Kaieteur News

Expert urges Govt. to be wary of

ExxonMobil's tactics

Ex x o n M o b i l

Corporation, one of the world's most powerful oil majors, does not easily accept penalties handed down to it by State Agencies. It is swift to use its legal might to outmaneuver Authorities. It will even employ out-ofcourttacticstogetitsway.

Legacy Oil Producer, Trinidad and Tobago learned this early on in its dealings with the hydrocarbon giant. In fact, one of its homegrown experts and energy Strategists, Anthony Paul, provided deep insight into a case where Exxon avoided paying T&T Authorities a US$50Mfinebackin2002.

Paul in an interview with the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI) explained that the oil giant was slapped with a hefty penalty by State Regulators after failing to honouracommitmenttodrill twowells.

The Industry Expert noted that Exxon did not accept it must pay the fine. Instead, the oil giant went

above the heads of the technocrats and straight to the Government to negotiate its own deal which Paul also highlighted, “had limited inputs from the technical or commercialexperts.”

The negotiation turned out to be a success for Exxon asitwasabletoavoidpaying thepenalty.

I n e x c h a n g e f o r nonpayment, Exxon said it would perform some seismic i n t e r p r e t a t i o n a n d development drilling in TT's Trinmar acreage and partner with Petrotrin, a state-owned company, to produce any additional reserves it is able toidentify

During a follow-up interview with Kaieteur News on the foregoing case, Paul was careful to note that what he described to CCSI is not unique to TT, the oil industry nor is it the sole domain of international firms.

The Energy and Strategy Advisor said that local companies and individuals engage in similar techniques to earn favour While there

are often legitimate reasons for sidelining established norms, Paul stressed that thosedoingsoshouldalways be doing it in the country's best interest and should be able to demonstrate this to thepublic.

He said the lesson for Guyana and other countries new to oil and gas, is that, there will always be the need forahigherauthoritytomake a decision 'above the pay grade' of operations personnel in the regulatory body

“However, Politicians should be assisted in making therightdecisionsandnotlet others play on their egos or lack of experience by having readily available the right tools and information to do so,”Paulstated.

T h e P e t r o l e u m Consultant added, “We cannot blame Politicians for making the wrong decisions if those charged to regulate don't anticipate and prepare for such conditions. In order to do that, regulators in new producing countries should themselves be prepared and

assisted in developing these toolsandprocedures.”

PREVENTING UNDUE INFLUENCE /CORRUPTION

Further to this, Paul said what is required for good governance, particularly wherepublicgoodsormoney are concerned, is a system of accountability,whereinthose making decisions, do so in a manner that is consistent, transparent, and auditable. In other words, he said there should be Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),withclearguidelines as to what factors are to be taken into account, what e v i d e n c e m u s t b e presented/assessed and what criteria are used to evaluate and compare different options.

In addition, at each stage, there should be different individuals responsible for evaluating the situation and making recommendations for materially significant decisions and for approving same.

Both the level of value, subjecttosuchprocedureand the responsible individuals (either by office or role) should be clearly defined in SOPs.

Paul who has 40 years in petroleum and mining, cautioned that companies are very good at understanding g o v e r n m e n t s a n d establishing very robust relations pathways and procedures. He said that they identify the key decisionmakers and influencers and build strong interpersonal relations of trust between t h e m a n d c o m p a n y employees/ contractors/ advisors/ partners, often to the level where those

decision-makers and influencers give more credence to the company relationship with the manager than to their own technocrats.

“Sorelationship-building works on very human characteristics, and is nuanced from country to country and from person to person. Therefore, power doesn't always have to come from the barrel of a gun or from a bank book,” the Trinidadian concluded on thismatter

Overall, he said this is a key lesson Guyana should take heed of as it pursues the development of its oil bonanza.

- says company went above and beyond to avoid paying a US$50M penalty in T&T

PublishingCompanyLtd 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Where else in the world does a Government operate like this?

It is becoming more obvious that we do things in reverse order in this country It is as if we make plans to build a house, and actually start the project before those responsible for approvingtheprojectplansgivethegreenlighttodoso. Or,we have a risky business moving full speed ahead, and only then begin to make a determined effort to obtain some level of insurancecoverage. Thishasbeenthestoryandthestandardof what has been happening with our management of the nation’s oilbusiness.

Guyaneseownthisoilasset,butfromallindications,itisas if they don’t count, and are reduced to helpless bystanders, totally ignored. Guyana’s Politicians, the ones vested with the power, come across as impotent, conspiratorial, or working againstthebestinterestsofthecitizenswhentheirleadershipof this valuable oil sector is analyzed. Foreigners reap rich benefits from Guyana’s oil, while the Guyanese people are left tosuckair,andwonderiftheywillevergettheirrightfulshare, the right degree of representation, and the right package of resultswiththisgreatnaturalresourceendowmentthatisgifted tothem.ThelatestforeigngrouptostrikeitrichfromGuyana’s oil is French. France’s Vallourec has just signed up with ExxonMobil to supply tens of thousands of metric tons of pipeline and another couple thousand metric tons of ‘innovativeanduniquematerialdevelopedbythesameFrench company(“FrenchCo.awardedcontracttosupplypipelinesfor fifth unapproved project’, KN December 2). While the total dollaramountofthedealbetweenExxonMobilandVallourecis unknownatthistime,itissuretobemanymillionsofAmerican dollars. The key thing to note is that the materials are for Guyana’s fifth project, Uaru, which is still unapproved by the GuyanaGovernment.

How could this be? In which other country in the world does something like this happen? What is the use of Government in Guyana? Do we even need Government here, when decisions and development related to the biggest thing ever to hit Guyana are being made, as if our Government does not exist? Or, as if it doesn’t matter what the PPP/C Government approves or doesn’t approve, the fifth project is goingtoproceedanyway?

On the other hand, there could be something else at work, given what ExxonMobil and Vallourec are doing. That is, something that is treacherous and says so much about how this country’s oil business is being conducted. It is not improper to think that, considering the great assurance of ExxonMobil in awarding contracts like these, and to commit its capital, some secret, backdoor agreement or understanding has been finalized between the PPP/C Government leadership and the American oil superpower It is not the first instance of the manifestation of this kind of confidence on the part of ExxonMobilinhowitoperatesinGuyana’soilsector

Several months ago, another European company had already started pipeline work in relation to the gas to energy project that is to terminate at Wales. Just as the situation now stands with the fifth project (Uaru), the Wales project was also not officially approved at that time. But expensive works had started,onlyforGuyanesetofindoutmonthslater Wehaveto ask the same question again: which Government, what kind of leaders, oversee a trillion-dollar national patrimony in this manner? Because of what has occurred, this can never be considered, even by the most negligible standards, to be what represents clean governance, and trusted leadership. Crucial developments are happening in secret, and locals are only findingoutafterthefact.

We at this publication strongly wish for all Guyanese to get the best out of its oil wealth. This can only happen when our Leaders are straight with us, and deal with ExxonMobil-led consortium in an aboveboard manner When ExxonMobil can go out and often finalize multi-million dollar contracts with suppliers for unapproved projects, this tells us that our Leaders are working behind our backs and to our extreme disadvantage What Guyanese now live with since the discovery of oil is not Government,butgangsterismunderofficialcover?

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Why an Expression of Interest? Marriott Sale!

DEAREDITOR,

financial information be made public instead of an open, transparent public TheGovernment’sintentiontosell and accessible to all interested parties. Tender? the taxpayers’ funded Marriott Hotel An open tendering process ought to be Whynotapublicofferoftheshares viaanExpressionofInteresthasraised followed instead of a mere Expression to local investors so that this asset, many questions on its intent. It is ofInterest. which Guyanese taxpayers paid for, is widely felt that the Government’s The Expression of Interest passedontoGuyanese. policy of encouraging investments in advertised requires interested parties The writing on the wall is clear the Hotel sector conflicts with its to submit audited accounts, a bank The Government has already selected ownership of the Marriott Hotel, and commitmentletterandshownetworth who it wants to pass on this state asset therefore the proposed sale of the of US$250M. The US$250M would to and is using an Expression of Hotelisrecommended. excludeallGuyaneseInvestorswhilea interesttoexcludeothers.

Therefore in the interest of bank letter is not possible without Let’s see how effective are the securing the best price, an open, audited financial accounts of the Opposition Parties and the Private transparent process should be Hotel, which the Government refused Sector in addressing this attempted, undertaken. This would involve topublish. corruptact. having all audited accounts and other WhythenanExpressionofInterest

Glenn Lall

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

MOH UNEQUIVOCALLY REJECTS AUBREY

NORTON’S LATEST DESPERATE

RANTINGS

DEAREDITOR, $US97M in the first phase advanced Level 3 hospital, between 2015 and 2020, Every week, Aubrey allocated to build new with more operating they caused the health sector Norton as the leader of the hospitals in four hinterland theatres, CT and more to regress, a price Guyanese PNC/RandtheLeaderofthe communities and with the advanced diagnostic are paying for today It is the Opposition tries desperately redevelopment of Linden capacity? Is it because he PPP that is remedying the to emulate Bharat Jagdeo and New Amsterdam fears that this would win assault on the health sector when Bharat Jagdeo was the Hospitals and the GPHC, he support for the PPP in his that was shamelessly Leader of the Opposition. dismissed the project as stronghold? Why is it that launched by the PNC-led Few Opposition Leaders in another scheme by the PPP Norton would not want the APNU/AFC between 2015 CARICOM’shistorywereas Government to facilitate NewAmsterdam Hospital to and2020. effective as Bharat Jagdeo corruption to benefit be redeveloped to serve as a Norton further exposes who excelled as the Leader supportersofthePPP Itisan level 5 hospital, with MRI his cluelessness when he of the Opposition such that utterly baseless statement, and CT with double the referred to an IDB Report the PNC-led APNU/AFC one that exposes the present operating theatre that placed Guyana second had its time in Government visionless and clueless capacity and with a capacity tolastintheRegionbasedon curtailed to a single term approach of the PNC and its for cardiac interventions? access to care. This was an after the people rejected Leaders to the development And why would he not want IDB Report based on an them in the March 2020 ofGuyanaandtheGuyanese t h e G o v e r n m e n t t o assessment in 2019/2020 for general and regional people. In alleging that these redeveloptheGPHCtoserve access to care for COVIDelections Even as we are merely corruption-based as a genuine referral 19. The report exposes the acknowledge the brilliance initiatives, Norton also hospital, with an advanced unconscionable response of of Bharat Jagdeo as an characterizes the IDB as orthopedic service, full- t h e A P N U / A F C Opposition Leader, we also corrupt because all scale cardiac surgery and Government when by must bemoan the fact that p r o c u r e m e n t a n d CARICOM’s leading August 2020 there was Aubrey Norton, so far as the implementation must meet transplantcentre? barely any capacity for Leader of the Opposition, theapprovaloftheIDB. Which of these plans is COVID-19 testing when the has distinguished himself in Does Aubrey Norton based on a corruption ICU capacity of the country the opposite direction, with truly believe that Lethem, scheme? The fact is that the was limited to 12 ventilatorfew Opposition Leaders in Moruca, Kamarang and plans announced for supported ICU beds, when CARICOM’s history ever as Kato do not deserve new cooperation between the there was barely any ineffectiveandcluelessashe hospitals? Is it because these PPP Government and the isolation capacity for is. communities are largely IDB is part of a vision and a COVID-19 patients when

Inaninvitedcommenton Amerindian communities plantocompletelytransform more than $2B was spent on theGovernmentofGuyana’s which are majority- t h e p h y s i c a l a n d

retrofitting an old hotel and successful negotiation of a supporters of the PPP? Why technological infrastructure leavingitinAugust2020asa $US160M CLIP loan with would Norton not want the of the health sector by 2025. shell. He brazenly and the IDB for the development Regional Hospital at Linden N o r t o n ’ s P N C - l e d shamelesslyleftthescandal of the health sector, with to be developed into an APNU/AFC legacy was that (Continued on page 6)

THE POLITICS OF PRESENCE

DEAREDITOR,

a r t i c u l a t i o n a n d

All around us we witness representation of ethnic t h e d e m a n d f o r interests are being ‘representation by presence’ disingenuous. They do not in calls for ‘diversity’ in mention that, to our credit, Institutions.Womenhaveled we recognise the interests of this struggle in the modern one such ethnic group – our era. In our own Guyana, the Indigenous brothers and law demands that thirty sisters–andenshrinethemin percent of the members of our Constitution. The sky Parliament must be women. hasn’t fallen because of that T h i s i s a n o p e n recognition. There are no acknowledgement that complaints because women must represent their Indigenous Peoples are views by their presence. The paternalistically viewed as m o s t c o n t e n t i o u s ‘wards’. They are not so proposition in Guyana, of sanguine about African and course, is that analogously, IndianGuyanese. the representation ethnic One more trenchant perspectives and interests criticism is that while must also be effected by the acknowledging that there ‘presence’ of the said ethnic may be ethnic perspectives members. and interests, some hold that

My own efforts in this these don’t have be area – to suggest that we represented by the actual openly talk about and deal presence of the particular with ethnic interests in ways ethnics. This position – the that include the ‘politics of representation of ideas –presence’ - have received posits that once the interests quite a hostile reception, to of a group are identified, saytheleast.Manyinsistthat anyone can then represent suchtalkis“divisive”. them The representative

Never mind that even ‘acts’ for the group as their more virulent and divisive agent. This of course was “talk” goes on under bottom what the Europeans said of houses and now, social the various natives they media But those who encounteredduringtheir complain of the open (Continued on page 6)

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

THE POLITICS OF PRESENCE

MOH UNEQUIVOCALLY REJECTS...

From page 5

systematically excluded fears – in a word, their ‘noble venture’ to spread f r o m r e p r e s e n t i n g perspective.Thisisnottosay their civilisation.They could themselves – the very act of that there is no value in the represent slaves, for representation serves at the representationof‘ideas’fora instance, since they (the very minimum, to uplift group. Europeans) knew what was them by demonstrating that Some representation is in the best interests of the their voices and concerns better than nothing. In like slaves. Many men still don’t havevalue. vein, it is not to say that the see why all the fuss for Their presence also presence of members of a women to represent their serves to inhibit the others group guarantees their interests by their own from continuing with acts or proper representation. We presence. speechthatdenigratethemas Guyanese are only too Marxists were in the part and parcel of their familiarwithtokenism–beit forefront in their rejection of oppression. When Africans ethnic or gender We have to the ‘politics of presence’. and Coloureds, for instance, combine the ‘ideas’ of the Afterall,howelsecouldthey began to enter the Combined group with the presence of j u s t i f y a b u n c h o f Court back in the nineteenth the group. Especially when “intellectuals” representing century it inhibited the there had been systematic the“working”class. planters in denigrating exclusion. But the Marxists’ them.

Wehaveemphasisedthat experience with that form of The bottom line is that Guyana is now a nation of representation exposed its even if the representatives of minorities so that any party weaknesses– not the least one group are quite serious winning an election must being that the working class about representing another have ‘cross-ethnic’ support. who were supposed to rule self-identified group, the But to eliminate real or never themselves got a shot continued ethnic voting perceived tokenism and atholdingthesceptre. signals that something vital ensure the representation of They had to continue mightbelost. presence we have proposed with their ‘heroic’task of That ‘something” is the ethnic caucuses in the major working. When a group has livedexperienceofthegroup parties – along the lines of been historically and – the hopes, aspirations, the Black and Hispanic Caucuses in the US democratic system PM Mark Phillips has begun this process which can be widened.

We have allowed others to speak for us during our entirehistoryandthescarsof tokenismpersist.Isn’tittime we speak for ourselves to eachother?Aboutthekindof Guyana we want going forward? That’s what the political system should now facilitate.

Sincerely, Ravi Dev

From page 5

sole-sourced contract. The of 2018, more than $346M of the COVID-19 response open-bidding process that worth of medicines from caused by APNU/AFC has been employed by the contracts in 2015/2016 were which he now leads at the PPP Government is in direct not delivered There are feet of the PPP It is the PPP contrast to the sole-sourcing manyexamplesofmedicines that immediately after that became the norm andmedicalsuppliesthatare August2020transformedthe between 2015 and 2020 stillowingfrom2016/2017. COVID-19 response.Within when APNU-AFC simply The MOH has tried to months, one of the most sole-sourced from their ensure that all procurement aggressivetestingregimesin donorsandfriends. is through public tender In CARICOM was established Norton, taking his cue cases where sole sourcing is inGuyana,movingfromless from Kaieteur News, an the only credible procedure than 10 tests per day to more entity whose fake news has available, it is used, but only than 500 per day with a become Norton’s bible, also after obtaining NPTAB capacity of several thousand referred to the Auditor approval. A case in point is p e r d a y T h e P P P General Report 2021 that theprocurementofvaccines. Government took the Ocean highlighted the fact that When Sinopharm vaccines View hotel shell after $478M of medicines and were procured from APNU/AFCspentmorethan medical supplies were not Sinopharm, it was a direct $2B and transform it into a delivered in 2021 The purchase from Sinopharm. modern Infectious Disease Auditor General Report When Roche COVID-19 Hospital. Within weeks after 2021 simply highlighted that reagents were purchased for the COVID-19 vaccine throughout 2021 and 2022, the PCR COVID-19 test, it became available, Guyana medicines and medical was bought directly from the became one of the first supplies, like other goods, Roche-licensedagent. CARICOM countries to suffered from global Aubrey Norton must make COVID-19 vaccines shortages and long delays in answer to the people of available to all adults in transportation (logistical regions 1,7,8 and 9 why he Guyana. delays).ThisisnotaGuyana opposes the construction of

The IDB report did problem, nor has it been new level 3 hospitals to mention poor access to caused by the PPP replace hospitals that could hospital-based care in Government. In addition, as not even meet the standards hinterland communities pointed out by the Auditor of level 2 hospitals in Ironically, the bulk of the General Report 2021, the Lethem Kamarang, Kato $US97M IDB funding is M i n i s t r y ’ s 2 0 2 1 andMoruca.Hemusttellthe intended to significantly procurement included people of regions 1,7,8 and 9 improve hospital-based care COVID-19 supplies that why IDB resources that will in these regions, the very would have been needed in ensure a comprehensive thing Norton attacks. If this 2022 and, therefore, were telemedicine program to isnotcluelessness,whatthen subjected to delayed or reduce referral and travel to isit? “staggered” delivery The GPHC are corrupt. He must

Norton repeats the same MOH several weeks ago also tell Region 10 and the false allegations that clarified that since then most people of Linden why they Kaieteur News made a few of the supplies have been do not deserve an upgrade of weeks ago when they delivered. the present hospital to completely misrepresented The MOH reiterates that deliver comprehensive theAuditorGeneral’sReport inAugust2020,itinheriteda Level 3 services. The last for 2021. He referred to a system steeped in sole upgrade of the Linden large local company which sourcing, such as the HBD Hospital was in 2006 when had contracts amounting to contract, resulting from a the PPP replaced the old over 50% of the total rejected restricted tender hospitalwithanewbuilding. procurement for medicines processinwhichonlyinvited The PNC-led APNU/AFC and medical supplies. Like bidders were allowed to did nothing to improve the the Kaieteur News, Norton tender and then after Linden Hospital. Now that a failed to mention that the disqualifying all of them, major upgrade of the Linden Auditor General simply reinvited each to resubmit Hospital has been proposed, listed all the suppliers, with newtendersandacceptedthe Norton is opposed to it. no assertion that anyone highest offer For example, Lindeners and Region 10 obtained any contract in that 2017 process, HBD’s will not forget this insult. through a breach of the price for Neulasta was Norton must explain to the procurement laws The $205,675, compared to the Guyanese people why specific company that $22,429 submitted by redevelopment of New Norton identified as a friend another company We Amsterdam Hospital to not of the PPP earned contracts remind people that examples just deliver a full level 4 to supply medicines and like the sole-sourcing of a package of service but allow medical supplies after buildingthatwasnothingbut it to function as a Level 5 winning publicly advertised a normal resident were facility is corruption. Norton tenders. In all cases, the rentedforalmost$15M(rent must also explain why the company earned contracts plus other charges) per redevelopment of the GPHC after submitting winning month dominate the MOH’s to allow it to perform as a bids to the NPTAB. The procurement landscape in full-fledged level 5 facility Auditor General never Guyana between 2015 and and a leading hospital in inferred that any of the 2020. Such total violation of CARICOMiscorrupt. contracts obtained by any the procurement laws does The MOH rejects the one of the suppliers was nothappenatthistime. baseless allegations made by obtained through any In addition, the MOH Aubrey Norton and will illegitimateprocedureorany inherited a system in which continue to remind people violation of the procurement suppliers routinely failed to how Norton rejected better laws of Guyana. None of the supply medicines and healthforourpeople. 2021 contracts, except for supplies they were fully paid Regards, the PAHO contract, was a for For example, at the end Ministry of Health

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

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Christmas in Guyana

Christmas is normally a happy time for Guyanese.

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Christmas today should be the happiest time ever for Guyanese.

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However, it’s not for many Guyanese at the bottom of the ladder.

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Weak and woeful Politicians prefer for Exxon to prosper.

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Clever and cruel local Politicians prefer for Guyanese to suffer.

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Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.

Please don’t tell that to Guyanese, who are hungry and hurting.

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Exxon saw to that sorry state.

The PPP/C Govt. ensures that it stays that way.

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Toddler dies in Corentyne accident as intoxicated firewoman loses control of car

Atwo-year-old child died on Friday and four others injured after a speeding car slammed into the motorcycle the child was being transported on along the Cumberland Public Road, East Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Dead is Jasmine Ross of Angoy's Avenue, New Amsterdam The injured persons have been identified as 8-year-old Shaniya McLeod, 10-year-old ShavineLaundry, 5-year-old Javeer Blair and Shaveh Laundry (occupants of the car) and motorcyclist Marley Ross.

Kaieteur News was informed that the speeding

vehicle was being driven by an intoxicated firewoman

The Firewoman was driving motor car, PGG-278, north on the western lane of the Cumberland Public Road when she lost control of the vehicle and skid onto the easternlane.

Her car collided with the motorcyclist Marley Ross with pillion rider Jasmine Ross. Ross was travelling south at a normal rate of speed. As a result of the impact, the toddler and the motorcyclist were pitched into the air and fell onto the parapet.

Thefirewoman'scarspun out of control and slammed into a nearby bridge and

fencebeforecomingtoahalt.

All of the persons involved in the accident were r u s h e d t o t h e N e w Amsterdam Public Hospital where Jasmine Ross was pronounceddeadonarrival.

Meanwhile,MarleyRoss, Blair (car occupant) and Laundry (car occupant) were examined by the Doctor on duty and was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital McLeod and Shaveh Laundry were also treatedanddischarged.

The firewoman was treated and taken into police custody A breathylizer test revealed her blood alcohol level was above the legal limit(.45micrograms).

The car driven by the intoxicated firewoman

Don’t get your hopes up as yet!

I find it hard to wrap my takes action against madetheissueofanapology form this should take and its t h a t t h e C a r i b b e a n mind around the contention individuals and not states. distinct from that of quantum. crystallizes its demands for being made locally that the Therefore the mere reparations even though the It is widely accepted that reparations into concrete Netherlands did not include a d m i s s i o n t h a t t h e United Nations defines an those responsible for the proposals. Guyanainitsapologyforthe Netherlands was complicit apology as a form of crime of slavery should be What is needed is Dutch’s role in the history of in a crime against humanity reparation The type of called upon to pay consensus as to the specific justicemovement. slavery Nothing could be would not open the doors to reparations that the CRC restitution. forms and quantum that (The views expressed in furtherfromthetruth. prosecutionbeforetheICC. wants goes beyond a mere Butlocallywehavehada reparations should take this article are those of the In his recent statement, Secondly, the Dutch apology suggestion made that the M e r e l y c a l l i n g f o r a u t h o r a n d d o n o t Dutch Prime Minister, Mark statement offers an apology Notwithstanding,thereis State of Guyana should offer engagement on the issue necessarily reflect the Rutee, said,“Iapologisefor for that country’s role in some significance in the reparations to African- does a great disservice to the opinions and beliefs of this the past actions of the Dutch slavery Thisapologyisquite Dutch statement. For one, it Guyanese. idea that we have arrived at n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s State: to enslaved people in distinct from other countries appears to have met the It is vitally necessary new phase of the reparatory affiliates.) the past, everywhere in the such as the United Kingdom criteria of a full and formal world who suffered as a and Denmark which have apology which was one of consequence of those apologized for its role in the the demands of the actions, as well as to their slave trade, and for France Caribbean Community The daughtersandsons,andtoall whichhaddeemedslaveryas apology acknowledges a their descendants, up to the acrimeagainsthumanity c r i m e a n d a s s u m e s presentday.” The Dutch statement responsibility

The fact that Guyana’s goesfurtherthanthoseofthe In his statement the name was not mentioned in other states because in it the Dutch Prime Minister said, the apology does not mean Netherlands accepts “… the Dutch State, in all its that the apology does not responsibilityforitsactions. manifestations through apply to Guyana. The Dutch TheDutch’sapologyand history, bears responsibility Empire spanned colonies in the admission that slavery as for the terrible suffering Europe, Africa, Asia and the a crime against humanity is inflicted on enslaved people Caribbean. It included, at believed to have stemmed andtheirdescendants.Sowe one time or the other, from an advisory Board cannot ignore the effects of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, report. thepastonthepresent.” Belgium, South Africa and The report had made a By conceding that the Malaysia, none of which numberofrecommendations Netherlands cannot ignore were mentioned in the including establishing a the effects of slavery on the formalapology research institute into present,opensthedoortothe

The statement by the slavery, creating greater possibility of future actions Prime Minister of the awareness of slavery, onrestitution.TheChairman Netherlands concedes that e s p e c i a l l y w i t h i n o f t h e C a r i b b e a n slavery was a crime against educational institutions, and Reparations Commission humanity However, the establishing a national has said that the apology and Caribbean should become facility (presumably a the acknowledgement that toohopeful.DutchLawdoes museum) to raise the slavery was a crime against not allow for the prosecution visibilityofslavery humanity, moves the in Dutch courts of crimes The statement issued by reparative justice movement againsthumanitywhichtook the Prime Minister of the intoanewphase. place prior to 2003, even Netherlands however says Presumably this phase is though crimes against nothing about financial or now about intensifying the humanity are not subject, economic restitution or struggle for reparations. In under international law, to reparations. this regard, it is not helpful anystatuteoflimitations. It should be noted that when there is no general The International the Caribbean Reparations consensus within the Criminal Court (ICC) also Commission (CRC) had Caribbean as to the precise

Dem Boys Seh…

Dem Politicians hiding from de press!

Merry Christmas to one body and De Prezzy like talk but he nah like hold everybody! Dem boys hope that all of you Press Conference. Dem boys boxing dem have a safe Christmas and nah overdo. Dem brains fuh remember when last he keep a hope some of ya’ll nah start looking through PressConference. yuh window at yuh neighbour because yuh De man trying fuh outdo Souljah Bai eyemightnotseewhatyuhlike who hardly used to keep Press Conferences. Lang ago it looked as if dem Politicians Is like de Prezzy blaming a game with de bin peeping. Dem bin using telescope fuh media: the more you see me, is the less yuh peep pun yuh. No matter weh yuh deh and know! whatyuhdoing,dempeepingyuh.

But de more de Government hide, de Asdemansehindesong,evenifyuhtry moredemgettingexpose.DeWaterfallBoss fuh hide in yuh verandah, dem coming with man exposing everything about de oil deal. helicopter fuh peep yuh. When yuh think And when he turn up at Press Conference, yuh sleeping, dem deh behind curtain dem does tell he fuh hurry up and ask he peeping. And when yuh bathing in de sea, question.Anddemdoesclaimhowheshaart dem coming with submarine with dem but he story long. But de man gat dem pun peeping. demtoes.

