Kaieteur News

Guyana launches auction for 14 offshore oil blocks

President Irfaan Ali, on

have been set for the deep place in this bidding round Friday, announced the and shallow oil blocks. For with strong relinquishment commencement of Guyana’s instance, he made it clear obligations.” inauguralbidroundfor14of that the deeper areas require He said he was very its offshore oil blocks, stronger capabilities pleased that the conditions estimated to hold more than including specialized and bid requirements 10billionbarrelsofoil. technical skills and extra provide a balance that

Theauctionwillrununtil capital to be able to ensures the country benefits April 14, 2023, with expeditiously develop the more while at the same time contracts expected to be resource. does not compromise its signedthefollowingmonth.

The Head-of-State also competitive advantage

In making the virtual stated that there is also a According to him, this announcement, the Head-of- strict relinquishment policy, position was arrived at after State explained some of the which means that if the Government took note of the key factors associated with holder of an oil block fails to lessons learnt from the the country’s maiden bid meet his work commitment, industry and its own round for its oil blocks. He that portion must be handed experience. said that each interested backtogovernment. “ W e p r o m i s e a company participating in the This is essential, transparent process that auction will be required to according to President Ali i m p o s e s m i n i m u m pay US$20,000 for each “to ensure expeditious qualification criteria that Block that company or development of our oil and reflect international best individualisinterestedin. gas resources ” He practices and expertise at

Additionally,aminimum explained, “As we have capital requirement signing bonus of US$10 continuously stressed, we necessary to conduct the million will be required for have a situation where there exploration and production the oil blocks located in is a timeframe on oil and gas activities in the shallow and shallow waters and US$20 d e v e l o p m e n t W e d e e p w a t e r a r e a s million for the oil Blocks in understand the direction in respectively,”Alinoted. thedeeperwater which the world is going so Last month, Vice

The President was keen it’s very important for us to President Bharrat Jagdeo to point out the difference have developers who are announced that 14 of the between the two and the for shallow water and takes that into consideration time, there is enough room serious, who will in an country’s oil blocks will go specificvariablesthatwillbe deepwater There is different to ensure there is great for greater participation in expeditious way move on auction Jagdeo said expected during the virtual type of capabilities that is transparency, that those who thebidding,”heexplained. towards the development of Petroleum Agreements for auction. required for shallow water are participating in the bid Tothisend,PresidentAli the oil and gas resources theseblockswillalsofeature “There is different type and deepwater so the criteria m e e t t h e m i n i m u m noted that separate (with the) strong contractual newfiscalterms.These of expertise that is required used in this bidding process requirement. But at the same qualification requirements commitments (that) are in (Continued on page 3)

Texas firm to build Wales power and NGL plants for US$759M

- Bharrat Jagdeo

The Government of Guyana on T h u r s d a y

finalized the award of the contract for Lindsayca Inc. in joint venture with CH4 Inc. to build a gas fired power plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

The companies had initially submitted the highest of five international bids to the tune of U S $ 8 9 8 , 7 6 4 , 2 4 4 i n September; however, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo forfailingtodeliverontime. assure that Lindsayca Inc. is revealed that the sum has “There are penalties for currently executing over now been reduced to every single day- huge US$1.1 billion in contracts US$759million. penalties- for any delay contrary to claims made by

At a press conference beyondthatperiod. the Alliance For Change held at the Office of the That was one of the (AFC) Opposition party, President’s media room on attractiveness of the which said it found that this Friday, Jagdeo explained, Lindsaycabid. company merely has a “Inthenegotiations,because Theyweretheonlyoneat US$10 million annual a number of things in the the beginning who met the revenue. Lindsaycabidwere,theyhad schedule and so we are The controversial Wales provisions for a number of extremely pleased that this gas project will encompass things that were not week we have finally threemajoraspects,theyare, required as part of the wrapped these up that the the pipeline to transport the manufacturers requirement mobilization could be paid gastoWales,theNaturalGas so those were removed and andthatweareonthewayto Liquids (NGL) facility that based on the original scope the construction of this will treat and separate the ofthecontract,thefinalprice facility that will transform gas, and the power plant to came down to US$759 Guyana,”heexplained. generatetheelectricity million.” The former Head-of- N o t a b l y, s o f a r,

As such, the “extremely State was also keen to note Guyanese have been told pleased” VP announced that that profits from the Gas-to- that the pipeline aspect, the contract will now be Energy (GTE) project can which is being pursued by awarded. yield over US$100 million US oil major, ExxonMobil,

He was keen to note that that can be used to service will cost around US$1 3 the power plant is expected and repay the infrastructure billion and Vice President to be completed by cost, maintain and operate Bharrat Jagdeo, was hopeful December 2024 and that thepowerplantandpayback thattheGovernment’saspect “huge penalties” will be forthepipeline. w o u l d c o s t a r o u n d impressed on the contractor Meanwhile, he sought to US$700M.

Govt. to spend $2.4B to reconstruct 13 more hinterland bridges

The Ministry of Public Works on Friday awarded

approximately $2.4B in contracts to several contractors to upgrade 13 more hinterland bridges to international standards –stretching from Mabura Hill toKurupukari.

Three of 32 contractors who placed bids at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) were awarded contracts to upgrade the bridges. The signing of the contracts took place at the Ministry’s Kingston, Georgetown office.

Kaieteur News had reported that the projects have been divided into three of these bridges will support bridges, we got to take out lots,Lots7toLots9,withlot the phased construction of the timber bridges that we 7 consisting of four bridges, the Linden to Lethem traditionallyuseandwehave lot 8 four bridges and lot 9 highway that is currently tobeabletoputinthingsthat fivebridges. ongoing. would last us 20, 30, 40 KP Thomas and Sons

Minister of Public years,”headded. Contracting Inc. has been Works, Juan Edghill on Whilenotingthatthisleg awarded an $817,283,913 to Fridaysaidthattherolloutof of works is important to the upgrade bridges that fall these projects is to advance road project that is currently under Lot 7, Dax Guyana’smodernizationand ongoing in that area, Contracting Services has development.

Minister Edghill charged the been awarded $819,412,524

“Significantly today in contractors to produce for the Lot 8 bridges while, this contract signing are quality work in a timely Lot 9 has been awarded to projects that are designed matter Theodore Faria General and intended to take us to He asked of the Contracting Service to the what President Ali contractors, as they are tuneof$765,114,472. describing as 2030 and executing works not to K a i e t e u r N e w s beyond, not just building for interrupt normal activity and understands that this project now but building for the people’slives. is similar to a previous future,”hesaid. “We are going to build project which the Ministry

The Minister further these 13 other bridges, while had tendered, to upgrade 32 related that the Ministry’s we are executing our work. bridges between Kurupukari bridges programmes are We have to be mindful that and Lethem to the tune of important and that they are interruption should be $3.19B. putting in what is called minimal, engage the

The 13 bridges would be “resilientinfrastructure”. communities,” he urged on reconstructed from its “As it relates to our Friday current wooden structure to concrete. The reconstruction

Guyana launches auction for 14 offshore oil...

From page 2

majorityofthembeingclose stringent for the ultra deep Stabroek Block that covers include a 10 percent royalty, to 2000 square kilometres. areas because only few approximately 26,800 50/50 sharing of profit oil Elevenofthesewillbeinthe companies can work there,” square kilometres and is a n d a 1 0 p e r c e n t shallowareaandthreeinthe theVicePresidentsaid. operated by Exxon and its CorporationTax. deepAreaC.”

Jagdeo said government partners-HessandCNOOC He said these terms, In addition to the 10 will also tighten up - remains bound to a among others, were had, percent royalty, Jagdeo said relinquishment provisions separate arrangement in following work that was government also agreed for for the awarded blocks. In which it pays a mere two undertaken with several there to be a 65 percent cost this regard, he said percentroyalty,notaxesand consultants Jagdeo said recovery ceiling in a given companies will be able to also recovers expenses from IHS Markit, a leading year hold the blocks for 10 years multiple projects from the information services

Importantly, Jagdeo said andhaveaninitialthreeyear r e v e n u e e a r n e d b y provider headquartered in Guyanese will have a period to do seismic work. development,intheabsence the UK is taking lead on chance to compete Oncethatperiodexpires,the of ring-fencing provisions. guiding The Guyana alongside foreign entities companywouldhavetogive It must also be noted that Governmentontheauction. for the oil blocks and that up 50 percent of the block. Exxon is allowed to deduct

The Vice President said, there will be minimum Two extensions, each 75 percent of costs from “We decided to auction 14 technical and financial carrying a one-year Guyana’s earnings upfront blocks and these would qualificationsthathavetobe lifecycle, will be granted to to cover its expenses while range from about 1000 met. “We don’t want it to be execute the drilling the new PSAwould cap cost square kilometres to 3000 t o o o n e r o u s T h e programmes. recovery at 65 percent of square kilometres with the qualifications will be more M e a n w h i l e , t h e earningsannually

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill (centre) at the contract signing ceremony on Friday

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo announces the approval for the Texas firm to construct Guyana’s gas fired power plant

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

MAINTAINING LOOPHOLES AND WEAKNESSES

This is where the best and the worst in an oil company come out. Loopholes in existing

agreements and weaknesses in a country’s legislativeframeworkareenticingareasforoilcompaniesto examine for openings to take advantage of, and then use cooperativelocalpoliticalleaderstohelpthemflourishstill more.

Afirst objective of oil companies is to keep the bulk of spendingconcealed,andemployarangeoftrickstomislead oilproducingnations. Asecondistodoeverythingtokeep host countries from knowing what is going on, particularly asitrelatestobillionsinspending. Inbrief,thisiswhatthe watchdog group, OxfamAmerica, warns Guyana’s leaders about(“Int’lgroupurgesGuyanatoplugloopholesforabuse between Oil Companies and Sub-Contractors” (KN December 03). Something tells us that this well-meaning warningfallsondeafearsinGuyana.

Guyanese learn about a succession of contracts being signed by ExxonMobil with several sub-contractors for various items, including pipelines, cables, chemicals, and countless other pieces of oil operations ingredients. Amazingly, ExxonMobil has moved ahead to ink some of thesecontractsevenbeforetheapprovaloftheGovernment ofGuyanahasbeengranted.

Many millions of US dollars are committed to against ourname,withouroiloutputastheguarantee. Ourleaders should be most vigilant and aggressive in standing against suchsubcontractingarrangements,butnoleaderinthePPPC Governmenthasutteredasinglewordofobjection.

Instead of being alert to the games and guile that companies like ExxonMobil have a long history of employing, leaders in the PPPC Government are much tighterwiththecompany,thanwiththeGuyanesepeopleand their needs. Rather than being closer to the interests of Guyana,everyindicationisthatourownpoliticalleadersare closest to the visions and interests of ExxonMobil and its partners.

With such attitudes and inclinations, any loopholes closed in the existing agreement Guyana has with ExxonMobilwouldbenegligibleones. Thisisnotjustthe mindset and handiwork of our political leaders, but of our nationalinstitutionswiththegreatestcurrentsensitivity,the mostcrucialroletoplayinournew,growingoilsector

Thanks to the PPPC Government, Guyana now has an Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) that ought to be a sharp and smart watchdog, only for it to be converted to a sleeping dog that refuses to stir itself into any action that benefitsthiscountry

Guyana’sEPAisnotjustaloophole,itisabigblackhole, through which ExxonMobil drives barges and tankers at high rates of speed, and without any speed bumps to slowdown its mad rush. Rather than look diligently for weaknesses in what we have, such as our systems and resources, we make it our duty to overlook them. To be frank, confirmations come daily as to how our government andourinstitutionsworkhandinhandwithExxonMobilin whatisencouraged. Producemore,monitorless,andknow almostnothingaboutwhatistakingplaceinthoseoffshore oilfields.Insodoing,thegreenlightisgiventoExxonMobil todoasitpleases,anditisonlytoogladtofollowthroughto itsadvantage.

