is read to the his/her attorney could make a Most persons get carried away bail money can visit the court has been charged by the police for defendant, the defendant is then further bail application to a Judge thinking that after securing bail office. While many persons aren’t a criminal offence, either the asked to enter a plea either of of the High Court. Judges in the they can evade the court by not aware that they can reclaim their policewillreleaseyouon$10,000, guilty or not guilty With a not High Court can grant the attendingatrialorifthedefendant bail money, others have your own self-bail and you will be guilty plea, the matter will have to defendant bail and also reduce the does not fulfill the conditions difficulties reclaiming theirs for asked to sign a recognizance, or go to trial for the court to decide, amount of bail that was fixed by a attachedtothebail. manyreasons. youwillbeplacedon$10,000cash based on the evidence that is Magistrate. However, by doing so, there The most common issues are bail and asked to sign the presented to the court, whether or Additionally, at the end of the are consequences for the most persons misplacing the bail recognizance. not the defendant is guilty of the PI in the Magistrates’ Court for defendantandthebailor receipt, which is very important in The recognizance will inform offencecharged. serious matters, if the defendant is If the defendant fails to attend reclaiming bail money, or the bail youthatyouwerechargedandyou Thisistheopportunitytomake committed to stand trial in the court,thebailwillbeforfeitedand receiptbeingsoiledortornbeyond will also be notified of what date a bail application to the court. High Court, the defendant or the bailor will lose his/her money, recognition. However, all hope is and which court your matter will After making a bail application, if his/herattorneywillberequiredto while an arrest warrant can be not lost if that happens. Persons becalled. the court sees the defendant as a renew their bail application and issued for the defendant and when can visit a Justice of Peace (JP).A

Ifthepersonwhowasreleased flight risk or the defendant is the Magistrate will decide if the apprehended, the defendant may JP has the same power as a on self-bail fails to appear in court known to the police from same amount of bail will be not be eligible for bail anymore Magistrate to issue warrants for onthedatethematteriscalled,the previously committing other applied. and will be remanded to prison theapprehensionandcommitment Magistrate can issue an arrest offences, bail may be refused, In some instances, defendants pendingtheoutcomeofthematter for the safe custody of persons warrant and he/she will while others may be placed on a gotocourtandpleadguilty Witha Fine and bail charged with indictable offences automatically owe the state reasonable amount or substantial guilty plea, the defendant will be What most people don’t know andcanalsohelpinthereclaiming $10,000. amount.

sentenced, fined, given is that bail is different from a fine. of bail money if the receipt is

However, if the persons who When bail is granted by a community service, or a stern The court fines you if you plead damagedorlost. paid cash bail fail to appear in Magistrate,thebailisthenpaidby warning based on the nature of the guiltytoanoffenceorattheendof (To share any

court, their money will be the person posting bail for that offence. In some instances, the the trial if the court finds you information, you can contact me forfeited and the Magistrate can defendant at the Supreme Court Magistrate takes into account the guilty. v i a e

i

alsoissueanarrestwarrant. Registry and a receipt will then be defendant’s early plea and a lesser Bail money is recoverable but

Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts

rof

l

a

o

What is Guyana doing about windfall taxes?

companies to get a piece of those recordprofitssothattheycanoffer Our legitimate and untainted transform this ‘One Guyana’ into people’s arms for a piece of some relief to their citizens businesspeople can get visas on the ‘One Guyana’ of one kind of their excess profits. Seeing strugglingtocopewithhighprices theirmerits,sothereisnoneedfor people only left behind. Meaning that no taxes are collected, a andcrushingcostoflivingrealities. governmenttogoanextrayardfor thatthosemarginalized,ostracized, little 10% windfall taxes America and several countries in them to obtain visa free travel. victimized, and demonized are could keep the critics quiet. Europe have made announcements Guyanese with money to burn, being given every nuanced Guyanese need money to this effect. These are not poor whether from clean or corrupt encouragement to sail out of the urgently;theydon’tneedvisa and highly underdeveloped sources, can take of their own visa Guyana sun, and into North freetravelasmuch. countries, but rich and advanced arrangements, and don’t need any American and European sunsets. Guyanese need the societies making the levying of help from government. Also, I While England is a sort of closed President to stop coming up windfall taxes on oil companies wouldassertthatbeingaGuyanese shop,Canadahasalotofspaceand with these red herrings; they official. Those who already have today is no longer a torture, or a opportunity for Guyanese to needtoseegreenUSdollars. areworkingovertime,andthinking stigma, or a handicap. Instead of disappear; and there is always that Guyanese need the President of ways, to get more from the ‘notthosedarnedGuyanesepeople still more alluring border crossing to desist with his runawayearningsofoilcompanies.

By GHK Lall

targeted for visa free travel, is ENI again’, (which I had repeatedly into the land of milk and honey whitewashes and white rabbits; I think it is a development that has next in line to come here and also seen for myself decades ago), it is Demographic thorns in the sides they need to be in the black with much reasoning and fairness gougeGuyana? now‘welcomeanddohaveagood and behinds could be gone. I am their bank books and balance

Whenthereistoomuchregulation, (The views expressed in this holiday enjoying our many outlets thinking that this is one of the sheets. Somebody must put a stop companies complain bitterly, and article are those of the author and for leisure or commerce.’ Some reasons why the PPP Government tothesefarcesnow TheBritsand pushback vigorously, to get them do not necessarily reflect the Guyanese have now achieved the hasalmostzerointerestinstanding the Canadians get their business rescinded (or gutted) because they opinions and beliefs of this vaunted status of Middle Eastern tall before Exxon, and twist its pacts with Guyana. With Italy areablightonprofits. Bythesame newspaperanditsaffiliates.) oil sheiks, albeit some token,Iwouldassertthatwhenthe lesser versions of other side of that coin (profits) is them, but up there in present, then the oil companies the ranks of that should be made to give some exceptionally loaded percentage out of their excess clientele, nonetheless. profits.

Other countries wish SowhyisGuyananotdoingthe tobeinourshoes,and same, especially when when that is out of ExxonMobil and the Hess reach, they settle for Corporation are riding high on the thenextbestthing. waves of oil profits, some from That is, take our Guyana? What is Guyana doing money, and suffer our about windfall taxes? Is the PPP p r e s e n c e s Government going to do anything Considering this, my at all about squeezing windfall thinkingisthatthePPP taxes from ExxonMobil and its Government should partners? cease with this

It is embarrassingto examinea distraction about visa current priority, present fad, of the free travel for locals PPP Government. Right now, the and focus on taxes. PPP Government is chasing after Guyanesecanfendfor visa free travel for Guyanese to themselves. Whilewe Canada and Italy, possibly are not talking of elsewhere. Whentheenergiesand permanent resident interests of the Government of visas, at this rate, this Guyana ought to be on managing country could be thisoil,andextractingthemostout empty of Guyanese of it for us, it is pursuing visa free who will go where travel. Rather ominously, this doors are opened, and brings back memories of the prospects more Burnham Era when Guyanese enticing than this oil (particularly one demographic) rich country of theirs. wereracingforallescaperoutesto I put in the public getoutofhere.

domain something for

Now, in a huge irony, the PPP my fellow Guyanese Government is all energetic about tochewon: visa free travel. Why would I am pondering if anyone want to be any place but this flurry of visa free here? Why, when all the activity is intended to prosperous action is right here?

The Promenande Gardens:

the perfect venue for your next family picnic

Th e P r o m e n a n d e Gardens is located in Georgetown and is bordered by Carmichael, New Market, Waterloo and Middle Streets.

To the south is Independence Park, the historical site of public execution of slaves who participated in the uprising of 1823. The park is separated from the gardens by Middle Street. The Gardensoccupyanentireblockof the Capital city, with its main entrancesituatedonMiddleStreet inCummingsburg.

This beautiful site was designed by a botanist from Guyana's sister CARICOM state,

Trinidad. According to research, the Bandstand located inside of the gardens was erected in commemoration of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Completed in 1897, it is consideredtheoldestbandstandof threeinthecity.

A well-known monument in the Gardens is the Mahatma Gandhi Monument erected in honouroftheinternationaliconof peaceandadvocateofnon-violent protests.

The gardens consist of well laid out plantings of flowers, shrubs, and a number of trees of botanical interest These are interlaced with walkways (thus

promenade) and a number of benches. Over the years, this site has been used to host wedding ceremonies, birthday parties, staff dinners and other special events due to the serene beauty of the venue.Itisstillavailableforrental and persons can reach out to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) in Georgetown, for bookings at a reasonablerate.

The Promenade Gardens is used for several civic functions including entertainment from musicbands.

It is also the popular site of many public and private events including Easter Hat Shows, weddings, and fashion photo

The landscape is perfect for a day of family fun.

shoots.

In addition to planned events, you may also pop in the Promenande Gardens for a quick visit to enjoy the views of attractive flowers and the tranquillity of the environment. In factitisoneofthebestspotstoget away from the hustle and bustle in thebusyGeorgetownstreets.

It may also be the perfect spot totakethefamilyforapicnic.Just be sure to take blankets and walk with insect repellent to keep bugs away, as they enjoy the flowers quitemorethanhumans!

The Promenande Gardens was refurbished in 2016 in observance th of the country's 50 Independence celebrations The upgrade included repainting the fence and bandstand, refurbishing of the fountains, walkways, arches and fishingpond.

(Tripadvisor image)

Guyana's Promenande Gardens. (photo credit: Tourism Guyana) T

Guyana's Promenande Gardens.

A monument of Mahatma Gandhi can be found on the grounds of the gardens.

The Bandstand in the Promenande Gardens is the oldest in the capital city. This decades old image shows the beauty of the structure and its environs around the time it was just completed. (M&CC photo)

Lessons from a Lashpreneur !!!

Taking a break from lash extensions – is it really necessary?

ByLatoyaZephyr

wornindefinitely–aslongas lash tech will be on the

changeshappenwe’llletyou weeksforatypicallashsetto

So – you love your lash the lash extension applied is lookout for new lashes that know.Ofcourse,sometimes shed completely, and even extensions. They make your the correct length, weight arestrongenoughtoholdan you just feel like you need a then you might find a few and stimulating ingredients, facelooksofreshandawake, and thickness for your extension,andvoila! break from extensions, and very determined stragglers. which can improve your and it’s just so simple to get natural lashes, there’s You’re back up to full that’s okay sometimes you If this is easier, we’d say go lasheswhenusedonthereg. readyinthemornings…why absolutely no reason why lash capacity, looking need to be on a break. Here forit! Theseproductsusuallyshow wouldyoueverstop? they would be damaged. fabulous.Thehealthofyour are our golden rules on how Forthosewantingtogocold results after a few weeks, so Clientssometimesaskus Persons have been wearing natural lashes is our first torecognise(anddealwith!) turkey, a salon removal is combining a serum with a whentheyshouldbetakinga lashes for years with zero priority If we think that the alashbreak. best. It’s a super simple breakislikeaspaholidayfor break for the sake of their issues. extension look that you’re REMOVETHEMINA process a technician yourlashes! lashhealth. Remember, your natural after will damage those WAYTHATWORKS applies a removal serum to MAKESURETHE Their biggest worry is lashes work on a cycle lovelynaturallashes,wecan FORYOU. yourlashesandslidesoffthe TIMINGISRIGHT. that lash extensions are exactly like your hair; there assess them and suggest Youhavetwooptionswitha extensions. There’s no hard-and-fast straining their natural lashes are new itty bitty baby simple ways to create a break: let the lashes shed We’d recommend against rule about how much time or making them fall faster lashes growing constantly, similar look without the gradually over time, or pop home removals for the sake you should spend sans than they should The andolderlashessheddingoff weight. into the salon to have them ofyournaturallashes,asyou extensions, but we’d answer? Properly applied whenit’stheirtimetogo.In We always keep track of removed professionally It can never quite be sure how recommendatleastamonth. eyelash extensions can be yourinfillappointment,your your lash health and if any takes around five to six successful/non damaging This gives your lash cycle they’llbe! time to reboot itself, with Our removal products are those baby lashes growing fast working, professional throughniceandstrong. productsandnoneofushere It also gives any lash would attempt our own serums a chance to really removals. worktheirmagic!

Christopher Martin to make ‘Vege Village Day’ a big deal - Natural Black, Jumo, Yung Bredda to also perform on Dec. 25

Slingerz Family Entertainment is anticipating to

make the 21st VergenoegenVillageDayon December25abigdeal,with Jamaican Reggae/Dancehall singer Christopher Martin headliningthecelebration.

The‘undertheinfluence’ singer will be joined by Guyana’sNaturalBlackand SocaMonarch,JumoPrimo.

Yung Bredda, from Trinidad and Tobago, will also join the cast at the Vergenoegen Rice Mill TarmaconChristmasDay

According to organisers, withthisyear’sVergenoegen VillageDaybeingthereturn oftheeventsinceitwaslast heldin2019,theintentionis toliveuptotheexpectations of having the best Village Daycelebrationonthe‘West Side’.

The day’s activities will start with organisers paying tributetothevillage’ssenior citizens, followed by the distributionoftoys.

“We know people look forward to the Village Day, especially the entertainment part,sowewanttomakesure thatwegiveeveryoneagood time,”organiserssaid.

SomeoftheCaribbean’s biggest stars, especially in the reggae/dancehall genre, havegracedthestagesatthe event over the last two decades.

TRYASERUM. Timing your break right Lashserumsareaclever up to the week of big event way of reviving your lash can be a lovely way to treat game these specially yourself, especially if you formulated solutions are usually rock a glam look. meant to make your natural Some clients can spend lashes grow longer and months without lash stronger. Most good lash extensions, some prefer just serums contain conditioning one–it’salluptoyou!

E-Networks is official broadcaster for FIFA WORLD CUP

The E-Networks team is World Cup matches and pleased to bring its highlights on E-Networks’ subscribers,TheFIFAWorld E2 from November 20 to Cup Qatar 2022™ as it is December18.

Guyana’s Licenced Need to catch the action Broadcaster. Immerse on the go? Download the yourselves in theWorld Cup DreamTV mobile app action in crystal-clear high available in the Play Store definition on all of E andAppStore.

Networks’ DreamTV E-Networks. More ways platforms Watch all 64 towatch.

GNBS IN FOCUS

CONSUMERS, READ PRODUCT LABELS!