Well it look as if de peeping done and de He waking dem up and he waking up de hiding tekkin place. Now it look as if dem country!Nowonderdemhiding! Politicianshidingfromdepress Talk half. Leff half

Guyana: Ethnic entitlement and class struggle

I offer here a theory of have status, education and lawyer,JohnCarter reject the franchise for andCMCwererealizedin ethnic superiority and class wealth. When the PPP was born Indians. The MC and CMC two ways. The Indians competition from British I offered Norton the as a mass-based party with were not enamoured of dark thrown out in 1964 were Guiana to Guyana in 2022. I e x a m p l e o f H u g e Cheddi Jagan and Forbes skin Africans but tolerated back in power and the PNC put this theory to Aubrey Chomondeley, the father of Burnham, the MS and CMC them for two reasons – they now had a dark skin, Norton when he was the AFC big-wig, Cathy ensured that they had were of African blood and working class leader from in power and a dark skin guest on the Gildarie- Hughes. He was extremely representation in the their numbers were needed Linden - Robert Corbin. The working class leader from FreddieKissoonShow dark,whichmeanthedidnot hierarchy of the PPP They totakepower MS and CMC derecognized Linden was once more the The mulatto stratum have mulatto blood in him sent a contingent of CMC The MC and CMC knew Corbin and formed another leader of the PNC – Aubrey (MS) and the Creole middle but the CMC saw his as part personalitiesintothePPPled thatthePNCunderBurnham CMC entity- theAlliance for Norton. class (CMC) inherited a of their class and patronized by Martin Carter In my had the numbers, so they Change - with serious The MS and CMC want superiority complex by him heavily An elitist opinion, Carter remains one forged an alliance between members of the crème de la nothing to do with Norton. being the descendants of the m u l a t t o l i k e M i l e s of the most betraying the PNC and the NDP Both crèmeoftheCMC. They may remodel the AFC house slave system. There is Fitzpatrick was best friend politicians this country classes felt Burnham One of the brightest with Dominic Gaskin at the a n a n t h r o p o l o g i c a l withChomondoley produced and certainly, betrayed them and no moments of the MS and headandatthesametimeask distinction between the two The MS’ and CMC’s Guyana’smosthypocritical. intention of playing second CMC came about when the ABCEU embassies to categories The MS puts basic instinct was ethnic The fundamental, fiddle to them. In the 1970s, Corbin surrendered to them fund another middle class forward its agenda base on entitlement. They felt they quintessential drive of the the MS and CMC invented a and stepped down. Another party colour were the inheritors of the MS and CMC was to keep CMC organization to member of the crème de la

The dialectics cannot be They are mixed Africans post-colonial Caribbean by East Indians out of political overthrow Burnham named crème of the CMC became controlled and in 2022, 1984 with very light complexion. virtue of Western culture, power Both classes were the Working People’s the head of the PNC – David was reborn Not 1984 of The CMC consist of both Western education and class highly contemptuous of Alliance.Itfailedtodoso. Granger At the airport in George Orwell but of Cheddi light-coloured and brown standing They prepared Indians whom they felt were The assassination of Nassau,Bahamas,according Jagan and Burnham In 1984, and dark Guyanese. What themselves to take power unfit to have any place of Rodney drove the MS and to Raphael Trotman, he and they attempted class counts for CMC is the after the demise of importance in Guyanese CMCintohibernationuntilit Granger worked out a class solidarity in a power-sharing possession of high colonialism by forming their society Even a working becameactiveagainwiththe formula for the taking of model In 2022, a Jaganite education Darker CMC own organization – the class fighter like Hubert assumption to power of a power The Indians were presidentisreachingouttoall members will be accepted National Democratic Party Nathaniel Critchlow joined Creole, westernized, neo- oncemoredefeatedin2015. strata of African Guyanese culturallyiftheyaredarkbut (NDP) with MS elitist with the MS and CMC to liberal President, Desmond The dialectics that with development resources Hoyte The dialectics of worked against President beingoffered Nortonhastwo social forces were not on the Hoyte once more worked choices Confront President side of Hoyte because againstGranger In2020,the Ali and lose or repeat 1984 international society wanted MS and CMC lost power and as Francis Fukuyama global democratization Two types of nemesis described it, Guyana will Hoytelostpowerin1992. greeted the MS and CMC in reachtheendofhistory The worst fear of the MS 2020.The Indians were back

OGGN petitions for Exxon and partners to deliver parent company oil spill guarantee

…says company should be prosecuted for not following the law

With some 360,000 and stakeholders have is the operating company

c o n s o r t i u m o r i t s barrels of crude currently argued that the sum is and permit holder and is a affiliates/contractor have being pumped every day inadequate, the oil subsidiaryofExxonMobil. legal responsibilities. The from the offshore Stabroek companies have also failed “The permits have been aforementioned parent Block, and no full disclosure t o g i v e a w r i t t e n signed by authorised companies of consortium on how secure Guyana is commitment to cover all representatives of the parties members EEPGL, Hess and against oil spill disasters, liabilitiescausedbythespill. and are dated and sealed. CNOOC must comply with advocacy group, ‘Oil and The petition said that, EEPGL thus acknowledges the terms of the permits Gas Governance Network “We draw your attention to what it should do – that is, issued to the consortium and (OGGN)’ is calling on the failure of Guyana’s issuethelettersofguarantee. guarantee full liability citizens and other concerned Environmental Protection Thetimelimitallowedinthe coverage.” persons to sign its petition Agency(EPA)toenforcethe permits is long past. Thus, It was noted that Section demanding ExxonMobil and legal requirement for full EEPGL is in default of its 12.5 of the Environmental partnershonourtheiroilspill liability coverage by the legalobligations.” Permit issued to EEPGL by commitments.

parent companies –

The petition said that the the EPA for the Liza-2 oil contingent liabilities and discussions were ongoing The petition, which was ExxonMobil Corporation of intentions of the clauses on field, dated 17 January 2022 settlements costs, over and for the parent company started by Woman Activist, Irving, Texas; China full liability coverage are saysthat,“Thepermitholder above the completely coverage. Karen De Souza, said that National Offshore Oil clear in the environmental must…provide from the inadequate insurance This may have changed while insurance is a legal Corporation (owned by the permits issued by the EPA Parent Company or Affiliate payout, as required by the since Adams’ departure as requirement to have the oil State-Owned Assets for the four oil fields. The Companies…one or more law and as specified in the the oil companies are now companies operating in S u p e r v i s i o n a n d clauses are backed by legally binding agreements environmental permits for operating under the country,Guyanahasfailedto Administration Commission section 4 (4) sub-sections (a) to the EPA, undertaking to theStabroekBlockissuedby US$600M coverage with no ensure its own protection by of the State Council to (c) of the Environmental provide adequate financial the Environment Protection parent company guarantee. not having the oil majors (SASAC) of the People’s ProtectionAct.Itsaidfurther resources to pay their Agency,”thepetitionsaid. Both the oil companies and committoallliabilities.

Republic of China) and Hess that “the EPA should have respective environmental

De Souza’s petition was the Government were found The ExxonMobil led Corporation, New York – in informed the Director of obligations…ifEEPGLorits published last Saturday but to have been dishonest when Stabroek project is currently the event of any oil spill(s) Public Prosecutions (DPP) Co-Venturesfailtodoso….” already has 181 signatures providing information estimated at over 11 billion for which they are legally of these defaults, and the “We demand the release with a target of 200 persons. regarding the reduced barrels of oil. Two projects responsible in Guyana’s DPPshouldhaveinstructeda of the signed guarantees by This will allow the message US$2.5Bcoverageaswellas are already in motion while sovereignwaters.” police prosecutor, as this is a the parent companies of to be featured and have a its legally required another is expected in 2024. I t s a i d t h a t t h e case of criminal wrong- ExxonMobil, Hess, and greaterreach.

placement with a local The oil consortium expects requirement for full liability doing.” CNOOC that they will cover The insurance matter company Informationisthat to start oil projects every coverage is set out in the “Minister, we demand ALLcostsforcontrol,clean- continuestobeacontentious no local company holds any otheryearfollowingthatand environmental permits that Guyana must not be up, compensation and one within the local oil oil insurance policy in will be providing US$600M issued to Esso Exploration liable for any of the costs if restorationcostsforoilspills industry as several legal country despite EEPGL’s perproject. and Production Guyana there were an oil spill for and other environmental requirements continue to be former Country Manager While industry experts Limited (EEPGL). EEPGL which the ExxonMobil pollution, as well as ignored.

T h e r e c e n t shut down construction of Now the Government is and his continuance within announcement to sell the the facility as they viewed it settosellthefacilitydespite the Government shows their Guyana based Marriott as a waste of taxpayers’ the hotel’s success in filling support for what is Hotel continues to raise money since the core r o o m s d u e t o t h e happening. questions regarding the revenue earners, restaurant, development of the oil and “As APNU+AFC has People’s Progressive Party casino and nightclub, were gasindustry said before,VPJagdeomust (PPP) Government and going to be operated by The situation has not remove himself or be particularly its General privateindividual(s). only caused Opposition removed from all financial Secretary and current Vice members to demand that or investment transactions President, Bharrat Jagdeo, involving state assets, over the questionable including the intended sale handlingofstateassets. of Marriott,” the Coalition

The Marriott project had said. It noted that the people been a contentious one with of Guyana no longer trust citizens arguing against the the Vice President and that, cost of the hotel which they “his continued involvement saidwasnotnecessaryatthe canonlymeanthattheentire time and would need a PPP Government is casino to be made c o m p l i c i t i n t h e s e profitable. underhanddeals.”

President Jagdeo away from The project was

Rod Henson reporting that

Veteran Petroleum the policy was with a local Engineer and former EPA firm.

Chief Executive Officer, Dr As it relates to the parent Vincent Adams has said that company guarantee, Dr Exxon and partners should Adams said that the not be operating at the commitment will cost the oil StabroekBlockiftheydonot companies a cent since it is provide the parent company justanassurance. agreement He said that The oil companies have during his time at the EPA, already said that they intend held off on signing EEPGL’s to harvest Guyana’s oil as permit to force the fast and safely as possible. companies to put insurance The parent company coverageinplace. guarantee is just in case

Adams said he was also anything happens and abletohaveExxonprovidea EEPGL is financial U S $ 2 5 B i n s u r a n c e inadequate to handle the coverage, at the time while accident.

Venezuelan prisoner found hanging in cell at Timehri Prison

A24-year-old Venezuelan prisoner was found hanging in hiscellattheTimehriPrisononSaturdaymorningprompting an investigation by both the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and theGuyanaPrisonService(GPS).

DeadisMartinezRajas.

AFC Leader, Khemraj

The Government almost stateassets. nonetheless touted to be a Ramjattan, during a Press lost the hotel to the bank it The A Partnership for good investment by the PPP Conference last week borrowed money from and National Unity +Alliance as they argued the need for questioned why the hotel saddled taxpayers with a for Change (APNU+AFC) suchafacilityinthecountry was up for sale when it more than $220M bill every said that Jagdeo cannot be The turbulent life of the appeared that the oil boom six months, because the trusted with state assets. project so far involved wasnowmakingthefacility company created could no They said that the VP threats by the Opposition to (Continued on page 61) longermakepayments. engages in underhand deals

Rajas was found unresponsive during a security check at 05:20 hrs with a sheet wrapped around his neck from the ceiling,theGuyanaPrisonServicesaidinapressrelease.

A nurse on duty was immediately summoned and confirmed that the inmate was unresponsive. Thereafter, the PoliceweresummonedandRajas’bodywastransportedtothe Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead byaDoctoronduty

Rajas was remanded to prison on April 28, 2022 for PossessionofStolenArticles.

Karen De Souza

Christmas Messages 2022

GAWU’s Christmas message 2022

The observance of Christmas holds significant constraints and difficulties. Christmas in Guyana, once religious and spiritual value. We are heartened too by the again,isyetareminderofthe The birth of the Jesus Christ charitable expressions of the rich, colourful tapestry represents one of the most season as we remember woven together by the powerful and profound those among us who are less people of Guyana. It is a messages of Christianity fortunate. holiday that is celebrated by Indeed the birth of baby As Guyanese, in their Christians and non- Jesus reminds us that even in own way, gather with Christians alike and one our starkest times, faith and friends, family and which provides yet another obediencetoourfaithshould neighbours to observe reason for cohesive and notbeforgotten. Christmas, the GAWU urges peaceful celebrations among It reinforces the story of that we use the opportunity our peoples. It undoubtedly humanityandimbuesuswith to reflect on our own lives adds to the richness of One confidence that despite and how our faith has Guyana and promotes unity difficulties, there is always a impactedourownbeing.The so necessary for the path to light our way to our Christmas holiday is often d e v e l o p m e n t a n d goals. associated with merriment advancement of our country During this period, we and celebration We anditspeople. remain inspired by the encouragealltodososafe,in

At this time, as we collective efforts of our moderationandpeacefully celebrate Christmas, the peopletobringaboutabetter As we celebrate Guyana Agricultural and tomorrow Christmas, let us see our General Workers Union We are even more worldthroughtheeyesofthe (GAWU) takes this convinced that our thrust child born on this day – one opportunity to greet all towards advancement will of hope, peace, love and Guyanese and express best bring about betterment in all eternal light that guides us wishes. To our brothers and our lives. Christmas indeed all. sisters of the Christian faith, reminds us of the things that Merry Christmas to all we are conscious that unites us despite our fromGAWU!

People’s

Progressive Party’s Christmas message

Embrace love and humanity this Christmas

ThePeople’sProgressive darkness because that bright forges forward along a Party (PPP) extends best star did appear to guide p a t h w a y o f r e c o r d wishes to Guyanese at home mankind to new hope. His developmental achievement and aboard for a Merry life and his teachings of based on the fundamental Christmas and a happy and compassion should inspire principles of democracy and safeholidayseason. all of us to seize this time to inclusiveness.

Christmasistraditionally makeaspecialefforttobuild Guyanese are assured the time of the year when we bridges of friendship that the future development embrace our family and irrespective of race, class, or of our country is secured as friends and care for the less political affiliation so that we move into the coming fortunate as we celebrate the the best qualities of our year birth of Jesus Christ by humanity can shine through, We are all truly excited spreading peace, love, and as we give of ourselves and about the prospects that lay goodwill to all in our sharewitheachother aheadforournation. communities. As we reflect on the Merry Christmas and a

The birth of the Christ events of the past year, our happy and safe holiday child was meant to revive nation remains resilient and seasontoall! hope, and turn sorrows and

People’s Progressive mourning into celebration, Party knowing that the world would no longer be in

FellowGuyanese, andallotherswhoaredearto to upholding these Season Greetings and us. Let us wish our fellow Christmasvaluesthroughout Merry Christmas to you and citizens God’s blessings the coming year so that our yourentirefamily throughouttheseason. nationcanbecomeoneofthe

For many, this is not the Yes,thecostoftheliving bestcountriestolivein. kind of Christmas we were isburdensome.Butweknow Yes, we should be hoping to celebrate. We had you will still ensure the enjoying a happier hoped that the blessings of pepperpot, garlic pork, Christmas. Yes, there should our natural wealth would ginger beer, and black cake bemorejoyintheair Butlet have brought more personal taste as delicious as always. usmakethemostofwhatwe prosperity, more happiness, We know you will still have in the hope of a better and less stress and struggle. ensure your children can tomorrow Letusgivethanks Instead, this, our first “oil enjoy the festivities. Let us unto the Lord for enduring Christmas”, has arrived with spare a moment, however, to anotheryear manyfamiliesworseoffthan remember those who, We end with a quote before. through illnesses or other from Jeremiah 29:11, ”For I

But the Guyanese spirit misfortunes, are unable to know the plans I have for is indomitable. Despite the celebrate as they would you, ” declares the Lord, hardships, let us celebrate wish Our thoughts and “plans to prosper you and the birth of Jesus Christ and prayersgoouttothem. not to harm you, plans to remind ourselves that He Christmas season is a give you hope and a future.” came on earth to give us time for selflessness, SPECIAL SEASON love, joy, and hope. Let our togetherness, the rekindling GREETINGSTOALL! hearts therefore be filled of our spirits, and the MAY GOD BLESS with warmth, kindness, and opening of our hearts. As Y O U A N D Y O U R generosity for our families citizens, let us each commit FAMILY

Opposition Leader’s Christmas message Alliance for Change’s Christmas message

towards building a stronger, Greetings! We are grateful for the fairer, and more united As we opportunity to serve our nation, where every person celebrate the country and work towards a can reach their full potential holiday season, brighterfutureforall. and live a life of dignity and the Alliance For As we look back on the respect. Change (AFC) past year, we are inspired by To each of you, we thank e x t e n d s o u r the resilience and strength of you for your support and warmest wishes to our nation and its people. dedicationallyearlong.Stay o u r m e m b e r s , Despite our challenges, we safeandpeaceful. supporters, and citizens of have come together as a The AFC wish you and Guyanaathomeandabroad. family and community and yourlovedonesaveryMerry Christmas is a time of persevered As we move Christmasanda love, joy, and the sharing of forward into the new year, happy, healthy, and goodwill. It is our hope, rememberthetruespiritof prosperousnewyear therefore, that this season Christmasandletitguide Sincerely, brings you happiness and our encounters with others. The Alliance For peace to share with your Let us continue to work Change

S e a s o n ’ s neighbours.

Sunday - Dec 18, 2022 bank not to disclose all Policy.”

health; and by increasing the

the environment requires an documentsfortheloan. Other documentation efficiency of the public EIA and such an assessment Govt. tells IDB not to When Kaieteur News available for the loan notes h e a l t h s y s t e m , b y requires publication in the disclose all information recently attempted to access that the US$97M will be strengthening key logistic, newspapers of the intended on US$97M the document titled: ‘Project used to improve the health management, and support p r o j e c t a s w e l l a s loan for Health Sector Profile GY O0010 – GY of the Guyanese population processesandinputs. consultations with the L1080 Guyana’, it said, “At through increased access, The project is also public. T h e P e o p l e ’ s the request of the borrowing quality, and efficiency of e x p e c t e d t o t a rg e t

The Judge said, “This Progressive Party Civic country, the information h e a l t h s e r v i c e s b y infrastructure improvement court is of the view that the (PPP/C) Government has contained in this document improving health outcomes and expansion in seven EPA’s decision to waive the secured approval for a will not be disclosed.” A associated with low and priority hospitals, namely requirement or EIA cannot US$97M loan from the screenshotofthesaidpageis h i g h c o m p l e x i t y the Georgetown Public be found to be lawful as it I n t e r - A m e r i c a n also attached to this news procedures Hospital Corporation directly contravenes DevelopmentBank(IDB). item.

This will be done by ( G P H C ) , t h e N e w [section] 11 (2) of the [EPA]

This funding forms part TheIDBadded,ascanbe expanding the capacity of Amsterdam Regional

Act, the court also finds that of US$160M line of credit seen on the picture, “The strategic hospitals; by Hospital (NARH) and the no adequate reasons were be rolled out in hinterland made available to the non-disclosure of this extending coverage of Linden Hospital Complex contained in the notice communities for Region country by the financial document is in accordance diagnostic, medical (LHC), as well as four publishedbytheEPA…” One, Seven and Eight which institution for strengthening with the ‘country-specific consultation, and patient District Hospitals located in Justice Harnanan have a total population of Guyana’s healthcare information’ exception in management services, the hinterland (Moruca, highlighted that while the around57,777inhabitants. network However, the paragraph4.1ioftheBank’s inclusive of the country’s Kamarang, Kato, and EPA contended that by Government has asked the Access to Information hinterlands, through digital Lethem). granting a permit to Monday - Dec 19, 2022

Further, the Bank said Schlumberger to construct that as part of the investment the facility it does not ‘EPAbroke the Law when project activities, the line of guarantee storage of the it issued permit to credit will also finance radioactive sources at the Schlumberger – Justice Guyana’s plans for a digital facility – the EPA Act Nareshwar Harnanan transformation in health, explains – that the agency including the expansion of should not issue a

On Friday, High Court the teleradiology and construction or operation Judge Nareshwar Harnanan t e l e o p h t h a l m o l o g y permit unless the agency ruled that Guyana’s networks. includes in the permit

Environmental Protection

“ F i n a l l y, i t w i l l conditions that are Agency (EPA) breached the strengthen supply chain reasonably necessary to law to issue a permit to management, improve the protecttheenvironment. Schlumberger Guyana Inc. provision of maternal and Justice Harnanan to construct a radioactive child health, and contribute granted an Order of storage facility at Lot 1Area to pandemic and emergency Certiorari issued and ‘X’ Houston, East Bank preparedness, among other directedtotheEPAquashing Demerara (EBD)., without activities,” the Bank said its decision on June 9, 2021 c o n d u c t i n g a n noting that the programme to award an environmental Environmental Impact includes a gender and a u t h o r i s a t i o n t o Assessment(EIA)first. diversity assessment to Schlumberger to construct a

On February 14, 2022, identify and address health radioactive substances and three Environmental disparities by gender, material storage and Activists and residents who ethnicity, and disability calibration facility on the live nearby the facility, status. ground that the decision is Vanda Radzik, Danuta

Additionally, it said it ultra vires and breached the Radzik, and Raphael Singh, contributes to climate EPA statutory duty set out through their Lawyers: change mitigation and under section 11 (2) of the Marlene Alleyne, Siand adaptation by financing EPAAct.

Dhurjon, and Ronald Burch- health infrastructure that is A second Order of Smith, filed a lawsuit at the environmentally sustainable Certiorari, was issued and Demerara High Court and resilient to climate directedtotheEPAquashing against the EPA, the change. its decision made in January Environmental Assessment

The IDB loan has an 2022, that permitted Board,andSchlumberger

amortization period of 25 Schlumberger to operate its

The residents won their years, a grace period of 5.5 radioactive substances and case last Friday when the years, and an interest rate materials storage and Judge handed down his based on Secured Overnight calibration facility and to ruling in the case not only FinancingRate(SOFR). possess, use and store quashing the EPA’s decision

Throughtheprogramme, radioactive materials, on the to grant permission to the Guyana’s population will ground that the decision was US- owned company to have greater access to in breach of the EPA construct and operate the improved clinical and statutory duty set out under facility but also halting the diagnosticservices. Section 11 (1) and (2) of the works at the radioactive

The seven hospitals EPAAct. storagefacility benefiting from the project

Further, the Judge issued

Justice Harnanan h a v e a c a t c h m e n t an injunction against declared that the EPA’s population of around Schlumberger, restraining it decision to not conduct an 406,000 persons, over 50% from continuing the EIA into the effects of the of the population In possession, use and storage construction of the facility addition, the telemedicine of radioactive chemicals at was illegal, ultra vires, activities installed in 18 its Houston facility, unless unreasonable, and irrational hospital and polyclinic sites and until it is in receipt of a since it breached the will reach all 10 of the lawfully issued permit Environmental Protection country’sregions,including pursuant to the provisions of Act,Cap.20:05. thehinterlands theEPAAct.

Section 11 of EPA Act, The maternal and child

The Judge also ordered stipulates that any project essential health services costsweretobepaidbyEPA thatmaysignificantlyaffects package under the loan will

From page 14

much Jagdeo dance on his The contract says 2%

largeturnout. and Schlumberger to the head – the bottom line is that Royalty,and50%profitafter

However, he urged that Applicants. Guyanaisnotreceiving52% 75% of the total revenue is citizens to be similarly

According to reports, on as set out in the ExxonMobil taken out as oil expenses. enthused to fight for a better January 19, 2022, the EPA contract,andthatIcanprove How come this VP can’t tell oil deal and get our Leaders without any notice given to beyond the shadow of a us precisely and with tobringExxonMobilbackto the public, granted doubt”

authority what is Guyana’s thenegotiationtable. Schlumberger permission to

The issue came to the total take in this oil business Expenses use, store and possess foresometwoFridaysagoat we have. If a Leader can’t

Touching on the issue of radioactive materials at its a News Conference hosted tell us exactly how much recoverable expenses as per facilitylocatedatHouston. by Jagdeo, an Economist, money you must get as a the oil contract between

Notably, the public was after he was asked to weigh country, as your share, then Guyana and ExxobnMobil, alsonotgivenanynoticethat inontheissuewithreference what else this man can’t tell Glenn Lall said at the recent any such permit was under to billboards erected by us. News Conference, Jagdeo consideration by the

ExxonMobil advancing the “Uncle, you tell me, I was also asked who is EnvironmentalAgency 52%profitclaim. begging you, you tell me, if monitoring and authorising

However, on April 11, TheVPexplained,“Isaw you nah know the exact the expenses being incurred 2022, the EPA in a notice howtheyareclaimingthe52 amount of money you by the oil company and EPA’scontention. tell this nation, well listen published in the daily (percent) – 50 percent from getting from your coconut according to him Jagdeo F o r i t s p a r t , Guyana, this is what you are newspapers, disclosed that profit oil and then 52. That farm or your rice field or asserted that Guyana is Schlumberger in its getting out of your oil,” a Schlumberger wanted to might not be the most your mango farm, then what blinded by the lack of a ‘co- Affidavit of Defence argued perturbedLalladded. constructabuildingtohouse egregious thing because it is business you really running? management arrangement’, that the public did not need Richest country radioactive materials and accurate- that 52 percent. If Is better you tell the people which prevents it from any notice that the EPA was per citizen that the construction process you look at how it’s to come tek the thing and go knowing on a timely basis considering a radioactive Meanwhile, Lall said the wouldnotrequireanEIA. calculated, so it’s 50 percent along their way This man what costs are accumulated materials usage, possession oil discovered in the After seeing the EPA’s oftheprofits.” goingroundincircles,round byExxonMobil. and storage permit because Stabroek Block has made notice to waiver the EIA for VPJagdeowasreminded and round, like a belly

“This oil company is the Authority was satisfied Guyana the richest country Schlumberger, several that 75 percent of the dancer to spin we head, taking us for a ride by that there would be no per citizen in the world, residents formally objected revenue is first deducted to making us fools,” Lall cheating us with inflated substantial impact on the noting that at the moment to the decision stating that cover the Operator’s furthersaid. bills. Section 7.1 of the 2016 environment. Guyana is the fastest radioactive materials should expense, in keeping with the Publisher of Kaieteur Contract states: “The

Notably, the EPA had growing economy on earth notbeusedorstoredinclose lopsided Stabroek Block, News, Glenn Lall, also said Contractor shall prepare joined Schlumberger in its with the biggest GDP proximity to schools, Production Sharing the reason why Jagdeo has with respect to each Defence stating that it was “Guyana is now the talk in neighbourhood, or the Agreement (PSA), and was not been definitive on the Calendar Quarter, or on a clear that the project would the whole world… but when DemeraraRiver asked to explain how this m a t t e r i s b e c a u s e monthly basis if requested notaffecttheresidentsorthe it comes to our Politicians Kaieteur News had calculation would be ExxobnMobil is recovering by the Minister in writing, a environment. you believe that some cat reported that the EPA then accurate. After pausing, he the royalties paid to Guyana, Statement of Expenditure However, the Lawyers carry way their tongues.” convened a meeting with the then responded, “If you look and that the 50% profit share and Receipts under the for the residents contended Lall said for this Christmas residentsandtheirLawyers. at the lifecycle, normally they said Guyana was Agreement.” There is no and maintained that the use many citizens are finding it During the meeting, EPA you look at the lifecycle of receivingwasnottrue. debating of Section 7 1, and storage of radioactive difficult to go in the market assuredtheresidentsthatthis the project. It can’t be done “…so the billboard is because the facility for co- materials at Houston, EBD to buy groceries due to wasonlyfortheconstruction simply So if you look at the totally false, incorrect and management is written there could significantly impact skyrocketing cost of living. aspect of the facility and that lifecycle at 50- we had the Jagdeoofallpersonswithall instone,andpaintedinblack the environment and should

To this end he called on they would get a better simulations done- of $50, his financial gurus at his and white. We are surprised be moved to a less populated citizens to stand up for their opportunity to speak on the $60and$100. side, Ashini Singh and that Dr Jagdeo missed that, area. rights. Drawing reference to merits and demerits of the So this is, here if this is others, know that Guyana is and we hope that it was not last week’s protest for City actual radioactive storage $100, it works out to about being robbed, this is why he deliberate.Moreover,weare Glenn tells VPJagdeo: Mayor, Ubraj Narine, Lall facility’s operation when 49 to 50 percent. If it’s $50 cannot come out clear and

‘Monitor Exxon said he was heartened by the Schlumberger seeks an over the lifecycle of the expenses, come clean on applicationforsame. project, it’s close to 50 Guyana’s real profit

(Continued on page 16)

Three residents later something percent, 56 from Stabroek Block’ approached the court percent.” seeking an Order of

With Vice President Certiorari to quash the stressing Guyana’s share, (VP), Bharrat Jagdeo construction permit EPA Jagdeo said factors such as throwinghissupportbehind, grantedtoSchlumbergerand the number of production ExxonMobil’s claim that an order of injunction to years and number of barrels Guyana was getting 52% prevent the company from p r o d u c e d , m u s t b e profit from the oil resources continuing any construction considered and then in the Stabroek Block, ofthefacility multiplied by the price per Kaieteur News Publisher, However, in responding barrel at $50. As such he Glenn Lall, said this to the residents’ lawsuit, the said,“No,Idon’tthinkthatis assertioncouldnotbefurther EPAin its Defence disclosed misleading, there might be from the truth. He also said that the construction of the other things I do not agree that as head of the petroleum radioactive facility was with but I don’t think that’s sector here, Jagdeo should alreadycompletedandthatit misleading.” do more to monitor the had granted permission to

Highlighting and

But Lall who first called expenses of ExxonMobil, Schlumberger to use, out ExxonMobil on the which the company recoups possessandstoreradioactive billboards, said when he based on the lopsided substances at the facility listened to the Vice Production Sharing sinceJanuary26,2022. President, he became Agreement.Speaking on his

The State Agency also confused “This is not final radio programme for submitted to the court that accidentalwhatishappening the year, Lall told his the Orders the residents here, this is part of a scheme audience,“AsofnowIcould sought ought not to be going on, the sell-out of this be definitive to tell all g r a n t e d s i n c e t h e country’s wealth. How on Guyana, that the 52% they construction was completed God’s earth Jagdeo can’t tell say Guyana getting is false, and that operation had this country what amount of its misleading, is inaccurate, alreadystarted. money we have to get on a is deceptive – no matter how

The applicants through daily basis, when the many billboards they put up theirLawyerschallengedthe contract spell it out clear in this country and how

High Court Judge, Nareshwar Harnanan

EPA Head, Kemraj Parsram

From page 15

us, no sir, that’s not how a Meanwhile,Alliance For surprised that the Minister business is run, each Change Leader (AFC) of Natural Resources has partner must have a say in Khemraj Ramjattan also not taken the fullest every cent spent and called for full parliamentary advantage of Section 7.1 of earned. scrutiny of any State asset the contract by demanding

