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Friday Edition December 06, 2024 - Vol. 26 No. 49 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 50,633

‘Showing how oil money being spent would be difficult’ VP Jagdeo:

...says transparency exists in transfers to NRF and in Budget process Canadian mining firm plans to produce 5M ounces of gold within 16 years – EIA reveals

Man arrested by police died in custody from gunshot wound suffered during brawl at Stabroek Market

Court allows Brutus’ wife to travel overseas for emergency medical check-up PNC not interested in windfall taxes from oil companies A section of the Oko West Gold Mine

...says circumstances in industry not ‘bizarre’ enough to demand such

After five years of pumping oil, Govt. hands Guyanese 18 years

and over $55 per day

...Glenn Lall calls it an insult

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Friday December 06, 2024

Kaieteur News

After five years of pumping oil, Govt. hands Guyanese 18 years and over $55 per day

T

he much touted $100,000 cash grant to every adult Guyanese works work out to some $55 Guyana dollars per day for the five years since this country has started pumping oil.

Government, this week, rolled out the pay-out initiative in Region Nine and has sought to make it the centrepiece of its policy in giving back to citizens.

Speaking in one of his social media commentaries this week, Businessman Glenn Lall said it is an insult for Guyanese to be receiving $54 Guyana dollars a day after five years of oil production here.

“After five years of ExxonMobil pumping our oil and walking away with tens of US billions, every Guyanese over 18 is set to receive just one American quarter - 25 US cents - a day.

Yes, that is what Guyanese worth after five years of pumping oil. That's right: $54 Guyana dollars a day.

Fifty-four dollars! That can't even buy ah ¼ lb.

plantain…” Lall, a fierce critic of the lopsided oil contract the coalition government signed with ExxonMobil back in 2026, said.

Lall said $100,000, which is less than US$500, is being thrown at Guyanese after the pumping of oil for 1,825 days in this country.

“This is what the government and opposition have reduced all of us to, with that unprecedented oil discovery made in Guyana.

And to add more insult to that injury, you have to join three lines, on three different dates, at three separate locations before you can get that $100,000. That is what the PPP is proud of while the PNC and AFC are silent…”

The businessman recalled joining Mr. Ray Daggers, earlier this year, on a protest walk from Moleson Creek in Berbice to Charity on the Essequibo Coast. Lall said it was hoped that more Guyanese would have joined the walk “to overturn that contract, to get what we truly deserve, but just a handful of

Businessman, Glenn Lall persons joined in and walked with us. Today, had you raised your voices and marched with us in droves to bring about that change, all Guyanese over 18 would not have had to join three lines at three different times to collect that $100,000.”

He added: “You didn't have time then to join that walk, but now you finding time to line-up in that hot sun or pouring rain to register as a citizen, then line up again to collect the cheque, then go

to the bank to line up again to cash that cheque.”

Telling citizens that they deserve better, Lall said, “This is not what your children deserve and certainly this is not what our ancestors fought for. And until you ready to stand up and raise that voice to demand a referendum before any elections, so that you and I can decide what deal we want from that oil, $54 or 25 US cents a day will be the reality.”

The administration has prioritised public servants and pensioners over the last several days, with registration schedules for National Insurance Scheme and Old Age Pensioners disseminated to the public via the media.

Moreover, public registration for the cash grant commenced on Tuesday in several areas, including Region Four and outlying areas. The government has outlined a four-step process for the initiative, which begins with the registration exercise comprising each community having a registration schedule, then technical teams with pre-programmed Tablets will be dispatched to gather persons' data. The second stage is the verification of the registrants with the next stage being the cutting of cheques then

distribution to persons 18 and above.

Government's $100,000 Cash Grant Initiative was announced by President Irfaan Ali in October and every Guyanese citizen 18 years old and over will receive the pay-out.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, last Thursday, announced that while the government is looking to distribute the $100,000 oneoff cash grant to public servants and pensioners first – not every citizen will receive theirs before Christmas. Jagdeo said, “What I can say to Guyanese is that they will get it, not everyone will get it before Christmas. A lot of people ask, “Oh, will I get it before Christmas?” But I would say to people, you still will get it…and it might come in good after Christmas.”

The Vice President said that he had previously stated since the cash grant initiative was first announced in October, that the process would take the government about five months to complete. “The president said that we are trying to hurry this up to see if we can complete at least the public servants and the pensioners before the end of the year.

We may be able to do that and then a number of other people who are registered…” Jagdeo noted.

Last Wednesday, the Committee of Supply approved $30.5 billion to cater for the distribution of the one-off $100,000 cash grant to citizens 18 years and above. This is expected to cover the first phase of the distribution and includes public servants and pensioners. Jagdeo also disclosed that the government is aiming to distribute the cash grant to about 300,000 persons before the end of the year.

Jagdeo noted that the 2025 budget which is expected to be passed by February, will cater for the second phase of the distribution of the $100,000 cash grant.

“And then we can seek to appropriate the balance of the money, we anticipate that it will be about another $30 billion because we think about 600,000 adults you have in the country, or just over that…” the Vice President stated.

The Vice President noted that the government anticipates that in the future, there will be similar grants.

As such, he noted that once the government completes the database for the distribution, the future distribution will become easier. Once this initiative is completed, $60 billion would have been placed in the hands of citizens across the country.

Canadian mining firm plans to produce 5M ounces of gold within 16 years – EIA reveals

A section of the Oko West Gold Mine The new owner of the Oko West Gold Mine G Mining Ventures (GMIN), a Canadian firm is aiming to produce approximately 5 million ounces of gold over 14 to 16 years. This information is contained in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Oko West project that was published by Guyana's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In July 2024, GMIN bought Reunion Gold, another Canadian company for some US$638 million–through this transaction GMIN acquired Reunion's flagship Oko West Mine. The Oko West project located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) is

currently considered an “advanced-stage exploration project.” The Mineral Resource Estimation (MRE) dated 26th February, 2024 is 4.27 million ounces of gold in indicated resources and 1.60 million ounces of gold in inferred resources. The Oko West project is expected to produce 353,000 ounces of gold annually from both open pit and underground mining. According to the EIA, “planned production of approximately five million ounces of gold over 14 to 16 years from the processing of an estimated 65 to 70 million tons of ore, creating 280 to 350 million tons of waste rock and 65 to 70 million tons of (Continued on page 22)

Kaieteur News

Friday December 06, 2024

PAGE 03

PNC not interested in windfall taxes from oil companies ...says circumstances in industry not 'bizarre' enough to demand such

T

he People's N a t i o n a l Congress Reform (PNC) has said that the current circumstances within the oil industry are not bizarre enough to have the issue of windfall taxes included in their oil model.

The disclosure was made last Friday by Advisor on Oil and Gas to the PNC and Economist Elson Low. He was asked to comment on Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo telling reporters at his press conference, last T h u r s d a y, t h a t t h e government is not looking to institute windfall taxes at this time, and his position that this will affect the sanctity of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). Low told

reporters that, “We have looked at the issue of windfall taxes and a couple of years ago we made some remarks on this. The critical issue is that these oil agreements are based on some base assumptions, if those assumptions are violated then it will raise a question.”

He explained that the whole discussion of windfall taxes came about when the PNC was looking at the possibility of oil being sold at $170 per barrel, which would have brought about a substantive change to the entire industry. “So, I would say that given that we are not looking at such a substantial change to the industry it's not something that we are looking at. It is not

something that we have raised in our oil policies.

However, looking at our previous statements it is only in a very bizarre scenario that we would incorporate that into the model, but I would say that windfall taxes are a bit beside the point,” Low reasoned.

He reminded reporters that the PNC had said in the past that once they get into office, they will be engaging Exxon to discuss how better can be secured for the citizen of Guyana. Therefore, the issue of windfall taxes would only come up if there are “unexpected and bizarre circumstances”.

On November 29th this publication reported Jagdeo saying that windfall taxes will not be instituted at this

Brutus' wife allowed to leave country for emergency medical checkup Adonika Aulder, the pregnant wife of embattled Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus, has been granted permission by the court to leave the country for emergency medical treatment.

The ruling was made on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court by Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty. Aulder appeared with her lawyer, Eusi Anderson, who made the request for her to leave the jurisdiction on Thursday afternoon. The court approved the request and Aulder is expected to return to Guyana in time for her next court appearance on December 18, 2024.

Meanwhile, her husband, Calvin Brutus, who is facing allegations related to financial crimes, will remain in Guyana while she is away.

Anderson, in his remarks, emphasised his client's innocence, stating, “Mrs. Brutus is completely innocent of the charges that she faces. She intends to vigorously protest that in the court of law, and Mrs. Brutus is of the view that these charges are vexatious.” He also expressed gratitude for the court's ruling, acknowledging both his and

Assistant Police Commissioner (ag) Calvin Brutus and wife, Adonika Aulder Aulder's appreciation for the decision.

Aulder is facing two charges of money laundering in the Magistrates' Court.

She is accused of acquiring $352,082,315 from her company's bank account at Republic Bank in December 2023, knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that the funds were derived from criminal activity.

Initially, Aulder and Calvin were denied permission to travel to the United States for medical

care when he appeared at the High Court on October 18.

Justice Gino Persaud rejected his application, citing Brutus' involvement in over 240 charges related to financial crimes.

Additionally, the court noted back then that Calvin Brutus had not sought approval from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs to leave Guyana. There were also concerns regarding him being a potential flight-risk, as he had returned to Guyana after overstaying a 42-day leave abroad in August.

time. Windfall tax is a tax levied by governments against certain industries when economic conditions allow those industries to experience above average or projected profits.

Jagdeo, in response to a question posed by Kaieteur News on why the government is not implementing windfall taxes since it does not breach the existing Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil and its partners, said, “I have dealt with windfall profits in the past, and why we believe that windfall taxation should not be pursued at this time. I dealt with it in the past, if you go back and read.”

In May 2022, Kaieteur News had questioned the Vice President on the issue and at that time he admitted that citizens in Canada, and the United States had forced their governments to increase their royalties charged to oil operators. In the United Kingdom, the government had increased the one-off tax slapped on oil companies.

At that time, this publication reported extensively on the changes in the fiscal regimes for the oil operators in those countries. Canada had moved its royalty charged between five and 40%, the US, in December of 2021, raised its royalty rate higher than the 18.75% it had been receiving, while the UK slapped a one-off 25 per cent tax on the oil companies

there.

Jagdeo had told the media that the windfall tax that some countries are exploring only came after intense pressure from their populations. However, he explained why the institution of the tax could not be replicated in Guyana. “We are bound by a PSA (Production Sharing Agreement) with very specific terms on the taxation side.” To this end, he suggested, “if you change the taxation here, it's considered a breach of the contract.”

According to the Vice President, under such a situation the parliaments of those countries could, by way of legislation, easily make the changes to institute, for example, a windfall tax. He was adamant that this is the key reason the same cannot be done in Guyana. If the administration did in fact go ahead and make the legislative changes, it would be considered a breach of the contract and “we would run afoul of the agreement”.

Tr i n i d a d i a n E n e rg y Expert and International Consultant, Anthony Paul recently shared his perspective with Kaieteur News. Paul's view is that “Since all contracts must abide by national law and since such an instrument does not violate existing contracts, Windfall Profits Taxes provide a simple and fair mechanism to ensure that countries get their just

Advisor on Oil and Gas to the PNC and Economist, Elson Low dues.”

In a November 24, 2024 article, Paul made the point that oil companies do not produce oil, nature does. The role of the oil companies is simply to extract the resource. Paul explained, “Nature blesses countries with it. Once the oil company removes it, that asset is gone forever. For this reason, countries should realise that they are not just innocent bystanders to the business venture of oil and gas.”

In fact, the Energy Expert described the role of countries as “active contributors,” providing their natural heritage as an asset in the business. This, he noted, makes countries coinvestors with a contractor, so that both can make money. “An investor who brings money wants to make profit in proportion to the amount it invests. Similarly, countries should make a return on the investment of their asset, proportional to the value of that asset,” the International Consultant pointed out.

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Stability Thanks to ExxonMobil’s Guyana President, Alistair Routledge, stability is back in the local oil vocabulary.

ExxonMobil’s Guyana boss is not the only one selling his stability package. A new investor group, one that hasn’t been in Guyana as long as Routledge is also talking up stability.

The International Investor Group, Inc. Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Levi Wilson Odoe, spoke warmly of stability and what it means for his entity. We are receptive to their frankness, but there is a conflict. Such may not matter to either Mr. Routledge or Dr. Odoe, but it does to Guyanese. The stability that they endorse so boldly is what lends powerfully to the instability stirring in Guyanese.

When the supposedly richest citizens in the world statistically are forced to grasp at straws in a daily struggle to survive, great passions spark into life. When groups are hailed as partners, but only their side enjoy the richness that is the inheritance of Guyanese, then the groundwork has been laid for rage. There is tremendous reluctance to look upon those who benefit at their expense (Guyanese) with goodwill. The stability so sought after by ExxonMobil and others, on their terms exclusively, fosters internal instability in more segments in Guyana’s demographics. The political and social are rife with acrimony against those now looked upon as nothing but rank exploiters of the worst sort.

Guyana’s senior oil partner, ExxonMobil has a champion in Alistair Routledge to represent its interests here, extract the last drop of juice from this country’s patrimony. In a recent podcast, he had this to say, “I think what’s critical around the world to support an industry that has a long horizon for investments-20 years, 30 years plus- is stability.