Peoplewhoknowwhathashappened(OxfamAmerica), regarding what oil companies have done (like Ghana) repeatedlysoundthealarmforothercountries(likeGuyana) to tighten up on laws, institutions, and other protective apparatusthatleadtoabetterunderstandingofthetricksand schemesthatoilcompanies’use,andtoidentifyweakspots andcorrectthem.

We don’t have the fullest awareness of which subcontractorscouldbeincahootswithExxonMobiltostickit to Guyana, and rip-off this country already being robbed blind. Interestingly,Guyanahasamultibillion-dollaraudit exercise underway, and the people that should be digging deeplytodetermineif,how,andhowmuchGuyanahasbeen cheatediscomingoutonthesideofExxonMobil.

Speaker Nadir has manifested a pronounced bias favoring the PPP Govt.

DEAREDITOR, premised on the ROPA and motions, or questions to be Parliament abused by On Monday, December the Constitution of the discussed by Members of Government ministers, his 5, 2022, the National Cooperative Republic of Parliament, which are sanction was just a slap on Assembly debated and Guyana, especially on perceived by any rational the wrist; Opposition passed Amendments to the Article 162. Additionally, office holder, to be Members of Parliament are RepresentativeofthePeople there is the ongoing prejudicialtotheoutcomeof called derogatory names by Act (ROPA), despite the Commission of Inquiry into arelatedtrial.

sitting Ministers of Parliamentary Opposition’s the March 2, 2020 General This was, however, Government, again, no agitation for the Bill to be and Regional Elections, at allowed in the case of the majoractionistakenagainst forwardedtoaSpecialSelect which many persons have ROPAamendment Bill. The them by the Speaker; Committee of the National already provided evidence. Speaker also accepted Opposition Members of Assembly Some of that evidence will arguments that are likely to Parliament are suspended Editor, The People’s be heard again during the be made during COI and without due process and ProgressiveParty/Civicheld FebruaryCourthearing. Petition 88 hearings. The again, the Speaker did the reins of government for What is ironic is that Speaker should be asked to nothing to correct this twenty-three (23) years pre- during the debates of the explain to the People of Additionally, Committees May 2015 and went to ROPABill,ALLthespeakers Guyana why he departed continue to meet irregularly elections for five from the PPP/C side of the from Parliamentary norms withoutanyknownsanctions consecutive terms with the House did not speak about and protocols on this bytheSpeaker very ROPA. However, as a theamendments,butinstead particular matter He has Editor, the twelfth result of the allegations of focused their presentations flouted his own rulings on Parliament of the fraudandotherirregularities and arguments on what matters before the courts, Cooperative Republic of perpetuated by the PPP/C transpired from March 2, which he had cause to Guyana, can only be revealed during the 2020 2022throughouttherecount. caution members of the classified as the WORST, recount, they have The intent was clearly to Houseaboutpreviously since Independence. I urge shamelessly and unilaterally misguide and misinform the Iconcludebysayingthat the Speaker to address these amended key sections of the Guyanese populace and the Speaker of the National issuesifheexpectshistoryto Act which they will use to discretely conceal their Assembly, Mr Manzoor be kind to him As we theiradvantage. wrongdoings. Nadirhasnotbeenimpartial, prepare to welcome 2023, it

The reality here is that It is a known practice of andcanonlybedescribedas is my desire to see a more many of the points to be the National Assembly, one who has allowed the professional and unbiased advanced during Petition whenever matters are National Assembly to be performancebytheSpeaker No. 88, which will be heard subjudice, that the Speaker desecrated. The following Yourssincerely, by the Court of Appeal in of the National Assembly are just a few examples: AnnetteFerguson February 2023, will be would disallow bills, Female members of MemberofParliament

Jerry Jailall needs an education in human sexuality and mental health

Kindly permit me an sexualvarietythanprevious, sexual expression - all of members’ mental health opportunitytorespondtothe which goes a long way to which were condemned by Since sexuality and letter published in your impacting their mental the White British who acceptance in Guyana is a newspaper on Dec 4, 2022, health. invaded and occupied the significant component to “Is Guyana paying for and In a country, where sub-continent, and which mentalhealth,itisimportant sponsoring sexually deviant thought, word and actions influences continue to be to devote time to addressing movement?” ostensibly, by a r e d o n e f r o m a practised and embraced by Jailall’s homophobia, - what Dr Jerry Jailall, in which he h y p e r s e n s i t i v e Guyanese, to the detriment aspects of himself is he referred directly to me, and predominantly Christian andharmtothosewhodonot unabletoreconcile? incorrectly emphasized my (evangelical) religious identify with a Western While he focused on my sexuality over my work in perspective, Jailall’s letter is European and American sexuality,heminimized,asif mental health for Guyanese. unsurprising. (read: evangelical) todismiss,mymentalhealth Whytheobsession,istherea If he is a Hindu, as his prescribed binary gender struggles. hiddenattraction? name suggests, then he construct. I invite you, Editor, to

It is laudable that the should be ashamed to parrot That Jailall should consider the work needed to reporter, who interviewed and peddle White, Christian choose to describe my work raise and discuss mental and published the Stabroek and colonialist drivel to as“deviant”speakseitherto healthinGuyana. News Weekend Section, demonize a sexuality his ignorance about sex, T h e a b s e n c e o f page 5A and continuing on different than how he might sexuality and gender information and education page 22A, about me in the think for himself. If he is a differences(whichifheisas about mental health, Sunday, Nov 27, 2022 Hindu, then he should be scholarlyasheclaims-oris recognizing the signs and edition wrote, “Mental acutely aware of the his doctorate “honorary”? symptoms, correcting myths health crusader Antoine recognition, acceptance and His research would inform and misconceptions, and Craigwell fights to ensure existence for millennia in himofAlfredKinsey’sstudy addressingthepalpableneed equal access for LGBTQ+ Indian culture of many in 1948 and corroborated in formentalhealthcareshould peopleofcolour”,seemedto different sexual orientations 2005 that male sexuality be a primary concern emphasize my sexual and expressions, including occursalongaspectrum,and Jailall’slettertoyounotonly orientation as fluid, since it homosexuality; he could in 1952 a similar spectrum isdestructiveanddangerous; allows for my honesty, look to depictions in the for women) or direct his rhetoric impacts a integrity and authenticity; Kama Sutra, the famed sex homophobia. segment of the Guyanese I’ve learned that currently, a text, with representations

Additionally, if he was community, who are significant portion of the carvedinstoneonbuildings, h o n e s t a n d l e s s struggling with their Guyanese population are which celebrate sex, sensationalist (to grab sexuality and sexual now more accepting of sexuality, and variety in attention for himself and orientation, those who are stoke anti-gay rhetoric, struggling with mental which could likely lead to health.

When critical thinking and a healthy dose of skepticism are calledfor,thereiswhatbooststheconfidenceofExxonMobil, and comforts its top people. Loopholes and weaknesses in Guyana are safe; when the PPPC Government should be workingovertimetoclosingthem,itopensthemwider

violenceagainstanyonewho I presented two is an LGBTQ+ community concurrentdiscussionsatthe member and or severely secondannualGuyana impact these community

Men not accountable to nobody, should not be trusted by anybody

mobilized or even the payment of advance commenced the most payments to a maximum of preliminary of construction fifteen (15%) percent of the

DEAREDITOR, theclaimthat$21.1Bwillbe works – something that Contract Sum, for the Thehardworkingpeople, expended on the New anyone who traverses the ministry to disburse this the professionals and public Demerara Harbour Bridge EastBankcorridorcaneasily amount, a contract or servants of every Ministry (NDHB) by December 31, verify. contracts totaling more than deserverecognitionfortheir 2022.Itispublicknowledge

Further, Clause 14.2 of $17.3B will have to be efforts especially in light of that this project was caught the Contract for the NDHB, awarded, there is no their continued denial of a up in the “Su-gate” scandal. the total amount ofAdvance evidence of tender minutes decentlivablewage. When pressured by the Vice Payment (as a percentage of amounting to this sum on With reference to the News reporter about the Accepted ContractAmount) NPTAB website. To remain responsebytheMinister,the involvement of the former is fifteen (15%) percent, compliantwithourfinancial first noteworthy issue is that tenant of theVice President, which means that the laws, over the next 17 he did not even attempt to in negotiations for the Ministry should only pay a working days, MoPW must deny that of the Ministry’s contract of this project, maximum of G$7 8B as expend $43B (undisbursed capital expenditure no more under pressure, the Vice advance payment – one budget 2022 sums) plus than 51% has been President announced that wonders on what basis will $28 2B (supplementary expended. No attempt was negotiations with the top the extra G$13.3B payment budget), a total of $71B, the madetoexplaintothepublic ranked bidder have been will be made – one wonders minister’s feeble response, why the ministry’s terminated, and discussions if this extra “advance” will which has already been performance is at such an were commencing with the be part of the infamous disproved, cannot even abysmal rate. Thomas Paine second ranked bidder A “commission” fees as accountforthesepayments. said,“Abodyofmenholding contract was entered into highlightedbyViceNews! The 2021 Auditor themselves accountable to with the second ranked

Insurance industry Reduced to Mere bystanders

DEAREDITOR, Guyana’s Local Content

Wewholeheartedlyshare Law and reduces the the frustration of Guyana’s insurance industry to mere insurance companies over bystanders. It simply cannot Exxon’s handling of the berightthatlocalcompanies Yellowtail project insurance willfightoverafrontingfee ‘tender.’ of a few thousand dollars

Since our first visit to when, by rights, they should Georgetown in 2018, we be earning hundreds of have encouraged the local thousands of dollars in market that they can and reinsurance commissions should have a real and This commission is rightly meaningful role in the allowed by the international insurance of all oil and gas reinsurance market, but projects in Guyana. It has, without local control of the therefore,beenhearteningto process will instead be see the progress being made rebated back to Exxon by withtheestablishmentofthe their international broker It local insurance consortium, doesnothavetobethisway which seems the right We believe your Insurance vehicle to act as the local Regulator and Government carrierfortheserisks.Asthe Ministers already have the contributortoyourarticleso toolsattheirdisposaltostop rightly recognises, local Guyana’s insurers being industry involvement is reduced to ‘chicks fighting essentialtoprotectGuyanese overfeed’!Wecanonlyhope assets on behalf of the theyusethem.

Jerry Jailall needs an education...

Theonlyother“bigticket General report highlighted nobody ought not to be bidder for the sum of project” mentioned in the that MoPW wrote 875 trustedbyanybody.” US$260M (G$52B) – that response, was a project for cheques after December 31, In attempting to deflect Minister now wants the the construction of Office 2021, totaling some $3.2B the stated concerns, the Country to believe that by complexes, the claim is that which is a clear violation of Ministerdecidedtothrowin December 31, 2022, they $2.6B will be disbursed as our financial laws - it is some huge sums in the hope will be paying G$21.1B advanced payments Our anticipated that this amount that the public will be (40%ofthecontractsum),to procurementlaws,allowsfor willbeexceededinthe2022 deceived – most glaring is acontractorthathasnotfully report. It is noted that the Minister’s response descended into the usual slander, half-truths and misinformation, which requireslittleresponse,since itobviousthattheMinisteris seeking to lower the discussion to a level where he is more experienced and comfortable. I will close by agreeing with Michael Edwards, who said that, “Good men prefer to be accountable.” Guyana and its hardworking citizens deserve accountability and transparency

Frompage4 a n d s u b s t a n c e Guyana to assist with Wellbeing Conference held (drugs/narcotics) use – p r o v i d i n g m o r e onNov15to18,2022atthe significantly co-occurring informational and Arthur Chung Convention socialissuesinGuyana;and educational mental health Center, which were focused looked at mental health as awareness workshops, I’d on understanding mental either an underlying factor invite Jailall to join us to health from the perspective andorresultingfromanyone shareinanexperience.Who of our ancestors, that is, or all of these On a knows, he might learn incorporating a cultural Facebook post about one of something new or quietly perspective to mental health theworkshops,aparticipant, realizehemaynotbesobold inGuyana–bringingittothe a teacher said, “Awesome to publicly that he was people, and an effort at presentation Very wrong in his understanding providing simple and direct informative, interesting and about sexuality and mental information and education made a positive impact on health. about mental health, with mymentalwellbeing.Thank Sincerely, signs and symptoms to you.” Should I return to AntioneG.Craigwell recognize and intervene to preventacrisisorifincrisis, whattodo,togettheperson assistance.