Stores throughout Guyana National Bureau of affect your safety or health to how, when and where products. For further Standards on Telephone Guyanaareannouncingtheir Standards (GNBS) through whenutilised. products should be utilised. information on this subject, Numbers: 219-0065, 219fantastic discount deals for its Product Compliance

Herearesomelabelling This also facilitates the safe please contact the Guyana 0066 and 219 0069 or consumerstotakeadvantage Programme monitors the tipstokeepinmind: and effective use of National Bureau of WhatsApp692-4627. of this holiday season labelling of 17 categories of LABELS PROVIDE Acrosssocialmedia,youcan Products. Labels of goods PRODUCT IDENTITY –see short videos of store imported, manufactured and Information about the invasions and product grabs distributed in Guyana must producer/manufacturer must as consumers spend their c o m p l y w i t h t h e be stated. If the producer money to add those new requirements of the Guyana doesnotputhisorhername pieces of items to their Standards Specification for andaddressonthelabel,you homes. In all these exciting the labeling of commodities should not buy the product. shopping opportunities, it is P a r t 1 : G e n e r a l Additionally, labels help imperative for consumers to Principles, which is a buyers to identify specific pause and carefully read the mandatorystandard. products by providing labels of products they The National Standard information on type, brand, intendtopurchase. requires that Product labels model, etc. For example, Labels are intended to be in English Language and Cellular phone, Samsung guide consumers by shouldstatetheBrand,Type Galaxy,S22. providing key information of product, Name of CERTIFICATION on the products they intend ManufacturerorDistributor, MARKS ON LABELS to purchase. A well-labelled Country of Origin, and INFORMONQUALITYproduct informs consumers necessary information on Throughout the world, there of their choices and care, maintenance, and are Standards Bodies and ultimatelygivesguidanceas precautionsforuse. Independent Testing totheproductqualityandits There are other product Laboratories that examine monetaryworth.Labelsstate specific labelling standards products to see if they meet howtocareforaproductand that are available at the quality standards Once what the product contains. Guyana National Bureau of satisfied, they affix their They also provide the Standards (GNBS) for certification mark to these necessary warning and example: the labelling of products. Regarding electric precautionary information electrical appliances, and electronic appliances, aboutproductstohelpensure labelling of footwear, certification marks such as, the health and safety of labellingoffurniture,etc. CE, UL, CSA, FCC, NOM users Additionally, with When shopping, andCCCareplacedontheir labels,consumersarenotleft c o n s u m e r s , t h e labels to guide consumers to ponder on what they are responsibility is yours as whoaretryingtofindquality buying, what it is used for, welltoensurethatyoutakea products. howitisused,orofwhatitis “timeout” to read and LABELS PREVENT made.Labelsareessentialto understand the labels of MISUSE AND ENSURE answer all questions goods you intend to SAFETY Information consumers may have purchase, especially if those placed on labels by regarding products The goods are costly or likely to manufacturersguideusersas

Dietary Tips For People With Psoriasis

An autoimmune which is an autoimmune ·Herbslikethyme,sage, d i s o r d e r , disease. ginger and cumin are rich in psoriasis is a Glutenisaproteinthatis antioxidants.

diseaseinwhich found in wheat and other ·Legumeslikebeansand the body attacks its own grains and an intolerance to certaintypesoflentils tissue. The body starts to gluten causes the body to · A fist full of nuts and overproduce skin cells, attack the small intestine’s seeds walnuts, flaxseeds creating red and scaly tissue. Cutting down gluten andalmondsarerichsources patches, known as plaques, fromthediethasbeenshown ofomegathreefattyacids. ontheskin. to reduce the effects of ·Wholegrains

Itchyandpainfulplaques psoriasis in people with Consult a dietician to a r e t r i g g e r e d b y glutenintolerance. come up with an effective environmental factors like

FOOD TO EAT psoriasisdietplanadjunctto infections and stress The food items which your prescribed treatment. Psoriasis not just affects the combat and reduce Obesity can worsen the skin but also affects joints, inflammationinthebodyare effects of psoriasis and you eyes and mental health known to be beneficial for might want to work towards Therefore, one must consult people with psoriasis and losing weight as well. In a doctor for diagnosis and they may help reduce flare- addition to a healthy diet, Readaheadtolearnmore contains a protein called fats:Redmeat,cheese,fried treatmentforthiscondition. ups,reducingthesymptoms. make some lifestyle

abouttherightdiet. casein, which can cause food, margarine and fast There is no scientific Followingahealthydietalso changes. digestive problems in some food are known foods that evidencethatsupportsacure reduces the risks of type 2 Get ample rest, adequate

FOODS TO AVOID people. Studies show that trigger inflammation and for psoriasis with diet, but diabetes, cardiovascular sleep, regular exercise and Worsening the effects of psoriasis conditions have worsenpsoriasis. experts suggest a positive diseasesandcertaintypesof reduce stress levels. If you psoriasis, these are some of improvedbycuttinghigh-fat · Added sugar: Natural correlation between a cancer smoke,quit. the beverages and foods to dairyfromthediet. sugar in food like fruits is a healthy diet and lifestyle

The best food items to Making changes in the avoidwithpsoriasis: R e f i n e d partofthepsoriasisdietplan. with reduced severity of include in the diet for dietisthebestandtheeasiest · Alcohol: Consumption carbohydrates: Refined However, added sugar in psoriasis. psoriasisare: waytocombattheeffectsof of excessive amounts of carbohydratesarecountedas fruit juices, candy, soda and

Expertssaythatthereisa ·Whole Fruits and autoimmune disorders like alcohol overworks the liver, foods that trigger psoriasis. sweets is bad and the body close link between psoriasis vegetables. Cherries and psoriasis and to reduce causing long term These items include white produces excessive insulin and diet, as there are many berries are good fruits for inflammation. inflammation. Additionally, bread, white rice, pasta, to process the sugar These food groups that can cause psoriasis, as are green leafy If you suspect that a alcohol damages good breakfast cereals and some foods increase the levels of inflammationthroughoutthe vegetables. Consume 2 3 particular food item is b a c t e r i a , c a u s i n g pastries. These food items cytokines,whichisaprotein body. portions of fresh seasonal triggering the effects of inflammation in the colon have no fibre and whole thatcausesinflammation. For some people, these fruitsandveggieseveryday psoriasis, consult your andintestines. grains and can contain a lot · Gluten: People who food items can worsen the Include plant based doctor(https://pharmeasyin · Dairy: Dairy products ofsugar suffer from psoriasis may effectsofpsoriasis. proteins like tofu, lean /blog/dietary tips for are rich in fat. Cow’s milk · Saturated and trans also have Celiac disease, Sufferingfrompsoriasis? proteinandfishinthediet. people-with-psoriasis/)

10 Amazing Health Benefits of Skipping Rope

Can’t go to the gym due reducing the chances of fatigue.

9:Glowsyourskin to COVID 19 lockdown? cancer Skipping rope is a 5:Increases Post workout glow is Well, it might look difficult great calorie burner and bodyflexibility oneofthebestglowonecan tomanageworkoutwithouta improves the cardiovascular Skipping rope makes get. Exercises like skipping gymbutskippingropeisone system. yourbodycalmandflexible. willalwaysgiveyouhealthy, of the super convenient, 1:Improveshearthealth Jumpinggivesgreatstrength blushingandglowingskin. easy and effective home Skipping rope is the best to the muscles and relaxes 10:Improve exercises. Skipping is great cardio exercise as it them That’s why it is pulmonaryfunction cardio, aerobic exercise increasestheheartrate.This included in an athlete’s Skippingropesimproves Skipping rope helps to tone will significantly reduce the workoutregime. blood circulation and your calves, tighten your risk of heart diseases and 6:Boostmentalhealth breathing which ultimately core, build stamina and stroke. Skipping rope at a enhancesyourlungcapacity improve your lung capacity

2:Increasesconcentration moderate intensity can Benefitsofskipping Skipping rope alone won’t Every cardio exercise reduce anxiety and ropeforweightloss help you to reduce weight will help you to focus on depression Exercise can There are numerous loss skipping rope can be a yourgoalandskippingisone increasebloodcirculationto ways to lose weight, part of a diet and exercise of them. Skipping rope can yourbodyandbrain. skipping rope is one of the routine which boosts your calmyourbodyandincrease 7:Decreasesbellyfat effective methods for it can’tdoitstraightfor30 intensityasyouwant. metabolism yourconcentration.

It is one of the main However, skipping rope minutes,youmayneed The following points

Howmanycalories 3:Improvescoordination obstacles while losing alone is not enough to lose sometimetoincreaseyour should be kept in mind for burninskipping? Skipping consistently weight. But skipping rope weight but also it requires a duration. weightlosswhileskipping Surprisingly, skipping improves your coordination canhelpyouwiththat.High- planned diet, weight loss

Theeffectivenessof · Skipping can reduce ropescanburn10caloriesin andstamina. intensity interval training goals,commitment,andhigh skippinginweightloss yourwholebodyfat. aminuteandalsostrengthen 4:Increasesstamina (HIIT) exercises helps to activity level.You also need

Skipping rope activates ·You can do singles and your legs, butt, shoulders, andgetsridoffatigue reduce belly fat without diet to consider some other allthemusclesofyourbody try in various intensity at belly,andarms.Onaverage, By continuous work you and strengthen your factors like age, previous The more you work out, the whatevertimeyouwant. youcanburn200caloriesin may feel tired or loss of abdominalmuscles. illnesses/ surgeries before more calories you burn · The skipping rope is 10 minutes sessions each stamina. Skipping can help 8:Strengthening starting exercise as it may losing more weight. As a cheap and doesn’t need any day Itismoreeffectivethan you to improve your yourbones affect your rate of weight beginner, you can start with expensiveequipment. briskwalking. stamina. The more you do

Skippingropewillgive loss. low-intensity skipping and Skipping with a Benefitsofskippingrope skipping regularly the more strengthtoyourbonesand Ifyoujumpropefor30 as time passed you will get balanced diet in proper There are multiple your stamina increases A increasebonedensity,thus minutestoonehourdaily control and coordination routine will reduce your benefits of skipping rope consistent skipping range reducesthechancesof youwilllosealmost200then you can enhance your weightloss from losing weight to practice can help get rid of osteoporosis. 300calories.Butbeginners

Health Facts

Stages of Postpartum Depression

- Options for treatment

According to several Postpartum depression m e d i c a l j o u r n a l s , symptoms may include: Postpartum Depression depressed mood or severe (PPD) is often defined as a mood swings, crying spells, serious mental illness that difficulty bonding with your dangerous to the person depression or postpartum regulatio involvesthebrainandaffects baby, withdrawing from affected and others in their psychosis.Adoctor can help M a n a person’s behaviour and family and friends, loss of immediateenvironment. choose the best treatment antidepre physical health. A mother appetite or eating more than

Postpartum psychosis regimen,whichmayinclude: take a few weeks to be might feel unconnected to u s u a l , i n s o m n i a ,

By Rehanna Ramsay

This is a rare condition Counseling/Talk Therapy: most effective. While these with daily tasks such as her baby, as if she is not the overwhelming tiredness or that usually develops within This treatment involves medications are generally caring for the baby or the baby’s mother, or might not loss of energy, less interest the first week after delivery talking one-on-one with a consideredsafetouseduring home. love or care for the baby andpleasureinactivitiesyou — the symptoms are severe. mentalhealthprofessional(a breastfeeding, a woman Itisimportantforwomen Thesefeelingscanbemildto once enjoyed, intense Symptoms may include counselor, therapist, should speak with her t o u n d e r s t a n d t h a t severe. irritability and anger, fear feeling confused and lost, psychologist,psychiatrist,or healthcare provider about Postpartum Depression is a

InGuyana,thiscondition that you’re not a good having obsessive thoughts socialworker). the risks and benefits to both common occurrence and is not often diagnosed or There are two types of herselfandherbaby experiencing depressive treated, but it can be very counseling shown to be Without treatment, symptoms after giving birth serious and has dangerous particularly effective in postpartum depression can doesnotmakeyouan“unfit” a n d e v e n d e a d l y treating postpartum

last for months or years. In or“bad”mother consequences for those depression They are addition to affecting the Childbirth is a difficult affected. Cognitive Behavioral mother’s health, it can and exhausting process. A

There are various stages Therapy (CBT), which helps interfere with her ability to female goes through a lot of ofthecondition. peoplerecognizeandchange connectwithandcareforher hormonal, physical,

This newspaper wishes their negative thoughts and babyandmaycausethebaby e m o t i o n a l , a n d to shed light on PPD, behaviors; and Interpersonal to develop problems with psychological changes especially in light of some therapy (IPT), which helps sleeping, eating, and throughout pregnancy recentoccurrences. people understand and work behaviour as he or she Tremendous changes occur Baby Blues through problematic grows. in the mother’s familial and M o s t n e w m o m s personalrelationships. Family members and interpersonal world during experience postpartum Medication is also an friends may be the first to and after pregnancy “babyblues”afterchildbirth, optionintreatingpostpartum recognize symptoms of Postpartum depression is a which commonly include depression There are postpartum depression in a real mental health issue that mood swings, crying spells, different types of medicines new mother It is important requirescareful,wholesome, anxiety, and difficulty for postpartum depression. to be able to identify the and professional medical sleeping. mother, hopelessness, a b o u t y o u r b a b y , All of them must be signs of postpartum interventions, to ensure Baby blues usually begin reduced ability to think hallucinating, and having prescribed by a doctor depression early They can patients can make a full within the first two to three clearly, inability to delusions. Antidepressant medications encourage her to speak with recovery and go on to enjoy days after delivery and may concentrate or make

Symptomsofpostpartum act on the brain’s chemicals a health care provider, offer caring for their children and lastforuptotwoweeks. decisions, restlessness, psychosis included having that are involved in mood emotionalsupport,andassist liveanormallife.

Symptoms of baby blues severe anxiety, and panic issues sleeping, having too —whichlastonlyafewdays attacks, thoughts of harming much energy, feeling upset, to a week or two after your yourself or your baby, feeling paranoid, and babyisborn—mayinclude: recurring thoughts of death making attempts to harm mood swings, anxiety, orsuicide. yourselforyourbaby sadness, irritability, feeling If left untreated, Treatment overwhelmed, crying, postpartum depression may Treatment and help are reduced concentration, last for many months or available for mothers appetite problems, and longer, and can become suffering from postpartum troublesleeping.

Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first — but the symptoms are more intense and last longer These may eventually interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks.

Postpartum depression

While the birth of a baby can start a variety of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety, it can also result indepression.

S o m e n e w m o m s experience a more severe, long lasting form of depression known as

postpartum depression

Sometimes it’s called peripartum depression because it can start during pregnancyandcontinueafter childbirth Rarely, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis may also develop after childbirth.

Driving Etiquette

By Richard Francois

Driving a motor vehicle is a serious endeavour and must be treated as suchatalltimes.

Whendrivingontheroadways, it is important that you do so carefully,safelyandresponsibly

There are rules and laws for drivingontheroadwaysinGuyana just like there are in any other country in the world. These rules are set to ensure that law and order aremaintainedatalltimes,andthat drivers govern themselves accordingly in a safe and responsiblemannerwhenusingthe roadways.

However, there is more to being a good driver than just understanding vehicle control and thelocalroadlaws–italsorequires having respect for other drivers, displaying awareness and practising good driving etiquette. Apart from the established rules and laws for driving on the road, there are some conventionally accepted norms and behaviours that drivers should practice at all times.

Driving etiquette is something that is urgently needed on the streets of Guyana. This article will examine some basic driving etiquettethatcanbeappliedherein Guyana in an effort to bring a level ofcivilitytolocaldriving.

Indicate. Indicate. Indicate.

Theindicatorlightsonacarare amber in colour and can be located atthefront,therearandsometimes at the side of a car on both the left andright-handsides.

Drivers must use their indicators to show an intended change of direction, whether turning left or right, or moving out intotraffic.

This action is actually a legal requirement.

It is important that drivers use their indicators in good time, giving other road users enough time to react and adapt to the signal.

Too often Guyanese drivers wait until they are actually in the middle of changing direction beforeusingtheirtrafficindicators. Many times, some don't even botherusingtheirtrafficindicators.

Indicating properly sends the

right signal. Other road users will certainly appreciate drivers taking thetimetowarnthemwellbeforea changeindirection

Drivers, please try to use your traffic indicators appropriately Safe and courteous drivers always use their turn signals as a warning ornotification.

Please note that once you have completed the manoeuvre, make sure the indicator has been switched off, so as not to confuse otherroadusers.

Maintaininglanediscipline

some cases undertaking, dangerously

It is essential that drivers maintainlanediscipline,inorderto lessen the danger of an accident. Drivers, please try as much as possibleafterreadingthisarticleto maintain lane discipline at all times, so as to avoid the reckless endangerment of yourself and otherroadusers.

Using the horn

A casual walk around Georgetown will reveal a cacophony of horns in all their

danger

The aggressive frequency of honking a car's horn, especially doing so in the wrong situation mightbedangerousorunhelpfulto otherroadusers.Itmayalsostartle, panic or aggravate other road users, leading to further unsafe behaviours.

In fact, in some countries using your car horn indiscriminately can also land you with a fine if caught. So drivers, please try as much as possible to use your horns sparingly and properly And

(Part 1)

hazard lights when parking dangerously, illegally, or while speeding, as is dangerously becoming the norm for some local drivers.

Useyourhazardwarninglights responsibly

Do not tailgate

Tailgating is simply defined as driving dangerously close behind anothervehicle.

It is a most unsafe practice that is occurring far too often on Guyanese roads Irresponsible drivers often think it is acceptable to tailgate emergency and police vehicles, or any vehicle with a siren.

Street bullies often tailgate drivers they wish to overtake. This practiceismostunsafeandmustbe stopped immediately Actually, in some countries tailgating attracts a fine.

Drivers, please try to keep a safedistancefromthedriverahead of you. In other words, do not tailgate!

It is not only poor driving etiquette,buttailgatingalsogreatly reduces your reaction time and can cause you to slam into the vehicle infrontofyouifitstopssuddenly

One school of thought posits that drivers should follow the three-secondrule.

If it takes less than three secondsforthetailgatingvehicleto pass the same thing the car in front did,thenthedriverfollowingistoo close.

This requirement cannot be overstated. Too many local drivers are guilty of arbitrarily switching lanes at dangerous speeds putting themselves and other road users at risk.

Apparently, there are even localtermstodescribethisreckless behaviour such as “threading the needle”or“stitching.”

Bad lane discipline is often the resultofalackofforwardplanning and good observation, which can lead to drivers finding themselves in situations they are not prepared for Usually, this poor judgement stems from a lack of concentration orinexperience.

Moreover, in Guyana, some driverswhoseemtobeperpetually inahurryengageinthelawlessand reckless practice of arbitrary switching lanes; overtaking and in

gloriousvariety

It seems that Guyanese drivers while sometimes ignoring the use of their traffic indicators are fully aware of the location of their vehicle'shorns.