It’s always super important to us to ensure that we are investing with confidence, that the rules aren’t going to change, that our investors can have that ability to look out when they make an investment decision, know that it is going to materialise.” ExxonMobil, through its local leader is standing and saying what results in the most benefits for his company and himself. The longer and louder that he holds to the company line (“stability”), the better that both do. It is worthy to note that what ExxonMobil is emphasizing through Routledge is not anything new. Investors, regardless of their area of enterprise, are delighted by a stable political, social, and regulatory environment. Stability makes sense, for it is the best atmosphere for commercial activity and prosperity. But stability, we would argue, is not a one-sided proposition. It has to work both ways, and the only way for that cherished stability to be deep-seated and not superficial is when the playing field is seen as fair. Fairness fuels trust, and fewer and fewer are the Guyanese who look upon the name ExxonMobil and, sad to say, Alistair Routledge, with any degree of confidence. Instead of seeing an authentic partner in ExxonMobil, one worthy of the stability for which they yearn, a colonizer is what settles in Guyanese minds. What stability then, and for how long, and with whom, other than the local collaborators gathered around the company? What a growing number of Guyanese are thinking and clamouring for is not revolutionary. No Guyanese is calling for nationalization of the oil sector and expelling ExxonMobil. Guyanese are pressing for a fair share, with the new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) developed by the PPP/C Government representing that fair beginning. How does that destabilize ExxonMobil 20- and 30- year vision, when it would still be profiting enormously from Guyana’s cheap oil, even at very low oil prices? An honest partner is best advised to listen, act accordingly.

Meanwhile, on behalf of his shallow water investment group Dr. Odle also weighed in with his two cents about stability: “I like stable government, because we are business people... Any government that comes, as long as you create an enabling environment to do business, we are happy.”

Guyanese would also be happy when they are enabled by their oil wealth. Dr. Odle’s group is tied to the new PSA’s 10% royalty and taxes. It must be the same for ExxonMobil. Stability could then prevail on both sides of Guyana’s oil partnership.

Friday December 06, 2024

Our major political parties may have received as much as US$46.5M from the oil companies DEAR EDITOR One of the acts from which the PNC cannot absolve itself is authorising the signing of the Exxon Contract in its current form.

Upon examining the losses, it has incurred to Guyanese by signing that contract, there is little question that PNC has made itself a national disgrace and unworthy of the administration of our nation’s affairs.

The PPP for itself has been following the PNC lock-step on the contract, and itself has also become a national disgrace.

Both the GoG-Exxon contract and our major political parties are of great value to Exxon for three major reasons: 1. The absence of ring-fencing which gives it a blank check to spend on additional exploration activities, 2. The punitive two percent royalty it pays compared to the six

percent recently achieved by Suriname.

Lastly and especially however, the PNC have been such nitwits that in addition to granting Exxon tax-free status in Guyana, they also agreed to provide tax receipts to Exxon which it can produce to the IRS in America, thus allowing taxfree profits both here and in America, subject to whatever guidelines avail in the US for the taxation of foreign income.

This probably stands as the precedent globally for a country actively participating in defrauding a domicile country of tax revenues. Indeed, I have described our situation in my book as follows: Governments around the world know that they have never seen such stupidity in government.

They know the traits of inept, corrupt third world politicians selling out their country. Because there is no

government which would ever agree to paying the income taxes of a multibillion-dollar energy corporation. But the PNC and PPP have.

Thanks to Vice News however, we know that our major political parties aren’t entirely stupid.

Exxon does have to pay something to get tax-free income from its operations here, plus the GoG-issued tax receipts, plus the knockoff two percent royalty, plus the blank check on spending on further exploration activities deriving from the absence of ring-fencing.

The PPP gave Exxon US$2.3 billion of your Money since Guyana started Producing Oil. Estimate of Payments to Major Political Parties.

We have done some work on trying to estimate how much Exxon is paying our major political parties under a variety of payment scenarios,

* - Report on the National Resource Fund, Bank of Guyana.

Estimate of Exxon’s Payments to our Major Political Parties.

just to let Guyanese get a feel of what’s at stake for them, Exxon, and the major political parties. The adjacent tables show estimates of how much Exxon may have paid to date under a few simple scenarios.

Underlying these is that scandals around the PNC regarding its signing of the Exxon contract, its attempt to upturn the 2020 elections and its mistreatment of sugar workers make it virtually impossible to regain control of government for quite a few terms.

If Exxon had agreed to a two percent payout on the benefits of the contract, our political parties would have received a total of US$46.48 million since production started.

However, as petty thirdworld politicians, the PPP would think that US$20 million is a lot of money, so they might just have taken around US$10 million in exchange for the US$2.3 billion they handed Exxon so far. (This converts to G$2.1 billion.

They might have even taken around US$7 million alone - My estimate.) The PNC on the other hand might be getting just US$4 million or US$5 million. Remember these guys aren’t very smart and don’t want to sin big by taking a larger amount, so they would settle for these amounts.

If we consider that the oil companies paying the PPP and PNC US$3 million and US$1 million every year to keep the contract in force, Exxon would have paid the PPP around US$15 million since 2020, with the PNC receiving US$5 million for the same period.

From 2025 to 2050, using the same payment structure, the PPP should receive around US$78 million (G$16.38 billion), with the PNC getting an estimated US$26 million (G$5.46 billion) respectively from Exxon.

These numbers show that government is big business in Guyana, the billions of US dollars which our major political parties are giving away to Exxon for a pittance, and your vote means a lot to you in 2025.

Know where you are placing your ‘X’ in 2025.

Yours faithfully, Craig Sylvester, Party Leader, DNC

Kaieteur News

Friday December 06, 2024

PAGE 05

It is an insult to keep reminding Government’s quest ongoing us of the PPP’s wrongs when you for the nation’s medicare it should be as “The ‘crisis in training programme in D E were given the power to stop them “Health is Wealth” will human resources’ herein has several regions.”

EAR

DEAR EDITOR Why the waste of crocodile tears over the Ministry of Local Government postponement of elections for mayors and deputy mayors?

Our supporters or that which is left of them are tired of the hypocritical posturing and public complaints of what the PPP is doing to the once mighty, visionary and militant party of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.

Our supporters have long concluded that the PPP continues to follow to the T its age- old mandate to weaken and crush the PNCR and this is more evident today than any other time in the history of party politics in Guyana.

I wish to categorically emphasize that any political party anywhere in this world that has the upper hand over its opposition because it is weak, fearful and without a clear vision to pushback against oppression and disrespect, will do exactly what the PPP is doing to the PNCR.

There are facts of life that we cannot ignore; if you are a fish, someone will try to catch you with a net or hook and devour you.

If you are a donkey, they will ride and whip you in the process.

The PPP has historically understood one language whenever its hegemony peaks. When a leader publicly admits that such language is not an option, that leader is giving the PPP and its viscous and fox-like leader, Bharrat Jagdeo the right to take hegemonic actions like w e h a v e n e v e r experienced before.

If the PPP wants to empty the Consolidated Fund of its billions, who or what can stop that?

If the PPP decides to unconstitutionally control the heads and ranks of our national security services, what will you do?

If the PPP decides to give only its supporters millions of taxpayers’ dollars and give yours a pittance, what will be your response?

It is an insult to keep reminding us about the wrongs the PPP is doing when you were given the power to ensure they do not continue.

When an opposition is hoping to win an election by default and n o t b y v i s i b l e performance that responds to the time and circumstances, we are forced to be in a precarious place in politics; a place where the people will not only lose respect for you but one in which they can quietly withhold their support.

The PPP has postponed the elections for mayors and deputy mayors.

Thanks for telling us what we already know is expected of the regime.

Now tell us what is your tangible and result yielding course of action.

If you are today’s representatives of Burnham’s party. Act like him.

Sincerely Norman Browne Social and Political Activist

Commendations for the government DEAR EDITOR I wish to commend the government for the ease and efficiency with which the cash grants are being processed and disbursed.

This is especially so in the case of senior citizens who showed up on the first day of the registration process at the NIS office in Brickdam, Georgetown.

T h e r e w e r e no lines and the registration process was simple and expeditious.

From all indications, the process is going smoothly in the several other regions as well.

And while the process may appear timeconsuming for some category of beneficiaries, it is important to get it right to ensure full transparency and accountability.

A f t e r a l l , this is the largest cash grant given to

eligible Guyanese in the country’s history and is not likely to be the last.

The cash grant databased could be used for

future disbursements, subject to any necessary adjustments.

Sincerely Hydar Ally

DITOR

never be a cliché, and the P e o p l e ’s P r o g r e s s i v e Party/Civic is more than ensuring that this axiom be the living reality of all Guyana. Proving my point is easy, and so I gladly revise that during the Budget 2024 debate, our Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, did expound “… that the health sector (was) on the verge of (a) healthcare revolution.”

At the time, the Health Minister rightfully boasted that “With an allocation of $129.8B in Budget 2024, the PPP Government is walking the talk of this revolutionary, transformative health agenda.”

So, Editor, I am not surprised, and in fact, am well pleased that just recently, “434 nursing professionals graduate(d) from the Georgetown School of Nursing (GNS).” The details make for good consumption, as these health care professionals received certificates and diplomas in a range of fields, and represent the largest batch of students to graduate from the GNS. The lot comprised 201 Registered Nurses (RN), 36 Post Basic Midwives, 26 Single Trained Midwives and 171 Nursing Assistants.

Congratulations! The achievement is very stupendous for both the students and the PPP/C Government, and overall, this is a good fillip for the health sector.

Now contextualising this boost in the local health status in Guyana, I refer to the National Library of Medicine, where it is outlined that the health sector, globally, is not where

been described as one of the most pressing global health issues of our time.” And according to the World Health Organization (WHO), “… the world faces a global shortage of almost 4.3 million doctors, midwives, nurses, and other healthcare professionals … (and as we all know), a global undersupply of these threatens the quality and sustainability of health systems worldwide.”

For sure then, the Health Ministry is well-informed and has a good ‘Plan of Action.’ And by the way, the plan still has more in the near offing, as was portended in Budget 2024: cardiology diagnostic and treatment services slated for GPHC, infrastructure and personnel for large-scale Maternal and Paediatric care, additional construction for a Level 5 hospital in New Amsterdam, and a third advanced cardiology centre for heart disease diagnosis and intervention, etc.

During the graduation exercise, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), at the Health Ministry, Dr. Narine Singh, highlighted that up to 2020, Guyana was producing just over some 200 nurses. But a significant increase is now the reality. The reason is the investments made by the government, via the healthcare sector over the years. The CMO detailed that “At one time, Guyana was only turning out around 250 nurses and that was not adequate, we needed to expand the nurses training programme, and so we only had three schools at that time. Today, we have the

That is why I will iterate a million times that the health outlook in Guyana is quite promising, and yes, challenges will always be there, but the requisite foresight will ensure, as the CMO pointed out that “We have a task to train at least 3000 nurses within the next three (3) years, taking into consideration the migration that we all experience, (and) this is not unique to Guyana, as most of the Caribbean countries are experiencing migration.

Editor, time and space will not permit me to elaborate on something that was well brought out at the graduation, that is, the accompanying attitude of health care professionals. (In a nutshell though), it was impressed upon the graduates that they also have a responsibility to comfort these patients during these challenging moments.

Why? It is that “Nursing is not just a profession … it’s a calling; it’s a path that requires not only knowledge and technical skills … it is more than administering treatment or following protocols. It’s about showing compassion, offering comfort, listening with a deep sense of empathy and becoming a beacon of hope during some of the most challenging moments in people’s lives.”

Hopefully, the nonmedical/psychological/ment al aspects of Medicare will be very evident in this new era, as Government continues to invest in the nation’s well-being.

Yours truly, Hargesh B. Singh.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 06

Friday December 06, 2024

From Talk to Action: The promise of a more connected Caribbean DEAR EDITOR The Caribbean stands at a pivotal moment in its history. Its traditional vulnerabilities are exacerbated by growing geopolitical instability, the accelerating impacts of climate change, and the profound social, economic, and cultural shifts triggered by rapid technological innovation. As a collection of developing states, the r e g i o n f a c e s disproportionate risks that demand more than isolated or knee-jerk responses.

These threats are nothing short of existential, and urgent collective action must be taken if the region is to build resilience and chart a sustainable path forward.

From regional

development meetings to townhall discussions, there is a clear consensus: we must move more decisively from talk to action to realise our immense promise. Yet, too often we find ourselves separated by barriers that hinder our collective progress.

The Issues We Face The challenges facing the Caribbean are welldocumented. Small island economies struggle with the volatility of global markets, vulnerability to climate change, and reliance on tourism and agriculture. Our geographic dispersion, once an asset, has increasingly become a logistical and economic obstacle in a rapidly digitizing world.

According to the World

Bank, many Caribbean nations rank below the global average in access to affordable and reliable broadband internet. This digital divide exacerbates inequalities, leaving rural and underserved communities without access to the opportunities afforded by the digital age. Furthermore, regional trade remains hampered by fragmented customs regimes and inconsistent regulatory frameworks. And climate change only compounds these challenges.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights the Caribbean as one of the most vulnerable regions to rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The costs of disaster recovery alone are

unsustainable, with hurricanes causing damage that can dwarf annual GDP in affected countries.

But perhaps our greatest challenge is fragmentation.

Too often, we operate in s i l o s — p o l i t i c a l l y, e c o n o m i c a l l y, a n d socially—despite our shared history, culture and interests.

Without greater cohesion, we cannot hope to scale the solutions needed to tackle these challenges effectively.

