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Friday Edition UN Security AIETEUR NEWS Council meets today on Maduro's annexation threats December 08, 2023 - Vol. 25 No. 49

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GDF helicopter crash...

FIVE DEAD, Lieutenant Colonel, Michael Charles

Staff Sergeant, Jason Khan Lieutenant Colonel, Shaun Welcome

Brigadier (Ret'd), Gary Beaton

Colonel, Michael Shaoud

TWO SURVIVE

Survivor: Corporal Dwayne Jackson

Survivor: Lieutenant Andio Michael Crawford

US reaffirms ‘unwavering support’ for Guyana

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Kaieteur News

Friday December 08, 2023

Kaieteur News

Friday December 08, 2023

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Maduro's threats will not slow down oil developments ...Companies should ignore three-month ultimatum to exit -VP Jagdeo

By Kiana Wilburg

V

ice President, Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday that his administration will not slow down any aspect of its multi-billiondollar oil sector developments following ridiculous threats from Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro.

During an engagement with media operatives at Office of the President, Jagdeo said, “If we pause any of our developments, Maduro succeeds. He has no right in international law to tell the people of Guyana, a sovereign country, how to pursue its affairs...”

The Vice President provided the foregoing response following questions from Kaieteur News. It was on Tuesday Maduro announced that he would take a number of steps to take control over Guyana's Essequibo region, in clear defiance of an order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to stand down.

Maduro said he has instructed his regulators to create a mining conglomerate as well as an oil company that would be in charge of issuing licences for companies to operate in the Essequibo area. He also instructed that a special law be drafted that would essentially bar companies from engaging with ExxonMobil as well as other companies within the area. Another egregious measure he announced

Venezuela's President, Nicholas Maduro was that companies have three months to exit the area.

In light of such troubling measures, Guyanese authorities have approached the United Nations Security Council to help compel Venezuela to comply with the ICJ's orders. The World Court has also been notified of Venezuela's disobedience. Until definitive statements or the next course of action is handed down from the council or the ICJ, Kaieteur News asked the Vice President if any oil sector issues would be put on pause.

The Vice President categorically stated there will be no stopping of Guyana's developments and even urged all companies in the Essequibo region t o d i s r e g a r d Ve n e z u e l a ' s

ultimatum. He said, “…we are working to enhance our programme, we are deep in budget preparation and if we get paralyzed by this, then we will fall prey to what he is trying to achieve.”

The Guyanese leader said authorities are in an enhanced operational mode which sees a group of the highest level of officials in government dedicated to this issue. “But we are not taking our attention off of what we are elected to do in this country, which is govern and to enhance benefits to people. We are preparing our budget for next year and before the end of the year, the payout would be made regarding salary increases for public servants,” the Vice President said.

He also noted that the latest

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a testament to the government's prudent management of the economy which is being bolstered by the 11 billion barrels of oil discoveries in the Exxon-operated Stabroek Block. Jagdeo also referenced aspects of the IMF report which praised the government for containing inflation in spite of enhanced spending on capital. The IMF has also said Guyana's economic prospects are better than ever.

The report said, “Guyana's oil reserves per capita are one of the highest in the world. Going forward, oil production will continue to expand rapidly as four new fields will come on stream by end-2028.

“Sustained real non-oil GDP growth is also expected, as the government continues to invest in human capital, lower energy costs, and build infrastructure, including for climate change adaptation. Real GDP is expected to continue to grow extremely fast in 2023 (38.4 percent) and on average of 20 percent per year during 2024-28.”

The Vice President was also keen to highlight the report's mention of the modernized framework of the oil and gas sector which includes the new Natural Resource Fund law and the introduction of the Petroleum Activities Law. He concluded, “So we are focused on delivering on the social goods and we are not stopping. If we do otherwise, then Maduro succeeds.”

UK says Venezuela's claim of Essequibo "unjustified and should cease” …affirms border was settled in 1899 through arbitration The United Kingdom on Thursday expressed concern about the move by the Nicolas Maduroadministration to annex the county of Essequibo, saying that the action is unjustified and should cease immediately.

In a post on its social media account on X, formerly Twitter, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: "we are clear that the border was settled in 1899 through international arbitration."

Venezuela has claimed the Essequibo region, which it calls 'Guayana Esequiba', currently accounting for two-thirds of Guyana's territory. While defying the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Venezuela President Nicolas

Maduro announced on Tuesday night that his government is putting measures in place to claim Essequibo.

Among its threats to annex the county, the Maduro-regime said it would activate a debate in the National Assembly for the approval of the Organic Law for the defense of Guayana Esequiba.

“That instrument that will give rise to the implementation of the decision made by the people of Venezuela in the consultative referendum,” Maduro explained.

The move by Maduro came following the December 3 referendum which the opposition in that oil-rich country has poured cold water on- estimating that about two million people voted out of a

total of 20.7M eligible voters.

Addressing the nation Tuesday night following the threats by the Venezuelan President to annex the Essequibo Region, President Irfaan Ali said as “I made clear from the date the referendum was first announced, this is a direct threat to Guyana's territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence, and in violation of fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the UN and OAS Charters.”

President Ali said the measures announced by Maduro on Tuesday night are in blatant disregard of the order given by the ICJ on December 1, 2023 and that Guyana views this as an imminent threat to its territorial integrity and will

intensify precautionary measures to safeguard its territory.

“I have tonight spoken to the Secretary General of the United Nations and several leaders alerting them of these dangerous developments and the desperate actions of President Maduro that fly in the face of international law and constitute a grave threat to international peace and security,” President Ali stated.

Also, he said Guyana informed the United Nations Security Council on the developments to take appropriate action. Several of Guyana's international partners have condemned Venezuela's actions following the country's December 3 referendum. US State Department spokesman Matthew

Miller, in a briefing, urged “Venezuela and Guyana to continue to seek a peaceful resolution of their dispute. This is not something that will be settled by a referendum.”

On Thursday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said at his weekly press conference that despite recent announcements by Venezuela regarding the county of Essequibo, Guyana is forging ahead in its development in all of the country's 83,000 square miles.

He said any attempt by Venezuela to explore Guyana for oil will be seen as an incursion by the government. He said Guyanese should not worry "about Venezuela because Maduro will never succeed now or ever.

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 Maduro barreling down a path of self-destruction The visions about Guyana’s Essequibo coming out of Venezuela’s President Maduro are extreme to say the least.

He is getting ready to usurp what does not belong to his country, and he has gone even wider by issuing unmistakable ultimatums to companies operating in rich fields in Essequibo under Guyana’s sovereign authority. Maduro has to know that the latter is a ticking time bomb, which could blow up in his hands. He has already gone too far, but keeps diving even more deeply into the mess that engulfs him.

He may succeed in pleasing the hardliners that are part of his team. His own visions of a warrior on horseback doing the unprecedented and heroic for Venezuelans hold the highest risks of bringing him down. His obvious and growing hubris now stands as his biggest enemy. Guyana’s security and safety, Guyana’s continuity as a nation of 83,000 square miles, hinge on his overreach that could wound him grievously. By our calculation, he has already overreached by unacceptable margins, and in more than one area. Aggressive leaders cannot be allowed to whimsically come up with their own maps of where their borders should lie, because they decided that that is where they must be. It is why the position here is that his intended annexation of Guyana’s Essequibo will not stand, will shatter, and take him down. Respect for the provisions, standards, and constraints of international law will have no meaning, if Maduro’s actions, however they materialize, are left unanswered. The result would be great upheavals among nations, with no ruling holding for long, no peace viable, with no confidence that it could be relied upon. In such instances, any country with a reckless leader becomes a superpower, a law onto itself, particularly when the scales are uneven, in that there is smaller, vulnerable neighbour with rich territory that generates all manner of temptations and adventures. This is one of the planks of Guyana’s salvation: that the man has rushed headlong into a path of self-destruction.

For sure, the ICJ ruling has been given the most dismissive of scorned reactions by Maduro, and the Geneva Convention has now been dusted off and is being bandied about. If the rule of law is permitted to be treated contemptuously and capriciously, as a mere convenience, in the hands of scheming leaders, then there is no convention or an agreement that has weight or value anymore. This is the dark corner into which Nicolas Maduro has painted himself with his premeditated rogueries, his insatiable appetite for what does not belong to him or Venezuela. Essequibo is of Guyana as the sun and sand and mud that are so woven into this country. Essequibo is inseparable from Guyana, and no referendum result, no leadership madness, no extravagance of vision can or will ever change that conviction, that reality.

In his race to assert his machismo, to confirm his nationalist credentials, Maduro has done the unthinkable. He has blacklisted ExxonMobil. America cannot afford to stand at ease when its own interests are jeopardized so unilaterally and insultingly. If so, then its credibility will be looked upon most critically around the world. Having prepared his plans so broadly, Maduro has no choice but to go all the way. This means getting ExxonMobil out of the way, and discontinuing the royalties and profits from 620,000 barrels to Guyana. There is the side issue of ExxonMobil being forced to revise its rosy profit projections sharply. The brightest “jewel” in ExxonMobil’s crown could be snatched by this Venezuelan usurper. There has to be a heavy blow coming from America to shake some sense into this man, now looking more and more as if some derangement has overtaken him.

Finally, he has issued arrest warrants for Venezuelan Opposition figures who denounced his farce of a referendum. It is another nail that he himself has hammered into his own coffin. The partial relaxation of US sanctions was specific in the space and reception that Venezuela’s Opposition were to be afforded. Though Maduro signed off on this, and has now walked back his earlier commitment.

This man Maduro cannot be trusted, has zero truth in him, possesses no credibility. He has sealed his own warrant.

Friday December 08, 2023

Africans must have an equitable say in government DEAR EDITOR ‘ D r. H e n r y J e ff r e y should tell African community what he has ever done for them’ (Letter from Hubert Allen; KN: 07/12/2023) sounds very much like an article from Dr. Randy Persaud, to which my response was ‘Randy Persaud move on’ (KN: 26/09/2023), and I suggest

that you either refer him to or reprint it for him.

Mr. Allen, for decades, the oligarchs in the PPP have nurtured their ethnic supporters to believe African people are a threat and that they need the PPP to protect them.

This of course is a fallacy that the African people need to confront by requiring that

their representatives are not thrown aside as is the habit of the PPP, only to be brought out when the country is in dire straits.

Africans must have an equitable say in government: better gridlock than marginalisation and slavery!

It would be more useful to deal with the argument

that is being proffered and then try to show some relationship between the competence/incompetence of the presenter and the shortcomings of that argument. I believe this will be a bit more challenging than the customary PPP attempts at personalisation.

Sincerely Henry Jeffrey

APA commits to a unified Guyana in face of escalating tensions at the Guyana-Venezuela Border DEAR EDITOR For the past weeks, the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) has been monitoring the increased Venezuelan propaganda and sham of a referendum seeking to take control of the Essequibo Region –where the majority of Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples reside.

From time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have been occupying a large part of the Essequibo Region and hold that territory sacred.

The APA, and we are certain that every Indigenous person residing in the Essequibo Region, holds firm to the belief that Essequibo rightfully belongs to Guyana. Therefore, we stand in solidarity with the Government of Guyana as it continues to advocate, per international law, for its sovereign territory to be respected. Additionally, the

APA also supports the Guyanese Government’s right to defend its territory and people.

As an Indigenous rights advocacy body, the APA has been in constant communication with its representatives and leaders, especially in the bordering communities, to exchange information. We can report that the general atmosphere is one of uncertainty owing to the lack of adequate and timely dissemination of information. In this regard, the APA remains hopeful that an aggressive information campaign, executed by capable personnel, be embarked upon to ease the worry of Guyanese in the Essequibo Region.

The APA is cognizant of the fact that while a majority of Indigenous Peoples occupy the Essequibo

Region, Guyanese of all ethnicity also call Essequibo home. Therefore, it is imperative that this territory be protected by all means necessary since we are now faced with Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro making administrative declarations on their intentions on the occupation and use of the Essequibo Region and its resources.

Over the weeks leading up to Venezuela’s illconceived referendum, we have seen reports aimed at misinforming the public and creating mischief. We remain hopeful that there be more emphasis placed on ensuring that accurate information is transmitted in a format that is easily understood by our Indigenous Peoples. In our information exchanges with communities and leaders, it is clear that many do not

understand the complexity of the information in the public domain owing to the fact that English is not the first language of many of our Indigenous Peoples.

Therefore, the APA stands ready to support the authorities with the simplification of information in a manner that is digestible for Indigenous Peoples.

The historical fact is that Indigenous Peoples have occupied the Essequibo Region from time immemorial, especially the frontier communities on the Guyana Venezuela border which are at higher risk of exposure to any aggression, and therefore should be protected and kept informed in the face of disinformation or uncertainties.

Regards Amerindian Peoples Association

FITUG endorses Government’s actions on Venezuela’s ramping up of tensions DEAR EDITOR The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), like many Guyanese, is concerned by the pronouncements of Ve n e z u e l a ’s P r e s i d e n t Nicolas Maduro as he spoke to measures in respect of the Guyanese territory of Essequibo.

These efforts are linked to last Sunday’s referendum which, according to some media reports, did not see the popular participation of the Ve n e z u e l a n p e o p l e .

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e pronouncements and any actions which stem from

them comes into direct conflict with the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on December 01, 2023.

In the same vein, the FITUG is fully supportive and endorse the actions of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his Government to advance diplomatic and peaceful measures to address the increasing rhetoric emanating from Caracas.

Our recourse to the ICJ and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) outlines Guyana’s commitment to respect international law and norms.

It demonstrates that our

country is clearly committed to just, peaceful, and lawful resolution to an issue which had been conclusively settled over a century ago and revived on very shaky grounds.

Indeed, for its efforts, our country would have earned even greater respect in the eyes of the international community.

And for our part, we remain deeply appreciative and truly comforted by the support and solidarity from many of our longstanding partners and friends who are standing beside us as we confront a political leadership in

Venezuela that is growing seemingly more belligerent.

