Kaieteur News

Govt. ‘hiding’ of flaring data

highly suspicious

Petroleum Engineer, Dr VincentAdams believes that the withholding of flaring data on the Ministry of Natural Resource’s website, is ‘highly suspicious’ and must be clarified by the Government.

“It is rather suspicious thattheyareissuingallofthe other data, [including] the production of fluids but they are not saying how much they are flaring which is important It begs the question, why are they hiding that data,” Dr Adams toldKaieteurNews.

- Former EPA Head

Adams, the former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can’t see how all of the data explained that during oil is being reported to them but production, each barrel that they are not publishing a is pumped, also brings s p e c i f i c p a r t T h e produced water and Government says they have associatedgas. got to review the data before

While data is published they publish it, so what are for the amount of gas they reviewing? Why aren’t produced daily as well as they publishing this gas data statistics on produced water, to tell us how much is being the Government has not flared specifically?,” the updatedthechartthatdepicts Petroleum Engineer the amount of gas flared, re- questioned. injected, and used for energy Dr Adamsexplainedthat by the developer since July the oil company has 12,2022. constantly encountered

“All of the production issues with its compressor, data are registered and leading to excessive flaring recorded at the same time. ofgassincethestart-upofoil Every barrel of oil that production in 2019. In fact, comes up, whatever is he reminded that after the recorded, also tells you how compressor woes were much gas comes with it and finally addressed in July of they have got to account for this year, the oil company that gas. They have a gas promised to cut back on handling system so they flaring. know how much gas is Interestingly enough, coming up, they know after this announcement, exactly how much gas is Government never released being used for energy updated statistics regarding consumption on the ship, thelevelsofflaring.Assuch, they know how much gas is Dr Adams reasoned, re-injected and they know “Flaring has always been a how much is being flared so major concern because it why aren’t they publishing damages the environment so that data but they are they (Government) needs to publishing everything else?” come clean and tell us DrAdamssaid. exactly what is going on.

The Specialist with over Who knows if their 40 years of experience in the equipment is down again? petroleum sector said he For all I know they could be believes the Government flaringeverything.” received the data from U.S. The Petroleum Engineer oil giant ExxonMobil, but was keen to point out that are simply refusing to share while the oil company has thiswiththepublic. reportedly fixed its gas

“It’s suspicious. It is compressor, this does not highly suspicious and it goes mean there will be no flaring back again to their modus ofassociatedgasoffshore. operandi of not being He made it clear, “They transparent at both ends.The always have to flare because o i l c o m p a n y - t h e they have to keep the pilot Government is allowing burning. They flare about them to get away with it. halfofamillioncubicfeetof Now based on the report gas per day The compressor now, apparently that data is doesn’t have to do with the being fed to the Government flaring, it has to do with the and that website, it is re-injection of the gas so m a n a g e d b y t h e when the compressor was Government, so why aren’t downtheywereflaringallof they releasing that data? I (Continued on

Burning of associated gas (flaring) on the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessel

Petroleum Engineer, Dr. Vincent Adams

Govt. must say what steps taken to guard against inflated costs by oil companies

- Int’l Group

What guarantee NRGI said that questions inflatedcosts. d o e s t h e should not only be asked Liberia for example, is Government about transfer pricing but known for its oil rich

h a v e t h a t also about the assumptions potential just offshore West reported production costs by which have been used by oil Africa. Its oil industry has oil companies have not been companies in projecting attracted multi-nationals inflated to reduce taxes revenuestoberecovered. such as Chevron and along with the State’s share It said that questions ExxonMobil. ofprofitoil? should also be asked on Even though the

Without proper controls, whether these ‘revenue Government of this English companies may use abusive projections’ are based on speaking nation is elated to transfer pricing tactics company assertions or havetheattentionoftheseoil (purchasing from or selling independent analyses and giants, it is by no means an to related parties at verification.

indication that there would artificially high or low It noted that one should be a free for all for those prices) to shift taxable also ask the Government entities as it relates to income out of the hands of whatkindofriskanalysisthe inflatedcosts. thehostcountry relevant Authorities have In one of its PSAs, This is the view of the done; that is to say if prices LiberiatiesExxonMobiland N a t i o n a l R e s o u r c e increase by 50, 100, or 200 its other oil partner to a strict Governance Institute percent, how will the returns setofprovisions. (NRGI).Itisaninternational to the State and the company

The 2013 Production Sharing Agreement says, “If any such inspection or audit is finally determined to have overstated Petroleum Costs or understated revenue derived from Total Production by more than three percent (3%), all costs of the inspection or audit shall be borne or reimbursed by the Contractor and no body which provides expert change?And if prices fall by portion of such costs of advice to administrations 25,50percent,ormore,what inspection or audit may be around the world as it relates wouldbetheoutcome? includedinPetroleumCosts. to getting the best deals and LACK OF PROVISIONS

Appropriate adjustments in arrangements out of

A careful assessment of payments and cumulative extractivesectors. Guyana’s Production recoverable costs shall be It has on several Sharing Agreements (PSAs) made to adjust for all occasions, provided advice with ExxonMobil , Tullow misstatementsidentifiedasa to Guyana on several Oil, Ratio Oil, Eco Atlantic result of any such inspection matters. and CGX, would reveal that oraudit.”

Giventhefrequencywith there are mechanisms in (More in this regard on which oil companies have place for these oil operators the contract can be seen by been found engaging in such to recover their exploration, following the said link: devious accounting development and production (http://www theperspective methods, the group insists costs. org/2012/block 13 agreem that the Government of any But what is lacking in all ent.pdf)). oil producing nation has a of these contracts is a single Inthemeantime,Guyana responsibility to tell the clausethatspeakstohowthe has been advised to put rules citizenry what steps are Government of Guyana and regulations in place to being taken to guard against should deal with inflated guard against price inflatedcosts. costs, once detected by these manipulation between

It also notes that entities. related parties, institute antiParliamentarians and the W h i l e s u c h l o s e abuse Legislation, and citizenry as a whole are provisions exist, other publish on a regular basis, within their right to demand nationshaveensuredthatthe thecostrecoveryprojections certain information from the necessary provisions have and statements by oil Government. In this regard, been taken to guard against companies.

Trial challenging legality of NRF Bill wraps up

On Friday, the High Court heard the testimony of the final witness in the case challenging the legality of the passage of the Natural ResourcesFund(NRF)Bill.

The Court heard the testimony from the Department of Public Information’s (DPI) Videography Manager, Kennyann Bacchus, on what transpired on the day in q u e s t i o n B a c c h u s ’ testimony concluded the hearing on the matter and will see Justice Navindra Singh handing down his decision on March 17, 2023 National Assembly on the rule of law will win at09:00h. December29,2021. another battle. He added, Notably, both the

Meanwhile, outside of “This case should not have C l a i m a n t s a n d t h e the courtroom, Attorney beenfiledinthefirstplace...” Respondents have already General(AG),AnilNandlall, Kaieteur News had presented their case to the S C, the Lead Counsel reported that among other court. r e p r e s e n t i n g t h e things, Jones and Witter

The Judge also ordered Government of Guyana in claimed that due to the that both the Claimant and the matter, told Reporters a b s e n c e o f t h e Respondents in the case file that he is confident that ‘ParliamentaryMace’–the written submissions by justice will prevail and that (Continued on page 17) February 10, 2023 and submissions in reply by February20,2023.

The challenge to the legality of the Bill was initiatedbyAPartnershipfor National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Opposition Chief Whip, ChristopherJones,andTrade Unionist, Norris Witter The duo contended that NRF Bill was not legally passed in the

Correction &Apology

Kaieteur News in its Friday, December 30, 2022 edition titled ‘Court to hand down decision on legality of NRF Bill today’, inadvertently published that the decision in the case challenging the legality of the passage of the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Bill would be handed down on the saiddate.

This newspaper apologises for the inaccuracy of the report and clarifies that the ruling will be handed down on March17,2023.

APNU+AFC Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, SC

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

THEPRIVATELY-OWNED STATEMEDIA

There was a time in Guyana when the media was almost exclusively owned and controlled by the

State. It was not for the greater good. Free and frank articulations of positions, and presentation and dissectionofthefullnessoffacts,werenotgivenuninhibited passageorreasonedreception. Infact,theoppositeheldtrue, with heavy hostility being the norm, when smidgens of contrarian expressions entered (somehow) into the local consciousness.

Towards the end of the last century, gradual changes occurred, with more independent private media entities casting bigger, deeper footprints, leaving more impressionableshadows.

Itwasforthebetter

Recently,particularlythelastyearandahalf,StateMedia has extended its range and influence, and Private Media its numerical silos, with more peculiar presence. The former shouldnotbe,thelatterdifferent;inbothinstances,alarming outcomeshavemadeseriousinroadsinthemediagainsofthe last few decades. The first difference is that Government (this PPP Government) has, for all intents and purposes, results, cleverly manipulated and extended the reach and presence of the state into selected private media spheres. While a reasonable expectation is some shrinking of State Media,theoppositehasoccurred,withartfulmouldingofthe public mind, determined attempts at stifling dissenting voices,andadefactoexpansionofStateMedia,throughthe establishmentofprivateproxyarrangements,mainlywilling surrogates. Thus,unethicalleadershipbehavioursdiminish cross-sectionalpublictrust,goodwill.

This is while today’s Government Leaders trumpet abiding love for democracy’s ideals and practices, anointed themselves its guardians. A lynchpin of its ideals and practicesisapowerfulmediapresencethatisaccurate,fair, andequitable,withsmallallowanceforpropaganda. Thisis notwithstanding, Government or Leaders’ guiles to implement otherwise. All media sections are obligated to speakfromfoundationsoftruthandbalance,evenwhenboth are unsparing of Government and Leaders specifically, and Politicians, generally. Partisanship is understood, and regardlessofdesirability,itisinseparablefromprocess,life itself. I insist that accuracy, honesty, and honourable dedication to both ideals and practices must be guiding characteristics of State Media management, delivery, and reputation There must be fullness, openness, straightforwardness. Regrettably, the PPP Government, giventhemediaconductofLeadersandMinisterscherishthe opposite. I put pungently, today’s Gvernment is populated with presences that deal in shadows, smoke, tricks, halftruths,fulllies,andnumerousthingstheypublicizedthrough State-controlledMedia,andcollaboratingprivateones.

Some standards are so rooted, they are norms. First, State Media has been subverted to serve as the PPP Government’s exclusive channel for bewitching propaganda, vilifying actual opponents, and targeting perceivedenemies(whomustbemadeexamples).

Thesenormsspeakpoorlyoftheambitionsandvisionsof Guyana’s Leaders; do little to separate them from brawlers on social media, racists within their fold (including themselves)thattheyincite,andrewardtointimidatecritics, orpropagate. Toemphasize,PrivateMediaisentitledtoits biases, but within the perimeters of candour and temperateness. Toalimiteddegree,StateMediaisexpected to participate, but with restraints of time, accuracy, truth, balance, fairness. Any National Leader caring about standing,personalhonour,ifsuchareresent,woulddesireno less.Likewise, the same must be said for the professionals overseeing, operating, or contributing, in the media section(s) held by the State. State Media in print, cyberspace,radioandtelevision,mustnotcomeacrossasan unthinking,docile,andrankinstrumentofPoliticalMasters, throughfawningcooperation.Thereisaprofessionaldutyto Governmentandcitizenstobeotherwise.

THE WIDENING GAPBETWEEN THE RICHAND THE POOR

DEAREDITOR, providetheopportunityfora persons in this community To date, we had no A very powerful letter, level playing field drew to the Ministry’s comments from either the titled Poverty reduction is suggestingthatthiscanbean attentionthefactthatatleast Minister or Ministry How possible through good opportunitytoreducethegap two schools in the South of Dr Singh could explain for education was published in between the haves and the the City, South Georgetown the public, if with all this Friday’s Stabroek News, havesnot.