“Where is the Private being privatised. The senior those bills This would Sector Commission, the politicianhasjoinedcallsfor effectively put this country Georgetown Chamber of the release of financials in the position of Commerce and Industry, relating to the Marriot Hotel confidently watching out the business community now that the government has for its own interests, while out there, as to what this decided to sell the asset. The keeping a watchful eye on man is telling Guyana?,” government announced last those it does this oil Lallfurtherquestioned. week it is inviting entities business with, meaning interested in buying its ExxonMobil and its Tuesday - Dec 20, 2022 shares in the Marriot partners, be they in the branded hotel. Ramjattan is form of suppliers, vendors, Govt. encouraging adamanthowever,thatgiven and sub-Contractors. Just foreigners to build the PPP-government’s family.” casino there. Casinos are recently, there was the hotels, but selling record with state assets, He added therefore that placed at hotels for one main criminal Lall continued by warningtoGuyanatobeon profitable Marriott information on the business’ the Government should reason – to improve room saying, “Imagine this man the lookout for ‘shell – AFC fears hotel will profitability should be allow scrutiny regarding the count…The casino was an running our oil sector out companies’ which could be fall into hands of PPP released as well as allowing handlingofprojects,saleand excellent idea from the there, not checking the used by ExxonMobil to pay cronies, urges scrutiny of the decision to privatization of State assets. previous administration projectsworthbillionsofUS itself from this country’s parliamentary scrutiny selltheentity “They must allow scrutiny Why? Because with a Dollars, not approving any ignorance or negligence”, Ramjattan said that when asked the questions in Marriott coming to Guyana, of the USMD contracts Lallsaid. Publisher of the Kaieteur Government’s money into parliament or when press at the time the project was ExxonMobil giving out, just “The Vice President is Newspaperandtransparency the Marriott has been huge. people ask the questions, conceived, there was not allowing ExxonMobil to studiously trying to avoid advocate Glenn Lall has “And we feel, like any big they must give you proper much business coming to deductwhatevertheyhaveto holding ExxonMobil addedhisvoicetothecallfor privatisation that is answers, ” Ramjattan Guyana, so that was on the deduct and give Guyana accountable. He said the the government to tell happening, there must be insisted. Former Finance tableuntil2018”. whatever they feel like contract provides for Guyanese what is the thorough scrutiny as to the Minister, Winston Jordan, TheCEOaddedthenthat givingGuyana. monitoring, but the financial position of the government and the people recently said on this matter with the oil and gas industry,

That is the 50/50

Governmentisrefusingtodo MarriottHotelinvestment. of Guyana getting their that only the release of the the hotel is at 93 to 94 partnership Guyana got with so.Who does not want to be He said that, “the monies back, and also future hotel’s financials would be percent occupancy He said ExxonMobil out there, part of, or have a say in a government is encouraging profits that it would have abletotellthepositionofthe that, “One day a room rate is accordingtoJagdeo.” businessinwhichtheygotto foreigners to come and build made as a result of that entity The going theme has US$300 and the next, it is

Highlighting further the get ½ of the profit, you guys hotels in Guyana, while they investment.” beentheestablishmentofthe US$800… and people are seriousness of the matter, know of anybody?,” asked are putting the profitable Ramjattan said that his casino to make the business paying for it. Many times Lall added, “The contract Lall. “Even if you and a man Marriott up for sale.” “A party does not believe p r o f i t a b l e T h e you can’t get rooms there, so sayswearetoget50%profit mining 1,000 chickens to money-making machine for exclusively that certain understanding however was putting a casino adds no out of the entire business splittheprofit½and½,don’t Guyana, the government is assets of the State have to be that the international benefit.” London said that every day and we have a you have to know the price ready to throw it into the privatised if they are Marriott did not want a instead of a casino, what is right to know the entire cost your partner paying for the hands of one of their profitable. He believes that casino under its brand neededisanother100rooms. of operating the business out chickenfeed…?”saidLall. friends ” The publisher given the oil development Neither Jordan nor He submitted that, “That is there–thatishowbusinessis Nothing Jagdeo’s

expressed concern over the that is drawing foreigners Ramjattan was able to why when NICIL did its run Jagdeo. We are not just a indifference to monitoring way that State assets are and investment to the confirm this information studies and from that, partnerthatwillsitdownand the expenses of the oil moving from government to country,theMarriotcouldbe Jordan had explained realized that Guyana is short accept whatever is thrown at companies, is almost privatehands. one of those assets that has however, that Marriot was in 2000rooms,itwentoutthere the potential to provide a financially bad place when to find hotels and convince returns. He said the current t h e D a v i d G r a n g e r them to come and build in situation has the hotel doing administration got the Guyana hence you saw the “fantasticallywell”. project in 2015. He said that Hilton, the Hyatt and the

“But the rule of thumb, thegovernmenthadtobeara HolidayInncoming.” knowing how corrupt the massive loan for fear of The David Granger PPP is, we feel that it is a Republic Bank claiming the Administration initially privatisation that will business due to repayment wanted to scrap the PPP happentocertainfriendsand defaultsin2017. projectwhichtheysaidwasa family and or personages

By 2020, just over two financial burden, but who are going to give huge years ago, in an exclusive struggled to find Investors to kickbackstoPPP.” report with Kaieteur News, take on the establishment of

Ramajattan believes that the then Chief Executive the entertainment complex if the hotel is profitable, it Officer (CEO) of the fortheUS$60Mhotel. should notbesold. He added National Industrial and that with projects like the Commercial Investments PNCR agrees Marriott, he believes the Limited (NICIL), Colvin ExxonMobil misleading State should have a pool of H e a t h - L o n d o n , h a d Guyanese with billboards a d m i n i s t r a t o r s a n d

announced that Marriot was …says 52% is calculated employeeswithcertainskills seeing huge successes due to from a fraction to manage various assets in the oil boom. NICIL is the of total revenue different sectors. Ramjattan State machine, which owns believes that if the hotel is the company, Atlantic Hotel The People’s National makingprofit,unlessthereis Inc. (AHI), which owns the Congress Reform (PNC/R), a sale that outweighs those Marriott. the largest political e a r n i n g s , t h e n t h e The then CEO had said Opposition party in the government should hold on that because of the country has agreed with its to it. The AFC Leader is tremendoussuccessthehotel Coalition Partner, the convinced however, that the was enjoying, they were no Alliance For Change (AFC) sale may have some longer pursuing the that oil giant ExxonMobil is “…nasty machinations as to development of a casino. He misleading the populace by who they want to sell the was quoted as saying that erectingbillboardsacross hotel to; certain friends and “We are not putting any

The Guyana Marriott Hotel

West African nation offers a scary lesson for Guyana...

Oil-rich Ghana in 2019 was dubbed fastest growing economy on earth but now drowning in debt

By Kiana Wilburg

The glory days of Ghana's offshore oil operations can be traced back to December 2010 The West African nation began pumping oil from its first commercial discoveryinitsJubileeField. Those operations delivered US$1B in earnings annually totheState.

Nine years later (in 2019), Ghana was dubbed to have the fastest-growing economy It was also praised for the steps it took to improvetheregulationofthe industry In fact, Ghana was seen as a champion of growth for other nations within the continent and

commercial loans and most bilateralloans.

Ghana's Ministry said: “Ghana is today faced with major economic and financial crisis and its attendant social challenges. In2020and2021,theCovid19 pandemic negatively impacted our fiscal and economic situation. Global risk aversion triggered large capital outflows, a loss of external market access and rising domestic borrowing costs.”

“This year, 2022, the global economic shock induced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine has further adversely affected our economy just when it was beginning to recover

categories of its external debt, pending an orderly restructuring of the affected o b l i g a t i o n s (https://mofep.gov.gh/pressr e l e a s e / 2 0 2 2 - 1 219/suspension-of-paymentson-selected-external-debtsof-the-government-ofghana)

The suspension of debt payments reflects the parlousstateoftheeconomy,

w h i c h h a d l e d t h e Government to reach a US$3-billion bailout agreement with the InternationalMonetaryFund (IMF). This assistance is seenascriticaltokeepingthe Ghanaian economy afloat sincealmost70percentofits revenues are snatched up by impatientdebtcollectors.

This state of affairs was not only highlighted in

international media reports butalsobytheWorldBankin its 2022Africa Pulse Report.

The report which was released in October notes that growth in Ghana is expected to slow in 2022 to 3.5 percent, far below the country's average prepandemic performance (7.0 percent).

TheFinancialInstitution said the economy has been

struggling with various setbacks, including rising public debt which is now projectedtobe104.6percent of the Gross Domestic Product.

With the foregoing in mind, critics say Ghana is now gripped by possibly its worst economic crisis in a generation Last month, morethan1,000protesters

(Continued on page 61)

further afield to follow

But in a matter of three years, this glimmering picture of marvelous economic management was unexpectedly obliterated Ghana moved from riding a wave of meteoric growth to now wallowing in the abyss of indebtedness. From 2019 to 2022, the country that was oncepairedwithGuyanaasa model state on good governance is now a lesson ontheperilsoftheoilcurse.

International media reports released this month said Ghana is in such a worrying state of debt distress, that it has been forced to suspend payments on most of its external debt. In fact, its Finance Ministry said it will not service selected external debts including its Eurobonds,

from the pandemic The combination of adverse external shocks has exposed Ghanatoasurgeininflation, a large exchange rate depreciation, and stress on the financing of the budget. These factors taken together have put the sustainability of o u r d e b t a t r i s k ”

It was also keen to note that, “such emergency measures are necessary to prevent a further deterioration in the economic, financial, and socialsituationinGhana.”

As it stands, the Authorities there said financial resources, including the Bank of Ghana's international reserves, are limited and need to be preserved at this critical juncture hence a suspensionofalldebtservice payments under certain

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during a previous meeting with Ghana's President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

Presidential Guard stabbed in State House attack promoted to Corporal

Telon Perreira, a member of the P r e s i d e n t i a l Guard who was stabbed five times by a Nigerian national at State House on December 15, 2022 was on Saturday promoted to the rank of Corporal from the rank of Constable.

President Ali and Commissioner of Police (ag)

Clifton Hicken visited the injured rank at his hospital bedandpromotedhim.

The President hailed Perreira for his bravery and courage,astatementfromthe OfficeofthePresidentsaid.

CorporalPerreiratoldthe Presidentheiseagertoreturn towork.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian national has been identified

as 25-year-old Bethel Ikenna Chimezie.

Reportsarethatataround 07:30hrs on December 15, 2022 Chimezie entered a security room located at the southern side of State House facing Carmichael Street, Georgetown and demanded to see President IrfaanAli.

“I want the President

[Mohamed Irfaan Ali])” the man reportedly said before pullingaknifefromhispants waistandstabbingPerriera,a member of the Presidential Guard, five times to the neck andbody

Upon seeing the violent attack, other members of the Presidential Guard rushed to Perriera's aid but the intruder managed to disarm a female

member of her 9MM pistol and retreated to Carmichael Street and started shooting at theofficers.

A Presidential Guard team subsequently launched a counter- assault and later shothim.

Corporal Telon Perreira (Office of the President)

Rosanna Fun g

Meet Guyanese beauty, Rosanna Fung, one of Guyana's IFBB Elite ProAthletes. She has competed in eight bodybuilding competitions both locally and internationally, copping several gold medals. Her aim is to put Guyana on the map in the sport of bodybuilding, and to inspire others to pursue their dreams no matter how outlandish they may seem. Rosanna's favorite quote is: "You fail when you stop trying."

OldiesbutGoodiesHits Christmas

Christmas album titled ‘ChristmasisFamily’.

5 & 6: ‘Feliz Navidad’ and ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ by EddieLovette

ByAllyiahAllicock

Besidesmybirthday,Christmasis the other exciting time I look forward to the most each year, becauseeveryholidayseasonIamfortunate enough to spend it with the people I love dearly;myfamily

Forme,thefestiveseasonbeginsasearly as October and November when the streets usuallybecomebusywithshoppers,andthe music carts begin to blast local and reggae Christmassongs.

Apartfromthetastyfoodsandbeverages, it is the music that really puts me in that holidayspirit.Notjustanykindofmusic,but asImentioned,thereggaetypeoftunes,from ‘Cake In The Oven Baking’ by Lloyd Lovindeer, to ‘Christmas in Guyana’ by Slingshot; they all serve as a reminder that Christmasisapproaching.

Today,Iwillsharewithyousomeofmy favourite Caribbean Christmas music that youcanlistento,enjoyandevendancetothis Christmas.

1.‘AwayinaManger’byDonnaMarie

This reggae version of this Christmas standard was one Marie released from her Christmas album titled ‘Christmas Cheers’, which featured 11 other popular Christmas songs. ‘Away in a Manger’ is a Christmas carol that was composed in the nineteenth century with lyrics that centre on the adoration of the new-born baby Jesus, as he layinamanger

The two most common musical arrangements are by William J. Kirkpatrick (1895) and James Ramsey Murray (1887).Thissongisonethatweusuallyhear playingfrequentlyduringtheweeksleading uptoChristmas.Thisreggaeversionisquite catchyandbringsawarmCaribbeanvibeto theholidays.

2.‘JoytotheWorld’byNikeshaLindo

Li ndo, in 1997 released her sweet m e l o d i c interpretation of this traditional Christmas carol.‘JoytotheWorld’ forms part of her Christmas album titled: ‘TheChristmasAlbum’.

Originally, this song was written by English Minister and Hymnist, Isaac Watts, based on a Christian interpretationofPsalm98.The songwasfirstpublishedin1719 in Watts’collection ‘The Psalms ofDavid:Imitatedinthelanguage of the New Testament, and applied totheChristianstateandworship’.

‘Joy to the World’ signifies the joyouscelebrationofthesovereignty ofGodandthegiftofJesusChrist.The songhassincebeencoverednumeroustimes indifferentgenreandlanguages,andsangby popular singers such as Nat Cole, Mariah Careyandtheacappellagroup‘Pentatonix’.

3 & 4: ‘A Very Merry Guyanese Christmas’ and ‘There Is Nothing Like Meh Home On Christmas Morning’, by ourveryownJohn‘Slingshot’DrePaul

Two prominent Christmas songs written bylegendaryGuyaneseMusician‘Slingshot’ and his wife, Ingrid DrePaul, are hits that neverseemtogooutofstyleinGuyana.They really and truly capture the essence of what ChristmasislikeinGuyana.Andbecauseof their catchy lyrics and pulsating rhythms, these hits have been making their way onto the international airwaves for a number of yearsnow ThesetwosongsfromSlingshot’s

‘Feliz Navidad’ which means “Merry Christmas” was first composed in 1970 by Latino Musician, Jose Feliciano Feliciano had pennedthesongtobringpeople together withholiday cheer and to wish them a prosperous year and happiness.

Wantin g to bring the same cheerful holiday spirit wi t h a Caribbean twist wasLovette,whoin1983 released his version of the songonhisholidayalbum c a l l e d ‘ M e r r y Christmas’. Ever since then, his version of ‘Feliz Navidad’ is popularly known throughout the Caribbean during the festive season. ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’, another reggae remix by Lovette, was also part of his Christmas album.Theoriginallyricswhichdatebackto 1739werefirstwrittenbyCharlesWesleyas a hymn for Christmas Day and features severalscripturesfromthebible.

7. ‘Give Love on Christmas Day’ by FionaRobinson

This song starts off with a sweet reggae rhythm telling you what traditionally happens on Christmas morning; of people

surrounded by their family and opening presents. Thisoriginalsongwasrecordedby ‘The Jacksons’. Written by the Motown Record’s songwriting-producing team, ‘The Corporation’ (Berry Gordy, Alphonzo Mizell,ChristinePerren,FreddiePerrenand Deke Richards), the song was recorded for the Jackson brothers’1970 seasonal album, entitled‘TheJackson5ChristmasAlbum’ Robinson’s version though is a sweet easy going reggae interpretation of this Christmas standard that can be enjoyed by all.

8. ‘Wish you a Merry Christmas’ by JacobMiller

Released in 1978 from his ‘Natty Christmas’ album, this Jacob Miller’s has become a staple for many this time of year However,‘WeWishYouaIrieChristmasand a Dancehall New Year’ is a very popular rendition in the busy streets of Georgetown andatmanyparties.Forme,itisoneIenjoy particularly while doing last-minute shoppingonRegentStreet.

9. ‘Cake in the oven baking’ by LloydLovindeer

Lovindeer

CharismasinGuyana: CharismasinGuyana:

From the mind of a re-mi

Thefirstthingtobe said about living and sharing ChristmasinGuyanaasaremigrant, is that it is not the same as the experience of a Guyanese Christmas, as a visitor

Just about everything is different, which goes a long way in proving that old adage that, ‘familiarity breeds taking things once treasuredforgranted.’ Tobe clear, my love for the ChristmasHolidaySeasonis still there, but now it is tempered by the reality of beinginGuyanaforthedays andmonthsthatwentbefore.

I think that the buildup and anticipation for the delights that lie ahead as a visitor, are not anywhere as intense when residence has been taken up as a remigrant.

Perhaps people like me seetoomuch,heartoomuch, learn too much, and absorb toomuch. ThingsofGuyana are now too close-up, and like an old shoe, what enchanted and thrilled does not possess as much sparkle asbefore.

Toemphasize,sothatthe wrong impression does not register, December and Christmasstillhaveaspecial p l a c e i n m y h e a r t , especially with new presences nowaround. But,the pent-up discipline of the demands of work, t h e g r u e l i n g schedule, and the constantdrivesto deliver, which w e r e a l l required in America

, are not there, and their absence serves to reduce the Guyana Christmas experience to less than what itwasbefore.

I think that this comes from me being too much in Guyana,tooclosetowhatis goingoninGuyana,andtoo engagedintheeveryday,be they good or bad, or neitherofthetwo.

The gleaming edge, the enticing pull of the clock, the newness of it all, regardless of how many times renewed, havewornoffslightly, forbeingrighthere.

Inotherwords,the magic of the moment of ‘I’ll be home for Christmas’ and ‘I’m goinghome’isslightly temperedbythefactof me being already here, and I might add very much with my ear to the ground, and my mind set tothesightsofwhateverit isthatunfolds.

For sure, the cooler air of December still has that familiar and welcomed Christmas tang, which I still can’t find the right combination of sentiments and words to express powerfully and profoundly, because that air has become secondnature.

So, too, the sweet music of the insects and birds that canstillbearollickinggood timeallbyitself,ifonewere toknowhowtolistentotheir songs.

The dawns of December still have that inexplicably lush beauty about them. I must admit, though, that notwithstanding the nearness, the palpable embrace of these mysteries of life and nature, that that extraordinary sense of something special in D e c e m b e r a n d Christmas is alway

s a part of the soul, the quiet contemplations that come withouteffort.

Withoutgoingtoodeeply into the spiritual side of Christmas, it is a truly Guyanese holiday For that alone I am not just grateful, butverymuchathome.

There is that timeless serenity that wafts across busy homes and congested thoroughfares, which in and of itself has a certain mystical depth to it. The mood is right, and whether sunlight or moonlight, there is that majestic sense of something beyond understanding that touches thisre-migranttothecore.

Thequestioncomesever so often-sometimes from others, on other occasions from deep within-as to whether I would want to be

a

By GHK Lall

other day Whether returning visitor or remigrant that would be the day for me. I hope that it nevercomes.

JustashowIsidestepped delving into the religious, I also leave alone the politics ofGuyana. Asdifficultasit is, I am not prepared to tarnish Christmas with thoughts or words that distract from the glorious luster of this special season.

IthinkthatweGuyaneseare lucky,economicsandall,for there is no deepfreeze, no rushing about and then running for the warmth of theinside.

The warmth of this country puts on its best face at Christmas, and for just a fewminutesandhours,there issomethingindefinableand indescribablethattakeshold of just about every Guyanese, be they observer ormerelybystander

nywhere else but in Guyana during the days of December,andallthatthose mean, how they now compile. Theshortansweris ‘NO!’

I don’t wish to be in any otherplaceatthistimeofthe year Oh, there is that long, fearsomesnakeoftrafficthat spread its presence all over, withnaryaninchofspaceto maneuver, sometimes even tobreathe.

But, like everything else aboutlifeinGuyana,thattoo has to be taken in stride. A certain built-in reserve goes a long way to cushion the downside of Christmas in Guyananowadays.

Again, it is about the haves and have-nots, and thoseforwhomtheseasonof joyisjoyless,andChristmas Dayisnodifferentfromany

Asare-migrantIamnow in a position to savor Christmas slowly, like a vintage wine, or a refined cognac. Foods and smells, sounds and attractions, all touch and hold and stay a while.

Though this is being written in the first week of November,itismyhopeand prayerthatallGuyanesewill havebeengivenopportunity tobeofgoodcheer Ithinkit is overdue, given the thresholds that we have crossed, the insides of the places that have been made possible.Ilikebeinghere,no matterhowpressingitcanbe at times. And at Christmas, there is no other place that I would prefer to be but right here.

Merry Christmas my fellow Guyanese! May 2023 be a great year for

World'. Theories may vary across Peoples about the origin of the

The holiday period has always holiday, but wherever it is been an exciting time for many celebrated its basically one theme families around the world. From regardless of culture: “a time of the events leading up to Christmas givingandsharing”. DayintotheNewYear,thefood,the Whatisdifferenthoweveristhe excitement;it'salmostasifyoufeel waysomejuristictionscelebratethe the instant change in atmosphere holiday, the food they prepare as oncethattimecomesaround. well as the activities enjoyed. Here

The streets automatically in Guyana, there are a number of becomebusierandmorefestiveasa activities we enjoy while result of the hustle and bustle of celebrating Christmas. There are shoppers, as thy race to make the usually light-up ceremonies in season better than the one before. variousregions,showsandparties, Every year, families try to make crazyshoppingfrenziesandalotof advance. Some would start Christmas celebrations greater and preparations for the big day The their Christmas planning grander than the year before with house has got to be cleaned and early and start to save funds delicious food, beautiful gifts, well decorated, there are specific foods n e e d e d f o r h o l i d a y wishesandcheer and drinks to be prepared and all purchases. Some would also The holidays are said to be a while listening to our favourite commence major Christmas time of enjoyment, love, and Christmascarols. purchases early enough to togetherness of family and friends. It's quite a lot to do when one avoid the rush and have more For faiths that celebrate the birth of thinks in terms of preparation, and t i m e o n h a n d f o r the Messiah, Christmas is a very that is why in many cases some preparations. special time of year, as they honour people start to prepare for the But what if we could skip thecomingofthe'Saviourofthe Christmas holiday weeks, all the preparations; all the sometimes months in work and decided to spend

Regent

(Photo:

Christmas away from home. The enchanting experience The experience of Christmas from the scenery, of course, is nothing like perspective of another culture what is customary in warmer could be an enchanting one, climates. especially if the location is more It'ssaidthatthereissomethinga enthusiastic about the holiday than little bit magical about New York your country. Indeed, some City at Christmas time. From the countries are more ecstatic about colourfuldepartmentstoredisplays the holidays than others, and the to ice skating rinks in Central Park way they usher in the season could and at the Rockefeller Centre, bring a great deal of warmth and Finder.comatravelguidedescribed excitement. the urban jungle as transforming

A white Christmas is not into a winter wonderland come synonymous with a Caribbean Christmas.TheguidesaidthatNew Christmas, so it is impossible to York is a very walkable city and experience the making of a between the Christmas lights and snowman or being able to stick the Central Park ice skating rink, one's tongue out to catch a there's something to keep everyone snowflakeasitdescends. inthefamilyentertained.

Continued on page 43

Jonkanoo characters during a Christmas celebration (Photo: Digi Jamaica.com)

Christmas away from home

Simple ways to keep fit during the holidays

It’sthemostwonderfultimeof the year and we are all ready to celebrate! Celebrating however should not mean we let ourselves go completely and forget all about our hard work during the year, especially if you have been tirelesslytryingtoloseweight-nowis notthetimetogiveup.

Itcanbequiteeasytotellourselvesafter the holidays, we’ll get back to the gym and re-startournormaldiets.

Iamheretoshareafewsimplethingsyou can do during the holiday season to stay healthy

Remember, cleaning your home, cooking anddecoratingwillnotbeenough.

Ifyoufeellikeyousimplycannotfindthe timetoexercise,youcanjustsubstituteyour regularroutinebyparkingyourcarafurther distance from your work place to get some walking done, using the stairs instead of an elevator at the mall, and have fun with your family playing games that may include runningorwalking.

Usealcoholmoderately

Some people look forward to the Christmas season to imbibe daily to their hearts delight. I am hoping, dear faithful reader, that this isn’t you! Besides the usual dangersofalcoholthatweareawareofsuch as liver and kidney damage, too much alcoholcanactuallyaffectyourweight.

Infact,researchshowsthatitdoesthisby preventingyourbodyfromburningfat,itcan make you feel hungry, and it can lead to cravingsforsaltyandgreasyfoodsthatmake yougainweight.

Now I know this heading will make you squint, trying to understand what I mean. If you know you generally find it difficulttoresistfood, sit further away from the food table at partiesorsocials.

In fact, I believe old people say“waheyenahsee,mouthnah want!” This is a good principle and it has worked for me in the past!Notseeingorsmellingthe tempting desserts especially willdowondersforyourbody!

Eatbeforeyougoout

Ifyouarealreadyonastrictdiet,itwould be wise to have a meal before you leave the house. Doing this will keep you full and preventyoufromindulginginfoodsthatmay not be healthy for your body or simply devouring everything when you arrive at a party

and is the best way to do so rather than chugging down cups of coffee or bottles of energydrinksthefollowingday

There is a very strong connection betweensleepqualityandquantityandyour immunesystem.Youcankeepyourimmune systemfunctioningproperlybygettingseven toeighthoursofsleepeachnight.

Drinklotsofwater

Water is perhaps one of the most beneficialliquidsyoucanuseduringtheday to keep fuelling your body Cut back on the sugary drinks and juices and try as much as possible to consume as much water as you possiblycan.

Water (H2O) can for example help to fight illnesses such as constipation, migraines, urinary tract infection, kidney stones, exercise-induced asthma, hypertension,andevendiabetes. Stayactive

Iknowthisonemaybeano-brainerand you are probably thinking I need to get so much done; of course I will be active!

Distanceyourselffromfood

Try having some fruits or a vegetable salad.Ifyouareinvitedtoapartyanddidn’t gettimetohaveasnack,youcantrytopack your plate with most of the good stuff. For example, if you have a variety of dishes to choose from, try to make at least half your platesaladandveggies-minusthepotatoes. Thesechoicescontainveryfewcaloriesand sugar,buthaveallthegood stuffyouneedtofillyouup.

Getenoughsleep

We may want to sit up all night waiting for Santa, or enjoying ourselves otherwise,butthisisnotthe best way to celebrate the festiveseason.Infact,your body needs enough rest all yearround.

Be sure not to compromiseonyoursleep, asthisrechargesyourbody

Ditchtheall-or-nothingmindset

Pushing exercise in at least 15 minutes per day is better than not doing any Remember staying fit and overall wellness does not require perfection. If you can get somephysicalactivityin,getitdoneanddo not tell yourself that I have to aim for 30 minuteseachdayforthistomakesense.

Importance

of

ChristmasDecors

By Allyiah Allicock

Christmas as we all know is the busiest time of the year It is about celebration, spending time with family and friends, surrounded by loveandhappiness.Fromtheeating anddrinking,totheopeningofgifts and dancing to some good old Christmas tunes, it is all about havingagreattime.

Part of what makes the holidays so beautiful are the decorations and lighting that adorn our homes and workplaces throughout the season. But, why do we decorate? What is thesignificanceofourdecorations?

RedandGreendecorations

Holiday decors can be of different colours and styles However, the most commonly used coloursduringtheChristmasseason aretheredandgreendecorations.As research suggests, the colour green represents the eternal life of Jesus Christ and the continuation of life through winter Likewise, red traditionally symbolises the bloodshedbyJesusChristduringhis crucifixion. Today the colours red and green are both used in nonreligious and religious ways to celebratetheseason.

TheChristmasTree

As we all know, the Christmas tree is a symbolic image of the holiday season. The evergreen fir tree has traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivities for both PagansandChristiansforthousands ofyears.TheoriginoftheChristmas tree can be traced back to pagan traditions.

The pagans used the evergreen plant to decorate their homes to celebrate the Winter Solstice, as it made them think that good would glow again and that summer is to come. Christians on the other hand useitasasignofeverlastinglifewith God.

The Christmas tree was not always decorated with strings of electric lighting In fact, while walking home from the woods one night;MartinLutherwasamazedby thesightofthestarsshinningabove the evergreen plants that he decided toaddsmalllitcandlestohisownfir tree. The candles at that time were the only form of heat and illuminationduringthewinter’slong andcoldmonths.

As it is today, using candles to decorate the Christmas tree did become a popular trend The tradition of adding ornaments to trees kicked off in Germany in the 1600s,whenfruitsandnutswerelaid onevergreens.

TheChristmaslights

TheChristmastreesusuallyhave Christmaslighting,butitisalsoused to decorate outside of our homes. Some people would normally go all decked out with Christmas lighting. But where did the lights originate from? It was Thomas Edison who invented the first ever electric Christmas lighting Edison decorated his Menlo Park Laboratory – the home of his business with a string of electric incandescentbulbs.

Butitwashispartner,EdwardH. Johnson who put the first string of electric lights together and strung them around his Christmas tree in 1882. They used 80 red, white and blueelectriclightstoadornatreeand invitedhundredsofpeopletoseeitin action It wasn’t until several decadesintothe1900sthattheyrose inprominenceandpopularity Whataboutthewreaths wehangonourdoors?