A Growing Momentum Despite the daunting nature of these challenges, inspiring initiatives are emerging across the Caribbean, showcasing the potential of collective action to drive progress. In digital transformation, the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) has been a leading advocate for capacity building, data protection, and harmonized policies. Secretary General, Rodney Taylor has championed the need for Caribbean nations to embrace digital transformation—not as a distant goal but as a critical too l f o r e m p o w e r i n g citizens, boosting economic growth, and enhancing governance.

In the regional business sector, the CARICHAM business network, under the leadership of Petipha Lewis, is connecting chambers of commerce across the region to share best practices, strengthen business resilience, and promote trade facilitation. By addressing challenges such as climate impacts, technological disruption, a n d s k i l l s shortages, CARICHAM is equipping the region’s business community to thrive in an increasingly complex environment.

On the financial front, regional integration initiatives like the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) demonstrate the potential for collaborative approaches. The ECCU has shown how shared economic systems can foster stability and resilience in the face of global economic shocks, offering a model for collaboration in other sectors.

International partners are stepping up too.

Organizations like the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) and the Commonwealth Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Organization (CTO) are collaborating with Caribbean governments to strengthen internet governance, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.

Regional and global partners are also helping to prepare the region for the transformative impact of

technologies like artificial intelligence, which are reshaping industries, from manufacturing and tourism to agriculture and education.

These partnerships underscore the importance of leveraging regional and global expertise to address local challenges and prepare for an increasingly uncertain future.

From Talk to Action While these efforts are laudable, the question remains: how do we turn pockets of progress into systemic change? How do we move from isolated initiatives to an integrated, actionable roadmap for the region?

When leaders and professionals from across the region meet for the Connected Caribbean Summit this week in Miami (Dec 9-12), they will be zoning in on a range of issues to precisely address this challenge. By bringing together leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society, into an action-oriented forum, the Summit seeks to bridge divides and inspire more coordinated action.

Disaster resilience is an area where the summit will spotlight collaborations between regional agencies and international partners to implement disaster response protocols, and climate adaptation strategies. These are not abstract conversations; they are concrete steps toward safeguarding lives and livelihoods.

In education, the potential for collaboration is vast. The Connected Caribbean Summit is exploring options for redesigning education curricula to prepare Caribbean students and professionals for the jobs of the future, with support from academic leaders like Dr. Curtis Charles of the University of the West Indies, Five Islands Campus a n d p i o n e e r i n g organizations like the Apex Academy and Research Center.

Then there’s Caribbean commerce. Simplifying the logistics and reducing the cost of intra-regional trade can unlock new opportunities for Caribbean businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises. A contingent of customs brokers from Jamaica are attending the summit to lead the complex discussions around harmonizing customs systems and leveraging artificial intelligence for blockchain technology in global supply chain

management.

And let’s not forget the human element. The Caribbean is home to some of the most talented and innovative minds in the world.

From the scientists at Rum and Sargassum designing processes to convert Sargassum into usable energy in Barbados, to the technology experts at the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions, designing cutting edge solutions for modernizing the justice sector. The Connected Caribbean Summit will bring together the brilliant minds behind these distinctively Caribbean initiatives.

A Positive Vision for a Hopeful Future The promise of a more connected Caribbean lies in the power of collective action. When we collaborate, we amplify our strengths. We saw this during the COVID-19 pandemic, when regional bodies like CARPHA (the Caribbean Public Health Agency) played a pivotal role in coordinating health responses and securing resources for member states.

Moving beyond the exigencies of a global pandemic requires more structured and sustainable frameworks for accelerating the Caribbean development agenda. Over the past three years, the Summit has been intentional in setting specific targets, timelines, accountability, and action plans. For 2025, the convenors have committed to: 1. Establishing a Caribbean Digital Knowledge Hub to centralize resources and best practices.

2. Initiating mentorship and internship programmes to build human capacity across sectors.

3. Tracking the commitments given at the Summit in specific areas of development.

The Caribbean has always been a region of resilience and ingenuity.

From the Maroons who defied colonial powers to the engineers and tradesmen who rebuild stronger after every hurricane. Our history is replete with examples of extraordinary collaboration and resilience in the face of adversity.

As we approach 2025, I am filled with hope. A new generation of Caribbean leaders is emerging with the faith and will to overcome longstanding challenges.

Together we stand ready to seize the moment and fulfil the potential and promise of a Connected Caribbean.

Sincerely Bevil Wooding

Friday December 06, 2024

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Friday Monday December May 02,06, 2022 2024

VP Jagdeo:

‘Showing how oil money being spent would be difficult’ ...says transparency exists in transfers to NRF and in Budget process

A

lthough the N a t u r a l Resource Fund (NRF) Act of 2021, passed b y t h e c u r r e n t administration, sets strict guidelines for the use of resources garnered from the oil and gas sector, the government has failed to identify and inform the population what the funds are being used for.

In fact, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday, made it clear that this may very well not be possible since itemizing oil revenue expenditure would be a difficult task. He reasoned, “How do you balkanize revenue coming into the budget? (It) becomes a very difficult thing to do; so

where the transparency is done, transparency is that every cent spent from oil money, from non-oil revenue and from borrowing, has to be appropriated by the National Assembly through a Budgetary Appropriation Process, whether it is the original Budget or through Supplementary Budgets which then form an appropriation act or a s u p p l e m e n t a r y appropriation act, which itemizes all of the expenditure of the state and how much is going to be spent...”

Section 16.2 of the NRF Act states that, “All withdrawals from the Fund shall be deposited into the Consolidated Fund and shall

be used only to finance: (a) national development priorities including any initiative aimed at realizing an inclusive green economy, and (b) essential projects that are directly related to ameliorating the effect of a major natural disaster.”

Be that as it may, the government has not highlighted any national development priority or essential project funded through this source of income. In fact, major development priorities and essential projects such as roads, hospitals, and the new Demerara River Crossing are being funded through loan agreements.

Government has also applied for a loan to support the Gas-

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo to-Energy project.

In the meantime, the VP said that while the population is of the view that the oil money is not

benefitting them, government is financing thousands of scholarships.

Additionally, he said, “I didn't even put in the $230B that we are spending now on housing development. To do the 40,000 house lots, now it's $232B. We anticipate to get up to 50,000, we need another $50B next year.

About $282B will go only to deliver on our promise of doing 50,000 house lots because it costs about $5M to develop a house lot...we only have $300B this year coming in from oil. Of course, the $282B is not for one year, it's for the five years so why don't we have that conversation rather than the sound bites?”

To this end, Jagdeo said

that there is no greater clarity surrounding oil resources that he has seen compared to Guyana.

He said, “You name a country that every three months every receipt of revenue from an oil and gas company that is paid in to the NRF has to, by law, be published in the Official Gazette and Parliament has to be notified within three months of that receipt; not a n n u a l l y, f o r e v e r y transaction.”

He was keen to note too that the Minister could be jailed for failing to issue these reports. Further, the VP pointed out that government has instituted a formula where a specific sum is withdrawn each year to fund the National Budget.

Kaieteur News

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The end is near for local trade unions W

ithin the next twenty years, the trade union movement in Guyana is going to disappear. It is already on wobbly leg, unable to muster even the most mobilization to call an effective strike.

But the fortunes and poor prognosis for Guyanese trade unions is not unique to Guyana. Globally, trade unions have been in decline ever since conservatism, especially under Ronald Regan and Margaret Thatcher, launched an onslaught against the powerful unions of their day.

In the U.S., Reagan’s crushing of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) in 1981 marked a turning point; his mass firing of striking workers and banning them from federal employment for life sent a clear signal of the government’s hostility toward organized labour.

Similarly, Thatcher’s tenure in the UK saw a systematic dismantling of union power, epitomized by her handling of the 1984-1985 miners’ strike. Thatcher introduced restrictive laws that curtailed unions’ ability to strike and made collective bargaining more difficult, while openly confronting and defeating the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), weakening union solidarity nationwide. Both leaders championed free-market ideologies and privatization, undermining traditional union strongholds and shifting public sentiment against organized labour, setting the stage for a sharp decline in union

membership and influence in their respective countries.

In Guyana, the trade union movement has long been plagued by deep-seated political divisions.

The consequences of these fractures are now painfully evident. Once a force for solidarity and worker empowerment, the trade union movement is now splintered along political lines. This has weakened its ability to effectively advocate for the rights and interests of workers. Instead of fostering unity among the working class, trade unions have often allowed partisan loyalties to overshadow their primary mission. Some of them are all but political proxies in name.

This division has eroded the credibility and effectiveness of the trade union movement.

Leadership within many unions has grown increasingly disconnected from their membership, failing to address the pressing concerns of the modern workforce.

As a result, union leaders are often perceived as “ a r m c h a i r generals”—individuals who issue directives and make declarations from a position of comfort without actively engaging with or understanding the struggles of those they represent. This disconnect has left many workers feeling alienated and disillusioned, further undermining the unions’ ability to mobilize and advocate effectively.

But the membership is also infected with the bug of

political polarization. The membership of trade unions in Guyana is deeply divided along political lines, a division that significantly undermines solidarity and weakens the collective power of the labour movement. This fragmentation was starkly evident during the recent teachers’ strike, where political affiliations among members influenced the level of participation and support for the industrial action. Instead of presenting a unified front, many teachers were swayed by political considerations, with some aligning themselves with government narratives while others backed the union’s demands.

The combined impact of political fragmentation and disengaged leadership has rendered Guyana’s trade unions less relevant.

To make matters worse, some leaders do not seem to appreciate the concept of retirement. They stick around long after their expiry date.

Despite their challenges, trade unions around the world are reinventing themselves to remain relevant. They are embracing new approaches and expanding their scope.

Recognizing the limitations of traditional organizing methods, unions in other countries are increasingly focusing on gig and platform workers, advocating for fair pay and labour rights. They are leveraging digital platforms and social media to engage younger, techsavvy workers while employing data analytics to

DEM BOYS SEH

Why is de police snapping your driver’s licence?

A man did get arrest fuh identify theft.

When he appeared in front de judge, he was asked why he got into that sort of profession. He tell de judge that when he de was small, his mother always told him that he could be whatever he wanted to be. He said he did not know that this was a crime.

Dem boys seh that identity theft is becoming a real big problem, and it’s not just regular people getting victimized. Big businesses, small businesses, and even governments getting dem share of the problem. Criminals don’t have to work too hard nowadays; all dem need is some little detail from your life, like your bank number, your credit card info, or even your signature, and they’re off to the races. The rise of all dem platforms and data breaches mean that every time yuh type something in, somebody watching and waiting fuh grab yuh personal stuff. Next thing you know,

you waking up to find yuh bank account emptied, yuh credit card maxed out, and yuh name on some shady debt collector’s list.

Now, hear de real kicker: traffic cops snapping pics of yuh driver’s licence when dem pull yuh over! What in de world dem need that fuh? Dem taking yuh personal details, yuh signature, and storing them on their phone like it’s no big deal. Yuh ever wonder what happens to dat info after dem done with it? It don’t take much for a criminal to hack into that phone and use yuh details to run up debt or worse.

Commissioner of Police, dem boys beg you, tell your ranks to stop dis foolishness.

If dem want to charge somebody, let dem tek down your name and address in a notebook like they used to, and send yuh de charge later. No need for dem to collect your whole life story on dem phone!

Talk half. Leff half.

identify organizing opportunities. Beyond workplace issues, unions are aligning with broader social movements, addressing challenges such as climate change, gender equality, and racial justice to attract a new generation of activists.

Additionally, cross-border solidarity has emerged as a critical strategy. Others are seeking to provide more services such as training and recreational services to their membership while redefining their role as not just advocates for workers but also as champions of broader societal change.

Unlike their counterparts around the world that are

actively reinventing themselves to remain relevant, trade unions in Guyana appear trapped in a cycle of terminal decline and inertia. While global unions are adapting, Guyana’s trade unions seem unable—or unwilling—to evolve. They cling to outdated methods and strategies that no longer have traction with the modern workforce, leaving them increasingly irrelevant to the very workers they are supposed to represent.

This stagnation has made them relics of the past, outmoded and disconnected from the pressing realities of today’s labour market.

If this trend continues

unchecked, it is only a matter of time—perhaps within the next two decades—before Guyana’s trade unions fade entirely into obsolescence, with their final decline marked by the metaphorical reading of last rites.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

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UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

LALL

Friday December 06, 2024

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Alistair Routledge slam dunks, Guyanese ducking In a recent sharing on the internet, Exxon's Guyana President, Mr. Alistair Routledge, pulled out all the stops, went overboard.

The superlatives ran into each other. Such was Mr. Routledge's hurry to tell Exxon's great Guyana oil story. His focus was on Payara, the third offshore oil project. It was birthed in the passage of a fine Canadian who didn't know her head from her handbag, where oil is involved. It has since grown into a blend of a genie and a giant, brilliant ones, according to President Routledge.

It is worth regurgitating some of the rich extracts from his lush tributary of accolades about Payara: “dream start-up” and “industry records” and “extremely high reliability” and “fastest ramp up” and “full capacity.”

For Exxon, Payara has become Formula One and the American space programme all in one. I look at this latest string of Routledge-an gems and place them where Payara is rooted. It is Guyana. Guyanese know that their fishing grounds are rich, but to hear Mr. Routledge tell it (and for Payara alone), those offshore oil grounds are in a universe of their own.

Payara is a “dream start-up.”

Thank God for Exxon's technological prowess that facilitated such a dream beginning.