Secondary and East money available, you could December 30, 2022, written Of course, Dr Singh in Ruimveldt Secondary find neither space nor byDr TaraSingh,glorifying heropeningsalvowrotehow Schools, children, mostly furniture to accommodate the wonderful work being much money is being spent, from poor families who can poor children. What we see donebytheMinisterandthe whatshedidn’ttellusiswho illafforddailytransportation here beyond the fine words MinistryofEducation. were the persons benefiting much less to pay for extra of Dr Singh is widening the

It painted an impressive from the construction of lessons, have been forced to gapbetweentherichandthe picture of the present and buildings, etc. They say the attendschoolonlytwodaysa poor future of education It proofofthepuddingisinthe week. (Form 2) due to the Regards, impliedthateducationcould eating Sometime ago, shortageoffurniture.

NigelBacchus

PresidentAliwantsGuyanatoenjoymorepeace, progress,prosperityandhappinessin2023

DEAREDITOR, executing their agenda, In contrast, the former PNC the ‘food basket’ for the Welcome to the last day while, convincingly Government had driven the Caribbean once again and ofthememorableYear2022, achieving consequential economy to a state of reducing food importation a year in which Guyanese success to honor the Party’s bankruptcybothperiodsthey while preventing the ‘Dutch experienced peace, progress pellucid promises. All these wereindictatorialpowerand Disease’ syndrome and prosperity carefully historical achievements are thecountrywasclassifiedas Guyana’s fantastic housing engineered by the unambiguously recorded in thepoorestintheCaribbean, allocation has surpassed its indomitable President Dr the manifestation of Guyana next to Haiti! World 10,000 mark for the year, Mohammed Irfaan Ali, his b e i n g a c c e p t e d , Data.ComnowratesGuyana almost doubling what the hard working Ministers and acknowledged and accorded as the 60th in the list of PNC Government barely staff (some?) of the various globally as the fastest richest countries. According scraped for 5 years (2015Ministries and other growing nation per capita. to the IMF, Latin America 2020). Trading Economics GovernmentAgencies.After ThePrivateSectorremainsa and the Caribbean will see a revealed that under the the biggest National Budget pivotal partner in supplying 3.5% growth in 2022.The fearful days of the PNC’s of $552.9 Billion (plus a goodsandservices,andalso PPP/C Government’s 2020 (partial) rule, tourism $ 4 4 8 B i l l i o n cements a close working prudent stewardship is a was reduced to a mere 86.4 supplementary), was relationship in this richly, major contributing factor K. Total arrivals in 2022 is presented by the PPP/C thriving story, affording a towards this unsurpassable expected to top 370 K, Government and approved unique opportunity for the achievement while reflecting a global by Parliament, there was no longest while, to augment managing an 800,000 confidence in the current turning back but sleepless the PPP/C Government’s population, boosted by off- government and reaction to nights spent toiling upwards development program in a shoreoildiscoveriesandthe the proud marketing throughouttheyear,working closely knitted and productionandmarketingof strategiesenhancingGuyana assiduouslyandtirelesslyfor s u p p o r t i v e c a u s e , the country’s natural asavisitor’sparadise. the benefit of all Guyanese, wholeheartedly and with the resources.

The unbelievable and equitably, justifiably and leastreservation.

Local Content Suppliers humungous projects favorably,andintheinterest Thenation’sprosperityis fortheprocurementofgoods undertaken for the of the nation, economically, translated via numerous and services, are reveling in t r a n s f o r m a t i o n a l politicallyandsocially arteries. Under the PPP/C billions of dollars in sales infrastructure to landscape a

The PPP/C Government Government’s governance, duetotheoilandgassector new and modern Guyana continued to pursue their Guyana’s 2022 GDPgrowth Some $38 Billion was portrait,providetremendous safe,saneandsoberelection is anticipated by the IMF to budgeted to enhance the employment opportunities 2020 manifesto, wisely reach57.8%,and,47.9%as massive agriculture drive, forGuyaneseandanoutlook implementing and plausibly predictedbytheWorldBank. wherebyinfusingGuyanaas (Continuedonpage6)

When Government is too influential (and it is today) in ControlledStateMedia,thedisastrousflourishes. Andwhen the output of State Media, and professional Media unswerving devotion to cover-ups, dodgy leadership, Practitionerscomeacrossasmerefunctionariesforobvious generalized political craftiness, and the perpetuation of political objectives, then the problems of an unforgiving criminal leadership practices invade friendly, prearranged societyareexponentiallyintensified. Thetaxpayers’dollars private media subsections, then the villainous and tragic aremisusedtoabuseandinsultthem. multiplies.

In the aftermath of the last stormy and controversy-

Nowadays, there are these carefully orchestrated plagued elections, no less a body than the EU made circuses, where government leaders disgrace themselves, constructive recommendations for (state) media reform, with what is sly, lack credence. When the nation’s work is whichIthoughthelpful. Mynarrowestinterpretationofwhat distorted in retail and squatter media outfits, mangled for theEUObserversrecommendedisthatthelesstheStateisin captive audiences, lines are crossed. When fly-by-night the media business, the better At its widest, I amplify that Media Operators pretend at dubious professionalism, lend suggested media reform included: a) think wisely about themselves to dissemination of questionable truths, media ownership and management; b) utilize sagaciously participate in manoeuvres of Government Leaders, uphold when such ownership is absolutely necessary; and c) deal clear leadership dodges, and then shamelessly parrot honestly and cleanly with agencies, whether friendly or leadership profanities, then malleable private media (in adversary Amid the fierce heats of the devastating last Government hands) transforms to deep, dangerous waters. elections,thePPPGovernmentemergingoutoftheasheswas State Media expands. I speak of national issues that must allfordemocracy,itsbasics,andbulwarks. stand tests before national audiences, including the sharply

Yet,thepracticesofGovernmentLeadersofferastudyin critical. NoLeaderworthhissalt,noGovernmentcommitted the slimy and sleazy State Media is again reduced to daily torightnessandfairnessoughttostoopsolow,astotakeState confirmation of being channels for whatever Government Media so far, and then compound by evading via abetting Leaders decide is newsworthy Oil and governance have private media corners to speak to the people about national been the biggest sufferers; corrupters and corruptions the business. ThisisRussian,Chinese,andNorthKoreanmedia biggest beneficiaries. When confined within Government- alloveragain.

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd.

Revolving fund presents opportunity to the forestry sector

DEAREDITOR, incentive is an excellent T h e G u y a n a opportunity for business Manufacturing and Services growth and development, Association (GMSA) especiallyforcompaniesthat commendstherecentsigning are pursuing more ofthe$900Mrevolvingfund downstream processing of by the Ministry of Finance value-addedproducts. andDemeraraBankLimited. Recently we have The establishment of this witnessed major interest in fund is opportune and will finishedgoods,especiallyin undoubtedlyclosethegapin theconstructionandhousing financing, which is sectors in the Caribbean, necessary to boost the coupled with the rapid Forestry Sector, improve increase of housing production capacity and constructioninGuyana. meet the increased demand TheGMSAwillcontinue for forestry products toadvocateforexpansionof domestically, regionally and this financial model into internationally other key sectors such as The GMSA’s Forestry Agro-Processing. Sub-Sector has been The Association also working diligently over the commends Demerara Bank past years for an alternative Limited for its role in accesstoaffordablefinance. fundingthedevelopmentand Collectively, the Ministry of promotion of the Forestry Natural Resources through Sector with its injection of the Guyana Forestry $600M. Commission(GFC)hasbeen The success of this working with the GMSA to financing program can be a help identify causes for low catalyst for other Financial productionoflogsandwood Institutions to follow, to processing. Subsequent to provide assistance to local s e v e r a l w e e k s o f entrepreneurs and smallconsultation with all mediumsizedbusinesses. stakeholders, it was The GMSAis extremely identified that the existing p l e a s e d w i t h t h e and direct hindrance is lack Government’s swift of adequate financial response to the urgent need resources. within the Forestry Sector Many Operators only and anticipates its ongoing have sufficient funds to collaboration with private producelimitedstockofraw sector materials and finished Further, the Association products which can have a encourages all members of negative impact on the the Forestry Sector to availabilityoffinishedgoods consider this financing formarketconsumption. opportunity for businessThe stakeholders growth. consulted include Loggers, Bestregards, S a w m i l l e r s a n d TravisBruce Manufacturers who are all GMSA part of the growing value C o m m u n i c a t i o n s chain This economic Officer

ANEWYEAR WISH

DEAREDITOR, thewisdomof, inunitythere I disagreed. My view, recognize that it is possible

As we welcome the new isstrength. after seven decades in the for us to share this place year,itistraditionalforusto Those who know the hustings,isthatnoamountof without conflict, without wish that we all share a authentic history of our constitutional adjustments unnecessary jealousy and prosperous and may I add country for the past 400 odd can solve our inherited inheritedprejudices. peaceful and pensive New yearswouldknowthatthefly social, ethnic and economic This requires thorough Year in the ointment has been the problems. education and the sharing of

With a country with less European masters whose We’ve had the marriage authentic facts which then than a million souls and a techniqueofDivideandrule of the colonies (1621-1830) impart knowledge to allow super abundance of natural has been improved over of Essequibo, Demerara and us to fully appreciate that resources, prosperity for time. Berbice, we’ve had the there is a certain every citizen ought to be in Perhaps, because our Council of Policy and commonalityofourimperial the offing A prosperity Statesmenshyawayfromthe Justice, the College of past and honour our heroes where every citizen wisdom history offers, we Keizers, fast track to the from Cuffy to the Enmore everywhere can enjoy the become hapless pawns to Waddington Constitution Martyrs. bounty given to us by the Massa, and Guyana’s today which removed for every This education should Creator.A place where our we see the emergence of a adultallpreviousrestrictions begin from the cradle in the indigenous people and those new Massa employing the and for the first time gave home through kindergarten, whowerethemostbrutalised tricks and stratagem of the everyGuyanese,irrespective and all of our educational in human history as slaves oldMassa.Iamremindedof of station in life, the right to Institutionsonto University and those who came after the words of the Prophet vote. This resulted in the The development of a Emancipation as Indentured Khalil Gibran when he said, 1953 popular Parliament led moral sense of what is right, Labourers could all share “Pity the Nation that by our two Titans - Cheddi what is proper as against equally in this abundance.A acclaims the bully as hero Jagan and Forbes Burnham. what is wrong and improper country where we andthatdeemstheglittering Therestisrecenthistory behaviour , so that we judge experience no extremes of conquerorbountiful.” As we moved towards each other not based on the heat or cold, no monsoons, We saw this during the Independence, certain texture of our hair, our no hurricanes, no heyday of slavery which constitutional adjustments religiousbeliefsorthecolour earthquakes and occasional produced the proverbial were made but that did not of our skin, but that we floods which are never house slave Sadly, that solve as was hoped for the recognizethatweareallone severe. mentality , that belief, that ethnic and social dilemma. family, each being able to Ironically, most of our behaviour is alive, well and Whatweneedistoteachand share his/her skills for the floods are the result of flourishingtoday. share honestly all of our generalgood.Asweentera human carelessness and Speaking over the history so that our people (Continuedonpage6) disregardforMothernature. holidays to a few prominent Unfortunately, the major figures, one for example, disaster has been the argued that we need existence of leaders whose ConstitutionalReformbased lackofhumilityandgenuine on an Ethnic Relation patriotism has disallowed Commission to solve our them to translate into reality ethnicproblem.

NigelHughes CommendedforStudy

DEAREDITOR, or distribution of resources.