At this time, the Federation remains staunchly opposed to any actions which violate or infringe on our territorial boundaries.

We urge Venezuela to remain respectful of international laws and rules and to engage fully in the ongoing process at the ICJ. Let Latin America and the Caribbean remain a Zone of Peace.

Regards The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana

Kaieteur News

Friday December 08, 2023

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Failed projects under the PPP Part 2 DEAR EDITOR As a continuation from the first part of the series which examined the obsessive nature of the PPP’s Leviathan regime for failing projects. Such was the case of the infamous Berbice Bridge that was completed in 2008. While the intent to build a bridge that connects East and West Berbice was paramount, the manner of which the President of the day went about the transaction was shady.

Taking funds from the elderly and working class through via a pension fund (NIS) should never be an acceptable source to finance government projects. It is criminal to setup the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) to siphon funds while allowing the bridge administration to collapse with its only recourse to hike up the bridge tolls by 400% in one case to recover operational costs. This had caused major

inconveniences in the movement of goods and services for the people of the ancient county.

In an effort to supply lowcost alternative sources of energy to the hinterland community as part of its Low Carbon Development strategy, gave birth to the Hinterland electrification Programme. It is a partnership with the Government of Guyana and the Inter American Bank, the project intent was to bridge the deficiencies existing

Understanding how the World Court works Dear Editor, The World Court did not stop Venezuela from holding its referendum last Sunday December 3. It could not because it is an internal matter over which the court lacks jurisdiction to issue an order. But the court did issue a strong advisory urging Venezuela not to alter the current status quo by annexing land under G u y a n a ’s s o v e r e i g n t y.

Ve n e z u e l a h e l d t h e referendum which saw poor participation.

It is defying international convention when Maduro announced that Essequibo is now part of Venezuela.

The world court is not like a domestic court that has jurisdiction over all matters in a case. The court only has jurisdiction where disputed states give it jurisdiction.

Only states appear before the ICJ mostly but not exclusively on territorial or treaty or trade issues. States have to agree to the court’s jurisdiction.

Venezuela planned a referendum on December 3 on the claimed territory to annex it.

Guyana went to the court to obtain a provisional or interim order blocking the

referendum. The court ruled on December 1 without any specific order although what it stated was favorable to Guyana.

Both Guyana and Venezuela claimed victory from the ruling. Guyana did not get what it sought, but it got the court to advise Venezuela not to pursue a course of action (invasion and annexation) that would violate the spirit of the substantive case before the co u r t o n th e claimed territory. Guyana asked the court, for lack of a better term, an interim or provisional order to stop the referendum or at least three of five questions being posed to voters in Venezuela.

The ICJ is not like a domestic court; it cannot issue interim orders on internal matters pertaining to a sovereign state. There are no international legal precedents on such a request

by Guyana.

The ICJ adjudicates cases brought before it by agreement among states or by the UN (Secretary General) if so referred for a resolution.

The ICJ does not deal with internal issues of a state. A referendum is an

internal issue which the court could not give an opinion or order. Venezuela claimed victory saying that the court did not stop the referendum. Venezuela knows that the court lacks jurisdiction to stop the referendum.

The international lawyers who presented Guyana’s case to the ICJ probably also know or knew or ought to know that the court lacked jurisdiction to rule against or stop the referendum. The Guyana lawyers probably decided to try a thing, and they got a favorable ruling (addressing our concern of annexation) though not related to the referendum.

In the end, Guyana got what it wanted. It got global attention and sympathy.

The entire international community seemed arrayed against Venezuela. In addition, it got the issuance of a court advisory to Venezuela not to misbehave, meaning pursuing adventurous militarism.

Maduro is defiant. Nonjudicial response would be in order if he crosses the border.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

with energy access to the hinterland regions (regions 1,2,7,8 and 9).

The project’s strategic document highlights the electrification of villages both domestic and public building t h r o u g h s o l a r, w i n d , hydropower and biomass alternative sources.

The deadline to complete this project was supposed to be in June 2009. After 14 years barring a change of government for 5 years and a projected costs of US$3.2million, all the villages in the hinterland remain without sustainable and alternative sources of energy. An inclusion to this project was to determine the feasibility of a wind farm which after 16 years it is unclear of the results of this study.

To compliment the hinterland electrification initiative and provide energy access to the rest of the country, the grand master of all projects was the Amaila Hydro falls, a project that would increase the electrical supply countrywide and reduce the energy dependency on fossil fuels. The project was designed to build a dam on the Amaila River in the Kuribrong village of Potaro Siparuni (Region 8) in partnership with Norwegian Climate Facility and the InterAmerican Development (IDB) who provided a US$80 million subsidy.

This US$858.1 milliondollar project with an expected capacity to generate 165 megawatts (MW) if completed in 2013, would have been the largest public funded to date. However, the project was shrouded in corrupt practices with Sithe Global, the hand-picked contractor to complete the road to the waterfalls pulled out in 2013 and then the new A Partnership for National Unity Alliance For Change ( A P N U + A F C ) administration discarding the project. There has been a

commitment to restart the project but millions already spent on a failing project, it is inconceivable how the government will attempt to recoup the losses and minimize cost while ensuring the project v i a b i l i t y. T h e c u r r e n t administration has had a poor track record of ensuring any project was completed on time and within its budget.

The Marriott Hotel Georgetown Guyana was no different. Actually, this magnificent 197 bed facility with restaurants, shops and a conference center was rooted in secrecy from the onset. The hotel initially cost of construction and furnishing was approximately US$43 million but being registered illegally under Atlantic Hotel Inc and against the National Assembly’s approval, the costs doubled to US$98 million. The hotel was built by SCG International a company at the time was facing charges of corruption at the time in Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o .

Furthermore, the engineering contractor M A Angeliades Inc was facing criminal charges at the time in 2011 and was barred by the Construction Authority in New York until 2015. After completion in 2015 with unapproved funds from the National Treasury, the hotel was in financial discomfort having a US$15.25 million mortgage with Republic Bank. It was suggested by an audit that the hotel be sold with haste under the following condition: “The Agreement does provide for the sale of the hotel to a reputable individual or firm so that it can roll-over to the new owners. The vendor must

have sufficient financial resources and liquidity to fulfill the obligations under the Agreement; be of good moral character with no criminal record; and does not have ownership interest in a branded hotel. Once the hotel is sold, AHI should be liquidated.”

Earlier this year, the Government of Guyana announced rolled out the bidding period for sale of the hotel and the winning bid for US$90 million dollars by X LLC owner Rami El Batrawi who was investigated by the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) for manipulation of a stock. It is incredulous that the government went ahead with the sale despite this evident piece of research that is a violation to the agreement of sale. All of these failed projects point to a petri dish culture of corruption that has culminated for many years and have only disenfranchised the citizens of resources that could enhance their livelihood. Ban Ki-Moon, former UN secretary general articulated how corruption affects human development as “disastrous impacts” of corruption on development, “corruption diverts funds for education, health and public services, exacerbates violence and insecurity and contributes to dissatisfaction with public institutions, disillusion with government in general, and spirals of anger and unrest.”

He urged the global community to reject corruption and embrace transparency, accountability and good governance to facilitate a better future for all.

Sincerely Collin Haynes MPH MBA

Kaieteur News

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Friday December 08, 2023

Maduro’s fantasy for “Lebensraum?”

DEAR EDITOR The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has crystalized its ruling that, “Venezuela must refrain from actions that would c o m p r o m i s e G u y a n a ’s administration and control of the Essequibo territory.” A statement published by the office of the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, stated that, “Secretary Blinken and President Ali noted the International Court of Justice order issued on December 1, which called for parties to refrain from any action that might aggravate or extend the dispute.” In flagrant scorn and blatant disrespect for the ICJ’s ruling, Venezuela’s President Maduro has: unveiled a revised map of his country to include Guyana’s Essequibo region; formed a new body responsible for issuing licenses for oil, gas and mineral exploration in the Essequibo region; proposed environmentally protected zones to preserve biodiversity and serve as potential spots for tourism.

The International Community continues to send messages of encouragement and buttress to Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, committing their unswerving support for G u y a n a ’s s o v e r e i g n t y, following Maduro’s threat to violate the existing land

boundary. Guyana has since updated the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary General, António Guterres said pursuant to the Charter and to the status of the ICJ, “decisions of the Court are binding.” Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), issued a stern warning to Venezuela, stating, “We consider [the ICJ] decision as fundamental in requesting Venezuela to refrain from all provocative, warmongering, and illegal actions that encroach on the established boundaries of Guyana’s territory,” he said.

“The Court’s decision is binding and must be respected by the Venezuelan regime.”

Trinidad and Tobago’s opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, alerted Ve n e z u e l a , “ M y c l e a r message to Maduro is you touch one, you touch all! We unequivocally support the people of Guyana in this crisis. Stay out of Essequibo!”

After replaying a tape and listening and watching Ve n e z u e l a ’ s F o r e i g n Minister, Yvan Gill, being interviewed by Al Jazeera on the 4th November’2023, it is not surprising to conclude t h a t t h e Ve n e z u e l a n President’s regime has been brain washed by a ‘Mad

Uro’, who himself is running ‘helter-skelter,’ and, feeding his comrades Jim Jones’s ‘Kool Aid.’ Playing the Pied Piper’s role, he is leading them down a disastrous lane into a valley of no return while leaving them mentally incapacitated with his ‘ecopolitical banditry’ approach, attitude and ailment.

Immediately, the images of power-drunk possessors obsessed with illusion, flash across the screen portraying, Putin, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Charles Manson, Saddam Hussain, Osama bin Laden, just to mention a few without prejudice or priority.

In October’2022, Venezuela released seven US citizens wrongfully detained, in exchange for the release of two nephews of Nicolas Maduro’s wife who were detained in the US on drug smuggling charges.

A callous, conniving and calculated champion of contrivance, ‘Mad Uro’s’ contorted mind is all warped and wired around tyranny.

Since taking over from Chavez, he has plunged the country into calamity, mismanaged the economy, driving fear into the people, disposed of the opposition, silenced his dissidents, created poverty, hunger, unemployment with millions fleeing the country,

caused the US to place sanctions on Venezuela and has fertilized disease, crime and mortality to grow. The d a n g e r o u s Ve n e z u e l a n President remains shrewd, controversial and distrustful with his contradictory words, deeds and actions betraying himself, a nation and the people. As a dictator, he controls the management of Venezuela, administrating with a vice vilified with violence, vengeance and vindictiveness. The Human Rights Watch reported that, “The 2022-2023 UN Humanitarian Response Plan for Venezuela estimates that there are 5.2 million people in need of support in areas such as health, food security and water, sanitation, and hygiene.”

T h e Ve n e z u e l a n government is certainly in a state of denial and forging a fictitious picture of reassurance and false promises.

Their Honorable Foreign Minister, ever composed and undisturbed by any accusation, denounced a United Nation’s report on the criminal situation and missing people under M a d u r o ’s r e i g n . H e

categorically denied the high migration record of a mass exodus of 7.7 million people seeking refuge outside of the country and even challenged the UN and other agencies to prove the migration figures.

He emphatically stressed that there has been “The resurgence of disproportionate attack” from the United States.

He even claimed that “All our foreign assets were stolen by the US.” Being as cool as a cucumber and unperturbed by facts presented to him by the interviewer, he casually dismissed a corruptive state which plunged a prosperous economy to a poor state and incurred human rights violations as “utterly false negative rhetoric.”

He claimed that “There is no limitation of political rights.” The world knows different. How can Guyana accept the words of such a slick talker? In October’2022, Venezuela failed in its bid to be reelected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council.

G u y a n a ’s F o r e i g n Minister, the Honourable Hugh Todd, has reached out t o h i s Ve n e z u e l a n counterpart, Yvan Gill, registering grave concern

over Venezuela’s aggression and contravention and the need to “preserve peace and security” within the region while recommending “the utmost respect toward Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” No response from the tonguet w i s t e r, Ve n e z u e l a n ’s Foreign Minister Gil, will quell Guyana’s comfort level.

The IMF has recently released a report showing Guyana’s oil revenue to soar to US$11B by 2028. Is Maduro eying this wealth with greed? Maduro faces great opposition from Maria Machado in 2025 election. Is his plan to annex Guyana a political move to gain support?

The deputy of the National Assembly in Venezuela, Luis Eduardo Martínez, the Opposition along with millions of Venezuelans who did not turn up to vote for Maduro’s Referendum, are not in agreement with his actions.

Is Maduro fearful of a coup d’état? Or, is the ambitious ‘Mad Uro’ embroiled with the Nazi’s ideology of ‘Lebensraum’?

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

Diplomatic relations between Guyana and Venezuela must be suspended DEAR EDITOR, Based on the recent actions by the Maduro Government to continue the annexation of Essequibo after the recent referendum, Guyana must break diplomatic ties between our two countries.

Our diplomats in Venezuela must be recalled home and our embassy there closed. It is also important that the Venezuelan embassy in Guyana

be closed and their ambassador and members of their diplomatic team be expelled from Guyana until the Government of Venezuela withdraws its claim on Essequibo.

Sincerely, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

We need divine intervention DEAR EDITOR I awake on Wednesday, 6th December to Kaieteur News online “BREAKING NEWS: Maduro makes Essequibo new state of Venezuela.” One day later, I read “GDF CHOPPER MISSING NEAR VENEZUELA BORDER WITH 7 SOLDIERS ON BOARD.” As we solicit help from the international community, let’s not fail to invoke Divine i n t e r v e n t i o n !

I am a firm believer in God and His power! The God about whom it is recorded: “Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings

and raises up others...”

Daniel 2:20- -,21.