Conventional road traffic literature states that car horns should only be used to warn other road users of imminent danger and when a car is in motion essentially as an alert system. These alerts include the following: ifyouaretravellingaroundabend, and need to alert other motorists of your presence; other occasions when your presence may be unclear to road users, for example, foggy conditions; when your vehicle is obscured by something; when you need to avoid a potential accident; and when you need to alert a motorist or pedestrian of

tooting your horn just before the trafficlightschange,orassoonasit changes, is impolite and inappropriate.

Using the hazard warning lightscorrectly

Whenever a driver switches on his or her hazard warning lights, every indicator the car has begins toflash.

Drivers are only supposed to turn on their hazard warning lights when there is a need to warn other roadusersofahazard.

This hazard could be your car or an obstacle or animals on the road.

It is advisable that drivers turn ontheirhazardlightsiftheircarhas broken down and is obstructing traffic, or to warn other road users ofahazardahead.

Please drivers, never use

For instance, when the car in front passes a road sign, if the vehicle right behind passes the same sign in less than three seconds,that'stailgating.

This three-second distance rule is unwritten, but it is one drivers shouldalwaysfollow

Nextweek'sarticlewillexplore a few other notable driving etiquette rules that should be applied by drivers to ensure the safe,responsibleandcourteoususe of the road. It is time for Guyanese driverstorespecttheroadwaysand thosewhouseit.

Riskyanddiscourteousdriving is unsafe and dangerous. If you are reading this article and you are a driver, please make a wholesome effort to practice what is being discussedhere.

And if you perhaps know other drivers, please feel free to share thisinformationwiththem.

It is important that you hold the steering wheel with both hands when driving

InterestingCreatures...

The Cane Toad

By Shervin Belgrave

It is said that cane Although relatively farmers introduced the toad small to large mammals, This week’s interesting to the Caribbean, Australia, Cane Toads have a secret creature, the Cane Toad, is a and many other regions in weapon that can kill even scary looking and deadly the pacific, as a form of pest humans. The cane toad has animalthatgotitsnamefrom control because of their poisonglandsaboutitsbody, canefarmers. voracious appetite for Cane and their tadpoles are highly

The scientific name of Beetles Cane Beetles toxic to most animals if the Cane Toad is Rhinella destroy cane crops and the ingested. Its toxic skin can Marina, and it is native to cane toads are an excellent kill many animals, both wild Guyana and other South predator of cane beetles and domesticated, and they American countries. These Thoughcanecropsthrivedas are particularly dangerous to toads can also be found in aresultoftheintroductionof dogs. Central America and even this most efficient predator, Thepoisonousglandsare Australia. The common Cane Toads became a threat located in the skin of adult name of the species is to other native animals. The toads and behind the eyes. derived from its use against cane toad is now considered When threatened, its glands t h e c a n e b e e t l e a pest and an invasive secrete a milky-white fluid (Dermolepida albohirtum), species in many of its knownasbufotoxin.

In addition to releasing the Cane Toad feeds on a varyfrom14hourstoalmost whichdamagessugarcane. introducedregions. C o m p o n e n t s o f toxins, the cane toad is range of invertebrates, such a week. This process bufotoxin are toxic to many capableofinflatingitslungs, as ants, beetles, earwigs, usually involves thousands animals. Human deaths puffing up, and lifting its dragonflies, grasshoppers, of tadpoles which are have been recorded due body off the ground to true bugs, crustaceans, and small, black, and have short to the consumption of appear taller and larger to a gastropods.They also have a tails—formingintogroups. canetoads. potentialpredator taste for species of plants, Tadpoles develop into D o g s a r e Canetoadsarealsofierce household refuse and pet juveniles,between12and60 especially prone to be predators themselves food Cane Toads are days. Very few, however, poisoned by licking Unlike other frogs that prolific breeders; females makeittoadulthoodbecause orbitingtoads. identify small prey by lay single clump spawns o f p r e d a t o r s a n d Poisoned pets movement, the Cane Toad withthousandsofeggs. cannibalism. w o u l d s h o w uses its sharp vision and its A female lays 8,000 to Adults can grow up to an excessive drooling, keen sense of smell to detect 25,000 eggs at once and the average of four to six inches extremely red gums, prey strings can stretch up to 20 in length. The largest Cane head-shaking, watery In addition to the normal meters in length. The egg Toadgrewupto9.4inchesin e y e s , l o s s o f prey of small rodents, other grows into tadpoles which length. coordination, and small mammals, reptiles, typically hatch within 48 Source of information convulsions. small birds, and even bats, hours, but the period can (Canetoad-Wikipedia)

byBaileyandLewis.

Two little children were sitting by the fire onecoldwinter'snight.Allatoncetheyheard atimidknockatthedoor,andonerantoopen it.There, outside in the cold and the darkness, stood a child with no shoes upon his feet and cladinthin,raggedgarments.

Hewasshiveringwithcold,andheasked tocomeinandwarmhimself.

"Yes,come,"criedboththechildren;"you shall have our place by the fire Come in!"Theydrewthelittlestrangertotheirwarm seat and shared their supper with him, and gavehimtheirbed,whiletheyslepton a hard bench.In the night they were awakened by strains of sweet music and, looking out, they saw a band of children in shining garments approachingthehouse.

They were playing on golden harps, and theairwasfullofmelody

Suddenly the Stranger Child stood before them; no longer cold and ragged, but clad in silvery light.His soft voice said: "I was cold andyoutookMein.Iwashungry,andyoufed Me. I was tired, and you gave Me your bed. I am the Christ Child, wandering through the worldtobring

peace and happiness to all good children. As you have given to Me, so may this tree every year give rich fruit to you."So saying, He broke a branch from the fir tree that grew near the door, and He planted it in the ground anddisappeared.

But the branch grew into a great tree, and every year it bore wonderful golden fruit for thekindchildren.

Junior page

HOW TO MAKE PIPE CLEANERS SNOWFLAKE COASTERS

These charming DIY snowflake coasters are perfect for the holidays.

SUPPLIES: , Hot Glue Gun Scissors White Pipe Cleaners , DIRECTIONS

1 — Cut three 3-inch even pieces of pipe cleaner for the base of the snowflake.

2 — Next, cut six 1-inch even pieces of pipe cleaner for the design in the

center of the snowflake.

3 — Cut six 3/4 inch even pieces of pipe cleaner for the design.

4 — Using a hot glue gun, glue the three pipe cleaners together in a star shape for the base of the snowflake.

5 — Bend the smaller pieces into a “V” shape.

6 — Glue the smaller pieces onto each end to create a unique design for each snowflake.

You can vary the sizes and lengths of the pieces to make whatever type of snowflake you want!

Mrs. Turner's Pumpkin Pie

From last Sunday edition you, Jonathan?" she asked. "Come on in here. It's coldoutside."

I told her what happened thedaybefore.

"I was looking out the window when those boys came," said Mrs. Turner "I sawyouwiththem."

"I'm sorry, " I said and handed her the pumpkin and thebagwiththenewpiepan.

She sat the pumpkin on thecounterandlookedinthe bag. "What happened to the oldpiepan?"sheasked.

"You don't want to know," I said and looked at myshoes.

"Fair enough. Will you stayandhelpmemakeanew pie?"

I stayed a long time, and we made two pies Mrs Turner said I could take one home for my family's Thanksgiving dinner, and I asked if she would use the second for her family and their Thanksgiving dinner. Mrs. Turner smiled a little and told me that none of her family was coming for Thanksgiving this year She picked up the second pie and looked at it. She said, "I will probably have to freeze half ofmypie."

T h a t ' s w h e n I remembered what Mom had said about inviting Mrs Turner for Thanksgiving dinner "Will you come and eatwithus?"Iaskedher

"Why,Jonathan, I ' d

FUNWITHPOETRY

loveto!""You'renotgoingto tell my parents what I did, areyou?"

Mrs Turner didn't answer for a while. Finally, she said, "I don't think that willbenecessary."

Good morning, God

Good morning, God, and thank you For the glory of the sun, And thank you for the health I have, To get my duties done.

I shall devote the hours Of this golden day to You, By honouring Your holy name In everything I do.

I shall pursue my daily tasks Without complaint or fear, And spend my every effort To be friendly and sincere.

Once more, good morning, God, And please depend on me, Because I want to honour you For all eternity

Writing poetry can be a useful and satisfying way to use your holiday time

With the Christmas and New Year holidays coming up soon, it would be good to indulge in some activity that would help you to spend the timeusefully

Apart from indulging in some form of art, reading and visiting places of interest, a worthwhile activity, which can utilise your talents as well as provide much entertainment to you and others who will be reading them, is composing poems.

People write poetry for two main reasons: firstly, to capture feelings that they have experienced, and secondly, to communicate some message or feeling to their readers so as to get an emotional response in them. It must be recognised that the main difference between poetry and prose is this express purpose of getting your own or other people's emotions involved, and so thetopicmustbechosenwiththisin mind.

Writing a poem involves observing the world within or around you. A poem can be about anything, from love to the place you live. With

the right inspiration and approach, you can write a poem that you can be proud to share with others in class or with yourrelatives.

Having decided on a topic, you need to think of the style that you will be employing. There are various forms, which depend mainly on rhythm, rhyme and the number of lines in each verse. It

would be useful here to get hold of a variety of poetry booksandstudythese.

Here are a few tips to help you to start in this satisfyingpastime: 1.Know the purpose of yourwriting.

Aswesaidbefore,thisisto express the poet's feelings or generate some emotional responseinthereader 2.Useimagestomakeyour messagevivid.

This can be done by referring to things that you believe those reading your workarefamiliarwith.

3. Try to communicate the topic clearly Try to use language that is clear and not complicated.

4. Use similes, which tend to clarify what you need to express,e.g.ashappyasalark.

5 Like all writing, revise continuously so as to get the best versionofwhatyouwanttosay I hope you enjoy this wonderful pastime, and I will be delighted to publish any good efforts that you can s e n d t o m e a t : roypaul2002@yahoo com*****

UNCLEROY Tellitto

Hello,readers, UncleRoyisagainaskingallofyoutotryinsomeway tomakeacontributiontothispage,andthustothewelfareof you and your fellow readers. This contribution can take any formthatyoufeelwouldbevaluable–anaccountofwhatis going on in your community and country, any advice you would like to pass on to your fellow teen readers and, on a broader level, any comment or recommendation you would liketomaketoyourfellowGuyanese. Please remit same to my email roypaul2002@yahoo com, and be assured that your worthwhile contribution will have a prominent place on our page.

Waste not the Precious Hours

by Edgar Guest

I am rich, I have twenty-four hours to spend, Like golden coins they shine for me;

Let me not waste them, Neither let me spend them in hectic, nerve-shattering activity

I would have thought before using them: Let me spend a good portion of them for my daily work, and some form of creative activity; Let me save some for friendliness and helpfulness to others;

Let me spend at least one in looking up for guidance, with moments for quiet enjoyment of the wonderful worlds of nature, books, art and music;

Alittle I must save for fun, and then a number of the coins for a well-earned rest; And if, at the day's close, I find that some have been spent other than the way I had planned, let me not despair, for when I wake up tomorrow, my purse will be filled with twenty-four more coins, shining and new!

And I shall be twenty-four hours richer, and older and wiser than I was today

Solutions to last week’s

GalaxyConnect the dots to make edges so that each circle is surrounded by a symmetrical galaxy shape, and the puzzle is completely tiled with galaxies. Each galaxy shape must be rotationally symmetric, having an identical appearance when rotated 180 degrees. All puzzles © 2013

Time is the one benefit we are gifted with that cannot be replaced – make sure you spend it usefully while you have it.

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

1. Oil

Oil is the biggest culprit behind what we consider “dirty” hair. It can leave hair limp and clumpy. How much oil you produce depends on your age, genetics, sex, and environment. Children and older adults do not produce as much sebum as teenagers or adults in their 20s and 30s. While you may have once struggled with an oily scalp, your scalp can slowly become drier as you age

“There are some people with really fragile hair that becomes easily damaged with the act of washing. Those people might want to wash their hair every other week,” says Hughes. “There is an enormous range of how often a person might need to wash their hair”

Some people produce enough oil to need to wash their hair daily, but they are not the majority, according to Hughes. Most people only produce enough oil to wash every couple of days

2. Type of hair

Straight and thin hair needs to be washed more frequently than curly or wavy hair. Straight hair is easily coated by sebum, which means it looks greasy much faster. Thick, wavy, or curly hair tends to be dry since the oil doesn't coat the strands as easily. Sebum is an important part of beautiful, well-dened curls, because curly hair needs more moisture to stay soft and prevent frizzing

African-American hair needs to be washed the least. Overwashing, especially with harsh shampoos, can damage hair and lead to hair loss, especially when combined with chemical treatments or hair styles like tight braids that tug at the roots. People with tight curls or textured hair should wash their hair no more than once a week or every other week, according to the American Academy of Dermatology

3.

Sweat

No one is surprised that a sweaty workout can mess up your 'do. How much you sweat is a big factor in how frequently you need to wash, or at least rinse, your hair. Sweat can spread sebum and make your hair look and feel dirty. It can also cause your hair to smell less than fresh. Hughes recommends shampooing after sweaty workouts and anytime you wear a hat or helmet for extended periods of time

4. Physical dirt or pollen

Gardening, cleaning, and other messy tasks may be cause for a wash. Dirt, dust, and pollen can all get trapped on the hair. Not only will these make your hair look dull, but they can also exacerbate your allergies

5. Styling products

Styling products can build up on your hair and scalp and lead to irritation and damage. Frequent or heavy product use may mean that you need to wash your hair more frequently than if you skip the creams and sprays

Are you washing your hair too much?

Shampoo is designed to clean the scalp and remove excess oil. But if it's overused or if you work it all the way down the length of your hair, shampoo can damage your hair. Shampoo strips the important oils the scalp produces and can leave the hair and scalp too dry. To prevent this, only shampoo the roots of your hair. The ends will be cleaned when you rinse the shampoo out of your roots

“I see more problems with people overwashing their hair than you would think,” says Hughes. “If people didn't rely on these detergents so much the quality of people's skin would probably be better, especially as people get older. People in their 40s and 50s who are still washing their hair and scrubbing themselves as if they were teenagers are really damaging their skin. It takes a long time to x that.”

Dandruff and shampoo

Your dandruff may actually be a sign of overwashing. Dry hair, itching, and persistent aking or dandruff are all symptoms of an overly dry scalp. But that doesn't mean we should all banish washing our hair forever

“There's a feeling out there that some of the natural hair oils are helpful for the hair and that's certainly true, especially for people with curly hair,” says Hughes, “but you don't need all of the oil you are producing on the hair all the time ”

Shampooing less often is more of a personal preference Some people may experience itching when they wash less frequently. But for the most part, shampooing less will only change the appearance and feel of the hair. In extreme cases, you can get clogged pores or dandruff. Some people benet from skipping traditional detergent-based shampoo altogether or using it rarely.

Say hello to the lovely Christine Rajnauth, a student at the University of Guyana pursuing a Bachelor’s of Medicine, Bachelor’s of Surgery Degree (MBBS). Christine enjoys going to the gym, making polymer clay earrings and learning from the wisdom of those around her. Her favourite quote is “Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world” (Howard Zinn).

Ch ri stine Rajnauth

Cuisine Culture

ByRenaySambach

Having a craving for pies is what led Omar Sattaur to open his own pie business right here in Georgetown called: “Pie Bai.”

It has been four years since Sattaur opened his business and sincethenhehasbeenwhippingup avarietyofsavorygoodnessforhis customers.Heusedhissixyearsof knowledgeworkinginarestaurant to help him adapt and set about makinghisbusinessasuccess.

A pie is a type of food made with meat, vegetables, or fruit coveredinpastryandbaked.There arefourtypesofpies:cream,fruit, custard,andsavory

During an interview with this

newspaper, the business owner said, “I wanted to eat pie here in Guyana, but there was nowhere making any I immediately recognized that there wasaneedforsuchaplaceandsoI decided to embark on this journey of opening my own pie business: PieBai.”

Who would have thought that thesimplecravingforadishwould lead to such a successful business enterprise?

“I have dessert pies and meat pies and everything pie related, such as cheesecakes, quiches, pizzas, cobblers and crumbles. Classic dessert pies like: apple, lemon meringue, sweet potato, pecan, pumpkin, banana cream, coconut cream pie and chocolate cream Meat pies like chicken/beef/fish, veggie, jalapeños,mozzarella,orpizzatop pie (my own creation) shepherd’s piesandcottagepies,”Sattaursaid.

Someotheritemsonthemenu are: beef pie, fish pie, stripped chicken pie, pizza top pie, beef/chicken/fish quinche.

AQuicheisaFrench tart consisting of a pastry

crust filled with savoury custard andpiecesofcheese,meat,seafood orvegetables.