While the wreaths are usually placedonourdoorsandinourhomes during the holiday, it was used as a decorative sign of Christmas for hundreds of years. It is made of evergreens, most often pine branches or holly It is decorated withavarietyofitems.

The wreaths themselves carry a significant meaning Its circular shape represents eternity, for it has no beginning and no end. The evergreen symbolises growth and everlasting life. The holly branches when used in a wreath represent the thornsonJesus’scrownwhenhewas crucified.

TheMistletoe

TheMistletoeiscommonlyused as a Christmas decoration. The tradition of hanging it in the house goesallthewaybacktothetimesof the ancient Druids Because mistletoe can blossom even during the frozen winter, the Druids saw it as a symbol of fertility and vitality Thekissingtraditionwastracedback to the English Servants. The catch was that anyone who stood under it wasallowedtokiss,therecouldonly be one kiss per berry, and the berry mustberemovedafterthesaidkiss.

TheTinsel

The tinsel is that beautiful colourfulsparklylongdécorthatwe commonlyseesellinginmostofthe stores around the holiday season. Back in the 1600s, when silver was preciousatthetime,theGermansin Nuremberg displayed strands of silver, which came to be known as tinsel on their Christmas trees. The decoration consists of thin strips of sparkling material attached to a thread.

The Christmas Tree

The Christmas lights

The Mistletoe

The Wreath

My Christmas HitList My Christmas HitList

ByRehannaRamsay

Christmas songs provide the soundtrack to the holidays. As Christmas Day draws closer, it is customary for the airwaves to be filled with a variety of our favorite holiday music. Arguably, it can be said without a doubt that Christmas songs have what it takestosetthemoodfortheholidays. Today,Iwanttosharewithyousomeof

mypersonalfavouritesthatIenjoylistening toduringthisfestivetimeofyear

This list features songs that speak to the truemeaningofChristmaswhichisthebirth of the savior Christ Jesus and others that speakofpeace,loveandjoy

Few drinks fit the holiday season like a glass of eggnog It is often includedasapartoftheabundance at holiday celebrations From classic recipes for parties to modern eggnog cocktails made by theglass,youhaveavarietyoftasty eggnogrecipestoexplore.

Thissweetdelectabledrinkcan be homemade or bought from the storeandiscommonly'spiked'with brandy, rum, or even whiskey to give that extra kick. Due to its strong flavor, eggnog remains palatable and is traditionally quite highinalcoholcontent.Consumers should use responsible judgment when adding alcohol 'to taste' in eggnog.Onecanalsoreplacedairy milk or cream by using other alternatives like soy milk and soy-

basedcreamiflactoseintolerant.

Most homemade eggnog recipes follow a basic formula: eggs are mixed with sugar, milk and/or cream, and liquor You also have the choice between brandy, whiskey or no liquor at all, and even egg-free options. There is simply an eggnog recipe for everyone,solet'sget'anoggin'!

It may not sound like the most appetizing cocktail based on its ingredients,buteggnoghasbeena holiday tradition for centuries and its creamy goodness is sure to lift yourholidayspirits.

HISTORYOFEGGNOG

Rich, creamy, and warmly spiced, eggnog — and especially the boozy version – has been a favorite festive drink of many

peopleforcenturies.

Research suggests that it originated in England centuries ago. Eggnog originally was a wintertime drink for the British aristocracy The name evidently came from two words – grog, anotherwordforrum,andnoggins, awordforthesmallwoodenmugs in which the drink was served.

Eggnog is believed to have descended from a drink called a “Posset,” which consisted of hot curdled milk, ale or wine, and spices. Posset was hot, milky and was a favorite of 13th century monks.

The drink's ingredients were expensiveatthetime,andonlythe wealthy class could have afforded them. The drink was often used at gatherings to toast to health and

prosperity

EGGNOGPROVIDES VITAMINSANDMINERALS

There are some surprising healthbenefitstoeggnog.Whether heavycream,low-fat,ornon-dairy milk, the milky, 'eggy' part of eggnogispackedwithvitaminsand minerals.

Eggnog'sbaseismilkandeggs, and both are abundant sources of amino acids. They contain a full amino acid profile, including high amounts of leucine, a key amino acid involved in insulin signaling, energy metabolism, and protein synthesis.

Milk contains significant amounts of protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, vitamins B2, B12 and vitamins A and D. When organically made, it contains saturated fats that can lowercholesterol.

Omega 3-fatty acid present in the drink helps prevent cardiovascular diseases and the milkisloadedwithaforementioned calcium,whichourbodiesneedfor strongbones,teeth,hair,andnails.

Adding to the health benefits, the drink commonly contains nutmeg or cinnamon as a key ingredient, which has antiinflammatoryantioxidants.

C’beanPunchdeCrèmeEggnog

Preparation

Separate the eggs set asidetheyolks.Inalarge mixingbowl,andtheegg yolks and the brown sugar, whisk on medium speed until it's well combined and is a creamytexture.Setaside.

Next, in a large saucepan, on medium heat, add the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring to a light steam (do notoverheatorallowtoboil).

Slowly pour the warm milk into the mixing bowl on low speed. Once well combined,whiskuntilthemixtureissmooth.

Lastly,addtherumandbourbon,vanilla, spicesandvanillaicecream.

Whiskonmediumspeedfor2minutes.

From the mixing bowl, strain into the serving pitcher. Chill for at least 2 hours beforeserving.Servecold.

Preparation

Ingredients 6large

2limes,orlemons,zested 41/2cupsevaporatedmilk,whole 14ouncessweetenedcondensedmilk 1cupdarkrum 2teaspoonsangosturabitters 1/2teaspoongroundnutmeg

Preparation

Addeggsandpeeltoabowlandbeateggs athighspeeduntillightandfluffyforabouta minute. Removethelimepeel.

Addhalfofonecanofevaporatedmilkto asaucepanandplaceonlowheat,constantly stirringuntilhotandbubblingslightly

Remove from heat and resume beating theeggsthenpourthehotmilkintotheeggs one table spoon at a time for the first five tablespoonsthenpourtheremainderfromthe pot.Itiscriticaltokeepwhiskingthroughout this process or you will have scrambled eggnog,whichwouldbedisastrous.

Heat in 30 second bursts for 4-6 minutes (times will vary slightly accordingtoyourmicrowave).

Attheendofeach30secondburst, whisk the eggnog with a fork. The eggnogisreadywhenit'shot–butdo notallowittoboil.

Serve warm or chilled with a sprinkleofcinnamonornutmeg.

Note (If you divide the eggnog into4smallservessimplyreducethe cookingtimeto2-3minutes.)

Pour the egg and milkbatterbackintothe saucepan on very low h e a t a n d s t i r continuously with a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula. Cook for a minute or two. Remove from heat and pour in a bowl adding alltheotheringredients. Grate about half the nutmeg over the bowl andmixagain.

Strain the liquid Taste. Adjust for more brandy, bitters, nutmeg accordingtotaste.

Refrigerate for at leastadayforflavorsto intensify Serve very cold.

countrieshavetheirownversions. Asatip,makethepunchdecrèmeatleast 24hoursbeforeyouserveitsothattheflavors canreallymeldtogetherandthedrinkcanbe properlychilled.

Jamaican Eggnog is a Caribbean variant of the famous holiday drink made with the usual eggs milk, cream, spices like nutmeg and vanilla, and fortified with rum, whisky, and/orbrandy

By Zena Henry

Ruiz 'Richie Rich'Young maybefairlynewtothe local entertainment arena, but already he is making a name for himself with creative, high-quality content in the areas of musicandvideoproduction-twoof the many services the 33-year-old offers at his Norton Street based recordingstudio.

It is one of the newest multimedia outlets looking to add its genuine flavour to the local entertainment market Having recently partnered with local artiste, Zena Lashley last year, the two undertook a number of exciting and jaw-dropping projects

fallout in t h a t country The oducer said he saw it necessarytousehisskillstoadd his piece of creativity to the local mix “Guyana has so much to offer, and I am happy to see that more people are pursuing their dreams in music and other creative areas. I love music so I am here for it.”

Young explained that he partnered with a number of local persons when he returned to Guyana to get a feel of what was happening here He said that together with Lashley, they are both passionate about music, and so the partners had pooled their resources and opened a small establishment, equipped with a recording room, office, and videography room, to conduct projects that sought to display the new flare added to the local scene. To make it even more convincing,

Music Producer, Ruiz “Richie Rich” Young Young Professionals Series:

that we take our music seriously and seek to create a modern sound that is marketable.” He believes that all stakeholders including the Government could contribute positively to strengthening the local music and entertainment sector

Young is adamant however, that young Artiste must develop certain qualities if they are serious about music and intend to go far, and by far, he said that means beyond Guyana. He said that Artistes must exercise patience, discipline and focus. Many young people he said are 'speedy' and fail to recognize that their road to success is one they would have to groom. The Producer highlighted his own journey where he spent hours at a time, many late nights perfecting his craft in recording, mixing and mastering, all of which he learnt on his own “No one taught me to do what I do, I watchedYouTube videos, I bought

in music and video productions, with a number of new and existing talentsfromGuyanaandabroad.

Young is involved businessofmusicproduction, writing, to recording, mastering, the production of music videos content creation He services in filming, photography content creation, lighting cartoonizations, beat making, documentaries Public and other communication such as writing services, social media platform marketingarealsoavailable.

Hisdrive,Youngsaid, in his passion for mus production Popularly knownas'RichieRich', Yo u n g s a i d h i s company's aim is to produce quality,creativecontentthatwould encourage further support for Guyanese music and other creative presentations The 33-year-old who has been producing music for almostnineyearshadbeenlivingin Venezuela with his family but returned during the economic

nsuring the high -quality content thathasbeencausingastirsincethe productionswerereleased.

Young said he is ecstatic about joining the numerous local outlets providing a space for Musicians andotherCreatorshere.

“Ihavealwaysbeenpassionate about music, but I recognize the

rs can't help but pay attention.” He said that for some time Guyana has not been recognized for its musical talents, something that he has no problemhelpingtochange.

“Because Guyana has good Artistes, matter of fact, we have great artistes, and a lot of them are undiscovered. So, I am happy to

expose and exploit these talents so our people can reach their greatest potential.” Young believes that the local music industry could be a lucrativeoneespeciallywiththeoil ctor that continues to place Guyana on the world map. He said this is the time that Guyana should rally its talents and show the world what the country could offer He saidtheworld'seyesarenotonlyon the country for its oil, but they will also be looking at our culture, our style, our music, food and all that weoffer

He said that in selling Guyana s a business product and pecially where tourism and entertainment is concerned, music that is uniquely Guyanese, regardless of external influences, will make up the packagethatisbeingoffered.

He used Trinidad and Jamaica, as an example where the two use their unique reggae and soca sounds to market their countries globally

Young believes that even if the country isn't recognized like the reggae and soca isles, “it is time

the equipment and I taught myself. I love doing this so I am passionate andcommittedtoit.”

He said this is the same energy Artistes need to have; that they should learn to keep themselves motivated doing what they love, especially when the path is not as clearastheywouldlikeittobe.

The Producer added that the online medium is currently doing wonders for independent musicians who are able to market and distribute their music online andreachawideraudience.

“They just have to stay committed,”YoungtoldtheCoven. “I believe if you want something badly enough, you will find a way tomakeithappen.

You just have to stay focused and true to what you are doing and avoidthedistractions.”

Some of the Producer's recent workincludeslocalArtistessuchas 'Russian','yellowmarshall','dennis king' , '9boss' , 'Mesheo' ,'gringoman', 'jomo primo', 'Seeko Hype' ,'Mineset', as well as Venezuelan singer, 'Issibaby'

amongmanyothers.

A scene from the IzWi Rich Entertainment project with Artiste, 'Ghost Psycho'

A section of the Norton Street recording studio

From left: Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, (next to Minister), Sauid Depaul, Rakesh Gobardan (centre) of Jaggy Records, Willie Gault and Richie Rich

Ruiz 'Richie Rich' Young with Zena Lashley during one of their productions

Masquerade Gaff Masquerade Gaff

A CONVERSATION WITH WILLIAM ‘BILLY’ PILGRIM AND I

ByIanE.Harris

It happened one cold, overcast, December Friday some years agointhethenInvadersSteel Orchestra Pan Yard which was located on Charlotte Street.

William ‘Billy’ Pilgrim,

now deceased, was at that time, the band’s Arranger andhewasverygoodatwhat he did. Most people referred tohimas aMusicalMaestro as he was one of Guyana’s and the Region’s Cultural Icons. In fact, he was a Musical Composer and a Former Director of Music. He told us all when he first came into the pan yard as Arranger, to simply call him Billy. Ever since that day, that is how we always referredtohim.

“Fellas, we had a good

jam today but just hold for a fewminutesandyouwillsee something special,” Billy saidgrinningwickedlyatme and the other players in the band.Knowingfromtimeto time,Billywouldoftenbreak out of his professional character to become mischievous,weallburstout laughing to see what mischiefwasathand.

No sooner had Billy spoken to us, the pan yard wasswarmedbymembersof a prominent Masquerade Band at that time, who had been playing all day on the roadbuthadalsocomeupto play against us in musical rivalry

“Masquerade Band meet Pan! Yes the boys from the Mighty Banks Invaders! Tonight we’re going to have asoundclashtoseewhohas thebestrhythmontheroad,” saidanowexcitedBilly

A few minutes of small talkwithusandotherplayers from the Masquerade Band was soon transformed into a pan yard lime of ‘kittle and boom drums’, ‘pipe flutes’, ‘Mad Bull’, ‘Mother Sally’, ‘D Stilt Man’- all characters of a conventional Masquerade Band, and with our rhythm section of our

band countering- attacking with‘shots’

I n m o s t b a n d s , conventional instruments apartfromSingersconsistof three drums, metal percussion(triangle),andthe flute The man who controlled the boom drum controlledtheband.

BoththeMasqueradeand Steelpan Band genres have strong afro-centric roots but theolderofthetwogenresis the Masquerade Band, and there is enough evidence to supportthisstatement.Butit wasmygaffwithBillyabout a particular aspect of Masquerade Bands, in a corner in the pan yard that night, that has motivated me totellyouwhatIknowabout MasqueradeBands.

Traditionally the e m e rg e n c e o f t h e

Masquerade Band was a signal that Christmas had officiallyarrived.Itwassaid that children gleefully wantedtoseethe‘Flouncers’ butliterallyranandhidifthe band had a ‘Mad Bull’ and

‘Mother Sally’ But the characterthatstoletheshow was the ‘long lady’(men on stiltswhichmadethemsome sevenfeettall,dressedas

The late Billy Pilgrim, CCH

What kids want for Christmas

Every year, kids have a wish list and share with Santa what they want for Christmas. Here is a compilation of what kids want for Christmas, the Kaieteur News edition

Name: Malia Chunilall

Age: 2 years old

For Christmas, this sweet two-year- old would like to have a dancing and singing doll.

Name: Kristopher Chunilall

Age: 6 years old

His wish for Christmas is to have a Lamborghini car and a soccer ball.

Name: Vineet Singh

Age: 9 years old

For Christmas, he wants Santa to bring him a remote control truck.

Name: Arya Ramotar Age: 9 years old. She is hoping to find a makeup set under the Christmas tree

Name: Kaylen Avaire Rockcliffe

Age: 5 years old

For his gift, he wants a remote control RC truck and a PJ mask action figure set

Name: Aryan Ramotar Age: 8 years old

Aryan wish is to have an Xbox for Christmas

Name: Divya Jairam Age: 3 years old She would like to have remote car for Christmas

Name: Jia Persaud

Age: 4 years old

She would like a poppet bag and pink sunglasses for Christmas

Name: Davia Cady Calistro

Age: 5 years old

All little Davia wants is a doll for Christmas

Name: Satyanand Kumar

Age: 2 years old

Satyanand wants a remote control car for Christmas

Name: Viaana Kumar

Age: 2 years old

This toddler loves to play with makeup so her wish this Christmas is for a makeup kit and a doll house

Name: Cathalina Jorden Age: 7 years old

Cathalina loves musical instruments, at the top of her Christmas wishlist is a piano

Choose the best colours to compliment your skin tone this Christmas

Olive-toned, JenniferLopez

LupitaDeep-skinned Nyong’o (Gettyimages)

At Christmas, we tend to put lots of emphasis on

perfectingourhome,ensuringwepurchasethebest gifts for our loved ones, and whipping up a deliciouslunchordinner Butthatdoesnotmeanweshouldnot focusonlookingourbest!

Forthosewhofocuson‘dressingtoimpress’oreventhose whogiveitlittlethought,wewillhelpyoupulltheperfectoutfit outthewardrobetowowyourspouse,guestsormaybejustthe restofyourfamily

Weknowthatwewearisdependentontheweather,soIwill notdaresuggestyouladiesjumpintoyourtanktopsoralovely longsleevedblouse.Similarly,forthemales,whetheryouwear shortorlongpants,it’sreallyuptoyou.

While doing some research a month ago, I learnt that the colours you wear are very important. In fact, the colours you choose - if they complement your skin tones right - may very wellcauseyoutobethetruestarthisseason.AndIknowweall don’tnecessarilywishtobethecentreofattraction,butwedo liketolookgood.Nowifyou’rewonderinghowtodetermine whatcoloursmatchyourskin,we’llgetrighttoit.

FINDYOURSKINTONE

Therearethreegeneralcomplexionsthatmostpeoplewillfall into:cool,warmandneutral Warm-tonedskinhasyellow,peach andgoldtint,whilecool-tonedskinhasmorepink,redorblue If you look at your wrist and notice blue or purple veins, you are mostlikelycool-tonedbutifyouseegreen,you’rewarm

Stylecasterina2018articlesharedsomeinterestingpoints on matching colours with your complexion. It said, “Warm undertones look better in gold jewellery, whereas, cool undertones look great in silver jewellery Generally, warmer skin tones look flattering in warmer colours (like red, orange andyellow)andcoolskintoneslookflatteringincoolercolours (likeblue,green,andpurple).”

Forveryfaircomplexions,thefashionhubrecommended that neutral colours be worn. In fact, it even got suggestions fromCreativeDirectorofNewYork’sArt+Autonomysalon, SiobhánQuinlanwhosaid,“Somethingtoodarkorlight(in hairorclothing)cansometimesfeelharshforeveryday.Itend to advise my clients to stay away from those extremes unless theyarereallygoingformoreofa‘look’.”Youcanaddsubtle contrastwithdarkerneutralcoloursandjeweltones.

Ifyou’remedium-toned,meaningyouarenottoolightand alsonotdark,purple,mustard,forestgreen,royalblueandpink would are some of your colours to rock. Stylecaster says, if yourskintoneisolive,oritresemblesthatofthestunningMs. Jennifer Lopez, you would be better off wearing earth tones, green,orange,blue,pink,emeraldandburgundy

Meanwhile, they classified the beautifulAmerican singer, Beyonce as a dark-skinned missus to give us an example of what colours we should try out.Afew of these include jewel tones,white,orange,pinkandyellow

Finally, if you have a deep skin tone, like actress Viola DavisorLupitaNyong’o,coloursthatwouldpopyourmelanin includeJeweltones,white,fuchsia,yellow,royalblue,blush.

I hope this piece has been helpful and will aid in you lookingyourbestthisholidayseason.MerryChristmasand thanksforreading!

Fair- skinned, Emma Stone (Getty images)

The medium-toned Jessica Alba

(image: Pinkvilla)

Dark-skinned, Beyonce(Pinterest)

-AndyWilliams “It’sthemostwonderful timeoftheyear.”

holiday shopping, the cost of living, holiday travel, and general holiday interactions. But there is something magical about this season.Evenamidstthehustleand bustle, people still find time to be nicetoeachother

Children for the most part are overjoyed when the Christmas season arrives. The mere thoughts ofthegiftstheywishtoreceivecan bringaboutacompleteturnaround in behavior Christmas is viewed through a whole different lens by children.

organisations responsible for children, in an effort to spread the joy of Christmas to the less fortunate

Theelderlyandshut-insarenot left out during the Christmas season. They too are able to enjoy the beauty of Christmas as a result of the charity and benevolence of kind persons and generous organisations. Christmas tends to bringoutthegoodinpeople.Itisa holiday that imbues love and happiness in the minds and hearts ofallmankind.

ByRichardFrancois

There is something m a g i c a l a b o u t

Christmas All year peoplelive,workanddowhatthey have to, but as soon as the final quarter of the year commences, conversations about Christmas plansstarttooccur

There are some who do not celebrate Christmas for whatever reason(s),butforthemajoritythat do,itisthemostwonderfultimeof the year.For many, there are warm parties, cozy homes, fond traditions to celebrate, and gifts to beshared.Itisindeedajoyoustime ofcelebration.

However, sometimes we tend togetlostintheseasonandforget the real reason we celebrate Christmas, to begin with Among the hustle and bustle, our focus can get lost and priorities become misaligned

The religiosity of Christmas cannot be ignored Some Christianscommemoratethebirth ofJesusatChristmas Thestoryof the Jesus’ nativity for many Christians is the reason for the season And while Christmas has evolved into somewhat of a cultural holiday, celebrated by p e o p l e o f d i f f e r e n t denominations, we must never forget that the basis of this most

special holiday is the symbolic celebrationofthebirthofJesus Notwithstanding the religious aspect of Christmas, this time of yearisparticularlypunctuatedwith kindness,charityandbenevolence. Itisatimeofgoodcheer Christmas isatimewhenpeopletendtoshare more than usual; smile more than usual; are generally in a great mood; and treat their follow humans with genuine love and respect.

It is a time when we are encouragedtobejoyful,charitable, g e n e r o u s , k i n d , a n d forgiving—whichareallbehaviors that run counter to our inclined responsestothestressescausedby

Most adults can attest to the great sense of satisfaction and joy theyexperiencewhentheyareable to see the looks of surprise and delight on the faces of their children, when they unwrap their presents.Thelooksonthefacesof children after opening their presents on Christmas Day, is one of the greatest gifts you can experience as a parent during this season.

Even those less fortunate children who are in institutional care are touched by the magic of Christmas Persons and corporate institutionswiththeabilitytogive extra during the season donate whatever they can, to

Christmasisatimeoflove,joy and happiness. It is one of the holidays that truly allows for the ubiquitous display of kindness. Evenamidstthecommericalisation of Christmas, one can argue that even that cannot dim the greatness norlessensthemagicoftheseason. There is something about Christmas than brings out the best inpeople.

As you celebrate Christmas 2022, remember the symbolic reason for the season. Give freely, loveabundantlyandletthespiritof Christmasbeexperiencedbythose with whom you interact through yourwordsandactions.

Merry Christmas! May the peace and joy of the season be upon you and your family!

CM Black Cake:

A MUST-HAVE CHRISTMAS DELICACY

...A PRODUCT OF FATHER-DAUGHTER LOVE

By Renay Sambach

Among the many savoury dishes that are a must have during the Christmas holiday, is the deliciousblackcake.

AfterworkingonaprojectwithherFatherto create the ‘perfect’black cake for over a decade, evenafterherFather,ColinMing,passedawayin anaccidentlastyear,SaraliseMing,inSeptember 2022,launched‘CMBlackCake’inhonourofher Father

‘CM Black Cake’is the flagship product at ‘NoodleCakeCreations’andisconsideredan artisanproduct.

JOURNEY OF CM BLACK CAKE

Saralise Ming, is the owner of ‘CM BlackCake’.

Thejourneyof‘CMBlackCake’began back in 2012, after Saralise launched her trademark business, ‘Noodle Cake Creations’.

After opening her business, her Father challenged her to create the perfect black cake. According to her, “he said, ‘Sara, if you’re going in this direction, let’s work at perfecting your Mother’s black cake. I think it could really be a world-class product’.”

Saralisesharedthatthe

first part of the journey was learning the fruits ratio for the black cake and by the end of 2012, undertheguidanceofhermother,shewasableto putherfirstbatchof‘boozyfruitmix’tocure.

ThefruitmixthatSaralisehadmadewasthen named the ‘Mother Mix’. She said that some of the ‘Mother Mix’was used for cake, while some was mixed with new fruit to facilitate the curing process.“Oldfruitisalwaysaddedtonewfruitto keeptheagingprocessgoing.Ifwe’redoingsome quickmath,2012to2022,myfruitmixhasbeen rotatingfornearlyadecade! That’spartofwhat makesitsospecial.”

Saralisesharedthatthefruitpartwas justthe beginning of her long journey ahead. She said, “Let me tell you. Black cake is unlike any other Themixingandbakingtechniquesarecompletely unique.Evenwitharecipeandmom’sguidance,it tookawhiletofirstlearnherversionandthento figureoutthetweaks.Astheorderscamein,Iwas workingonit.”

AccordingtoSaralise,witheachbatchthatshe made,herFatherwouldcuthissliceandcritique. “No matter how perfect I felt our cake was becoming,he’dalwayssay‘butSarayouneedto fixthis’andhearingthatphraseforseveralyears wasterriblyfrustrating.”

Saralise said, “Every year around May, Dad would travel to play golf with his buddies in

Myrtle Beach. He’d always take mom’s black cake fully covered with a generous layer of almond paste. Even though we were working on ourblackcakeproject,heneverwouldletmebake thatspecificcake.Healwayswantedhertobake it. Yes, I was disappointed each year as he wouldn’tletmetrymyhandatitandIfeltIcould doit.”

However, in 2019, Saralise’s Father gave her thetasktobaketheblackcakeforthetrip.

WhileherFatherwasonthetrip,shereceived aphonecallandherFathertoldherthatsomeone wouldliketospeaktoherandhethenpassedthe phonetooneofhisfriends.

“We exchanged our greetings and a bit of smalltalk.Thenhesaid,‘butIwasaskingtospeak withyourMother,whereisshe?’IcouldhearDad inthebackgroundsaying:‘No,youaskedtospeak

Saralise Ming, Owner of CM Black Cake

ThroughtheEyesofa HolidayingGuyane ThroughtheEyesofa HolidayingGuyane ChristmasinGuyana:

For three decades I returned to Guyana at least once annually Almost always it wasinthemonthofDecember, and for three weeks, and once ortwiceafewdayslonger It was a time of great e x c i t e m e n t s , k e e n observations,andusuallytime wellspent.

The latter was despite the usual hiccups that accompanied air travel to Guyanainthe80sand90s,and even extending early into this millennium.

The interest started to intensify from the end of September,Ifeltthattheyear, howeveritwas,hadturnedthe corner, and the straightaway wascleartoGeorgetown.

Yes,thereweredifficulties with baggage, and having to make reservations from as early as February (almost as soonasonereturnedtotheUS) fortheendoftheyear Itwas thattightintermsofseats,and airlines plying the NY-GT route. But it didn’t matter; I was going home, to my real home.

December and Christmas were all about friends and family, despite all my biological family residing overseas. As the tradition stood,Decemberwasonelong stringofChristmasDays,with ahecticroundofeating and consuming, visitingandsharing; some singing and dancingalso.

Close ones were generous withtheirtime andcompany, and that is s t i l l treasured, notwithst anding l a t e r develop

ments Strangers invited themselves into the festivities and, life being what it is, schemers and exploiters waited for their opening to m a k e t h e i r overture s. Who cared? Certai nly not I. It was t h e spirit of the long s e ason of goodwill and joy One made their peace with whatever came, and it was largely good, verygood.

Food was abundant and sumptuous, and m y b e s t experienceswereof those who gave generously, even though they may not have had too m u c h f o r themselves on a regular basis.

Those are the best, the most touching, of my Christmas travels and experiences. Theoneyearthat I could not return due to the expected impending passing of a close relation, I was like the proverbial fish without oxygen.

Drinks were in all varieties, colors, and strengths, ranging from local brews to the ever-present foreign bottled stuff. Those were part of the fixture and, let’sfacereality;noGuyanese Christmas is as it should be without the proper libations, andthesmootherandstronger thebetter

Wi t h c a r o l s a n d conversation at high volume, this was what was longed for from January to November, and as much as I liked the winters and snows of the Temperate Zones, Guyana is home,andChristmastime,the time to be home with music

and lights and hustle and bustleinthishumblelandthat isheldsodearly

This is what I have; it is what I know And though maybe I s h o u l d

k now better, I really don’t want to, come to think of it. Perhaps, that explains why I kept coming, andamstillheretoday

Thosewerethegoodtimes and the good side of visiting GuyanaduringDecember,and they still linger brightly Then,therewastheotherside of Christmas that was present throughout those years, and is still present today In a nutshell, it was of those who don’thave.

Amidst the revelry and spreading of joy (painting the towninanycolorthinkable),I could not help but to observe those were worse for wear, without enough to partake of what was behind the counter, andhavingthatforlornlookon their faces, when turning away.

I couldn’t take that; not then, not now; hopefully never. I did what I could do, and it felt good to be able to

ext end a little sharing knowing that a little difference, if onlyforthisone moment in December, was doingsomething forsomebody

It could have been a child and something as ordinary, yet so compelling and enchanting as sweets, or icecream, or a little drink. Total strangers but still one like me undertheskininhowweyearn and hunger, especially when what may be ordinary for some, is always out of reach for those with nothing, is the mostdifficulttotake.