I refer to recent study There also have not been (titled“EconomyandJustice studies on distribution of in Guyana) funded by resources by residential prominent, distinguished, communities and between respected lawyer Mr. Nigel rural and urban and Hughes, as published in the h i n t e r l a n d a r e a s . media, and carried in the Communities complain and international media in early indeed are perceived and December,whichshowsthat empirically observed to be African Guyanese are marginalizedinaccessingor underrepresented in the in the distribution of state awarding of government resources. contracts. I cannot comment The preceding David on the claims made as I am Granger Administration not familiar with the committed significant methodology of the study – amounts of resources on based on number of historical research,

contracts, monetary value, especially of supporters of bidders by ethnicity, his political party No such rejectionsbyethnicity,etc.It resources were committed is also not known if the data b y h i s i m m e d i a t e was analyzed or broken predecessors or successor downbyanyothercategories Efforts to conduct research besides race. I do not have on indentureship documents independent access to have not been fruitful even Government data to test the withofferofprivatefunding veracity of the findings. If from the Indian Guyanese factualorborneoutbyother diaspora EX- President studies, it is a serious cause GrangerandMr.Hughesare of concern and must be applauded for their support addressed I wish to towards historical research. commend the Lawyer for Severalofuswhohavebeen financing this important doing research that would study No similar study on benefit the nation have ethnicitywaseverconducted depended on self-funding. inrecentmemorybecauseof Businesses generally do not a lack of data and funding supportactivitiesorresearch and because of fear of for which there is no victimization of researchers. financial return. Hughes’s NoIndianlawyerorbusiness generous funding and person (or no one from any concerns about his other ethnic group) or the communityshouldserveasa governmenthadeverfunded model for philanthropy and such a study to determine for research by scholars of ethnic distribution of othercommunities. Government contracts or Yourssincerely, stateemploymentorhousing VishnuBisram

Frompage2 onalltheotheraspectsofoil it because they can’t re- production,flaringstatistics injectit.” for the past four months

On Thursday, Kaieteur have not been uploaded to News reported that after theportal. months of demanding that In fact, the last the oil production data be published gas data on the shared with the public, the siteisdatedJuly12,2022. Government finally Nonetheless, data was directed the media to a uploaded that depicts the websiteinAugusttoaccess amount of gas produced the information, usually daily during the offshore updated at the end of every production of oil in the month. StabroekBlock.

Notably, this website It is unclear as to why provideskeyupdatesonthe the flaring statistics are not number of barrels of oil being made public as produced at the Liza One Minister of Natural and Liza Two operations in Resources, Vickram the Stabroek Block, as well Bharrat, has still not asthedailyreportedamount responded to queries of gas produced, gas relatingtotheissue. injected, flared gas and gas Flaringistheprocessof usedforfuel.Italsogivesan burning associated gas that overview on the Brent is brought up during oil Crude prices and the production. Notably, this amount of water produced processemitsharmfulgases andinjected. into the atmosphere that

While data as recent as maynotonlyaffectseabirds November 30, 2022 is and marine creatures, but availableforpublicscrutiny alsoclimatechange.

A NEW YEAR WISH

Billboards erected with the But if as I now propose existing in our beloved new year, in spite of our permission of either the for the new year, a sensible country wishes, in spite of our Central and Local Government, a committed Let us learn from our prayers and faith in the Authorities. The Economic Leader, a nationalistic history and tell the future,unlesswecangetthe European Union correctly President with maturity, Descendants of our above into our thick skulls, moved to impose a windfall stretch out a hand to civil Indigenous people, nothingmuchwouldchange. tax on the oil giants for the society and the Opposition, ManumittedAfricansandthe Today in Guyana, we boast fact that the price per barrel andsay‘letusspeakwithone Indian, Chinese and we are the fastest growing for oil had almost doubled, voice, so that that voice Portuguese Immigrants that economy in the hemisphere, while the cost of living in represents99%ofGuyanese the soup that some of their yetthereishungerandmany Guyana and elsewhere has andthatvoicewouldbeloud representatives are drinking, must rely on handouts from morethandoubled. and be a clarion call so that can upset their stomachs as the new anointed Massa. But the oil giants have even those who have they are only short term. In This is not what our moved to the Courts to practiced the art of having summary, my message to all ancestors made sacrifices suffocatethislaudableeffort their own way in Latin of our Leaders is that they for Those who come to to get a bigger share of the America,Europe,Africaand should tear down those harvest our non-renewable cake and from some of our Asia would know that they obnoxious Billboards and resources must be told we leaders we hear this must listen and negotiate so replace them with a sign expectthemtomakeaprofit, nonsense about the sanctity that we bequeath to which reads “We welcome wethankthemforcomingto ofContracts. succeeding generations that your development but the Guyanabutallofourleaders, Throughout modern whichtheCreatorhasgiven- Cooperative Republic of and here I emphasize all, history,wheneverconditions the bountiful harvest to the GuyanaisNotForSale.” must with one voice make it change the Contracting people of Guyana. Members Tothosewhoareafraidto abundantly clear that for the parties must examine the of the political parties, the speak or feel threatened that new year, we deserve and conditions agreed to earlier business community and their right to speak is being demand a bigger slice of the ingoodfaith,sitandtalk,and religious organisations must throttled, let us abide by the cake.A knowledge of our that familiar bad word insistthattheirleadersdothe wordsofElieWiesel,Jewish historywilltellusthatunless ‘renegotiate.’ Nothing is sensible thing to avoid us Author, Holocaust Survivor anattitudinalmetamorphosis ever set in stone, even the losing an opportunity to be and Nobel Laureate,“ I occurs,theoilgiantsandthe laws of the Medes and the major beneficiaries of swore never to be silent gold harvesters would Persianswerechanged. thisrichharvest. whenever and wherever continue to feed us with the ButhereGuyaneseisthe Failure to do this could human beings endure crumbs from the Master’s high hurdles. Once the oil, see our bounty of natural suffering and humiliation. table.InGuyana,thecrumbs gold and diamond giants resources being a curse and We must always take sides. may seem plentiful and p e r c e i v e t h a t t h e notablessing. Neutrality helps the sweetbutlistentotheexperts Government they are As we usher in the New Oppressor, never the victim. andwewillsoonfindoutthat speakingwithrepresentshalf Year,IaskeveryGuyaneseto Silence encourages the where we should be getting of the population, they can listen to the voices and tormentor, never the 99,weget9. remain confident that pleadings of the men and tormented.”

Frompage5

We’vehadthedisgusting renegotiation of bad deals is womenwhodailyexposethe HappyNewYear feature of deceptive notpossible. injustice and the folly HamiltonGreen

PresidentAliwantsGuyanatoenjoymorepeace...

Frompage4

cost of living, followed by theseactivities. Guyanaalso His ‘Men On Mission’ to present Guyana with an reducingthecostoffuel.The chaired many international enshrines his conscientious internationalstatusquo. scores of grants given to the meetings and conferences effort to revamp, replenish Themakingandrepairingof public include flood relief, globally, all because of the and reconstruct answers and streets, roads, highways, respectforPresidentAliand solutions to be implemented free fertilizer, $ increase bridges, airports, schools, thepaceatwhichthecountry to resolve social issues for school children’s hospitals, police stations, is developing. Guyana has affecting society throughout u n i f o r m , G O A L office buildings, housing earnedsomeUS$750Million Guyana. scholarships, financing schemes, welfare centers, in carbon credits from the His ‘ the people tour’ dialysis patients, free play grounds, sports preservation of its forests. ensures that he acquaints hearing aids, waiver of complex, markets and other The gas industry will himself personally with the medical expenses (this buildings are just a few commenceitsbuildingstage groundrootproblemsfacing year, 1,000 plus people examples Guyanese will next year, along with a new themaninthestreet. received some $292 witness to upgrade their DemeraraBridge. President Ali extends a living status. Recapping the million in financial While embracing hand shake to all Guyanese year’s conventional democracy, freedom of regardless of race, religion, assistance), procure and performances by this speech and movement, gender or political deploy 30,000 solar units Government is not the safety,justiceandtheruleof affiliation. to the hinterland areas, motive of this letter but to law, resilience to climate He socializes in all employing Indigenous recallonatangent,aportion c h a n g e , w o m e n ’s sports, all religious events, rangers, giving free housing to substantiate this development, child weddings, birthday parties, loans for the Indigenous projection. protection and a host of educational gatherings, people, free cement, low

The people of Guyana equitable well-being for political platforms, private interest rates for loans, perceivestheprogressofthe Guyanese at large, the and public sector increase in pensions and PPP/CGovernmentbyusing United Nation has scored engagements, and, in any welfare benefits, 8% various measuring rods Guyana with an SDG global event which necessitates his minimum salary increases, through a telescope of rankof104outof156. personal intervention for his bonus for the Disciplined progression with a Peace was promised by ownsatisfaction. Forces, increase in salaries microscopic lens the PPP/C party during their PresidentAli is indeed a for various medical and Meticulousperceptionisnot 2020 election campaign man who wants the best for disciplined categories, etc. estranged in a Guyanese

The PPP/C Government’s context, but, the PPP/C stuck to his words and that they may enjoy the neighborly friendship government has holistically comingNewYearwithmore delivered the essence of allowed Guyana to be the andhonestlysatisfiedallthe peace, progress, prosperity truth, honesty and international forum to enquiries and removed all andhappiness. showcase many agriculture, i n t e g r i t y i n h i s doubts by clearing all

President Dr Irfaan Ali has Guyana and Guyanese so

Do enjoy with a smile, a housing and tourist fairs for propagation for the love, hurdles. Fromtheinception safe, healthy, blooming and the Caribbean, affording respect and unity of this of the year, all PNC’s joyousNewYearGuyana. manyHeadsofGovernments nation with the theme, cumbersomeVATtaxeswere Yoursrespectively, to visit and participate in ‘OneGuyana’. removedtolessenGuyanese JaiLall

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PPP HAPPY HOUR

As the year comes to a close, Government is in a frenzy to spend out every last dollar budgeted this year.

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With that, we have already seen all kinds of dubious contracts being awarded at this eleventh hour.

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As we conclude this year, let us not forget the damaging USAID Report, which stated in part, that there remained a widespread public perception of corruption involving Officials at all levels and all branches of Government, including the Police and Judiciary.

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GECOM to begin Continuous Registration Exercise Jan. 3

The Guyana Elections Commission of residence, with the relevant source (GECOM) will commence a continuous documentswhichare: registration exercise on January 3, 2023, for •Original Birth Certificate, valid eligible persons, at all of its permanent Passport, Adoption Certificate, RegistrationOfficesinthetenAdministrative Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Regions. This registration exercise will Registration, and Deed Poll along with concludeonMay31,2023. originalBirthCertificate(ifapplicable)inthe

During this registration exercise, any case of making applications for new personwhowillbe14yearsandolderbyJune registration. 30,2023,andisaGuyanesecitizenby

• Original Marriage birth, descent, naturalization, or Certificate, Marriage is a citizen from a Certificate with Decree Commonwealth country Absolute for divorced living in Guyana for one women, Deed Poll with year or more, can apply Birth Certificate, or a for registration, new original Birth providing he/she was Certificate reflecting the neverregistered. new name in the case of “ E x i s t i n g a p p l i c a t i o n f o r Registrants who are change/correction of desirous of updating n a m e a n d o t h e r their records such as a particulars. request to correct or

R e g i s t r a t i o n change their names, date transactions can be done of birth, occupation and during the official update their addresses are working hours outlined advised that those transactions below: Mondays to Thursdays would also be facilitated during this 08:00hrs – 12:00hrs and 13:00hrs – 16:30hrs exercise,” GECOM said in a statement on and Fridays 08:00hrs – 12:00hrs and Friday 13:00hrs–15:30hrs.

Persons desirous of conducting any For further information, persons are registration transaction whether new advised to visit GECOM’s website at registration or changes/corrections to their www.gecom.org.gy or its Facebook page at particulars are required to visit the GECOM Guyana Elections Commission, or call 225Registration Office responsible for their area 0277-9,223-9653,or223-1300.