With the approval from my organization’s Board of Directors, I remained in Guyana to attendArtistes In Direct Support’s (AIDS) 3 0 t h A n n i v e r s a r y

Celebrations - honouring their founder, the famed national dancer, the late Andre Sobryan, and their work on HIV/AIDS in Guyana. In the intervening weeks, I conducted 12 mental health awareness workshops to 362 community members at differentlocationsacrossthe country And, while sexuality, including an LGBTQ+ identity, was one c o m p o n e n t f o r understanding and preventing a descent into depressionandsuicidality,it wasn’t the only issue. We discussed sexual abuse of boys and girls, toxic masculinity and femininity in domestic and intimate partnerviolence,andalcohol

Yourstruly, DavidPatterson

Government Furthermore, Sincerely, there can be no real ChrisJennings knowledge or skills transfer OperationsDirector if local insurers are reduced t +44(0)2074814114 to a fronting role, much less m +44(0)7765252695 any capacity growth or TotalRiskSolutions commensurate commission 78 Cornhill, London, earnings. EC3V3QQ

Whilst perhaps not trsconsultancy.com surprising, it is nevertheless objectionable that Exxon be permitted to conduct the insurance tender in this manner The process rides roughshod over the spirit of

More must be done for Indigenous Peoples, stop viewing them as primitive and backward

DEAREDITOR, granting of land rights for moresignificantprojectsfor The majority of Indigenous peoples is a their contribution For Indigenous people in the recognized climate change example, there should be interior of Guyana whose solution since we manage access to quality internet population is approximately around 24% of the total access and other modern ten percent have a strong carbon stored aboveground technology, adequate worldview, supported by intheworld’sforests. electricity and water supply extensive use of the local According to the link, including a relevant/ quality languages and strong voanews.com, “U.S.-owned education that enables us to culturalpractices. Hess Corporation, a dialogue and survive in the Thiscanbeinterpretedas consortium partner in modern world as we aresultoftherelativelackof Guyana’soffshoreoilsector, maintain our cultural interest that the earlier has agreed to buy$750 practices and continue to be colonizers and post million worth of carbon stewardsoftheforests. independent governments credits from the South Thus, it is hoped that hadtowardsusoftheinterior American nation in the next appropriate, quality and overtheyears(asopposedto decade as it works to ensure sustainable projects to the plantations and modern- Guyana’s almost intact Indigenous people’s day business commerce on Amazonian rainforests development be executed in the coast). A belief that we remain standing for decades communities that can were incapable of bringing to come, officials said contribute to our welfare, so any economic benefits and Saturday.”https://www.voan we could have a dignified arestillseenasprimitiveand ews.com/a/hess-to-buy-750- life. backwardpeoplebysome. million-in-carbon-credits-

Perhaps for the above to However, the irony at from-guyana-/6861072.html materialize in a significant present is that the western Thisisgreatnewsforthe way,wemustnotbepassive world and capitalism have c o u n t r y t o e a r n in receiving top downwards been recognizing the value economically from the deliveries, but be proactive and importance of our forests. In this view, it is collectively in communities contributions in keeping evident that the Indigenous in making plans and forestsintact. stewardship of conserving proposalsonhowwewantto

Accordingtoanewstudy theforestsinGuyanawasthe see development occurring the world’s healthiest, most stone that the builders inourvillages. biodiverse, and most rejected, and that it has now Additionally, as resilient forests are located beenrecognizedincaringfor grassroots people in unity, on protected Indigenous biodiversity,asacornerstone we must request authorities lands.Itfurthersuggeststhat for economic growth of the to revise the activities of protecting Indigenous and country In the midst of this forest destructions and human rights is not only obsession for international pollution of rivers in compatible with climate market for the forest, credit Guyana’sinterior conservation goals, but key mustbegiventoIndigenous In concluding, I would tofutureefforts. people and their ancestors recommend that with the

Bisram conducts Surveys on LGE

A l s o , t h e for firstly occupying and money acquired for the Intergovernmental Panel on taming this wild land that forests, the relevant Climate Change (IPCC) has eventually evolved into a authorities should assist also recently recognized nation state, because most other vulnerable brethren in Indigenous peoples as vital times our historical and ruralplacesandthoseonthe partners in global cultural story as the peripheries of the urban conservation and climate country’s original areas, as a caring changeefforts.

conservationists gets government of the struggle

It is no coincidence that downplayedbyourleaders. masses who put them in our traditional territories Editor, to recompense power cover around 22% of the our Indigenous people who Yourssincerely, earth’slandsurface,buthold have kept the jungle intact MedinoAbraham,SJ 80% of its biodiversity The over the years, I wish to see

PPP is superior in pushing half-truths and propaganda

DEAREDITOR, Hutson.

One of my seniors My information is and I always said to me that of all hope that the media will the Parties and Groups in investigate that Mr Hutson Guyana, the PPP is superior earlier reached retirement when it comes to age, proceeded on predisbursement of half-truths retirement leave and or what we say is pure obtainedall;Irepeatallofhis propaganda. benefits related to his

DEAREDITOR, were consistently in the low thepartythatmayleadtoits Recent surveys I 30sorupper20s. decimation or blow away in conducted found that the The polls find nil thecomingLGE. PPP will win by a landslide crossover appeal for Norton Local Government next March Local among Indians and floating Elections (LGE) are Government Elections voters, accounting for his scheduled for March and (LGE), making significant poor ratings Voters electoral fortune could gains even in PNCR overwhelmingly prefer Ali change by then especially strongholds in urban and and the PPPC over the that a new Georgetown rural constituencies. If the PNCR. based political party, electionswereheldnow,the Thepublicdoesnotview Independent Citizens for PPPC would win an the PNCR or the APNU- Progress (ICP), was overwhelmingnumberofthe AFC Coalition under launched last week. Led by 70 NDCs and a majority of Norton’s leadership as a well-known broadcaster the 10 municipalities. The viable alternative to the BobbyVieira,ICPisgaining pollprojectionisturningout PPPC.Thepopulacesaythat traction in Georgetown, a to be the largest electoral his recent actions PNCR stronghold, among victory of the party in local demonstrates that he lacks themiddleclassandbusiness government elections in the the leadership qualities to andprofessionalclasses.The history of the country with bring people together They ICP is also talked about voters giving high say they are looking for a a m o n g I n d i a n favorability ratings to Ali’s leaderwhoispersonableand businesspersons who are l e a d e r s h i p i n conciliatory, who would seeking different leadership contradistinction with pursue consensus politics, forGeorgetown.ThePNCR, Opposition Leader Aubrey andwhowouldputanendto therefore, is likely to lose Norton who scores very low political violence, several seats coming LGE on popularity ratings. These confrontational politics, and that it won in 2018. The weresomeofthefindingsof ethnic divisiveness Not PPPC is a beneficiary tracking opinion polls surprisingly, many making gains in traditional conducted in December, traditional supporters and PNCbase. November,andOctober middle of the road floating Yourstruly, The latest polls votersaremovingawayfrom VishnuBisram interviewed between 520 and 640 voters to reflect the ethnic composition of the population with a margin of error of 4% The latest surveys (from October thru D e c e m b e r ) s h o w consistency in relatively high favorability (likeability or popularity) and job performance ratings of PresidentAli,VicePresident Bharrat Jagdeo, and Prime Minister Mark Phillips. All have maintained constantly high positive and job performance ratings in the 60s percentile in contrast with Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton whose likeability or popularity and job performance ratings

I refer to the Hon employment in the public Minister Kwame McKoy’s service.

letter published in today’s T h e p o l i t i c a l December 8, 2022 Kaieteur shenanigans which followed News titled ‘APNU + AFC is,ofcourse,anothermatter placed a target on Afro- Asayoungster,Iwastold Guyanese professionals in that the truth shall set you publicservice.’ free and that my prayers are

Thecontentofhisletteris forthefreeingofthewriterof misleading if not that spurious and inaccurate mischievous. I shall deal letter with the case, of the Chief Yoursfaithfully, Education Officer Marcel EricMoseley,MS

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

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

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

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

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

When Guyanese needed an auditor, they got a bill checker;

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

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

When Guyanese required a detective, they got what is defective;

When Guyanese long for the truth about those billions, they get the boot;

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

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

When Guyanese need courage from their own, they end up with another haemorrhage.

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

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

US$7.3B gone down the drain to Exxon just like that; thanks Mr. Jagdeo.

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

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

Exxon to spend US$50B buying back shares as cash flow soars over next 5 years

U S o i l m a j o r , throughnextyear,2023. investments contributing to ExxonMobil is expending a In their corporate plan lower-emissionsefforts. whopping US$50B to buy for the next five years, the Thecompanysaidthatits back its shares as the company announced the corporate plan through 2027 company projects massive expansion of its US$30 “maintains annual capital returns from lucrative oil billion share-repurchase expenditures at $20-$25 projects over the next five programme, which it said is billion, while growing years. With the intention to now up to US$50B through l o w e r - e m i s s i o n s grow shareholder returns 2024 It also recently i n v e s t m e n t s t o and increase annual increaseditsannualdividend approximately$17billion.” dividends, the company payment for the 40th T h i s d i s c i p l i n e d increased its original share- consecutiveyear, a company approach, it said, prioritizes repurchase programme by statementsaid. high-return, low-cost-ofUS$20B. It will last through “By year-end 2022, supply assets in the of

2024. ExxonMobil expects to Upstream and Product theenergysector.Thisisdue Investopedia

I n A p r i l , E x x o n distribute approximately Solutions businesses and to high commodity prices as explained that a share that will allow the oil announced that it had tripled U S $ 3 0 b i l l i o n t o supports efforts to reduce well as the Russia-led repurchase or buyback, is companies to rake more than i t s s h a r e - b u y b a c k shareholders, including $15 greenhouse gas emissions. Ukrainewarwheresanctions when a publicly traded theyshould,industryexperts programme to as much as billion in dividends and $15 This five-year plan, Exxon’s on the energy powerhouse company purchases its own have stated. Several $30B after profits surged billioninsharerepurchases.” Chairman and Chief have seen refusal to use the shares in the marketplace. countrieshavechosentoslap amid Russia’s invasion of Apart from the share Executive Officer, Darren country’s resources, but at Along with dividends, share on windfall taxes on the Ukraine and increases in buyback, Exxon has Woods said, “…is expected the same time, leaving a repurchases are a way that a unforeseenexcessesenjoyed energy prices globally. The announced other corporate to drive leading business hugegapintheglobalenergy company may return cash to by the oil companies announcement came after plans it says it has for strong o u t c o m e s a n d i s a market. its shareholders. It said that Guyana has been advised to the company had more than growth from high-return continuation of the path that Hess Corporation, when a company buys back dothesame,butthePeople’s doubled its already adjusted projects. The company has delivered industryExxon Mobil’s partner in shares, it’s generally a P r o g r e s s i v e P a r t y first quarter earnings. The expects to double earnings leadingresultsin2022.”

Guyana’s lucrative Stabroek positive sign because it administration has refused company had set the and cash flow potential by Global oil companies Block, along with Chinese means that the company claiming that it is bound by US$30B buyback to last 2027 and will increase continue to make huge sums partner CNOOC, had also believes its stock is the rules of the PSA. Oil announceditssharebuyback undervaluedandisconfident companies have been of some US$650M, for this aboutitsfutureearnings. accused however, of year alone International Here in Guyana, both boostingprofitsanddrawing analyst had said that major Hess and Exxon have back money for its energy companies were on praised their Stabroek asset shareholders on the backs of coursetobuybackshares“at for its contribution to their the world’s poor The near-record levels” for this companies’ portfolios. The massive profits have been year It was noted that for more than 11-billion -barrel described as “grotesque”, 2022 alone, oil companies crude asset is set at several “obscene” and “recordwere set to buy back their billion US dollars and is breaking”amongothers.