At Pie Bai, customers can also try one of their delectable cheesecakes in vanilla, chocolate, passionfruit,guavaorcoffee.Also available are a variety of pizzas such as: veggie, cheese, barbeque chickenandsausage&cheese.

When asked what is his best seller Sattaur shared that his customerstrulyenjoyhisapplepie andchickenjalapenospie.

Since 2018, Sattaur’s pie business has catered to several e v e n t s i n c l u d i n g anniversaries, birthdays a n d o f f i c e parties/meetings.

Pie Bai is located at 242 Pike Street, Campbell v i l l e Geo r

:getown (closer to Sheriff Street) Sattaur’s business works on pre orders at leastonedayinadvance.That way pickup and delivery can be properlyarranged.

Sattaur said, “I was born and raised in Guyana. I attended H a p p y Hearts Nursery, a n d then Stella Mari s Primary S chool then I

w e n t o n t o N o r t h Georgetown Secondary I then worked at Frandec Travel service for six yearsandthenatHoward’s R estaurant for seven years beforeIopenedmyownbusiness.”

When asked about his longtermgoalwithhisbusiness,Sattaur sharedthathewantshisbusinessto flourishintothe“KFCofpies.”

To contact Omar, you can visit his Facebook page @sliceofpie22 or call/WhatsApp (592) 651-2702 orcall227-6358

(To share any useful information you can contact me via email @naesambach@g mail.com)

Suri Trading launches award-winning

Rosé and Processo on display at the launch

ByShervinBelgrave

Suri Trading on Thursday evening launched an award-winning line of Garibaldisparklingwine,justintime fortheChristmasholidays.Thelaunchwasheld at the Tribe Gastronomic Lounge on Church Street,Georgetown.

Garibaldi is a product from neighbouring Brazil.

The Garibaldi line includes the Prosecco, Prosecco Rosé, the Ice Prosecco, Moscatel, Moscatel Rosé, Extra Brut, Rosé Brut, Pinot NoirandtheChardonnaywines.

Allofthewineswereavailableforsampling at the launch and based on the feedback from

attendees, Garibaldi is a must have at your parties, dinner table or even at a datenight.

Lester Glenn, owner of a Wine distributing Company in Florida, USA said, “I heard it is from Brazil and it’s not a bad wine…not a bad wine.”

Corey Allen, another customer who attended the launch said, “It’s excellent” while disclosing that Garibaldi has a flavour for almost anyevent.

“This one (pointing to a bottle Prosseco Rosé) is good for date night, the alcohol percentage is low and it is on the sweeter side and if you want something stronger for a party, there is the Prosecco Ice”, a gleeful Allen said.

The Prosecco Rosé was the favourite among the ladies who attended the launch and sampledtheGaribaldiLineofwines.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Suri Trading, Frank Sanichara, told Kaieteur News thatGaribaldiisaninternationalbrandofwine that has won over 70 awards at wine shows in France, Argentina, Chile and many other countries.

Sanicharasaidsincethewine’sintroduction toGuyana,saleshavebeenclimbingmakingthe

w i n e p o p u l a r H e di sclosed that introductory prices are beingo f feredforafewmonths.

Garibaldi wine is available in almost all of the local supermarkets including DSL and Foodmax. Prices for a bottle of the awardwinning wine range from $4500 to $6000 at localsupermarkets.However,personsdesirous of purchasing the wine wholesale can contact SuriTradingontelephonenumber233-2473.

Christmas is theseasonof goodwill

Duringthistime,private companies, government agencies,andindividuals seek to engage in efforts to give back or support onecauseoranother

However, for Dave Lall, the proprietor o Dave’sRealtyandProperty Management Agency giving back to society and supporting particularly those in need is an all-year roundeffort.

Lall and his wife Mandy founded their real estate companyapproximatelyfive years ago. Prior to this, the realtor was engaged in another type of business but it was not yielding the returnsthathehopedfor Heexplained,“Wehada businessbutitwasnotdoing well, so my wife and I decided to venture into real estate.”

The businessman explained that as the businessstartedtotakeoff,it wasdecidedthatgivingback tothecommunityandpeople

w o uld be a hallmark of the company

“We are a relatively small company but I still wanted to do more than just makemoney.Someandmy wifeatdifferenttimesinthe year, we support various causes,”Lallsaid.

The businessman told this publication that his decisionwasgroundedinthe fact that although he came from a wealthy family, he knewwhatitistostruggle.

He said, “I came from a family with wealth but we are traditional so I know what it means to build for myself and I have seen days

here I was down to my last $500 and it was people thathadtohelpme.”

“…As such, I always vowed that should I make it inlifeoneday,Iwillalways reach back and assist as many people as I can,” he added.

Lall said further that most of his adult years were spent finding his purpose andworkingtoachievewhat hehastoday

He said, “We spent the first few years building our business quietly in the background until we started to actually earn an income and could have afforded to help.”

N o w , t h e businessmansaidthat his company offers support to various organizations and individuals all year round.

“Sofar,asareal estatecompany,we built a fully accessorized house for a differently abled woman, continue to donate hampersandcashassistance tofamiliesinneed,”hesaid, adding that “At Christmas, the company gives out over half a million dollars in assistance...”

Lall said that the company’s efforts really got underway at the start of the COVID-19pandemic.

“There was so much need, that we decided to reach out to my friends who areinthepoliticalarenalike James Bond and Rae Lam, these are people who were assisting and I started to workalongwiththemtohelp donate and distribute hampers,”hesaid.

Lall continued “Initially,

westartedoutassisting;The Citizenship Initiative led by Lambutastimeprogressed.

We diverted onto our own and have since assisted over 1,500 families and individualpeopleinGuyana.

Asasmallcompanywithnot muchreach,weconsiderthat amajorsuccess.”

“To date, we have

donated over 600 food hampers, wheelchairs, medical equipment, and household items such as beds, mattresses, sheet sets, stoves, gas, and bottle. We have donated clothing, footwear, sponsored orphanages, donated over a milliondollarsincashat

Dave Lall and his wife, Mandy manage a small real estate company in Guyana

CoreyAllen and two of his friends enjoy the taste of the Garibaldi sparkling Wine

The Prosseco

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR

‘AddictiveBeauty’ FOR THAT GLAMOROUS LOOK

when I was younger and going to the salon, I always loved that feeling yougetwhenyourhairis all up you get that extra spark. I realised it was something I loved.When my family and friends would ask me to do theirhair,Iwouldalwaysbehappytodoso,” shetoldthismagazine.

ByAllyiahAllicock

While we are accustomed to changing and rearranging our homesaroundthistimeofthe year,ladies,itwouldnothurtforyoutotreat yourselvestoamakeoverthisChristmas.Get the hairstyle you always dreamed of from ‘AddictiveBeauty’.

‘Addictive Beauty’ was established in 2018, and is owned by the talented 28-year old Brianca Gillis. Guided by her passion a mastery of the hair, Brianca and her team at Addictive Beauty are in the business of creating hairstyles that make you feel your best. They cater for all your hair needs and will have you looking glamorous for that specialoccasion.

At Addictive Beauty, they specialize in Fabulous.

Gillisinanexclusiveinterviewwiththis magazine related that being in the beauty business was no surprise, since it was something that grabbed her attention ever sinceshewasyounger “ I w a s insp

Gillis added that soon after she realised thatthiswassomethingshewantedtopursue, she went about developing her knowledge and skills in hair artistry She went to Trinidad where she did her first hair course and this set her on the path to becoming an entrepreneur She decided to open her own businessbackin2018.

Now she not only specializes in hair design and styling, sheis

s t h a t treat and preserves natural hair “I already have a hair growth oil onthemarketthat’sbeengoing sowellthatIwillbeputtingout moresoon,”shementioned.

Eversincethelaunchofher business, the young woman said that her support base has been great coming from her family and friends, “they all have been there to help me in somewayortheother.”

Not forgetting the challenges, she faced over the years,Gillisdisclosedthatone themajorchallengesthatstood

outforherwasnothavingenoughcapitalto keep going. “Then w e n harder cause you had to be on the safe side not g o i n g anywhere or having the money to keep going,”she added. But with God and the ofherfamily, never let the setbacksgetinherway, shekeptgoing.

Now she is on the verge of taking things to the next level. She has plans to take her beauty business throughout Guyana. “I wish to have myproductsineverytown also to have my products in every supermarket and possibly worldwide,” she revealed.

Stating that young entrepreneurs such as herselfmakeameaningful contributiontothesociety today, Gillis is of the firm beliefthat“Alotofyoung

n r s have much to give to society like, new products, natural stuff; most of them put the time and energyintotheirproductsand somewillevenprovidejobs.”

Looking to see emerging businesses in our country prosper, our featured entrepreneur made mention that in order to boost small businesses locally, there must be greater access to capital to assist small businesses and to give them that lift and a little morespotlight.

Continuing to show your support to our small businesses, persons desirous of utilizing Gillis’ services can reach out to her via telephone number (592) 6876569, or on Tik Tok and I n s t a g r a m a t

Addictive

beauty and on FacebookatBriancaGillis

Young Entrepreneur, Brianca Gillis

Some of Gillis’work.

“A lot of young entrepreneurs have much to give to society, new products, natural stuff; most of them put the time and energy into their products and some will even provide jobs.”

From page 16

The woman told police combination of low cost has confidently told Importantly, the audit will that Sawh’s handbag where barrels that are inextricably Investors on numerous cost Guyanese some she kept all her money, tied to a Production Sharing occasions that it is poised to US$751,000. pension book and other Agreement (PSA) that make a comfortable US$1B important documents was allows for fast recovery of in annual profits from each Niece confessed to missingfromthebedroom. expenses. ship. involvement in Sawh’s body is presently He said the partners murder of elderly aunt at the Bailey’s Funeral alreadyhavefoursanctioned Athletics Coach …Cops hunt neighbour Parlour awaiting a post projects from the Guyana arrested for allegedly mortemexamination. Government and are looking raping girl, 14 Roshanie Basdeo, the to bring a fifth on board niece of 85 year old

Thursday - Dec 1, 2022 soonest. “What sets us apart ANationalCoachwason Sumintra Sawh who was from competitors is that we Wednesday arrested for brutally murdered on Oil Co. tells Investors to have a growing piece of real allegedly raping a 14-year Monday, has confessed to brace for more estate in Guyana, one that is old girl on Friday last after a colluding with Sawh’s announcements on thebesttheindustryhasseen training session at the neighbour to rob and kill the Guyana’s oil resources thisdecade. Leonora Track and Field elderly woman for her We have seen fantastic Centre, West Coast can gain entry to execute Sawh slept in the front savingsandhouse. Chief Executive Officer exploratory results there and Demerara(WCD). their plan Sawh was bedroom while she slept in K a i e t e u r N e w s (CEO) of Hess Corporation, there is potential for Region Three Police sleeping when the man thebackbedroomofthetwounderstandsthatthe37-year John Hess has told Investors doubling those finds. The Commander, Mahendra entered the upper flat of the storey wooden and concrete old woman confessed on to brace for a ‘major partners are working Siwnarine, confirmed with house and Basdeo led him to house. Monday night while in upgrade’ to the 11 billion aggressively to develop this this newspaper that the the woman’s room and She claimed that she was police custody Investigators barrels of oil equivalent world class resource,” the Coach was nabbed at the showed him her handbag awakenedbyanunidentified are currently on the hunt for resources discovered at the HessChiefstated. sports facility during the which contained the money male,whoheldaknifetoher theneighbour StabroekBlock. In terms of the state of afternoon hours while the she was saving to build her throat and demanded money Sawh, known as ‘Aunty During the recently held play for its current projects, National Schools’Track and fence. at about 03:00h on Monday. Betty’ofLot131Section‘B’ Bank of America Securities Hess said the Liza Phase 1 Field Championships was is The 37-year-old woman Basdeo said the man Bush Lot, West Coast Global Energy Conference, and Phase 2 developments infullswing. told police that the removed her from the Berbice (WCB) was found Hess said ExxonMobil are currently operating at Siwnarine said that his neighbour beat the elderly bedroom she was sleeping laying face up on her bed Corporation’s affiliate and their combined gross ranks had received a sexual woman with an object. She in. with blood stains about her operator of the block, Esso production capacity of more assault report against the claimed that she begged him While outside, she said body Investigations Exploration and Production to stop but he continued to she noticed another man revealedthatthewomanwas Guyana Limited (EEPGL), poundthewoman. with Sawh in the front stabled six times: once each marked nine significant After brutally killing bedroom. The woman said to both sides of the temple, discoveries for 2022 alone. Sawh, the neighbour left her she was taken to the lower threetotheforeheadandone Thesediscoveries,namelyat room with the bag flat of the house and tied to a tothebackofthehead. Fangtooth 1, Lau Lau 1, containing the money and chair with a sling. While Kaieteur News was Barreleye 1, Patwa 1, reportedly scrambled there she said, she heard reliably informed that Lukanani-1,Seabob-1,Kiru- Basdeo by the neck and cut Sawh yelling, “Don’t kill me Basdeo and Sawh’s Kiru 1, Sailfin 1 and herlefthand. granddaughter”. neighbour agreed that he Yarrow-1 wells, have yet to Basdeo told police that Shortly thereafter, the would take the woman’s be appraised for the number themanthreatenedtokillher unidentified man who was savings amounting to ofbarrelstheyhold. and the rest of her family if with Sawh appeared in the $350,000 and purchase a

The Hess boss said this she revealed their plan to lower flat and both men motor scooter while she ‘fantastic rate of exploration anyone. searched the flat before would by virtue of her success’ especially at one of However, the woman makinggoodtheirescape. relationshipwiththewoman, the most prime pieces of oil had initially told police that After their exit, Basdeo covetthehouse. real estate is in keeping with she arrived at the deceased’s said she untied herself and Basdeo,whowasSawh’s the partners drive to grow home at about 16:45-hours ran to the upper flat of the caretaker, told law future cash flow for than 360,000 barrels of oil Coach and had launched an on Sunday and at about house and saw Sawh lying investigators that she left shareholders. per day at the Stabroek investigation. 19:00h,sheandSawhretired motionless on her bed in a Sawh’s door open so that he Hess said, “If you are Block. K a i e t e u r N e w s to bed. She told police that poolofblood. going to grow future cash The third developmentat understands from sources flow then you need to grow Payara is on track to come close to the case, that the your resource. We had our online at the end of 2023 alleged sexual assault took first discovery in 2015 and utilizing the Prosperity place while the Coach was this is on an over 6 million Floating, Production, assisting a number of acre block. We have 30 Storage and Offloading athletes for the ongoing percent interest and Exxon (FPSO) vessel with a N a t i o n a l S c h o o l s ’ has 45 with the remainder production capacity of Championship. being held by our Chinese approximately 220,000 When the training partner, CNOOC. We have gross barrels of oil per day session ended, the man h a d 2 9 s i g n i f i c a n t The fourth development, allegedly lured the 14-year discoveries and we had nine Yellowtail, is expected to old girl into the room where alonethisyear.” come online in 2025, he allegedly sexually

The CEO added, “Our utilizingtheONEGUYANA assaultedher resourcehasbeengrowingin FPSO with a production The victim later Guyana. In fact, it moved capacity of approximately confided in a friend and told fromonebillionbarrelsofoil 250,000 gross barrels of oil the individual about what equivalent to 11 billion. The perday had happened to her and ninediscoveriesthisyearare Aplan of development is contact was immediately not in that resource base expected to be submitted to madewithaWelfareOfficer estimate so there will be a the Government of Guyana

Her parents were major upgrade to that before year end for a fifth subsequently informed of number.” development,Uaru,whichis the incident and a report was

Hess said he and the expected to come online at lodged with the police. The partners feel fortunate to be the end of 2026 with a gross 14-year-old athlete has since leading the production at the production capacity of been taken to a medical Stabroek Block since the approximately 250,000 facilitywhereshewas discoveries offer a sweet barrels of oil per day Hess

Dead: Sumintra Sawh called ‘Aunty Betty’

Remanded: Roshanie Basdeo

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

From page 65 Meanwhile, the National examined K a i e t e u r N e w s

Procurement and Tender understands that the examination AdministrationBoard(NPTAB)on confirmed that the girl was raped its website said that Avinash and a move was made to arrest the Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc. suspect Investigations are won the bid for the construction of ongoing. the administrative building following a competitive bidding

Friday – Dec 2, 2022 process The $890,440,820 contract for the construction of the French Co. awarded building was awarded on contract to supply pipelines for November15,2022. fifth unapproved project

Saturday – Dec 3, 2022

After signing a 10-year frame agreement with ExxonMobil Int’l Group urges Guyana affiliate Esso Exploration and to plug loopholes for abuse Production Guyana Limited between oil companies (EEPGL) for the supply of line- and subcontractors pipe products last year, French company Vallourec has secured