I would be the happiest man anywhere if my fellow Guyanese, especially the left-out ones, were sharing in that dream. They are in a sense, for there's great anticipation about the US$500 that is coming their way. No folks, there's no typo, no zero dropped in that US$500 figure. Three oil projects, five years of oil production, 500 million barrels delivered to traders and refineries, and the Guyanese Dream is US$100 here, another tidbit somewhere else, and now US$500 for their inheritance. One that the world cannot stop dreaming and drooling about.

Payara is breaking “industry records” the man from Exxon said.

Record profits have resulted for the company and its web of investors, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. Guyanese are stuck with the same old record: where is the money?

What about the individual prosperity today of those whose wealth this is? I regret, but am privileged, to be calling out and damning Mr. Routledge and Exxon in their cathedral from which they conjure these verbal obscenities that insult Guyanese and their bitter realities.

For fellow citizens-

outsiders, outcasts, out-of-luck, it is always that tomorrow will come, tomorrow will be better. Later is the commitment from local leaders that have always made the citizens of this country cry.

It has been that kind of broken record, with oil in the same groove.

A partnership that is trampling upon “industry records” works best, lasts the longest, when both parties share fairly in the package of benefits.

Payara, Mr. Routledge assures everyone, functions with “extremely high reliability.”

Exxon has upped the bar on itself, going from 'highly unlikely' to “extremely high reliability”. Even the iconic Viv Richards and Sunil Gavaskar had their off seasons. As a courtesy to Mr. Routledge, so also did NFL machines named Joe Montana and Tom Brady. President Routledge spoke with rapturous translucency about Payara operating with “reliability” to the nth degree. I was at the World Trade Center, my Lord, and all the wise men said that it couldn't be brought down. Perhaps, this is my real destiny. One hiccup and the mess-up could be so massive that Guyanese can forget about cleanup. A blotch this country could be.

Payara is now a symphony of

Mozartian distinctiveness for Exxon. The man talks about “fastest ramp-up” while sharing confidences (with fingers crossed) about “extremely high reliability.”

In other words, trust Exxon. The company knows what it is doing, has everything under control. I recommend that Exxon's Routledge educate the Guyanese public about what happened to the nuclear-powered submarine USS Scorpion. Men make monstrous miscalculations. The masses in poor countries, like Guyana, pay the highest price.

Exxon has become notorious for its “ramp-up” culture in Guyana. Who in Guyana is looking? Who here knows what is going on? Who in the Guyana Government has the freedom and the onions to stop Exxon's race for more barrels daily?

Tens of thousands of barrels above the safety limits? Today, the platitudes multiply. I trust that someone may remember that a few said, let's remember that there could be peril, too.

Payara, according to Mr. Routledge, is at “full capacity.” It is said that hindsight is perfect vision.

I s a y t o M r. R o u t l e d g e : congratulations, sir: Exxon just scored a perfect 10 with foresight.

High speed ramp-up, high reliability, and the highest capacity possible.

This is so good as to be beyond great. So good as to breach the boundaries of the unbelievable.

Exxon achieved all of this right under the noses of Guyanese.

Truly, it is the season of the American Oil Superman.

In watching Alistair Routledge, I see Clark Kent (the civilian superman).

Exxon couldn't have picked a more perfect place than Guyana to dig for oil, then plunder most of its rewards. With a government like the PPP, leaders like Quislings present, and a population subjugated in sinew, spirit, and soul, Payara stands as a monument to all that is disturbing about Guyana. The right and the rich that have gone wrong and wring every Guyanese neck in its unfolding to Exxon's glory.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Friday December 06, 2024

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Report on deadly GDF helicopter crash to be released by minister after deliberations by Defence Board – Jagdeo Vice President Bharrat J a g d e o , o n T h u r s d a y, informed the public that the report on the deadly Guyana Defence Force (GDF) crash that happened almost a year ago will be released by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, once discussions on the matter by the Defence Board have concluded.

On November 12, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill who has responsibility for civil aviation stated that a draft report has already been completed. He added, “The Draft Final Report will be sent to the various stakeholders associated for their comments before the report can be finalized.”

Those stakeholders are

the Guyana Defence Force, National Transportation Safety Board, Transport Canada, Bell Helicopters and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority. The stakeholders were given 60 days upon receipt of the Draft Final Report to review and provide their comments and upon completion of this exercise, a Final Report will be released.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo made the comments while addressing the media at his weekly press conference held at Freedom House on Robb Street and responding to an article carried by News Source. The News Source article had quoted National Security Advisor, Gerry Gouveia saying that

President Irfaan Ali will decide on the release of GDF helicopter crash report… “I spoke with President Ali, he said to me the matter has not even gone to the Defence Board as yet, and he has not indicated to anyone that he is to release or to give the final decision on the release of this report.”

The VP explained that the report was done by the Civil Aviation Authority and since it was a military accident the report has military components to it.

“However, the Civil Aviation Authority falls under a civilian minister and therefore, I suspect that once the Defence Board discusses the matter, then the report will be released by the

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo civilian minister who is responsible for Civil Aviation Authority. So, this tends to be a bit misleading,” Jagdeo said of Gouveia's comments.

On December 8th, 2023 five of seven occupants of

the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Bell412 helicopter died when the aircraft crashed in the jungle between Arau and Ekereku in Region Seven. Those who died are: the pilot-incommand, veteran aviator Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Staff Sergeant Jason Khan and Brigadier (ret'd) Gary Beaton. Lieutenant Andio Michael Crawford, a pilot on board the aircraft, and Corporal Dwayne Johnson survived the crash.

Shortly after the crash, Edghill had appointed a special investigator to probe the incident and at a news

conference late December 2023, he disclosed that the Blackbox of the chopper had been sent to the United States (US). The Minister said then: “I as Minister of Public Works under the Civil Aviation Act of 2018, have fulfilled my obligations in a p p o i n t i n g a n accident/incident investigator.” Edghill also said back then that he had approved the travel of the investigator to the US to transport and deliver the Black box to the National Transportation and Safety Board. “The Black box was sent so that the readings would be able to inform the investigation [team] as it relates to what happened,” he said.

GMIN opens Bartica office to support Region 7 communities

GMIN's Bartica office The Guyanese subsidiary of Canadianmining firm G Mining Ventures (GMIN) on December 4, 2024, opened its Bartica office at Lot 31, Second Avenue. In a statement, the company said this office serves as a cornerstone for fostering regional development and engagement, particularly in anticipation of the Oko Gold Mines Project, slated to begin gold production in 2027.

GMIN's Country Manager, Mr. Bjorn Jeune, described the office as a tangible expression of the company's dedication to Region 7 and Guyana's growth. He said the project represents a new era for gold mining in Guyana, with proven reserves of 4.3 million ounces and a commitment to sustainability.

The company is prepared to leave a lasting impact on the communities of Bartica and Region 7, establishing a standard for community engagement and responsible mining, as construction commences in 2025.

“This project is not just about gold production, it is about creating lasting value for the communities, the region, and the nation. Together, we are building a legacy of

sustainable development and shared prosperity,” Jeune noted.

Moreover, the company also launched a multi-stakeholder working group (MSWG) to enhance transparency and inclusivity. The group, which includes representatives from the government, civil society, and local communities, will guarantee the inclusion of all stakeholders in the project's progress.

From the first quarter of 2025, GMIN will train 200 Barticians in hospitality, welding, electrical work, and heavy-duty equipment operation.

This initiative aligns with the company's aim to create 1,500 jobs for Guyanese during the project's lifecycle.

Moreover, Mayor of Bartica, Anthony Murray, said the establishment of the office is a good opportunity for the town and region.

He underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving shared prosperity.

Regional Chairman, Kenneth Williams, hailed the occasion as a pivotal development for Bartica and Region 7. He noted GMIN's sincerity in its commitment to ensure Guyanese are at the core of its operations.

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Ministry and Disability CDB to host expert forum on combating corruption Health Commission launch Building

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), through its Office of Integrity, Compliance, and Accountability (ICA), will host a free virtual “Expert Forum on Anti-Corruption in the Age of AI” on Monday, December 9, 2024, in observance of International AntiCorruption Day.The forum will

convene leading global authorities on artificial intelligence (AI) and anticorruption, alongside integrity practitioners from multilateral financial institutions who are implementing AI-driven solutions to address urgent challenges and combat corruption more effectively, the bank

said in a release. Insights from these experts will be shared to strengthen governance and transparency across the Caribbean. Discussions will explore the risks AI poses to anticorruption efforts and good governance, the potential for AI to (Continued on page 22)

Accessibility Handbook NCD Chairperson Ganesh Singh presents the Building Accessibility Handbook 2025 to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.

(Ministry of Health) The Ministry of Health's Disability and Rehabilitation Services, in collaboration with the National Commission on Disability (NCD), has launched the Building Accessibility Handbook 2025.

The book reflects the NCD's unwavering commitment to foster inclusivity and address barriers whether physical, attitudinal or systemic that hinders persons with disabilities from accessing facilities and services.

T h e B u i l d i n g Accessibility Handbook 2025 is envisioned as both a guide

and a catalyst for meaningful change. It will equip stakeholders across public and private sectors with practical tools to prioritize inclusive infrastructure, accessible communication, and cultural transformation in Guyana.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony commended the NCD for its outstanding work in enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities. He also highlighted the challenges many face in accessing public spaces.

"Recognize persons living with disabilities, try to go into (Continued on page 22)

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Jagdeo slams Opposition over attempts to discredit GECOM V

ice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has slammed the Opposition parties and other organisations for what he describes as an orchestrated plan to bring the credibility of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) into question.

“We have had quite a week of audacious demonization of GECOM all with the motive of destroying the credibility of GECOM in a patently unfair manner by a number fringe of organizations and political parties And I think the motive is, should they be able to or succeed in destroying the credibility of GECOM, they may be able to cast doubts on any elections conducted by GECOM,” Jagdeo said.

The Vice President said

that some of the organisations engaged in the attack on the Elections Commission “… it is orchestrated and several of these that don’t have membership…but they are boldly making statements and putting out press releases and getting a lot of these press releases represented in the newspapers and mainstream media.” At his weekly press conference, held on Thursday Jagdeo, who is also the General Secretary of t h e r u l i n g P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP) party said that he is convinced that there is a concerted attempt to discredit and smear the reputation of the Chairperson of GECOM Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh.

“I think the primary

Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo

target of the abuse is the Chair of GECOM. Had the Chair of GECOM not stood up in 2020, APNU would have succeeded in stealing the elections and I think they are still bitter about that…so

if there is anyone who is credible or organizations or leadership, it is the Commission and not the secretariat and that is why to ensure that they restore credibility to the secretariat,

some of the people had to be replaced by professionals and that is what is happening there,” the VP added.

Over the past week, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the Alliance For Change (AFC), A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and Trade Union umbrella body, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), all expressed their growing concern over the management of the Elections Commission and the work of the Chairman of the Commission.

On Sunday, the AFC said it would hold consultations on whether to boycott next year’s general elections if Justice Singh remains G E C O M ’s C h a i r m a n , saying that she presided over the illegal occupation of a joinder parliamentary seat.

The Liberty and Justice

Party (LJP), ANUG and The New Movement (TNM) contested the March 2020 elections as a “joinder” and after the polls, their individual votes were added and they were awarded one parliamentary seat. The LJP won 2,657 votes, ANUG, 2,313 and TNM, 244.

In keeping with a rotation agreement among those parties, LJP Leader, Lenox Shuman first occupied the parliamentary seat. Wary that the TNM, with 244 votes, would have been shut out of parliament during the five-year election term, the parties had agreed to allow that party’s leader, Dr. Asha Kissoon to serve her entitled 91 days. She was sworn in on April 24, 2023 but has since refused to resign to allow an ANUG representative to serve as a parliamentarian.

Guyana signs Air Services Agreement with South Korea to enhance air connectivity Guyana and the Republic Activities, inter alia, Minister the two countries. Presently, of Korea (South Korea) on Edghill said “this Agreement Korean Air is the flag carrier Thursday signed an Air opens opportunity for airlines of South Korea and is the Services Agreement to of both countries to expand largest airline in that country promote and facilitate airlines their air connectivity and b a s e d o n f l e e t s i z e , international destinations, to operate air services routes served.”

Minister Edghill further and international flights, the between the two countries, as well as other countries, the said that the Government has ministry said.

It is anticipated that this Ministry of Public Works been “aggressively working t o c o n n e c t d e s t i n a t i o n Agreement will stimulate disclosed.

Signing the Agreement on Guyana with direct services interest from Korean Air to behalf of South Korea was to the various continents of consider destination Guyana as part of its route network.

H . E A m b a s s a d o r K I M the world.”

The Agreement He said the government Jinhae, Non-Permanent R e p r e s e n t a t i v e o f t h e “is working tremendously complements the more than Republic of Korea to the hard to make these things 50 Air Services Agreements C a r i b b e a n C o m m u n i t y happen for the betterment of Guyana has established with Secretariat and Juan Edghill, the Guyanese and the aviation other ICAO States to develop Minister of Public Works on industry.” Presently, there air connectivity among are no direct flights between States. Guyana and South behalf of Guyana.

In addition to the standard Guyana and South Korea. Korea established diplomatic articles of Grant of Rights; However, this Agreement relations on October 2, 1969.

D e s i g n a t i o n a n d puts in place the legal The ministry said that the Authorisation; User Charges; framework that opens market agreement is a testament to Recognition of Certificates access for airlines to operate friendship and the warm and Licenses; Customs and enhance competitive air diplomatic relationship that Duties and Other Similar transport services, trade, and Guyana shares with South Charges; Tariffs; Commercial economic growth between Korea.