God is a God of justice! If we reject Him and become a law to ourselves, we soon find out that HE REIGNS! This God of justice will hear us if, as a people, we take heed to His word “... will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Guyana is no military match for Venezuela, but neither was David for Goliath! Because little David’s confidence was in the Almighty, he could boldly declare: “... Who is this uncircumcised Philistine

that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17:26. I challenge the leadership of this country, and indeed all of us ONE GUYANA- at this blessed Christmas season when Jesus came to earth to bring “...peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14, to humble ourselves before God and unite, and watch Him do wonders! God said of a pagan people, coming together to build a tower: “If as one people speaking the same language, they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.

G e n e s i s 1 1 : 6 .

David, now King, having proved God over and over (Continued on page 09)

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B T LUNT. UNT...B BL Friday December 08, 2023

Kaieteur News

“Guyana must deal with Venezuela as an adversary that is hell bent on cheating us out of our territory that has been legally Guyana's as a result of the Arbitral Award of 1899 which constitutes a full and perfect settlement of the border between Guyana and Venezuela.

Venezuela's claim to have the right to issue licences to businesses in Essequibo must be rejected by Guyana and a full-fledged campaign must be launched to maintain the status quo and Guyana's control over our Essequibo.

The Parliamentary Opposition's support for such actions is guaranteed,” Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 8 10

Friday Monday December May 02,08, 2022 2023

Barbados opposition rejects Maduro's ‘sham’ referendum ...calls on Mottley to denounce Venezuela's actions

L

eader of the Democratic Labour Party of Barbados, Dr. Ronnie Yearwood has rejected the results of the December 3 referendum held by Venezuela which sought to illegally annex the Essequibo.

“I continue to carefully monitor the actions of the Nicolas Maduro-led Venezuelan Government to undermine the territorial

sovereignty of Guyana and the judicial process of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). I unequivocally reject the results of the December 3, 2023 Venezuelan referendum to annex the Essequibo region of Guyana.” Dr. Yearwood said the action of Venezuela to proceed with a referendum on 3 December 2023, the outcome of which led to the decision to incorporate Essequibo as a state of Venezuela, and the

subsequent actions of Venezuela to issue oil licences over territory in Essequibo, now constitute a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Guyana.

“The actions of Venezuela are a serious breach of the United Nations Charter and to peace and security within the Caribbean region. Therefore, I am calling upon the Government of Barbados, Prime Minister

of Barbados Mia Mottley, Barbados' Minister of Foreign Affairs Kerrie Symmonds and Barbados' Ambassador to CARICOM David Comissiong, to immediately end Barbados' foreign policy position of prevarication towards Venezuela. Particularly, I am asking Ambassador Comissiong not to allow his past experience as a civil society activist for Venezuela to exert influence on

Barbados' foreign policy position. The leadership of B a r b a d o s m u s t unequivocally denounce the actions of Venezuela, if Barbados is to truly say it fully supports Guyana.”

Yearwood said showing support for Guyana does not negate engaging in diplomacy but sets the margins of engagement for that diplomacy, as the only serious outcome is for the full respect of the territorial sovereignty of Guyana by Venezuela. “I urge Prime Minister Mottley, as a former Chair of CARICOM and internationally respected leader, to give this matter her immediate and full attention.

Further, I call upon Prime Minister Mottley to promptly convene diplomatic dialogues between Venezuela and Guyana to prevent any further actions

by Venezuela that go against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Guyana.”

“Additionally, I strongly support the United States of America's military partnership with Guyana to provide defence and security in the event of any use of force by Venezuela against Guyana. I take this opportunity to also request an urgent meeting with Ambassador Designate of the United States of America to Barbados, Roger F Nyhus to discuss Barbados' foreign policy position on Venezuela, and other issues relevant to

Leader of the Democratic Labour Party of Barbados, Dr. Ronnie Yearwood preserving regional peace and security, in the face of these rapid unfolding developments in Guyana. I call upon the NicolasMaduro-led Government of Venezuela to respect the judicial process currently before the ICJ and refrain from any additional actions to alter the status of the Essequibo region in Guyana.”

Yearwood said he has written to the President of Guyana, and the Leader of Opposition of Guyana assuring them of the Democratic Labour Party's and Barbadians support, especially as DLP former leader and Prime of Barbados, Errol Barrow and President Forbes Burnham of Guyana were founders to the forerunner of CARICOM, and there are deep familial and fraternal ties between our two countries.

Flags to be flown at half mast The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday advised the public that the Golden Arrow Head and National Institution flags are to be flown at Half Mast until further notice. The Ministry's notice follows reports that five occupants of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Bell412 helicopter which disappeared on Wednesday between Arau and Ekereku in Region Seven on

Wednesday died after the aircraft crashed in the jungle.

Those confirmed dead are Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Colonel Michael Shaoud, Lieutenant Colonel Shaun Welcome, Staff Sergeant Jason Khan and Brigadier (Ret'd) Gary Beaton.

Lieutenant Andio Michael Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson survived the crash.

Kaieteur News

Friday December 08, 2023

PAGE 09

The line between constructive nationalism and dangerous extremism is often thin Days after the results of the referendum in Venezuela were announced, there has been a crackdown against dissents in that country. Part of the crackdown was linked to persons adopting positions that were described as treacherous in relation to the referendum.

The international media is reporting that arrests have been ordered of a dozen Opposition personalities in Venezuela most of whom live outside of the country.

They are accused of plotting against the referendum of December 3rd 2023.

These actions from the government of Venezuela are likely to result on a backlash from the international community. It is now a real possibility that the sanctions, against that country and which were recently relaxed could be reintroduced, unless the present crackdown is reversed.

The actions from the government in Caracas against its opponents demonstrate the dangers which nationalist and patriotic fervor can present to free expression and human rights. These are dangers which Guyana must equally guard against at home.

It is now noticeable that there is a pro-government chorus calling for persons in Guyana to be charged for treason. These persons have been so accused for simply giving their opinions about the situation between Venezuela and Guyana.

While nationalism and patriotism can foster national unity and pride, they do also carry the inherent risk of breeding intolerance and stifling dissent. Recognizing these risks, it is important, during period of heightened nationalism and patriotism, that free expression and individual rights are not sacrificed amidst the nationalist and patriotic frenzy which tends to be intolerant of counterpoising positions. Nationalist and patriotic fervor are usually aimed to galvanizing support and unity around a common cause. For example, in Guyana, there have been calls for Guyanese to unite in defense of the country’s sovereignty and against the threat posed by Venezuela to the country’s territory.

All day on the stateowned media, the public is regaled with speeches of government officials extolling the righteousness of Guyana’s case and with

national songs. But equally there have been shades of intolerance with a stubborn refusal, from certain sections of the media, to brook any criticism of the government.

Nationalism and patriotism can foster unity and sense of national identity. However, the line between constructive nationalism and dangerous extremism is often thin. The risk arises when nationalistic and patriotic sentiments transform into exclusivity, l e a d i n g t o t h e marginalization of dissenting voices and the suppression of criticisms.

History is replete with instances where unchecked nationalism has resulted in dire consequences. The rise of authoritarian regimes in the 20th century, fueled by extreme nationalist ideologies, saw the erosion of individual freedoms and the subjugation of free expression.

The media as the Fourth Estate plays a pivotal role, a check on power and providing a platform for diverse voices. However, during periods of heightened nationalism and patriotism, there is a risk that the media may succumb to pressure or self-censorship. Such tendencies are emerging in

No room in shelters as thousands flee to Gaza border city (BBC NEWS) Tens of thousands of Palestinians are streaming into Rafah to escape intense fighting elsewhere in the south of the Gaza Strip, the BBC has reported.

A BBC reporter in Gaza says the city has no food or electricity, and there are severe water shortages.

Thousands have tried to go to UN schools to find shelter, but have had to sleep in front of buildings as there is no room for them. The Israeli military is now deep into Khan Younis, a city to which civilians in north Gaza had previously been told to flee.

Hamas attacked Israel in October, killing 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages, some of whom were released during a short-

lived truce. Hamas officials in Gaza say Israel has killed more than 17,177 people in its retaliatory campaign, including about 7,000 children.

UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, who has been in Israel since Wednesday, has visited Kibbutz Kfar in southern Israel which was attacked by Hamas on 7 October.

Saying that a rocket was brought down moments after he went to the kibbutz, he wrote on X: “All a stark reminder that a sustainable two-state solution is needed now more than ever.”

Earlier he met his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv. After their meeting Gallant said, “We are determined to win, and we will prevail.” Shapps had

said that he would use the trip to discuss more aid for Gaza to be delivered faster, including by the sea directly to Gaza.

He was in the West Bank earlier this morning and said that the world needed to get more aid to the “innocents” caught up in the war in Gaza.

Jewish people in Tel Aviv have been observing the start of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, by holding an event to highlight the hostages still being held in Gaza.

Hanukkah, or Chanukah as it is also known, runs from 7 to 15 December this year.

The word Hanukkah means rededication and commemorates the Jews’ struggle for religious freedom.

We need divine intervention...

From page 06 again, including his victory over the giant Goliath when he was a mere lad, could boldly declare in Psalm 20:7-9: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

Lord, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call.”

Sincerely Claudia Heywood

Guyana and can compromise the media’s ability to serve as an objective and independent watchdog.

To counteract this, it is essential to reinforce the importance of journalistic integrity and impartiality.

Journalists must be encouraged to pursue truth and hold those in power accountable, regardless of patriotic sentiments.

Governments should refrain from manipulating media narratives to suit nationalist agendas, and citizens should actively support independent journalism that prioritizes truth over partisanship.

During period of nationalist fervor, the right to free expression, association and assembly can be endangered by creeping intolerance. Governments

may be tempted to enact restrictive measures under the guise of protecting national security or maintaining order. The curtailment of civil liberties, such as increased surveillance, arrests of dissenting voices, or res trictions on public gatherings, becomes a potential consequence. It is essential to emphasize that safeguarding the nation should not come at the expense of the very freedoms that define democratic societies.

In this regard, the media must lead by resisting the temptation towards selfcensorship.

It must continue to serve as a check on power. The media must defend and safeguard individual rights.

It must reject any attempt to

curtail freedoms under the guise of national interest.

In times of nationalist and patriotic fervor lies in striking a delicate balance between fostering national pride and preserving individual and civil freedoms. Guyana, unlike what is happening now in Venezuela, must not be allowed to fall victim to intolerance and the stifling of free expression.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10 S

UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

LALL

FridayMonday December May08, 02,2023 2022

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

President Ali and US border response It has been difficult, but critical comment has been withheld in this time of national testing.

But now that I hear Excellency Ali imploring the United States to do more, I must speak. Gently does it.

First, I touched upon this concern last week in Demerara Waves (“America -where are you, Guyanese, do you see what I see?”)

Though a play on a seasonal song, it was my nuanced way of telling the world that America has been MIA. Missing in Action, without a word. Any reassuring words would be helpful. So, there I was, and now here is President Ali articulating his woes to the world. I feel for Guyana. For without America, Guyana is nothing.

Guyana does not even have itself (the wholeness of it) in one piece at this daunting hour.

Second, and now fasten seatbelts, national leaders saw it fit to engage countries from the East to a) borrow; b) build; and c) bruise

American priorities. After tireless and tremendous efforts by the Yankees to put democracy on track in 20192020, new friends were quickly found.

Why? Because they lend US$100M, and they don't give a (expletive omitted) hang if only a fowl pen is built with it. America was out, others favoured. One local leader spoke brilliantly about the 'right terms and conditions.'

Thus, decisions were made. As said, they are from the East, which meant that the West (US) had to sit on their available loans. But now the Yanks are needed urgently, and there are only whispers from low-level functionaries, or mostly the barrenness of silence. It is ominous.

Third, it is against this backdrop that I marveled at 'not a blade of grass', Guyana flag waving, and no Venezuelan flag burning. I also heard and read that there will be “consequences” and 'Venezuela will not go

“unpunished””, and came to a full stop. Who will apply those “consequences?”

Who has what it takes?

Regarding that rousing phrase that Venezuela will not go “unpunished”, from whose hands that hoped-for intervention and resolution will come?

Notwithstanding all the failures and foolishness, the scheming and calculating, I think “unpunished” and “consequences” represented hoping against hope.

Having been guilty of a roving eye, a lustful heart, and the momentary ecstasy of adultery, there was hope of the door opened and welcoming arms.

It seems that the arms of America (to be taken literally or militarily) are not so warm at present. The lesson is that what hurts men and women, trusted partners, also hurts relationships between nations.

T h e c o m m o n denominator throughout is people. Get on the wrong side of those who were and

should have been continued to be held as the closest allies and business partners, and there is hell to pay. I am not crying for local leaders. I am crying for the Guyanese people and the creek that those in charge today have dumped them.

For fourth, there is Venezuelan strongman Maduro making waves, and Guyanese leaders are running around on empty, and left to sweat the stupidities out of their system on their own.

America is nowhere in sight.

When I said that Guyana should not have such a great Eastern presence given our place on the map, the bigshots laughed and mocked.

Like the song by the Temptations says, “who yuh gonna run to” now? Memory doesn't help, but there was one by a Guyanese from way back that asked” “who you gonna run to the next time?”

They apply to where Guyana is today. America barely nibbling; as I see it, America

wigging and jigging. I took the time to warn the top dogs here.

They responded with vehemence and vitriol. There is no way in hell that a wily political man like Nicolo Maduro has not detected America's sloth, America's sluggishness, America's low temperature on the border developments.

Fifth, and of conspicuous note, Guyana's friends from the Gobi Desert have not uttered a single word on this border controversy.

Tangled interests and priorities, I see; too much invested over there, which means Guyana comes up second again.

Meanwhile, amid his sweeping post ICJ moves, Maduro was wise enough to offer an overture cum reassurance to Chevron to C O N S O L I D AT E i n Essequibo. It is a loaded word (consolidate). Steven Wirth of Chevron must have a decent relationship with Maduro, given authorization to operate in Orinoco and Maracaibo. I am grappling to figure out the significance in that extraordinary exception (“consolidate”).