Guyana gets US$97M IDB loan to Strengthen Health Services

Th e I n t e r - management,andprocesses. the teleradiology and A m e r i c a n Infrastructure upgrades t e l e o p h t h a l m o l o g y

Development includemoreefficientuseof networks. Bank (IDB) has approved a water and energy as well as “Finally, it will US$97M loan to strengthen accessibility provisions for strengthen supply chain Guyana’s health care disabled persons,” the management, improve the n e t w o r k – t h r o u g h releasesaid. provision of maternal and expanding the capacity of The overall objective of child health, and contribute seven hospitals across the the CCLIP, which will to pandemic and emergency country include multiple loans, is to preparedness, among other

The loan is the first improve access, quality, and activities,” the Bank said o p e r a t i o n u n d e r a efficiency of health services noting that the programme conditional credit line for inthecountry includes a gender and investment projects The Bank said that the diversity assessment to (CCLIP). projectisexpectedtobenefit identify and address health

The IDB in a press around 406,000 persons, disparities by gender, release Friday said that the representing more than half ethnicity, and disability programme will expand the of the country’s population. status.Additionally,itsaidit capacity of seven hospitals In addition, the telehealth contributes to climate (four hinterland hospitals in activities, which will be change mitigation and Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9, the installed in over 15 health adaptation by financing Linden, New Amsterdam facilities, will reach all ten health infrastructure that is and Georgetown Public of the country’s regions, environmentally sustainable Hospitals) and extend the includingthehinterlands. and resilient to climate coverage of diagnostic Further, the Bank said change. exams and medical thataspartoftheinvestment

The IDB loan has an consultations. projectactivities,theCCLIP amortization period of 25

“It will also increase the will also finance Guyana’s years, a grace period of 5.5 efficiency of the public plans for a digital years, and an interest rate health system by supporting transformation in health, based on Secured Overnight improvements in logistics, including the expansion of FinancingRate(SOFR).

moneygiventhefalloutin stockataroundUS$38B. covered by a Production

online Sharing Agreement (PSA)

SAFE PLACES ARE NOT ALWAYS THAT SAFE

A few days ago, award few free attractions in Itisthereforeagoodidea A n d w h i l e t h e remaininggreenstripsinthe limitingthevending! winning actress Emma Georgetown. tohavetheseattractionssuch government was removing city:theMerriman’sMall. (The views expressed in Thompson, appeared on the There are persons as Christmas Village the greenery to create this Ugly concrete structures this article are those of the Kelly and Ryan television offeringitemsforsalewhich However, poor parents asphaltedtarmac,intersected arenowdefacingthatpartof author and do not show The topic lurched would entice the poor sometimes are discouraged by a narrow clay brick the city The talk is now necessarily reflect the towards being in New York mother’schildren.Theywill fromgoingoutbecausethere walkway, the Georgetown about creating more opinions and beliefs of this andKellysaidthatoneofthe see other children buying are so many things on sale City Council was handing Christmas Villages. Not a n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s good things about living in stuffandwilllooklongingly but the prices may not out spots on one of the few bad idea but what about affiliates.) NewYorkisthatthereareso at their mother, wanting to alwaysbewithinreach. many social events you can alsobeabletohavesomeof Morethanayearago,the attendfreeofcost. what they see the other President launched a project

A rich cultural life has children having. And the that would provide a safe alwaysbeenafeatureofNew poor mother cannot afford spacealongtheembankment York City and this is one of the prices because she has where families could go in the things which makes three children and while the evenings for recreation. living in New York special. there is no entrance fee for This project was launched Evenifyouarenotrich,there the village, it costs a fair bit around the same time that are sights, museums, parks to buy drinks and candy for Guyana was hosting an and boardwalks as well as threechildrenattheVillage. Energy Conference at the other free attractions spread Years ago, when the Marriot Hotel and there was acrosstheboroughs. malls opened their cinemas, some suspicion about the It is very important for the entrance price for timingoftheproject. any government or city or children was about $700. The old train station even village to be able to And of course the building at High Street was provide free healthy concessions at the mall supposed to be converted entertainmentandrecreation cinemas located outside of into a café and art gallery It for all. This is why the the entrance to the actual was even promised that the decision of the government theater and it would cost a walkway which would tocreateaChristmasVillage mother of three a fortune to initially stretch from High is such a wonderful buy the basic popcorn and Street to Camp Street would initiative. drink. A mother with three be extended all the way to Itisaplaceforpeopleto children could end up VlissengenRoad. comeoutintheeveningsand spendingasmuchas$10,000

The green lawns of the to enjoy outdoor life toseeonemovieatthemall. embankment were dug up Nevertheless, as with Ontheotherhand,there and turned into an asphalted everything else with our was the Astor Cinema, the surface. Today, instead of a governments some mistakes last remaining old-time place of relaxation, it has weremade. moviehouseinGuyana.The become a massive parking

Allowing too much entrancefeewas$300which lot for motor vehicles vendors takes can actually meantthatthiswaslessthan Clearing the project was force poor families to stay half of the price of the well-intentioned. But it was away rather than come out cinemas located at the mall poorly conceptualized and enjoy the Christmas and you got to see two because why would anyone Village. Think about that movies never mind the fact wanttotaketheirchildrento poormotherwiththreesmall thattherewerereruns.Many that place where cars are children who decides to ordinary mothers took their driving in an out, forcing bring her family out to the childrentotheAstorbecause persons to inhale toxic ChristmasVillage,oneofthe itwasaffordable. fumes.

A SECRET ABOUT FATHER MALCOLM RODRIGUES REVEALED ONLY NOW

I had an email exchange GeorgetownHospital. book nor did I scorn my leadership of the WPA and him. recently with Moses Mike has one of the country’s ancestry I wanted his presence was as M y U G Bhagwan, one of the WPA largestprivatecollectionsof nothingtodowithBhagwan electrifying as any other contract was leaders of the optimistic era volumes on Guyana and anylongersoIwasnolonger WPA leader including terminated by the in which I revealed to him books written by Guyanese. interestedinkeepingabook WalterRodney Ramotar presidency in what I did with the book he Mikeisgettingoninageand abouthisfamilytree. Malcolm through the December 2011. The wrote, a copy of which he those books should be I told him the reason is phenomenal courage of his weeks that followed disillusioned with the PPP sentme. boughtimmediately Thelist that all that he and other superior, Bishop Benedict saw media attention leadership, his WPA S i n c e t h a t isverylongandMikewillbe WPA leaders taught me Singh brought the Catholic given to my dismissal and a colleagues and politics in correspondence, I have unabletoreproduceit. when I was a very, very Church into the struggle to strike on the campus for my Guyana. written in this page what I The list is with the young man they had now remove the Burnham reinstatement. I saw a letter

Hefeltthatpartofhislife didwiththebook.Itisnota Minister of Health, Dr turned their backs on. I say dictatorship Through his in the press from Malcolm was completely gone and volume on politics but a FrankAnthony and I appeal boldly now that the only fantastic charisma, he condemningthedismissal. that he did not want to family portrait. After I saw to Minister Anthony to person from the seventies brought dimensions of the It took me by surprise remember it or talk about it. whatBhagwanbecameafter please do a meticulous thatIcouldbackonwhowas Guyanese society that the because by 2012, Malcolm This was the famous March2020,Ididnotcareto searchforthelist.Thebuyer partoftheWPAinthe1970s PPP,civilsocietygroupsand had completely gone from liberation theology priest haveabookonthehistorical willneedtoseethatpieceof and who have remained the WPA could not have any kind of political with his signature black evolution of Bhagwan’s paper Mike’s collection is steadfasttothesacredvalues done. discourseinGuyana.Hewas beret fighting the Burnham familytree. good. You have to see it to of liberation, justice and He brought the inGeorgetownatthetimeso dictatorshipandendingupin What relevance was that believeit.BacktoBhagwan. human equality is Father Portuguese community, the I went to see him to thank the police station where he book to my studies of Here is what Bhagwan MalcolmRodrigues. elite clear complexioned himforhiswordsofsupport. was almost sexually Guyana’s political past and wrote to me in October this He was the invisible classes as distinct from the The conversation went assaulted. its present sociological and year after I informed him I WPA activist. He could not Creole middle class and the on for longer than I

He left me sad but I cultural currents? I gave the parted with the book; “You join a political organization powerful Catholic Church anticipated. I know I could continued in politics book to a personal friend, have scorned a country’s because of his status as a into solidarity with the notwriteonwhathetoldme knowing that the optimism Mike Khan, who was the ancestrybyineffectburning Catholic priest but he was stream of activities against soIkeptitundisclosedsince of the will must always former CEO of the a book.” I did not burn the right up there in the Burnham. January2012.Heisdeadand override the pessimism of I lost contact with the world needs to know the intellect (taken from Malcolmasthe21stcentury how he felt about politics AntonioGramsci). arrivedinGuyana.Malcolm andtheWPA.

(The views expressed in by this time was gone from I could never every this article are those of the political activism and was acquireevenaninfinitesimal author and do not postedmostlyintheinterior attempt of replicating his necessarily reflect the of Guyana by the church. cynicalfacialexpressionasI opinions and beliefs of this Then I met him in January askedhimonequestionafter n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s 2012, and that was the last another Malcolm had affiliates.) timeIspoketohimandsaw become tragically

FrederickKissoon

“People are the country’s true resources”

– UG Valedictorian says at institution’s 56th Convocation

Emphasising human overcome them, ” the resource is the country’s Valedictorian said who most valuable and “true” thanked his family, friends, resource; University of and lecturers for the support Guyana’s2022Valedictorian they gave him while at the Sean Pemberton said that tertiaryinstitution. economics is important in “With a profound sense mobilizing Guyana’s of humility inter spread with resources. elation and tremendous

Scoring a perfect 4.0, feeling of gratitude…,” the Pemberton became the first young man thanked all g r a d u a t e f r o m t h e instrumentalinhissuccess. Department of Economics Meanwhile, the first within the Faculty of Social batch of some 3000 students Sciences to claim the graduating this year covetedvaledictorianspot. participated in Friday’s

The valedictorian related convocation ceremony. Four that the graduation earmarks separate ceremonies for a stepping stone for himself graduands from certificate, and fellow graduates in diploma and degree becoming agents of change programmesarebeingheld. for the betterment of the Those who graduated on country Friday morning were from

“To graduate at this time the College of Medical is exceedingly fortuitous as Sciences (COMs), the we collectively recognize College of Behavioural that Guyana is now on the Sciences and Research cusp of transformational (CoRES), Faculty of economic development with Agriculture and Forestry theburgeoningopportunities (FAF), the Faculty of Earth not just in the oil exploration and Environmental Sciences b u t i n a g r i c u l t u r e , (FEES), the Institute of renewables, ICT…,” he said Distance and Continuing at the University’s 56th Education (IDCE) and ConvocationExercise. School of Entrepreneurship

Noting that the COVID- and Business Innovation 19 pandemic did not prevent (SEBI).

students pursuing their The second ceremony a c a d e m i c p u r s u i t s , was held for graduands from Pemberton reminded his the Faculty of Engineering colleagues of Nelson andTechnology(FET).

Mandela’s famous quote Meanwhile, during about education being the Friday’s ceremonies, the most powerful weapon that University conferred two can be used to change the honourary doctorates to Sir world. Clive Hubert Lloyd and Dr

“We didn’t allow AndrewBoyle.

COVID-19 to crush our Those graduating today spirits but in fact, it will be from the Faculties of strengthened our resolve to Education and Humanities confront the challenges and (FEH)andSocialSciences.