Non-Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the Caribbean Community Secretariat H.E Ambassador KIM Jinhae and Minister of Public Works on behalf of Guyana Juan Edghill after the signing of the Air Services Agreement. (Ministry of Public Works)

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

Friday December 06, 2024

S&P Global Ratings affirms CDB strong rating T

WANTED

VACANCY

Drivers (25-45 Year old) to deliver Groceries & Porter to work on the canter & warehouse. Attractive salary. Tel673-7373.

Porter Vacancy at Vegetarian Gardens. 68 Robb & Cummings G/Town. Tel:2277714 Cell:640-0673

One male & Female staff to work in a store. Call: 225-2313 / 658-8559.

One single reliable live-in Domestic, for the East Bank Area, must be 46 years and above. Contact: 662-2018 Experienced bus driver for Region #3, Must have a valid bus license. Contact : 60079618/ 703-7133 or email : e.e.transportgy@gmail.com Urgently needed Cook to work In the interior. Call: 7001196.

Live-in Babysitter / Cook age 45-55 years old. Experience would be an asset. Contact : 681-4662.

Help Wanted: Join 592 Rides as a Driver!- Download the 592 Rides app from your smartphone's app store.

Single male seeks a live-in Domestic Partner, Light housework. Salary $60,000 monthly. Call: 603-9085.

Receptionist Vacancy at Hick’s Ville Hotel. 79 West Ruimveldt Estate G/Town. Tel :231-0951/640-0673 Email:info@vegeworld.net Pastry maker, Cleaner, sales representative, security personnel at Humphrey's Bakery & Farm produce @ Ketley street. 505-1324.

Maid to clean for east bank area. Call: 615-9132.

Female cleaner. Call : 6159132 / 645-8443.

One (1) painter & Male cleaner 615-9132 or 645-8443.

Pump Attendant (6am-2pm & 2pm-10pm).Mobil Providence E.B.D, Call: 265-7306.

Email:Mobilramsburg@gmai.com Receptionist, Supervisor , Laundry attendant 23-50 years old. 233 South Road Lacytown. 225-0198.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, crash, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.

One Unregistered Nissan XTrail 2016 model, Mode Premiere. Call : 649-0956.

ENTERTAINMENT Family fun Aracari Resort! crystal clear pool, safe kids & adult sections, music & food. W.B.D. Call : 2642946-9

FOR SALE For Sale 6 used American made Dental chairs excellent condition contact Mr Vino on 661-3030 or 626-8918 One Nissan Double cab pickup, fully off road setup ; -5 Million Negotiable. Call: 626-8919 / 661-3030.

SERVICES Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 629-5526.

Visa Application:U.S.A, Canada & UK:Graphics design, advertisements, wedding arch rentals.Tel:6267040.

ACCOMMODATIONS Aracari Hotel renovated rooms ,A/C, TV, Restaurant, bar, pool, gym Stay 7 nights, 1 Free! Call: 264-2946.

FOR SALE Seeking single Female roommate no pets, no kids $120,000 located at betterhope. Contact: 609-8881.

he Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/the Bank) has announced that S&P Global Ratings recently affirmed its ‘AA+/Stable/A-1’ rating. The stable outlook reflects the agency’s view that CDB will continue to uphold high capitalisation levels and manage its balance sheet prudently, the bank said in a release.

The Bank has a strong record of fulfilling its mandate through the credit cycle with an extremely strong financial risk profile and a very strong enterprise risk profile. CDB’s risk-adjusted capital (RAC) ratio stands at 29.7%, based on June 30, 2024, financial data, showcasing the Bank’s robust capitalisation, liquidity and low leverage. The Bank’s effective management

of its portfolio, including its balanced use of regular and concessional resources, further underscores its strong financial position.

CDB’s adherence to internal policy limits, improvement of its risk management with an enhanced Enterprise Risk Management Framework in 2024, as well as active implementation of balance-sheet optimisations to strengthen

its capital base, are testaments to its commitment to sound governance and risk management.

For CDB, the stable outlook from S&P Global Ratings reflects the Bank’s capacity and confidence in its mission to support the development and sustainable growth of Caribbean economies, even amid global economic challenges and natural disasters.

Canadian mining firm plans to produce 5M...

From page 2 tailings.”According to the EIA, “Mining will take place over 12 to 14 years, and processing over 14 to 16 years.

Exploration of the Project area will continue during operations.” It was stated too that there is potential that additional deposits may be identified throughout the mine life.

However, it should be noted that the current study addresses only the currently known resource.

The construction and operation of the project requires

the development of supporting infrastructure. In addition to the open pit and underground mines, project facilities will include a processing plant, HFO power plant, fuel storage, tailings storage facility (TSF), waste rock storage facility (WSF), water source, process water holding ponds, diversion channels, shop facility, administration building, camp, airstrip, haulage roads, and access roads to the project area.

Moreover, it was disclosed that the processing

plant will be designed nominally to treat 6 to 7 million tons of ore per annum. It will consist of comminution, gravity concentration, cyanide leach and adsorption of the gold concentrate via carbonin-leach (CIL), carbon elution, and gold recovery circuits.

CIL tailings will be treated in a cyanide destruction circuit prior to discharge in the TSF. GMIN is aiming to start construction next year and hit the production stage by 2027-2028. The company also has plans to build its own air-

strip, which will be used during the construction phase and production stage. The Oko West Prospect License (PL) covers approximately 6,700 hectares of mineral rights. The PL was issued on 23rd September, 2022, by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), following the relinquishment of eleven medium-scale mining permits held by two Guyanese entrepreneurs with whom Reunion had signed agreements.

Health Ministry and Disability Commission...

From page 20 some public buildings, there’s always a challenge, especially with the older ones, because trying to climb a stair, if there isn’t a ramp, you’re going to have problems…it would deny that person whatever service that building is offering or the people in the building are offering,” the Minister explained.

The Minister recalled past initiatives, such as the installation of a ramp at the National Cultural Centre, and expressed hope that the Building Accessibility Handbook 2025 would guide stakehold-

ers in adopting inclusive practices.

He emphasized that with increased construction in Guyana, builders must incorporate the needs of persons with disabilities.

In addition, the Minister shared ongoing initiatives to support persons with disabilities, including a national survey to identify the number and types of disabilities across Guyana.

He also highlighted improvements in rehabilitation services, such as distributing over 800 wheelchairs and nearly 1,000 rechargeable

hearing aids free of cost this year. By next year, the Ministry intends to provide prostheses free of cost.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ariane Manger, Director of Rehabilitation and Disability Services said the handbook is more than a guide.

According to her, it is a blueprint for dismantling barriers and creating spaces that empower all individuals, including persons with disabilities and seniors.

“It outlines practical solutions such as ramps, accessible pathways, inclusive sanitary facilities, and im-

proved communication tools like tactile signs and Braille.

By embracing these guidelines, Guyana moves closer to a society where accessibility is not a privilege but a fundamental right,” she highlighted.

Also present were Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh; Director of Primary Health Care, Dr Ertensia Hamilton; Principal Assistant Secretary of Finance, Malkia Ida; Ganesh Singh, NCD Chairperson; Vidushi Persaud, NDC Vice Chairperson and another representative from the private sector.

CDB to host expert forum on combating corruption...

From page 20 enhance transparency and accountability, strategies to build the capacity of Caribbean institutions to combat corruption in the digital age, and approaches to fostering trust and integrity in an evolving technological landscape. Speakers will offer cutting-edge perspectives on the risks, solutions, opportunities, and transformative impact of AI on corruption, which remains a critical barrier to sustainable economic development in the region.

This session aims to build institutional capacity across the Caribbean, empowering the region to drive growth and reduce poverty.Head of CDB’s ICA, Dr. Toussant Boyce, emphasised the forum’s critical importance in addressing the challenges

and opportunities posed by AI. He noted, “Combatting the scourge of corruption is a daily challenge. Each year on International Anti-Corruption Day, we reflect on its significant and harmful effects on economic development.

This year, we focus on artificial intelligence as a generalpurpose technology with exponential utility, capable of reshaping the global fight against corruption.”

Dr. Boyce added, “AI presents both risks and unprecedented opportunities.

This forum will equip Caribbean stakeholders with key academic and practical insights from experts who are harnessing AI as a force for good to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.”

The line-up of expert

speakers includes Mr. Eugene Wu, Chief of the International Anti-Corruption Unit at the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Dr. Nils Köbis, Professor for Human Understanding of Algorithms and Machines at the University of Duisburg-Essen; Mr. Marcelo Donolo, Manager of Prevention, Risk, and Knowledge Management at the World Bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency; and Mr. Krishna Kesari, Head of the Data Lab at the World Bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency. The agenda also features a follow-up panel from CDB’s recent “Caribbean Youth Combatting Corruption in the Age of AI” forum, held on November 19, 2024. This youth-focused discussion highlighted the role of young people in advancing anti-corruption ini-

tiatives amid rapid technological innovation. It resulted in the creation of a Youth Anti-Corruption Policy Statement and Working Group, which will be launched during the Expert Forum.

The Expert Forum reaffirms CDB’s commitment to promoting good governance, integrity, and compliance as the region pursues sustainable development in an increasingly complex global environment.

It is part of a series of free virtual events under the umbrella of CDB’s Caribbean Conference on Corruption, Compliance and Cybercrime.

Interested persons can register and get more information online at Expert Forum on Anti-Corruption in the Age of AI | Caribbean Development Bank.

Friday December 06, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Man, arrested by police, dies in custody from gunshot wound While police remain silent on the death of a Warau suspect in their custody, a post mortem examination has revealed that he died from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

The suspect, Luis La Cruz, 28, a father of three, reportedly died on November 29, seven days after he was arrested by police. He is being buried today by his loved ones. As family members prepare to say their final goodbyes, they demand justice.

Firstly, they claim he is innocent of the crime, which he was accused of and secondly, they are angry that he was removed from the hospital with a gunshot wound to his abdomen and placed in the police lockups.

His sister, Julie La Cruz claimed that he begged police officers for help and complained of feeling unwell but police ranks ignored him.

“He was asking for help and they laughed at him and even hit him in the head. We want justice for the death of my brother (translated from Spanish)”, La Cruz told Kaieteur News on Thursday.

Kaieteur News understands that the language barrier might have played a part in police ignoring his complaints.

La Cruz of Montrose,

East Coast Demerara (ECD) was identified as one of six Venezuelans accused of attempting to murder a policeman around 23:45hrs on Saturday November 23, 2024. Four have been remanded, one remains hospitalized and La Cruz died. Reports are that Constable Nathaniel Giddings dressed in plain clothes, was on duty with three other police officers when they witnessed a fight between two females (both suspects in the attempted murder) at Stabroek Market, near Demico.

In an effort to deescalate the situation, Giddings intervened. However, one of the accused allegedly turned on him with broken bottles and a knife, inflicting multiple stab wounds to his body and neck. The two male suspects then allegedly joined the attack. It was chaos, eyewitnesses reported. Police managed to take control of the situation and Giddings was subsequently taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he is admitted as a patient.

During the attack, two of the suspects were also injured and had to be taken to the hospital.

Initial reports were that the suspects had inflicted stab wounds on each other during the chaotic attack on

the policeman.

Since then, police have said nothing else. Reports later surfaced that four Venezuelans were jointly charged with attempted murder.

The defendants were identified as, 21-year-old Victoria La Cruz, 37-yearold Libeth Valasquez, (the two females) and 26-yearold Jesus Herrera, and 19year-old Gabriel Campose, all of Montrose, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Days later, Kaieteur News received information that one of the suspects had died in police custody.

His sister, Julie La Cruz later confirmed his death with the newspaper.

At first, relatives did not know how he died and were speculating that the blows he allegedly received from police while asking them for help might have killed him.

Following his death, police summoned his mother (an elderly Indigenous Warau woman) and advised her to sign a document that she reportedly could not read.

Nevertheless, she signed it with her thumb print and, according to her, police give them no further explanation but a copy of a document.

Kaieteur News was shown the document and it was only then that she understood that it was just

part of a legal procedure to identify La Cruz’s body.

A post mortem was later done and it revealed that a bullet had caused his death.

He had been shot and the bullet destroyed his intestines causing septic shock.

Relatives are now questioning why did police not leave him in the hospital to be treated?

Kaieteur News had reached to the Corporation Communications Department (CCU), for clarification on the man’s death, but to date, it is yet to respond. Other reporters had reached out too but CCU said that no such report has reached its department.

Apart from questioning the circumstances surrounding La Cruz’s death, relatives are now claiming he did not attack the policeman but is a victim of the chaos caused by the fight at Demico.

“My brother is not a delinquent, he went there to have a good time with family, my other brothers and an in-law but then a fight broke out”, his sister Julie claimed.

After police showed up, people began scattering and those severely injured were left behind.

The real attackers, she claimed, reportedly fled the scene in taxi and police only arrested

The post mortem report of La Cruz’s cause of death.

those at the scene.

Kaieteur News asked her how she knows who the real attackers are, and the woman responded that La Cruz had lost his cell phone at the scene and it appears as if the “real attackers” had stolen it.

“They have been calling us on his number and asking us about the case if the boys

are in jail and so,” Julie said before adding that the individuals would then threaten them to not give any information to police that they were there on the night of the attack.

“They tell we if we talk or them see we walking around, they will kill all a we (translated from Spanish).

East La Penitence Health Centre for $19M extension T

he Ministry of La Penitence Health Centre H e a l t h i s extended.

At the recent opening preparing to s p e n d a p p r o x i m a t e l y of tenders this week at the $19,204,738 to have the East National Procurement and Below are the companies and their bids: Ministry of Health Extension to East La Penitence Health Centre.