How much of a wedge does this drive into Guyana's expectations about help from

America?

Is this still another layer in the mystery of America's lukewarm attitude and tepid assertiveness to Guyana's immediate needs?

How does Exxon feature in the b i g g e r, l o n g e r, w i d e r considerations between America and Venezuela, especially given that OPEC countries are barred from participating in Venezuelan rehabilitation?

Chevron alone cannot handle 300 billion barrels of oil.

Interests, not friends.

Last, I hate saying, but Guyana looks increasingly on its own, aside from polite noises from America.

The big people here dug a hole for Guyana. Guyanese flag wavers and social media warriors will have to show how much there are going to guard democracy and this nation's territorial integrity.

I have already volunteered.

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

Kaieteur News

Friday December 08, 2023

PAGE 11

Borderline Facts Pt. 8

Guyana Govt. will never accept any law Venezuela passes in “Kangaroo Congress” to govern Essequibo - VP Jagdeo

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

By Kiana Wilburg

G

u y a n a ' s Vi c e President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has assured that his government will never accept any law Venezuela passes in its “Kangaroo Congress” to govern the Essequibo Region.

The term “Kangaroo Congress” refers to a court that ignores recognised standards of law or justice.

The Guyanese official said any law that is passed by such a court has no standing in international law, nor will it ever be respected or accepted by the people of Guyana and its government.

The Guyanese leader told local journalists on Thursday during a press conference that such a move

by Venezuela's President, Nicolas Maduro is in defiance of the binding orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The World Court had told Venezuela on December 1, 2023, that it should not take any action that would alter

Venezuela's President, Nicholas Maduro

Guyana's control over the Essequibo Region.

Though 89 percent of the voting population turned its back on his sham referendum, Maduro still announced a number of brazen steps he will take towards annexation.

These include instructions to his parliament for the creation of an organic law to establish a full government system for Essequibo.

In response, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said: “…We don't accept it. It is just another one of his propaganda documents.”

The Vice President also noted another measure announced by Maduro which pertains to instructions for the creation of two divisions: PDVSA Esequibo and CVG Esequibo.

Both would be responsible for the exploration and exploitation of gas, oil and mining in the Essequibo region.

Dr. Jagdeo said this measure is not just egregious but proves that Maduro cannot be trusted.

He recalled that many world leaders told Guyanese officials that Maduro made it clear he is not interested in an invasion of any kind.

D r. J a g d e o said Maduro's announceme n t o f exploration p l a n s clearly contradicts w h e n h e communicated to those leaders. He said it is also viewed as an attempt to alter the situation on the

ground, contrary to the ICJ's order.

The Vice President said Maduro has therefore revealed to the world what his true intentions are.

“He has proven himself to be untrustworthy,” the chief policy-maker for the oil sector said, adding, “Guyanese authorities will do everything in their power to defend the nation's territorial integrity.”

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Friday December 08, 2023

Exxon focus on producing oil amid intensifying border row with Venezuela (Bloomberg) — ExxonMobil Corp. CEO Darren Woods said: “I'm not sure the press has captured the true intensity of the situation there, but we're keeping an eye on it,” Woods said in an interview at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. “We can do what we can do, which is making sure that we're helping the government of Guyana by producing the resources efficiently.”

Venezuelans on Sunday voted on referendum questions over whether to claim a disputed border area known as the Essequibo that's currently controlled by neighbouring Guyana. Elvis Amoroso, head of Venezuela's electoral body, said preliminary results show an “overwhelming victory” of positive answers as the government uses the issue to stoke nationalism among the electorate ahead of

presidential elections in 2024.

Guyana and Venezuela have been disputing their boundary since the late 1800s, when an international arbitration panel award the territory to Britain. In 1962, Venezuela said the decision was invalid and has periodically demanded the area be handed over. Guyana achieved independence from Britain in 1966.

The controversy has

gained renewed fervour since Exxon discovered oil off Guyana's coast in 2015 and quickly turned the country into one of the fastestgrowing producers of crude.

Separately, then-president Hugo Chavez nationalized Exxon's operations in Venezuela in 2007. “I think there's a lot of things happening in Venezuela from a political standpoint,” Woods said.

Here's more from the interview with Woods: Is Exxon financially assisting Guyana's government in the dispute?

“No, we're not. We're limiting our role to the area of our expertise, which is to basically help them responsibly develop their resources.”

Does Exxon expect any regulatory pushback on its roughly $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources Co.?

“We're in the early stages of that. I think, if you look at the merits of that transaction, it shouldn't trip any regulatory hurdles or clearance hurdles. The two of us together represent less than 15% of production coming out of the Permian.

We represent less than 5% of the production in the US and less than 3% for the world.

From a fair-trade standpoint

ExxonMobil Corp. CEO Darren Woods or a fair competition standpoint, it doesn't reach any thresholds that would be a concern.”

How are relations with the Biden administration?

“I spend more time engaging with this White House than I did with the White House before that. So I think there's a genuine effort by the Biden administration to strike the right balance: To focus and drive emission reductions and improve greenhouse gas emissions, but at the same time, a recognition of the important role oil and gas plays — the need to continue to provide affordable, reliable energy supply.”

How worried are you that the Inflation Reduction Act may be pulled back after the next election?

“Any time you build a business based on government support, there's always that risk. But our view is, fundamentally, emissions need to be reduced. And so there may be short term pluses and minuses, but ultimately, we're staying focused on long-term objectives. Society has got to find a way to reduce emissions. We think the approach that we're taking is sound under any regime. It'll be competitive under any regime.”

Why is Exxon joining initiatives to encourage national oil companies to reduce emissions?

“It's important that we get as much of the industry committed to raising the bar.

We have a philosophy that we're working to in the company to be the most responsible operator. So, for as long as there's a demand for oil and gas, you want the most responsible companies producing that.” The Texas energy giant is focusing on producing oil in Guyana as efficiently as possible to help the South American country in its border dispute with Venezuela.

Friday December 08, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Friday December 08, 2023

UN Security Council meets today on Maduro's annexation threats The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is expected to convene a meeting on Friday, December 8 to consider Guyana's request on the recent developments taking place in the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo during a press conference at the Office of the President on Thursday, noted that the meeting is expected to take place at around 03:00 hours (03:00 pm). The government, Jagdeo expressed, is pleased that the Security Council has taken note of this matter with a sense of urgency. “Also that the United Nations Secretary General has sent to the Security Council, the provisional measures announced by the International Court of Justice (ICJ ),” the Vice P res ident

disclosed.

This means that every country which is a part of the Security Council has in hand the December 1 ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Guyana's request for provisional measures.

The ICJ's ruling made it clear that: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, shall refrain from taking any action, which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby the Cooperative Republic of Guyana administers and exercises control over that area.

Both parties must refrain from any action that can aggravate or extend the dispute before the court or make it more difficult to resolve. “We expect the Security Council to deal with this matter swiftly,” the senior

government official informed media operatives.

Guyana on December 5 officially wrote to the UNSC after Venezuela's President, Nicolas Maduro on December 4 announced administrative measures geared towards illegally seizing Essequibo County.

He had also ordered investors operating in the exclusive economic zone to exit within three months. Guyana is slated to become a non-permanent member of the Security Council where it will serve from the period 2024-2025.

Permanent members such as the United States of America and others have already expressed enthusiasm in working closely with Guyana once it assumes its nonpermanent seat on the UNSC in

January 2024.

During a news briefing on Wednesday, Stéphane Dujarric Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres said that he has been asked on a number of occasions, by reporters of about the situation between Venezuela and Guyana. “I can tell you that the SecretaryGeneral strongly supports the use of solely peaceful means to settle international disputes.

He further recalls that, pursuant to the Charter and to the Statute of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), decisions of the Court are binding and he trusts that both States will duly comply with the Order from the Court. The Secretary-General recalls the Order of the International Court of

Justice, issued on 1 December 2023, indicating provisional measures in the case of Guyana against Venezuela concerning Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899.

“The Secretary-General notes the Court's unanimous decision to order Venezuela to “refrain from taking any action that would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute”.

The Secretary-General also notes that the Court's order to both Parties to refrain from any action, which might aggravate or extend the dispute or make it more difficult to resolve. In accordance with the Statute of the Court, the SecretaryGeneral transmitted the notice of the provisional measures ordered by the Court to the Security Council,” Dujarric said.

Kaieteur News

Friday December 08, 2023

PAGE 15

Lieutenant Colonel, Michael Charles

Staff Sergeant, Jason Khan Lieutenant Colonel, Shaun Welcome

Colonel, Michael Shaoud

GDF helicopter crash...

FIVE DEAD, TWO SURVIVE Survivor: Corporal Dwayne Jackson

By Alva Solomon Five of the seven occupants of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Bell412 helicopter which disappeared on Wednesday between Arau and Ekereku in Region Seven died after the aircraft crashed in the jungle, the army has confirmed.

Those confirmed dead are: the pilot-in- command, veteran aviator Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Shaun 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. The GDF said the Force entered the second day of its search and rescue operation on Thursday to locate the helicopter, bearing registration 8R-AYA, which went missing since 11:20hours Wednesday when

Survivor: Lieutenant Andio Michael Crawford it encountered bad weather. A Special Forces team was inserted into the area on Wednesday and arrived at the crash site at approximately 14:30 hours on Thursday afternoon when the men's deaths were confirmed.

The next phase of the operation involves the extraction from the area, followed by the commencement of an investigation into the incident, the GDF said. GDF's Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan said on Wednesday night at a press conference that the chopper had departed Base Camp Ayanganna around 09:23hrs for Arau, located at the country's western border with Venezuela.

Colonel Shahoud, who was commander of the First Infantry Battalion of the GDF, was in charge of the mission and the duty of the team was to visit soldiers stationed at the border location.

Khan told reporters that (Continued on page 22)

Brigadier (Ret'd), Gary Beaton

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Friday December 08, 2023

Friday December 08, 2023

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PAGE 17

Friday December 08, 2023

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US reaffirms ‘unwavering support’ for Guyana

T

he United States (US) Secretary of State, Antony Blinken on Wednesday reaffirmed the support of the US for Guyana in the border controversy with neighbouring Venezuela.

According to a statement from the U.S Department of State, Blinken spoke with President Irfaan Ali during a call and reiterated the United States' call for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict between the two states.

According to the missive, the U.S Secretary of State also called for “all parties to respect the 1899 arbitral award determining the land boundary between Venezuela and Guyana, unless, or until, the parties reach a new agreement, or a competent

legal body decides otherwise.”

Blinken and President Ali recalled the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its December 1 order, called for parties to refrain from any action that might aggravate or extend the dispute. It was reported that the Secretary reiterated that the United States looks forward to working closely with Guyana once it assumes its nonpermanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in January 2024.

The two leaders concluded the discussion by agreeing upon the importance of maintaining a peaceful and d e m o c r a t i c We s t e r n Hemisphere.

Ve n e z u e l a h a s historically claimed Guyana's Essequibo region

as its own despite its initial acceptance of the 1899 Arbitral Award that gives Guyana control of the Essequibo. Presently the matter is before the ICJ. Despite the outcome still pending, the Venezuelan government held a referendum on December 3, 2023 to consult its population on a move to annex Guyana's Essequibo as part of that country's map.

Following what was deemed a success by Ve n e z u e l a n P r e s i d e n t Nicolas Maduro, the government on December 5 announced the appointment of a governor of Guyana's Essequibo Region, Major General Alexis Rodríguez Cabello. International media reports also note that the Maduro regime has also

President Irfaan Ali and U.S Secretary of State, Antony Blinken (Photo credit: U.S State Department) announced that he and his team will grant concessions in the Essequibo region and have also given companies within the area within three months to vacate.

Maduro also announced the creation of a new High Commission for the defense of Guayana Esequiba, which goes far beyond the presidential level.

T h e Ve n e z u e l a n government also said it

would activate a debate in the National Assembly for the approval of the Organic Law for the defense of Guayana Esequiba.

“That instrument that will give rise to the implementation of the decision made by the people o f Ve n e z u e l a i n t h e consultative referendum,” Maduro explained.

In the Government Council, the president also

announced the creation of a Comprehensive Defense zone of Guayana Esequiba with 3 areas of integral development and 28 development sectors.

The headquarters will be in Tumeremo, for this, Major General Alexis Rodríguez Cabello was appointed sole authority. Guyana has since informed the international community of these developments.

$41M contract awarded to extend recently retrofitted Mabaruma Hospital mortuary A $41M contract has been awarded to SEE Solutions to extend the recently retrofitted $150M Mabaruma Hospital mortuary in Region One. According to the National Procurement and Te n d e r A d m i n i s t r a t i o n Board (NPTAB), it recently awarded the $ 41,168,446 contract to SEE Solutions.

The firm was among eight contractors that submitted bids for the works that were estimated to cost $47million.

Kaieteur News had reported that in December 2022, President Irfaan Ali had commissioned the newly upgraded Mabaruma Hospital, a project which falls under the United

Kingdom's US$4.2M 'Smart Hospital Initiative'.

The Mabaruma Regional Hospital was upgraded into a 'smart' health facility to the tune of US$750,000 (GY$150M).

The Mabaruma 'Smart' Hospital was among five hospitals upgraded through the Smart Health Care Facilities in the Caribbean Project. It is an initiative of Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) that was being financed by the UK Department for International Development (UK DFID).

The upgrade to the hospital was done by Chung Global Enterprise. Among

the works done were the refurbishing of the operating theatres, the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the recovery room, the maternity wards, pharmacy, roof repairs, retiled the kitchen area of the facility, construction of battery room, and the resurfacing of wheelchair ramp.

Meanwhile, the Suddie Hospital mortuary, Region Two is also earmarked for expansion and renovation.

That $55,753,688 contract was awarded to M. Sukhai Contracting Service while a $59 million project was awarded to QA Civil Works for the construction of another mortuary facility at Mahdia, Region Eight.

The Mabaruma 'SMART' Hospital.