After examining the extent to threemajorcontractstoprovidethe which many African oil-producing items for the oil company’s nations have been used and abused upcoming Yellowtail and Urau by oil companies and their projects, as well as the Gas to that are both technology and production,waterinjection,andgas approximately 6 8 miles (11 subcontractors and/or related Energy venture set to bring natural efficiency enablers.” It was noted re-injection wells); installation and kilometers) south of the Uaru-1 parties, Oxfam America, a gasfromtheseabedtoland. however that the recently signed operation of Subsea, Umbilicals, well. The project cost is yet to be transparency watchdog, says

In a press release, the French contract is subject to ExxonMobil Risers, and Flowlines equipment; identified. Guyana and other new oil players company said it had won a major Guyana securing necessary installation and the operation of a must take note and urgently Line-Pipe order from ExxonMobil approvals from the Government of Floating Production, Storage, and $890M contract awarded to implement mechanisms to protect Guyana. “Vallourec has secured a Guyana for the project. Vallourec’s Offloading (FPSO) vessel in the buildAdmin. building at CJIA itspeople. third major order in the framework Chairmansaidthecontractisanew eastern half of the Stabroek Block; According to the global of the Long Term Agreement milestone in the company’s long and ultimately project Avinash Contracting and Scrap research group, all governments (LTA) signed last year with history with ExxonMobil, and “I decommissioning. The FPSO will Metal Inc. has been awarded a have a right to know how their oil ExxonMobil Guyana. Under the would like to thank ExxonMobil be designed to produce up to $890M contract to construct an money is being used by companies contract, Vallourec will deliver once again for its confidence and 250,000. The initial production is Administrative Office at the to cover project costs Oxfam line pipe for ExxonMobil ourownteamsforthisgreatwork.” expected to begin by the end of Cheddi Jagan International Airport warned however that companies Guyana’s deep water Uaru Vallourec says it’s a world 2025–early 2026, with operations (CJIA),Timehri. often seek out varying ways and project,”thecompanysaid. leaderinpremiumtubularsolutions continuingforatleast20years. The award of this contract means to prevent countries and It noted that the Uaru project is for the energy markets and for The Urau discovery involves follows the completion of the their relevant authorities from located in the Stabroek Block, a demanding industrial applications two parts In January 2020, US$150M expansion and knowingtoomuch. 26,800 km2 strategic basin located such as oil & gas wells in harsh ExxonMobil announced that Uaru- rehabilitationoftheairport. Specifically, Oxfam in a report off Guyana’s continental shelf, environments, new generation 1 was their 16th discovery in the On Thursday, Kaieteur News titled: “Examining the Crude where several important power plants, challenging Stabroek Block The well reported that President Irfaan Ali Details” said companies tend to discoveries have been made since architectural projects, and high- encountered approximately 94 feet announced that Government look for loopholes in agreements 2015.TheGroupsaiditwilldeliver performance mechanical (29 meters) of high-quality oil- intends to spend more money on a signed with nation’s or even 35,000 metric tons of line-pipe, equipment “Vallourec’s bearing sandstone reservoir and newterminalattheairport. weaknesses in a country’s including2,000metrictonsofX80, pioneering spirit and cutting-edge was drilled in 6,342 feet (1,933 “As I speak to you tonight, we legislative framework which they an innovative and unique material R&D open new technological meters) of water ExxonMobil said are already contemplating a can exploit to keep they are developed and qualified by frontiers. With close to 17,000 last April that Urau-2 added to the Terminal Two because you have to spendinghiddenfromscrutiny Vallourec’s R&D teams. “The X80 dedicated and passionate previously announced gross get it”, said President Ali at the To lend credence to its combines high strength with employees in more than 20 discovered recoverable resource Guyana Manufacturing and argument, Oxfam showed how the resistance to service conditions, countries, Vallourec works hand- estimate for the block, which is Services Association (GMSA) hands of Ghana’s Petroleum making it a key enabler for future in-hand with its customers to offer currently estimated to be dinner and awards. The President Commission were tied some years deeper-waterdevelopments.” more than just tubes. Vallourec approximately 9 billion oil said that Government intends to ago when it tried to verify costs

Vallourec highlighted that delivers innovative, safe, equivalent barrels Drilling at build a second terminal at the chargedupontheAfricancountry “following the Yellowtail and Gas- competitive, and smart tubular Uaru-2 encountered approximately airport to facilitate the rapid Oxfam noted that it is common to-Energy orders, signed under the solutions, to make every project 120 feet (36.7 meters) of high- increaseinarrivalshere. for drilling rigs to experience same LTA, the Uaru order further possible,”thecompanysaid. quality -oil bearing reservoir and “By 2025, the projections are mechanical downtime. It said that strengthens Vallourec’s strategic Exxon’s Yellowtail and Urau was drilled in 5,659 feet (1,725 that we will be creeping past one typically,thedrillingsubcontractor supplier relationship with projects are the fourth and fifth oil meters) of water and is located millionarrivals”,headded.

(Continued on page 67) ExxonMobil Guyana, underpinned ventures being undertaken in the by a significant backlog of line- prolific offshore Stabroek Block, pipe orders of approximately while the Gas to Energy project, is 90,000 metric tons (or 520 km of geared to provide electricity at line pipe) booked since December significantly cheaper rates, the 2021 Vallourec will serve government has touted ExxonMobilGuyanafromitsstate- ExxonMobil’s Environmental of-the-artJeceaba. Impact Assessment (EIA) for the

Philippe Guillemot, Chairman Yellowtail, development costs are and Chief Executive Officer of poisedtoexceedUS$9BorGY$1.8 Vallourec, related that, “This trillion. significant new contract represents It said that costs are expected to the third under the 10-year frame be higher since there would be a agreement signed last year with greater number of development ExxonMobil Guyana. Our new wells and associated drilling costs grade X80 has been qualified by when compared to previous ExxonMobil and will be field- projects. The project documents proven with this order, said that Yellowtail will consist of demonstrating Vallourec’s ability the drilling of approximately 41 to to deliver solutions to the industry 67 development wells (including

Artist's Impression of Natural Gas Plant that will collect the gas from the Liza field

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport. (Mike Charles photo)

From page 66

Oxfamwaskeentonotethatthe must be compensated by the oil right to pre-approve costs is a operator for nonproduction time if valuable opportunity for nations it exceeds one percent in a given since it allows them to revise or yearforexample. disallow expenditures before they

The Federation continued, would be incurred. Oxfam said this “ Because Ghana’s Petroleum is a unique opportunity for nations Commissioncouldnotaccessthese to take advantage of as opposed to drilling service agreements, it was trying to find well-hidden inflated unable to confirm in 2015, the billsduringtheauditingperiod. terms and conditions of

Oxfam said, “While pre compensation. Assuming a rig is approvals are no substitute for cost down for 10 percent of the year, at auditing, they provide a critical US$100,000 to US$200,000 a day, oversight mechanism that may the cost could be as high as US$7 directly control costs as well as million.” supplement the technical expertise

The transparency advocate required to verify costs.Audits are, added, “The Commission had no by nature, reactive rather than information on the extent to which proactive. the companies had been Hence, a review of planned reimbursed for nonproduction time costs by industry regulators is an by the oil operators and if those important safeguard for moneys were unreasonable or government revenues. It should inflated.” also reduce the workload of

To overcome this challenge, auditors, allowing them to focus on Oxfam wrote that the Commission the level of costs and relevant tax put legal requirements in place that treatment.” ensures it can approve all To prove the usefulness of subcontractingagreements. having legal grounds for pre

This now protects Ghana from approvals, Oxfam said in 2016, being victims of inflated costs and Ghana’s Petroleum Commission incomecases,fakeexpenses. refused to approve a second

In fact, Ghana moved to floating, storage, and production strengthenitsoillawsin2016. The offshore (FPSO) unit for Tullow law states that where a discovery is Oil. declared commercial, the oil The commission said there was company must submit to the no business case for the British Ministry of Energy (in practice, the company to have another one Petroleum Commission) a plan of orderedwhenitcouldsavecostsfor development and operation, the country by utilizing a similar including detailed information on FPSO that was nearby in the same manipulation but also to ensure PrincesStreetpensioner made good his escape on foot; he allproposedexpenditures. field. This approach saved Ghana they demand the approval of all killed following wasseenrunningfromthehouse.

The laws categorically state US$1Bincosts. subcontracting agreements. It said argument with nephew Police said that Harris was thatanoilcompanycannotproceed Taking the foregoing into too that nations must establish found dead by her neighbour who without approval from the consideration, Oxfam America has systems to catalogue the A 75-year-old Princes Street, had heard loud screams coming Petroleum Commission which urged oil producers like Guyana to information received so it can be Georgetown woman was on Friday from the woman’s house. The thoroughly investigates those notonlystrengthentheirlegislative usedforriskassessment. reportedly stabbed to death by her neighbour said she contacted proposedexpenses. framework to guard against cost nephew Harris’s niece to inform her about Dead is Audrey HarrisofLot11Princes Street,Georgetown.

A c c o r d i n g t o reports, the woman’s 50 year old nephew, who is reportedly mentally ill, allegedly committed the heinous crime. He lived in the lower flat of the twostorey house which Harris also shared with herreputedhusband.

Police said that after the reputed husband of Harris left for work, she and her nephew reportedly got into an argument in the yard She reportedly insisted that man move out from the lower flat of the house. The man reportedlyrefused.

the screams. It was the Harris reportedly niece who instructed armed herself with a the neighbour to enter hammer while her Harris’s house to see nephew grabbed a knife. The man whathadtranspired. reportedly stabbed Harris to her Harriswasfoundlyinginapool necktwicebeforeshecollapsedand of blood in her yard at about bled to death. The man reportedly 09:00h.

Charged with rape of minor, Constable Neal Dookram

U.S. Ambassador to support measures that allow PWD to have equal access to opportunities

held at her residence in freedoms, by all persons Council of Oragnisations for The young woman honourofInternationalDay with disabilities and to Persons with Disabilities] explained that while in high o f P e r s o n s w i t h promote respect for their callforyouthandallpersons school, she studied business Disabilities. inherentdignity of her disability,

She said that with over “Our governments, unable to pursue the 48,000 persons living with United States disabilities in Guyana, an have signed what motivated inclusive approach to convention in get into the work d e v e l o p m e n t t h a t our intent to abide by going to the guarantees the rights of its principles i v e r s i t y , persons with disabilities is work towar derstanding essential if Guyana is to m e e t i n g i life… and these attain broad based obligations. courses teach you development that assures It’s my hope how to look at equal opportunities for all that we continue h i n g s itscitizens. o u r s t r o n differently Plus I

UShe noted that the partnership ad my own purpose of the United pursuit of th battles in life and I nited States independent lives driven by Nations (UN) Convention important a learn to be resilient Ambassador to self determination and on the Rights of Persons urgent work,” soon. Guyana Sarah contribute on equal terms to

with Disabilities is to Ambassadorstated. think I am Ann-Lynch has committed the development of their promote, protect and ensure A t F r i enough to help to supporting measures that communities. t h e f u l l a n d e q u a l reception, the Ambassador persons, I think I have will see persons with Ambassador Lynch enjoyment of all human r e c o g n i s set and the disabilities enjoying equal made this commitment on rights and fundamental acknowledged to help especially access to opportunities, live Friday during a reception done by several young youths because I had just afforded their rights of people who are attached to existed the youth stage,” she inclusion in mainstream life, the United StatesAgency for explained.

in elections and in International Development

Sookra thanked Mr. governance and for devising (USAID) Youth Advocacy, Ganesh Singh, Programme innovative ways of L i n k a g e s , L e a d e r s h i p i n E l e c t i o n s a n d Society (ALLIES) community

“I would like to a c k n o w l e d g e Meredith Applegate

[ I n t e r n a t i o n a l Foundation for Electoral Systems’ (IFES) Country Director to Guyana] and the entire team of the USAID Youth ALLIES programme for responding to GCOPD’s [Guyana

supporting this call,” she Coordinator of GCOPD for expressed. encouragingandguidingher

Anjali Sookra, one of the Sookra will soon graduate young persons actively from the University of engaged in community Guyana with a Bachelor’s development under the Degree in Social Work and USAID Youth ALLIES intends to pursue her programme, spoke with Master’s Degree in the near Kaieteur News onFriday future.

Sookra, who is visually “The USAID is very impaired, is a Guidance and important and they are Counselling Officer playing a very vital role in attachedtothePortMourant the disability enhancement,” Secondary School, and the shetold Kaieteur News facilitator for IFES in M i n i s t e r o f

RegionSix. Parliamentary Affairs and

“I basically work with Governance, Gail Teixeira, children in the school Members of the Diplomatic guiding and counselling C o r p s , M a y o r o f them, guide them in career Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, paths and try to develop Opposition Members of them. I also work with Parliament and members of persons with disability,” GCOPD were among shedisclosed.

attendeesatthereception.

Guidance and Counselling Officer at Port Mourant Secondary School, Anjali Sookra.

U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann-Lynch

Ganesh Singh, Programme Coordinator of GCOPD speaks at the reception.

Two young men perform at the International Day of Persons with Disabilities reception hosted by the U. S. Ambassador

L-R: Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira; Mayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine; U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Sarah Ann-Lynch and Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr. Karen Cummings.

Mental Health murders

of a baby and the startling baby Ranks found her elderly woman, Audrey noise lasted for a while walking in the streets Harris, 75, of Princes Street before there was sudden cuddling the child in her Georgetown was allegedly silence. arms. stabbed to death by her

A short while later, a That young lady was mentallyillnephew young lady carrying a naked later identified as Gamell’s The killing reportedly newborn with bloodied granddaughter, a 22-year took place around 09:00hrs hands knocked on the old primary school teacher on Friday, police reported. woman’sdoor andmotherofthenewborn. Thementallyillmanlivedin

The woman responded She was reportedly the bottom flat of the and was deeply disturbed at diagnosed with the sight. She recalled the p o s t p a r t u m young lady handing her the depression, a babywhilesaying,“mybaby mental condition. justdied”. Her relatives did

Detective The

By Shervin Belgrave

The woman refused to not know that her take the child and recalled condition was so that the young lady walked severeandshedid out of the yard with the baby n o t g e t t h e andleft. treatment she

S h e b e c a m e needed. s u s p i c i o u s t h a t It proved to

The murder of of depression and seek something terrible might be a fatal error three grannies t h e n e c e s s a r y have happened at that ended with have shocked the professional medical

Gamell’s home and the death of her nation, this past week, but interventions. called 911. When grandmother after twoofthemwerecommitted Many believe that detectives arrived, they she was sent to by individuals suffering persons suffering from found the pensioner dead spend the night at from mental illnesses and mental health illnesses onherkitchenfloor. the woman’s one wonders if this could be are only harmful to

There were large home. serioustrenddeveloping. themselves but they can gaping wounds to the It is still

In a recent statement also be dangerous to woman’s home and on the back of her neck and unclear how Gamell was issued by the Guyana Police others. dayinquestion,accordingto anothertotherightsideof k i l l e d b e c a u s e h e r Force (GPF), Acting Studies done by police, he had an argument

herhead.Someofherhair granddaughter could not Commissioner of Police, psychoanalysts have with Harris after she asked appeared to be cut off and recall anything about the CliftonHickensaidthatheis found that most of the him to move out of her was found next to her incident to the police; deeply concerned about the perpetrators behind house. body however, an autopsy killings. mass shootings in the

He reportedly refused to Detectives also found revealed that she died from While the Force has United States result leave and the argument a pair of blood-stained multipleinjuriestothebody vowed to work closely with from some form of ensued ended with death. scissors on top of a gas Theteacheriscurrentlya the Ministry of Human mental illness affecting A woman reportedly The nephew reportedly stove and suspected that it patient in the psychiatric Services and other theperpetrators.

heard loud screams coming armed himself with a knife could be the weapon used to ward at the Georgetown stakeholderstomitigatesuch During the wee hours of from the home of her 75- and stabbed Harris twice to killGamell. Public Hospital Corporation crimes, it is being forced to Sunday, a killing occurred at year-old neighbour, Agatha herneck. Their prime suspect was (GPHC) undergoing a advise families to lookout Charity on the Essequibo Gamell. The screams were He is currently on the the young lady seen with psychologicalevaluation. for relatives showing signs Coast,RegionTwo. accompanied with the cries run. bloodied hands and a naked Five days later, another

$149M contract inked to build 8000 sq.m.

tarmac for vendors at Leonora Market

The Ministry of Local

In the meantime, the Itwasreportedthatwhen Government and Regional trenches and drains the works on the market Development on Friday surrounding the market area tarmac are completed, signed a $149M contract to will be cleaned and up kept vendors would be able to build a brand new tarmac to by the Neighbourhood operate under better and betteraccommodatevendors DemocraticCouncil(NDC). improvedconditionsandthis at the Leonora Market,

This publication had will in turn reduce the traffic RegionThree. reported that the move to congestion which would

The contract which was upgradethemarkettarmacat usually occur at the market signed at the market area by Leonorawasfirstannounced area. As it relates to the Old the Ministry’s Permanent backinAprilwhenPresident Road, it was reported in the Secretary, Prema Ramanah- Irfaan Ali and several media that following the Roopnarine was awarded to Ministershadvisitedthearea President’s visit, Minister S&DConstruction. to address the concerns of withintheMinistryofPublic

In September, Kaieteur vendorsthere. Works had engaged the News had reported that S&D

During the visit, it was vendors and announced that Construction was among announced that the Leonora the upgrading of the road nine contractors that bid for Market Old road will be would cost some $69M. The the project which was upgraded as well as the road which will be asphaltic estimated to cost $157M tarmacarea.

concrete would span according to the Ministry’s

“We want to propose one approximately 343 metres in engineer huge tarmac, one huge length.