I don’t how other visiting and celebrating Guyanese brothers and sisters reacted, but I couldn’t take that, couldn’t stand there wrapped upinmyselfwhileotherswere without; I just couldn’t allow that to happen. Whatever could be done was done, and for that, there will always be thanksgiving for being inclinedthatway

Some adults could be a trialofpatience. Theyalways wanted more, had some sob story ready, and were ever on the prowl

and poised to pounce at any opening. Thosewereneverso thrilling, to say ‘no’ to; but after some lessons, the ‘no’ cameeasier

It was my crowning joy to partake of all the pluses and minuses, then to reflect while still in Guyana in the closing days of December that it was time and money well spent. Theoldmademefeelyounger; and I think that I did that to themtoo. Whiletheyounger,I felt learned what it is to hope and to believe. Hard work, simplicity, basic decency, and quiet honesty all have their parttoplay

They may never make us rich in the materials of the world. But then again, there are some riches that are priceless, and they just can’t bebought,onlysavored.

These are some of my favorite things and times of Christmas in Guyana. I have beenblessed. IhopethatIdid bless those who shared with me.

BlessedHolidaystoallmy Guyanese brothers and sisters! Joy to the world! Peaceandgoodwilltoallmen and women too. I wish you a Merry Christmas, Guyana!

Staying safe this Christmas

measures in place to avoid any · Place Christmas trees away ·Lookoutforsmallitems mishapsduringtheholidayseason. fromallheatsources. that young children could

After a careful review of some · Keep candles or any other chokeon,includingpartsthat of the conventional advice relating open flames at least a foot away have fallen off toys or from to Christmas safety, I have from burnable materials. Do not Christmas trees, button compiled a list that you can use to leave burning candles unattended – batteries,andburstballoons. It’s the season to be jolly, but ensure you and your family, love make sure you put them out before · Give yourself enough you must ensure that while you ones and friends, stay safe this going to bed – and do not put time to prepare and cook enjoy the festivities of the Christmas. candles on Christmas trees. Make Christmas lunch/dinner to Christmas holidays you do so in a Always keep doors and sure candles are in stable holders avoid hot fat, boiling water safe, responsible manner. windows locked when leaving the that cannot be easily knocked andsharpknifeaccidentsthat Accidents do occur, so it is houseandgoingtobed. down. come from rushing, and keep important that you put · Tear down gift boxes before · Never leave open flames or anyone not helping with putting them in the trash, cookingburnersunattended. dinner out of the kitchen. so you do not advertise to · Avoid overloading electrical Wipeupanyspillsquickly the world what is outlets, which may overheat and · Use scissors to open availableinyourhome. startafire. packaging and screwdrivers to put together toys. Do not useaknife.

By Richard Francois

An overloaded socket outlet

Christmas away from home

From page 27 PrimeMinister experience, guided tours through It is said that on Christmas Day, the neighbourhood are also Barbadians from all walks of life available. London is home to many traditionally dress up in their best Guyanese. And this location is outfits and gather in Queen's Park captivating with a lot to see during for a morning celebration, running Christmastime. Itcouldbeaneasy from6to11am. destination for many who have The main highlight of the event connections there. With food fairs, is music played by the Royal Christmas markets, lights and Barbados Police Force Band. On extraordinarily decorated streets, a Boxing Day, those who have spare London trip might be among those energy can head to the historic thekidsalwaysremember Garrison Savannah racecourse to Many Guyanese also have enjoytheannualStakesandTrophy families living in warm climates horse races by the Barbados Turf like the Caribbean and these Club. locationsaredefinitelycheaperand Trinixmas blog says that maybe easier to handle for those Christmas preparations usually who might not be as fond of the start months ahead, in as early as blistering cold. Many Caribbean September, when the stores begin islands celebrate the Christmas displaying their Christmas holidays in the same way; with merchandise. In early December, street jams, parties, shows, Trinidad's parang bands start to Christmas village light-ups and appear evenparades. These are small groups of men

· Watch out for trailing cables and wires when you connect new gadgets and appliances, and always read instructions.

won’tbedrivingtired. Falls are the most

The Christmas holidays can be common accidents, so try to keep themostwonderfultimeoftheyear, cluttertoaminimum. as long as you stay safe. Be sure to

· Watch how much you drink; follow these simple steps to make neverdrinkanddrive. sureyou,yourfamily,loveonesand

· If you cannot find a ride with friends, can sit back, relax, and someone who is sober, take public fully enjoy the season safely, transportation,ataxiorarideshare.

Most of the prominent who go from house to house festivitiesinBarbadoshappeninits serenading the inhabitants with capital city Bridgetown. Rove.me, S p a n i s h s o n g s t o t h e a local travel guide said it is a must accompaniment of the guitar, to walk between the multiple cuatroandthemaraca.Wherethese colorfulSpanishcostumesandsing with activities and its signature usual mix of useful, decorative and Christmas trees that are set up to are not available, the band may anddanceforaprize. reggaeversionofcarols. unusual things from firecrackers to usherintheseason. improvise by beating a spoon Christmas carolers, dressed in The mostly rural areas are said food.

It said that by mid-December, against a bottle in time to the white outfits with red capes and to celebrate the traditional Having family abroad could the city streets host a vibrant melody In exchange for the free carrying red paper lanterns through (or John Canoe) where present the ease needed to enjoy Barbados Cancer Society Float entertainment, the homeowner the darkened streets are also part of citizenswearcolourfulmasquerade Christmas from a different Parade, and if one is true fan of brings out a bottle of rum or some theactivities. costumes including cow heads, perspective. caroling, and then there is the other alcoholic beverage and some Going to church is also a big devil features, doctors and brides It may not be such a bad idea annual Rotary Club of Barbados delicacies. In addition to the house part of celebrating the season in the amongothers. therefore to save up, if you must, Carols by Candlelight, taking place serenaders, there are parang twinisland.

Jamaicans enjoy community and make preparations to at the gardens of Ilaro Court, which competitions at various venues Christmas is Jamaica is fairs, with street food, dancing, experience the magic of the is the residence of the Barbadian where men and women dress in described as hugely festive, filled crafts and music. They sell all the holidaysawayfromhome.

Jonkanoo

A parang group in Trinidad and Tobago (Photo: lonelyplanet.com)

An unattended stove burner can causing a fire

Do not allow children to play with fairy lights

By Renay Sambach

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens (much like males) but are usually present in women in small amounts. The name polycystic ovary syndrome describesthenumeroussmallcysts (fluid-filled sacs) that form in the ovaries.

For many women, being diagnosed with PCOS means their chances of becoming a mother is reduced by at least 50 percent. However, PCOS does not only affect the fertility rate of those livingwiththecondition,itaffects their physical and mental wellbeing.

It has been more than a year sinceIfoundoutthatIhavePCOS, and I’m still trying to understand thecondition.

Before finding out that I have PCOS,Ibledfortwoweeksduring thetimeofmymenstrualcycle.The bleeding was accompanied by severe pain which made me realisedthatsomethingwasamiss, since I had never experienced that level of pain before. This affected myabilitytoworkanddomydaily chores.

Atfirst,Ifigureditwasjustme experiencing the brunt force of period cramps. After seven days had passed and I was still in pain and bleeding, I decided to speak withsomeofmyclosefriends,who recommended that I consult a Doctor and get some professional help. After undergoing a lower abdominal ultrasound, as recommended by the Doctor, I receivedmyPCOSdiagnosis.

Sincethen,Ihavebeenlearning of new ways to live a healthy life withPCOS.

With the season of overindulgence upon us, for someone withPCOSlikeme,eatinghealthy must be on our list. Let’s eat healthy, enjoy treats with all the flavour and taste desired, without the guilt of eating something “bad foryou”.

Everywhere you turn someone seemstobecrackingopenaboxof chocolates or suggesting another

PCOS:

drink after work, because you know,it’sChristmas.Foranyone with PCOS, this season can be fraughtwithhardchoices.Doyou indulge and risk worsening painfulsymptoms,orabstainand feellikescrooge?Thegoodnews isthatthereisawaytokeepyour health goals on track without missingoutonallthefun.Thekey isabitofforwardplanning.

Don’tbescared.Herearenine essential guides for surviving (and enjoying) Christmas, when youhavePCOS.

1)It’sallintheplanning

Anyone with PCOS knows the misery that can follow a big blow out.Sugaryfoodsanddrinksspike insulin levels, which in turn increase the levels of androgens in the blood. Excess levels of these hormones are responsible for the more uncomfortable symptoms of PCOS, such as acne, oily skin, unwanted hair growth and fat around the middle. Always keep healthy snackstohand–even the most iron-willed, can struggle to make sensible food choices on an empty stomach. Ifyouhavetime,aimto eat a protein-rich snack before heading out to a party or social event. Carrot and sweet pepper sticks with hummus or half an avocado with a boiled egg are nourishing go-to options Keep a packet of seeds or unroasted nuts in your bag foremergencies.

2) Breakfast like a queen

If you have overindulged the night before or ha veabigmealplannedthatevening, avoid the temptation to skip breakfast.Goingwithoutbreakfast firstthing,cantriggerabloodsugar roller coaster, leaving you feeling tired and more likely to make unhealthy snack choices later on. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day for PCOS! Start each day with a protein-rich, nourishing breakfast to help keep your hormones in balance. Good choices include an omelette (with the egg yolks) with sautéed vegetables, quinoa porridge(thisisalovelyrecipe)or smoked salmon with avocado, pumpkin seeds and poached eggs. Toasted buckwheat or millet bread with nut butter and a handful of berriesisagoodoptionifyouarein arush.

3)Hydrate,hydrate,hydrate

Constantly switching between cold weather outdoors and arid

central heating inside can increase our hydration needs at this time of year This is especially true if you have been drinking more alcohol thanusual.Ensureyoualwayshave a glass of still, (ideally) filtered, wateronyourdeskorcarryabottle whenyouareoutandabouttokeep you hydrated throughout the day Rather than count glasses, check yoururine:itshouldbeclearorthe colour of pale straw If not, up the water intake. Thirst is easy to confusewithhunger,somakesure you have a large glass of water at least 30 minutes before a meal or before heading to a party to avoid anymixedmessages.

4)Besavvywithyourtipple Alcoholcanbehardtoavoidat this time of year, yet as a form of sugaritcanplayhavocwithPCOS symptoms. Does that mean you have t

o a b s t a i n completely? Not necessarily Just aswithfoodchoices,theansweris in the planning.Avoid drinking on anemptystomachasthiswillspike insulin levels and lead to further hormoneimbalance.Eataproteinrichmealorsnackbeforeyouplan todrinkandmatcheveryalcoholic drink with a glass of water to stay hydrated Choose your drinks wisely,avoidinghighsugarmixers, andfocusonqualitynotquantity A glass or two of a drink you genuinely enjoy is a much better option that knocking back cheap alternativesforthesakeofit.Soopt for the best you can afford and reallysavourit.

5) Keep your stress levels in check

Notaneasyonethis,especially as the big day approaches However, managing your stress is key to maintaining a healthy hormone balance and keeping PCOS symptoms in check. Stress

affectsyouradrenals,whichinturn triggers an increase in circulating androgens in the blood. Coupled with increased cortisol (also produced by the adrenals during times of stress), this can leave you feeling tired, anxious and blue. Highlevelsofandrogenhormones alsomakeithardertoloseweight–particularlybadnewsatthistimeof year A simple daily meditation practiceisagreatplacetostart.Or choose another activity which enables you to relax such as yoga, walking, listening to music or reading a good book. It doesn’t matter too much what the activity is. The key is that you find it relaxing.Aim for 20-30 minutes a day,butifthatfeelstoomuchthen 5-10 minutes is fine too –something i s

better than nothing! Try to see it as time dedicated to looking after your health, rather thananotheritemonyourto-dolist.

6)Plantpower

While they may not scream party food, the phytoestrogens in foodssuchaschickpeas,flaxseeds, oats, lentils, alfalfa and apples are great at keeping androgen hormones in balance. Basing your daily diet around nutrient-rich plantfoodswillhelptosupportyou during those times when you are not able to make such healthy choices Substituting sweet potatoes for the traditional roast potatoeswillincreaseyourvitamin intake and thanks to their low GL count, they are less likely to spike yourbloodsugar

7) Happy gut, happy hormones

Lookingafteryourguthealthis essential if you have PCOS Fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, kimchi and traditional red cabbage help feed the healthy bacteria in your gut. They also go

reallywellwithturkeyleftoversor other cold meats. Making simple swaps can mean you can enjoy dessert too: use natural or dairyfree coconut yoghurt sprinkled withcinnamoninsteadoficecream to boost your friendly bacteria and keepthesugarcontentlow

8)Getyourbeautysleep

Regular,deep,nourishingsleep is essential for healthy hormone balance.Thisisparticularlytruefor women with PCOS, as adequate sleep helps to reduce insulin resistance However, getting enoughcanbetrickyatthistimeof year Noonelikestobethefirstto leave, especially when you are having fun with friends or loved ones. However, when you do have the opportunity for an early night, take it. Do you really need to stay up and watch the next episode of thelatestNetflixboxset?Savethe later evenings for spending quality time with your nearest and dearest and on the other nights choose to nourish your health by getting a solid eight hours. If you have a noisy household invest in a good set ofearplugsandaneyemaskto help you sleep Limit smartphoneandTVuseinthe hours before bed as the blue light from these devices can disrupt your hormones and makeitmoredifficulttonod off.

9) Treat yourself as youwouldafriend

HealthytipstoindulgeandsurviveChristmas [Photo credit, Pinterest]

Althoughthisisthelast point, it is perhaps the most important. The best way of keeping your health on track over the festive season is to look after yourself. Thismeanstreatingyourselfasyou wouldalovedoneorfriend.Rather than beating yourself up if you stray from your healthy eating goals, use it as an opportunity to practice kindness to yourself. If youindulgeoneday,enjoyit!Then endeavour to start the next day afresh. The irony is that putting unnecessary pressure on yourself orpilingontheguiltcanleaveyou feeling stressed, which can aggravate PCOS symptoms in itself Instead, give yourself permission to enjoy the festivities andspendtimewithlovedonesand people that make you smile. Your hormoneswillthankyouforit!

Christmas is a time for you to relax, and enjoy time away from work with loved ones and to remember all the good things you are blessed with in life. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!

Tips taken from Katie Edwards, a Registered Nutritional Therapist katie@katieedwardsnutrition.com

CM Black Cake...

Frompage41 withtheBakerandIgave you the right person ’ Then the next thing I heard was, ‘Did you really bake that cake? I wanted to talk to your Mom to tell her that this one is the best one that we’ve ever had over all theseyears’.”

Saralise explained that after hearing those words, she was left in astonishment Her father then collected the phone and told her, “Well I wanted you to know You did it. You have a worldclassproduct’.”

From there, Saralise and her Father started discussing packaging ideasbutthentheCOVID19 pandemic came into effectin2020andputtheir workonpause

The following year, her Father was the victim of an accident that occurredontheEastCoast of Demerara. “Then, in early 2021, my dear Dad suddenly passed. His last sliceofourblackcakewas still in the fridge waiting forhimtofinish.”

Following her

Father’s death, Saralise said that the journey became harder knowing that her Father would no longerbethere

“I thought about scrapping the project How do I do it without him; it started to feel empty One thing about Dadthough,hedidn’tlike quitting He wouldn’t have wanted me to quit. So,Itookallthememories of the conversations we would have had over the years and pulled them together.”

OnFriday,September 2, last, Saralise was able to launch ‘CM Black Cake’ Sheexplainedthat theendproductisexactly what her Father had imaginedittobe.

“The packaging needed to be a sturdy material to support the weight of the cake It needed to represent luxury, finesse and class. The cake needed to be rectangular in shape to f a c i l i t a t e e a s y symmetrical cutting. The almondpasteneededtobe generous, just because he likeditso.”

The branding of the black cake, of course, was done in honour of Colin Ming He was popularly known as CM and the style of the font was inspired by his signature.

“Today, this cake is a representationofaFather and Daughter love It’s a product of our time together and something that dad wanted me to sharewiththeworld.”

And just in case you may need yours for the Christmas holidays, it is advisable, that you do so as early as possible This is owing to the fact, the Bakerexplained,“Ittakes time to hand craft each cake through the baking, curing and packaging process.Also,atanygiven time, there’s only a specific amount of fruit mix which can be extracted for use. This is not a mass produced item.”

(To contact Saralise, you can visit the ‘CM Black Cake’ page on Facebook and Instagram or call using WhatsApp (592)685-6122.)

Frompage34 women and wearing a mask andwig.).

Masquerade Bands have their roots in West Africa and formed part of the traditions of the African slaves who were brought to Guyana during the slave trade

Slaves, who were forbidden to practice their traditions on a regular day, were slightly less restricted duringtheChristmasseason and were allowed to visit other plantations and revel withotherslaves-drumming and dancing in the streets was also allowed at this time

On plantations, the Ashanti Tribe and other Africans were known to use the ‘Tom Tom’ drums to speaktofellowslavesandto planuprisingsandthatdrum soonbecameabanneditem.

The penalty for being found with one was severe However, Slave Masters believe that

British-type regimental drums could not be used for ‘speaking’ and these became the musical instruments of the slaves along with flutes The colourful breast-plate tops used by ‘Flouncers’ also haveaBritishorigin

On the road with the Masquerade Band pelting out sweet, pulsating, and infectious music, it was an expectationthat‘Flouncers’ when playing the mas, must pick up a dollar note withoutbreakingastep

It was also standard for theMasquerader,flouncing with his palm outstretched, tonotwearasmilewiththe explanation being that the ‘Flouncer’iscomingtoyou to fulfill a need, and the absence of a smile often symbolizes a state of sorrow more than of passion

The dancing, drumming and elaborate costumes and effigies of conventional Masquerade Bands reflected

religious festival traditions of the Ibo and Yoruba tribes of West Africa during the time of the Harmattan and harvestcelebrations.

The Ibo and Yoruba believed that this was the time when their gods, dressed in costumes and masks, came to visit and performdances.

While the slaves danced for entertainment, many of the spiritual traditions were retained in the masks and symbols that represented ancestors and gods, along with the acrobatics and c o s t u m e s , w h i c h represented, or perhaps theatrically portrayed, stories of strength, agility, fertility, battle, evil, and terror

Today the traditions and presence of the Masquerade Bands are under threat, but may the spirits of the Masquerade Band continue to live and grow stronger despite challenges. Season GreetingsEveryone!

Most children are far too busy playing with their toys to even think about what Santa does after Christmas

Santa's Beanbag DIY Snow Globe

But it really is very easy to guess. When he gets back to Santa Land, he eats a huge bowl of porridge, his favourite, and then he goes to bed and sleeps for a week.

Well, almost a week.

Yes, that's right – a week and nobody can wake him up All the elves wear earplugs because his snoring is so loud.

T h e e l v e s a n d t h e reindeer usually sleep for a day or two themselves; or maybe three Well, they have all been so busy, and they are so very tired.

Santa doesn't sleep in his bed for his extra-long sleep after Christmas sleep, Mrs Claus is pleased to say He has a giant extra-large beanbag for extra-long snoozy snoozes

He tried a hammock but kept falling out.

He tried a water bed, but he was seasick.

He tried an airbed, but he was far too heavy – it hissed and zzed all night long until it was as at as a pancake by morning! And Santa had backache for a month.

Santa's beanbag is big and squashy, and it is an enormous Santa size, and it is blue with white stars. After Christmas Santa is a bit fed up with red as you can imagine

And his red coat and black boots are sent down to the elves laundry-room to be washed and all the buttons and tears repaired. Climbing up and down chimneys and steering a sleigh at high speed can ruin a red coat.

And Christmas stockings are completely banned until next Christmas, so, all Christmas stockings are hidden way out of sight.

When Santa wakes up with a huge yawn and giant g r o a n H e h a s a b i g breakfast, even if it isn't breakfast time. And then it is time to plan the famous AfterChristmas Party

All the elves, reindeer and Santa just love that After-Christmas Party.

At the After-Christmas Party, there is just about everything that makes it into a special party.

There are cakes – sticky cakes with jelly beans, and chocolate fudge

There is ice cream; all kinds of special melting tastes. There is a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit to dip

T h e r e a r e g a m e s , e v e r y b o d y h a s t h e i r favourite party game.

The elves love bursting balloons, so there are lots of noisy games Stick on the reindeers' tail is always a big hit– the elves have blindfolds and the tails are soft and uffy and nobody wins

There are lots of games with music, too – musical bumps is noisy, too, and everybody's funniest game Have you ever seen a reindeer bump with a thump onto a cushion when the jingle music stops?

And then there are presents Silly presents, the sillier the better – the presents are all wrapped in

bright paper – no red!

They are piled up high and all the names of all the elves are put into a big bag.

Santa picks one of the presents from the huge pile and then dips into the bag to pick a name – so, who gets what?

That's the fun – and nobody knows

There are hula hoops, slime kits, crazy masks, c u d d l y s h a r k s, s o a py bubbles, sticky tattoos, mad hats, Whoopee cushions and lots of laughs…

And everybody says –this is the best party ever! Well, until next year, it always is!

I know a lot of children would like to go to Santa's Extra Special After-Christmas Party – but, sorry, it's an 'elves and reindeer only' party

But maybe there is something you children can do for Santa – and it only takes a minute or two!

Just one thing you really can think about.

You all write to Santa with your special wishes… but do any of you ever send a little thank you after you got your toys?

Just something to think about, girls and boys.

A note or a picture just to say thanks tog Santa? Why not! But… not on red paper please!

FUNWITHPOETRY

Christmas is for everyone

by

Christmas time is here again,

And we must have some fun, But we must remember we are not alone,

And we have to care for everyone.

Just as how our family will prepare for us, We have to help them too, So we could all enjoy the holiday, And make everyone's wishes come true.

See what you can do to help at home, To clean, decorate and prepare the food, As this would make your family happy, And you would feel so good.

Junior page

To make these easy DIY snow globes you'll need a few basic supplies. Snow globe supplies are pretty affordable and you may even already have many of them at home!

Clean jars with lids

Distilled water

Glycerin

Figurines/trees

Tinsel glitter

Epoxy Sand paper

Instructions

1. Make sure your jars are cleaned and dried thoroughly

2. Using your sandpaper, scuff up the underside of the lid and then attach your chosen figurines using a bit of epoxy

3. Let the epoxy set completely and then fill your jar just short of full with distilled water. (You can get distilled water anywhere that you buy bottled water.)

4.Add the tiniest drop of glycerin to the water. If you add too much it's going to make the water kind of thick and chunky so depending on the size of your jar, you're likely not going to want more than one drop.

5.Add your glitter to the jar, using more or less depending on how snowy you'd like

your snow globe to appear. For best results, I found using tinsel glitter (which has larger glitter particles) worked best and gave the best snow-like loo

6. Insert your figurine and screw the lid on firmly and give it a good shake!

Uncle Roy

Use this blessed holiday to develop your Spiritual Qualities We are all One

Inthistimewhenpeople of all the major religions in our country are celebrating this Christmas holiday, it will be useful if we take some time to think about how we can develop our spirituality so as to benefit mostfromthiscelebration.

Not only does the worship of a God, who has made and can make all things possible, give us the faith and confidence to move forward in this world, but we can acquire the same positive spirit when we acceptthatallmenareequal, and are all entitled to the samebenefitsonthisearth.

Prayerhasbeensaidto be the most powerful form of energy, and all things which we need for our sustenance on earth can be

obtained if we ask the Source of all Power with truefaithandhumility

It will assure us the peace and stability in our lives which are essential to our welfare, no matter how disastrous the situation in which we find ourselves may be. It will free us from all hatred, fears and lack of confidence in ourselves and

ourfellowhumanbeings.

It will eradicate p r e j u d i c e a n d discrimination, and will point us towards the good rather than the evil of this world. Apart from devoting someofyourholidaytimeto any religious celebration, you can still achieve peace in your life if you consider that we are all one on earth,

and we should all be contributing to the welfare ofacollectivemankind.

Coming back to the celebration of this special occasion,itisalsoimportant thatwerememberthereason for the season. This means that we need to take some time to think of this and make the most of it by participatinginsomewayin the services that are held to commemorate the birth of someone whom Christians believe came down to earth to lead us closer to the AlmightyCreator

To all our readers, Uncle Roy extends the heartiest of Christmas greetings and wishes of peace and goodwill among all men during this entire holidayseason.

Christmas Cryptogram Puzzles

No matter where we are born, We are all human beings, With the same chemistry, With the same emotions and feelings.

You can't get around it, No matter how you try, So you'd better believe it, You are no better than I.

Though some may have more than others, And some know much more, We at all times have to laugh and cry, When our feelings come to the fore.

So let us join the world

To celebrate our brotherhood, And pray that peace would ever reign, And all live together for the common good.

UNCLEROY Tellitto

Hello,readers, UncleRoyisagainaskingallofyoutotryinsomeway tomakeacontributiontothispage,andthustothewelfareof you and your fellow readers. This contribution can take any formthatyoufeelwouldbevaluable–anaccountofwhatis going on in your community and country, any advice you would like to pass on to your fellow teen readers and, on a broader level, any comment or recommendation you would liketomaketoyourfellowGuyanese.

Please remit same to my email –roypaul2002@yahoo com, and be assured that your worthwhile contribution will have a prominent place on our page.

Solutions to last week’s

Let us rejoice that all Guyanese celebrate this Christmas holiday as we do with those for all other religions.

TOP 6

XMAS BEAUTY TIPS

Whetheryou'regoingtoyourofficedo,seeingoldfriendsor drivinghometoseelovedones,nodoubtyou'llwanttolook your best this festive season. Surviving Christmas does of coursemeanfightinghangovers,puffyeyesandcompletelyoverindulging (one more Quality Street, anyone?) Don't worry, we'vegotyoucovered! Weshareourinsidersecretstokeepyou lookingyoursparklingbest!

PREPARATION

It sounds obvious, but with all the rushing around at Christmas,itcanbesoeasytoforgetthethingsweneed. Ifyou're away for a night or two, write a list of things you'll need to pack. Knickers, contact lenses, medication - an absolute nightmare if you forget to pack them, and not something you can borrow off yourAuntieJean!

EATWELL

When you're starting every day in December with a lump of chocolate from your advent calendar it's all too easy to let any kindofhealthyeatingplangorightoutofthewindow!Treatsare fine, but it's also important to remember the age old adage that you are what you eat! Trust us, you'll feel, and look better for it. Food supplements are also a great way to make sure you're gettingthevitaminsyouneedtokeepyoulookingyourbest-we recommend our 3 in 1 Collagen Beauty Drink; packed full of beautifying vitamins for hair, skin and nails - and it's yummy too!

RELAX

Between fighting for the biggest turkey in Tesco or having a fewtoomanycocktailsattheworksdo,itcanbesoeasytoforget to relax. If you're flagging, 15 minutes in a hot bath with a few drops of your favourite oils does wonders for your soul - and keepsyouglowingandrefreshed!

KEEPHYDRATED

That fourth glass of prosecco doesn't count! Remember to drink your 8 glasses of water a day. Long nights and cold days canleaveourskinlookingdullanddry. Besuretostayhydrated to keep yourself feeling your be; it'll put you in good stead to battleyourhangovertoo!

TAKEYOURMAKE-UPOFF

Wecannotstressthisenough! Attheendofalongday,itcan be so tempting to roll straight into bed, but please remember to cleanse, tone and moisturise first! A breakout over Christmas wouldnotbeideal!Yikes!

HAVEFUN!

It' the most magical time of the year You've worked hard all year,youdeservetoletyourhairdown. Trynottogetyourselfso bogged down with trying to make sure that everyone else has an amazing Christmas that you forget to have a good time yourself! Stop polishing silverware, step away from the duster and stop rearranging those baubles. Christmas is a time of love and appreciation; it's about spending time with loved ones and watchingElfatleast3times. Havefunandenjoyeveryminuteof it!

https://pinkcloudbeauty co/blogs/news/6-christmas-beauty-

A Christmas

Wish

By Maggie G

It’sChristmastimeagain! LettheAngel’smessage–Joy,good-willandpeace Ringoutanewtoallmankind. JesustheGoodShepherd Dwellsamongus; MayHisLight Penetratethedarkness Inourlivesandland: Letourgift-giving Reachbeyondfamilyandfriends Tothepoorandmarginalized, NotonlyatChristmas, Butallyearround. Letpureloveinflamehearts, Banishfear,inequity, Aslove,joy,peaceandunity Blossominourcountry, ThisChristmasandbeyond.

Entrepreneur OnThe Move==

By Allyiah Allicock

As we are in the holiday someone who is always open to beinghome.

ation Geology The there was free time on her hand recalled young woman, who likes cooking, during the pandemic while she Caesar added volunteering and traveling, is attended classes virtually while “I went

G o o g l e season and the New Year is just research business right around the corner, it is never ideas, and too late to get that special someone across a website

I that perfect gift. The place to shop allowed you to fill in details

must give special atis‘SparklesofCreativity’. suchasyourhobbies/interests,your thanks to my parents, my brothers, ‘Sparkles of Creativity’ is startup amount, your potential my friends and my boyfriend for anotherofthemanybusinessesthat market, how much free time you always coming through with any werebirthedduringthemidstofthe have etc. A few suggestions came favour I ask, no matter how big or global COVID-19 pandemic, back up, and that’s how I was inspired to small,”sheexpressed. inJanuary2021. dogiftpackages.”