Minister of Health, Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, it Dr. Frank Anthony on was disclosed that 18 n u m e r o u s o c c a s i o n s contractors have applied s a i d t h a t t h e government will be to execute the project.

Ministry of Public Works Construction of Steel and Concrete Composite Bridge at Makouria Creek.

u p g r a d i n g h e a l t h aside this year from the f a c i l i t i e s to ensure n a t i o n a l b u d g e t t o quality service is provided rehabilitate and upgrade health centres across the to the citizenry.

Some $5B was set country.

Guyana Water Inc. Drilling and Construction of Portable Water Well at North Ruimveldt Georgetown.

Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Supply and Delivery of One Crystalizer Complete with Drive for Uitvlugt Estate.

Supply & Delivery of Materials Required to Replace Heater & Pre heater at Uitvlugt Estate.

Supply & Delivery of One Auto Cane Carrier Control System for Blairmont Estate.

Maritime Administration Department Supply & Delivery and Installation of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre & Sub MRCC.

Dredging of the Berbice Main Ships Channel Lot 1 to 3 – Lot1: OuterSection, Lot2: Canje River entrance, and Lot3: Stanleytown Bar.

Kaieteur News

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Friday December 06, 2024

Dozens killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza; Amnesty calls Israel’s actions ‘genocide’ CAIRO/GAZA, Dec 5 (Reuters) - The Israeli military killed at least 39 Palestinians in strikes across the Gaza Strip overnight, medics said on Thursday, including at least 20 in an attack that set ablaze tents sheltering displaced families in a crowded camp.

Residents carried a body wrapped in carpets out of the charred wreckage of the makeshift shelters in Mawasi, near the beach west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, where tens of thousands of people have sheltered for months.

Israel calls the area a humanitarian zone and has long told people to go there for their safety.

Mourners said the l a t e s t a t t a c k s demonstrated that a new declaration from international human rights group Amnesty International that Israel was guilty of genocide in Gaza - strongly rejected

by Israel - had come too late.

Gaza medics said the 20 confirmed dead in the Israeli strike there included women and children.

Israel said the strike targeted senior Hamas operatives, whom it did not identify. Later on Thursday, Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya in the

A Palestinian man inspects the damage in the aftermath of an Israeli strike on a tent camp, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip December 5, 2024. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem north of the enclave, said a 16-year-old boy who used a wheelchair was killed and several people, including medics, were wounded by Israeli drone fire against the medical facility.

There was no Israeli comment on Abu Safiya’s account.

The health ministry said the three hospitals that are barely operational on the northern edge of the Gaza Strip have come under repeated attack since Israeli forces sent

tanks to Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun towns and the nearby Jabalia camp in October.

Israel said it has since killed hundreds of militants in fighting with Hamas. The armed wings of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad claimed they had killed many Israeli soldiers in those areas in the same period. The strike at Mawasi set several large tents ablaze and exploding cooking gas canisters and burning furniture fuelled the fire.

The area was strewn with charred clothing, mattresses and other belongings among the twisted frames of burntout shelters.

“We don’t see anyone from the whole world standing by us or helping us in this situation.

Let them stop this crazy war that’s against us. Let them stop the war,” said Abu Kamal Al-Assar, a witness at the site.

The attack came on the day Amnesty International released its report saying Israel’s actions in Gaza met the definition of the crime of

genocide.

Israel strongly rejected that accusation, denouncing Amnesty as a “deplorable and fanatical organisation”. At a funeral in Khan Younis, where relatives wept over whiteshrouded bodies, resident Abu Anas Mustafa called the Amnesty report “a victory for Palestinian diplomacy”, although he said it came late.

“It is the 430th day of the war today, and Israel has been carrying out massacres and a genocide from the first 10 days of

the war,” he said.

Other Israeli strikes reported on Thursday hit Gaza City, where medics said an attack destroyed a house where an extended family had taken shelter and damaged two nearby homes, killed at least three people.

The Israeli army says militants frequently use residential buildings, schools, and hospitals for operational cover.

Hamas denies this, accusing Israeli forces of indiscriminate attacks and ignoring the plight of civilians in harm’s way.

In Rafah, near the border with Egypt, an Israeli strike killed three Palestinians on Thursday, medics said.

Three others were killed in a separate air strike in Shejaia, in eastern Gaza City, they added. Israel launched its assault on Gaza after Hamas-led fighters attacked Israeli communities on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and capturing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, it has laid much of the Gaza Strip to waste, forcing nearly the entire 2.3 million population from their homes.

Authorities in the Hamas-run territory say more than 44,500 Gazans have been killed, with thousands of others feared dead under the rubble.

Emmanuel Macron vows to name new French PM within days BBC - French President Emmanuel Macron said he will name a new prime minister “in the coming days”, after Michel Barnier was ousted in a noconfidence vote in parliament on Wednesday.

He rejected calls to stand down in the wake of the government’s collapse, saying he would see his fiveyear mandate through until it ends in 2027.

In a televised address,

Macron said France could not have new parliamentary elections for 10 months, following the snap polls back in July.

Barnier’s government collapsed after MPs voted overwhelmingly in support of the motion against him, just three months after he was appointed by Macron.

The vote to remove Barnier was the first time a French government had been voted down by parliament in

more than 60 years, a move Macron labelled “unprecedented”.

He thanked Barnier for his “dedication” and “unwillingness to give up” during his brief term.

Macron accused the French far right and hard left of collaborating in an “antirepublican front”.

Addressing voters directly, he said that some of his political opponents had chosen “chaos” and were not

thinking “about you, the voters”, suggesting that their interest was in the next presidential elections.

Barnier is set to remain in office on a caretaker basis with his ministers until a new government is appointed.

Names for a new prime minister have been swirling, including Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and

French President Emmanuel Macron (AFP) centrist former presidential candidate François Bayrou.

Macron said France could not afford to be

“static”, and that the immediate focus for the new government would be the budget for 2025.

Friday December 06, 2024

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Procurement commission explains variance in employment costs between 2023 and 2022 PPC was grossly misrepresented. The Commission pointed out that the PPC was first constituted by former President David Granger on October 28, 2016, for a period of three years, pursuant to Article 212Y of the constitution.

“The tenures of the then Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson were extended

by President David Granger (as he then was) for a period of one (1) year with effect from October 25th, 2019. No other commissioners were appointed, leaving the Commission not fully constituted and/or quorate,” the body explained.

The Commission was fully constituted by President Irfaan Ali for a period of three years, with effect from July 8, 2022; this

The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) has clarified the large increase in employment costs from 2022 to 2023 as highlighted in the recently tabled Audit of the Financial Statements in the National Assembly.

On December 4, this newspaper reported that the Commission in 2023 paid just over $175.7M in employment costs, a $115M increase from the previous year. The employment costs in 2022 amounted to just over $60M. In a statement to the media on Wednesday in response to the article, the PPC noted that while it welcomes the level of scrutiny it is usually subjected to by the media, the report on the employment costs of the

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond

723 small businesses from Regions 7, 8 & 9 registered in 2024

Seven hundred and twenty-three small businesses in Regions Seven, Eight and Nine were assisted by the Small Business Bureau to obtain business registrations this year.

This was disclosed by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond at an end-of-year press briefing held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Wednesday.

“We have recognized that these are remote communities that will not necessarily have ready access to be able to register their businesses,” the minister said, noting that the staff have been encouraging all business owners to get their businesses registered as a path to expansion and access to opportunities.“So, registration of business has been a critical initiative and via our business registration hubs in these areas, we have been able to register almost 730 businesses and I think that is pretty significant in these regions alone, Regions 7, 8, and 9 and we continue to do it in other regions but this was pretty significant,” she explained.

The tourism minister said that her ministry is tasked with small business development and with this, they continue to focus on training and assisting small business.

Walrond mentioned that what they have noticed is that over the years they found that there seems to be a gap in terms of more support and training with these small businesses. She added that the Small Business Bureau has been assisting with this in building up capacity among small businesses.

“So, when businesses are being given financial support, we also want to be able to hold their hands, be able to train them on how to manage, how to do proper marketing and customer service,” Minister Walrond said.

Meanwhile, Kaieteur News understands that over 2000 small businesses benefited from Small Business Development Training. The minister said that the Ministries of Tourism and Human Services launched an initiative to assist small business owners with disabilities to acquire collateral free loans and expand their business. Persons with disabilities who are desirous of establishing their small business are also assisted with collateral free loans. Thus far, 21 businesses benefitted from the initiative.

board is still in place. The PPC said the contracts for its employees had expired by the time the next Commission was constituted in July, 2022. As a result, the Commission had to set about on a recruitment drive in 2022, to re-staff its constitutionally mandated Secretariat.

To this end, the body said, “It would be improper to compare the employment costs of 2023 with previous year 2022, when the Commission was in effect unstaffed. Further, the PPC said the current Commission had used the opportunity to review the organisational structure of the secretariat as reported in the

aforementioned Annual Report; removing padded administrative positions and replacing same with technical staff.”

Under the previously constituted PPC, the final year they operated with a fully staffed Secretariat before employees' contracts expired, was 2019.

As such, the Public Procurement Commission said it would be more prudent to compare the employment cost of the PPC in 2023, with the year 2019.

“To this end, in 2019, the total employment cost of the PPC was $163.2 million, which increased by $27.7 million or 20% over the previous year in 2018. In

2023, the employment cost of $175.8 million represents an increase of $12.5 million or 7% to the last duly constituted PPC's employment cost in 2019,” the Commission clarified. It

therefore pointed out that the real increase in employment costs of the current PPC for the year ended 2023, when compared to the previously constituted PPC in 2019, was $12.5 million or only 7%.

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JFF to use YouTube More support for Kashif and channel to boost... Shanghai Futsal tourney...

From page 30 with Jamaica’s football,” he added.

Graham then went into more technical details of the initiative and what fans can look forward to.

“We went on a quest to assess what capabilities we have in our stadiums in Jamaica. Our physical assets like cameras, WIFI and all

these other technical aspects. In 2025, we will have major improvements in all those areas.

We have top notch cameras coming with 4k quality all across the board and we’ll have drone aspects as well,” he said.

“Based off the calendar, we are going to target the games that we

are legally able to showcase. If those games are within the rights of the JFF, we will target those games from both the Reggae Boyz and Reggae Girlz as well as the Under20s, Under-17s and Under15s.

We’re going to do full, across the board coverage of all our teams,” he added.

From page 35 collecting a token $30,000.

The full prize packages show: The men’s tournament will see the 1st placed team collecting $2,000,000; 2nd$1,000,000; 3rd- $500,000 and 4th- $200,000.

Additionally, the final six teams will be outfitted with uniforms for the business

stated.

Games are set to be p l a y e d o n Tu e s d a y s , Thursdays and Saturdays.

Four motorcycles will be given to the outstanding performers.

The Male and Female MVPs along with the highest goal scorer and the best goalkeeper are in line to claim motorcycles.

end of the tournament.

The female s egment of the tournament w ill see a 1st prize $200,000; 2nd$100,000; 3rd- $60,000 and 4th- $40,000.

The tournament will run through the holiday season and culminate on January 3 and not January 1 as was originally

Berbice River Bridge Closure to Road Traffic Thursday November 21, 2024

Friday December 06, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Some unexpected but very welcome visitors could arrive today, Aries. They might bring some people you don't know but should connect with right away. Expect interesting news, fascinating information,.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Taurus, who's that intriguing new person in your neighborhood? What is it about this new neighbor that makes it impossible for you to stop wondering about them?

Quit obsessing.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) An unexpected letter could arrive today, Gemini, with a check enclosed, perhaps a gift, bonus, or offer to make more money. This might be a welcome break.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) If you're in the arts or sciences, Cancer, sudden inspiration could cause you to start or continue a project that means a lot to you.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Meditation, dreams, or visions could bring amazing insights your way, Leo. You might find them too bizarre to believe, at least at first, but follow-up research could reveal that what you've come up with is quite credible.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You're an adventurous soul, Virgo. Are you thinking about a little mischief today? Are you going to propose that you and a friend or perhaps your partner skip town for a day and forget about work,

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A n u n e x p e c t e d communication may come today from someone connected with your career, Libra. This is good news, but it may be so off the wall that you could walk around in a daze for a while trying to make sense of it all.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) An unexpected chance to fly to a faraway place, perhaps at someone else's expense, could come to you today, Scorpio. A group might be involved, perhaps one connected with education.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Some bizarre and rather silly dreams might come to you tonight, Sagittarius. They may be the sort that is so crazy that you actually wake up laughing.

Don't dismiss them. Silly or not, these dreams are trying to tell you something.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) If you're single, you could feel a very powerful attraction to someone unusual and perhaps a little wacky. If you're already in a relationship.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Have you been looking for a new job, Aquarius? If so, you might hear of an opportunity from an unexpected source, perhaps at a social gathering, if possible.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) If you're single, Pisces, love may come to you completely out of the blue today. The person could be standing behind you in line at the store or sitting nearby you in the park.

For Ocean going Vessels & Trawlers 07:30hrs Friday November 01, 2024

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Demerara River Bridge Closure to Road Traffic Thursday November 21, 2024

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Kaieteur News

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Friday December 06, 2024

Yorke to keep eye on overseas talent as TTFA works on friendlies SportsMax - While the Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o Football Association (TTFA) continues its efforts to arrange friendly matches for the national senior team, Head coach Dwight Yorke will focus on assessing overseas-based players, including those already in the squad and potential recruits eligible to represent the country. Yorke, who was appointed last month, has already conducted a oneweek training camp with locally-based players, but TTFA President Kieron Edwards explained that the former Manchester United striker and his coaching staff would be alternating between local and international duties.