Infivemonths,transition for the construction of an will be completed at the

The Ministry in a release tarmac and bring everyone Similar to the Leonora works are to begin and a 8000sq. meter tarmac and market which will see the noted that after over five on the tarmac and then Market,theMinistryhasalso tarmac will be built. The upon completion of this construction of sanitary decades, vendors will now develop the infrastructure undertaken rehabilitative vendors will be placed there project, it will cater to just facilities, upgraded drainage benefit from a new market around of the tarmac, that is projects at the Mon Repos, to facilitate rehabilitation over 700 vendors at the and electricity will be space conducive for plying the proposition that we have Parika and Charity Markets worksonroadsinthearea. LeonoraMarketspace. catered for and as time goes their trade at the Leonora made,” the President had where works are ongoing to The contract, the

The Ministry noted that by, it would have an Market. statedduringthevisit. improveitsinfrastructure. Ministry stated was signed inthenearfuture,morework upgradedparkinglot.

Murdered, Agatha Gamel

Murdered, Audrey Harris

Ministry of Local Government’s Permanent Secretary, Prema Ramanah-Roopnarine signs the contract with a representative of S&D Construction.

WANTED

Driver, sales man, porters to work in warehouse. Must have experience , attractive salary offered. Call: 6964444.

Live-in domestic/ maid and canter driver to work in the Interior. Call: 614-1819.

Carpenters, masons & labourers required. Call: 645-9805.

Kitchen assistance, ( experience in making puri will be an asset) and Snackette attendant with experience from Parfaite Harmony. Call: 657-4578.

Able-bodied Porter needed. Ages between 18-25 years, $4,000 per day. Call: 2239677.

Live in Cook, must know to cook Indian dishes, 3040yrs. Weekly waitress for Ogle area, $22000 weekly. Call: 610-3974.

Urgently need one female cook/ kitchen attendant for the Interior. Call: 6894461/ 662-6254 for more info.

Two porters and 1 experience cook that specialize in cooking curry, fried rice, chowmein, etc. Contact: 231-6591/ 648-8279.

One sales person needed at Stabroek, Salary- 8-4:30 $75,000. Good customer service required, call: 6699258.

1 experienced hairdresser with cutting & clipper skills and one nail technician & pedicurist. Apply @ Nayelli salon & spa located on 211 New Market St. Call: 2262124/ 621-8851.

1 domestic age 28-40 to work 2 times per week. Call: 6137651/ 649-3783.

Bar girls needed to work in the Interior, ages 20-30 years. Call: 687-7638/ 6913942.

VACANCY

Hotel attendant needed at Hick's Ville Hotel.Tel: 6400673, 227-7714, email: info@vegeworld.com

Driver must be able to assist in workshop @ Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call 645-8443 or 642-9823.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics, grade one or two, email application to: techserigy @yahoo.com or call 6159132.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area call 6159132.

Wanted: Experienced supervisor, cashier, counter person, cooks and labourer. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts.

Room attendant and laundry attendant, 25-50 years old at South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-2304.

Data Entry clerk needed. Apply to: Essential Care Pharmacy & Supercentre , Block X Mandela Avenue or G3 Building Diamond East Bank Demerara Or Via E-mail - essentialcarepharmacy@ yahoo.com

Pharmacist & Pharmacy Technician needed. Apply to: Essential Care Pharmacy & Supercentre, Block X Mandela Avenue or G3 Building Diamond East Bank Demerara or E-mailessentialcarepharmacy@ yahoo.com

Log truck driver, Diesel mechanic, Porters and Timber grant manager. Call: 6097675/ 674-1705

Sales Rep and driver for car & van needed. Must be knowledgeable of CAT SYS and 30 years & above. Email: agriparts2022 @gmail.com

Office Manager needed. Degree in Business administration or equivalent. Email: ateeyyeaali@gmail.com, mandaitwaru@gmail.com, Address: 127 Quamina Street, Georgetown. Call: 225-9409, 502-9466

VACANCY

Two kitchen assistants and experinced cook to work night shift at People's Choice kitchen. Call: 6799449.

Vacancy exists for one full time Nanny, ages 40 yrs & older. Call: 639-7980.

Cook/ baker, pitman and servicemen for Interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 615-0545 or 231-2250.

Experienced manager for one location, good customer service is a must! Whatsapp: 675-1509.

One Housekeeper to work in Providence. Call: 680-3678.

Vacancy for experience

Sales girl. Must be computer literate. Apply in person at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda.

Pastry maker, driver/ salesman, porters, table hand, sales clerk, security & cleaners needed. Apply @ Humphrey's Bakery & farm, call: 225-7864/ 225-7281.

EDUCATION

Have your child/children (7 years and older) accelerate in their reading, writing and phonetic skills. Call 6508925 or email nmf1010 @gmail.com.

APA asks Govt. to end ‘inexcusable...

From page 12 judgment and the Wapichan communities of the South Rupununi in opposing illegal mining in the Marudi Mountain area and their traditional lands broadly. These lands are the subject of extension of title applications by the Wapichan communities.

Additionally, concerning the Government’s pursuit of development priorities under the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, “the APA expresses disappointment in the Government’s failure to adequately inform Indigenous communities of the implications of the LCDS 2030 before its passage in the National Assembly.”

organization who will serve for the 2022/2023 period.

The members of the Committee of Management are President – Lemmel Benson Thomas o f Kamarang, Region 7; VicePresident - Junisha Johnny of St. Ignatius, Region 9; Secretary - David Wilson of Akawini, Region 2; Treasurer - Earl Thomas of Wakapau, Region 2; Assistant Secretary – John Campbell of Little Kanabali/Santa Cruz, Region 1; Assistant Treasurer – Reynold Hutson of Hotoquai, Region 1, and Trustees - Raymond Coxall and Dmitri Nicholson, both of Georgetown.

FOR SALE

Ginger, cassareep, tumeric and morocott fish for sale at wholesale and retail also good quality carpets for sale at reasonable price. Call: 6699258.

Kitchen manager needed, 3 years culinary management experience and team player. Send applications to : ateeyyeaali@gmail.com, mandaitwaru@gmail.com, Address: 127 Quamina Street, Georgetown. Call: 225-9409, 502-9466

FOR RENT

2 and 3 Bedroom fully furnished luxury apartments to rent. Tel:# 682-2585, 6648641, 691-1432.

Two bedroom house for rent in Parfaite Harmonie,West Bank Demerara. Call: 6840159.

One 5 bedrooms house for rent (furnished) located on South Road, for business or residence. Call: 614-0495.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

DAF CF85 Double Axle

Twin Steer Dump Trucks for sale. $9 Mil each negotiable. Call 658-9008 for inquiries.

2014 Nissan X-Trail $4.5 Mil negotiable. Excellent condition, dark blue colour & black interior. Call 658-9008.

One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable & 1 new super custom Hiace Bus 2.5M .Contact:649-0956.

One 3 seater Dump canter Toyota Dyna. Call: 225-2192( during working hours).

2009 model Nissan Qashqai/ Dualis for sale 2Million. Call Duane 632-1047 for further details.

Brand new 6x4 and 6x6 Sinotruk " Howo" Dump truck. Call: 623-1615.

Notwithstanding, the APA said it will support more community capacity-building programmes and continue to follow the LCDS implementation process closely.

Further, the APA said that it will advance the call from Indigenous communities throughout Guyana to ensure the Government fulfils its promises to revise the Amerindian Act to ensure effective protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Guyana.

“The organisation will support communities in building their capacity to articulate proposed revisions to the Amerindian Act, including by making lawyers available to answer community questions and to strengthen community understanding of the law and rights of Indigenous Peoples,” the press release said as the Association called on the Government to respect the right of Indigenous peoples to free, prior, and informed consent in the revision process.

Other committee members include Youth Representative Kemal Robinson of Kato, Region 8; Women’s Representative Alma Marshall of Kamarang, Region 7; Regional representatives – Region 1 Genevieve Vansluytman, (Moruca), Roxanne Skeete (Mabaruma), Shakira Phillips (Matarkai); Region 2 Rick Thomas (Pomeroon), Harold Marslow (Essequibo); Region 7- James Chambers (Upper Mazaruni), Ronald Joseph (Middle Mazaruni), Ramadhin Ruddy (Upper Cuyuni): Region 8 - Charles Peters (North Pakaraimas), Edward McGarrell (Potaro); Region 9 – Eliane Domingo (Central Rupununi), Ronald Ignatius, (South Central Rupununi), James Davis (South Pakaraimas) and Edgar Casimero (Deep South Rupununi.)

Members of the organisation also approved the Annual Report and Financial Statement for 2021, heard of the Association’s activities in 2022, and approved its work plan for 2023.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Property for sale between Louisa and Norton street. Call: 667-7659/ 649-8159.

Meanwhile, the AGM saw members of the Executive Committee, several regional and unit representatives, staff and other invitees gathering in Georgetown from November 17-18, 2022. Other Unit Representatives from Regions 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 participated virtually.

At the AGM, office bearers were elected to serve on the Committee of Management and the full Executive Committee of the

This AGM is a critical component of the APA’s efforts to promote and maintain organisational transparency and accountability and allows the fulfillment of obligations as a registered organisation under the Friendly Societies Act.

The APA said that this AGM was made possible with the support of Nia Tero, Strengthening the Capacity of Indigenous Organizations in the Amazon (SCIOA) and the International Land and Tenure Facility.

SERVICES

Visa application: Canada and UK & U.S.A. Graphics design & advertisements. Wedding decorations & elderly grooming: hair, nail etc. Call: 626-7040.

Repair & install fridge, freezer, washer & dryer, AC units, stove, etc. Whatsapp/ Call: 637-4927, 654-9511 or 683-8734.

TO LET

Store at Lombard street, commercial spaces at Enmore mall, top floor 300ftx25ft. Call: 609-7675/ 674-1705.

One 2 Bedroom semifurinished APT at Guysuco Gradens, long term or short term. Tel# 222-7891 / 6099202

PEN PAL

Looking for a female pen friend, ages 40-45 years. Call: 647-0817.

Gas-to-Energy Project will likely destroy Guyana’s water supply- Geologist

By Davina Bagot

The location identified by the Government of Guyana for the country’s gas to energy project is unsuitable and will likely pose great danger to the country’s main groundwater aquifer

An aquifer is an underground layer of water bearing, permeable rock, r o c k f r a c t u r e s , o r unconsolidated materials. Groundwater from aquifers is extracted using a water well. The Government of Guyana, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last Friday approved ExxonMobil’s pipeline and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Plant for Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD)intheabsenceofany updatedstudies.

Notably, a critical documenttoprovethesafety of the area was never published. The site at Wales sits above Guyana’s main groundwater aquifer that provides90percentofallthe domestic and commercial water As such Geologist Simone Mangal Joly has labeled the approval of Exxon’sproject“criminal”.

In an exclusive interview with this p u b l i c a t i o n , t h e environmental advocate pointed out that: “When you look at that EIA, it says the impacts on the groundwater willbenegligible.

Nowhere in the world can you put a power plant and an NGL plant and a pipeline over ground water and it never gets seriously impacted Basic common sense will tell you that upset conditions of spills etc. over the 30-year life of such

heavily polluting industries put the groundwater at high risk. And this is our most prized groundwater aquifer Guyana’s coastal water supply comes mainly from the A Sand Aquifer, which liesbelowtheWalesEstate.”

Mangal-Joly continues: “This aquifer has our best quality water supply and it is connected underground to our two other aquifers of lesser quality, which we do not rely on as much. That water has taken millions of years to accumulate, and we will destroy it without a second thought. Water is an expensive and increasingly scarceresourceglobally Itis more valuable than oil Every Guyanese now and in the future needs that water that is why the EPA should not have approved the projectforthatsite.”

The geologist explained that when hydrocarbon pollutants get into your water supply, they remain there permanently, and are cancerous, making the water unsafeforconsumption.

Mangal-Joly said: ”I would have thought that industries in Guyana such as Banks DIH and others relying on water for manufacturing and bottling would have shown greater interest in this matter.” She opined that “The Wales site was selected for political reasons not technical reasons” while noting that the location is “unfit for this typeofindustry”.

“If you look at the Guyana National Land Use Plan, which was prepared with support from the European Union, you will see that Wales is located in theareaatthehighestriskfor

Geologist, Simone Mangal-Joly

flooding due to storm surge and sea level rise by 2031. That’s less than ten years away Climate models since then all support this prediction The EIA prepared by ERM does not address pollution risks properly, especially in upset conditions. I have said from the beginning that this EIA process was illegal and severelyflawed.Itwasjusta rubber stamping process Imagine in a country with all this space, and we have an EPA choosing to approve projects in locations with such existential costs to p r e s e n t a n d f u t u r e generations.

These approvals include the many oil and gas toxic waste processing facilities and the dumping that is happening on the coastlandjust above our shallow water table, ” the geologist explained.

The environmental advocate said having firsthandexperiencewiththe EPA, she is of the view that “it not only lacks basic competency needed for managing the oil and gas industry but also is severely corrupted by external interferencetogreenlightoil and gas projects regardless of their consequences ”

Mangal-Jolysaid,“Frankly, (Continued on page 74)

LocalRealEstateCompanymakes...

From page 63 different intervals, donated toys, and assisted several NGOs,etc…”hesaid.

During the joyous season, Lall’s efforts to give backareevident.Hetoldthis newspaper that kids hold a special place in our hearts and as such, we try to assist as much as we can at Christmas.

He explained “It is our intention to help as many families and single parent households with kids as we can. The thought of kids not having food over the Christmas weekend or toys

toplaywithisasadimageto ponder on and is the reason why the majority of our help is done during the Christmas period.”

“Last year, we donated over $150,000 in cash to several vulnerable families. This year (for Christmas alone), we have done $40,000 to an NGO from Parika; $60,000 to Food For The Poor Guyana Inc ; $200,000 will be going towards 20 families; we’ve sponsoredseveralbucketsof ice cream to a school,” he said. Additionally, he said, “Five special needs kids

were selected from a school toreceivetoys.Fourfamilies who are in urgent need were selected to receive $15,000 each.”

As such, the realtor expressed thanks to everybody that bought a property or land or listed their property via his company

“Without this, we would notbeabletodowhatwedo. We look forward to continued support as we aim to do more for our Guyanese brothers and sisters who are downintheirluckinthenew year,”headded.

Man electrocuted while mounting Christmas tree

A 29-year-old man of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was on Friday electrocuted while mounting a metal Christmas tree to the front of a Lusignan,ECDhouse.

The dead man was identified as Deepak Ramdeen.

According to police, at about 23:00 hours, the incident occurred while

R a m d e e n , G u p t a Ramcharran, the owner of the house, Mahendra Ramcharran and Shivraj Rulall were in process of erectingthe27-foottree.

The men were using a crane attached to a truck operated by Dharamlall Prettipaul to mount the tree when the tip of the star which was on the tree came into contact with an

overhead live wire. All of the men received electrical shocks to their bodies and were rushed to the

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)

Ramdeen died while receivingtreatment.

Gupta, Mahendra and Rulall remain patients of the Burn Care Unit of the hospital. Investigations are ongoing.

The 27 ft. Christmas tree alongside the lorry. (Photo courtesy of Guyana Police Force)

Dead: Deepak Ramdeen

Family seeks answers in death of unborn at GPHC

By Rehanna Ramsay

The stillbirth of an infant at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Friday has left relatives with more questionsthananswers.

According to the baby’s family, the mother was admitted to the maternity ward of the Hospital on Thursday after a spike in her bloodpressure.

The stillborn infant was delivered at 35 weeks and according to her family, she was reportedly due in anothertwoweeks.