A section of the first batch of UG’s 2022 graduates

Additional $520M to complete Good Hope Secondary school where $840M was already spent

The Government of International’s contract was Guyana will spend some terminatedonMay25,2021. $520Mmoretocompletethe “Why is Good Hope Good Hope Secondary Secondary important? Good School, East Coast Hope Secondary is the Demerara (ECD) scheduled school that we intended on forcompletionbyJune2023. the East Coast of Demerara T h e M i n i s t r y o f to help us achieve universal Education on Friday inked a secondary education, by that US$2,607,879 engineering, we mean two things; one is p r o c u r e m e n t a n d for the children who have no construction/turnkey new place right now to get into a contract for the completion school and two, that we can oftheGoodHopeSecondary close the primary tops on the School. The contract was East Coast of Demerara,” signed between the Ministry said Minister of Education of Education and DEEN+ PriyaManickchand. Partners at the Ministry’s Upon completion, some Brickdam, Georgetown 479studentswillbeplacedat office and falls under the theschool.This,theMinister Secondary Education said, will allow her Ministry Improvement Project and is to close the Paradise, being funded by the World Enterprise and the Enmore

sign this contract that this is we are insisting here at the Bank. Primary Top schools several options were outstanding works which going to be finish in June it ministry that people live up The original contract to Further,theMinistersaidthe explored as it relates to include the installation of all will finish in June, we can’t to those contract obligation construct the Good Hope Good Hope Secondary will procurement alternatives to electrical panels and cables do this to the children of the or face the penalties that are Secondary School was also help in reducing ensure the school is to complete electrical East Coast any longer, it is a inthecontract,”sheadded. awarded in 2018 to B.K. overcrowding at the completed. It was decided connections, installation and sin, what happen here is Upon completion, the I n t e r n a t i o n a l f o r Cummings Lodge, Bladen that a management/EPC connection of all plumbing really sinful,” Minister school will be able to US$4,082,506 ($840M) Hall, Golden Grove and the Turnkey contract with a fittings and fixtures, Manickchand said at the a c c o m m o d a t e Work commenced on Plaisance Secondary suitable consultant was the completion of the fence, contractsigning. approximately 1000 October 15, 2018, with the Schools. bestroutetotake. pavements, walkways and

“I demand by people for students, would have 25 original completion date Currently, Good Hope The project was offered landscaping, general quality work and timely classrooms, along with three beingJanuary14,2020. Secondary has 92 students as a direct contract to finishes to windows, doors, workbecausepeoplewantto Information Technology However, the firm was who are currently being Deen+Partnerswhowerethe roof, walls and ceilings, be able to participate in this laboratories,alargelibrary,a unable to deliver despite taught at other secondary supervisory consultants for completion of all built-in new Guyana we are building multi-purpose hall, canteen, benefiting from four schools to facilitate the the project and were familiar furniture, repainting of the outandwecanonlydothatif fully equipped Home extensions given on March school’srehabilitation. with what was required to entire facility and remedial every service provider, Economics and TVET 10, 2020, May 18, 2020, F o l l o w i n g t h e completetheschool. workstoallfloors. contractors and so on live up building, dance studio June 15, 2020, and August t e r m i n a t i o n o f B K DEEN+ Partners is “I hope Mr Deen is to the contract you signed so amongotherdepartments. 17, 2020 respectively B.K. International’s contract, expected to complete all hearing me because if we

An aerial view of the Good Hope Secondary School. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Education)

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand (right) alongside Chief Education Officer (CEO), Saddam Hussain, overlooking the signing of the contract between the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Alfred King (right) and the contractor DEEN+ Partners.

Speedboat operators strike after Govt. denies request for fare increase

A month-long battle betweenspeedboatoperators and the Government for an increase of the Stabroek Market to Vreed-en-Hoop water taxi fare resulted in a strikeonFriday

The move by the speedboat operators resulted in hundreds of persons being leftstrandedforhoursatboth the Stabroek Market and Vreed-en-HoopStellings.

T h i s p r o m o t e d Government to utilise boats belonging to Sheriff Security, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force (GPF) to shuttle the stranded passengers, many of whom from$100to$120. The frustrated boat hadtogotowork.

ExxonMobil to give up 20% of oil-rich Stabroek Block next year

Map showing the size and location of the Stabroek Block

“We approach Edghill o p e r a t o r s a i d t h a t

O n e o f t h e b o a t [Minister of Public Works, consultations were also had operators, Hussain (only Juan Edghill] a month ago to w i t h t h e M a r i t i m e namegiven),saidthatheand increase the fare but he deny Administration Department his colleagues decided to we”, Hussain said as he (MARAD) but that agency s t r i k e b e c a u s e t h e explained the reason behind alsodeniedtheirrequest. government has refused to thestrike.

Hussain admitted that increase the water taxi fare despite the fact they did not get an approval to increase the fare, he and his colleagues started charging passengers $120 because they believe that $100 is insufficient to sustain their operationsandmaintaintheir families.

“They deny us but we went ahead and print out paper with the new fare and paste up in we boat and MARADgetvexand (Continued on page 17)

is four

6

-at-Law,

two

of three be

to the

next

had years each Expounding year previously pointed out that further,thelawyersaid,“The T h e t o p o ff i c i a l Exxon should actually be standard provision in the responsible for oil sector relinquishing 75 percent of Petroleum Act is that on an policy told reporters that the the block instead of 20 application for first renewal 20percenttoberelinquished percent He said the at the end of the four years, by ExxonMobil’s affiliate, company is able to hold onto the company is required to Esso Exploration and a large part of the acreage give up 50 percent of the Production Guyana Limited due to a loophole in the law block granted and on an (EEPGL) is in keeping with that was exploited by both application for the second provisions in the 2016 the Coalition and the PPP/C renewal,whichisattheend Stabroek Block contract. He Governments. (Continued on page 17)

Vice President, Dr said the portion of the block Ram had explained that Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday would also be up for grabs at the initial period of a disclosed that 20 percent of Guyana’snextbidround. prospecting licence

the Stabroek Block which Chartered Accountant years.Suchlicenceissubject spans

million acres would and Attorney

to

renewals

returned

State

Christopher Ram

Passengers about to join one of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) buses that was transporting passengers free of cost from Georgetown to Vreed-en-Hoop (Photo courtesy of Ministry of Public Works)

A Sheriff Water Ambulance shuttles passengers between the Stabroek Market to Vreed-en-Hoop Stellings. (Photo courtesy of Ministry of Public Works)

GECOM clarifies issues on electronic fingerprinting and demarcation of boundaries for LGE

The Guyana Elections Referring to the Esther The newspaper had also definedtheboundariesofthe existing concerns Commission (GECOM) on Perreira case, GECOM said reported that the Perreira electoraldivisionswithinthe regarding the Friday sought to clarify two its chairman recalled that the case was the same reason localauthorityarea. recently gazetted issues directly related to the decision established that in offered by Vice President The Commission cannot orders of the holding of the upcoming accordance with Articles 59 Bharrat Jagdeo when he ignore those divisional Minister, in LocalGovernmentElections and 159 of the Constitution expressed his party’s non- boundaries and arbitrarily which he made (LGE), namely the use of onceapersonis18yearsand support for fingerprinting setitsown. changes to the electronic fingerprinting at is registered that person is identification at the place of The Commission’s existing Local the polling place and the entitledtovoteatanelection. poll. constituenciesmustbebased Authority Areas, demarcation of boundaries “If, on the other hand, a On the Minister’s on and reference the and at the same for local government biometric identification demarcation matter, boundaries of the electoral time may have elections. system was to be used as an GECOM said that in giving division that have either identified changes to The elections authority alternative means of her decision on whether the b e e n c o m b i n e d o r those constituencies in a press statement said that identification, so that M i n i s t e r o f L o c a l subdivided to form the within the Local Authority that those changes made to during its recent statutory persons will be permitted to Government acted in constituencies. Areas, GECOM said that theboundariesofthelocal meeting on Tuesday, its be identified by additional contravention of the laws, Addressing some “the Chairman pointed out (Continued on page 16) chairperson, Justice (Ret’d) means and be allowed to the Chairperson explained Claudette Singh made no exercise their right to vote that the powers given to the decision to use electronic even in the absence of such M i n i s t e r a n d t h e fingerprinting equipment at biometric identification, Commission are different the place of poll and pointed then the introduction of andnotinconflict. out that Local Government biometric identification at She explained that the Minister Nigel Dharamlall thePollingStationsmightbe Minister has power to divide was within his legal right to permissible. Guyanaintoareasasprovided make changes to the But this would simply be for, considering the factors boundariesoflocalauthority a n o t h e r m e a n s o f specified by Article 72(2) of areas. identification for which the the Constitution in defining

In response to news legislationdoesnotcurrently theboundariesofthoseareas articles published by this provide.”

“This includes the power newspaper, GECOM said Notwithstanding her to define and/or modify the that with specific reference considerations, GECOM b o u n d a r i e s o f to the call for the said its Chairman was very neighbourhoods and introduction of a biometric clear that she does not people’s co-operative units identification system at support the calling for w i t h i n t h o s e every Polling Station, “the legislative provision to be neighbourhoods, and the decision given by the made before a feasibility establishment of local Chairman was that if such a study is done to assess democraticorgansforthose. systemweretobeintroduced whether the introduction of Further, Justice Singh at the place of poll as a biometric identification at said that the Commission requirement for persons to Polling Stations is only has the power to vote, persons will be unable something that can be done combine or subdivide those to vote in that in any effectively d i v i s i o n s w i t h i n absence/failure of such a Commissioner Vincent neighbourhoods, and means of identification, and Alexander had told this municipalities, to form thatthiswouldbecontraryto publication that the constituencies. the Constitution, as was fingerprinting decision was It follows therefore that absolutely clear in the “considered” and “agreed to the Commission can only decision in the Esther in principle, subject to a exercise its powers after the Perreiracase.” feasibilitystudy.” Ministerhaddemarcatedand

‘Lookout thief’ escapes while accomplices arrested for attempted burglary

A lookout thief on and immediately called the beforeescapinginhaste. Friday ran away and left his store’sowner Neighbours said that twoaccomplicesstrandedin “One of them was from all indications, the a clothing store at Grove, outside and the other two lookout thief forgot to alert East Bank Demerara (EBD) wereinside,”saidtheowner his accomplices as they after cops showed up and as she recounted the details were caught in the store as foiled their burglary the alert neighbour had police surrounded the attempt. givenher premises. Unable to escape,

Kaieteur News was told C o n t a c t w a s they were forced to thatthethreemenattempted immediately made with surrender to burglarise the store police and within fifteen The owner related that around03:30hrs. minutes ranks arrived at the the men had already filled They had already scene, foiling the burglars’ two bags with clothes and a hammered their way plans. laptop and passed them through a concrete wall of Neighbours were outside for the lookout thief the building and had started reportedly still keeping a tooverlook. looting the place when an keen eye on the thieves and K a i e t e u r N e w s alert neighbour was startled recalled that as the cops understands that one of the by the noise. The neighbour approached, the lookout captured thieves lives a reportedly peeped outside thief stripped off his jacket short distance from the andsawthethievesinaction and dropped it at the scene clothingstore.

WANTED

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

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

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

One experience accounts clerk required. Call: 231-0363

General domestic covid vaccinated for Tuesday's & Saturday's between Cove & John & Machaica, E.C.D 259-0953/623-3231.

Handyman, maid & male receptionist for night needed. Call: 225-9211.

Experienced crew (Jet, Maroc, Pitmen) and servicemen required for mining operation. Must be willing to work through christmas and the new year. Call: 697-2533.

Nimbus water system are now Hiring porters. Apply with application at Lot 79 Albert and Laluni streets queenstown. Contact 6220445 or 685-7659 .

Male & female needed to work in the Interior, ages 18 years & older and one live in domestic to work min Georgetown. Call: 6862201/ 691-3942, 674-9999.

One housekeeper needed ages 18-35yrs, must have child care experiences and living in Timerhi/ Soesdyke or Kuru-Kuru. Call/ Whatspp: 603-0210.