Govt. to approach US-EXIM Bank to fund Gas-to-Energy project

The Government of Guyana will be seeking a loan from the United States (US) Export Import (EXIM) the other two phases would B a n k , t o f u n d t h e costUS$759million. controversial Wales Gas-to- According to the VP, Energy(GTE)project. “The cost oil part is the

- Bharrat Jagdeo

The revelation was made pipeline and that is, we are by Vice President, Bharrat sharing that between Exxon

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

In July, President Irfaan Jagdeo during his most and the Government of Ali signed a Memorandum recent Press Conference at Guyana- the NGL facility of Understanding with US theOfficeofthePresident. and the power plant those EXIM Bank for US$2B, Jagdeo explained that w i l l b e l o n g t o t h e targeting potential funding while Government has GovernmentofGuyana.” for infrastructure, renewable already set aside over $20 This means that more energy,andotherareas. billion in this year’s budget, moneywillbedeductedfrom

AccordingtoanOfficeof additional funding will be the country’s oil earnings to the President Press Release, sought from the U S pay Exxon back for the MoU represents an FinancialInstitution. developing the pipeline. The important milestone in US-

The Wales gas project interest rate and number of Guyanarelationssinceitlays will encompass three major years this would take the thefoundationforGuyanato aspects, that is, the pipeline countryisstillunknown.

access EXIM financing and to transport the gas toWales, Meanwhile, as it regards facilities for the first time aNaturalGasLiquids(NGL) f u n d i n g f o r t h e a n d p r o v i d e s f o r facility that will treat and Government’s aspect of the interventionsatascalethatis separatethegas,andapower project, Jagdeo explained, likely to have a lasting plant to generate some 300 “Inthisyear’sbudgetthereis developmentalimpact. Megawattsofelectricity money, I think there is over

N o t a b l y, s o f a r, $20 billion for the first recent study done to confirm Guyanesehavebeentoldthat payment and then we are the viability of the natural the pipeline aspect, which is tryingtostructurethismaybe gas project, Jagdeo is being pursued by US oil through a loan. We will be adamantthatitremains majorExxonMobil,willcost approaching EXIM Bank(Continued on page 9) aroundUS$1.3billion,while US.”

Despite there was no

Is the media lazy?

Presidents once described at a desk and make phone Take

the local media as lazy By callsratherthanbeingoutin of

questionsarisefromexisting today’sstandardsthatwould society seeking out sources into an area, saw an elderly Whyisthisrelevant?For breaking news. And yet the beanunderstatement. andnews. woman in a ramshackle anumberofreasons!One,it mediadoesnotfollow-upor A certain lackadaisical Every successful media house, and decided to assist is known that there are follow-through by probing things. attitude has crept into the personhasbeendefinedbya her by constructing a new individuals who own deeperintothesestories. Itistothediscreditofthe work of the local media. few major scoops or home for her This story multiple Government house Partoftheproblemisthe local media, that opinion Investigative Journalism investigative pieces. Where made the headlines in both lotsandwhattheywoulddo culturewhichhasdeveloped pieces have to be published whichoftenrequiresseeking would Bob Woodward be the mainstream media and toensurethatthelotsarenot within the media of complaining about the out sources or tiresome today had it not been for onsocialmedia. seized for non-construction depending overtly on pick- absenceofpoliceupdateson legwork and research, is in Watergate? Butnoonehasbothered of homes, is to place ups. theshootingincidentatState decline within the local B u t e v e n m o r e to ask certain pertinent makeshift structures on the The Government for House a few weeks ago. media. unforgiving has been the questions: Was Granny the lot and to show that it was example sends out releases Now, why should the police M a n y M e d i a failure of media workers to owner of the original beingoccupied. to the media, which then in be the ones on whom the Practitionersprefertositand follow-up and follow- structure or the land on Now this may not have most instances regurgitate media should be relying for await scoops to land in their through on news worthy which it was built? Was she been the case with Granny the contents in their news updates?Whathashappened lapsratherthantoferretthem stories Behind every allocated a house lot by the But it certainly should have reporting. toinvestigatereporting? out. Economy of movement breaking story there are two Government in that housing piquedtheinterestofanosy Top Government W h y h a v e o u r and time is now popular and three others stories just scheme, or did she purchase Reporter officials, including the enthusiastic young

Govt.toapproachUS-EXIMBanktofund...

Frompage8 September

Sofartheagencyhasnot feasible.Inarguinghiscase, The American joint venture announcedadecisiononthe he pointed out, “We will get hadplacedthehighestoffive NGL and power plant all the power and then we internationalbidstothetune aspects. will get all the liquids- 100 of US$898M to build the The Environmental percent of the liquids would plants. However, Jagdeo at Protection (EP) Act is clear belongtous. his last Press Conference at Section 21(1) that “No There is no 50/50 split there indicated that the project person shall- (a) construct, because we own that so we cost has been reduced to alter, extend or replace any get 100 percent of the US$759M. plant, structure, equipment, cookinggas,etcetera,which Similarly, Exxon has apparatus, mechanism, or is about three times more commenced awarding thing that may discharge or than what we use nationally c o n t r a c t s f o r t h e from which may be so we would have to export construction of the pipeline. discharged a contaminant and there will be other BackinJuly,itwasreported into any part of the natural liquids too, not just cooking thatSubsea7andVanOord, environment except under gas.” t w o i n t e r n a t i o n a l and in accordance with a O n D e c e m b e r 1 3 , companies, were awarded a construction permit issued Government signed a contract to lay the 190 bytheAgency…” US$759M contract with kilometrespipeline.

Thisthereforemeansthat CH4-Lindsayca to build the ItwasonlyonNovember evenGovernmentisrequired power plant and NGL 25 that the oil company to seek an environmental facility at Wales CH4- receivedtheblessingsofthe permit from the EPA before Lindsayca was among five Environmental Protection i t r o l l s o u t a n y companies who had placed Agency(EPA)tocommence developmental project that bids for the projects in theproject. canaffecttheenvironment.

Before the home was President, would usually go Reporters not been able to built for Granny, did the to an event and make a piece together the various Government check and presentation. Some media parts of this puzzle and verify to whom the lot houses would not even provide a clearer account of belonged? It would present bothertoturnupinthehope what may have taken place a problem if it later of nailing a scoop. Instead, and the possible motive of discovered that the lot they know that the motivesinvolved? belongs to some relative of Government Agencies No wonder there is so Granny but the home is would provide a report on much conjecture, including Granny’s. what was said which can the unsubstantiated

Then there is the case of thenbereproduced. assertions that there was a the Lawyer who was But what is sent out by breakdown of security The purportedly shot and killed these Government Agencies media has become by her husband, a Barber, in is what the Government lackluster Let us hope this what is believed to a wants to be reported. There changesintheNewYear! murder/suicide. No one in mayhavebeenthingssaidat (The views expressed in the media is yet to confirm thesameeventwhichdonot this article are those of the whether the weapon used m a k e i t i n t o t h e author and do not was lawfully owned by the Government’s releases, and necessarily reflect the nowdeceasedBarberand,if therefore the media is opinions and beliefs of this so,howsuchayoungperson missing out on the n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s could have been granted a opportunity to report on affiliates.)

One of Guyana’s MediaReportersprefertosit waitingtopopout. thelandandthehouse?Oris firearmpermit.

thecaseofthestory thelotandhouseinthename Even these types of

the President who went ofsomeoneelse?

The Stabroek News and Guyana’s ugly psychology

Here is a quote that onlinesoIdon’tneedtheSN IsabelleDeCaireswholives freedom and justice in newspaper It means involvesmynameinaletter to mention my name for me in the UK? Will she pen an Guyanasotheywriteallthe thatthenewspaperwill employed in any capacity published yesterday in the to be known. The Gildarie- openletterinhernewspaper time for government to be not report anything about whatsoeverinGuyana. Kaieteur News (KN) by Freddie Kissoon Show is telling her editors that what transparent, accountable, me.

I guess SN does not like ProfessorRandolphPersaud hugely popular programe t h e y d i d w a s democratic? Will we hear Do I care? I will be the mebecauseIamnotaworm who is the constitutional andmyviewsonthatforum unprofessional? from them about the danger sameFrederickKissoonasI like so many others that affairs advisor to the are seen by more viewers Thisisthesameladythat to democracy when the wasover55yearsago.AndI choose to shut their mouths President: “I fully agree thanreadersofSN. a few months ago in a letter press, long regarded as one will have my detractors and andopenitbasedonhorrible with KN columnist Freddie The point is that it is in her newspaper described of the fulcrums of admirers and the Stabroek moraldoublestandards.Yes, Kissoon that government foolishtotakeoutmyname Guyana as a flawed democracycanbesouglyin News will play no part in I have had an ocean of must be even-handed in when the very letter will be democracy Her grievance itspsychology changingthatequation.Itall regrets during the course of executing its clean-up and published by the KN and wasoverthewaytheNatural Do you realize what has beganin1968whenIwasa my life but I will never be a clear-outcampaigns.” read by more persons and Resource Fund Act was happenedhere?Youneedto polling agent for the PPPat servile or sycophantic In the same letter moresobecauseofthestatus drafted. Does Ms. Isabelle cometogripswiththenature myschool,St.ThomasMore human. I am not afraid of published the same day in of the letter-writer In this De Caires believe that the of this society This RC, primary school in anything or anyone in this theStabroekNews(SN),my ageofsocialmedia,isitsilly way her newspaper’s newspaper took out my Wortmanville in the 1968 countrywherethecollective nameisremoved.Iquotethe for a mainstream media to journalism is presented to name, just a name from the generalelection. psychology is deeply ugly relevant line: “I fully agree hide something when the the Guyanese makes man’s letter It was not a I pursued a pathway Nothing in this country that government must be whole world will know G u y a n a a f l a w e d panegyric of Freddie sincethattimethatisfullof shocks me. Nothing should even-handed in executing aboutitfromsocialmedia. democracy? So will the Kissoon or a letter of praise regretsbutIhaveneverbeen shock you in a country that its clean-up and clear-out This piece is being Guyanesepeopleseealetter about some particular act of deterredinsayinganddoing hasnosoul. campaigns.” As you can writtenonFridaymorningto from Ms. De Caires on a me. Two things are horrible what I feel is right. I cannot (The views expressed in see, the name Freddie besubmittedlaterintheday display of sick petty- here. One is people cannot sayIknowwhySNhasthis this article are those of the Kissoonwasremoved.” ButIcertainlywillraisethis mindedness? I don’t know mention my name in their attitude towards me. I live a author and do not This is the story of my ugly psychology of SN on about you, but I have the lettersintheStabroekNews. quiet, morally clean life. I necessarily reflect the life more than 55 years ago. the Gildarie-Freddie answer I have been part of That right is no longer am not involved in any opinions and beliefs of this Am I bothered? No. More Kissoon Show this evening Guyanesesocietyforsolong respectedbythenewspaper criminal circuit. I have no n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s people read the Kaieteur (last night).So, will we hear so I know the answer What ThesecondoneisIamnow position of power where I affiliates.) News because it is free from the owner of SN, Ms. all those who care about persona non grata by this can hurt people. I am not

Berbice man gets 3 years, ordered to pay $5M for severing neighbour’s fingers

Senior Magistrate, Alex Moore, on Wednesday sentenced Nandram Ball called ‘Brian’to three years imprisonment and ordered him to pay $5 million to his former neighbour, Rudolph Haynes of Princeton, Corriverton Berbice whose fingers he severed back in 2018.

Thirty-five-year-old Haynesalsoknownas‘Dan’ a taxi driver told this publication, “I am very satisfied with the court’s rulingandeverything.”

Haynes lost four of his fingers from his left hand. Ball, a Labourer of No.52 Village Corentyne Berbice, behind bars and even was charged for Felonious

Kaieteur News had ordered him to compensate Wounding, Contrary to reported that on March 19, Haynes for the four fingers Section 57(a) of the 2018, at an evening social helost. Criminal Law OffencesAct the three men were

The Magistrate also chapter8:01. reportedly imbibing and ordered Ball to pay Haynes

Following a prolonged having an enjoyable time, an additional $100,000 for matter, Senior Magistrate whenaBallandhisStepson the delays he caused in the Moore at the No 51 ranoverfromtheirpremises, case since he was absent Magistrates’ Court handed armed with a cutlass and a fromcourtwhileoutonbail. down his ruling in the pieceofwood,andlaunched Police Prosecutor matter anunexpectedattack.