The business which has been

Other than the overwhelming

It is no doubt this venture has support, Caesar mentioned that her makinganameforitselfinthelocal newpositiveexperiences. “I was bored most of the time been something positive because operations too faced a few industry is owned by 21-year-old, When asked how ‘Sparkles of and being stuck at home was a now the young woman receives challenges along the way She Kristen Carey Caesar Caesar is a Creativity’ all came about, Caesar blessing in disguise. I wanted to tremendous support and lots of highlighted that completing bulk recentgraduatefromtheUniversity said she started this venture while occupy myself by doing something positive feedback for her business. ordersontimeandtryingtobalance ofGuyanawhostudiedAppliedand constructive and make a few extra “Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a dollars at the same time,” she better support base to

Some of the gift packages ‘Sparkles of Creativity’ has to offer.

Young Entrepreneur, Kristen Carey Caesar

“I think young Entrepreneurs are the pioneers of bringing new technologies and systems that ultimately bring changes to society. These changes are associated with improved lifestyle, generous thinking, better morale, and higher economic choice. In this way, social changes gradually impact national and global changes.”

TraditionalGuyanese ChristmasDelicacies

By Renay Sambach

Theholidayjustwouldn’tbecompletedwithoutfeastingonsometraditionaland hearty Christmas dishes. Here is a guide on how to prepare this treasured Guyanese dish called ‘Pepper Pot’, among other traditional Guyanese foods and beveragesthatarepermanentfeaturesduringtheChristmasseason.

(Recipesadoptedfrom:‘What’sCookingGuyana’)

Ingredients:

2pigtrottersor1cowheel

2lbstewingsteakorbrisket

8ozpickledmeat

2lboxtail

¼ptcassareep

2redpeppers

1inchpieceofcinnamonstick

3cloves

2ozsugar

Salttotaste

Method:

Wipeandcleanmeatthoroughly Putheelortrottersinpan.Coverwith waterandbringtoboil.Skim.

Whenhalftender,addothermeats,and hotwatertocover Cookforabout1hour

Add other ingredients and simmer untilmeatistender Adjustflavourforsalt andsugar Servehot.

Note:Thisdishdevelopsmoreflavour whenleftoveraperiodofdays.Itmustbe reheatedtoboilingpointeachday

Ingredients:

1lb.ofginger

10cupsofwater

2cupsofdarkbrownsugar

2cinnamonsticks

6cloves

53x3-inchpiecesoforangepeel

14-inchpieceoforangepeel

Uncooked rice to help with fermentation

Method:

Pepperpot Ginger beer

Grategingerwiththefinesideofthe grater In a large pot, combine all ingredients, except cinnamon and the (3×3)piecesoforangepeel.

Bringtoarapidboilfor10minutes.

Removefromheatandstrain.

Useacheeseclothtoremoveginger bits.Pourintoalargeglassjug.

Breakorangepeelandcinnamonsticks intopieces;addtogingerbeer,andbringto roomtemperature.Place12uncookedrice grainsineachglassjar;pourintoglassjars andletrest.Fermentfor5-7days.

Discard cinnamon sticks and orange peel.Serveovercrushediceoricecubes.

Ingredients:

½pound(225grams)margarine

½pound(225grams)darksugar

4mediumeggs

1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla/almond flavouring

1 pound (450 grams) cake and pastry flour

¼pound(115grams)breadcrumbs

2teaspoons(10ml)mixedspice/nutmeg

1tablespoon(15ml)bakingpowder

3cups(750ml)redwine

1cup(250ml)rum

3 cups (720 grams)

soakedmixedfruits

½ cup (120 grams)

Garlic Pork Garlic Pork Fruit Cake FCake ruit

cherries

¼ cup (60 grams) peanuts,crushed

Method:

Cream margarine

andsugaruntillightandfluffy

Graduallybeatineggs,oneatatime.Stir invanilla/almondflavouring.

Combine flour, breadcrumbs, mixed spice/nutmeg and baking powder and mix well.

Foldflourmixtureintocreamedmixture alternately with the red wine, rum, soaked mixedfruits,cherriesandcrushedpeanuts.

Scrape batter into a greased and lined 325 cm (10-inch) baking tin. Bake for 1½ hours at 180°C/350°F or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Allowtocool.

Ingredients:

3 lbs of pork at least one (1) inch thick;tendercutsarepreferred 12largeclovesgarlic ½ cup of fresh thyme leaves (stem reserved)or 2tbsp.ofdriedThyme 8-10wiri-wiripeppers 1½tbsp.seasalt ½tspblackpepper 2cupsofwhitedistilledvinegar 2 cups of boiled water (brought to roomtemp.) 3-4wholecloves 3 additional cloves of garlic, unpeeled 4-5sprigsoffreshthyme

Method:

Wipe the meat clean with a damp clothorpapertowel.Usingasharpknife, make little gashes into the meat on both sides. Grind the garlic, thyme, and wiriwiri peppers in a food processor/mortar andpestle,thenpourthisseasoningrubin asmallbowl.

Using a butter knife or your fingers spreadagenerousamounttofillthesmall gashesinthemeat.Saltandpepperboth sides,reserving½tspsalt.

Rub any left-over seasoningmixtureon meatslices.Usinga wide-mouthed glass jar, start by

layering pieces of seasoned meat, stackinguntilallmeathasbeenplacedin thejar

Combinevinegarandwater,andpour cautiously into the jar of layered meat untilmeatiscoveredbytwoinches.

Gentlyshakethejartodistributemeat evenly,andplacethymestemsandcloves in the jar. Add three cloves of unpeeled garlic, as part of the garnish, and the peppercorns.

Place additional sprigs of thyme on topofjar,orslideitdownthesides.

Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and sealjartightly

Store in a cool dark place (not refrigerator),andletitrestfor3-5days.

After curing period, drain meat on a rack, and discard liquid. Do not allow seasoninginthegashestofallout.

Inaskillet,pour3tbsp.Canolaoil.

Pan-fryonmediumheat,untilnicely browned for about 2-3 minutes per side. Removeandservewithcrustybreadand gingerbeer,ordesiredbeverage.

On December 20, 2022, Guyana marked its third year asanoil-producingState.The SouthAmericanproducerhas since earned labels as being the “gateway to the world's fastest growing super basin,” and according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), "it is the fastest growing economy of the worldonapercapitabasis.”

Many Transparency Advocates are the least bit impressed by such titles, claiming that they distract from the real questions at hand. These include: How transparent and accountable has the government been about its decision-making for thesector?Towhatextenthas the administration sought to educate its people on the shortcomings of the Stabroek Block deal struck with ExxonMobil?

Stakeholders such as Opposition Member of Parliament, David Patterson state categorically, that the Government has built a Chinese wall between citizens and what really obtainsinthecontract.

To date, Guyanese have no clue about what ringfencing provisions are, much less how their absence in the Stabroek Block deal affects profits to be split between Exxon and the State. Ringfencing provisions, for those unfamiliar with the expression, explicitly outline that a company cannot take the money earned from one projecttosatisfytheexpenses ofanotherongoingproject.

As an example, if ringfencing provisions were part of the Stabroek Block PSA, ExxonMobil and its Partners would not be able to use revenues made in the Liza One and Two Projects to cover expenses for many of its exploration projects. Liza OneandTworevenueswould be restricted to covering any related expenses for those projects alone. The upside of this approach is that it then makes more money available to be split between the companies and the State. The PPP/C Government has said nothing will be done to changethisfiscalflaw

Guyanese are also in the dark when it comes to decommissioning costs When oil companies have extractedasmuchoftheoilas theypossiblycanfromawell,

it is standard practice that they safely cap and abandon it. This part of the oil and development process costs millions of dollars The revenue has to be set aside in a special account, held by the government to cover these costs when the time comes. The agreement for the Stabroek Block jumps off the precipice of international best practice, and into a bottomlesspitofabnormality onthisfront.

ExxonMobil and its Partners which include Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited are able to benefit from a lopsided system that allows t h e m t o k e e p decommissioning funds in theirpockets.

Guyana must now hope, pray, and trust that when the time comes, Exxon will hand over the sums needed. What

is also egregious about the entire arrangement is that the government, nor the people, knows how much Exxon will be taking out annually for decommissioning. No one knows if the company is taking out more than it should Here again, the PPP/C Administration has said that it will not touch this aspectofthedeal.

Of significance is the fact that Guyana does not know what types of expenses are being deducted such as interest rates on loans Governmenthasthepowerto remove this veil of secrecy with the issuance of a cost recovery statement every quarter from Exxon but it does not. To date, Guyanese also don't know the cost of exploration wells or even how much of the US$900M in pre-contract bills Exxon hasrecovered.

Also troubling, is the fact that Guyana continues to push its oil development at a feverish pace in the absence of a parent guarantee for oil spills from Exxon and Partners. There is only a US$600M per occurrence coverage which stakeholders h a v e l a m b a s t e d a s inadequate.

On the Legislative front, Guyana is yet to address key reforms to the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, No 3 of 1986; the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act Regulations, 1986, the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act,1998,theEnvironmental Protection Act, and the Occupational Safety and HealthAct.

Various documents for thesectoralsoremainindraft mode. These include but are not limited to the following:

an UpstreamPetroleum Sector Policy, Petroleum Oversight and Regulation Legislation, Petroleum Revenue Management Legislation, Upstream Petroleum Commission Bill 2016(Draft),draftPetroleum (Environmental Protection & P o l l u t i o n C o n t r o l ) Regulations, and draft Petroleum Health and Safety Regulations In his 2016 report, Energy Expert, Anthony Paul stressed the need for Guyana to close legislative and institutional gapsastheyleavethecountry open to losing significant value.

He said: “Both the Legislative and Institutional frameworks and their component parts are critical for successful management of the resource. Given the pace of change, Guyana is at riskoflosingverysignificant

value unless these gaps are closedrapidly.”

As for Guyana's gas-toenergy project, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo had said a portion of the nation's oil would be used to repay ExxonMobil for its investment in a pipeline that will be connected to the Liza Unity and Liza Destiny vessels offshore to processing facilities onshore.

That pipeline would cost upward of US$1.3B. The Government has not explained what impacts this will have on the profits to be splitfromtheStabroekBlock Project.

Taking these and other critical matters into consideration, stakeholders areoftheviewthatGuyanais woefully lacking in the p r o p e r g o v e r n a n c e framework needed for the sector

'We gat ah yuh bac' spreads

Christmas cheer all year round

'We spreads cheer all year round

‘We gat ah yuh bac' (WGAB) a crossborder group of individuals, passionate about brightening up the faces of the less fortunate or under privileged have been spreading the joy of Christmas for over five years.

The group was founded by businessman Mr.DewanSingh,morepopularlyknownas BuddySingh.HetoldTheWaterfallsthathe finds joy in being able to bring smiles to the facesofpeopleinneed.

Singh, with the help of a few friends and associates have managed to provide walkers, crutches, canes, pampers (for the elderly) and other essential materials to aid intheirwellbeingthroughouttheyear

At this special time of the year, the members of WGAB shift gears to start packing and distributing food hampers and toys to families across the country Each year,adifferentlocationwherepeoplearein need,isselected.

Singh said Wakenaam, his home village has been benefitting from a Christmas parade for the past 12 years. The activity this year saw 600 children receiving toys, schoolbagsandstationeryfortheupcoming schoolterm.

Other villages that WGAB visited this year were Pigeon Island, East Coast Demerara, Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara and Bath Settlement, Berbice. The founder of the group said that the lowincome areas are usually targeted in these communities.

During the parades in these areas, volunteers would take the information of families and return with food hampers, consistingofmuchneededitems.

HowWGABstarted

Buddy Singh migrated to the United States (US) back in 1987 and returned to Guyana in 2004 after the death of his father While still grappling with the loss, he said a school reached out to him requesting assistance with supplies that were needed. This experience, Singh said, served as an 'eye opener' to the “desperate situation” some individuals or organizations may be facing and became the catalystforformingWGAB.

That same year, the philanthropist was able to donate two computers to each of the schools in Wakenaam. He also contributed medical supplies to the health institutions there with his personal funds; realizing that there were so many in need, Singh decided to form an organizationtoprovideassistance.

Mario Chaitu, Manisha Ramwisher, Selena Deonarine, Dolly Baksh, Kenneth Madramuthu and Tyron Madramuthu have since joined the team to help make a difference inthelivesofthosethatrequireassistance.

The founder of the organization usually hosts an overseas show in Canada and the United States, to help raise funds for the cause. Thefundraiseractivity,dubbed'ChutneyWine' commenced in 2010 and features top dancers, singers and tassa groups. The money raised is mostly used to fund the shipping of items into Guyana,asthegroupreceivescontributions.

Unexplainablejoy

“I getjoy from this- that's why I do it.I do a lot of stressful work but when I see the

smiles on these people faces it's like it's worth it. It brings unexplainable joy to me, all the stress is j u s t r e l i e v e d immediately,” Singh said.

Heexplainedthat while growing up in a low income home, he was not able to wear shoes to school as his family could not afford them. “I had a bicycle I used to ride to school because I couldn't afford a bus fare and when the bicycle chain would burst I would have to walk to get to school, so I remember where I came fromandthisiswhyIwanttogiveback.”

The businessman said he wish there were such generous people like himself back when he was younger “I remember I used to play with marbles growing up; those were my toys I never had a chance to get a nice truck or something to push around. I used to see my friends them who had family overseas used to send them stuff- nice sand truck and so and I used to had to play with my lil marble and tin cup,”herecalled.Personswhoareinterestedin donatingtotheorganizationcanreachouttothe founder on Facebook through his page Buddy JKS Singh or send funds to his 'Go Fund Me' page. They can also message him WhatsApp using +1 646-320-4991. Locally, persons can contactMarioChaituon602-1605.

A member of the group handing over a wheel chair

Mario Chaitu hands over a brand new pair of comfortable crutches to this gentleman in need

Reminiscing on the beauty of Sloth Island

Sloth Island is 155 acres of pure tranquil land, orated with beautiful flowers and trees that have een in existence for decades. These are home to the now endangered brown throated sloths that usually come out to greet and welcome visitorsiftheyarelucky The island is just one of the can be found in the mighty River visit to the island was October 2021, when I was by my husband. To get

our room where we enjoyed a comfortablebedandalargeroom.

The staff then alerted us that dinner was ready. We headed to the garden area where we enjoyed a tasty welcomemeal.

The next day, my husband and I weretakenonanaturewalk.Itwasmy favourite part of the trip, though we didnotseeanyslothsthatday

The trail was built of wood above the slushy terrain. We were escorted by a kind gentleman who taught us that the trees there were used as medicine by Amerindians decades ago.

We were treated to the beautiful sight of birds as we journeyed along

toourrequests.

Accordingtoitswebsite,theresort is the brainchild of an Entrepreneur seekingaholidayhomeawayfromthe grind and noise of city life. When this neglected piece of paradise became available, he took the opportunity to create a comfortable space as an ecofriendlyparadise.

In the early 1990s, reclamation work began on the swampy northern point.

The 5-acre area required massive buildup, and Amerindians from the Agatash area constructed traditional buildings. It was the first attempt at building a facility specifically to cater toholidaymakers,like-mindednature

The rustic bridge that leads visitors to the resort

Teacher brings yearly cheer to underprivileged children in the spirit of Christmas

By Malisa Renada Playter Harry

While millions of children w i l l b e finding presents under their Christmas trees, there are also millions of children worldwide who have never gotten a gift on Christmas Day These children live in dire circumstances as their parents are not capable of providing the most basic needs due to extreme poverty

Here in Guyana, Christmas time is an important holiday and is celebrated by persons from all religious and ethnic backgrounds. It a special time of year where persons, particularly children, also look forward to gifts. And while many are fortunate enough to get their heart's desires, others are left wondering where their next meal would come from, and if their parents can afford to buy them toys for the holidays.

There is one woman though,whohopestomakea change in the lives of less fortunate children, mainly because of her humble of upbringing and what she faced when she was a kid too.

Naressa Drijodhan, a 37year-old mother of one from Albion Estate Road and a teacheratBelvederePrimary for over 16 years, has vowed to make a difference within her community and the hearts of underprivileged children, who she engages withonaregularbasisdueto herjob.

Naressa had an idea to bring cheer to children by

giving gifts and delicious food during the holiday season, all of which she does personally with the help of generous donors and her daughter.

"ChristmasCheer"asshe has officially named it was conceptualized in 2020, during the COVID-19

pandemic. Businesses were shut and people lost their jobs, so Naressa was of the belief that toys etc were not on the priority list for their kids, "it was more of people ensuringtheyhadamealand we know that it's a tradition that kids get toys and goodies, especially in the

areas I work, the squatting areas of Hampshire and Belvedere..."

She noted that those communities are the closest to her heart particularly because she teaches in that area and also grew up in Belvedere.

"Alot of the children are from impoverished homes and by teaching in that school majority of the children come from poor families..."

So during 2020 she decided to take advantage of her Facebook following since she had thousands of persons following her She posted that she will be doing a "Christmas Cheer" and she indicated that she would be giving out toys and goodies withatargetof50children.

"I posted it and when I posted it, persons from overseas, they checked in with me and asked me what is it I was actually doing and I said what I was gonna do and people came on board and I ended up doing it for 100kids"

This she said was even more motivation for her to make her "Christmas Cheer"

an annual feature in her life. She added that coming from a home where she did not have much, she feels for children who are struggling now and what she is doing is just bringing some form of happiness to them during the holidays.

What is even more admirable is the fact that Nareesa doesn't only depend on donors, in fact, when there is less that what is needed she churns out her ownfinancestocontribute.

"Sometimes the money I collect is far less than what I need but teachers are actually lucky because we normally get our percent money at the end of the year so I can afford to put some towards the project..." she saidhappily

Many of her packages includetoysandgoodiebags withtonsofsweettreatswith cupcakes. In most cases the value of the goodie bag is approximately $2000, and thatmakesherhappy

"When you go into those squattingareas,youcangive those children the smallest item and it will brighten up theirday..."

Neressa said it's their smile and the look on the faces of the children who receive her goodies is what makesherdayandmakesher

look forward to every Christmas.

"I feel as though I am giving back. A lot of people don't believe me when I tell them I come from a shack, four of us in a single bedroom house and Christmas time use to be so sadbecausemyparentswere very poor and it breaks my heartknowingsomechildren still live like that today," she revealed.

Neressa also hosts a little Christmas party at her house for the kids where they can have lunch and receive their gifts, but for those that can't go she takes her car and drives around with her daughter to share out to the needychildren.

She noted that what makesitevenmorespecialis that her daughter is involved and hopes that she can value what she has, "I want to inspire her to continue and do this for generations to come."

Hertargetthisyearis100 children but notes that there will be more. She hopes to continue every year and eventually expand to other areas but is thankful to many of her donors including SC Imports, N&S Algoo and Payless Variety Store along with a few of her Facebook friends both local and overseas for making her initiative such a massive success.

Mahatma Ghandi once said "The best way to find yourselfistoloseyourselfin the service of others". For Naressa, she is well on her way

Naressa with her class children, many of whom she also gives toys and goodies too

Some of the items and toys that made up the goody bags last year

Naressa

giving an under privileged child his gift and goody bag

Naressa Drijodhan

Health Facts

Can a Glass of Wine Benefit Your Health?

Peoplehavebeendrinking inflammation. haveanti-inflammatoryproperties. w h o c o n s u m e wine for thousands of Because red wine grapes are Chronic inflammation is moderate amounts of years, and the benefits of higher in antioxidants than white harmful and may increase the risk wine have reduced rates

doing so have been well grape varieties, drinking red wine of conditions such as heart disease, ofheartdisease. documented. may increase your blood autoimmune disorders, and certain Researchers believe that Emerging research continues to antioxidant levels to a greater cancers. Therefore, it’s best to red wine’s high concentration suggest that drinking wine in extent than drinking white t this type of ofpolyphenolantioxidantscanhelp moderation — about one glass per wine. mmation as reduce your risk of high blood Other benefits day — offers several benefits. This In fact, one muchaspossible. pressure, high cholesterol, and Drinking wine in moderation article explains everything you week study in C h r o n i c metabolic diseases. Some research mayalsohaveotherbenefits: need to know about the health adults found that nflammation suggests that drinking red wine Itmaybenefitmentalhealth.An benefits of drinking wine, which c o n s u m i n g c a n b e may reduce blood pressure in occasional glass of wine may type is healthiest, and its potential 13 5 ounces r e d u c e d people with high blood pressure, reduce the risk of depression downsides. (400 ml) of t h r o u g h which may reduce the risk of heart However, excessive drinking can There are several benefits to r e d w i n e diet, stress disease. have the opposite effect, putting drinkingaglassofwine. d a i l y reduction, Yet, other studies suggest that a you at a higher risk of this Rich in antioxidants increased a n d daily glass of red wine does not condition It may promote There are many antioxidant- antioxidant exercise. reduce blood pressure in people longevity Studies have found that rich foods and beverages, and wine status M a n y withnormalbloodpressureorthose drinkingmoderateamountsofwine isoneofthem. H i g h e r foods have whoalreadyhaveheartdisease. as part of a healthy diet may

By Rehanna Ramsay

Antioxidants are compounds antioxidant the power to What’smore,winemayinteract increase longevity thanks to wine’s thatpreventcellulardamagecaused s t a t u s i e d u c e with medication that lowers blood highantioxidantcontent. by inflammation and oxidative associated with flammation, pressure. Furthermore, excessive Anditmaypromotehealthygut stress Oxidative stress is a decreased risk w i n e i s alcohol consumption may have bacteria. Recent studies have even condition caused by an imbalance disease. For example, thought to be one of negative effects on heart health, suggested that red wine may between antioxidants and unstable drinkingredwinehasbeen them. including increased blood pressure promote the growth of beneficial molecules called free radicals, associated with a reduced risk of One study in 4,461 adults and a higher risk of developing gut bacteria, which may improve whichcandamageyourcells. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s demonstrated that moderate heartdisease. metabolic syndrome markers in Grapes have high levels of disease, which are associated with consumption of wine was linked to Whether moderate wine intake peoplewithobesity polyphenols, which are oxidativestress. areducedinflammatoryresponse. benefits heart health is up for S o u r c e : antioxidants that have been shown Helps Combat Inflammation Benefits to heart health debate as research in this area https://www.healthline.com/nutr to reduce oxidative stress and Wine contains compounds that Studies show that individuals continues. ition/orange-wine

This Day in History - Dec. 25

Compiled by Zena Henry

First documented Christmas celebration (A.D.336)

The Great Jamaican Slave Revolt begins (1831)

In an old list of Roman bishops, compiled in A. D. 354 thesewordsappearforA.D.336:“25Dec.:natusChristusin Betleem Judeae” meaning December 25th, Christ born in Bethlehem, Judea. This day, December 25, 336, is the first recorded celebration of Christmas. For the first three hundred years of the church’s existence, birthdays were not givenmuchemphasis—noteventhebirthofChrist.Theday on which a saint died was considered more significant than his or her birth, as it ushered him or her into the kingdom of heaven. Christ’s baptism received more attention than his birthdayintheJanuary6thfeastofEpiphany

No one knows for sure on what day Christ was born. Dionysus Exiguus, a sixth-century monk, who was the first to date all of history from December 25th, the year of our Lord 1. Other traditions gave dates as early as midNovember or as late as March. How did Christmas come to be celebrated on December 25th? Cultures around the Mediterranean and across Europe observed feasts on or around December 25th, marking the winter solstice. The Jews had a festival of lights. Germans had a Yule festival. Celtic legends connected the solstice with Balder, the Scandinavian sun god who was struck down by a mistletoe arrow. At the pagan festival of Saturnalia, Romans feasted and gave gifts to the poor Drinking was closely connected with these pagan feasts. At some point, a Christian bishop may have adopted the day to keep his people from indulging intheoldpaganfestival.(Source:Christianity.com)

The BaptistWar, also known as the Sam Sharp Rebellion, the Christmas Rebellion, the Christmas Uprising and the Great Jamaican Slave Revolt of 1831–32, was an eleven-day rebellionthatstartedon25December1831andinvolvedupto 60,000 of the 300,000 slaves in the Colony of Jamaica. The uprising was led by a black Baptist deacon, Samuel Sharpe, and waged largely by his followers. The revolt, though militarilyunsuccessful,playedamajorpartintheabolitionof slaverythroughouttheBritishEmpire.

Copies of the Manusmriti is burnt in Maharashtra to protest treatment of the Dalit people (1927)

On December 25, 1927, huge strides were made in the movement for self-dignity of Dalits. Under the leadership of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, a small town/village, Mahad in Konkan,thecoastalregionofMaharashtra,madehistory.

Manusmurti Dahan Din. The day that the text of caste Hindus epitomizing hegemony, indignity and cruelty to Dalits and mlecchas (that included women) was publicly burned in a specially constructed symbolic funeral pyre before Dr Ambedkar and thousandsofvolunteersgathered toprotestandagitate.TheMahad satyagraha (peaceful agitation and protest) had been organised so that Dalits (untouchables) could drink from the Mahad (Chavadar) water tank, a public water source open to all. A previous legal notification of the Collectorate authorised free access to all Despite the existence of this order, caste hegemony and oppression had not created conditions for access to this facility for the oppressed. On the eve of the protest, caste Brahmins had obtained a stay order from a local court against untouchables accessingwaterfromthetank.

Halley’s Comet is sighted after first correct prediction (1758)

Top view of the space telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a space telescope which conducts infrared astronomy As the largest optical telescope in space, its high resolution and sensitivity allow it to view objects too old, distant, or faint for the Hubble Space Telescope. This will enable investigations across many fields of astronomy and cosmology, such as observation of the first stars, the formation of the first galaxies, and detailed atmospheric characterization of potentially habitable exoplanets.

Caste Hindus had tightened access to any public ground for the proposed meeting.Alocal gentleman, Mr Fattekhan, who happened to be a Muslim, gave his private land for the protest, extending solidarity with the struggle. In the late evening at the conference, the resolution to burn the Manusmruti was moved by Brahmin associate ofAmbedkar, Gangadhar Neelkanth Sahastrabuddhe and was seconded by PN Rajabhoj, an untouchable leader Thereafter, the book Manusmruti was kept on this pyre and burned. The Brahmin associate of Ambedkar, Gangadhar Neelkanth SahastrabuddheandfivesixotherDalitsadhuscompletedthe task. At the pandal, the only photo placed was that of MohandasKaramchandGandhi.Thishasbeeninterpretedto mean that, at this stage the Dalit leadership, including Dr AmbedkarhadyettobedisillusionedwithGandhi.

On December 25, 1758, Halley’s Comet became the first comet to be seen after accurately predicting its passage. Some of the first recorded sightings of Halley’s Comet date back to 240 BC. The comet was seen and recorded by the Chinese, Babylonians, and medieval Europeans, none of whom recognized it as a reappearance. Rather, they thought they were seeing different comets. Up until the Renaissance, it was believed that comets were disturbances in the Earth’s atmosphere, as suggested by Aristotle. Tycho Brahe disprovedthisin1577,thoughmanydidn’tbelieveit.Thenin 1687, Isaac Newton, wrote about the laws of gravity and motion and t o u c h e d o n comets He believed that two comets he saw in 1680 and 1681 were the same comet passing to and fromtheSun(he was later proven right). But the m o s t w e l l -

Republic of Palau stamps with Halley comet over the years

known name in comets was Newton’s friend, editor, and publisher, RoyalAstronomer Sir Edmond Halley. Using the lawsoutlinedbyNewtonandstudyinghistoricalaccounts,he concludedthatthethreecometsseenin1531,1607,and1682 were in fact the same comet, returning about every 76 years (later studies would reveal it returns every 74 to 79 years). Basedonhisresearchandcalculations,Halleypredictedthat thecometwouldreturnin1758.

Unfortunately, he died in 1742 and was unable to see if hispredictionwouldcometrue.ThenonDecember25,1758, German farmer and amateur astronomer Johann Georg Palitzsch witnessed the comet’s return, just as Halley had predicted. This marked the first time that any object other than a planet had been shown to orbit the sun (Mysticstampcompany)

The National Protection War breaks out against the Empire of China

The National Protection War, also known as the AntiMonarchy War, was a civil war that took place in China, between 1915 and 1916. Only three years earlier, the last Chinese dynasty, the Qing dynasty, had been overthrown and theRepublicofChinawasestablishedinitsplace.Thecauseof the war was the proclamation byYuan Shikai, the President of theRepublic,ofhimselfastheHongxianEmperor,Emperorof theEmpireofChina.

InYunnanprovince,militaryleaders,includingTangJiyao, CaiEandLiLiejun,declaredtheirindependenceandlaunched military expeditions against Yuan Shikai. Yuan’s army experienced several defeats and fractured, which led other provinces in the south to declare independence as well. Eventually, under immense pressure from the entire nation, Yuan Shikai was forced to abdicate. He resumed his rule as Presidentanddiedafewmonthslater.