The infant’s father J e r m a i n G r i m m o n d explained that his 27-yearold girlfriend, Sasha Sobers was admitted to the hospital on Thursday after she was told that her blood pressure had spiked above the morethan-averagelevel.

He disclosed that Sobers was being closely monitored by doctors and nurses becausesheisadiabetic.

“She was told that she needed to be monitored and keep her blood sugar low to avoid complications,” Grimmond said. He said that his girlfriend was also told

h e r p r e g n a n c y w a s consideredhigh-risk.

Due to the advice given, the grieving father said Sobers was extremely cautious and heeded the advice of the medical professionals. He said that shehadsuccessfullykepther blood sugar under control by attendingtheclinicregularly and following the order of thedoctors.

However, despite her efforts,shewasunabletonot stop her blood pressure from spiking. ”When she went into the hospital on Thursday, they told her that

she needed to be given something to bring her pressure under control,” he told Kaietuer News Saturday

The young man said that h i s g i r l f r i e n d w a s subsequently administered magnesiumsulfatetocontrol her blood pressure. “They put in her IV drip around 7:30 pm and just after that, shestartedtocomplainabout feeling a burning sensation and chills from within…The nurses told her that it is a normalfeeling[as]itisaside effect of the medication,” he said Grimmond said

Awaraparu Backdam shop owner, employee steal 8 ounces of gold

…charged with robbery under arms

Two men were on Thursday placed on $300,000 bail each after they were charged with thieving seven ounces of raw gold from a dredge owner at Awaraparu Backdam, Mazaruni River, RegionSeven.

One of the men, a shop owner known as Dayton Richards, known as Muslim and Eldon Thomas, one of his employees, were slapped with robbery underarmschargeswhentheyappeared at the BarticaMagistrates’Court before Magistrate Crystal Lambert. The men pleadednotguiltytotheoffenceandare to return to court on December 16, 2022.

Kaieteur News understands that the mencommittedthetheftlastSunday Dredgeowner,RupanRamatar,also known as ‘Fowl Cock’ said that his workers had left the backdam to buy fuel at the Awaraparu Landing and visited Richard’s shop to have a few drinks before renting his (shop owner) boattoreturntothecamp.

At around 17:30hrs, Richards and Thomas allegedly followed Ramatar’s workers and intercepted the boat on its waytotheBackdam.

The men reportedly searched Ramatar’sworkersandrelievedthemof seven ounces of gold. The duo made goodtheirescape.

Ramatar’s workers reported the matter to the police. However, when they returned to the Landing in search of Richards and Thomas, they were nowheretobefound.

Alarms were raised and contact made with all gold dealers in Bartica to be on the lookout for the duo. The men arrived in Bartica the following day as wasanticipatedtosellthestolengold.

They were caught on CCTV cameras trying to break off a piece of the gold to sell to a gold dealer They sold an ounce of gold and hurried off to the stelling where they boarded a speedboatheadingtoParika.

Just after the men left the gold dealing establishment, the police were

notified. Ranks from the Bartica Police Station boarded a boat shortly after in pursuitofthetwomen.

Ranks from the Parika Police Station were also notified to provide supporttotheBarticaranks.

The men were cornered at Hubu Point in the Essequibo River Recognisingthattherewasnowaythey could escape, Richards took the

remaining gold he has stashed in his pants crotch and threw it into the EssequiboRiver

Richards and Thomas were taken into police custody While in custody, the men admitted to the crime after reviewingvideoevidence.

The money that they received from selling the ounce of gold was recovered bypolice.

morning.

“They did an ultrasound and found the child had died,”hesaid.

The aggrieved man said thathebelievesthebabydied in the wee hours of Friday morning since, “My girl told me that she felt the baby kicking up to 3 am in the morning but by the time morning, the staff told her thatshehaddied.”

As a result, labour was induced and the child was stillborn.

“They[thestaff]toldher that this is what she should expect because the pregnancy is a high-risk,” he said. Grimmond is not convinced and is demanding answers from the hospital’s administrators.

Meanwhile, GPHC’s Communications Officer, Chelauna Providence in response to questions posed by Kaieteur News said that the hospital takes note of the social media post about the infant’sdeath.Shesaidwhile t h e h o s p i t a l h a s a commitment to patient confidentiality that does not prevent it from disclosing the specifics of the patient’s medicalprofile.

The Communications Officersaidthatshortlyafter the patient was admitted to the GPHC, it was noted that

her complicated pregnancy resulted in an intrauterine fetaldeath(stillbirth).

“Our team immediately deployed the relevant protocols in the admission and treatment of the patient based on her diagnosis. We are confident that our medical team exercised sound and timely judgment in the medical management of this patient, ” the communication’s officer added.

She noted that the hospital’s administration will continue to avail themselvestothepatientand her family to answer any questions and address their concerns. GPHC has been investigating a string of maternal and infant deaths withinthepastmonths.

From page 73

Ithinkwhatishappeningis criminal. In a properly functioningdemocracy,the Executive Director and those who supervise him would be hauled before a Commission of Inquiry for the long list of irrational and illegal decisions they have taken to date, and would possibly face jail time.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on November 25 gave US oil giant, ExxonMobil its blessings to commence the US$1 3 billion Gas to Energy project that will allow for the construction of a natural gas pipeline, as well as a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility and supporting infrastructure at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

W h i l e m a n y stakeholders had raised concerns regarding the safety of the project, the EPAin its decision to grant

thePermitsaidtheproject’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) have been declared acceptable, by the EnvironmentalAssessment B o a r d ( E A B ) i n accordance with section 1 1 ( 1 3 ) o f t h e Environmental Protection Act,Cap.20:05.

“The EPA is satisfied that the project can be conducted in accordance with good environmental practices, and in a manner that avoids, prevents and minimizes any adverse effects which could result from the activity,” it said Exxon has been granted a five year Permit by the agency, this means it will remain in effect until November24,2027 Itwill be renewed only after the Permit Holder submits an application form six m o n t h s b e f o r e i t s e n v i r o n m e n t a l

SoberswenttobedThursday night and was examined by medical officers at the hospital sometime Friday

Jermain Grimmond, father of the stillborn infant

Screen grab from CCTV footage of the men selling A piece of the stolen gold at a Bartica gold dealer.

Charged: Eldon Thomas

Charged: Dayton Richards, known as Muslim

Govt. refuses to disclose report by Canadian Consultant who did speedy review of US$9B Payara Project

It appears that the political opposition, and the nation by extension, may never see key reports that led to the speedy approval of ExxonMobil's US$9B Payara Development Projecttwoyearsago.

When the People's Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C) had assumed office back in August 2020, it left many industry stakeholders stunned after it approved the Payaraprojectinamere42days.

Central to the speedy review processwasaCanadianlawyerand formerpolitician,AlisonRedford.

Transparency advocates as well as the Opposition questioned how such a review, which usually takes a minimum of 12 months to be properly completed, was done inlessthantwomonths.

In light of such a glaring red flag, they urged the government to release Redford's review of the developmentplanfortheproject.

Stakeholders said the nation needs to ascertain whether the project was properly scrutinized by the consultant in question. Though there were promises in the media to do so, the government neverfulfilledthese.

Hoping to break the spell of non disclosure, the political opposition took to the National Assembly this year where it asked Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat to provide Redford'sreporttotheHouse.

Unfortunately, the spell of secrecy over the contract remains unbreakable as the government

cleverly avoided having the request made by Member,DavidPatterson.

Minister Bharr since directed Patterson to read the Paya P e t r o l e u m Production Licence if he seeks to understand the work done by Redford and the government's supportingteam.

M i n i s t e r Bharrat said in his written response to Patterson that “On the 16th day of July 2019, Esso Exploration Production Guyana made an applicat Petroleum Production the Payara Production Area togetherwithaFieldDevelopment Plan(FDP)asisrequiredbylaw

The said application and FDP werethendulyreviewedbyapanel of experts and the Pyara Licence was approved on September 30, 2020.”

Bharrat added, “This approval was based on the review and recommendations done by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Department of Energy under the Ministry of Natural Resources, Bayphase ConsultantsandAlisonRedford.”

It appears from the Minister's response that Patterson, and the nation by extension, will never have access to the raw report

producedbytheconsultant.

Kaieteur News previously reportedthatRedfordwasalsopart of the review process for Exxon's US$10B Yellowtail Project. Her review of the Field Development Plan (FDP) for this project which was done in a record 52 days also came under question by transparencyadvocates.

More than a dozen industry experts who have experience reviewing FDPs said emphatically that no proper review can be done in42or52days.

Specifically, one industry expert said, “For most FPDs, you haveover100itemstocheck.That

reviewtakesayear sometimes longer depending on project size.

first instance, the governmentmusthave s o w n F D P uidelines on m i n i m u m requirements they expect f r o m t h e company That s h o u l d b e public. This is needed because citizens would better understand e standards the ministration is settingforcompaniesto

North Sea Transition Authority(NTSA)doesthis.That authority regulates and influences the oil, gas and carbon storage industries of the UK ContinentalShelf.”

The NSTAclearly states via its guidelines on its website that all FDPs must provide a clear explanation why the development concept being presented is considered optimum from a technical, environmental and economicperspective.

Theauthorityalsorequiresthat c o m p a n i e s s e t o u t t h e commitments they will follow to ensure enhanced oil recovery and sound development. The expert notedthatGuyanaisyettoproveif the Redford/Bayphase group achieved this since their findings

remainaStatesecret.

Experts also told Kaieteur News that FDPs must also provide a production strategy that aligns with the country's interest. Such a strategy includes: short-term and long-term plans on production acceleration and recoverable reserves,thenumberofproduction and injection wells and the cost to the nation, and an explanation of hydrocarbon bearing sands penetrated not included under the current development plan but which could be profitable if assumption changes such as extent ofreservoiroroilprice.

FDPs also include detailed information, which the government needs experienced persons to review regarding production technology and well engineering In this area, government specialists must diligently assess proposed well design concepts including trajectory and location, in flow performance prediction, sand control and sand management, explanation of concept selection andhowvalueformoneywouldbe achievedoneachcomponentofthe project.

Inlightoftheforegoing,andin the interest of transparency, the industry experts agreed that the PPP/C Government should disclose a summary of the work performed by Bayphase and the Redfordgrouptodate,alongwitha summary of the type of data used and the methods by which it was assessed.

No cash deposit necessary for release of Panamanian vessel that slammed into Harbour Bridge - Lawyers

Theoperatorsofthefueltanker, MV Tradewind Passion that slammed into the Demerara Habour Bridge (DHB) causing more than $1B in damages on October 8, 2022 were not required todeposit$250Mincashbeforethe ship departed Guyana, attorneys representingtheoperatorsaid.

Last week, Kaieteur News reported that three workers of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) were sent on leave pending an investigation into how the Panamanian oil tanker that crashed into the Bridge has left Guyana withoutpayingup.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill said that the vessel, MV Tradewind Passion which was detained to facilitate an investigation and subsequently released as a result of a court order failedtolodge$247.4M.

The vessel was detained after the collision caused extensive damage to critical components of the DHB, which not only left it inoperable but resulted in thousandsofpassengersandtonsof agricultural produce stranded on bothsidesoftheDemeraraRiver However, contrary to Minister

Edghill's statements, the operators' lawyers attached to the Cameron and Shepherd Law Firm said there was no requirement for a deposit.

The Law Firm said that an application was made to the Court for the vessel's release on the security of a Letter of Undertaking (LOU) by the insurers for approximately$250M.

“The LOU is an internationally recognized guarantee that is accepted for the release of ships under arrest or by agreement of the parties when an accident occurs.

The sum of two hundred and fifty million guaranteed is arrived at on the basis of a formula set out in the Shipping Act which is itself based on an international convention subscribedtobytheGovernmentof Guyana,”theattorneysexplainedin alettertotheeditor

The attorneys said that in ordering the release of the ship, the Court accepted the deposit of the LOUwiththeRegistrar

“No order was made for a depositofcash.Ifsuchanorderwas sought by the Demerara Harbour Bridge, we are confident that the court would have rejected it Therefore, the statement of the

Hon Minister bemoaning the release of the ship without the deposit of cash had to have been made without legal advice,” they said.

The letter continued: “The failure of Maritime Administration to release the ship would have opened the staff of Maritime Administration to contempt of court proceedings and potential imprisonment if found liable,” they reasoned.

It was noted that maritime laws of ancient vintage exist in relation toaccidentsinvolvingships.

According to the lawyers, those lawsprovideforthereleaseofships when arrested as a result of an accident upon the lodgment of security

“Everycourtwilldosoonceitis satisfied that appropriate security, in modern shipping practice, an LOU,islodged,”theysaid.

The Cameron and Shepherd

Law Firm said the shipping laws exist all over the world and facilitate the stability of internationalshipping.

“The Government cannot defy those laws and detain a ship when an accident occurs if the court orders its release. If it continues to do so, as it has done in the past, ships will no longer come to Guyana or shipping fees will escalatetounheardofproportions,” thelawyerscautioned.

Alison Merrilla Redford, a Canadian lawyer and former politician.

Fuel tanker, MV Tradewind Passion that slammed into the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

FIFAWorld Cup Qatar 2022…

Messi scores in 1,000th game asArgentina progress

(BBC Sport) - Lionel Messi produced a moment of magic on his 1,000th career appearanceastwo-timechampionsArgentina beatAustralia to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

Messi, 35, was winning his 119th cap for his country andtheyneededhisbrilliance to take them through to the next round and a tantalising tieagainsttheNetherlandson Friday

Argentina had barely threatenedinthefirsthalfbut Paris St-Germain’s Messi strokedinadelightfullowfinishtosparkwildcelebrations fromtheirfans.

It was his 789th career goal, 94 of those coming for

Argentina, and Messi is now the joint top goalscorer in Qatar

TheSouthAmericansupporters had been on their feet singingallgameandtheyhad further delight when Julian AlvarezpunishedMatRyan’s mistaketodoubletheiradvantage.

Australia had offered very little but surprisingly pulledonebackwith13minutes remaining when substitute Craig Goodwin’s strike took a huge deflection off EnzoFernandez.

They could have levelled shortly after through Aziz Behich,whoseincrediblesolo run took him past four players,buthisshotwassuperbly

blocked by Lisandro Martinez’s sliding challenge as Argentina edged through.

MagicalMessideliversin milestonematch Australia frustrated Ar gentinafor35minutes,sitting deep and compact, allowing no space in behindAlejandroGomez’swildshot that flew way over was the only sniff they had.

But every time Messi got his left boot on the ball there was a buzz of excitement in the stadium, sharp intakes of breath anticipating something special.

And the little magician showcased exactly why he is considered one of the greatestofalltimeinhislandmark

Sunday December 04, 2022

ARIES (Mar.21–Apr.19)

Today your brain is super charged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing somewritingorhaveputoff analyzing a particularly trickyproblem,thiswouldbe the perfect day to get started.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

With today's planetary energy,you'llfindyourselfa little more extraverted than usual, Taurus. You'll finally beabletosaywhatyoureally think about things.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Today you're unstoppable! You'reaveryhardworkerby nature, and with the current planetary alignment you'll be able to accomplish even more than usual.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Discardthoseitemsfromthe past for which you really no longerhaveuse.Asmuchas youliketosurroundyourself with objects of sentimental value.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days. Loved ones suddenly want tospendmoretimewithyou, and you'll want to invite friendsovereverynight!By allmeans,do.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Feelingunusuallyadventurous,Virgo?You'reoftenmotivatedbyyouridealisticexpectations, and the planetary configurations today .

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Libra. Finally, the overpoweringemotionsthat havebeensurgingfromyour relationships will subside. You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

This is a good day to devote timeandthoughttospiritual pursuits,Scorpio.Dosomething inspirational that instillsasenseofwonderdeep in your soul.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

A new phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius. The previous phase could be interpretedashavingtaught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Today's aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Capricorn. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a moreartisticpursuit.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself,Aquarius.Nowitistime for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Today's planetary energy should compel you to commitcertainactsofself-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.

game, starting and finishing a move that had blue and white shirts dancing in the stands.

Messi saw a free-kick from the left cleared but Ar gentina recycled the ball, Brighton’sAlexisMacAllister fizzing a pass into Nicolas Otamendi, who laid it off for Messi to take a touch to set himself before caressing a precisefinishintothebottom corner

Armsoutstretched,Messi ranawaytocelebrateinfront of his adoring faithful after converting his ninth World Cupgoal-remarkablyhisfirst in a knockout-stage matchto move just one behind GabrielBatistuta’sArgentina

Terrence Ali National Open Boxing...