Winston Poliah, prosecuted

An investigation has a time that Paramakatoi been launched into the should come together, that murder of 78-year-old, time is now Community Ramdia Balkaran also Members need to come known as ‘Sister Jean’ of forward with information Paramakatoi Village, whichcanleadtothearrest Region Eight, who was andeventualprosecutionof discovered, bound, gagged, person(s) responsible for andbatteredinherbedroom the death of Sis Jean onThursdaymorning. Balkaran.Shewasthemost

K a i e t e u r N e w s gentle of souls and always understands that ‘Sister greetsmewithansmileand Jean’ and her Husband, when she has, bananas. Reverend Basil Balkaran, Mayhersoulrestineternal served as Missionaries for p e a c e over 50 years at the

#justiceforsisbalkaran” WesleyanChurchlocatedin

Another person said, “I ParamakatoiVillage. hopetheperpetratorsofthis

Murdered: Ramdai Balkaran known as ‘Sister Jean’(Photo credit, Big Smith News Watch)

Thegruesomediscovery evil will be found and the of‘SisterJean’wasmadeby whole Book of Law be is used for mediation and her Husband and Grandson thrownatthem.Thiswanton prayers This publication around 06:00 hours on killingisonetime,toomany, understands that around Thursday It is believed that by very wicked and evil 06:00hrs the next morning, the woman was beaten and people. It seems they left Sister Jean’s Grandson and murdered during a robbery something there at the Husbandfoundherbattered, Apost mortem examination Balkaran’s home and went lifeless body in her conducted on Friday

for it I can’t begin to bedroom. revealed that Sister Jean imaginewhatthisladywent

At the time of reporting, died from suffocation and through before drawing her the Guyana Police Force blunttrauma. last breath. A woman who (GPF) had not issued an

The elderly woman was won’t even hurt a fly was official statement on the last seen alive around 19:30 killed.Shetooktimetoserve murderofSisterJean. hours on Wednesday when wholeheartedly the

The Magistrate had

It was reported that the case. Corporal Poliah found Ball guilty of Haynes, lost four of his wasrecentlyawardedforthe wounding Haynes and as fingers from his left hand first runner-up for the ‘Best such he sentenced the after it was chopped off by Cop’prosecuting in Region Defendant to three years Ball. Six.

In the meantime, she and her husband retired Amerindian People in the Residents of Paramakatoi to bed after closing up their interiorformanyyears.This expressed their sympathy to shop. ‘Sister Jean’ headed is tough news to receive the family and friends of home while her husband earlier on this morning.The SisterJeanonsocialmedia. went to another house Balkaranfamilyisverydear One person said in a locatedinthesameyardthat tousandweareafamily.” Facebookpost,“Iftherewas

FrederickKissoon

(File photo) Rudolph Haynes when he lost four fingers from his left hand

Jailed, Nandram Ball called ‘Brian’

Govt. takes US$172M China loan for new Demerara River Bridge tak

The Government of financed by the contractor Guyana on Friday signed an However, in Budget 2022, agreement with the Bank of the sum of $21 1B was China for a 160.8M Euros or allocatedfortheproject. US$172M loan for the In rushing to enact the advancement of the Natural Resource Fund construction of the New (NRF) or the oil account last DemeraraRiverBridge. y e a r, t h e P e o p l e ’s

In a statement to the Progressive Party (PPP) press, the Ministry of Government, headed by Finance announced that the President Irfaan Ali insisted Government completed the that the funds will be electronicsigningoftheloan directed to ‘national onFriday development priorities’such In this year’s Budget, as the new Demerara River Government had set aside Crossing. $21.1B or US$105M for the At the end of November about US$170 million. That vehicles each day (11,000 will offer easy connectivity Eccles bypass, the existing project. The new loan now 2022, the NRF was holding alone is one year of the oil perdirection). to both the existing East West Bank Demerara road, takes the allocation for the over $290B or US$1.45B. money.”

According to the Bank Demerara road as well and the new Parika to bridgetoUS$277M.

Vice President, Bharrat He went on to note that Government, the new bridge as the new Diamond to Schoonordroad.

Back in May of this year, Jagdeo had even told these two infrastructural a US$260M contract for the Skeldon residents during an projects alone could use up new Bridge was awarded to outreach in September this the funds gathered, without the Joint Venture of China year that the oil money is even considering the Railway Construction only good enough to highways to be built on the Corporation (International) complete two projects, East Bank of Demerara and Limited, China Railway includingtheNewDemerara other road works scheduled Construction (Caribbean) RiverBridge. fortheirRegion. Co., Ltd & China Railway He explained, “When Meanwhile, the new Construction Bridge you hear a lot about the oil structure, a hybrid bridge Engineering Bureau Group money and we’ve collected will feature a modern fourCo.,Ltd. about US$350 million per lane structure (two This came following the year so far, the first two carriageways), cycle lane, scrapping of an earlier years, you think it’s a lot of with a 2 65 kilometers engagement with China money length, driving surface of S t a t e C o n s t r u c t i o n But the Demerara about 23.6 meters or 77.8 Engineering Corporation Harbour Bridge alone, the feet and will have a lifespan Limited which submitted a four-lane bridge- there is ofsome100years. bidofUS$256,638,289. US$260 million and the The current Demerara

For this project, bidders hospital, the Children and Harbour Bridge is over 40 wereadvisedbytheMinistry Maternal Hospital that we years old and connects the that they are required to bid are building, which will be a East Bank Demerara at on two options, a Design World-Class hospital for our Peters Hall with the West –Build and Finance option children and women – B a n k D e m e r a r a a t andaDesign-Build-Operate, specialised hospital with the MeerZorgen representing an andFinanceoption.Notably, bestcarethatyoucangetlike estimate of 40,000 to 45,000 both options were to be any part of the world that’s people and over 20,000

Grenadian Officials return Chinese Businessman’s

‘gifts’ for citizenship

Grenadian Officials The Agency before attached to the Country’s thanking the Businessman ‘Citizenship by Investment’ for his compliance and Programme earlier this understanding in the matter, month return expensive gifts instructed that he have a to a Chinese Businessman member of his team collect advisinghimthatasstewards the items before close of of public trust, they were businessfollowingreceiptof unable to accept the luxury thecorrespondence. items.

Grenada describes itself

Bo Xu, Chief Executive as having one of the newest Officer of Hartman Hotel a n d m o s t e x c i t i n g DevelopmentLtd.,thoughtit ‘Caribbean Citizenship by was a good idea to send Investment’ programmes on EC$10,000 cash, a bottle of themarket.ItgrantsGrenada drink, and other items to the citizenship to successful Chairman of the Grenada applicants who financially ‘Citizenship by Investment’ investinthecountry Programme Unit, Richard The country boasts its realestateontheisland. Duncan. white sand beaches and Grenada said its

‘Citizenship

In a letter to the pristine Caribbean waters, ‘Citizenship by Investment B u s i n e s s m a n d a t e d lifestyle, travel and Programme’ is fast, December 13, 2022, the economic advantages as confidential, and rigorously Grenada ‘Citizenship by benefits increasingly secure, while the application Investment’ Unit said it was attracting Investors to invest process entails strict due in receipt of the gift which fortheircitizenship. diligence, in addition to was delivered to the The country said that in paying the cost and fees Chairmanaweekearlier addition to healthy living, associated with Grenada

It said that the package Grenada Citizenship citizenship, applicants are was opened in the presence provides low taxes and subject to an extensive of the Unit’s acting Chief financial security, while a background check, which Executive Officer, Karline Grenada passport allows for they must pass complete in Purcell, the Accounts increasedtravelmobilityand order to complete their Manager, and the Executive visa-free access to over 100 Grenada immigration and Assistant. countries and territories obtainaGrenadapassport.

It was found however aroundEurope,Asia,andthe As well as satisfying the that the value of the items world. security and financial was incongruent with the The Grenada Citizenship requirements for Grenada Unit’s Code of Conduct and by Investment Programme citizenship, successful Ethics Policy and could not offers two tracks to applicants for Grenada beaccepted.

e c o n o m i c G r e n a d a immigration, should also be

It continued that “as immigration: would-be healthy and in good legal stewards of the public trust, applicants have the option of standing The citizenship we are sensitive to ensure making a US $150,000 cash benefits also allow adherence to the integrity in donation to the country’s generational citizenship, in Public Life Regulations as National Transformation that, a one-time Grenada well as the Prevention of Fund (NTF) (the minimum citizenship cost is inclusive CorruptionRegulations,asit Grenada citizenship cost) or ofalifetimeofsecurityand relatestogifting.” investing US$220,000 in

A 3D model of the new Demerara River Bridge that was shared by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Grenada’s

for Investment’ Unit CEO, Richard Duncan

Soil Biodiversity for the Future

ByAna

Posas Latin America and the a n d A g r i c u l t u r e

Agricultural Research and in Peru, the company and other successful (FAO Agricultural Caribbean, reaching 150 Organization of the United (INIA) has promoted the BIOEM has promoted the examples that seek to Officer for Latin m i l l i o n p e o p l e I n Nations(FAO)hasaseriesof application of organic use of bio fertilizers created safeguard soil biodiversity American and Caribbean) M e s o a m e r i c a , t h e projects focused on this material of animal and with a mixture of fungi, S a f e g u a r d i n g s o i l proportion rises to 26% of topic. This year, as part of a vegetableoriginincropsand bacteria, and yeasts We biodiversity today is the key A few days ago, the the territory The main series of talks, we shared fruit trees, reducing costs; should look closely at these toourfuture. United Nations Conference causes of degradation are Colombia’s experience with on Biodiversity (COP15) water erosion, intensive aquaticplantsextractedfrom concluded with a historic agrochemical applications the Ubaque lagoon, which pact: dozens of countries and deforestation, which are has made it possible to pledgedtoprotect30%ofthe evidenced by a reduction in reducewaterpollutiondueto land and sea surface by 2030 vegetation cover, a decrease excess nutrients and, at the to preserve biodiversity, in fertility, pollution, and the same time, provide organic which represents an

impoverishm entofcrops. mattertotheproducers. unprecedented achievement We In Mexico, It’s on forourforests,ourfauna, iversity’s COLMENA seas, and for the soils initiative has successfully walkon. reserved the microbial

Taking care of the life diversity associated with in soils allows us to land-use change by maintain soil carbon r e d u c i n g s o i l (key to having better d e g r a d a t i o n I n productions), maintain A r g e n t i n a , a n the humidity and water experiment presented reserves of our t h r o u g h t h e territories,andtherefore incorporation of safeguard the balance of bacteria and stubble natureandachieveabetter m a n a g e m e n t h a s production of sustainable proved the carbon food. There are more than balance of soils. In Trinidad 1 , 0 0 0 s p e c i e s o f and Tobago, one study invertebrates in a single m2 confirmed the importance of cannot stand by and let this of forest soil, and one gram improving soil pH to happen. We need to promote ofsoilcanharbormillionsof improve cassava tubers’ respect for the biodiversity living beings and several fertility, yield, nutrition, and ofoursoilstoensureafuture thousandspeciesofbacteria. quality after harvest In in which we can have access But despite their Brazil, the Brazilian to adequate, sustainable, and immense strategic value, Agricultural Research healthy food production soils are under great threat, Corporation (EMBRAPA) The FAO figures show that m a i n l y b e c a u s e o f shared its experience with we can produce up to 58% unsustainable management organic nitrogen fixation m o r e f o o d t h r o u g h practices, erosion, pollution, bacteria, saving the country s u s t a i n a b l e s o i l and urbanization FAO US$14 billion annually in management. estimates that 14% of the soybeancultivation. For this reason, the Food planet’s degraded land is in In Chile, the Institute of

2022 saw significant achievements with $38B budgetary allocation

– Agri. Ministry

With a $38B budgetary allocation for 2022, representinganalmost100% continues to demonstrate increase from what was c o m m i t m e n t t o t h e allocated in 2020, the development of the Agriculture Ministry was agriculture sector through pleased to note yesterday increased budgetary that it was able to use those allocations. In 2022, funds to record several Kaieteur News understands significant achievements that rice, livestock, and cash thisyear crop farmers across Guyana It recalled that from May received more than $109 M 19 to 21, 2022, Guyana in flood relief grants. Also, hosted the Inaugural 7,500 fisherfolk received Regional Agri- Investment grants totaling some Forum and Expo. This event $1,125,000,000. T o provided an opportunity for cushion the impact of the agri-businesses and rising cost of fertilizer for organizations to participate farmers and to limit the and network with potential construction of the impact of rising food prices, Investors in business-to- Guyana/Barbados Food $1 billion worth of fertilizer b u s i n e s s ( B 2 B ) Terminal which will address was purchased for free engagements and to match the many hu

dles of distributiontofarmers. bankable and shovel-ready transportation and logistics

business proposals with in the Region Once

concrete investments in the established, the facility will

SUB-SECTOR

ACHIEVEMENTS

As of September 30, regional agriculture sector also help the movement of 2022, the Ministry said andagri-foodsystems. products and reduce the cost 1,479 persons were

In terms of regional of local produce, while also employed by the Guyana collaborations, the Ministry providing the opportunities S u g a r C o r p o r a t i o n said work has commenced toaccessnewmarkets. (GuySuCo)atre-opened with the Government of At the national level, it (Continued on page 17) B a r b a d o s f o r t h e said the Administration

Ana Posas

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

WANTED

Driver,salesman,portersto work in warehouse. Must haveexperience,attractive salary offered. Call: 6964444.