Friday December 08, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Friday December 08, 2023

Friday December 08, 2023

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Insurance for gas pipeline to come at the appropriate time Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo responding to questions during his press conference yesterday

A

midst the security threats p o s e d b y Venezuela to this country, the subject of insurance for the massive gas pipeline being undertaken by A m e r i c a n o i l m a j o r, ExxonMobil has been a concern.

During a media engagement on Thursday at the Office of the President, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was asked to provide an update on the status of the insurance, given that ExxonMobil is progressing with the construction of the 12-inch pipeline.

That structure will be used to transport gas from the Liza One and Two Fields in the Stabroek Block to the Wales development site, West Bank Demerara.

Jagdeo in his response said “No, no. Not now, not now... I've dealt with insurance issues etcetera 100 times, I'm not dealing with that anymore. We are dealing with the defence of our country and that's important now.”

Even though the VP responded to questions relative to Trinidad and Tobago's gas deal with Venezuela, he told this newspaper that he was “dealing with the defence of our country”.

In fact, he went further to note that “at the appropriate time, every asset that we have, including a pipeline, the power plant and the NGL (Natural Gas Liquids) facility will have the insurance.”

T h e G a s - t o - E n e rg y

(GTE) project is geared towards reducing the cost of electricity by 50 percent.

Exxon was granted a Permit by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the 225 kilometers (km) pipeline back in November last year.

The legality of this Permit is currently the subject of a court challenge by two Guyanese.

The pipeline is expected to cost US$1 billion. Last y e a r, a l o c a l i n s u r e r highlighted the need for insurance during the construction phase of the project. The company that spoke off the record to this newspaper explained, “Everywhere in the world once a project is engaged, what happens is that you have insurance that literally

- Jagdeo covers the project while it is in the form of being carried out.”

According to the insurance company, this coverage is called 'Construction All Risk' and is taken out by the contractor that has been hired to complete the job.

The credible source explained, “Technically it's in your care, custody and control until you hand it to me as a finished product.

You have problems and your problems are the construction while you are working, that material is worth money so if that material is destroyed while it is in your care, custody and control, you have a problem

and your problem is to reimburse me, the owner (if something goes wrong). So how would you do that unless you have coverage for it?”

It is for this reason that the insurance firm stressed the need for coverage at all points during the

construction phase to ensure all of the assets are secured.

Despite this revelation, the government remains adamant that the project will be insured upon completion of the other aspects- the NGL and power plants. Those two plants are being constructed by the state.

‘Maduro's illegal action threatens regional peace’ - Norton Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton on Thursday strongly condemned Ve n e z u e l a ' s P r e s i d e n t Nicolas Maduro's announcement of a governor for Guyana's Essequibo Region, the granting of concessions in the territory, and demanded that companies vacate the area within three months, deeming it illegal and a severe threat to regional peace.

Maduro's announcement came Tuesday night despite being warned by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ on December 1, 2023 unanimously ordered Venezuela not to take any action that would alter Guyana's control over its Essequibo region – acting on the results of its contentious referendum which is aimed at getting the public's support for Venezuela's decisions regarding the Essequibo region. The court also ordered both Guyana and Venezuela to refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the controversy or make it more difficult to resolve.

However, Norton at a press conference held on Thursday labeled the move as “illegal and alarming” while expressing concerns about its implications for

regional peace and stability, especially in light of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recent decision.

Norton called on the government to take decisive measures, including the recapitalization of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), deployment of special envoys, and the creation of a high-level commission to address border security issues. He also urged steps to control the influx of Venezuelan migrants into Essequibo.

“The government has either not heeded our advice or has moved in a halfhearted manner. Under Venezuela's escalating recklessness, the PPP government can no longer afford to act alone with uncertainty, inadequacy, and hesitancy – there is a need for a national approach to this crisis,” he said.

Norton emphasized the need for a national approach and urged lobbying the international community.

The Opposition Leader said, “With the new and dangerous moves by a desperate Maduro since the referendum, we call on the Guyana government to urgently lobby the international community to reject Venezuela's lawless establishment of the purported state of Guayana

Esequiba. This lobbying effort must be supported by a written aide memoire outlining the ICJ's rulings and Venezuela's violation of those rulings, inter alia. The international community must be left in no doubt that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has embarked on an aggressive and destabilizing exercise, which could have farreaching repercussions across the Latin America and Caribbean region.”

Moreover, Norton called for both a media and public engagement to reject Venezuela's claim.

The Opposition Leader said that Venezuela's claim to have the right to issue licenses to businesses in Essequibo must be rejected

by Guyana and a full-fledge campaign must be launched to maintain the status quo and Guyana's control over our Essequibo. “… [Guyana will] continue to administer our Essequibo as we have been lawfully doing in the last one hundred and twenty-four years,” Norton stated.

Labeling Venezuela as an adversary, Norton stressed the importance of standing firm against attempts to alter the border established by the 1899 Arbitral Award.

“We call on the people of Guyana to stand firm. We in

the Parliamentary Opposition will continue to do all in our power to defend our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Norton added.

In solidarity with Guyana's armed forces, Norton supported the implementation of Article 33 of the Guyana Constitution

which states, “It is the duty of every citizen to defend the State.”

The Opposition Leader also expressed appreciation for the support of the international community and many political opposition parties in the Caribbean region that are openly in support of Guyana.

Leader of Opposition, Aubrey Norton

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Kaieteur News

Friday December 08, 2023

ICC monitoring Guyana/Venezuela tension ahead of T20 World Cup

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By Rawle Toney Tulsa Woodham, Senior Operations Manager at the International Cricket Council has stated that the global cricket governing body is actively monitoring the recent escalation of the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy.

Woodham made these remarks while addressing the media in Barbados while conducting an ICC venue visit to the Kensington Oval, a venue that, like Guyana, is set to host matches during the T20 World Cup from June 4 to June 30.

Tensions between Guyana and Venezuela have been increased since the December 3 referendum initiated by the Nicolas Maduro Government aims to annex the disputed Essequibo region.

Woodham stated that ensuring a secure T20 World Cup is of utmost importance to the ICC, adding that they will continue to monitor the situation.

A team from the ICC is scheduled to visit Guyana next week to inspect the Guyana National Stadium.

While in Guyana, they are expected to meet with representatives of the Government of Guyana.

It also expected that areas of security and other measures will be discussed.

Since the referendum, the Venezuelan president has amplified his claims to the area under dispute since 1899, highlighting several measures

which he intends to take, to act on what he believes is the will of the people of his country.

Maduro activated an Integral Social Attention Plan for the entire population of Guayana Esequiba that includes a Census and the opening of an Administrative Service for Identification, Migration and Immigration (SAIME) office for the delivery of identification cards to the population based in Tumeremo, an area some 63 miles of Guyana in Venezuela.

He also outlined a course of action for the exploration and exploitation of gas, oil, and mining in the area that makes up two-thirds of Guyana, which is home to six of its ten administrative regions.

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has since used all available avenues to dispel Venezuela’s aggression, especially since the International Court of Justice ICJ ruled that the Maduro Administration should refrain from taking any action that would jeopardize Guyana’s current control over Essequibo.

In the latest development, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will today consider Guyana’s request for intervention into Venezuela’s violation of the ICJ order which prohibits that country from taking any action against Guyana’s administration and control of the

Tulsa Woodham, ICC’s Senior Operations Manager Essequibo region. Additionally, in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) announced that it will conduct flight operations within Guyana on December 7.

The exercise, as stated by the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, builds upon routine engagement and operations to enhance the security partnership between the United States and Guyana and to strengthen regional cooperation. In addition to this exercise, USSOUTHCOM will continue its collaboration with the GDF in the areas of disaster preparedness, aerial

and maritime security, and countering transnational criminal organizations.

The U.S. has pledged to continue its commitment as Guyana’s trusted security partner and to promote regional cooperation and interoperability.

However, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, said on X (formerly Twitter), that the U.S. announcement was an unfortunate provocation “in favour of ExxonMobil in Guyana is another step in the wrong direction…we will not be diverted from our future actions for the recovery of the Essequibo.”

UN Aid Chief sees ‘promising signs’ on opening of new crossing to Gaza (AL JAZEERA) United Nations aid chief Martin Griffiths has said the Karem Abu Salem crossing, known as Kerem Shalom in Israel, between Israel and Gaza could soon be opened to allow more humanitarian aid to be delivered to the war-torn Palestinian territory.

“We’re still negotiating,” Griffiths told reporters in Geneva on Thursday.

“There are promising signs now that that may be able to open soon.”

Aid is currently trickling through to Gaza via the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border.

The opening of Karem Abu Salem would “be the first miracle we’ve seen for some weeks, but would also be a huge boost to the logistical process and logistical base of a humanitarian operation,” Griffiths said.

The UN aid chief stressed the need for aid to be deliv-

ered in a more sustained and organised fashion.

“We do not have a humanitarian operation in the south of Gaza that can be called by that name any more,” he said.

“What we have at the moment … [is] at best humanitarian opportunism,” he said, adding that trucks crossing through relied on chance rather than planning. “It’s erratic, undependable and, frankly, not sustainable.”

Speaking to reporters in Israel, Colonel Elad Goren, head of the civil department at COGAT, the Israeli agency for civilian coordination with the Palestinians, said: “We will open Kerem Shalom just for inspection. It will happen in the next few days.”

Goren said a COGAT team was engaged in discussions with the United States, the United Nations and Egypt on how to raise the volume of humanitarian assistance. He

said Israel would like the international community to increase its capabilities.

“We won’t be the problem. We will adjust ourselves for all the needs. The needs are up to the UN. If they will tell us that there is a need for 200 trucks and they have the capabilities to take it, it’s not a problem,” Goren said.

The UN on Monday said aid teams had only “extremely limited” movement in the south, where civilians were fleeing to, and that access to the north was “now entirely blocked”.

United Nations SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres on Wednesday invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, urging the UN Security Council to act on the war in Gaza.

Article 99 allows the secretary-general to “bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the

maintenance of international peace and security”.

Griffiths stressed the whole humanitarian community was behind the move.

“Stop the fighting, let’s have an immediate ceasefire,” he said. Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour expressed his hope that the Security Council would adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire on Friday.

To pass, a resolution needs at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the five permanent members, namely the United States, Russia, China, France or the United Kingdom.

“We hope for a successful action by the Security Council,” Mansour told reporters.

Some 1.8 million Palestinians are residing in southern Gaza after an order from the Israeli military to leave the north of the strip in mid-October.

Friday December 08, 2023

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Investment, technical assistance needed to accelerate Caribbean renewable energy transition

S

i g n i f i c a n t investment, t e c h n i c a l assistance to build capacity, and an overarching framework to guide the process are still needed for the Caribbean Region to make a successful transition to sustainable energy.

Despite ambitious commitments to scale renewable energy, progress in deploying technologies and enhancing the resilience of energy systems has been limited. The barriers and opportunities the region faces were highlighted at the “Accelerating the Caribbean Energy Transition” panel discussion organised by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) at the 28th Annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) currently underway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Opportunities abound concerning the availability of renewable energy resources to supply domestic demand and economic transformation through harnessing options.

However, to varying degrees, countries are grappling with higher costs and limited financial options, transmission and distribution infrastructure that is inadequate, and aged, limited specific expertise, climate v u l n e r a b i l i t y, w e a k government fiscal positions that constrain public sector projects, small markets with higher transaction costs, weak environments for investments, limited equity financing instruments, and stark gender imbalance in the energy sector.

Recognising the need for an enabler, CDB designed the

Williams, Coordinator of CDB's Sustainable Energy Unit, noted that while governments had demonstrated high commitment, progress in renewable energy penetration regionally, was averaging 12%, considering the 2030 target of 55%.

“We recognise that there is quite a big gap and a great need for the current framework to be strengthened and so we have stepped into that space significantly.

There are issues around ensuring that projects are delivered safely, and reliably.

Our focus is on trying to ensure that the appropriate framework is in place and the right funding is available that will attract and facilitate the investments,” said Mr. Williams.

Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment & R e n e w a b l e E n e rg y, Government of Grenada, Honourable Kerryne James, noted that Grenada had recommitted to transitioning its energy sector to 40% Accelerating Sustainable Energy and Resilience Transition (ASERT) 2030 Framework to help address these barriers and exploit opportunities in the shortest possible time. Mr. Joseph

renewable energy by 2025, adding that countries need help to build capacity. “At times, I feel we focus too much on the technical and the financial aspects of projects.

What I believe would help us is if there is more support for capacity development, technical training to help us create a strategic road map that is appropriate for each country's situation - which could be unique,” Minister James said.

M r. A n d r e w H u r s t , Executive Director, Climate Finance, Global Affairs Canada, noted that CDB and Global Affairs Canada are currently developing an umbrella sustainable energy programme to assist countries in the region.

He indicated that under the initiative countries will have access to loan financing and technical assistance for projects that will reduce emissions, increase access to affordable and reliable energy, and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. The programme should come on stream in 2024.

Kaieteur News

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Friday December 08, 2023

GDF helicopter crash... FIVE DEAD, TWO SURVIVE...

From page 15 the helicopter had stopped at Olive Creek in Region Seven to refuel but shortly after taking off, contact was lost with the crew. The Chief of Staff said it received no report of anyone seeing what had happened to the helicopter when it took off from Olive Creek.

The Bell412 helicopter was commissioned by the GDF in June this year.

The GDF extended sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who perished. “The Guyana Defence Force is committed to providing unwavering support to these families during this unprecedented and challenging period of mourning.

These Officers have served and given excellent service in the defence of our country and will be duly recognized,” the Army said.

The Army also expressed gratitude to the search and rescue team, “for their tireless efforts, working around the clock to navigate adverse conditions and challenging circumstances. Their dedication and resilience have not gone unnoticed, and we commend them for their selfless service during this trying time.”