“He’s also doing his due diligence to get up to speed with the international players... He’s carded to go

and see Levi (Garcia) and have some discussions with Levi and those guys in Europe shortly,” Edwards said in an interview on local TV station WESN. Current immigration laws restrict the number of players with Trinidad and Tobago roots that can be recruited, but Edwards remains hopeful that these laws may eventually change.

In the meantime, the TTFA is pressing forward with its search for new talent.

“We are in discussions with several persons with heritage from the diaspora, not just on the senior level but Under-17 level as well, and the Under-20 level to bolster those teams because we have an important World Cup Under-17 qualifier coming up in Costa Rica shortly,” Edwards said.

Though reluctant to say

which players they have been in contact with, when asked about the possibility of recruiting winger Jadon Sancho, currently on loan at Chelsea from Manchester United, Edwards acknowledged the potential impact of securing such a high-profile player.

Sancho, who has Trinidadian heritage through his mother, has been capped 23 times by the England senior team.

“If we do get the likes of Jadon Sancho in our outfit, it would only help Trinidad and Tobago football,” Edwards said.

Meanwhile, Edwards revealed that efforts to organize warm-up games are progressing. “We are in final discussions with Saudi Arabia in terms of having that game played, but there is interest from other countries

in terms of having games played outside of the (FIFA match-day) window, and I think that’s important for the local group,” he shared.

“It’s important that we have games for the local group as well as the guys that are playing in the USA and Canada... They would be in their off-season as well... so that we can ensure these guys really stay match fit at that intensity and at that level,” Edwards added.

Finally, Edwards praised Yorke’s early impact on the programme thus far.

“I think with coach Dwight Yorke coming in...and having the camp with the local guys, I think that has re-energized the local players and given them the confidence to push on and really represent and be part of this World Cup campaign,” he ended.

Head coach Dwight Yorke (left) will focus on assessing overseas-based players, including those already in the squad and potential recruits. (T&T Express)

JFF to use YouTube channel to boost revenue through live streaming of games from all national teams SportsMax - For the last few years, video sharing platform YouTube has been a major revenue generator for a number of sports teams around the world and the latest initiative by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has them looking to join in on that.

On Friday, November 29 and Monday, December 2, the Reggae Girlz two friendlies against South Africa at the Montego Bay Sports Complex were both broadcasted live on the JFF’s YouTube channel, JFFLIVE. The tallied views from the two games on the channel amassed to over 60,000, excluding pirated broadcasts.

Those broadcasts were a test run for something bigger in 2025.

Spearheaded by Reggae Boyz Supporters Club President Kyle Wallace and Gario Graham, founder of Kingston Made Productions, the venture will see live games of Jamaica’s various national teams being streamed on JFFLIVE. “We’re doing it for the fans at home and in the diaspora and those friends around the world that want to

Action between the Reggae Girlz and South Africa in the first international friendly at Catherine Hall last Friday. (ralmarphotos)

see our national teams play football, from the youth to senior teams when the opportunity arises,” Wallace said at a virtual press conference earlier this week.

“In the past five weeks, Kyle and myself have been doing some extensive case studying to see what the market looks like and how football fans around the

world are interacting with their favorite teams,” Graham said.

“Whether it’s YouTube or other streaming platforms, streaming will be the future and that is the key, for us to jump on that which is going to be the future and the number one revenue stream for all clubs globally,” he added.

This idea, according to Wallace, was born out of a reluctance from major broadcast entities to broadcast the Reggae Girlz games against South Africa locally or overseas for financial reasons.

“I consulted my contacts in the USA, Canada and the UK for the need and how to implement this broadcasting

project. Luckily for me, Gario has a wealth of experience in television broadcasting and global marketing that met all the criteria and skillset to get this project off the ground so I jumped at the opportunity to partner with him,” he said.

These ideas were then presented to JFF President Michael Ricketts and

General Secretary Dennis Chung, who were both impressed with the proposal. “ We a r e e x c i t e d t o announce this venture,” Chung said at the press conference.

“The objective that we had is really to monetize the JFF brand and the YouTube channel because we recognize the power of social media and the fact that we have to connect with our fans,” he added.

Ricketts also expressed excitement at the new initiative.

“We continue to try and explore whatever opportunities may present themselves so that we can have some sustainable income,” he said.

“If we are not in a position to fund our projects, then we are going to struggle. This is an initiative that, we are sure, will help us to develop our youth programs and help as part of our marketing tool.

We are a brand and we are intent on getting things in the global space so that we can attract viewers and ensure that our diaspora would have a connection (Continued on page 29)

Friday December 06, 2024

Kaieteur News

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NBA roundup: Surging Hawks cool off Bucks Reuters - Wisconsin native Jalen Johnson scored 23 points and De’Andre Hunter added 20 to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 119-104 win in Milwaukee, ending the Bucks’ seven-game winning streak.

Once again, the Hawks got scoring from many different places, with eight players scoring at least eight.

Clint Capela grabbed 17 rebounds with his eight points, while Johnson grabbed 13 as Atlanta earned a fifth straight win.

The Bucks committed 18 turnovers on the night while Atlanta also dominated the glass, grabbing 55 boards compared to Milwaukee’s 40.

The Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 31 points and 11 boards. Damian Lillard added 25 points and five assists.

Milwaukee’s sevengame win streak was the longest active streak in the NBA.

Heat 134, Lakers 93 Tyler Herro scored 21 of his game-high 31 points in the third quarter as host Miami routed Los Angeles.

The Heat set a franchise record for assists (42), and they tied a team mark for made 3pointers (24). Jimmy Butler, back after missing one game due to a knee injury, added 17 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

LeBron James led the Lakers with 29 points and eight assists against his former team. He made 12 of 18 shots from the floor.

Los Angeles’ Anthony Davis was held to eight points on 3-for-14 shooting.

Nets 99, Pacers 90 Cameron Johnson scored 26 points, Ben Simmons keyed a decisive fourth-quarter run and Brooklyn fended off a late comeback attempt en route to a victory over Indiana in New York.

Johnson returned from

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter (12) battle for possession of the ball in the second half at Fiserv Forum. (Michael McLoone-Imagn Images) missing the Nets’ 26point loss at Chicago on Monday due to an ankle injury and hit seven of Brooklyn’s 12 3-pointers.

He shot 7 of 18 overall and also grabbed seven rebounds. Nic Claxton added 16 points and eight rebounds for the Nets.

Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Johnson (45) and center Day’Ron Sharpe (20) and forward Cameron Johnson (2) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

Tyrese Haliburton put up a team-high 17 points as the Pacers dropped their eighth straight road game.

Celtics 130, Pistons 120 Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 28 points and dished out nine assists to lead Boston over visiting Detroit.

The Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis added 26 points and nine rebounds, and Sam Hauser made 5 of 10 3point attempts while logging 20 points.

Payton Pritchard contributed 19 points, Derrick White added 14 points and 11 assists, and Al Horford also had 14 points.

Cade Cunningham amassed 27 points, 14 assists and nine rebounds for the Pistons, who lost despite making 20 of their 39 3-point attempts (51.3 percent).

Tobias Harris also tossed in 27 points for Detroit, and Malik Beasley finished with 23.

Magic 106, 76ers 102 Franz Wagner scored 35 points as visiting O r l a n d o b e a t Philadelphia.

Wagner shot 12 of 23 from the field and 10 of 10 from the foul line en route to his seventh 30-point game of the season. Jalen Suggs pitched in 17 points on 4-of-8 3-point shooting, while his Magic teammates combined to shoot 4-of-21 from

beyond the arc.

Rookie Jared McCain scored 24 points to pace the 76ers, who played without Joel Embiid (knee) and Paul George (knee).

Orlando, meanwhile, continued to play without Paolo Banchero (oblique).

Ti m b e r w o l v e s 1 0 8 , Clippers 80 Julius Randle scored 16 of his 20 points in the first quarter as Minnesota extended its winning streak to three games with a victory over Los Angeles in Inglewood, Calif.

Anthony Edwards added 16 points, Josh Minott had 13 and Jaden McDaniels and Mike Conley each put up 11 for Minnesota.

T h e Ti m b e r w o l v e s continue to distance themselves from a fourgame losing streak after Edwards ripped the team’s effort last week and criticized the communication level.

Bones Hyland scored 18 points and Derrick Jones Jr. added 14 for the Clippers, who had their nine-game home winning streak end.

Amir Coffey scored 12 points and Ivica Zubac pulled down 10 rebounds for Los Angeles, which lost for just the third time in 11 games overall.

(Field Level Media)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Mindley & Blades replace Joseph & Forde in ODI Squad for Bangladesh Series Marquino Mindley and Jediah Blades have been drafted into the West Indies Men’s ODI squad.

Fast bowlers Marquino Mindley and Jediah Blades have been drafted into the West Indies Men’s ODI squad for the three match CG UNITED series against Bangladesh in St Kitts & Nevis.

The pair will replace Matthew Forde and Shamar Joseph respectively.

The medical team on further assessment determined that Forde must continue rehabilitation from a sustained injury.

Additionally, Joseph is suffering from shin splints

following the completion of the recent test series and will be monitored by the medical s t a ff a h e a d o f f u t u r e assignments.

Meanwhile, Mindley bagged the most wickets as a fast bowler in the recent CG United Super 50 tournament to earn his maiden call up.

Blades who is part of the West Indies Academy snared 14 wickets in the regional tournament to receive his first call up to the squad.

The two were to join the rest of the squad last evening.

Friday December 06, 2024

Club World Cup draw pairs Man City with Juventus; Chelsea face Flamengo BBC Sport - Defending champions Manchester City will face Juventus in the group stage of the Fifa Club World Cup next summer, while Chelsea meet Brazilian side Flamengo.

Pep Guardiola’s City, who beat Brazilian side Fluminense to win the tournament for the first time in 2023, begin their title defence against Morocco’s Wydad and also play Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates in Group G. Chelsea, winners of the 2021 final, were also drawn alongside Mexico’s Club Leon and Tunisian side Esperance Sportive de Tunisie in Group D. The revamped Fifa Club World Cup, which has been expanded to 32 teams, will take place in the United States between 15 June and 13 July next year.

Fifa Club World Cup 2025 draw in full Group A: Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami Group B: Paris StGermain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica Group D: Flamengo, Esperance Sportive de Tunisie, Chelsea, Club Leon Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds,

Monterrey, Inter Milan Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg Inter Miami in curtainraiser after taking controversial spot A complex and lengthy draw ceremony was held across two separate Miami locations and lasted more than 90 minutes, during which a new Club World Cup trophy was revealed.

There was also a video message from incoming US president Donald Trump, whose daughter Ivanka drew the first team.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Mia m i w i l l t a k e o n Egyptian side Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium in the opening match, staged in Miami.

Elsewhere, Paris StGerm a i n w e r e d r a w n against Atletico Madrid in Group B, while Bayern Munich meet Benfica in another all-European group-stage match-up.

Teams will play each other once in the group phase and the top two will progress to the knockout

stage.

Teams from each of the six international football confederations will be represented at next summer ’s tournament, including 12 European clubs - the highest quota of any confederation.

The European places were decided by clubs’ Champions League performances over the past four seasons, with recent winners Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid guaranteed places.

Al Ain, the most successful club in the UAE with 14 league titles, are owned by the c o u n t r y ’s p r e s i d e n t Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan - the older brother of City owner Sheikh Mansour.

Real, who lifted the Fifa Club World Cup trophy for a recordextending fifth time in 2022, will open up against Saudi Pro League champions A lH ilal, who currently have Neymar in their ranks.

One place was reserved for a club from the host nation, which Fifa controversially awarded to Inter Miami, who will contest the tournament curtain-raiser.

Messi’s side were winners of the regular-season MLS Supporters’ Shield but beaten in the MLS play-offs, meaning they are not this season’s champions.

Matches will be played across 12 venues in the US which, alongside Canada and Mexico, also host the 2026 World Cup. Fifa is facing legal action from player unions and leagues about the scheduling of the event, which begins two weeks after the Champions League final at the end of the 2024-25 European calendar and ends five weeks before the first Premier League match of the 2025-2026 season.

But football’s world governing body believes the dates allow sufficient rest time before the start of the domestic campaigns.

The Club World Cup will now take place once every four years, when it was previously held annually and involved just seven teams.

Streaming platform DAZN has secured exclusive rights to broadcast next summer’s tournament, during which 63 matches will take place over 29 days.

Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes as Ferrari vie for title AFP - Lewis Hamilton bids farewell this weekend to Mercedes, the team that carried him to six world titles, as his future outfit Ferrari seek to win a first constructors’ crown in 16 years.

Sunday’s floodlit Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the end of an era as the Briton concludes a remarkable 12year spell with the Silver Arrows and a 26-year association with the Mercedes brand.

Hamilton will then move on to Ferrari, where Italy hopes he can rediscover the mojo that made him the sport’s most successful driver with seven titles and 105 wins before hitting a trough of frustration in the current ‘ground effect’ era.

This has seen Red Bull return to dominate with Max Verstappen winning four consecutive drivers’ titles,

even if this season saw them decline, a fall that sees McLaren hanging on to a 21point lead on Ferrari entering the season-ending race.

McLaren — Hamilton’s first F1 home — have not won the teams’ title since 1998 while Ferrari’s last success came in 2008, since when Mercedes and Red Bull have dominated.

Despite his travails in recent weeks, notably in Brazil and Qatar, Hamilton will leave Mercedes feeling conflicting emotions.