Nimbus water system are nowHiringporters.Apply with application at Lot 79 Albert and Laluni streets queenstown.Contact6220445or685-7659.

TaxidriversneededatPrincessTaxiService,Ramada Hotel.Call:265-7075/76or 616-5419,690-2242.

Onematureliveinmaid,45 years and older. Salary $80,000monthly,call:6662462.

Wanted:Maid$4,000daily/ $40,000 10 days & skilled labourers $4,500/ $7000 daily. Call: 682-5230/ 6154414.

Onemaleablebodiedclerk. Tel:231-2029,616-5954.

One male and female able bodiedclerk:225-2313/6588559.

One hauler driver needed. Tel:611-7088.

Urgently needed 3 kitchen assistant, $20,000 wkly, 1 cook $30,000 wkly and 1 dishwasher $18,000 wkly Call:633-1933/688-9507.

Whole day domestic to workinBel-Air-Park,excellent salary & conditions. Call:226-2322.

Diesel mechanic, security andcooktoworkinCharity Essequibo. Contact: 687-5814/ 688-0417.

Security,Drivers/ExpeditersandPorters.Contact: 223-5273/74 or 627-9647.

VACANCY

Sales girls and porters needed.SendWrittenapplication to Best Buy Food Supplies, Deniss and MiltonStreetC/ville.

Cook/baker, pitmen, servicemen and hauler operators for interior location. Applicantsmustbeexperienced.Call615-0545.

Vacancy for a male cleaner forthenightjobandduring dayamaid.Call:+5926376700.

Able bodied porter, Salesclerkneeded@ TellesSteel & Hardware. Must have CXC Maths & English and must be computer literate. Call:231-3265,226-6771

Water Delivery Driver and Porter for E.C.D. Tel: 6761363/692-6768.

Urgentlyneededqualified andexperienceddaycare& preschool teachers. Contact: 600-9229/ 231-4885.

Forskilledcarpenters.Apply in person to Alabama Trading, 65 Robb ST Bourda.

LEGALNOTICE

2022-HC-DEM-CIVFD-1353

INTHEHIGHCOURT OFTHESUPREME COURTOF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE ANDMATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILYDIVISION PETITIONNO.FD1353

BETWEEN:CLARKE(CARLYN MICHELLE)nee BENJAMINPetitioner -and-CLARKE (LENNOX MORTIMER)

Respondent TO:LENNOX MORTIMERCLARKE (last known address) Lot 273 3rd Street, Kaneville, East Bank Demerara TAKENOTICEthaton the 22nd day of September, 2022 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by CARLYNMICHELLE CLARKE nee BENJAMINthe PetitionerintheFamily DivisionoftheHigh Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

GPHC to spend $6M to convert two rooms into a laboratory

Three Contractors have submitted bids to have two rooms at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)retrofittedintoamain laboratory at an estimated costof$6.3M.

This was revealed on Thursday when tenders were opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office. The three Contractors are L. Pool Civil Works($6,187,600),Maleya’s Home Furnishing ($4,516,800),andOfficePro Enterprise & Contracting Service($3,569,340).

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works intends to construct beacons at an estimatedcostof$344M.

Below are the companies and their bids:

LEGALNOTICE

Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.

MinistryofPublicWorks

Construction of beacons (wooden- large with steel top structure) for Lots 1-4.

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

VEHICLESFORSALE

OneHondaCRV,fullyloaded immaculate condition, low mileage3.3M negotiable& 1 new super custom Hiace Bus 2.5M .Contact:6490956.

DAF CF85 Double Axle TwinSteerDumpTrucksfor sale.Call612-8369forinquiries.

ANDFURTHERTAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 7th day of December, 2022 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (online)

ANDFURTHERTAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-atLaw at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents .

TAKENOTICEthatthe divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday the 22nd day of February, 2023 at 9:00 am before the HonourableMadam Justice Damone Younge via Zoom Meeting ID: 845 1426 6584 and Password: 786 445.

INDEFAULTofyour filingan Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate,including granting the Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Reviewoflegislationframeworkanddraftingoflegislation fortheMaritimeSector

GeorgetownPublicHospitalCorporation(GPHC) Procurement of works in order to retrofit two rooms into a mainlaboratory

Provisionoffloorcareandjanitorialservicesfor2023.

Provision of attendant service for 2023.

Supply and delivery of hardware supplies and wood products.

Renovations of SOPD andA&E washrooms.

LEGALNOTICE

Filing

Tel: 2259238/ 225-9246 Email: lcgalaid@networksgy.com

ANDFURTHERTAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at

Dated the 16th day of December, 2022.

GuyanaSugarCorporation(GuySuCo) Supplyanddeliveryoffour195HP4WDAgricultural tractors.

ProtectedAreas Commission

Provision of audit services.

Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Supply and delivery of additional media equipment for the PublicRelationsDepartment.

Visa application: Canada andUK&U.S.A.Graphics design & advertisements. Wedding decorations & elderlygrooming:hair,nail etc.Call:626-7040.

SERVICES

Attorney: MS. SHELLONBOYCE GUYANALEGAL AID CLINIC. Maraj Building, 185 Charlotte & King Streets Georgetown, Guyana.

Opposition reiterates call for oil-backed cash payouts, people-centred measures

The A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), has reiterated calls for the Governmenttomakeone-off payments of some $300,000 to every home in Guyana, especially when one considers the windfall revenue the country has received due to increased oil prices.

The Party made this statement yesterday via social media as several sections of the society continue to complain about the meagre to zero effect oil revenue and its windfall sums continue to have on ordinaryGuyanese.

The Coalition said that Guyanese can enjoy one of the world’s highest living s t a n d a r d s , b u t t h e Government has refused to incorporate strategic peoplecentred methods that touch thelivesofcitizenswhoneed it the most The Party explained that throughout 2022, as poverty and inequalitygotworse,asmost Guyanese faced increasing hardships coming out of the pandemic and as families struggled to put food on the table, it called for a range of ‘urgent people-centered r e s p o n s e s ’ t o b e implemented by the Government.

“As early as January 2022, we called for: (i) a comprehensive anti-poverty plan, (ii) a 25% plus salary increase for public servants, healthcare workers,

Teachers and other state employees, (iii) $10,000 plus increase in old age pensions, (iv) the removal of income tax for low-income earners, (v) multi-billion dollar investments to revitalize depressed communities, and (vi) a massive grants scheme to spur the start-up and growth of micro to medium-scale businesses.”

The Party said that as the cost of living continued to spike during the year - and with the government still demonstrating indifference and incompetence, “we further called for a cap on fuel prices and for a waiver of water and electricity payments for low-income households. These measures would have brought direct relief to our people and would have put income in their pockets. All of these demands were rejected,” the Partysaid.

“Moreover, we noted the persistent inflow of unexpected high oil revenues occasioned by the RussianinvasionofUkraine. We pointed out that this oil windfall equated to $300,000 per household –and proposed that this money be equitably and transparently distributed in a structured and focused way tothepeopleofourcountry

Again, the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) rejectedthispeople-centered proposal.”

T h e O p p o s i t i o n

Coalitionsaidthatitbelieves that Guyana can have one of theworld’shigheststandards of living. “We believe that Guyana can be one of the world’s happiest societies. We believe that Guyana can achieve the goal of zero povertyandzeromisery.”

The Opposition Party had reacted to yesterday’s Stabroek News Editorial whenitreiteratedwhatitsaid are the people-centred measures to directly impact the ordinary citizen and to provide physical transfer of the windfall oil cash. The Editorial had suggested that basedoninformationoutofa World Bank report as recent as October, some 48 percent of the population is living below US$5 or GUY$1000 per day. It said that poverty rates are highest in the sparsely populated interior areas in communities with limited access to economic opportunities, healthcare andpublicservices.

The piece went on to say therefore, that should one read ‘the cheery press releases’ coming out of the Government Information A g e n c i e s o f “ o u r phenomenal growth rate and a l l t h e s e m a s s i v e infrastructural projects that are either underway or about to be embarked on, no one would believe that 48 percent of our population was living in extreme poverty ” The Editorial continuedthat“perhapsfor (Continued on page 18)

TrialchallenginglegalityofNRFBill...

From page 3 most significant symbol in the National Assembly,andsomemembersnotseated,the Legislation cannot be regarded as being lawfullypassed.

The NRF Bill which has since become law is meant to ensure that there is security, transparency and accountability surrounding revenuesthecountrygainsfromoilandgas.It also outlines a structure of how the monies from oil and gas will be used and provide for continuous public disclosures, audits and parliamentaryapprovals.

Onapreviousoccasion,OppositionChief Whip, Christopher Jones was subject to cross-examinationinthecasewhichwasfiled to challenge the legality of passage of the Natural Resource Fund bill which was approvedinNationalAssemblyonDecember 2021. After giving a brief overview of his witnessstatementproducedinthetrial,Jones faced several questions from Attorney General. While under cross-examination by the AG, Jones accepted that the Opposition membershadopenlyandloudlyprotestedthe passage of the Bill. He agreed too that while the Speaker is empowered to manage the affairs of Parliament by way of the Standing Orders, this did not stop the Opposition from defyinghisordersafterherejectedaproposal byJonestohavethematterdebated.

In response to the Speaker’s denial of his

request, Jones agreed with the AG’s suggestion that this prompted him and other Opposition Members of Parliament (MP) to leave their designated seat without the approval of the Speaker and engage in a protest exercise whereby, they banged on the desks,blewwhistlesandchantedloudly

This, Jones said was in an attempt to get theSpeakerandGovernmentmembersofthe NationalAssemblytoadheretoprovisionsof Article 13 of the Constitution. Further, the Opposition Chief Whip agreed with the suggestion that their actions brought the proceedingtoatemporaryhaltbutthisdidnot stop the Speaker from allowing Finance Minister within the Office of the President, Dr Ashni Singh, from completing his presentationontheNRFBill.

Asked about the series of events that followedasDr SinghreadtheBill,Jonessaid he could only speak to some of the events as he did not capture everything as they unfolded. He claimed that for instance, while he knew that there was a confrontation betweensomeoftheOppositionMPsandthe Speaker and staff of the National Assembly over the Parliamentary Mace, he did not see which MP attempted to run off with the ceremonialobject.

Jones claimed that he could not recall some of the events clearly- he only learnt of somevianewsreports.

From page 15

estates at Rose Hall, Enmore, and Skeldon. This c o n s i s t s o f 1 , 0 9 1 previously severed persons and 388 new persons hired for the period August 2020 toSeptember2022.

It was also noted that Government is progressing with the mechanization of the factories. At Blairmont Estate, the first phase of expansionofthepackaging plantisinprogress.

In2022,riceexportsthe Ministry said, amounted to approximately US$ 185,000,000.Itwaskeento note that Guyana has also secured Lebanon as a new export market, with more than 24 tonnes of packaged white rice being shipped to the country this year. Significantly, it noted that drying floors were constructed in Regions TwoandFour D R A I N A G E & IRRIGATION

In2022,thisnewspaper understands that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) facilitated the

rehabilitation of pump stations at Albion, Manarabisi and Mibicuri. Further, rehabilitation of sluices was done at Union, Leguan, and Cane Grove, tonameafewareas.

Construction and rehabilitation of pump stations to the tune of $1.3 billion are progressing in Black Bush Polder, Adventure, Canal Number One, Versailles, Cottage, Greenwich Park, Andrews, andCozier

The dredging of the Pomeroon River mouth is alsoon-goingfollowingthe procurement of two excavatorsandapontoon.