Farm workers, clerk and admin assistant needed. Preferably living in Timerhi/ Soesdyke or Kuru-Kuru. Call/ Whatspp: 603-0210 or email: tjjason52@gmail.com

One Domestic needed. Call Ameena: # 226-4948.

Male workers needed for Candy Factory, $3500 per day. 7am - 4pm, transportation provided. Call: 6117839.

Experience Cashier, Cooks, Counter Staff & Cleaners. Apply @ Hot& Spicy Albertown. Call: 225-6255/ 226-9000.

Guard needed to work on East Coast.Tel: 624-4633.

VACANCY

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

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

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

Log truck driver, Diesel mechanic, Porters and Timber grant manager. Call: 609-7675/ 674-1705

Cook/ baker, pitman and servicemen for Interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 615-0545 or 2312250.

One general domestic to work in G/town. Must know to iron clothes. Call: 6153379 between 8:00-4:30.

We are now hiring sales girl & counter attendant @ Dian's Deli food outlet, Bar St Kitty. Tel:621-7862/2253700/225-6478.

Vacancy at People's Choice kitchen for experinced cooks, pastry maker & kitchen assistant. Call: 6799449

SERVICES

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

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

Repairs at affordable price: fridge,\air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer.Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158.

LEGAL NOTICE

JAGNARINE PRASHAD Applicant -and- TRENTON SERAPHIN Respondent Notice

TO: ‘ TRENTON SERAPHIN

Portion of E ½ Lot 53 Plantation Virginia East Coast Demerara TAKE NOTICE that the Fixed Date Application was filed on the 20th September, 2022 in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana at Georgetown, Demerara by JAGNARINE

PRASHAD in which the Applicant claims:

A) A Declaration that the Respondent is a Trespasser of a portion of land belonging to the Applicant, more specifically a portion of land on the East ½ of the North ½ of Lot 53 known and referred to as Sublot B and held by Transport No. 1514/ 2001.

B) An Order that a Joint Survey be carried out to confirm the boundary.

FOR RENT

Two bedroom apartment for rent on E.C.D. Call: 6296237

C) An Order that the Respondent do immediately give up vacant possession of the said portion of land belonging to the Applicant.

D) Damages for Trespass to property belonging to the Applicant.

TO LET

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

E) An Order compelling the Respondent to demolish the fence he has built which Encroaches upon the land belonging to the Applicant.

F) Mesne profits; G) Costs; H) Such further or other relief as the Honourable Court may deem just;

LEGAL NOTICE

Georgetown, Demerara and file it with proof of service at the Supreme Court Registry at Georgetown, Demerara, not later than 4 days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your attorney-at-law must appear at the hearing.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file such affidavit and or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence.

AND TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that this matter stands Adjourned to the 8th February 2023 at 11:15 am for hearing Via Zoom: Meeting ID: 845 1426 6584 and Passcode: 786 445. Honourable Madam. Justice Damone Younge.

Dated this day of November, 2022

GECOM clarifies issues on electronic...

From page 15 authority areas, and any changes to electoral divisions within those Local Authority Areas, are within the legal authority of the Minister. She emphasized

however, that if the Minister sought to form or change the configuration of constituencies within those areas, he would have usurped the power granted to the Commission to combine and sub-divide electoral divisions to form constituencies.”

If such were the case, GECOM said that the Minister would have acted outside of his legal remit.

Alexander had said that it was agreed by all Commissioners that the Minister does not have the power to demarcate constituency boundaries, “and that whatever changes have been made, is null and void.”

He explained that GECOM, as the elections body, is responsible for issuing the List of Voters in keeping with legal constituencies. He said, “So, we can’t go ahead and issue a list on a constituency that he (Minister) has created.

So, we have to go through our process, approve them and we will have the kinds of mapping on which to issue our list.”

LEGAL NOTICE

EDUCATION

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

UPON APPLICATION in person or by letter to Mr. Brandon De Santos, Attorney-at-Law for the Applicant whose address for service and place of business is at Lot 26 Hadfield Street and Pollard Place, Georgetown, Demerara copies of the Fixed Date Application, filed herein, will be delivered or sent to you.

Date this 30th November, 2022 2022 DEMERARA IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION

GECOM has nonetheless decided on postponing Nomination Day, which was set for Monday to address issues concerning the Voters’ List.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

DAF CF85 Double Axle Twin Steer Dump Trucks for sale. $9 Mil each negotiable. Call 658-9008 for inquiries.

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

One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable & 1 new super custom Hiace Bus 2.5M .Contact:6490956.

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE CIVIL JURISDICTION 2022- HC- DEM- CIVFDA- 1346 BETWEEN:

AND TAKE NOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must forthwith within 28 days after the second and final publication of this notice, prepare an Affidavit in Defence in Form 10C prescribed in the Civil Procedure Rules 2016, serve it on the applicant’s attorney-at-law, to Mrs. Kamini Parag-Singh address for service and place of business is at Lot 160 ‘A’ Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg

In the mater of the Deceased Persons’ Estate Administration Act, Chapter 12:01 -andIn the matter of the Estate of POORANDEIA SUKHAI also known as POORANDEIA SUKDAI also known as POORANDEAI SUKDAI, Deceased. -andIn the matter of an application by INDRANIE BISRAM

LET SAMUEL WHARTON of Lot 1 Croal St. Stabroek, Georgetown, Guyana and KUMAL MOHABIR of Lot 96 Uitvlugt Pasture, West Coast Demerara, Guyana witnesses to the

LEGAL NOTICE

Last Will and Testament of POORANDEIA SUKHAI also known as POORANDEIA SUKDAI also known as POORANDEAI SUKDAI, deceased, who died on the 9th day of April, 2022, at West Demerara Regional Hospital to call at the chamber of MR. YOGANAND PERSAUD, Attorneyat-law, whose address for service and place of business is at Room D7, First Floor, Maraj Building, 185 Charlotte and King Street, Georgetown, Demerara, Guyana.

SOCU arrests Carol Joseph over allegedly defrauding MARDS $6.1M

(MARDS) Rice Milling Complex Limited and a member of the Opposition People’s National Congress (PNC) Carol Joseph was on Friday arrested by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) after the Agency reportedly found that she singlehandedly approved 14 monetary transactions totalling $6.1M withouttheknowledgeofthe entity’sBoard.

Joseph, who was the APNU+AFC’s Chief Scrutineer, could possibly face up to 14 fraud charges. She has since been released byhasbeenaskedtoreturnto SOCU’s headquarters on December 16, 2022 for additionalquestioning.

According to SOCU, JosephbetweenJune1,2016 and August 2016 solely approved the monetary transactions. The money in questionwasreportedlyused by Joseph for her personal activitiesandnotMARDS.

Meanwhile Joseph’s lawyers, Nigel Hughes and Roysdale Forde told reporters that the allegations levelled against their client seems to be an intimidating tactic because she filed a lawsuit against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to nullify the

current Voters’List ahead of LocalGovernmentElections (LGE).

“Just the date of the allegations speak for themselves,thisisMay2016 nowis2022.

T h e p r e s e n t administration has been in office since 2020 and no attempt was made to lay these allegations other than until after Ms Joseph commenced proceedings against GECOM,” Hughes toldreporters.

Similarly, Attorney Forde said, “I believe that that they are seeking to intimidate the Members of the Opposition because we donotwanttoparticipateina processthatisfraud.”

Joseph, this week filed a lawsuitagainstGECOM,the Chief Elections Officer

(CEO) and the Attorney General seeking over fourteen declarations and four orders intended to nullifythepreliminarylistof electors and give rise to a newregisterofvoters,before LocalGovernmentElections (LGE)areheld.

The APNU+AFC has long expressed major c o n c e r n s o v e r t h e compilation of the Voters’ List on the basis that it is bloatedwithdeadpeopleand thousands of Guyanese that havemigrated.

One of the declarations that Joseph wants the High Court inter alia to make is GECOM acted unlawfully when it opted not to compile the Preliminary List of Voters for the Local Elections in accordance with the Local Authorities (Elections) Act as amended byActNo.15of2015.

Brazil’s da Silva announces incoming Cabinet ministers

AP Brazil’s President-elect Luiz InácioLuladaSilvaonFridayunveiledsome of the faces that will comprise his incoming administration, including his much-awaited pick for finance minister: former Sao Paulo mayorFernandoHaddad.

Haddad’s nomination ends weeks of suspense that have led to stock volatility and upsanddownsofthecountry’srealcurrency, amidintensepressurefromfinancialmarkets fordaSilvatomakehischoiceknown.

Haddad, 59, is a former education ministerwhohasbeenamemberoftheleftist Workers’Partyformorethan20years.Hehas limited experience in the markets. Da Silva’s choice for a politician close to the party for thejobrattledsomeexperts.

“This government’s level of concern for the following years’expenses isn’t clear yet. Haddad has less commitment to fiscal matters than what the market expects, and less dialogue with Congress than da Silva’s former ministers,” said chief economist from MBAssociates,SergioVale.

While Brazil’s stock exchange dipped sharply immediately after the Haddad announcement,itlaterrebounded.

Haddad acknowledged on Friday that his incoming team will work closely with the person da Silva chooses to head the planning and budget ministry “We need to have a

plural and cohesive team and this needs to be combinedwiththeplanningminister.”

The future planning and budget minister stillneedstobechosen.TheCabinetposition had been scrapped by President Jair Bolsonaro, who opted for an all-powerful Economics Ministry, led by University of Chicago-trainedliberalPauloGuedes.

Haddad joined the planning and budget ministry in da Silva’s first administration, in 2003. He laterbecameeducationminister– a job he kept for six years. He left da Silva’s second administration to take over Sao Paulo’s City Hall. In 2018, he ran for president after da Silva was convicted for corruption and money laundering, and lost to then-federal lawmaker and candidate Jair Bolsonaro.

On the campaign trail, da Silva - who is universally known as Lula - vowed to maintain and even expand a welfare program that transfers 600 reais (US$115) to 21 millionpoorfamilies.

Faced with budget limitations, and wanting to be able to keep other campaign promises, the president-elect is seeking to remove the program’s funding – estimated to cost US$27 billion – from the country’s constitutionallyenshrinedspendingcap.

While some have applauded his efforts to fightpovertyandhu

Speedboat operators strike after Govt. denies...

From page 14 penalize one of the boat operators,” Hussain told this newspaper In another failed attempt,themenapproached the authorities with the hope that approval would be granted. They explained that fares were last increased 13 years ago. “Times have changed and cost of living has risen and all we are asking for is $20 more,” he said while adding, “We have boat owners who got captain working for them and these men demanding more wages because they feeling the squeeze with the cost of living but the owner can’t afford to give them a raise and still maintain their boats ifthefareremainsata$100.”

Despite their pleas, the government refused to grant the boat operators an increase and threatened to penalize and suspend them from operating should they continue to charge passengers$120.

This prompted the strike actionbytheboatoperators.

Meanwhile, Junior Public Works Minister, Deodat Indar met with the operatorstoholddiscussions but from all indication, Government is holding firm on its position and will not grantthe$20increase.

In a press release, MARAD said it “wishes to reinforce that the fare for the Georgetown to Vreed-enHoop crossing remains $100

‘’.In an attempt to counter the strike action, the government brought in 14 boats from the Parika boat service to back up the ones owned by the GDF, GPF and Sheriff Security to shuttle persons across the Demerara River

Six GDF buses were also provided to shuttle passengers (free of cost) across the Demerara River (Demerara Harbour Bridge) from Ashmins building Hadfield and High Streets, GeorgetowntotheVreed-enHoop junction West Coast Demerara (WCD) and vice versa.

The buses reportedly began working at 14:00hrs andstoppedat20:00hrs.

Stranded passengers at the Vreed-en-hoop Stelling on Friday

Junior Minister of Public Works Deodat Indar interacts with speedboat operators on Friday (Photo courtesy of Ministry of Public Works)

Former Director of the Mahaica Abary Rice

Joseph’s attorney speaking with members of the press outside of SOCU’s office after she was released.