Nation in mourning On social media, tributes poured in Thursday afternoon after news of the men’s death circulated.

Leading the tributes was President Irfaan Ali, who in a statement, said he knew each of the victims of the crash personally.

He said his respect for them was boundless.

“They were not just military men; they were guardians of our sovereignty, defenders o f o u r v a l u e s , a nd champions of our freedom.

Their commitment to duty was unwavering, as evidenced by their willingness to embark on missions even in the most treacherous conditions to ensure the safety of our Motherland,” he said.

“For our nation and the Guyana Defence Force, this is a blow that words fail to capture adequately.

Their sacrifice, made in the line of duty, will forever be etched in the annals of our history, a testament to their courage and devotion,” Ali said.

President Ali expressed condolences to the relatives, friends and colleagues of the casualties of the crash.

T h e O ff i c e o f t h e

Opposition Leader expressed condolences to the families of the soldiers who perished in the crash.

“We will forever honour these current and former Army officers as genuine and brave sons of the soil who gave dedicated service and their lives in defense of our dear homeland, Guyana.”

It noted that it shares the “mixed emotions” of the families of the victims.

“Our thoughts and prayers are also extended to you.”

The Opposition Leader’s office said it expects that the survivors and their families will have the full support of the GDF in particular, and the Government of Guyana in general, as they seek to overcome the trauma associated with the accident.

In a message to the GDF officer corps and servicemen, the Office of the Opposition Leader said it stands with military “in this moment of bereavement.

At this moment when our country is under threat from abroad, we know you are standing resolute and brave, despite the loss of your comrades.”

Heavy heart Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo said it is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that “I extend my sincere condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the five brave Guyana Defence Force soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash on December 6, 2023.” Jagdeo a former president said during this difficult time, “my thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate the pain and sorrow that comes with the loss of your loved ones.

The sacrifice and dedication of Brigadier Gary Beaton- Project Engineer, GOG; Colonel Michael ShahoudC o m m a n d e r 1 s t Infantry Battalion; Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles- Pilot; Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome- Commanding Officer Reserve Battalion; and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan- 31 Special Forces Squadron, to the service of their country will forever be remembered and honoured.”

“May you find strength in the cherished memories you shared with your loved ones and in the knowledge that their commitment to duty has left an indelible mark on the nation.

We share in your grief

and stand united in offering support and solidarity during this trying period.”

He said in honouring the memory of these valiant s o l d ier s , “l et u s als o acknowledge the selflessness and bravery they displayed in the line of duty.

Their service to Guyana will be remembered as a testament to their unwavering commitment to the principles of duty, honour, and sacrifice. As you mourn the loss of these heroes, please know that you are not alone.

The entire nation joins hands in expressing our deepest sympathies, and we are here to offer any assistance and support that may bring comfort in this challenging time.

May the souls of the departed soldiers rest in eternal peace, and may you find solace in the collective embrace of a grateful nation.

I want to extend my heartfelt wishes for the swift and complete recovery of the two surviving soldiers – Lieutenant Colonel Andio Michael Crawford and Corporal, Dwayne Jackson – who endured this harrowing incident. Their strength and resilience in the face of adversity are a testament to their courage and commitment.”

Soldier of valour The Ministry in Home Affairs said it “deeply mourns” the devastating loss of the servicemen.

The ministry extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the country and the GDF. Former Chief –of-Staff of the GDF, Rear Admiral (ret’d) Gary Best said he was saddened at the loss of the men.

“It is with great sadness in my heart that I express deepest condolences to the families of the four GDF Officers and soldier of valour who lost their lives in service to our great country,” he said.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) in statement, said its thoughts are with the victims of the crash, adding that in the “face of adversity, we acknowledge the courage of those who survived.” It said the soldiers “contributions to the defense of our nation will be remembered with gratitude.’

The Bar Association expressed sadness at the deaths of the soldiers.

The body also it is praying “for the good health and recovery of the two servicemen who survived.”

Aviator Extraordinaire Charles, whose

popularity has grown immensely over the years given his decades of experience as a helicopter pilot, has been described by many in aviation circles as aviation extraordinaire and promoter of Guyana’s rich tourism potential.

He regularly posts photographs and videos of his many trips on social media platform Facebook, showcasing a range of scenes of the landscape of Guyana.

Outside his military duties, he produced several tourism documentaries, including the ‘Guyana: Yours to discover” series which gives viewers insightful views of the country.

In January 2021, Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips hailed Charles, as a pioneer in showcasing Guyana’s tourism product to the rest of the world. At the time, the late pilot had presented his fourth video“Sounds and Colours of the Rainforest”- the fourth video in a “Guyana -Yours to Discover” series. Known popularly as “Mike Charles,” the late aviator was awarded the Medal of Service in 2011 for his contribution to military aviation and for showcasing Guyana to the world through video and photography.

A decorated and wellknown military man, Charles told Kaieteur News previously that he joined the GDF at age 18.

The second of four boys, he was born and raised at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara and lived there until his passing. Charles was trained for one year as an Officer Cadet after which he became a Second Lieutenant.

H e w a s commissioned in 1982 by then Head of State, Forbes Burnham, whom he had previously met when he was just a young boy during a school play.

He swiftly scaled the ranks in the GDF and always had his eyes on the Air Corps as he always dreamed of becoming a pilot since he was a little boy.

So enthused was the young Charles in flying, that viewing the aircraft from the distance of his home at Soesdyke was not enough, thus he would hop on his bicycle and head for the airport regularly to get a closer look in order to satisfy his fascination.

Charles retired from the army in 2010, but he was re-

employed by the government to fly the Bell 412 the following year.

He was an integral of the crew which ferried to Guyana from the United States, a new Bell 412 helicopter acquired by the GDF in 2021.

Distinguished officer Shahoud, who gained his formal education in Berbice at the St. Theresa’s Primary School in New Amsterdam and later, the St. Margaret’s Primary and North Georgetown Secondary Schools in the city, has been described as a distinguished o ff i c e r.

Upon the completion of his secondary education, Shahoud enlisted in the GDF and studied law at the University of Guyana.

He benefited from training on several courses both locally and overseas.

During his service, he has held numerous appointments, and served as Legal Officer, i n t h e G D F ’s L e g a l Services Department.

Shahoud, proceeded to read for a pre-law programme at UG, in 2008, and later received a military scholarship to pursue the Bachelor of Law Degree -gaining a distinction – and the Legal Education Certificate at the Hugh Wooding Law School.

In 2018, Shahoud headed the GDF promotion list, he was promoted from Substantive Major to Lieutenant Colonel along with three others. Earlier this year, he was promoted to Substantive Lieutenant Colonel.

“The Force shaped me”Brigadier (ret’d) Beaton served the GDF for 35 years until his retirement in March 2021. Beaton enlisted in the GDF in 1985 and was commissioned as an officer in 1987.

At a ceremony to mark his retirement in March 2021, he said, “The Force being the parent, and I the child, like with any good parent, the Force began to shape me and mould me into the person I am today.

The shaping and moulding came in many different forms, such as advice from my seniors, peers and juniors as well as tough decisions in situations regarding career choices and occupation experience.”

During his tenure in the GDF, he served as Officer Commanding Construction Company, Commanding Officer 4

Engineers Battalion and Commander Engineers Corps among other positions.

He also completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Guyana and a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering at the Auckland University, New Zealand.

Brigadier Beaton is also the recipient of the Military Service Medal, MSM. He was the wife of Member of Parliament, Dr. Jennifer Westford.

“Paratroopers never die” K h a n ’s f a m i l y a n d friends recalled fond memories of the late soldier who was a paratrooper. He was also an integral member of the GDF’s basketball team.

Paratroopers, never die; we regroup and come again,” one of the friends posted on Facebook on Thursday afternoon.

“Our flag doesn’t fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it,” K h a n ’s f r i e n d s a i d .

Earlier on Thursday, his wife spoke highly of the soldier, she expressed optimism that he was okay.

Welcome the all-rounder We l c o m e , w h o graduated this year from the University of Guyana with a Master’s degree in Strategic Development Studies, was described as an allr o u n d e r. D u r i n g h i s career in the GDF, he served in the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

He is a former student of the Centre for Communication Studies at UG. In 2018, Welcome, who was at the time a member of the Guyana Peoples Militia, was adjudged the top graduate o f t h e G D F ’s S e n i o r Command and Staff Course (SCSC) Number 15. Longtime UG lecturer, Valarie Monica Goorasammy Smith, noted on Facebook that she will always recall Welcome’s smile while he was one of her students at the St. Joseph’s High School.

Twenty-nine years ago, a small aircraft crashed in the area where the chopper went down on Wednesday.

On December 6, 1994, a Trans Guyana Airways Cessna 206, bearing registration 8R-GGS, crashed after departing the Ekereku Bottom airstrip.

Three people, including the pilot Nyron Mirza, died in the crash.

Friday December 08, 2023

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Friday December 08, 2023

Volodí

Friday December 08, 2023

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Kaieteur News

Zelenski

Suriname’s Robinhood completes double with Caribbean Cup triumph SportsMax - Robinhood of Suriname were crowned champions of the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, after they defeated Jamaican side Cavalier 2-0 in the second leg of the final at the National Stadium, on Wednesday night.

Franklin Singodikromo, whose last-gasp goal in the semi-final against Moca FC, paved the way for Robinhood to even reach the showpiece contest, came off the bench to score a goal and provide an assist for Jamilhio Rigters to give the Suriname side a 30 aggregate victory.

The result also means that Robinhood have qualified for the Round of 16 phase of next

Suriname’s Robinhood celebrate their triumph. (Concacaf)

Friday December 08, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Libra. Finally, the overpowering emotions that have been surging from your relationships will subside.

You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) With today's planetary energy, you'll find yourself a little more extraverted than usual, Taurus. You'll finally be able to say what you really think about things.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you're unstoppable!

You're a very hard worker by nature, and with the current planetary alignment you'll be able to accomplish even more than usual.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This is a good day to devote time and thought to spiritual pursuits, Scorpio. Do something inspirational that instills a sense of wonder deep in your soul. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A new phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Discard those items from the past for which you really no longer have use. As much as you like to surround yourself with objects of sentimental value.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today's aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Capricorn. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a more artistic pursuit.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days.

Loved ones suddenly want to spend more time with you, and you'll want to invite friends over every night! By all means, do.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself, Aquarius. Now it is time for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Feeling unusually adventurous, Virgo? You're often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and the planetary configurations today .

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today's planetary energy should compel you to commit certain acts of self-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.

year’s Concacaf Champions Cup. Despite the loss, Cavalier, by virtue of making the final, also secured a spot in the Champions Cup. For Robinhood, this Caribbean Cup triumph, caps an incredible double, as it adds to their 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield crown.

It was a very cagey first 45 minutes between the two sides.

Robinhood were content to stay compact in the back and defend their one-goal aggregate lead, while Cavalier poked and prodded in hopes of creating a chance.

The best look for Cavalier was from Adrian Reid in the 36th minute, as his effort came back off the woodwork.

Cavalier ’s comeback task got a lot more difficult in the 55th when they lost star striker Shaniel Thomas to a second yellow card.

Despite missing their top scorer in the tournament with eight goals, Cavalier battled bravely and found space in behind Robinhood’s for a few half chances, but Jonathan Fonkel, in goal for the Suriname club, was unflappable.

Robinhood eventually made the most of their numerical advantage in the 89th minute, as semifinal hero Singodikromo received a pass from Renske Adipi and finished a tidy left-footed shot from the top of the 18yard box that left Cavalier’s custodian Vino Barclett flat-footed.

Singodikromo then played the role of provider in a patiently build-up, as he awaited the arrival of Rigters, who charged the box from the left side and finished with aplomb in time added, to complete the 2-0 scoreline.

GFF announces postponement of GFF-KFC Elite League Cup Finals

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s the nation prays and hopes for the safety of the crew and passengers of the missing Guyana Defence Force helicopter, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has decided to postpone the GFFKFC Elite League Cup finals scheduled to be played on Friday, December 8 to a later date.

The finals would have featured the GDF Football Club versus the Western Tigers Football Club.

In solidarity with not only one of our Members, but with

the nation at large, the GFF is duty bound to take account of the national mood.

At this time, this mood is not of a celebratory nature as it pays respect to our nation’s men and women in arms who zealously protect our freedoms.

Accordingly, the GFF would like to let the families, friends and members of the GDF know that they are in our thoughts and prayers, and to encourage them to hold fast to the confession of their hopes without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Kaieteur News

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Friday December 08, 2023

Teams all set for next year’s inaugural Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup SportsMax - The November-December window of the Concacaf Wo m e n ’s G o l d C u p qualifiers concluded recently, with the field for n e x t y e a r ’s i n a u g u r a l Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup completed.

During the window, eight teams qualified for the tournament, with Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica securing spots in the group stage, while Puerto Rico,

Guatemala, Haiti, Guyana and Dominican Republic progressed to the Prelims.

Here is the full list of teams currently qualified for the 2024 Women’s Gold Cup. Group Stage United States -The fourtime FIFA Women’s World Cup winners clinched their place in the Gold Cup when they defeated Canada 1-0 in the final of the 2022 C o n c a c a f Wo m e n ’s

The field for next year’s inaugural Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup has been completed. (Concacaf) Championship.

Canada -The 2020 Olympic Gold Medal winners punched their Gold Cup ticket after defeating Jamaica 4-1 on aggregate in the Concacaf Olympic Playoff.

Mexico -Mexico qualified to for the group stage as winners of Group A of League A in the qualifiers.

Panama -Panama qualified to the group stage as winners of Group B of

League A. Costa Rica -Costa Rica qualified to the group stage as winners of Group C of League A. Brazil -Brazil are one of the four invited teams to the 2024 W Gold Cup. Brazil were winners of the 2022 Conmebol Copa America Femenina.

Colombia -Colombia another invitee were runners-up of the 2022 Conmebol Copa America Femenina.