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

On August 8, 2022, the Ministry recalled that the Industrial Hemp Bill was passed in the National Assembly paving the way for prospective growers, processors, and builders to maximize the significant opportunitiesthatthehemp industryhastooffer Also, with technical assistance from the Food a n d A g r i c u l t u r e

Organization (FAO) work has commenced for the development of a Food and Security Bill. This will be the first Food and Security Bill in the CARICOM Region.

In terms of agricultural financing,theMinistrysaid Republic Bank Ltd. has pledged US$100M for the regional agriculture sector and a number of projects have been identified for funding under this financingprogramme.

Last May, following consultations with the Government, Demerara Bank’s Farmers Credit Linewaslaunched.

Itwasfurthernotedthat Minister Mustapha visited and met with residents and farmers from several villages and communities across the country Approximately 110 community meetings were h e l d a s p a r t o f Government’s stakeholder engagement agenda. These include Manawarin (RegionOne),CottonField (Region Two) and Zeelugt (RegionThree).

Grenadian Officials return Chinese

Businessman’s ‘gifts’ for citizenship...

From page 14 freedom for the candidate andtheirdecedents.

Around this time last year, Auditor General (AG), DeodatSharma,hadcauseto highlight a troubling trend in the accounting system for Government, where the true value for gifts received was notbeingrecorded.

In his 2020 audit report, SharmasaidtheGovernment had failed to record the true value of gift received for the year, an issue also highlighted in the Auditor General’s Report of 2018. Thereportsaidthat Section 34 of the Stores Regulations 1993 states that “all gifts received shall be subject to normal store-keeping and received stores accounting procedures ” He said although there was evidence of the receipts of numerous gifts during the year, there was no evidence of adherencetoprocedures.

T h e I n t e g r i t y Commissions Code of Conduct in Public Life strictly forbids the acceptance of gifts by any Official in the execution of their duties, for favours and thelikes.

It says in addition to other restrictions that no person in public life shall accept for himself or any person, any money property,

benefit or favour of any kind overandabovethatwhichhe islawfullyentitledtoreceive for the performance of his duties.

The Official is not allowedtoacceptforhimself or for anyone else “any gift, benefit or advantage from anyone, save personal gifts from a relative or friend, or personal gifts given otherwisethanasamotiveor reward for doing or forbearing to do anything in the performance of his official functions or causing any other person from doing or forbearing to do anything:”

Just recently, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo found himself in an embarrassing mix with Chinese Businessman, Su Zhirong, who described himself as the VP’s ‘middleman’, collecting bribes and gifts on behave of the Government Official for the granting of expensive construction projects, resource contracts, and accesstoothervaluablestate assets.

There had been many accusations of corruption and bribery involving state assets over the years, but Su, who himself has huge mining, logging and other businesses here in Guyana, in a revelation to foreign

media, VICE News, had put into perspective information involvingsomequestionable stateprojects.

O t h e r C h i n e s e B u s i n e s s m e n w h o confirmed that most of their business with Government Officials is done under the table, had also explained to the Undercover Reporters, an elaborate multi-country money laundering system as a means of getting large sums of money in and out of the country illegally There has been no investigation relatingtotheallegationsbut Su has so far left the jurisdictionundetected.

Former Opposition Minister, David Patterson had also come in for stiff criticisms last year when he was accused of accepting gifts from State Agencies reportedlyover$2.5M.

Patterson had eventually admitted to receiving gifts butclaimedthattherewasno wrongdoing since he assumed that what he was receiving was within procurementguidelines.

He said that the practice of giving memorabilia and other gifts to Ministers is not new, and Ministers from both sides of the political divide have been presented with gifts and other memorabilia on numerous specialoccasions.

Oppositionreiteratescallforoil-backed...

From page 17 the Government and those who serve it, statistics are just abstractions which do not translate into real people or real suffering They consider their responsibility to communities discharged when they sprint into a village and agree to rehabilitate a community groundorfixalocalroad.”

In an updated fact sheet, theWorld Bank had said that ‘Poverty rates are highest in the sparsely populated interior or hinterland where communities have limited a c c e s s e c o n o m i c opportunities, health care, and public services The country experiences high emigration and brain drain,

with 39% of all Guyanese currently residing abroad and roughly half of all Guyanese with a tertiary education having emigrated to the United States.” It pointed to Guyana having one of the highest poverty rates in the Latin America andCaribbeanregiondespite it having one of the fastest growing economies in the region.

Stakeholders have urged Government to increase the minimum income wage as one method to ensure that all citizens are able to shift above the poverty line Workers Unions have called for the adherence to collective bargain for the negotiation of mutually

agreed upon wage increases that are compatible with the increased cost of living. The Government recently announced an eight percent increase in salaries for Government workers retroactivetoJanuary2022.

Already complaints are that the increase is insufficient to address the current domestic hardships and continued effects of the external economy Also, the eight percent increase is not extended to all categories of stateemployees.

Recently, Unions reignited concern regarding the surging number of citizens exiting state employment and seeking workabroad.

$799M awarded in contracts to upgrade

Diamond/Grove, EBD roads

To improve traffic efficiency The three contracts total and reduce congestion on the East $799,884,981 were awarded on Bank of Demerara (EBD), December19,2022. contracts totaling $799M have Minister of Public Works, Juan been awarded for the upgrade of Edghill in a statement on his roads within the Diamond and FacebooksaidthathisMinistryhas GroveHousingSchemes. embarked on a series of When the bids for the Ministry infrastructural works to improve of Public Works project opened traffic efficiency, reduce earlier this month at the National congestion and enhance safety for Procurement and Tender all categories of road users along Administration Board (NPTAB) the Diamond/Grove, East Bank office, Kaieteur News had reported Demeraracorridor that 13 Contractors had applied for These projects, he shared were the works which were estimated to conceptualized based on the outcry cost $803M. These works have of commuters to have the issue of beendividedintothreelots(Lots24 long wait times on the East Bank to26). thoroughfaresignificantlyreduced.

The NPTAB on its website In response, the Minister said, revealed that following the the Ministry accelerated a plan to competitive bidding process, upgrade the main streets within the Viera66 Logistics, R&B Diamond and Grove Housing Further, the works the become accessible from the soon- Infrastructural Development Goals Investment Inc., and Reliance Inc., Schemes to function as an Contractorsareexpectedtoexecute to-be-developed accesses, and thus oftheMinistry wereawardedthecontractsforroad alternative bypass of the Grove will include the widening, and contribute to enhanced traffic flow Notwithstanding the aforesaid works. area. construction of concrete drains and along the East bank Public Road,” negotiations, in order to ease the KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat The scope of works of these pedestrian walkways along the Edghillsaid. persistent fatigue experienced by Reliance Inc. was awarded the projects he noted includes the identifiedsectionsofroads. In September, the Ministry had road users traversing along the $331,666,839 contract for works to upgrading of Backstreet Diamond, “The Ministry will be spending stated that it is in negotiation with Diamond/Grove area, the Ministry be done at Lot24, R&B Third Avenue Diamond, First approximately GYD $803 million the Inter-American Development has decided to urgently undertake Investments Inc secured a Bridge Access Road at Grove on these critical works that will Bank (IDB) for funds to undertake rehabilitativeworksinthisarea,not $298,166,022 contract to complete Housing Scheme, and the significantly improve the rehabilitation and expansion works only to ease traffic congestion, but road works for Lot 25 and Viera66 construction of a bridge at the end commuting experience of many along the East Bank Public Road, also improve transportation Logistics secured a $170,052,120 of First Bridge Access Road in the For example, communities in from Grove to Timehri which will efficiency and road traffic safety at forworkstobedoneatLot26. GroveSection. Grove, such as Samatha Point, will further aid in achieving the theselocations.

Woman arrested for shoplifting oil, hot sauce, and ketchup

The bottle of ketchup, oil and hot sauce in the woman’s bag

A woman has been arrested after she was caught shoplifting from Massy Store’s Ruimveldt Branch, Georgetown.

Members of Teaching Service Commission appointed T

Kaieteur News understandsthatthewomanwascaughton camera putting a bottle each of ketchup, oil and pepper sauce in her bag. A search was later conducted and the items were discoveredinherhandbag.

Assuch,theGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF)wascalledinand thewomanwasarrestedandtakenintocustody

The stolen items that were recovered

President Irfaan Ali on Mohammed Saddam

President Ali noted that the populated by persons that Friday administered the Hussain The remaining functions entrusted to the are worthy of educating the Oath of Office to five members of the seven- commission must “not be present and future members of the Teaching member commission are takenlightly”. generations. Service Commission (TSC) Mrs. Avril Crawford and H e c h a r g e d t h e

Attorney General and attheOfficeofthePresident Mrs Satti Jaisierisingh representativestobefaithful Minister of Legal Affairs, onShivChanderpaulDrive. TheywilltaketheirOathsof to their oaths and to execute Anil Nandlall, SC, the The members sworn in Officeatalaterdate. t h e i r d u t i e s w i t h Minister of Parliamentary were, Mr Maydha Persaud, The Teaching Service professionalism. Affairs and Governance, Mrs Doodmattie Singh; Commission is in charge of “Your actions will Gail Teixeira, and the Mrs Joan Ann David- appointing and disciplining contribute, in no small MinisterofEducation,Priya Monkhouse, Mrs. Shafiran Teachers. measures, to ensure that the Manickchand, also attended B h a j a n , a n d M r

During brief remarks, Teaching Profession is theceremony

Works being executed by the Ministry of Public Works on the Grove Public Road.

Volodímir Zelenski

RHTYSC Namilco, Pepsi and Bakewell Cricket teams present University Scholarship to Jonathan Rampersaud

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club since itsformationin1990bythree times Commonwealth youth service awardee, the St FrancisXavierRomanCatholic Youth Club, has always placed special emphasis on the importance of education for its membership and youths across the ancient county. On Thursday last the club continued this tradition by handing over a University

of Guyana scholarship to its nineteenyearsAsstSecretary Jonathan Rampersaud.

Thenationalunder19vice captainiscurrentlyattending classesattheTainCampusof the University as he seeks to obtain a Bachelor Degree in Business Management.

Earlierthisyear,hepassed with distinction in his AssociateDegree.RHTYSCSecretary Hilbert Foster had committed to Rampersaud mom

Rohanie that the RHTYSC would assist her son in his pursuit of an educational background. Foster stated that the commitment was made as he was very impressedbythedriveandhard work of Rampersaud to succeed on and off the cricket field and also to support his momwhoisthesinglebreadwinnerinthehome.Henoted that his Assistant has always placed special emphasis on

his education and had also excelled at the CSEC while being a student of J.C Chandisingh Secondary School.

RonaldojoinsSaudi ArabianclubAlNassr - Saudi state TV

(Reuters) - Portugal

captain Cristiano Ronaldo hasjoinedSaudiArabianclub

Al Nassr on a two-year contract, Saudi state TV alEkhbariya reported on its website yesterday, Friday

Saturday December 31, 2022

ARIES (Mar.21–Apr.19)

Anumberofdeliveries,servicepeople,emails,orphone calls might keep you jumping today,Aries, right when you'reinthemoodforaquiet day. It may take all your effort to keep your cool.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

A close friend might pass along some seemingly harmless but nonetheless untrue gossip, Taurus. Don't accept anything you hear today until you check the facts for yourself.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You don't normally tend toward frugality, Gemini, but today you could go overboard with your spending. Frustration from all sides makesyouwanttoreleaseit allatoncebyacquiringnew possessions.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Some failures that you may have experienced over the past few days could have you beating yourself up today,Cancer

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Today you might be able to tune in to the thoughts and feelings of others, Leo, but youaren'tlikelytoknowexactlyhowtohandlethesituation.Shouldyousaysomething or just tailor your own behavior

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Group activities are probably very much on your agenda today, Virgo. You couldattendanonlinemeeting or lecture and later participate in a group chat with a bunch of friends.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Too much pressure on the job could have you feeling like chucking it all and going somewhere by yourself. You might be tempted to go onaspendingspreeoroverindulge in food or drink.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21) Inner conflict regarding spiritualmattersmighthave you questioning your and others' beliefs. You might doubtjustabouteverything, Scorpio, and you could be tempted into angry debates over different concepts.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Although your financial situation appears to be on theupswing,youstillmight be feeling pessimistic and indifferentaboutmoneyand life in general. You might want to soothe your discontent.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Aminorandrathersillyquarrelwithafriendorromantic partner could have you down in the dumps. This is an overreaction, Capricorn. You might need to get away for a while before you can make sense.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Pressures on the job may be mounting.Youmightfeelso disgruntledthatyouwantto chuck it all and run away. Foreign countries and distant states may suddenly seemfar

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20) Demands made by friends, children, or the special person in your life might have youfeelinglikeyou'removing in a dozen different directions at once.