Sam Sharpe Memorial in Montego Bay, Jamaica (Wikipedia)

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (Sabrangindia)

The reopening of the National Assembly of the Republic of China after the National Protection War

From page 16 the passage of the Natural the country to inform that Resource Fund in the Guyana is getting some 52 National Assembly, last percent from the Stabroek December Blockoildeal. ThatLegislationwaslaid

At a recent Press in the National Assembly Conference, the Leader of less than two weeks prior to the Party, Mr Aubrey the People’s Progressive Norton,wasaskedtoexplain Party (PPP) government what the country’s total using its one seat majority to share is from the offshore oil makeitlaw and gas activities He The Parliamentary explained that owing to a Oppositionhadcalledforthe renegotiationofthedeal–by Natural Resources Fund Act the former A Partnership for to be sent to a Special National Unity + Alliance C o m m i t t e e f o r For Change (APNU+AFC) consultations, however this Government- the oil wasnotallowed. company is not allowed to The former Coalition recover the two percent Government came in for royalty being paid to the harshcriticismsforfailingto country, which means the publicize the oil agreement revenue for Guyana has signed in 2016 with United increased. States oil giant, ExxonMobil

On the other hand, he for the country’s largest oil sought to point out that if the Stabroek Block The c o m m e n t s t o t h e Resources was also keen to requested that Economist reserve-theStabroekBlock. Stabroek Block deal

Publisher of this newspaper, Administration. Notably, the note that negotiations with Elson Low, the party’s After kneeling to public changes, Guyana could still Mr Glenn Lall has since second International Energy prospective oil block(s) spokesperson on petroleum pressure, the agreement was lose US-billions if it fails to challenged the company’s ConferenceandExpowillbe owners will run from May 8 matters,clarifywhatGuyana finally released. This led to boost its auditing capability assertion, explaining that heldbetweenFebruary14-1, to May 26, 2023, with is earning from the 2016 the discovery of a number of As such, he explained, “to Guyana is merely getting a 2023 This means that contracts likely to be Production Sharing p r o v i s i o n s w h i c h say that we are getting 52 quarter of the profits due to stakeholders will be awarded by May 31, 2023. Agreement (PSA) with stakeholders believe largely percent,tosaythatwearenot the2016PSA.Heisadamant e n t r e n c h e d i n t h e These oil blocks will be Exxon. Low sought to first favourtheoilcompany getting 52 percent is unclear thatwhatExxonshouldhave Conference during the governedbythenewPSA. point out that there is a For instance, Guyana is untilthereisanaudit.Thatis been telling Guyanese on consultativephase. D u r i n g a P r e s s difference between revenue only receiving two percent whywemustaudit.” thosehugebillboards,iswho N o n e t h e l e s s , t h e Conference last week, the and profit. “Guyana is not royalty for its sweet light Meanwhile, Ganesh is getting the ¾ of the apple Government of Guyana has Opposition said it believes getting 52 percent of the crude in that contract, while Mahipaul, a member of the plus the other half of the committed to publishing the Guyana would be granted a revenue, we are getting 52 the oil company enjoys a PNC/R in an attempt to quarterapplewhichremains. final Terms of Reference limited time-frame to percent or just around about continuoustaxholiday further break down the (ToR) and Model Contract scrutinize the new model that or a little bit more of the There is also no ring party’s position stressed the Wednesday - by March 8, 2023. Bids for agreement In fact, the profits- now that is because fencing provision which fact that 75 percent is taken Dec 21, 2023 the 14 oil blocks on auction People’s National Congress of course cost oil, which is allows the company to away from the total revenue would be submitted onApril R e f o r m ( P N C / R ) the cost of development, deduct expenses from one from oil towards the cost of Govt. to give Guyanese 14, 2023 while evaluation Spokesperson on petroleum exploration and production projecttodevelopanother development; whereas the two weeks to peruse and w i l l c o m m e n c e matters, Elson Low, told must first be removed and Another benefit enjoyed remaining 25 percent is then make recommendations simultaneously and R e p o r t e r s t h a t t h e then we get 52 percent of the byExxonisa75percentcost shared between government on new oil contract concludeonMay5,2023. consultations may mirror a profitsthere,”theEconomist recoveryeachmonth.Sofar, and Exxon “So the 52 The Ministry of Natural ‘rushed’ process resembling explained. (Continued on page 63) percent that they speak of, Guyanese will be given On this note, he stressed they have to explain it a little two weeks to examine and thatathoroughauditmustbe bit more for the ordinary make recommendations on conducted to ensure Guyanesetounderstand.Itis the new oil contract being Guyana’s share of profits is 50 percent of the profit and drafted by the Government not reduced through the two percent royalty- so it is of Guyana before the funding of inflated costs of just a portion or a small documentisfinalised. production. Low said, “We piece, a fraction of the entire This is according to don’t know if that’s the case, total revenue that comes informationpublishedonthe butitispossiblethecostsare from our oil, so the AFC is Ministry of Natural beinginflated…thisneedsto correct when they say that Resourceswebsite. be done properly We have the nation is being misled to It was explained that seen the Government believe its 52 percent of the Government would host produce or at least, they are total revenue. It is not 52 consultations on the about to release an audit that percentofthetotalrevenue.” ‘Indicative Terms and has very serious questions

The AFC recently told G u i d e l i n e s ’ o f t h e about whether or not it will Kaieteur News that the Production Sharing even address what the plain billboards erected by Agreement (PSA) between words of the PSA say which American oil giant, December 12, 2022 and is that we can only have cost ExxonMobil are set out to January31,2023. recovered if they are mislead Guyanese and However, the draft reasonable cost, if they are silence genuine concerns model contract would only competitivecost-sowehave regarding the lopsided be released on February 13, to see that audit and we have contract that governs the 2023 also marking the toscrutinisethatandweneed StabroekBlock,inwhichthe c o m m e n c e m e n t o f the Government to come oil company enjoys the consultations on the clean as to what exactly they majorityofthebenefits. document. This process is have asked these auditors to It was reported that the slated to wind down by dobecauseitcouldverywell oil company erected a February28,2023. be that the country is getting number of billboards across T h i s m e a n s t h a t much less than the words of the country claiming that Guyanese will be granted a the PSA says that it should Guyana is getting 52 percent mere 15 days to scrutinize get…” of the profits from the the document and offer

In fact, the Economist

Caption: Humacao, Puerto Rico, on 20 September 2017 after Hurricane Maria hit. Photograph: Carlos Giusti/AP

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‘Keep Jagdeo away from valuable...

From page 12 successful. Ramjattancalled forfullparliamentaryscrutiny of any State asset being privatizedandaddedhisvoice to calls for the release of Marriott’sfinancials.

TheAFCLeaderhadsaidthat his party does not believe exclusivelythatcertainassets of the State have to be privatised if they are profitable.

He said that given the oil development that is drawing foreigners and investment to the country, the Marriott could be one of those assets that could provide returns.

“But the rule of thumb, knowinghowcorruptthePPP is, we feel that it is a privatisationthatwillhappen to certain friends and family and or personages who are goingtogivehugekickbacks to PPP,” Ramjattan noted.

Jagdeoaswellashisparty has come under immense criticismfortheirhandlingof state projects and assets over theyearssomeofwhichhave

ended up in the hands of people close to the party

The party has been accusedofcondoningbribery and other corrupt practices when conducting state business, an allegation that was confirmed by Chinese national Su Zhirong who in an undercover Vice News documentary just months ago, described himself as a middleman for Jagdeo and collected bribes on his behalf.

In the same documentary other Chinese nationals confirmed bribing Government Officials and others in authority. It also highlightedanelaboratemulti -country money laundering ring, of which it is assumed thattheGovernmentisaware since one of the launders claimed that it was through their portal millions and millions of dollars in bribe moneyisfunnelled.

Jagdeo described Su as his friend and tenant at one of his properties when asked

abouthimbyVICE.

Following the documentary’s release, Su fled the jurisdiction. Jagdeo has since threatened to sue the Chinese businessman, but the Irfaan Ali led Administration has taken no action against the Vice President, nor did they investigate the accusations.

The APNU+AFC referenced Saturday’s KaieteurNewseditorialtitled, ‘WhyselltheMarriottnow?’ and quoted “Because the people of this country have been burned so badly and so often by a tricky, devious PPPC Government, it is our belief that there is a more pointed question to be asked. Whatnewtrickisatworkhere with this December announcement of preparing to sell the Marriott?

When a Government and its main operators have compiled a shabby record of costly deceptions and endless skullduggeries, this is what citizens inevitably

conclude.”

They said that those who benefitedextravagantlyfrom the inception with this “transformationalproject”like pigs at a banquet, now stand to benefit even more through underhanded dealings.

Under the David Granger Government,formerNational Industrial and Commercial InvestmentsLimited(NICIL) CEO, Colvin Heath London, had said in 2020 that things werelookingupforMarriott.

He said that while at the time of its concept the hotel needed support to fill rooms, the oil boom alone had now solved that problem.

Things seemed to be goingsowellforthehotelthat the former CEO said that the facilitywouldnolongerneed to build the casino.

The government at that time was instead prepared to addmoreroomstothefacility Guyana has not received an update on the hotel’s financial position since.

Oil-rich Ghana in 2019 was dubbed fastest growing economy on earth but now...

From page 17 marchedthroughthecapital Accra, calling for the resignation of President NanaAddoDankwaAkufoAddo. (https:// www.reuters.com/world/ africa/ghana-announcesexternal-debt-paymentsuspension-slipping-intodefault-2022-12-19/)

actuallyrecorded25.8million (bbls) of crude oil in the first half-yearof2022fromitsthree offshore producing fields –Jubilee,TweneboaEnyeraand Ntomme (TEN) and Sankofa Gye Nyame (SGN), a reductionofabout1.9million barrels from the previous year’s production.

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The important point readersmustbearinmindis that Ghana fell into a debt trap because its Government abandoned fiscal discipline. It opened the spending taps at full blast in anticipation of significant oil revenues. The unforeseen impacts of COVID-19 and the RussiaUkraine war negatively affected its revenue forecast.

Lapses in production alsoaffecteditsexpectations of multibillion-dollar oil profits.Governmentreports show that the country

The reasons for the decline were attributed to technical challenges such as poor well performance resulting in production losses. (https:// thebftonline.com/2022/10/04/ crude-oil-production-on-a-3year-downward-spiral/)

Authorities in Guyana havesaidtheyarepayingrapt attention to the rise and fall ofGhanaandhavecommitted to being much more prudent. This commitment was specifically given by Vice President,Dr.BharratJagdeo at a recent Press Conference. He said what has taken place in theAfrican State is telling

“You have to be cautious with oil wealth. You have to be mindful that you don’t splurgeandyoudon’tborrow unsustainably. It is for this reason, every cent we borrow; it has to go through arigouroustestingasregards our future capacity to repay And we have not contracted a single variable interest debt,” the PolicyAdvisor for the sector said.

GlobalFinancierssuchas the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are carefully monitoring Guyana’s fiscal performance.Everysooften, theyremindoftheimportance of robust debt management practices.

InaSeptemberreport,the IMF said Guyana’s public debt declined almost 10% of its gross domestic product (GDP),reaching42.9%ofGDP at end of 2021, one of the lowest in the region.

It predicts that with such

caution, Guyana could see public debt accounting for only 22.8% and 20.9% in 2022and2023respectively It also predicts that the comingofmoreoilrevenues could see public debt plummeting to a historic 13.5%ofGDP

Stakeholders are of the view that the case of Ghana underscores the importance of not overextending one’s self or rather, not counting all your eggs before they hatch.

Guyanese Authorities have said they intend to not be over-reliant on oil funds while incorporating a healthy dose of foreign aid to support capital works. Thus far, the approach seems to be working. Guyana has steered clear of the debt traps that have ensnared others.

Only time will tell if it remains an exception or becomepartofthestatistics.

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From page 50 her studies, her household duties, her social life and the businessallatonce,werejust some she experienced. But having learnt that time management, being organized,disciplined,having great interpersonal skills and commitment are core values that can help to overcome some of the challenges. Caesar said that it was those keyelementsthatsheapplied which helped her to get pass the obstacles. “I think everyone should try to develop and master these

traits and never be afraid to ask for help if you’re under pressure,” she advised.

The young Entrepreneur when asked what next is in store for ‘Sparkles of Creativity’, said that she would like serve the international market. “My vision is to create a website where customers can choose fromavarietyofgiftitemsand details such as the colour theme, any special message theymaywishtogowith,any specific type of packaging they may require, and then have it shipped to their

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Police reviewing 2017 murder of Kescia Branche…

A mystery driver and the killing of a teacher

track down the mystery driver

Itcouldbepossiblethatif Monroewasfamiliarwiththe car he may be able to provide information to the police about other drivers who might have been using the vehicle around the time Branchewasmurdered.

Murdered: Kescia Brance

Detective The

By Shervin Belgrave

Kescia Branche, was a Secondary School Teacher, just 22-years-old and full of lifewhenherlifewassnuffed out by a mystery killer in November2017.

A man was captured and placed behind bars on remand for her murder, but was recently freed after the evidence presented in court againsthimwasnotsufficient totiehimtothecrime.Hehas since petitioned the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to reopen the investigation because he too wants justice fortheslainTeacher

In an invited comment from Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum,itwasrevealedthat

the force too wants to find Branche's mystery killer Blanhum said that her case is currently being reviewed by Investigators.

The Police are currently retracing leads to see if they might have missed anything critical in finding Branche's killerandclosingthecase.

Branche was found battered and unconscious lying on Louisa Row, Georgetown on the morning of November 5, 2017. She n e v e r r e g a i n e d consciousness and died from brain hemorrhage a few days later Anautopsyshowedthat her mystery killer had struck afatalblowtoherhead.

Policehadcapturedataxi

driver, Mathew Monroe, believing that he may have beenthemysterykiller

Investigators had reported that they were able to link him to a car that Branche was reportedly last seen in leaving from a location on Mandela Avenue on the night before she was murdered.

Monroe however, was able to prove that he was not the mystery driver of the car on the night Branche never made it home, and has since sued the state for millions of dollars.

If ranks are truthful and indeed were able to link him to the car, then there is a possibility that they can still

Police can even reinterview family members to see if the car was one frequently used by Branche and if she might have been acquainted with any other taxidriversbesidesMonroe.

AsInvestigatorscontinue their search for the missing d r i v e r, a p r e v i o u s investigation conducted by Police, had revealed that on the night of November 4, 2017, Branche was seen leaving the Blue Martini Night Club in company of twoPoliceConstables.

The Lawmen were interviewed and reportedly told the Detectives that they went to a barbeque spot on Mandela Avenue with Branche. However, they said she left the location by herselfinataxitogohome.

Branche never made it to her destination and Police claimedthattheywereableto identify Monroe's car as the

taxi she used. Investigators wereinsearchofMonroebut he was out of the country and they concluded that he fled the country Upon his return, hewasarrested.

Duringthetrial,Monroe's Lawyers argued that during the time Branche was found

unconscious, their client was already out of the country Monroe said he had traveled to celebrate his daughter's birthday

Who really killed Kescia Branche? Let's hope this unsolved mystery is solved soon.

From page 59 hotter and wetter storms, extreme

a Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo has heatandrisingsealevel–causedby Janki, is convinced that the 50 percent split of oil

assuredthatthesefiscalclauseswill theircarbonproducts. People’s Progressive Party Civic after

have been covered beamendedinthenewcontract.

Over the past two decades, (PPP/C) Government is more fortheExxonledconsortium.Janki Some of the key provisions that Puerto Rico – along with Haiti and interestedinservingtheinterestsof maintains her position that these will be featured in the new deal Myanmar – has( been among three players in the oil industry even if it fiscaltermsareexploitative. include a 10 percent royalty, 10 territoriesmostaffectedbyextreme means leaving the citizenry worse The Lawyer also stressed that percent corporation tax and ring- weather such as storms,( floods, off. the onset of oil has exposed the fencing provision. It would also heatwavesanddroughts,according In an invited comment on weakness of Guyana’s democracy cap cost recovery at 65 percent of to the German watch ‘Climate Guyana’s oil sector performance Janki said, “The Government is earningsannually Risk( Index’, which are becoming since marking its third anniversary elected to serve the people of more intense due to human-made on December 20, 2022, Janki said Guyana.

Thursday - Dec 22, 2023 global heating( driven by transparency, accountability and The nation’s laws already give greenhouse gases. In September, good governance remain woefully the government power to protect Puerto Rico file racketeering Hurricane Ian left much of the lacking. the Guyanese people from abuse lawsuit against Exxon, island(withoutpowerandwater,as She contended that the country and exploitation by the oil others for deceiving public on well as damaging essential isshackledtomassiveprojectcosts companies But Government climate-change effects infrastructure like roads( and fortheLizaOne,LizaTwo,Payara, officials are making decisions that bridges. The damages resulting andYellowtail developments in the benefit the oil companies.They are (The Guardian) – The same from the 2017 storms – and the Stabroek Block. Janki noted that notservingthepeopleofGuyana.” racketeering legislation used to likelihood of worse climate( the rate of recovery for these costs Janki alluded to the breakneck bring down mob bosses, ( disasters battering the island in the or what they include continue to be speed with which the Government motorcycle gangs, football Sims, the senior counsel, said: future – come down to the acts and treatedastopsecret. has approved the Payara and executives and international “What’s different about this [Rico] omissions of the defendants, as the In any case, she said these Yellowtail projects. Both received fraudsters is to be tested against oil case is that we( have their oil and coal companies, along with projects are ultimately working to regulatory green lights in less than and coal companies who are enterprise in writing – the decision their worldwide co-( venturers, are benefit the pockets of ExxonMobil two months, representing an accused of conspiring to deceive by rival companies, their front collectively responsible for at least and its partners, Hess Corporation abnormality and violation of thepublicovertheclimatecrisis. groups, scientists and associations 40.01%ofgreenhousegases,the and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana internationalbestpractices.

In an ambitious move, an to act together to change public Lawsuit argues. Limited. She was keen to warn that attempt will be made to hold the opinion regarding the use of their It’s the latest in a wave of civil Janki said, “Every time the Guyanese must not fall prey to the fossilfuelindustry(accountablefor consumer products by telling class actions brought by Government approves another trap that oil will bring ‘decades of deception’in a lawsuit people something that they( knew municipalities–townsand(cities– project, Exxon is better off and the transformative growth or being brought by communities( in wasnottrue.” against corporations and peopleofGuyanaareworseoff.” improvementintheirlives.Instead, PuertoRicothatweredevastatedby According to the lawsuit – filed organizations accused of causing Readers would recall previous oil increases the gap between the HurricaneMariain2017. in the US federal district court of harm to( residents. According to commentary by the Lawyer richandpoor

“Puerto Rico is one of the most Puerto Rico – evidence of the Sims, who has also represented regardingsome of the fatalflaws in “Today we see members of the affected places by climate change conspiracy dates back to 1989 Puerto Rico municipalities( in the Stabroek Block Production Government driving around in big in the world. It is( so precariously when the defendants, which opioid litigation which resulted in Sharing Agreement (PSA) which fancy vehicles bought with positioned – they get hit on all includeExxonMobil,Shell,BPand compensation for damages, cites leave gaping loopholes for abuse. taxpayers’ money and dancing fronts with hurricanes, storm RioTinto,individuallyandthrough have an( almost unfettered ability One of these includes the fact that while there are people eating out of surge,( heat, coral bleaching – it’s tradeassociationformedtheGlobal to use their nuisance laws and local Exxon is not restricted on the garbage bins and sleeping on the the perfect place for this climate ClimateCoalition(GCC)asa“not- ordinances.Sims,aRepublicanand interest rates that can be recovered concretepavements. litigation,” said( Melissa Sims, for-profit corporation to influence, Christian, said: “Cities across the onloans.

Thatiswhathappenswithoil.It Senior Counsel for the plaintiffs’ advertise,andpromotetheinterests nation have woken up to( this Industry standards dictate that is nothing to be proud of. It is LawFirm,Milberg. of the fossil fuel industry by giving power and are starting to exercise there must be a cap on the amount degrading,” the Transparency

The 1970 Racketeer Influenced false information to their their rights almost like mini of interest to be recovered and in Advocatecommented. and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) consumersandthepublicatlarge”. attorney(generals.

some cases, it is disallowed She said citizens must not lose Act was( originally intended to It argues that so-called rival They are now often the first entirely sightofthefactthatoilandgas combat criminal enterprises like companiesconspiredforacommon ones bringing cases on opioids, Furthermore, Guyana merely (Continued on page 64) the mafia, but has since( been used purpose – to deceive consumers Juul( electronic cigarettes, in Civil Courts to litigate harms and sow confusion in order to keep pollution, reverse red-lining and caused by opioids, vehicle fossil fuel sales high and profitable now climate change, using( their emissions and( even e-cigarettes as – and that the GCC was a rights pursuant to racketeering and organisedcrimecases. propaganda machine specifically other laws we’ve helped fine-tune

Now, the first-ever climate set up to oppose the Kyoto over(theyears.” change Rico case alleges that protocol, the first major

Seven oil firms, three coal international oil and coal( international effort to combat companies, and hundreds of companies,theirtradeassociations, climatechange.Todothis,awritten organisations and( operatives are and a network of paid think tanks, action plan was devised in 1998 to among the defendants accused of scientists( and other operatives mislead consumers by convincing consumer fraud, racketeering,( conspired to deceive the public – them that “global warming” was a n t i t r u s t , f r a u d u l e n t specifically residents of( Puerto not occurring, and if it did happen, misrepresentation, conspiracy to Rico–aboutthedirectlinkbetween there was no scientific consensus defraud, products liability( and their greenhouse gas-emitting( on whether fossil fuels were to unjust enrichment among other productsandclimatechange. blame. crimes.

This fossil fuel enterprise, In other words, the action plan

The American Petroleum which remains operational was allegedly a climate change Institute and the National Mining according to the lawsuit, ( resulted denial plan executed through a Association did not( respond to in multitude of damages caused by network of dark money ploughed requests for comment. Several of climatedisastersthatwereforeseen into think tanks, research the defendants have made –(buthidden–bythedefendantsin institutions, trade groups and PR statements(criticisingthelawsuit. ordertomaximiseprofits. firms, and provided a roadmap for

The plaintiffs are 16 an open-( ended enterprise that is Friday - Dec 23, 2023 municipalities in Puerto Rico – stillimplementedtoday towns and cities that were hit( hard The lawsuit argues that the oil Oil sector plagued with by two powerful hurricanes in and coal companies knew that gross mismanagement … September 2017, Irma and Maria – Puerto Rico was a( “sitting duck” as Govt. allows companies which led( to thousands of deaths, because of its geographic location, to show disrespect for food shortages, widespread which made the island and its Laws – Int’l Lawyer infrastructure damage and the( people particularly vulnerable to longestblackoutinUShistory climate change events – namely

Transparency Advocate, Melinda collects a two percent royalty and

that remains

expenses

International Lawyer and

International Lawyer and Transparency Advocate, Melinda Janki

A staff of the Ministry of Human Services and Social presented an early Christmas gift to this boy during the Ministry's 'Wish Upon a Star' initiative. (DPI

photo)

From page 63

the design and implementation of meanwhile, is experiencing more resources are always at risk of the Uaru Project, thereby extreme consequences of climate unleashing a deadly curse that increasing environmental change than the continental United leaves nations worse off than they performanceandeconomicvalue. States. Coastal erosion, thawing were prior the emergence of the It concluded that the Uaru permafrost, melting sea ice, and sector Project will contribute positively, fishery collapse are all

“Look at Venezuela, Nigeria, directlyandindirectly,toeconomic ramifications of the worsening Indonesia, Equatorial Guinea, growth in Guyana, including global climate crisis, which will Chad, Cameroon etc. Look at how increased national revenues, local onlyintensifywithnewoil-and-gas people in the oil/gas countries end procurement of select goods and drillingoperations. up poor while their Governments services, increased direct and According to Reuters, the sale and the foreign oil companies get indirect local employment was among the concessions to the rich,”shecommented. opportunities, which drive oil and gas sector included in

For Janki, the last three years associated beneficial “multiplier” President Joe Biden’s climate has seen massive change, the type impacts throughout the local changelaw,theInflationReduction that wreaks disrespect for economy Act (IRA). Under the law, the Guyanese and their Laws. Her administration is required to hold observation is that people are Environmental groups thesalebyDec31,2022. shocked at the behaviour of major sue to stop U.S. oil and gas The U.S Interior Department players in the oil sector and their auction offAlaska coast had scrapped the Cook Inlet sale grosscontemptforthecountry She this year before the IRA passed, said it no longer matters whether There, Paul said the county has Production Guyana Limited, said On Wednesday, environmental citingalackofindustryinterest. one is pro-oil or anti-oil. “People numerous opportunities to claw the Uaru Project will be located in groups sued the United States The groups suing the across this country want to see that back some of the value lost in the the eastern portion of the block, Biden-Administration to block the administration are Cook theoilsectorrespectnationallaw.” lopsidedExxonMobildeal. approximately 200 km from sale of oil and gas drilling off the Inletkeeper, Alaska Community W i t h t h e f o r e g o i n g He noted however that this is Georgetown and amid previous coastofAlaska. Action on Toxics, Center for perspectives, among other only doable to the extent that the StabroekProjects.

Thelegalchallengewasfiledin Biological Diversity, Kachemak considerations in mind, Janki said government has the ability of Currentplansincludedrillingto Alaska’s Federal Court. The sale is Bay Conservation Society, and 2022 has been another year where understanding what it wants and produce oil from approximately scheduled for December 30, 2023 Natural Resources Defense oil has been plagued by poor deserves and the confidence to ask 40-76wellswhichcostsmillionsof and would see nearly one-million Council. In the complaint, the governance and a repulsive display for it. He said that at the end of the dollars. Production is expected to acres in the Cook Inlet, Alaska, groups alleged the sale’s of contempt by oil companies for day, it really boils down to will begin between the fourth quarter of beingauctionedoffandopeningthe environmental review violated thepeopleofGuyana. power. 2026 and the second quarter of door to decades of future oil-and- federal environmental laws by not

The International Consultant 2027, with an expected field life of gas drilling. Earth Justice reported adequately considering its impact Saturday - Dec 24, 2023 said, “…If you haven’t got the will atleast20years. that Cook Inlet is home to beluga on climate change as well as power to do it (then more value is EEPGL said the production whales and sea otters protected consequences for threatened Guyana still has numerous lost). And we know when the facilities to be installed include under the Endangered SpeciesAct. species such as the Cook Inlet opportunities to increase contract was renegotiated in 2015 - subsea equipment attached to the It also supports thriving beluga whale and humpback influence over Exxon’s 2016; the opportunity was there seafloor as well as processing subsistence, commercial and whales. spending despite fatal flaws with different information to make equipment on the ocean’s surface recreational fisheries and a multi- The groups are asking the court in Stabroek Block deal somesignificantchanges.Howthat known as a Floating, Production, faceted tourist industry, fed by to vacate the environmental review – T&T Expert,Anthony Paul occurred gives you a sense of the Storage,andOffloadingvessel. visitorsfromaroundtheworldwho and any leases that are executed willtomakechanges…”

The anticipated production rate are drawn by the region’s followingthesale.

The Stabroek Block contract Guyana is currently in the for the FPSO ranges between unparallelednaturalbeauty ‘Cook Inlet is already does not contain a single provision process of reviewing the Field approximately 220,000 barrels and The Inlet is also essential for experiencing severe effects of whichexplicitlyempowersGuyana D e v e l o p m e n t P l a n f o r 275,000 barrels of oil per day. The Alaska Native communities, who climatechange,andnewoilandgas withtherighttoapprovehowmuch ExxonMobil’s fifth project in the vessel will be capable of storing have stewarded these lands and leasing will only magnify those ExxonMobil Corporation and its StabroekBlockcalledUaru.Thatis approximately two million barrels waters for millennia Alaska, harms,’theComplaintsaid. partnersspendonprojects. expected to be the most expensive ofoil.

In fact, Guyana can only check project for the country, costing at Furthermore, EEPGL told the the oil companies’ bills to ensure leastUS$10B. EPA that it has undertaken the costs incurred were not inflated GuyaneseAuthorities are yet to additional studies to obtain an even and that they are in keeping with publish the guidelines used to m o r e c o m p r e h e n s i v e international benchmarks. Guyana ensure proper due diligence of understanding of potential impacts also has the ability to see monthly Exxon’s FDPs. This is in spite of of effluent discharges to water, the or yearly estimates of expenditure the fact that Vice President, Dr feasibility of alternative handling to be spent by Exxon, Hess Bharrat Jagdeo had said earlier this of produced water, cradle to grave Corporation and CNOOC year that he sees no issue with the waste management in Guyana, PetroleumGuyanaLimited. government being transparent on emergency response capabilities,

Even with limited scope in the thisfront. and environmental compliance Stabroek Block deal, Energy

In its project summary that was monitoring and verification. The Expert and International submitted to the Environmental company said the lessons learnt Consultant, Anthony Paul, said Protection Agency (EPA), Exxon’s from current operations and Guyana still has a few good subsidiary, Esso Exploration and environmentalstudieswillenhance opportunities to increase its influence.

Paul noted that ExxonMobil is moving at break neck speed to monetize its discoveries. In doing so, it will need approval from the government for its Field Development Plans. It is at this point, Paul says Guyana can say, “In exchange for the approval, thesearetheconditionsyouhaveto complywith.”

The Trinidadian Energy Strategist would have made these andothercommentsduringarecent appearance on Kaieteur Radio’s Programme, Guyana’s Oil and You

Energy Expert, Anthony Paul

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY!

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

SUNDAY – December 18, 2022

TheMayor'sbrouhaha Much was said about Mayor Narine's remarks that landed him in court. Many persons and organisations havealsohadalottosay What we wish to say is that as a nation of diverse peoples, we will be successful in continuing with these patented deceptions and hypocrisies for only so long. Truth and facts and circumstances all have a way of rising to the light; light itself can only be suppressed for a time. It usually finds a way for a ray to seep into the publicconsciousness.

MONDAY – December 19, 2022

C h r o n i c G o v t misleading, chronic PPP/C underperforming

The PPP Govt. misleads Guyaneseonoilinsurance.