Argentina -Argentina another invitee was the thirdplace finisher at the 2022 Conmebol Copa America Femenina.

Paraguay -Paraguay, by virtue of their fourthplace finish at the 2022 Conmebol Copa America Femenina, were also invited to the Concacaf Gold Cup. Prelims Puerto Rico-Puerto Rico were runners-up in Group A of League A. G u a t e m a l a -

Guatemala bettered Jamaica to place second behind Panama in Group B of League A. Haiti -Haiti placed second in Group C of League A. Guyana -Guyana finished tops in Group A of League B. El Salvador -El Salvador topped Group B of League B. Dominican Republic Dominican Republic topped Group C of League B

Shamar Joseph grabs 5-76 but One Guyana Kings and Queens of the Sand Beach Football South Africa “A” set West Indies “A” 421 to win decisive third “Test” Tournament kicks off today SportsMax - West Indies “A” will once again have a mountain to climb on day four of the third “Test” against South Africa “A” if they want to complete a series win.

The hosts began Thursday’s day three in Bloemfontein 104-3 with a commanding 252-run lead with Zubayr Hamza unbeaten on 33 and Khaya Zondo on 29.

While Zondo was dismissed quickly for 31, Hamza carried on to make a brilliant 110* off 152 balls including 12 fours and a six.

He shared in a crushing 159-run fifth wicket

partnership with Ruan de Swardt who made a 126ball 86 including nine fours and a six.

South Africa eventually declared at 272-5 off 66 overs, leaving the West Indies “A” needing a massive 421 for victory.

Shamar Joseph took all five wickets for the West Indians while conceding 76 runs in 18 overs.

Windies “A” ended the day 47-1 off 20 overs, with Zachary McCaskie being the batsman dismissed for eight.

Kirk McKenzie (26) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (11) are the batsmen at the crease.

Full Scores: South Africa “A” 274 off 67.4 overs (Khaya Zondo 70, Neil Brand 62, Zubayr Hamza 30, Kevin Sinclair 5-44, Shamar Joseph 3-65, Shermon Lewis 2-68) & 272-5 dec. off 66 overs (Zubayr Hamza 110*, Ruan de Swardt 86, Khaya Zondo 31, Raynard Van Tonder 30, Shamar Joseph 5-76) West Indies “A” 126 off 42.5 overs (Kevin Sinclair 50, Jordan Johnson 33, Dane Paterson 4-34, Hardus Viljoen 2-43) & 471 off 20 overs (Kirk McKenzie 26*, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 11*)

The One Guyana Kings and Queens of the Sand Beach Football Tournament is set to kick off today in Linden, with Trophy Stall joining the list of sponsors for the event, which will run until January 6.

Proprietor and sports enthusiast Ramesh Sunich, expressing his support d u r i n g y e s t e r d a y ’s presentation, stated that he is pleased to once again back sports.

He acknowledged that his patrons come from across Guyana and Trophy Stall is delighted to contribute to the tournament.

The men’s tournament offers a prize of $1 million, w h i l e t h e w o m e n ’s competition has a prize of $400,000.

The action begins at the P P P / C L i n d e n O ff i c e Compound with a march past at 6 p.m., followed by the opening match featuring Aroaima against Golden Star B.

Trophy Stall’s Ramesh Sunich makes his presentation to organisers Keeran Williams and Stanley Lancaster.

In the second match, Rockstone will face Hillside Ballers, Hururu will play against LA Ballers, and Fearless will compete against Universal Ballers.

Other matches on the opening night include Team Minerals versus DH Ballers and Goal is Money versus High Flyers.

Admission to the event is free

Kaieteur News

Friday December 08, 2023

‘That’s why he’s MVP!’ - Embiid’s 50-point night powers 76ers Joel Embiid hit the 50-point mark for the sixth time in his career.

SportsMax - Joel Embiid was praised for an “effortless” shooting performance after he led the Philadelphia 76ers to a 131126 victory over the Washington Wizards with a season-high 50 points.

The reigning N BA MVP, who also grabbed 13 rebounds, hit the 50point mark for the sixth time in his career on Wednesday.

Wa s h i n g t o n ( 3 - 1 7 ) was in with a chance of an upset as they led in the fourth quarter but the 76ers prevailed to improve to 13-7 on the season with a key road win.

Embiid was 19 of 24 from the floor and 11 of 13

from the foul line. He also had seven assists and six turnovers in just over 38 minutes.

Tyrese Maxey added 26 points and De’Anthony Melton chipped in with 19 as Philadelphia averted a third straight loss.

“I felt like it was one of those nights where I had to be aggressive and get it going,” Embiid said after the game.

“Sometimes your team needs you to be a playmaker, but sometimes they need you to score.

“But they made passes, they made the right plays every single time and I just finished them.”

Melton felt it was a game

that showed how important Embiid is to the team, with the 76ers now set to play three of their next four games at home, including another clash with the Wizards on Monday.

“That’s why he’s the MVP,” Melton said. “He’s our safety valve – offensively and defensively.

“He covers up for a lot of our mistakes defensively and then offensively he can bail us out late and make some shots.

“He was just going out there effortlessly shooting the ball and scoring.”

Philadelphia is fourth in the Eastern Conference standings and are next in action at home to the Atlanta Hawks today.

PAGE 29

Australian Open: Rafael Nadal on entry list, Nick Kyrgios absent Nadal won his second Australian Open title in 2022 when he defeated Daniil Medvedev in the final. (Getty Images)

BBC Sport - Two-time champion Rafael Nadal has been included on the entry list for the Australian Open after nearly a year out with injury, while Nick Kyrgios looks set to miss the tournament in January.

Nadal, 37, has been out of action since injuring his hip flexor at the last Australian Open.

The former world number one recently confirmed he would make his return at January’s Brisbane International.

Australian Kyrgios has had an injury-blighted 2023, missing all four majors.

The 28-year-old, a Wimbledon finalist in 2022,

has struggled with wrist, knee and foot injuries and said last month “the stars would need to align” for him to be fit for the first major of the year. In theory, he could still be awarded a wildcard.

D e f e n d i n g champion and world number one Novak D jokovic w ill return as he bids for a recordextending 11th men’s A us tralian O pen title and a 25th G rand S lam w in overall.

Long-time rival Nadal, who has won 22 majors, said in May that 2024 would “probably” be his last year on tour.

Women’s world number

one Iga Swiatek and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two, will resume their rivalry after both were confirmed in the line-up.

Meanwhile, former champions Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber will return to Melbourne Park after taking time away from the tour to have children.

Great Britain’s Andy Murray, Cameron Norrie, Jack Draper, Katie Boulter and Jodie Burrage have all received a direct entry.

The Australian Open starts on 14 January and ends with the men’s singles final on 28 January.

Letter to the Sports Editor

Forde normalizes trickery with consummate ease Dear Sports Editor, Incumbent President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde in a release once again showed his contempt for the football fraternity by placing blame on challenger Franklin Wilson as seeking to “impugn the integrity of the Federation’s Electoral Committee”.

Rather, Forde should shoulder all the blame for what has transpired since four members of the electorate were deemed to be not in good standing and therefore ineligible to vote at t o m o r r o w ’s E l e c t o r a l Congress scheduled for the GFF National Training Centre, Providence.

The President in his usual cunning mode rendered himself as the good

guy possibly to gain the sympathy of the footballing public and the electorate at large.

His clear motive was to prove that despite his wretched performance over the past eight years, where the game suffered immensely in every department locally, he was still the good guy and voters should ignore his failure and give him four more years or possibly three more terms in office.

This is the kind of scorn he has exhibited for the sport during his tenure, but he still believes that his administration has done enough to retain the presidency.

A short clip of his performance over the past eight years will show why

the sport is in such a plight and while a change in administration is seen as the only option to salvage the sport from its current state, only a courageous President would accept the reins of power.

Forde has plunged local football to its lowest level in modern times and his claim of “restoring stability to the football environment that was roiled with disunity and dissent,” is another example of how he manages to normalize trickery with consummate ease.

It is public record that when he assumed office following the dissolution of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) as mandated by FIFA, Guyana was threatened with a ban if the conditions of dissent and

instability continued.

It meant that anyone coming after the IMC had the full backing of FIFA, driven by the threat of a ban, all stakeholders of this football-loving nation understood how important it was to give their full backing to the new administration.

Instead, Forde took this sensible act and declared it a s o n e o f h i s administration’s small victories. The fact of the matter is that this footballloving nation has become fed-up with the lack of onfield activities and idle talk of the game being on the move without evidence of such an occurrence. It has become nauseating for the people of this nation more so those with aspirations of becoming participants in the

sport.

In asking his challenger to desist from what he perceives as acts of mudslinging; he must be truthful to himself and the public at large.

His appeal to Wilson seems more of a request for him to refrain from highlighting his poor performance in the office.

Allegations of highhandedness have surfaced in every quarter with referees, associations, service providers, and even staff, all rumbling similar sentiments about the behaviour of the administration.

The claims of being owed large amounts of prize monies and salaries have become rife, while the long delays in the completion of

infrastructural projects after financial releases were made all point to why the administration has failed.

The incomplete Ann’s Grove and Vryman’s Erven change room and washroom facilities that were allotted a total of $ 20 million are just two promises yet to be fulfilled.

These projects were pledged in 2021 under the FIFA Forward and One CONCACAF Programmes.

Perhaps, a change in administration will tell the story of why so many projects have not been completed.

Football is known for its twists and turns at all levels and tomorrow’s outcome could offer us more evidence of this trend.

Football Enthusiast.

Friday December 08, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

MoE Priority Programme Focus Shifts to Region 7 The rapidly expanding introduction of Golf into the Five Priority Secondary Schools’, continued this week as Bartica became the latest addition to golf programme facilitated by the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) and Allied Arts Unit of the Ministry of Education.

Head of the Unit of Allied Arts Priority Programme Mr. Saeed Zameen met with education officials and schools in the area on Thursday, further assuring them that coordination with the GGA/Nexgen Golf Academy will ensure that coaches are made available for golf and other activities.

Schools in Region 7 were amongst the many others that saw learners take golf as a Physical Education (PE) elective at CSEC in 2023, with dozens more scheduled to join for 2024 calendar.

With the addition of the Priority Programme, Grades 7, 8 and 9 will join in learning golf as one of the three sports required for Physical Education.

According to Zameen, “We have been able to develop the mandate set

forth by Honourable Minister Priya Manickchand to establish the Priority Programme at a pace that is extremely satisfying and especially with the assistance of Mr. Hussain and his team”.

He continued, “The introduction of sport at PE in Regions 2, 4, 5, Georgetown and now soon Regions 3, 6 and 7 means that over 50 Secondary Schools will have sports being coached at PE from Grades 79.” Zameen ended.

Meanwhile, president of the GGA Aleem Hussain explained, “With the assistance of donors from overseas and our local corporate sponsors, along with the preparatory steps we took with Mr. Nicholas Fraser from Unit of Allied Arts from 2022 onwards”. Hussain noted. “We are in a strong position to put Guyana firmly as the number one golf development nation in the entire region. No other country has been able to develop such a comprehensive training program and we feel that this will lead to dominant performances in both education and competition in the coming years,” ended Hussain.

Head of the Unit of Allied Arts Priority Programme Mr. Saeed Zameen speaking with attendees during yesterday’s trip to Region 7.

Demerara Capitals lift - Cites health, family time as reasons for decision Hand-in-Hand Insurance Big-Man Cricket Inter-County trophy

Foster opts out of BCB presidency run Current Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) president, Hilbert Foster, recently announced that he will no longer be seeking re-election ahead of the upcoming elections.

F o r s t e r, w h o w a s president of the Board from 2018-2023, stated via social media that he will not be seeking what would have been his 4th term as head of the Ancient County board.

According to the statement, Foster informed members of the board recently that his decision was geared towards focusing more on his health while citing spending more time with his family as reasons behind his u-turn.

Foster expressed his gratitude for the support given to him over the sixyear period, expressing his satisfaction with the progress made during his tenure.

He also stated that

Hilbert Foster

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while he would be taking a complete break from the BCB role, he intends to offer words of advice to his future successor.

“We are very grateful for his years of service to our cricket and we would like to wish him all the best.

The board would also

like to urge all Berbicians to pray for his health and well being”, read a statement from the board, f o l l o w i n g F o s t e r ’s announcement.

Meanwhile, Foster ’s final act is set to be chairing the 2023 Annual General meeting at the Port Mourant Centre.

e m e r a r a C a p i t a l s emerged the inaugural Hand-in-Hand Insurance Big-Man Cricket Over-40, four-team InterCounty champions after humbling Berbice Gladiators by 71 runs on Sunday at Everest ground, Georgetown.

Capitals took first strike after winning the toss and reached a respectable 179-8 from the reduced 25 of 30overs while the visitors were all out for 108 in the 19th over.

The reduction of the overs was due to early morning precipitation.

Capitals stamped their authorities by winning all three matches defeating Essequibo Jaguars, a President’s Warriors and

formalized things against the Gladiators.

Former Guyana youth player Raja Pooran highlighted the target for Capitals with a rollicking, 14-ball 48 that contained five sixes and two fours.

He got good support from the consistent and skipper Ryan Ramdass, who made 40 while Hemraj Garbarran and Shazam Ramjohn chipped in with 26 and 21 respectively.

Imran Khan proved his all-round capability despite showed more ability with the bat grabbing four wickets for 34 runs from five medium-pace overs to be Gladiators most successful bowler on a typically responsive pitch.

Captain Devon Clements, delivering off-

spin, picked up 2-28 also from his maximum five overs.

Berbice Gladiators, who only beat Warriors, had serious complication against the hosts’ arsenal of spinners. Ex-Guyana youth player and off-spinner Lookeshwar Mahabeer spun web around them to claim 4-26 (05) while Pooran and Ramjohn offered excellent assistance by accounting for two victims apiece.

Pooran was adjudged the player-of-the-match for his all-round, impressive effort.