“It is a celebration of everything we have achieved,” said team boss Toto Wolff of the finale at the Yas Marina Circuit.

“We will honour an unparalleled story in Abu Dhabi and then visit Kuala Lumpur, Stuttgart and both Brixworth and Brackley...

Lewis will always be part of our family.”

Lewis Hamilton

He added that before Hamilton’s final visits to the outfit’s various centres, the “entire team wants to add one more highlight to the reel. “Nothing is going to take away 12 incredible years. That’s the memory, not a season of races that were particularly bad.”

- ‘Perfect weekend’ Ferrari offered Hamilton

a contract until 2026, which Mercedes were not prepared to do, giving him a continued platform not only to bid for an unprecedented eighth title, but also to promote diversity and inclusion.

For Hamilton, a Ferrari title success on Sunday could be a perfect prelude to his move and help erase his recent tantrums and

comments about ending races and the season early.

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur declared he is not at all worried by Hamilton claiming he has lost his speed.

“Have a look at the 50 laps he did in Vegas. Starting P10, finishing on the gearbox of Russell. No, I’m not worried.”

Hamilton, who will be 40 in January, is determined to “rise again” and make his mark.

“I’m still standing,” he said. “It’s not how you fall, it’s how you get back up.”

Carlos Sainz, whose seat he is set to take, will also be seeking a happy exit as he and Charles Leclerc bid to overturn McLaren’s lead.

“Twenty-one points requires a perfect weekend from Ferrari and a bad weekend from McLaren,” said Sainz.

“We’re going to give it our best shot. I think if we nail a good weekend, we could still make it happen.

Nothing to lose.”

On form, at a circuit likely to favour them, McLaren start as favourites.

But after winning in Qatar, Verstappen will seek a 10th win this year with his usual vim as Red Bull say goodbye to sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who is moving to Sauber/Audi.

The Dutchman Verstappen may also carry motivation from his Qatar fallout with Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell.

Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez may be in his last race with the team after a hapless run while Alpine welcome Jack Doohan for his debut as replacement for Esteban Ocon.

Friday December 06, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Rangpur Riders defeat Amazon Warriors by 15 runs to secure first victory in Global Super League SportsMax - The Rangpur Riders claimed their first win in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) with a thrilling 15-run triumph over the Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium. The victory not only lifted the Riders off the bottom of the table but also injected fresh excitement into the tournament standings.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Riders captain Nurul Hasan saw his side collapse to a precarious 14 for 4 and then 27 for 5 as the Warriors’ bowling unit wreaked havoc. Dwaine Pretorius was the standout performer for the Warriors, taking 3-15 in a devastating spell that left the Riders reeling.

The Riders’ innings was salvaged by a brilliant knock from Khushdil Shah, whose 58 off 47 balls featured two fours and four sixes.

His innings was a masterclass in patience and resilience, as he worked the ball into gaps early on before

accelerating later in the innings.

Hasan offered some stability with a gritty 15 off 26 balls, helping Shah push the total to 117, a score that initially seemed below par.

The Warriors, however, struggled mightily in their chase. Moeen Ali and Pretorius fell cheaply at the top, and the pressure mounted when Shimron Hetmyer was dismissed for a golden duck by Kamrul Islam Rabbi, leaving the home side floundering at 7 for 3.

Despite Shai Hope anchoring the innings with a measured 35 off 44 balls, the Warriors found themselves in deep trouble at 27 for 5, a mirror image of the Riders’ earlier struggles.

Hope’s dismissal at the start of the 18th over by Rishad Hossain left the Warriors needing 16 runs off the final.

Romario Shepherd provided a glimmer of hope with a six in the penultimate over but was dismissed off the first ball of the last over,

The Rangpur Riders claimed their first win in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League. (GSLT20/Getty Images)

caught by Wayne Madsen off Kamrul Islam Rabbi. The Warriors were bowled out for 102, handing the Riders a hard-fought victory.

The loss leaves the Warriors with two defeats in the tournament and an uncertain path to the final.

Victoria through to Global Super League final after 75-run demolition of Hampshire Hawks SportsMax - Victoria became the first team to advance to the final of the inaugural staging of the Global Super League thanks to a 75-run win over the Hampshire Hawks at Providence in Guyana on Thursday.

Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Blake Macdonald starred to lead the Australian side to 170-4 from their 20 overs after being put in to bat

by Hawks skipper Chris Wood.

Krishnamurthi led the way with 77 off 49 balls including seven fours and four sixes while opening partner Macdonald made 59 off 43 balls including five fours and two sixes as the pair put on 137 in 15 overs for the first wicket.

Pacer Sonny Baker took 2-29 from his four overs while the other two wickets came from Benny Howell and Liam Dawson.

In reply, the Hawks were skittled out for just 95 in 12.1 overs at Callum Stow ripped through the batting line-up

Sanjay Krishnamurthi during his knock of 77.

with his left-arm wrist spin on the way to figures of 4-17 from 3.1 overs.

Jackson Smith supported with 2-28 from three overs.

Six Hampshire batsmen reached double figures but none were able to carry on to a big score, the highest being Joe Weatherley’s 18.

After three wins out of their four games, Victoria will now have the chance to be the first champions of the Global Super League when they play the final on Friday.

Their opponent in the

final will be determined later today when the Lahore Qalandars take on the Rangpur Riders.

The Qalandars and Riders are currently third and fourth on the points table with four points and two points, respectively, while the Guyana Amazon Warriors currently occupy second with four points and a superior net run rate to Lahore.

The Amazon Warriors have already played their four games.

They now await the results of Thursday’s doubleheader to determine their fate in the inaugural GSL. For the Riders, the win is

a vital confidence boost as they look to build on this performance in the competition. The match highlighted their resilience,

led by Shah’s exceptional innings and a spirited bowling effort that ensured their modest total was enough for victory.

Kaieteur News

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Friday December 06, 2024

EBCA/Soesdyke Premier T10 League to crown champions this Sunday The East Bank community is in for a treat this Sunday, December 8, as the semifinals of the East B a n k C r i c k e t Association/Soesdyke Premier T10 League take center stage at the Farm Cricket Ground. Four of the fiercest cricket clubs from the East Bank will clash for a coveted spot in the finals after an electrifying quarterfinal stage last weekend.

The action kicks off with Herstelling ‘A’ taking on the formidable Uprising Cricket Club in semifinal #1. In the second showdown, North Soesdyke Cricket Club faces the hard-hitting Demolition Cricket Club, promising a day filled with high-octane cricket.

A recap of the quarterfinal, in QF #1, Herstelling ‘A’ cruised past Ruimveldt by six wickets.

Ricardo Adams led the charge with a blistering 59

runs, hammering five fours and five sixes to guide his team to 132-4 in just 8.2 overs, chasing a competitive target of 130-5. Ruimveldt’s efforts were spearheaded by Ushardeva Balgobin (38 runs) and Sheldon Alexander (30 runs), but the hard track proved challenging. Herstelling’s Rickey Sargeant shone with the ball, claiming 2-30.

On the other end, Uprising Cricket Club tactically dismantled Eccles Sports Club. Eccles managed 98-8 in their allotted 10 overs, with Shiloh Adams contributing a brisk 40 runs. However, Uprising’s Marvin Permaul (3-8) and Tameshwarnauth Sankar (2-15) applied the brakes effectively. In reply, Alphius Bookie’s classy 49 and Anthony Hutson’s steady 38 ensured a comfortable chase as Uprising reached 99-1 in 9.4 overs.

In the other two quarterfinals, North Soesdyke Cricket Club overcame Laluni Cricket Club, while Demolition Cricket Club lived up to their name by demolishing Peters Hall, securing their semifinal berths.

Cricket enthusiasts can expect an explosive display as the likes of Laurel Park, Michael Subadar, Sankar, and Bookie from Uprising take the field, while Herstelling relies on the dynamism of quarterfinal top scorer Adams and Sargeant and the demolition crew Sagar Hatirami, Assad Azim and Derick Mc Calmon. At the same time, North Soesdyke and Demolition CC bring their own firepower, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend.

The winners of the semifinals will also battle for the championship at 2:30 pm.

Rockstone Street-ball Classic champions to be decided tonight

T

he inaugural edition of the Rockstone Street-ball Classic will conclude, this evening, at the Pouderoyen Tarmac in West Bank Demerara with the semifinal section and eventual final.

In the first semifinal at 19:00hrs, Team Family of Mocha will match skills with Ballerz Empire.

Family advanced to the semifinal round after defeating Bagotstown Warriors 2-0, while Ballerz Empire bested Agricola 4-2 in their previous match.

In the second semifinal fixture, Pouderoyen Brothers will lock horns with Showstoppers at 20:00hrs.

Showstoppers stormed into the semifinal round after thrashing Jetty Gunners 5-1, while the Pouderoyen Brothers bested Westside Ballers 2-1 on penalty kicks in their previous fixture.

The resulting winners will advance to the final at 22:00hrs while the loser will contest the third place playoff at 21:00hrs.

The winner of the event will pocket $200,000 and the championship trophy, while the second, third, and fourth-place finishers will receive $100,000, $75,000, and $50,000, respectively.

Esan Griffith, Coordinator of the Championship, said, “The tournament is heading for an exciting conclusion. All the notable and recognised teams from the East Bank/West Demerara environs have advanced to the semifinal round, and any

one of them can emerge victorious and walk away with the inaugural crown and the bragging rights for their communities for one year. We are grateful to the teams and the fans for their support, and we anticipate a tremendous conclusion to the event, which has a bright future and all the makings of a long-term project that will be anticipated by the teams each year.”

He further said, “More importantly, the tournament has been incident and controversy free, which is significant. All systems are in place for the culmination, and we anticipate an exciting night of action, which will set up the remainder of the season as we aim to target other areas and communities and expand the reach and brand of the event. The event is in its infancy and can only grow and improve and get better with each iteration. This is what we are working towards so that the event can become a household name in Guyana.

This is our primary objective.”

Fixtures Semifinal Round – Friday, December 6th (5): Family vs. Ballerz Empire: 19:00hrs (6): Pouderoyen Brothers vs.

Showstoppers: 20:00hrs 3rd Place (7): Loser of 5 vs Loser of 6: 21:00hrs Final (8): Winner of 5 vs. Winner of 6: 22:00hrs

Kaieteur News

Friday December 06, 2024

PAGE 35

Timehri United and Herstelling Raiders FC deliver exciting showdown in EBFA Boys’ U14 League Herstelling Raiders

Timehri United

T

he East Bank F o o t b a l l Association Boys’ U14 League

c o n t i n u e d o n S u n d a y, December 1st, 2024, with a highly anticipated clash between Timehri United FC

and Herstelling Raiders FC. Touted as the “El Clásico” of the league, the match saw the top two teams battling for the

More support for Kashif and Shanghai Futsal tourney as Tiger Rentals and Colours join in

T

iger Rentals and C o l o u r s Boutique have joined the sponsorship train with the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation for its year end football tournament, the K&S National Futsal Championship, under the One Guyana brand.

The competition kicked off on Tuesday at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, with exciting action and continued last evening even as sponsors continue to lend support to the event.

Officials of the two businesses pledged their commitment to the successful staging of the Futsal tournament organized by the popular duo of Kashif Muhammad and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major and their o r g a n i z a t i o n . Av e e k a Naraine, IBU Technical Assistant at Tiger Rentals, presented a cheque to Muhammad in the presence of Jaishree Ramprasad, HR and Admin Officer, and

Colours Boutique's Levon Hunte (left) hands over footballs to Aubrey 'Shanghai' Major.

Major yesterday. Colours Boutique’s Sales rep, Levon Hunte, also handed over several footballs to Major.

Both entities expressed pleasure at being associated with the event. While it is one of the biggest futsal tournaments staged locally, it also marks the return of the K&S Organisation to the staging of year end football.

Football fans are in for a treat as the original count of 64 teams have already lessened and was expected to lessen further last evening. A whopping 700 plus players and officials are being showcased.

The losing teams are not walking away empty handed, with each loser (Continued on page 25)

top spot in the standings.

The turning point came early in the game when a handball in Herstelling’s box in the 8th minute led to a penalty.

The league’s leading scorer, Nyron Barrow, confidently converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to put Timehri United ahead 1-0.

Herstelling Raiders fought back with determination and created opportunities to level the

score. The pressure paid off when they earned a penalty early in the second half after a handball by Timehri.

H o w e v e r, t h e p l a y e r stepping up to take the shot missed, sending the ball wide of the upright and keeping Timehri’s lead intact. In the 42nd minute, Nyron Barrow sealed the victory for Timehri United with a stunning long range strike. His left-footed shot found the bottom-left corner of the goal, taking the score

to 2-0. Despite a spirited effort from Herstelling to claw back into the game, Timehri’s defence stood resolute, and the match ended in their favour.

The league resumes on Sunday, December 8th, 2024, at the Herstelling Ground in Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara. Fans are invited to come out and support these talented young footballers as they continue their journey in this exciting competition.

More support for Kashif and Shanghai Futsal tourney as Tiger Rentals and Colours join in

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Tiger Rentals K and S – Aveeka Naraine, IBU Technical Assistant, presents the cheque to Kashif Muhammad, while Jaishree Ramprasad HR and Admin Officer (left) and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major share the moment.

Rockstone Street-ball Classic champions to be decided tonight

Flashback! A scene from the quarterfinal fixture between Showstoppers (blue) and Jetty Gunners.

Victoria through to Global Super League final after 75-run demolition of Hampshire Hawks

Rangpur Riders defeat Amazon Warriors by 15 runs to secure first victory in Global Super League

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