From page 81 who is the highest ranked localIBApugiliston23,following his outstanding displays attheCommonwealthGames, as well as bronze medal achievementsattheAmericas Boxing Confederation (AMBC)Championship,and SouthAmerican Games, will headlinetheevent,alongside 54thrankedKeevinAllicock, who also captured a bronze medal at the SouthAmerican Games.

Future details of the tournament,inclusiveofthefinancial compensations that will be afforded to the resulting gold,silver,andbronzemedalists,willbedisclosedsoon.

record.

A trademark jinking run then came to nothing, but thrilled those watching, who broke out with chants of “Messi, Messi, Messi”.

Hecouldhavedrawnlevel - or even surpassed Batistuta - in the second half, but slippedatthevitalmomentto scuff a shot straight at Ryan and fired another two efforts off target.

Ryan,theformerBrighton keeper,hadamomenttofor getonhis10thWorldCup appearance - the joint most for his countrywhenhe took a heavy touch from a back-pass, allowing ManchesterCity’sAlvarezto nip in, spin and score into an

open net.

Following their groupstage heroics,Australia were lookingtospringanothersurprise and had hope courtesy of Goodwin’s 20-yard drive that took a fortuitous deflection with 13 minutes remaining.

Theycouldhavetakenthe gametoextratimewhenfullback Behich embarked on a mazy run to beat numerous defenders, but Martinez reacted in the nick of time.

Anevenbetterchancefell to the Socceroos in the 97th minute when Garang Kuol brought the ball down in the area but his shot on the turn waswellkeptoutbyEmiliano Martinez’sreflexsave.

Brazil soccer legend Pele says he remains ‘strong’ amid cancer battle

(Reuters) Brazilian soccer great Pele said on Saturday he was “strong” and grateful for the widespread support he has been receiving after being hospitalized in Sao Paulo earlierthisweekashebattles coloncancer

The 82-year-old said in an Instagram post that he wanted to keep “everyone calm and positive” after a medical report showed he remained in stable condition while also being treated a respiratoryinfection.

“I’m strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual,” Pele said. “I have a lot of faith in God and every message of love I receive from you all over the world keeps me full ofenergy”.

Pele, one of the greatest

footballers of all time if not the greatest, was admitted to hospital on Tuesday to reevaluate his cancer treatment. He had a tumor removed from his colon in September 2021 and has been receiving hospital care on a regular basis In a report on Saturday, medical staff at the Albert Einstein

Hospital said Pele has responded well to treatment for a respiratory infection diagnosed after his hospitalization and that his condition had not worsened inthelast24hours.

“He is still undergoing treatment and remains in stable condition,” the doctors said

The latest medical note came after newspaper Folha deS.Pauloreportedearlierin

the day that Pele - whose full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento had been receiving palliative care after chemotherapy stopped having the expected results.

The newspaper also said he had a general swelling and cardiac issues when admitted to hospital earlier this week, as previously reported by ESPN Brasil.

Brazilian soccer great Pele attends a news conference in 2014 to present the FiFA World Cup global “Trophy Tour” in Paris His manager, family members and the hospital have not confirmed thatinformation.

OnThursday,Pelesaidin anInstagrampostthathewas atthehospitalfora“monthly visit”. Pele, who played for Brazil and club sides Santos and New York Cosmos as a

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022… Netherlands beat US to book quarter-final place

(BBC Sport) - The Netherlands survived a late scare against the United States to move into the Fifa World Cup quarter-finals with a ruthlessdisplayoffinishing.

TheUShadthegame’sbiggestearlychance when Christian Pulisic was denied by the legs of Dutch goalkeeperAndries Noppert and the failure to take that opportunity proved highly expensive

Louis van Gaal’s side responded in the finest Dutch traditions in the 10th minute when Memphis Depay crowned a magnificent 21 pass move by turning in Denzel Dumfries’cross

The US battled hard but lacked a cutting edge and were punished in similar fashion with the final kick of the first half when Daley Blind arrived with perfect timing on the end of another Dumfries cut back

The Dutch were given anxious moments when the US pulled a goal back in the 76th

minuteasHajiWright’sfreakdeflectionfrom Pulisic’s cross looped in at the far post. But theyrestoredtheirtwo-goalleadfiveminutes later when creator Dumfries turned scorer, side-footing in a volley at the far post from Blind’scross.VanGaal’sDutchmarchon

Van Gaal has been over this course before with the Netherlands, when he guided them to aWorldCupsemi finalinBrazilin2014,only toloseonpenaltiestoArgentinaafteragoalless drawinSaoPaulo

And his vast experience means they cannotbeunder-estimatedhereastheysetup a last eight meeting with either their 2014 conquerorsArgentina orAustralia, who meet at19:00GMTonSaturday

No-one would pretend this is a classic Dutch side but they have a sprinkling of qualityinallareasandthebeautyoftheirfirst goal, which would have delighted the purists in their homeland, was a graphic demonstrationoftheircapabilities.

striker, was one of the world’s best known sportsmen at his peak and is regarded as one of the best soccerplayersofalltime.

He won the World Cup with Brazil three times, in 1958, 1962 and 1970 a feat no other player has achieved. He is the all-time leading goalscorer for Brazil, with 77 goals in 92 games Messages of support came in from players and fans at the 2022 WorldCupinQatar.

French striker Kylian Mbappe tweeted, “Pray for theKing”.

England captain Harry Kane said the whole national team wished him well

“Wesendourbestwishes tohimandhisfamilyaswell. (He is an) inspiration

amongst our game, incredible footballer, incredible person,” Kane said.

TheTorch tower in Doha was also lighted up on Saturday with a message of support saying “get well

soon” and a picture of his face.

A sign with the same message was displayed by Brazilian fans at the Lusail Stadium on Friday ahead of Brazil’s 1 0 defeat by Cameroon.

Khalil siblings reign supreme as National Squash Champions

The Khalil siblings, Jason Ray and Ashley, werecrownedthecountry’s men’s and women’s N a t i o n a l S q u a s h champions, when the G u y a n a S q u a s h Association(GSA)brought the curtains down on their championships on Friday evening at the Georgetown Club.

In the women’s finals, Ashley Khalil defeated TaylorFernandes3-0(11-4, 11-8, 11-8), while Jason-

Ray had a hard fought encounter against Alex Arjoon where he prevailed 3-2.

Khalil got off to an impressive start, winning the first game 11 7 However, Arjoon bounced back to win back-to-back games10-12,9-11.

Knowing that the National title is at stakes, Khalil found form and took the other games 11 3, 11 8

It was a fitting end of

2022 year for the squash siblings, after Ashley claimed the Caribbean Squash title and had partnered with Jason Ray to take silver in the plate championship at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham,England.

Meanwhile, in the Men’s third place game, Daniel Ince defeated Sam Ince Carvahal 3 1 (3 11, 11 5, 11 7, 11 8) and over in the women’s equivalent (RawleToney

Brathwaite’shundreddefies...

From page 80 declared their second innings at lunch after Labuschagne added a ton to his first innings double century Labuschagne rode somelucktobecomejustthe third Australia batter after Greg Chappell and Doug Walters to score a double century and century in the sameTest.

Labuschagne made 308 runsforthematchtocontinue a personal run spree at Optus Stadium after he scored 143 and 50 against New Zealand threeyearsagointhelastTest played at the ground Labuschagne received luck on his way to his ninth Test centurywhenhetop edgedto

gully via his helmet but was reprieved by a no ball from AlzarriJosephamidariveting battle

After receiving medical attention, Labuschagne continued on his merry way and passed 2000 Test runs in Australia in his 31st innings Only Sir Don Bradman (19 in England and 26 in Australia), and Sir Garfield Sobers (29 in WestIndies)haveachievedthe milestone in a country faster David Warner, however, missedagoldenopportunityto end a three year Test drought when he fell for 48, while Green didn’t bat in the match in his debut Test at home.

West Indies’ shorthanded attack was unable to limit

Australia with spearhead Kemar Roach forced off after injuring his left thigh, while seamer Kyle Mayers did not bowl in the innings due to a strain in his right teres major muscle. Adding to their woes, top order batter Nkrumah Bonner was on day threesubstitutedoutofthematch withconcussionafterbeinghitin the back of the helmet from a Green short delivery But the beleaguered tourists reached the final day and their hopes rested on their gritty skipper Match details: West Indies 283 & 192 for 3 (Brathwaite 101*, Mayers 0*) need 306 more runs to beat Australia 598for4dec&182for2dec (Labuschagne104*)

Brazilian soccer great Pele attends a news conference (Reuters)

2022 Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival concludes tonight

When the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) 2022 Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival resumed on the second night at the CliffAnderson Sports Hall, a semi crammed Sports Hall turned out to witness some intriguinggames.

FortheMen,QPCCregisteredearlywins in the Over 45 category as they edged past YMCA Old Fort Legends in a nail biting finish, leaving the score at 4 – 3 goals at the end of the match up.After that, they (QPCC) defeatedGCC3-2. GCCVintagecameback stronglaterinthenight,batteringYMCAOld Fort Legends 9 – 3 goals to keep their hopes alive. Alsointheover35category,aspirited battle between QPCC and GCC The Sequel sawtheTrinidadianteamholdthehostsideto a 2 – 2 draw Antonio’s Hickers leaped into winners row after they defeated YMCA Old FortExpendables2–1.

On the other side of things, the Women put on quite a show TTPC lost to Woodpecker Hikers 3 – 4 in their encounter as we saw GBTI GCC uphold their dominance in Game #10, increasing their lead over YMCA at regular intervals, to triumph4–1atthefinalwhistle.

Game #13 action saw GBTI GCC continue their form as they defeated George United 2 – 1. Closing off a night of highqualityaction,YMCAOldFortlosttoQPCC 1 – 5 in the Men’s A Division while TPCC failed to get pass Pepsi Hikers in Game #16, that game subsequently ended 5 6, respectively.

The tournament had its penultimate day being contested last night with today being thefinaldayonthecards.

Ten matches are billed for today from 11:00hrsatthesamevenue.

AAGdenouncesinappropriateactionsfromcoaches

By Rawle Toney

The President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) is making it clearthatthelocalgoverning body for track and field does not condone inappropriate behaviours by thei affiliated coaches Hutson, appearing on the State owned N a t i o n a l Communications Network(NCN),wasat the time responding to the allegation of sexual assault committed on a 14-year-old athlete by one oftheirnationalcoaches.

On Thursday, Kaieteur News reported that a national Track and Field coach was arrested on Wednesday for allegations ofsexualassault.

A c c o r d i n g t o information, the alleged incident took place last Friday while the coach was assisting several athletes preparing for the just concluded National Schools

Championship. The young athlete alleged that after practice at the Track and

theymadeareporttoanearby police station It was alleged that the victim was taken to a medicalfacilitywhereasexual sault exam was conducted e coach was arrested while tnessing the Schools Championship “The AGG does not condone misconduct from our coaches

Field Centre, she was lured into a room at the facility where the alleged incident happened The victim related the alleged incident to a friend, who then made contact with a Welfare Officer TheWelfare officer then made contact with the victim’s parents, after which

Wedon’tcondonethe kind of relationship that some coaches may want to have with athletes,” Hutson said The longserving AAG president as adamant in stating, “relationships should have its borders, and any coach, who would want to cross the border where he’s going to knowingly try to have a sexual relationship in any form with any athlete is not condoned by the Association” Kaieteur News understand that the coach has since been released on $100,000 station bail as investigators await advice from the Director of PublicProsecutions(DPP).

A peak of the action in the Veterans Over-45 Division of the tournament.

AAG president – Aubrey Hutson

Brathwaite’shundreddefiesAustraliabutLyonstrikeslate

(ESPN Cricinfo)

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite scored his 11th Test century to defy an Australian attack without Pat Cummins as a gutsyWestIndiespushedthe firstTestintoafifthday

Needing a record 498 runs for victory or - more realistically - to bat through 154 overs to draw, Brathwaite superbly batted through the final two sessions of day four to provide hope for the injuryhittourists.

ButWest Indies’chances of starving off defeat in the series opener still appear unlikely even amid the uncertainty over Cummins, who did not bowl after experiencing quadricep soreness/ He returned to the field in the final session and appeared to be moving around without obvious

discomfort. An assessment tomorrow morning will d e t e r m i n e w h e t h e r Cummins can bowl on the fifthday

Nathan Lyon relished shouldering more of the workload and claimed two wickets as he conjured menacing bounce on the OptusStadiumsurface.

Leading from the front, Brathwaite was in sublime t o u c h a n d s c o r e d uncharacteristically quickly to make Australia’s shorthanded attack toil. He reached a deserved ton just before stumps but will likely need to bat for the long haul on day five to thwart Australia’sbidforvictory

Brathwaite passed 5000 Test runs with a gorgeous drive down the ground to c a p i t a l i s e o n t h e unavailability of Cummins,

who had starred in West Indies’first innings to claim his200thTestwicket.

Former skipper Steve Smith took the captaincy reins during Cummins’s absenceasAustraliafailedto make inroads against Brathwaite and debutant Tagenarine Chanderpaul, w h o b a t t e d m o s t l y untroubled through the entire second session Chanderpaul scored just three runs off his first 36 balls in an effective rearguard alongside a fluent Brathwaite.

For a spark, Smith even resorted to Marnus Labuschagne who bowled mediumpacersinsteadofhis usual legspin but it didn’t do the trick. But the return of Cummins, even though he couldn’t bowl, was surely a tonic for Australia as quick

Mitchell Starc finally provided the breakthrough when Chanderpaul chopped on to end an impressive Test debut with scores of 51 and 45.

Starc made amends after dropping Chanderpaul moments earlier on the boundary with Australia’s frustration underlined by Cameron Green punching the ground having missed out on a wicket. Australia’s moodbrightenedwhenLyon picked up Shamarh Brooks, who as the concussion substitute had batted well against the odds in the first innings but fell cheaply second time around after edging to slip Australia hoped to tear through West Indies amid the ground’s increasing shadows but Jermaine Blackwood successfully reviewed a lbw d e c i s i o n o f f J o s h Hazlewood. However, He never looked comfortable and fell to Lyon just before stumps.Australiahadearlier (Continued on page 78)

Kraigg Brathwaite leaps in celebration (Getty Images)

TerrenceAliNationalOpen BoxingChampionship setforDecember15-18

Regarded as the holy grail of amateur boxing on local soil, the Terrence Ali N a t i o n a l O p e n Championship, which regrettably has faced dormancy since 2019, will return off the canvass of the squared circle and take centre stage from December 15th-18th at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

The esteemed event, which is the final statutory competition to be conducted by the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), will provide the perfect culmination for an eventual yearforthesport.

In an effort to further solidify the tournament’s eminence following the aforesaid absence, and continue the discipline’s developmental thrust, the local governing authority will financially compensate the top threefinishers within eachweightclassoftheElite Division.

Essentially, the Elite Division, the crème de crème of the local amateur circuit, will receive financial remunerations for finishing in the top three positions [gold, silver, and bronze] This momentous decision was inspired by and comes on the heels of the historic move by the International Boxing Association (IBA) under the stewardship of Umar Kremlev, to increase the prize pool by a mammoth 50% for the 2023 World C h a m p i o n s h i p s i n Tashkent, Uzbekistan from May1st-14th.

With this decision, Guyana becomes the first country in the English

speakingCaribbeanthatwill financially compensate its Elite amateur pugilists at the NationalChampionship.

Once again, this is indicative of the GBA’s developmental aim in creatingnotonlyanenabling environment for the development of the disciplinebuttomaintainthe nation’s position as the premier amateur hub in the English-speaking Caribbean region.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle, who is the architect of this novel idea, said, “This is a momentous decision by the local body, a choice which was guided and influenced directly by IBA’s resolution and eventual pronouncement to increase the prize pool for t h e 2 0 2 3 W o r l d Championship.

Amateur boxing at the international level is on the pathway to competitive and financial sustainability giventheactionsofIBA,and the GBA aims to employ a similar ideology and objective.”

Hefurthersaid,“Thisisa first of its kind in the E n g l i s h s p e a k i n g Caribbean, a feat that should be recognized and is the initial step on the path of creating, and contributing to a financial ecosystem for localpugilists.

We are now firmly part and parcel of the fabric and environment that IBA is aiming to conceptualize for the future direction of the discipline.

This is another spectacular day for the discipline ” ‘Dynamite’ DesmondAmsterdam,

GDF’s Clairmont Gibson (right) scores to face of FYF’s Kareem Boyce with a left jab during the 2019 edition of the Championship. (Sean Devers Photo)

Netherlands’ Daley Blind celebrates scoring their second goal with Memphis Depay and teammates. (Reuters)

Ashley KhalilFemale National Squash Champion.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi shoots at goal (Reuters)

Tagenarine Chanderpaul again showed his solid technique. (Getty Images)