Opposition Member, Carol Joseph

Comfort Sleep, Aquafina ‘Made In Guyana’ certified

Guyana tops Caribbean at CSEC, CAPE exams

One day after it was announced that the Most Outstanding Overall student in Uotam Heeralall of the Anna Regina Natural Sciences at the CAPE level and that Secondary School and Atishta Seenarine of the country also received several other the Saraswati Vidya Niketan School topped awards. the country at the Caribbean Secondary

Two companies are the ceremony hosted in the “Itisanhonourtoreceive latest to be inducted into the TrainingRoomoftheGNBS this certification because Guyana National Bureau of Sophia Exhibition site head having our products Made in Standards’(GNBS) Made in o ff i c e o n M o n d a y, Guyana Certified, speaks for Guyana Certification Mark December5,2022. itself and its authenticity It Programme. The certificate was means our products are

The two companies are handed over to Manager of authentically Guyanese AquafinaWater & Ice Inc. Aquafina Water & Ice Inc. made and that is the pride of andComfortSleepGuyana. Nalini Latchana by our product and our Aquafina Water & Ice Technical Officer in the company,” Charran proudly Inc. was certified to use the GNBS Certification noted. Made in Guyana Standards Services Department, The certificate was Mark on bottles of its Rosmarie Liliah who handed over to Charran by purified water and packages congratulated the company Technical Officers of the ofitsice. onachievingthismilestone. GNBS, Keon Rankin and Director of the water and The other company, Orlando Sturge, in the icecompany,RajivLatchana Comfort Sleep Guyana presence of employees of saidthatthecertificationwill received its certification to ComfortSleep. beusedasasteppingstoneto use the prestigious Mark on The Made in Guyana achieve ISO 9001 which his its locally manufactured certification mark is a company is working Mattresses, Pillows, and registered mark that aims to towards. FoamSheets. provide recognition to

“Itisapleasuretogetthis At a simple ceremony locally manufactured M a d e i n G u y a n a hosted at the company’s products on a national, Certification and it will add Eccles Industrial Estate regional, and international to our efforts to attain location, on Friday, Chief level. It focuses on creating international certification to Executive Officer (CEO) of competitiveness for the ISO 9001 Standard. We the company, Dennis authenticGuyaneseproducts look forward to working Charran noted that being certified under the with the GNBS to continue Made in Guyana Certified is Programme while creating a to improve our products,” a testimony of quality which f r a m e w o r k f o r t h e Latchana said at a simple givesasenseofpride. development of quality systems within our local content.

The Certification is valid for1yearandtheGNBSwill conductsurveillancevisitsto ensure the approved quality is maintained throughout the certification period in keeping with the respective termsandconditions.

In a press release, the GNBS encouraged more businesses to sign up to be a part of the Made in Guyana C e r t i f i c a t i o n M a r k Programme to give their products that competitive advantage in the local and international markets Application forms can be a c c e s s e d a t https://gnbsgy.org/certificati on/made-in-guyanacertification/

At the CSEC level, the Ministry stated Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean SaskiaTwahirofQueen’sCollegeistheMost Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Outstanding student in Humanities and also respectively, the Caribbean Examinations theMostOutstandingstudentinBusiness. Council (CXC) on Friday announced that Sheridan Dyal of Queen’s College is the both students are the Region’s most Most Outstanding student in Sciences while outstanding overall performers at the 2022 Heeralall is this year’s Most Outstanding examinations. student in Technical Vocational Education

This is now the fourth time in a row andJoshuaAdrianoftheDiamondSecondary Guyana has topped the Caribbean at both the School is the Most Outstanding student in CSEC and CAPE exams. Kaieteur News on AgriculturalScience(DA). Thursday reported that Heeralall gained 25 “The Ministry of Education wishes to Grade Ones at the CSEC exams while congratulateallstudentsfortheirexceptional Seenarinegained18GradeOnesattheCAPE performance.We wish to thank their teachers exams. The Ministry of Education in a press and parents for giving the necessary support releaseonFridaystatedthatSeenarineisalso toachievethisfeat,”thereleasesaid.

CEO of Comfort Sleep, Dennis Charran received Made in Guyana certificate from Technical Officer Keon Rankin in the presence of GNBS and Comfort Sleep

Manager of Aquafina & Ice Inc. Nalini Latchana receives her certificate from Technical Officer in the GNBS, Rosmarie Liliah

Uotam Heeralall of the Anna Regina Secondary School who topped the Caribbean at this year’s CSEC examination.

(Photos courtesy of the Ministry of Education)

Atishta Seenarine of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan School who topped the Caribbean at this year’s CAPE examination.

Dolphin Swim Club wins Short Course meet

The Dolphin Speed Swim Club held its annual InterClub Short Course Swim Meet, on Sunday, December 4, at the National Aquatic Centre Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

The Swim Meet had participants from Linden (Torpedo Swim Club) and Georgetown - Dorado Speed Swim Club, Police Swim Club and host Dolphin Speed Swim Club.

According to a release from the club, 88 participants competed in the male and female novice age group categories.

The Guyana Police Force

Swim Club came in fourth with 45 points, third place was won by Dorado Speed Swim Club with 94 points, Torpedo Swim Club came in second with 263.5 points and the host, Dolphin Speed Swim Club, won with 767.5 points.

Prizes were awarded to Schools who had children at the Meet.

Three Smart Televisions were distributed to Regma Primary School (Linden), Covent Garden Primary (EBD) and Stella Maris Primary (Georgetown).

Medals and Hampers were awarded to the children.

The organizers would like

to extend special thanks to Mikhail DaSilva of Guyana Brewery Inc. who braved the inclement weather and presented Medals to the Swimmers and Trophy to the Winning Clubs.

Dolphin Speed Swim Club also extends their gratitude to all the Clubs that participated, The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) and all the Volunteers, for a successful event.

Additionally, a heartfelt thanks to the sponsors; E&M Essential Business Services, GuyVision Network, Sterling Products Ltd., Massy Distribution, Maggies Cater-

Saturday December 10, 2022

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Some vast changes in your community could take place, Aries. They're positive, for the most part. Today the news should spread widely, and you could be hearing about it from all sides - local newspapers

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Taurus, you might choose to do some volunteer work today or help a friend. This could make you aware of a talent you didn't know you had. It could pave the way to more income.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Today you might wake up feeling that you can move mountains - and this might be exactly what you set out to do, figuratively speaking.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Today you could recapture the joy in life that you had as a child, Cancer. You're serious by nature, and feelings of joy are to be lived and treasured. You could be experiencing true flow.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Projects involving a group, perhaps your entire community, could take up a lot of your time, Leo. Interesting news and stimulating conversations could come your way.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

New ideas for your career could be on your mind, Virgo. You might be thinking not only about getting a new job but also entering an entirely new field.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Continued success and good luck should have you feeling charged up to move ahead with plans and ideas. Your energy and enthusiasm are high, Libra. You're likely thinking about expanding your horizons.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Don't be surprised if sometime during the day you feel angry for no apparent reason, Scorpio. It's probably rooted in the past, from a situation that wasn't resolved long ago.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

This is a great day to start new enterprises with others, Sagittarius. Possible gatherings with friends or group activities could lead to ideas for new projects that fire your energy and enthusiasm.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Activities of some kind could put you in the public eye today, Capricorn. Some work you've done well might bring you richly deserved acknowledgement.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Changes to your chosen field are indicated, Aquarius. Ideas from other states or countries might fire your creativity. Your intellectual or artistic interests could take on a new dimension.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A sum of money above and beyond your usual income could come your way. This could be a bonus, settlement, or even a gift of some kind.

ing Inc, Banks DIH, Ansa Mc Al, Guyana Beverages, Clear Waters, Tulsiram Construc-

Neser leads Australia...

From page 22 cause. Without injured spearheads Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales, debutant quick Marquino Mindley only bowled two overs after suffering a hamstring injury early on day one.

It was hard-luck for an exhausted Mindley, who had arrived in Adelaide from the Caribbean just 48 hours before the Test as injury cover.

With injuries piling up and outclassed over two days, West Indies are spiralling to an inevitable defeat unless their rising star Chanderpaul can conjure something miraculous on day three.

Match dertails: West Indies 102 for 4 (Chanderpaul 47*, Neser 2-20) trail Australia 511 for 7 dec (Head 175, Labuschagne 163, Thomas 253) by 409 runs

National Sports Commission, Toucan Industries, Ad Teck

tion, Fernandes Bakery,

and Dolphin Swim Family, for your sterling contribution to a successful Meet.

Mikhail DaSilva of Guyana Brewery Inc distributed medals to the top performers.

Neser leads Australia charge under lights after Head’s run-out anguish

(Cricinfo) - An accurate Australia attack menaced with the pink ball under lights to leaveWest Indies in disarray after day two of the secondTestinAdelaide.

InresponsetoAustralia’s mammoth first innings, set up by big centuries from Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, West Indies limpedtostumpsat102for4 with their hopes of a serieslevelling victory appearing forlorn.

After a memorable debut 12 months ago in the Adelaide Ashes Test, recalled Michael Neser was relentless with his accuracy outsideoffstumpandhewas rewardedwiththewicketsof captain Kraigg Brathwaite andShamarhBrooks.

Unlike West Indies’ uninspired attack, who claimedjustsevenwicketsin 137 overs, Australia consistently threatened with

quicks Scott Boland and MitchellStarcunluckynotto breakthrough.

O n l y Ta g e n a r i n e

Chanderpaul, son of legendary batter Shivnarine, defied the attack through patience and well-judged leaves against probing seam bowling from Australia’s quicks.

After an impressive debut with scores of 51 and 45 in the first Test, Chanderpaul continued to dig in and occasionally showed flair, including a sweepforsixagainstspinner NathanLyon.

With his confidence increasing, Chanderpaul u n l e a s h e d a b o l d counterattack before stumps and smashed a couple of short deliveries from allrounder Cameron Green totheboundary

Chanderpaul again upstagedhisseniorbattersas

West Indies’ chances of a strong reply nosedived Theirhopeshadrestedoninform openers Chanderpaul and Brathwaite, who had gutsy partnerships of 78 and 116inPerth.

B r a t h w a i t e w a s particularlyoutstandingwith scoresof64and110,butthis was a different challenge against the pink ball under lights.

Despite having a penchant for swing, Neser was held back until the 10th over but he made an impact q u i c k l y b y h a v i n g Brathwaitecaughtbehindoff a perfect line and length delivery

Neser almost added another but dropped Brooks in a tough one-handed return chance after diving to his left. It didn’t matter with Neser shortly after removing Brooks, who played as a concussion sub in the first

Test,withanalmostidentical delivery that dismissed Brathwaite.

Lyoncameintotheattack in the 21st over and immediatelylookedfarmore threatening than counterpart Roston Chase, who did little bar release the pressure seemingly every time he bowled in Australia’s first innings.

Lyon got among the wickets by removing Jermaine Blackwood with a return catch, while Green bowled debutant Devon Thomas shortly before stumps to strengthen Australia’s stranglehold after a mighty batting effort earlier

Stand-in skipper Steven Smith endedAustralia’s first innings shortly before tea in their third straight declaration in this one-sided two-Testseries.

Head and Labuschagne d o m i n a t e d a n underwhelming West Indies

attack with big centuries in a 297-run stand, the third highest fourth wicket partnership for Australia againstWestIndies.

Coming together with Australia at 131 for 3, after the quick wickets of Usman Khawaja and Smith for a d u c k , H e a d a n d Labuschagne were almost flawless on a battingfriendly Adelaide Oval surface.

Such was their ease, it seemed like a formality that Head and Labuschagne would reach double centuries but they both surprisinglymissedout.

Labuschagne fell for 163 late in the first session when he was caught behind off Thomas, whose handy seamers were a revelation, while Head was run out on 175 just after the dinner break.

Hometown hero Head had cruised past his highest Testscoreof161butdisaster

struckwhenhewasinvolved inamixupwithGreen.

Head’s fifth Test ton was marked by belligerence, continually plundering boundaries through the off side,whileLabuschagnewas technically sound and didn’t require good fortune which he sometimes seems to have inspades.