He received a trophy while Demerara Capitals collected a trophy as well.

Capitals were awarded with a monetary prize of $125,000.

Kaieteur News

Friday December 08, 2023

PAGE 31

DCB/Sawh Voltcom Construction Inc./Precision Service Norman Madhoo among Center Inc. Inter Association Senior T20 Blast… the only darts player to represent Caribbean East Coast Canje Pheasants, East Bank Eagles and Upper Demerara Scorpions name squads and Latin America East Coast Canje

- at 2024 PDC With just over a week left to commencement of the 2024 Professional Darts Championship, Guyanese Darts specialist Norman Madhoo is gearing up to head off to represent the Guyana/region at the pinnacle of darts excellence: Paddy Power World Darts Championship. The championship is set to unfold from December 15, 2023, to January 3, 2024 at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace.

Hailing out of the Foreign Link Darts Club, Madhoo will be placed among 96 contenders vying for the sport’s top honours and a chance to secure a £2.5 million cash prize.

Madhoo, an experienced campaigner has earned his place as an elite dartist, through a journey marked by remarkable achievements.

His triumph at the 2023 Championship Darts for Latin and Caribbean (CDLC) championship has earning him the #1 spot in the CDLC rankings. Apart from being one of only three Guyanese players to be featured in the top 15 CDLC World rankings, he is the only athlete from Guyana, Caribbean, South and Latin America to be represented at the event.

E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r, Madhoo has navigated four individual CDLC qualifiers, emerging victorious among

Norman Madhoo 32 fiercely competitive players. This feat landed him at the #1 spot, Madhoo’s stellar performance places him ahead of Guyanese Suresh Fitzgerald and Christopher Lochan who currently holds the #3 and #13 spots, respectively.

Beyond numbers, Madhoo embodies dedication, boasting an impressive record of 102 wins out of 144 matches solidified his standing among the elite contenders.

Norman Madhoo stands as the beacon of hope and aspirations for an entire region.

Meanwhile, Madhoo’s participation at this championship came through the generous contribution by Massy Distributors, Sunny and Sweety Food Snackette, and Pereira Logistics.

GT Beer KO Football Tournament kicks off today The much-awaited GT Beer 8-a-side Knockout Football tournament is set to kick off today at the All Saints Presbyterian Church ground in New Amsterdam.

Presented by Candy Boss and Antics, this event will take place every Friday and Sunday, running from December 8th to the 30th.

Get ready to witness some of the finest talents and teams in the region battling it out for a shot at winning incredible cash and prizes amounting to $1,000,000. The tournament promises exhilarating matches along

with special GT Beer offers all through the night. Who will emerge victorious, and who will head home? Join us and be part of the thriller!

Action starts at 6:00 pm.

This tournament is made possible through the generous support of various sponsors, including the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, National Sports Commission, Professional Engineering, Santos F o o t b a l l C l u b , Tw o Brothers Gas Station, Quality Deliveries, Trophy Stall, J.S Family Entertainment, and Superior Group Inc.

Pheasants, East Bank Eagles and Upper Demerara Scorpions have announced their teams for the DCB/SVC/Precision Service Center Inc. Inter Association Senior T20 Blast which is set to bowl off on Saturday December 9, 2023.

The two first round matches are fixed for the famous Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda.

East Coast Canje Pheasants will be led by former West Indies senior opener Rajendra Chandrika, East Bank Eagles by Anand Barrat and Upper Demerara Scorpions by all-rounder Gariel McDonald.

The tournament is sponsored by Sawh Voltcom Construction Inc. (SVC) a company which was established in the USA for several years. They now bring their enormous experience to Guyana in the field of construction (residential, commercial and medical).

The two million dollars tournament will be played on a round robin basis and will involve all five Associations of the Demerara Cricket Board, namely, Georgetown Panthers, East Coast Canje Pheasants, East Bank Eagles, Upper Demerara S c o r p i o n s a n d We s t Demerara Jaguars.

Rajendra Chandrika

Gariel Mcdonald

Anand Barrat

The team with the most points after the preliminary rounds will play the fourth place in the semi-final and the second and third placed teams will clash in the semifinals.

The winners battle in a grand finale. Preceding the final is a third-place playoff between the two losing semifinalists.

The semi-finals and final day event will be live streamed. All the teams will be attired in color clothing with cash incentives, trophies and medals up for grabs.

Each Association is required to select a minimum of two under19 players who are eligible to represent Guyana next year in Regional Under19 tournaments with at least one of them must play in every game.

Players must represent the area they reside in with

the exception of Upper Demerara which will be allowed guest players drawn from the standby players of the other Associations.

Teams: East Coast Canje Pheasants: Rajendra Chandrika (captain), Robin Williams, Krishna Deosaran, Neeran Bani, Vickash Wilkinson, Vishawanath Ramlakhan, Dominic G l a s g o w, K a r a m c h a n Persaud, Nizam Khan, Andrew Samaroo, Sachin Singh, Aaron Beharry, Anthony McFarlene, Ramnarine Chatura, Nicholas Shiopersad and Sasenarine Harricharan.

Coach is Latchman Yadram a n d m a n a g e r Vi s h n u Ramjeet.

East Bank Eagles: Anand Barrat (captain), Sagar Hatiamani, Jonte Thomas, Anthony Lim, Jerimiah Scott, Ershad Ali, Leon

S w a m y, F l o y J o s e p h , Anthony Antonio, Deonarine Dindial, Shamar Yearwood, Quazim Yusuf, Buddhan Baksh and Ricky Sargeant. The coach is Wa q a r B a c c h u s , a n d manager is Puneet Jaigopaul.

Upper Demerara Scorpions: Gariel McDonald (captain), Ray Peters, Julian Fortune, Alvin Mohabir, John DeGrella, Joshua Wade, Tyreka Etienne, Ariel Tilku, Denzel Spencer, Romeo Deonarain, Shaquille Williams, Eon Reynolds, Gary Savory, Nicholas Lawson and Judell McAllister. The coach is Hersey Niles and manager is Rastaff Oselmo.

Game one bowls off at 9 am followed by game two at 1 pm next Saturday at the GCC ground, Bourda. A large turnout is anticipated at the former international venue as the team’s battle for supremacy.

Kaieteur News

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Usain Bolt lights up the pitch against Brazilian legend Ronaldinho in CONMEBOL Legends Match SportsMax - In a starstudded spectacle just before the much-anticipated draw for the 2024 Copa América yesterday, sprinting legend Usain Bolt took the field alongside football icons such as Ronaldinho Gaúcho in the South American Football Confederation’s (CONMEBOL) Legends Match.

The electrifying game unfolded in the vibrant city of Miami, USA, at the Inter M i a m i ’s D RV P N K Stadium.

Bolt, known for his blazing speed on the track, showcased his skills on the football pitch as he joined forces with luminaries like Colombian maestro Carlos Valderrama and Argentine

Sprint legend Usain Bolt and football icon Ronaldinho Gaúcho in action during the match.

sharpshooter Sergio ‘Kun’ Agüero. The Jamaican sprint

Sprint legend Usain Bolt and football icon Ronaldinho Gaúcho share a moment after the match.

legend documented the memorable experience, sharing snapshots with his teammates on Instagram, most of which were captured in the camaraderie-filled dressing room.

Ye t , i t w a s B o l t ’s interaction with former Barcelona maestro Ronaldinho that set social media ablaze. The charismatic duo, pitted against each other on opposing teams, engaged in a quick chat, leaving fans thrilled. True to his flair, Ronaldinho managed to find the back of the net, securing his team’s only goal in a closely contested match that ended with Bolt’s team clinching a 2-1 victory.

As the final whistle blew, capturing the essence of sportsmanship, Ronaldinho posed for photographs with Bolt, capping off a night of football camaraderie. The beloved Brazilian footballer even took a moment to sign Bolt’s jersey before the sprint legend headed back to the dressing room.

Adding to the spectacle, K a s i B e n n e t t , B o l t ’s longtime spouse, shared glimpses of the Legends Match, posting a short video capturing Bolt’s presence on the pitch.

The event not only showcased the fusion of speed and skill but also celebrated the spirit of sport that transcends disciplines.

Friday December 08, 2023

GFF-KFC Elite League Cup winner trophy unveiled The winner’s trophy of the Guyana Football Federation-KFC Elite League Cup was unveiled on Wednesday at the main sponsor’s Georgetown Headquarters.

The December 6 ceremony was attended by KFC Marketing Manager Pamella Manasseh, GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph, Marketing Representative Sacha Gouveia and Guyana Defence Force Football Assistant Coach and Captain Seon Prince and Kenard Simon, respectively.

The final showdown between Guyana Defence Force and Western Tigers is set to for the Eve Leary Ground in Kingston, Georgetown on a date to be announced.

KFC Marketing Manager Pamella Manasseh reaffirmed the company’s dedication to football development and highlighted that the tournament has exceeded their expectations. “ We ’ r e l o o k i n g forward to all the matches,” she said, adding that the tournament has been “awesome. All the results, the players, the captains, have turned out to be more than we expected.”

The Guyana Defence Force had an impeccable journey to the finals, claiming an unbeaten run with five wins and a total of 15 points in Group A. Meanwhile, in Group B, t h e We s t e r n T i g e r s claimed the top spot on the table, amassing 12 points from four wins and one loss.

Club Head Coach Wilson said players have shown steadfast commitment to the training regimen and are eagerly looking forward to the final on Saturday.

“Preparation is close to being on cue. You are never perfect, you always keep working towards what you hope to achieve, especially going into a game of this nature.”

He highlighted that the team is “committed, they are determined as usual

and we are just working and looking forward to the game.”

His team captain Simon added that both the opponent and fans will witness their strategy on the day of the game. “As the coach always says, train hard, fight easy all the time. On game day everybody is going to see what strategy we are going with.”

Fans will see the ultimate winner claim the top cash prize of $1.5 million, while the runnerup secures the $1 million second-place reward after the exhilarating final showdown. Moreover, the third and fourth-place clubs will be awarded $500,000 and $250,000 cash prizes, respectively.

Guyana Police Force and Buxton United Football Clubs will battle for the third and fourth places in the opening match. Alongside the primary teams were Santos, Fruta Conquerors, Milerock, Den Amstel, Victoria Kings and Ann’s Grove also competed in the tournament.

G F F Te c h n i c a l Director Bryan Joseph confirmed that preparations for the final are proceeding as planned.

“We’re fully prepared for the exciting final matches this Saturday. The tournament has seen G u y a n a ’s t o p c l u b s fiercely competing for the prestigious cup title. The final night is set to be absolutely electrifying.”

GFF President Wayne Forde expressed gratitude to KFC for their ongoing support of club football and extended best wishes to the top four teams competing in the final and semi-final matches.

“Best wishes to the top four competing teams.

Fans have witnessed an exceptional display of football from the ten participating clubs over the past few weeks. Thank you to KFC for their continuous support in the development of club football by providing a platform for our players to showcase their skills.”

Friday December 08, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

Forde calls for professional approach ahead of GFF Elections

By Rawle Toney Wayne Forde, President of the Guyana Football Federation, has broken his silence ahead of tomorrow’s Congress and elections at the Federation’s training centre at Providence.

“I note with concern and would like to bring to the public’s attention the dissemination of utterances from the other contending slate that have sought to impugn the integrity of the F e d e r a t i o n ’s E l e c t o r a l Committee,” Forde stated in a release.

The GFF Electoral Committee has declared Santos FC, Western Tigers, the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) ineligible for Saturday’s election, citing that they are not in good

standing with the GFF as stated in Article 5.1 (b).

In response, Forde’s opposition, Franklin Wilson, h a s s o u g h t F I F A’ s intervention, and a protest was held on Wednesday by members of the GFF affiliates.

Forde contends that these claims have questioned the autonomy of the Committee.

“As the incumbent President of the GFF, I wish to unequivocally state that the GFF Electoral Committee is an independent body that operates autonomously to oversee electoral congresses in strict accordance with the GFF Statutes and the Electoral Code.”

He added that the GFF Council has no influence over the Committee and

GFF President Wayne Forde cannot impede its mandate, stressing the deliberate autonomy to ensure an impartial, transparent, and democratic electoral

process.

Forde urged the opposing Presidential candidate to refrain from behaviour that may harm the image of football in the

country, emphasizing the need to rise above slander and mudslinging.

However, Wilson responded, stating, “No one from our slate has attacked the integrity of the Electoral Committee.

Instead, we have challenged their legitimacy in being able to suspend members from voting.”

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms such deceit and deception practiced by the incumbent slate claiming integrity while engaging in the worst form of discrimination, which is to deny legitimate members the right to vote,” Wilson added.

Forde, in turn, labelled some actions as unprofessional, noting their negative impact on the image of the contending

slate.

“It is my fervent desire that as we both seek to convince the electorate as to our suitability to superintend the affairs of football in this country, we need to go high and rise above the fray of slander and mudslinging,” said Forde.

He emphasised that his slate will continue to showcase its track record, which speaks for itself.

Forde’s slate includes Brigadier (ret.) Bruce Lovell, Rawlston Adams, Dion Inniss, Women’s Football Association President Andrea Johnson, Den Amstel Football Club President Denise Lovell, Bartica Football Association President Alden Marslow, Magzene Stewart, and Ryan Farias.

GFF-KFC Elite League Cup rt s o p S winner trophy unveiled From left- GDF FC Captain Kenard Simon, KFC Marketing Manager Pamella Manasseh, GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph and GDF Assistant Coach Seon Prince.

Shamar Joseph took all five second innings wickets for West Indies “A.” (CWI Media)

Shamar Joseph grabs 5-76 but South Africa “A” set West Indies “A” 421 to win decisive third “Test” The victorious Demerara Capitals team strikes a pose after winning the game.

Demerara Capitals lift Hand-in-Hand Insurance Big-Man Cricket Inter-County trophy Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.