Instead of a policy for

US$2.5B, there is insurance foronlyUS$600M.

This is less than a quarter of what should be, at a minimum.

Which PPP Leaders wouldinsuretheirnewhouse for25%ofwhatitshouldbe?

Which PPP Leaders would take out only 25% insurance for their new MercedesorJaguar?

If any Guyanese know of any in the PPP/C Govt. that doesso,pleaseletusknow

TUESDAY – December 20, 2022

IDBloansecrets

What's wrong with the PPP/CGovt.?

Why they are so helplessly committed to secrecy?

How could there be any exposure with that IDB loan for US$97M for the health sector? What could be the sourceoftheGovt.fearswith thisloan?

Whatistheretofear?

If this is for a health sector loan then what else, and how many more millions?

W E D N E S D AY –December21,2022

GTE: from US$900M to overUS$2B

The PPP/C Govt is playing dice with Guyanese taxpayers.

What was to cost US$900M is now more than doublethatnumber

The Wales GTE is shaping up to be another black hole, one more white elephant.

Whatever benefits this GTE project held before couldnowbelost.

This sounds like another clever concoction to rip-off Guyanese by their own government.

Double the GTE project cost could mean double the money collected by PPP/C

insiders.

Taxpayers lose on each occasion.

THURSDAY –

December 22, 2022

Exxon's debt, interest rate: another avenue to cheat Guyanese

Arateof10%onUS$50B is US$5B annually for interestalone;

That is bigger than even Guyana's largest national budgettodate.

ButGuyanesedon'tknow the interest rate they are paying on Exxon's US$50B debt.

Whatever the interest rate, Guyanese can be assuredofonething,

Exxonhasapieceofitfor itself, in what the company adds to what it is charged by banks.

What is enriching for Exxon is impoverishing for Guyana;

This is how the PPP/C colludes with Exxon to cheat Guyanese.

FRIDAY– December 23, 2022

PoliceandThief

The Guyana Police Force beefedupsecurityinthebusy city

Police in search of owner of getaway car used in Regent Street murder

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Saturday reported that it has identified the getaway car which was used by the suspect who fatally stabbed Sabutaro 'Mark' Singh on Wednesday on RegentStreet.

Kaieteur News had reported that 23-year-old Singh, a Vendor of Lot 529 Herstelling, East Bank Demerara(EBD)wasstabbed to death on the pavement opposite Pressy's store while plyinghistrade.

According to the Police, Investigators have managed toidentifythevehicleusedby the suspect. The vehicle is a whiteToyotaPremiocar

“The Guyana Police Force is asking the public if they can assist with any information about the owner or driver of the said motorcar,”thereleasestated.

It was reported that Singh was stabbed to his neck sometime around 18:00hrs last Wednesday Police had revealed that Singh was selling kitchen utensils and other items in the company of two other males when the suspect approached him

armed with a knife and dealt him a stab to the right side of hisneck.

The victim immediately fell to the ground, while the suspect fled on foot west on Regent Street and made good hisescapewiththeknifeinhis hand.

Police said Singh was previously charged with others, for simple larceny in respect to the multi-milliondollar gold heist which occurred at Mahaica between

June2021andSeptemberthis year

Singh was placed on bail and while the matter is pending in court, the Police had further reported that on

November 19 last, Singh was shot at his home by an unidentifiableman.

An investigation into Singh's death is currently ongoing.

Guyanese bandits beefed uptheiractivityelsewhere.

Motorbike bandits robbed citizens in Mon ReposandCharlestown.

We learn from the Police that serious crime is down significantly

Justdon'ttellthattothose sitting in their cars, losing theirbelongings.

Just don't tell that to citizens living in fear, like sittingducks.

We have a PPP/C Govt. finding new ways to steal fromGuyanese.

We h a v e b a n d i t s imitating the best, which are thoseinthisPPP/CGovt.

SATURDAY –

growingeconomyglobally

The Guyanese economy is growing so fast that citizens are dropping farther behind.

Biggest GDP, fastest growing economy, richest people per capita, but many Guyanese are without the basics.

This is the reality of ChristmasinGuyana.

PPP/C insiders and their flunkiesgorge.

Poor Guyanese scramble for scraps, if any can be found.

A small set have a real holiday, the rest live with the regularnightmare.

December 24, 2022 Christmas in the fastest

Dead: Saburato 'Mark' Singh

The getaway motorcar which police said was used by the suspect who fatally stabbed Singh.

Regional Boxing heads laud the initiative of Financial Medals...

From page 68 pensation while they were at the Elite or what they call Amateurlevel.Iwanttomake it clear that at a recent congressinAbuDhabi,thePresident of IBA said that there is no amateur boxing, there is simply boxing from top to bottom. So the fact that Mr Ninvallehasmadethishistorical move in the Caribbean to compensatehisboxers,Ithink that is the right thing to do.”

He further said, “The Bahamas is looking forward to following the same pattern and when we host an event and the finances become available we will certainly compensate our boxers. This is the way to go, this is the right way to go. Far too long our boxers have been in the vineyard without being com-

pensated for their hard work and so the time has come and there is no turning back now that all boxers will receive compensation and remember that boxers training is not an easy load of work.

It takes a lot of time, a lot ofsacrificeinmanywayssoI salute President Ninvalle for theirgreatinitiative,thisbold move that he made and yes the Bahamas will indeed follow in those same areas of compensationintermsofhow we treat our boxers. We will even go to the point of compensating visiting boxers as well when we have an event because it’s the right thing to do. It is truly the right thing to do so I hope the Guyana communitywillseethenecessity.”

According to Strachan,

this novel initiative will createthepossibilitytopreserve andincreasetheboxingpool, adding that financial incentives would afford the pugilists the avenue to earn, and that, “Once again the Bahamas is in concurrence with this move and we look forwardtofollowinginthesame footsteps.Isalutemybrother, it’s great work. Keep it up.”

Moreover,DavidChristopher, President of the Saint Lucia Boxing Association, posited, “I think it’s a very historic moment for the Caribbean and boxing. Mr Ninvalleisalwaysaninitiator, he always leads and the rest is going to follow. I think it’s a good benchmark for us in the Caribbean to start giving our boxers some kind of incentive especially at those

kinds of events like the Nationals to show our appreciation so we are definitely going to follow suit.”

Christopher further stated, “We are going to have our Nationals in February and we will dothesamething,wewillbegivingourprizemoneytotheElite boxers so I want to say hats off toMr.NinvalleandtheGBAfor leadingtheway.It’sthefirsttime in the English speaking Caribbeanthatboxerswerefinancially rewardedandIthinkit’sagood wayforward.

IBA is now doing that aroundtheworld,givingoutbig incentives to boxers. If you remember Desmond Amsterdam won US$2,500 at the AMBC championships down in Ecuador,wesawTrinidad’sNigelPaul winningUS$25,000forabronze at the World Championships. Ourmoneyisnotasbigasthat, but,wearetakingsmallsteps.

Sunday December 25, 2022

ARIES (Mar.21–Apr.19)

People are apt to try to hit you square on the head with their ideas and thoughts today, Aries, so be ready for theonslaughtofinformation that may come your way There'sadistinctadvantage.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Anchor yourself in practical matters before you try to prove your point to others. There'sagreatdealofprimal energy rising within you today and searching for some sort of outlet.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Don't take no for an answer today, Gemini. Know what youbelieveinandstickwith it. There's a distinct advantage to holding true to your inner nature.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Be a pioneer thinker today, Cancer There's a noble courageinyourthoughts,so don't let this quality go to waste.You will be surprised at how cutting edge you can be when you put your mind to it.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Be aggressive and forceful when it comes to exerting your will, Leo. Let others know that you won't be a pushover Youropinionsare extremelyimportant,

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22) Today may be one of those daysinwhichyoucometoa four-way stop and no one knows whose turn it is. Don't sit and wait for everyone else to go first, Virgo.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

People would be foolish to challenge your thinking now, Libra. The power behind your words is volatile, and you may find yourself going to extremes in order to get your point across.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21) Your old ways of thinking have carried you quite far, Scorpio, but you may now find that it's time to seek a newplatformforyourideas. Look for more adventurous ways to express yourself.

. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

One quick phone call to a friend may turn into a long discussion about the meaningoflife,Sagittarius. Beconsciousofthefactthat there's a great deal of momentumbuildinginyour mindnow

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

It could be that you feel a bit of pressure today to start orcreatesomethingthatyou aren'tquitereadyfor,Capricorn. There is hesitation on your part that indicates you should take it slowly .

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Move forward with your plan of attack today, Aquarius. There's an anxiousrumblewithinyouthat's urgingyoutogetgoingwith a current plan. You have all the facts you need,

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Addsparktoyourlifetoday, Pisces. It could be that things are getting stale and boring. If so, consider the possibility that you simply aren't challenging yourself.

“Wewillthenlaterontake big steps. We have to continue to support our boxers andonedaydownthelinewe will be able to get big sponsors coming in and support us in a big way and give us big prize monies but small steps make big steps,” Christopher concluded.

Furthermore, Suriname Boxing Association (SUBOBO)ChiefRemieBurke said, “I know about this initiativebecauseitisalsointhe plans of the World Boxing Federation, IBA. Nowadays fightersreceivemoneyprizes in other sports so all boxing associations are open to this prize money plan. However we can’t do it in all tournaments, only the big tournament and the organizations have to collect the money first.

Regional Boxing heads laud the initiative of Financial Medals for boxers

The effusive praise for the Steve Ninvalle led Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) on its historic decision to financially compensate pugilists at the Terrence Ali National Open continued, as several Caribbean Association Presidents have regarded the move as a pivotal and

positive step for the disciplineintheregion.

The adulation emanated from the boxing association leadership of Bahamas, G r e n a d a , S t L u c i a , Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago,whoaptlydescribed the move of the local association as a benchmark decision for CARICOM and

further afield The quintet further revealed that the adoption of a similar mechanism is in the pipeline for their respective associations.

The GBA, in a move to further incentivize and develop the discipline, enacted the decision to financially compensate the

top three finishers (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) within eachweightclassoftheElite Division, which is the crème de crème of the local amateurcircuit.

The decision was inspiredbythehistoricmove by the IBA to increase the prize pool by a mammoth 50% for the 2023 World

Championships in Tashkent, UzbekistanfromMay1-14.

G r e n a d a B o x i n g Association boss Neil Roberts said, “The initiative taken by Mr Ninvalle is indeed a move in the right direction for amateur boxing This idea is also championed by our parent body IBA to also give monetary awards at its flagship competitions Boxing Association of Grenada hasn’t yet started giving monetary awards but discussions are on the table for near future gestures of same. This will enable the sport to gain much more interest especially boxing being the most grassroots of t h e k n o w n s p o r t i n g disciplines around The upcoming boxers can see family support, making an earnings even before turning pro in the sport. This is a hallmark for our beloved sportofboxing.Mr.Ninvalle has always shown great leadership for our Caribbean Boxing Family and always seeks to encourage us to be on top of our Sport by being innovative, also being up to standard with the changes and best practices to meet, encourage and keep our boxersincheck.”

By the same token, President of Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Association Cecil Forde, referred to as the ‘Elder Statesman’ of regional boxing, declared, “TheTTBAisinfullsupport oftheinitiativethattheGBA has taken. IBA, our world governing body, is leading

thisinitiativeasprizemoney is now being offered at all majoreventsbeinghostedby IBA.

The TTBA will be following the GBA. It takes years of dedication and sacrifice for a boxer to reach the Olympics, in the Caribbeanwetreatitasaeis positive about this idea ” hobby This has to change, sports is a billion dollar industry I applaud Mr Ninvalle and the Guyana BoxingAssociation.”

Similarly, Vincent Strachan, the Bahamas BoxingFederationprincipal, said, “I firmly believe that this is the right thing to do and what the President and the GBA has done was basically follow in the footsteps of our governing body IBA which started the same process a year ago at the World Games in

Belgrade,Serbia.

As you may be aware many of our boxers or all of our boxers never got any financialcom

GBA Boss

Steve Ninvalle

Cecil Forde Trinidad Boxing Association President

Chief Remie Burke Suriname Boxing Association President

David Christopher St. Lucia Boxing Association President

Neil Roberts Grenada Boxing Association President

Tournaments planned Two End-of-Year Rapid Chess

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) will end the year with two exciting onedayrapidchessevents.

Players will compete in nine rounds under a timecontrol of 10 minutes per player with a one second incrementaftereachmove.

The Junior Tournament issetforDecember31,2022 and is open to all chess players born after January 1, 2002.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers and the best female player The grand prize is $30,000. The second-place winnerwillreceive$20,000, third place is $10,000 and the best female receives $10,000 The registration f e e f o r t h e J u n i o r Tournamentwillbe$1000.

The Open Tournament will be held on January 2nd, 2023. The top player in the event will receive $50,000 cash Second prize is $30,000, third prize $20,000 and the best female will be awarded $20,000 This tournament is open to players of all ages Registrationfeeis$2000.

All registration must be done online and be submitted by 18:00hrs or 6pm on the day prior to each tournament. Registration fees can be paid through MMG. Games start at 09:00hrs each day. Players are asked to assemble at the School of the Nations tournament venue by 08:45hrs. Default time for botheventsisfiveminutes.

All participants, accompanying adults and other spectators attending theeventsareadvisedtotake necessarysafetyprecautions as the Covid-19 pandemic is stillathreat.

If a player shows any signsofcovid19symptoms, such as a cough, cold, fever and constant sneezing, whether it is just before or during the tournament, they willnotbeallowedtoplayor continue playing in the tournament The Guyana Chess Federation is looking forward to a vibrant and exciting tournament organised by the Youth Committee and supervised by Commitee Chair FM AnthonyDrayton.

The GCF expresses its sincere thanks to all its members, friends and s p o n s o r s f o r t h e i r tremendous support and

CWIunveils2023WestIndies Championshipschedule tobe followedbynew HeadleyWeekesSeries

Exciting new four-day Tri-Series to be held after the West Indies Championship

ST JOHN’S, Antigua –Cricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday announced a new innovation for the long format of the game, with the addition of a triangular redballtournamenttostartatthe end of the West Indies Championship in April, 2023. The new Headley Weekes Series will feature three matches and three teams. Team Headley and Team Weekes will be selected from the best performers in the 2023 West Indies Championship and players outside the starting WestIndiesTestXI.Thenew West Indies Academy will provide the third team in the newSeries.

Team Headley and Team Weekes are named in honour of West Indies pioneers and legendary batting greats George Headley and Sir Everton Weekes, whose names are also honoured on theTrophyforthewinnersof t h e W e s t I n d i e s Championship. The matches will be played from 18April to6MayatCoolidgeCricket Ground(CCG)inAntigua.

Before that, the 2023 edition of West Indies Championship will be played across five rounds of four-day, red ball cricket featuring the six regional Franchise teams – defending champions Barbados Pride, Guyana Harpy Eagles, Jamaica Scorpions, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, and W i n d w a r d I s l a n d s Volcanoes.

The 2023 West Indies Championship commences in February. The first two rounds will be played from 1

February to 11 February in Grenada at the National Stadium and in Antigua at the CCG and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (SVRS). There will then be a break and the tournament will resume on 15 March and run until 1 April for the final three rounds, after which the champions will be crowned and presented with the Headley Weekes Trophy These matches will be played in Trinidad at the Brian Lara CricketAcademy (BLCA), Queens Park Oval (QPO) and the Diego Martin SportsComplex(DMSC).

Johnny Grave, CEO of CWI said: “We are delighted to unveil the Headley Weekes Series, which is a new idea that will extend the four-day season, create more opportunities for our players to showcase their skills and will be a huge incentive for them to strive towards selection into our ‘A’ Team, and ultimately our Test Team. It will also provide some strong competitive red-ball cricket for our new West Indies Academy Players as we continue to try to ensure that the next generation of players are being prepared along the pathway to international cricket. Whilst the West IndiesChampionshipisonce againgoingtobeplayedona ‘one’ round, five-match basis,withtheplanswehave for our ‘A’ Team and Academy to go on overseas tours after the Headley WeekesSeriesweexpectour bestplayersintheregionwill stillplayatleasttenfour-day gamesinthefirsthalfofnext year.”

TOURNAMENTSCHEDULES

WestIndiesChampionship2023 (forHeadleyWeekestrophy)

1to4February:1stroundinGrenadaandAntigua

8to11February:2ndroundinGrenadaandAntigua

15to18March:3rdroundinTrinidad

22to25March:4throundinTrinidad

29Marchto1April:5throundinTrinidad

FullFixturestobeannouncedsoon

HeadleyWeekesTri-Series (tobeplayedatCCG)

19to22April:TeamHeadleyvWestIndiesAcademy

26to29April:TeamWeekesvsWestIndiesAcademy

3to6May:TeamWeekesvsTeamHeadley

AllegationsofcorruptioninEssequibocricket

Dear Editor, As ardent cricket enthusiasts we have been observing the cricket issues for over a decade and would have become accustomed to the unending court battles and perceived political interventions. Some of us even felt that the Guyana Cricket teams were performing exceedingly well despite the off- field drama The Minister of Sports, in a very public manner, made statements that would suggest the enactment of legislation, which replaced the existing GCB with a group elected at controversial elections, would solve all of the problems surrounding Guyana’s cricket. It is now being reported that matters may be getting worst, with financial accountability now comingintoquestion.

We are in receipt of credible information that suggests all is not well in Essequibo We recently observed an advertisement on the Guyana Cricket Board’s social media platform which seemed odd. A few months ago, a similar advert was placed at this same site asking for expression of interest in getting a “value for money” audit of the Berbice Cricket Board Some expressed concerns that it may have been a vindictive measure to threaten Hilbert Foster from aspiring for higher office at theGCB.

Especially since the audit seem to be proposed for 2020 (if it was ever done), a period when Berbice Cricket Board receivednofundingfromthe GCB.

Itgetsmoreinterestingin the second advertisement which is proposing to audit the former Essequibo Cricket Board which received Two Million Dollars per year to manage its cricket, as did the other county boards in adherence totheirmandate.Inmybasic knowledge of audits, the audit costs may run higher thanthesubventions.

Let’s now deal with the current perceived conflict of interest and possible tax evasion issues that may be evolving at the Essequibo CricketBoard.

My assessment here is based on documents in circulation that can confirm what is about to be related.

Almost all of the monies received from the Guyana Cricket Board to manage cricket in Essequibo are spent at businesses associated with Mr. Deleep Singh.

There are blatant instances where invoices fromWD’SHotel,ownedby Mr Deleep Singh, are addressed to Mr Deleep Singh, who then authorizes payments and purportedly signs the cheque payments.

In one instance a cheque of One Million One Hundred and Forty Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty-One Dollars (1,140,261) was made out to Adjhodia Lall payment to WD’S Hotel and Deleep Singh, as stated on the cheque book stub on the 28th of April 2022, a few months after Deleep Singh took over the Presidency of the Essequibo Cricket Board.

Why would an invoice from a hotel owned by Deleep Singh be settled with a cheque made out to Adjhodia Lall? There are also instances of Cheques being written directly to Deleep Singh or his then Administrator Kevin Martinborough for large amounts relative to amounts received from the Guyana Cricket Board. The records are indicating that the Essequibo Cricket Board mayhavereceivedoverFour Million Dollars from the GCB in less than Nine Months in office, while One Million Three Hundred and Thirty-Four thousand six hundred Dollar (1,334,600) is stated as DONATION, from whom it is not indicated.

It is however believed that recently the GCB may be generous to those supporting their quest to remain in office. In another instance, One Hundred and Sixty-Four Thousand Dollars(164,000)ispaidtoa Chauffeur while the ECB doesnotownavehicle.

Now maybe Mr Deleep S i n g h d o h a v e a n explanation for all of the above and other issues that may be scanned from the documents attached but it may be prudent for the Hon. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Charles Ramson to step in and order anAudit of the current situation with the Essequibo Cricket Board’sfinances.

After all, the Cricket

Administration Act requires that all County Boards and the GCB audit their Accounts Annually and its report be presented to parliament.

To the best of my knowledge the GCB has not done so and definitely if the ECB did, we can have some answers.

I was reliably informed that the previous Guyana Cricket Boards, under Chetram Singh, Ramsey Alli, DruBahadur and Fizul Bacchus completed its Annual Audit for Twenty years going back from 2020, through the accounting firm Barcellos Narine and CO, before their Annual General Meetings held every January

It was reported, in the media, that Jack Alli was appointed by the current B i s s o o n S i n g h Administration at their meeting in February 2021. No evidence of an Audit exists since the current administrationtookoffice.

In making my calls for information I was informed that almost half of the Essequibo Cricket Board’s Executives have resigned because they cannot continue with the charade in Essequibo. Those officers that resigned are Vishaul Ambedkar (Vice President), Trevis Simon (Secretary), S h a z i m N a s r u d e e n (Treasurer), Wazeeda Bacchus (Public Relations Officer) and Kevin M a r t i n b o r o u g h (Administrator) By any standards, it is time to be worried,especiallywhenthe Hon. Secretary stated in his letter of resignation, “I h e r e b y t e n d e r m y resignation as secretary of theECB.

It is with much regret that I take this decision however,foralotreasonsthe position has become unworkable with the leadership of the Board, as I would have said when we were elected that I would be holding all officers accountable and I expect to see transparency at all levels and it has become clear that this leadership does not hold those principles highly There are numerous instances where the constitution has been breached and when I ask, I was met with comments suchas“Idon’thavetimefor bureaucracy and I am the

boss and I make the decisions etc.” by the President.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , correspondences were issued by the Administrator on the instruction of the President purported to come from me when that wasn’t so. I as the secretary of the ECB was left off the candidate list to meetings at GCB level, by the President and……”

While the above resignations have been kept quiet so far, Mr Deleep Singh, who is also a director of Cricket West Indies,

replacing Hilbert Foster, has p u r p o r t e d l y m a d e q u e s t i o n a b l e u n c o n s t i t u t i o n a l appointments to the Executive Committee of the ECB, one being his granddaughter Ms. Navika Narine,astheBoard’sPublic RelationsOfficer

The nepotism is obvious!

In concluding, Mr Editor, I must state that there has been no cricket competition played in the Essequibo County since Mr Deleep Singh assumed office while extensive

efforts were put into stopping the Devon

Ramnauth sponsored competition played on the Essequibo Coast It is appearing from these revelations that the funding is being spent on everything otherthantheCRICKET

Thankyouforpublishing myletter

RafziaShaheed CricketObserver

Editor’s Note: As was indicated in this missive copies checques and other documents have been provided which we will not publish at this point.

2022 KFC Goodwill Tournament…

Desrey Fox Secondary School claims the crown

The Petra Organisation wrapped up their ‘Return to Play’ calendar of activities on Friday evening when the curtains came down on the KFC Goodwill Tournament, with Desrey Fox Secondary School (DFSS) emerging as the champions of the third edition, at the Ministry of Education(MoE)Ground.

DFSS, formerly known as Waramadong, finished

undefeated in the five dayevent which saw them c o l l i d i n g w i t h S t

Benedict’s College (SBC) of Trinidad and Tobago in the finale, to earn a 1 – 0 triumph and take thetitlefor the first time. In the match that preceded, Annai Secondary School, who entered the tourney as defending champions, claimed a 4 – 0 win over

Christianburg/Wismar

Secondary School (CWSS) inthethirdplaceshowdown.

Prior to the presentation of accolades, Co-Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, stated that they could not have asked for a better tournament following the return to normalcyearlierintheyear Mendonca disclosed that he was very impressed with

Bevon Jones scored the lone goal in the finale.

the performances of all the teams in the tournament, wished them the best for the future and hopes to see their return when the fourth editionishostedin2023.

He also made mentioned of the sponsors that made this event possible while revealing his organisation’s gratitude for joining them on suchaprestigiousventure.

DFSS maintains a clean sheet…

Four wins in as many matches got DFSS a title they have searched for since the tournament’s inception. What is more impressive is fact that they have managed to not concede a goal for the entire tournament, which speaksvolumesoftheteam’s solidity

In the finale, Bevon Jones, who scored once in the semifinal, found the deciderforDFSSatacrucial moment of the high intensity match.

SBC went all out in their defence to keep the eventual champs at bay and tried valiantly to pierce the

opposition’s defensive line, buttonoavail.

The visitors had to settle fortherunneruphardware DFSS finished on top o f G r o u p A w i t h maximum points from the two games they won against SBC and Golden Grove; against Golden Grove they triumphed, 6 – 0, while they defeated SBC, 2 – 0 In the semifinal stage they sank CWSS,2–0.

Annai secures third

Annai’s chance of title retention expired when they lost their semifinal showdown to SBC on Wednesday evening, which landed them in the third place playoff with CWSS, a match they dominated They were led by a double from Ryan Moses along with a goal each from

Davey Jacobus and Mariah Bartholomew Apart from their ability to clinically capitalise on opportunities neargoal,Annaicompletely controlled ball possession and the pace of the encounter for the entire battle.

Annai progressed well in the tournament as they won Group B to advance In their opening match, they tied with CWSS 1 – 1 then prevailed 2 – 1 over SVB Academy, before they lost 2 – 1 to the Trinidadian team inthefinalfour

This tournament was sponsored by KFC, Tiger Offshore Rentals, MVP Sport,Trophy Stall, Guyana Beverages Inc and Demerara Life with support from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports

All Season win GDA year end dominoes tourney

All Season won the Georgetown Dominoes Association year end dominoes tournament which culminated recently at Dynastysportsbar

All Season made 81 games to beat Second place Fresh Cash with 79 games and third place Turning Pointon71

The MVP was Narine Singh from All Season; he was tied with 18 games along with Rawle Peters from Fresh Cash, however Narine Singh had better average by giving away less

First Place - All Season Domino Team

games Fourth Place went to Big Bosswhogotknockedoutin semifinals.

The prizes were- 1st

Place - $150,000 + trophy, 2ndPlace-$75,000+trophy, 3rdPlace-$50,000+trophy, 4th Place - $25000 + trophy andMVP-$10,000+trophy

Annai’s scorers - Davey Jacobus, Mariah Bartholomew and Ray Moses.

AllRoadsleadtoKennard MemorialTurfClubfor BoxingDayHorseracemeet

The place to be on Boxing Day, tomorrow, is the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne for a thrilling day of horseracing organisedbyKMTC.

With just one day to go all systems are in place for the Grand Horserace meet tomorrow, Monday 26th December, at the Club’s entity

Close to $7M in cash, trophiesandotherincentives are up for grabs in what is expectedtobeascorcher

There are seven events on the day’s card with over 50 entered for the eagerly anticipatedevent.

The feature race for animals classified ‘A’ and lower is sponsored by Metro Stationery and Office Supplies, for the Metro

Stakes. The company has doled out close to $3M to take care of the top notch event.

The eight furlongs race will see the winning horses racingawaywith$1.5Mand Metrotrophy.

A blistering event is anticipated as the distance shouldsuitalltherunners.

The other events carded for the day are races for E non earners and F and lower animalsforawinningtakeof $500,000 and trophy over 7 furlongs.

TheeventforJandlower andWestIndiesBred2years old animals will see the winner racing away with $300,000andatrophy

The winner of the K and lower and 2 years old Guyana bred race will get $300,000andtrophy

The event for Two Year old Guyana Bred Guyana maiden animals will take home the $300,000 top moneyandtrophy.

The L class open match up has a winner’s prize of $200,000 and trophy for the winner

The final event is for L and K non earners for 2022 with the winner riding away with$200,000andtrophy

Theoutstandingjockeys, trainers and stable will all receive trophies and other accolades compliments of Businessman Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall Guyanafame.

The day’s activities will be conducted using the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority(GHRA).

Race time is 12:30hrs. (SamuelWhyte)

Pele FC Alumni and Lions Club of Georgetown Durban Park spread Christmas cheer to over 100 kids

P e l e F C A l u m n i

CorporationInc.basedinthe USA along with its local chapter, Pele Football Club on Saturday last teamed up with the Lions Club of Georgetown Durban Park to bring Christmas cheer to over 100 children drawn from Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Tucville, and the

Sophia areas. Despite the heavy downpour which inundated the City and its environs, the excited c h i l d r e n a n d t h e i r parents/guardiansbravedthe rains and flooded streets to attend this annual Christmas Party which was held at the Ruimveldt Lion’s Den in FestivalCity

This year, the Party went up a notch with new features including storytelling by famousGuyaneseFolklorist, Mr Alan Fenty who captivated both children and adults with one of the pieces he wrote, “Don’t Ban Christmas, Leave Christmas Alone.”

The cheerful kids participated in many other activities, including musical chairs, face painting, dancing with Santa, and pinning the reindeer’s nose. Prizes were presented to winners of the exciting musicalchairscompetition.

a prize after winning a game.

Durban Park Lions Club notedthatitwasanawesome afternoon with lots of fun activities as well as food and drinksforthechildren,while Pele FC Executive Member, Mr Prince Johnson stated that the Pele FCAlumni Corporation Inc was very pleased to once again

support and sponsor this Party which they have been doingannually Johnson, who also played the role of Santa Claus, also shared that the

USA-basedgroupwaselated that covid-19 has been broughtundercontrolsothat the kids whom they always look out for, can have an enjoyableChristmas.

Gifts and other goodies were distributed to the children.ApartfromthePele FCAlumni,supportwasalso garnered from Footsteps MallandfriendsofLions.

Children enjoy themselves during the Pele FC Alumni and Lions Club of Georgetown Durban Park Christmas event.

Receiving