Labuschagnehithisthird straight ton to start the series and also passed 3000 Test runs in just his 51st innings with only Sir Donald Bradman reaching the landmark faster for an Australiabatter

West Indies had no answers and once again rued sloppy bowling, while Brathwaite’s tactics were rather puzzling underlined by often not implementing a gully in a conservative move.

He was generally reactionary, but a secondstringattackdidn’thelphis (Continued on page 21)

Nathan Lyon celebrates the wicket of Jermaine Blackwood (Getty Images)

Messi, Martinez saves the day for Argentina

BBC - Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream lives on afterArgentinaedgedoutthe Netherlands on penalties after a hugely dramatic quarter-final at Lusail Stadium.

Messi looked to have inspired Argentina into a last-four meeting with Brazil’s conquerors Croatia when he set up Nahuel Molina’s opener 10 minutes before the break and then added the second from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute after Denzel Dumfries fouled Marcos Acuna.

Louis van Gaal, in his final game as Dutch coach, wentforbrokeanditpaidoff as substitute Wout Weghorst led a sensational comeback by scoring twice, the second following an audacious freekick routine 11 minutes into stoppagetime.

A game of many flashpoints and more than a dozen yellow cards went to penalties, during which Aston Villa’s Argentina keeper Emi Martinez emerged as the hero, saving from Virgil van Dijk and StevenBerghuis.

Messi scored his penalty and even though pressure mounted on Argentina when Enzo Fernandez dragged his spot-kick wide, Lautaro

Martinez made the decisive contribution to spark wild scenesofcelebration.

The ecstasy in the vast stands at Lusail Stadium and among Argentina’s players carried extra joy because they knew how close they came to throwing away a position of comfort in this thunderous World Cup quarter-final.

Argentina were cruising with a two-goal lead in the final10minutesbuteventhe

hordesofblueandwhiteclad fans were silenced momentarily as their team, seemingly gripped by d e s p e r a t i o n a s t h e Netherlands utilised the giant duo of Weghorst and Luuk de Jong, conceded thosetwolategoals.

ItneededEmiMartinez’s rescue act in the penalty shootout, although it was Argentina making all the running and the Dutch hanging on in the extra

period, with Enzo Martinez hittingthepostwithvirtually the last kick of the added period.Argentina held their nervetowintheshootoutand

will now meet Croatia in the semi-finals after they also won on penalties against Brazil, a result which added another layer to the celebrations as they not only saw a historic rival go out, but also one of the main threats to their hopes of winningtheWorldCup.

This was a close-run thing for Argentina but they now stand only one game away from reaching the World Cup final, having falling victim to one of the biggest shocks of the tournament when they lost their opening game to Saudi Arabia.

LouisvanGaaldisguised what was surely bitter disappointment in his final game as Netherlands coach as he clasped opposite number Lionel Scaloni in a warm embrace at the conclusion of a sometimes chaoticquarter-final.

VanGaalmusthavebeen dreaming of another World Cup semi-final to follow

2014, which he lost on penalties toArgentina, when the Netherlands drew level intheclosingsecondsofthat lengthy period of added time.

And what an equaliser it was, a superb free-kick routine which fooled Argentina completely as they waited for Tein Koopmeiners to shoot, only for him to slip a perfect pass into the waiting Weghorst to score.

Van Gaal can leave his post with his head held high, as can his team, after they showed resilience and character to overcome Argentina’s supremacy, only to lose out on the lottery of penalties.

Time will tell whether 71-year-old Van Gaal, an occasionally divisive but always a charismatic and entertaining figure, will resurface elsewhere but his finale as Dutch coach was a case of so near and yet so far againinaWorldCup.

The Magician, Lionel Messi celebrating Argentina’s dramatic win over the Netherlands (Bleacher Report photo)

Croatia sends Brazil dancing out the World Cup

BBC - Tournament favourites Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup on penalties as Croatia kept their nerve to edge throughtothesemi-finals.

Croatia, beaten finalists four years ago, scored with all four of their spot-kicks as Rodrygo - taking his team’s first kick - was denied by the brilliant Dominik Livakovic and Marquinhos’ crucial fourtheffortstruckthepost.

As the ball hit the foot of the woodwork and bounced away, Croatia’s team sprinted to celebrate with their goalkeeper, while the Brazil players hit the turf, knowing their dream of a sixth crown had come to an end. After an engrossing 90 minutes, Tite’s men thought they had won it in extra time

when Neymar scored a thumping effort to equal Brazil’s ‘official’ men’s goalscoringrecord.

But substitute Bruno Petkovic had other ideas, stroking in a 117th-minute equaliser with Croatia’s first shot on target in the match to take the game to the nerveshreddingshootout.

And it was the European side who emerged victorious once more, having done so by the same method against Japan in the last 16, to set up asemi-finalmeetingwiththe Netherlands or Argentina on Tuesday

Thiswasn’tinthescript.

Brazil were supposed to dancethroughtothelastfour in their quest for another star on their shirt but their hopes were ended in the cruellest

fashion.

Neymar, who scored his 77th international goal to equal Pele’s official mark, now shares a record recognised by Fifa but not the national team - as they also counted goals netted by

their three-time World Cup winner in friendlies against clubsides.

And the Paris StGermainforwardwillnotget the opportunity to surpass t h e l e g e n d a t t h i s tournament, as Brazil suffered woe against a European nation once again. Since beating Germany in

the 2002 final, they have been knocked out of five successive World Cups by a teamfromEurope.

This was supposed to be Neymar’s moment, standing up for his side when they needed him most with a clinical finish to complete a slick team move, but he was left in tears after the shootout. He should have won it for them in normal timebutneitherhenorLucas Paqueta could find a way past the inspired Livakovic, whomadeatotalof11saves, the most by a goalkeeper at thistournament.

Though most were routine, Livakovic had to be in the right place at the right time to make the stop and he certainly was with Brazil’s first penalty, diving the right way to push out Rodrygo’s strike.

Croatia are a well-

organised and stubborn outfit, but they did not manage a shot on target until threeminutesfromtheendof extra time, as Petkovic’s side-footerbeatAlisson.

Zlatko Dalic’s men displayed their mental fortitude and powers of endurance once more to go through - as eight of their past nine knockout matches at major tournaments have nowtickedintoextratime.

Once this one went to penalties, Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, the evergreen Luka Modric and Mislav Orsic were all successful with their efforts, while Neymar was not among the first four Brazilians penaltytakers, left to take a decisive fifthwhichnevercame.

The second successive shootout success for Croatia sends them through to their thirdWorldCupsemi-final.

MVP Sports Futsal Tournament

The day of reckoning is finally at hand – the Petra organised MVP Sports F u t s a l To u r n a m e n t concludes its third edition with the finals in the Men’s and Women’s Divisions, tonight, at the National Gymnasiumfrom20:00hrs.

Eight teams will turn out tonight across the two divisions as the third place showdown in the Women’s category gets proceedings underway That match will featurePolicegoinghead-tohead with GT Panthers, with the winner carting off $50,000 while the loser will havetosettlefor$25,000.

After that, the Men will spring into action with the third place battle between Gold is Money and Stabroek Ballers.

The victor in this showdownpockets$200,000 while the unfortunate team walksawaywith$100,000.

The ladies’ champion will then be decided as Tiger Bay and Fruta Conquerors collide in the finale from 22:00 hrs The Women’s champion steps away with $200,000whiletherunnerup takes home $100,000 for

theireffort.

The final match of the evening has the MVP Sports Trophy on the line with an expected kick off time of 23:00hrs.

That match will see Future Stars and former champion, Bent Street, lay it allonthelineforthetopprize of$500,000.

The team that does not triumphinthefinaleexitsthe tournament with a $300,000 purse while the Most Valuable Player (MVP) rides

away with the new 49cc motorcycle, donated by Luminous Automotive & Motors.

Forthefans,therewillbe two winners as the MVP Sports gate prize and the Luminious A&M gate prize areupforgrabs.

A lucky fan will win the $10,000 MVP Sports gift voucherwhiletheluckierfan rides away with the other motorcycle, donated by LuminiousA&M.

Admissionis$1,000.

Dominik Livakovic pulled off some crucial saves for Croatia in the penalty shootout.

UG awards Sir Clive Lloyd with Honourary Doctorate

Guyana’s premier tertiary institution, the University of Guyana (UG) on Friday awarded the HonouraryDegreeofDoctor of Letters to legendary Guyanese cricketer, Sir Clive Hubert Lloyd, at its 56thConvocationexerciseat theNationalCulturalCentre.

Universities, colleges, andotherlearnedinstitutions awardtheHonouraryDegree

row Sir Clive led West Indies to victory over AustraliaatLordsinthefinal of the inaugural Cricket World Cup tournament in 1975. Four years later he again led West Indies to the world title when they beat England again at the historic venue.

He was also the first West Indian player to earn 100internationalcaps.

choose me to be awarded w i t h a n H o n o u r a r y Doctorate.”

M e a n w h i l e , t h e distinguished Guyanese congratulated the graduands on their achievements

“Three thousands of you… day in day out; morning, noon and night, ultimately completing all of your c h a l l e n g e s a n d assignments you made

your family proud, I can attest to that, I’ve been in their shoes,” he said adding that “the nation’s progress restsinyourarms.”

In his address, Sir Clive Lloyd spoke about domestic abuse,racismandsport.Asit relatestoSport,thehonouree said that he is pleased that m o r e p e r s o n s a r e appreciating sport in the country even as he called on

the relevant authorities to upgrade the Providence Stadium labelling it as a stadium with “immense potential”.

“In that regard, perhaps wemightbeginbyupgrading the Providence Stadium that most recently demanded worldwide attention... This is a stadium with immense potential,” he said while calling for the stadium to be

upgraded to international standards.

“The enlightened administration charge with the responsibility of such major improvements must add personality…by naming the stadium and the perspective stands after international sportsmen that made Guyana and the Caribbean proud,” Sir Clive Lloydsaid.

of Doctor of Letters, to individuals identified as rare exemplars and who have enriched the humanities. Sir CliveLloydwasawardedfor being a “son of the soil” who has served Guyana and the West Indies with pride and dignity Now 78-years-old, Sir Clive Lloyd who was born in Queenstown, Georgetown,Demerara,then British Guiana is the holder ofaCommanderoftheOrder of the British Empire (CBE) medal. The CBE Award was conferred on him for his services to the world of cricket. The former West Indies captain, one of the most successful in the game’shistory,playedin110 Tests and 87 One-Day Internationals. He made his TestdebutinDecember1966 against India. He captained the West Indies between 1974-84.

During his captaincy, West Indies had a run of 27 matches without defeat, which included 11 wins in a

After retiring Sir Clive coached the West Indies and worked for the International Cricket Council (ICC) During his acceptance speech, Sir Clive Lloyd said, “I cannot help the gush with prideandemotions.”“Words cannot explain how proud I a m , t o h a v e b e e n i n v i t e d a n d t o simultaneously be conferred w i t h a n H o n o u r a r y Doctorate by this institution, whichiseasilyrankedasone of the most distinguished doctorates marking my life andcareer,”Lloydsaid.

He said he was bestowed with five Honourary Doctorates, “but none ranks higher than today’s conferral bytheUniversityofGuyana, here in the country of my birth ” Sir Clive Lloyd thankedtheUniversityforits Kind Gesture, adding, “I thank the special conferral committee of University of Guyana for your gracious c o n s i d e r a t i o n a n d consequent decision to

Sir Clive Hubert Lloyd after receiving his Honourary Doctorate from the University of Guyana.

Croatia sends Brazil dancing out

Lautaro Martinez was exceptional for Argentina in goal

Tagenarine Chanderpaul slog sweeps for six (Getty Images)

Dominik Livakovic chased and his Croatian teammates in celebration after pulling off a game-winning save against Brazil’s Marquinhos. (Bleacher Report photo)

Tyrese Dennis pushes past a Stabroek Ballers player during the semifinal round.