The scholarship was made possible by the RHTYSCNamilcoFirstDivision, Bakewell Second Division and Pepsi Under19 teams. Rampersaud, who recentlywastheleadingwicket taker for Guyana under19 team in the 2022 CWI RegionalTournament, plays for allthreeteams.HeisthecaptainofthePepsiunder19team, vice captain of the Bakewell Second Division team while he is a senior member of the Namilco Thunderbolt First Division team. Among his teammatesareKevinSinclair, Kelvon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Clinton Pestano, Shawn Perriera, Assad Fudadin, Eon Hooper, Shemaine Campbelle, Mahendra Gopilall, Jermey Sandia, Shabika Gajnabi, ShenetaGrimmond,Matthew Pottaya and Jason Sinclair

The scholarship is a continuationofthecricketteams efforts to promote the importanceofeducationundertheir massive say no/say yes programme directed to over eighty youths in the ancient county The teams under the programme hosts the annual RepublicBankSummerCamp, honors teachers and outstanding students, distributeseducationalmaterialsincluding school bags, hosting educational competition programmeslikeessay,spellingbees,debatingandassisting students with bicycles to attendschool.Theteamsalso publish youth magazines, stickers, youth information booklets and the placement of billboards in the county Rampersaud in brief remarksstatedthathewasvery happy that the club that he has represented since he was twelve years has invested intohisfuture.Hecommitted himself to making his teammates and club very proud.

The club has not yet announced a deal and Ronaldo’s representatives were not immediately availabletocomment.

Ronaldo, 37, left Premier League giants Manchester United last month following an explosive television interview in which the forward said he felt betrayed by the club and did not

respect their Dutch manager Erik ten Hag. He represented Portugal in Qatar, where he became the first player to scoreinfiveWorldCupsafter netting a penalty in his side’s opening Group H game againstGhana.Portugalwere knocked out in the quarterfinals by Morocco.

RonaldosaidQatarwould probably be his last World Cup as he plans to retire at 40, with a move to Saudi Arabia likely to mark the swansong in the career one ofthegame’sgreatestcurrent players alongside Lionel Messi.

Mohamed, Lindore cop top prizes at Everest Masters awards ceremony

Everest Cricket Club Masters Team recently held their annual awards ceremony and gala after a y e a r o f s t e r l i n g performances on the field. Despite the extended wet weather, Everest Masters wereabletoplayunbeatenin their 15 completed matches, a record since their establishment in 2010. This feat was special to the group of enthusiastic players who

all received tokens for their contribution to the team’s success in 2022 while the overall top run scorer and wicket taker received individualprizes.

With the bat, Saheed Mohamed scored 513 runs inclusive of one century and four half centuries The consistent and compact right hander was the clear winner ahead of Basil Persaud with 253 and Sahadeo Hardaiow

- TageChanderpaul,Sunich conferredasLifeMembers

1 95 runs in the year It was M o h a m e d ’ s f i f t h consecutive award as Best Batsman.

Right arm off spinner, Randy Lindore received the Best Bowler award for the second consecutive year after capturing 13 wickets.

He was followed closely by right arm seamer Ronald Jaisingh with 12 victims and Rajesh Singh who had 11 scalps.

Captain Rajesh Singh was elated as he presented the statistical report of the matches played in the year The skipper charged his troops to be consistent to equal or better the already formidable record. In his address, Singh also made special mention of the supporters who contributed to the overall success including the staff and Directors of Everest CC and the various sponsors, especiallyTrophyStall.

It was also a historic occasion in the club’s members’ pavilion for West Indies latest Test Cricketer, TagenarineChanderpauland businessman Ramesh Sunich who were named Everest Cricket Club’s new Life Members. It is a policy of the 108-year old club to bestowtheprestigiousaward to their members who achieve the distinction of playinginternationalcricket. However, Chanderpaul was not present to receive his new membership card while Sunich of Trophy Stall was slightly emotional as he accepted his card from the special guest of the night, Honourable Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharat.

Sunich’s recognition as Honourary Life Member is as a result of his consistent and dedicated contribution totheclubusinghisbusiness establishment as a vessel of empowerment Over the years,EverestCCwasonthe receiving end of Sunich’s generosity as he provided trophies, other tokens, printedsigns,uniforms,balls andgearssometimeswithout anyformalrequest.

Another Test player that represented Everest CC in hisearlyplayingdays,Clyde ButtsbecameaLifeMember after making his debut in 1985 but was never p r e s e n t e d w i t h h i s Membership card The former right-arm off spinner was on hand to receive his

card and later thanked the Executives and membership of the club for the

recognition Butts also congratulated the Everest Masters side for their achievements on the field and for putting on the gala event to recognize the performances of its members.

In his remarks to the audience of mainly players and their spouses, Minister Bharat was full of praise for Everest Masters for their r e m a r k a b l e

accomplishments and for organizinggamestokeepthe game, which is a unifying force, alive.The Honourable Minister also spoke glowinglyofEverestCricket Club and its members for beingtheshiningexampleof whatotherclubsshouldbe. C h a r i s m a t i c international cricket c o m m e n t a t o r, J o h n Ramsingh who is also an executive member of Everest CC was the Master of Ceremony for the annual event which was lively and

Saheed Mohamed (right) collects his award from Minister Vickram Bharat

Randy Lindore receives his award from Minister Vickram Bharat

Ramesh Sunich gets his award from Minister Vickram Bharat

Sodhi’s best in vain as Pakistan salvage draw against NZ in 1st Test

AFP-Pakistanstavedoff a fifth consecutive defeat at home with a hard-fought draw in the first Test in Karachi yesterday despite career-best bowling figures from New Zealand legspinnerIshSodhi.

Sodhi grabbed 6-86 and threatened to give New Zealand victory in the first two sessions on the fifth and final day, but Pakistan fought on before declaring their second innings on 3118. That gave New Zealand a tough target of 138 to win in 15 overs, and the chase ended in fading light on 611, with Tom Latham unbeaten on 35 and Devon Conway18.

Michael Bracewell was the only wicket to fall for three. Sodhi was the star as he improved on his previous best of 4-60 against ZimbabweinBulawayofour years ago. The 30-year-old,

playing his first Test in four years, turned the match in New Zealand’s favour with three wickets in the second session to leave Pakistan on 249-7 at tea with 35 overs leftinthematch.

But Saud Shakeel, who ended with 55 not out, and Mohammad Wasim (43) defied for 75 minutes and 111 balls during their 71-run eighth wicket stand to deprive New Zealand of a win. Soon after tea, Sodhi trapped Wasim leg-before, but Mir Hamza (three not out) assisted Shakeel in a ninth-wicketunbrokenstand of 34 runs in 50 minutes to furtherfrustratethevisitors.

Shakeel, who hit seven boundariesandasix,builton after fighting knocks from Imam-ul-Haq (96) and Sarfaraz Ahmed (53) in the firsttwosessions.

Inthepost-lunchsession, Sodhi dismissed Sarfaraz,

Agha Salman (six) and Haq in the space of 27 balls for theadditionofjust21runs.

Haq and Sarfaraz had added a defiant 85 runs for the fifth wicket and raised hopes of salvaging a draw for the home team before Sodhistruck.

He had Sarfaraz caught behind, bowled Salman, then got Haq stumped to leavePakistanon206-7.

Haq, who survived lbw referralsoffthebowleron58 and 74, cracked 10 boundaries and a six in his sixth half-century, while Sarfarazhadsevenhitstothe rope. So incensed was he by hisdismissal,Haqsmasheda chair with his bat on the way tothedressingroom.

Resuming on 77-2, Pakistanlostnightwatchman Nauman Ali early, trapped leg-before by spinner Bracewell. Then skipper Babar Azam — who scored 161 in Pakistan’s first inningsof438—wasoutthe samewaytoSodhifor14.

The second Test starts at thesamevenueonMonday

Scores: Pakistan 438 (Babar 161, Agha 103, Sarfaraz 86, Southee 3-69) and 311 for 8 dec (Imam 96, Shakeel 55*, Sodhi 6-86) drew with New Zealand 612 for 9 dec (Williamson 200*, Latham 113, Conway 92, Abrar 5-205) and 61 for 1 (Latham35*,Abrar1-23).

A focused Imam-ul-Haq has his eyes on the ball. (AP)

Ish Sodhi celebrates after completing his first Test five-for. (AFP/Getty Images)

GFF saddened at passing of football legend Pele

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is saddened by the passing of Pele - Edson Arantes do Nascimento - on December 29th, 2022. On behalf of the GFF and the entire football family, please accept our heartfelt condolences Duringthisperiodofsorrow, our thoughts are with his family and close friends. Pele’s impact on football throughout the world is witnessed by the outpouring o f l o v e s i n c e t h e announcementofhisdeath.

A legend, a leader and a global ambassador, he was a manoffirsts-theonlyplayer to win the FIFA World Cup threetimesin1958,1962and 1970; the youngest player at a World Cup and Brazil’s joint top scorer with 77 goals. The football giant’s visit to Guyana in 2009 inspired a new generation of players. The stories told of the former Santos and New York Cosmos striker’s during his 20-year career

will continue to influence futuregenerations.

“King PELE was God’s gift to mankind. He was loved by all and will continue to be the ultimate benchmark for skill and grace on the pitch. He was widelyadmiredfortakingon a greater role as football’s global ambassador and

andard-bearer of the high expectations of football players, on and off the pitch. His legendary career and lasting influence on the beautiful game will surely endure well beyond the touch-line of his life time. May his soul rest in peace,” said GFF President Wayne Forde.

Worldsoccertofallsilentin memoryofBrazilianlegendPele

(Reuters) - The sporting worldexpresseditssorrowat the death of one of its greatest heroes yesterday, bidding farewell to Brazilian soccer legend Pele with a floodofheartfelttributes.

Brazil’s Pele, a prolific goalscorer who won the WorldCupanunprecedented three times as a player in 1958, 1962 and 1970, died on Thursday aged 82 after a longbattlewithcancer

“Flags at the home of FIFA in Zurich are flying at half-mast today, as we remember the eternal king: Pele,” world soccer’s governingbodyFIFAsaidon Twitter.

FIFA has also written to its over 200 member associations asking competition organisers to observe a minute’s silence before matches this weekend, as well as over the comingweek.

The Premier League, EFLandA-League said they would pay tribute to the soccer great through a minute’s applause before games.

The Premier League and EFL added that players will wear black armbands during this weekend’s matches, while Spain’s LaLiga and Italy’s Serie A said they

would observe a minute’s silenceaheadofgames.

Several footballers took to social media to pay tribute to Pele, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah sharing a picture of the icon on Instagram, writing in the caption: “Farewell to a legendoffootball.”

Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric said Pele was “one of the greatest of all time,” while Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi posted a black and white photo of a young Pele smiling, writing on Twitter, “your legacy will be eternal.”

T h e A u s t r a l i a n Professional Leagues (APL) said allA-League games this

weekendwillholdaminute’s applause before kick-off to paytributeto“anicon”.

The minute’s applause was observed ahead of Western United’s home game against Brisbane Roar yesterday

Brazilian tennis player Thiago Monteiro said it was asaddayforBrazil.

“Pele was our biggest idol in sports. He did so muchevenforthecountry,to showing Brazil to the world, and we had a lot of respect for him,” Monteiro told reporters.

Indian cricket great SachinTendulkar said Pele’s deathwas“agreatlosstonot just football but to the whole worldofsports.”

A Brazil fan holds a replica World Cup trophyin front of a banner of former Brazil player [File: Benoit Tessier/Reuters]

KashifandShanghaiOrganisationandformerand NationalplayerArthurpaystributetoPele

TheKashifandShanghai (K&S) Organisation, led by local legendary organising duo, Kashif Muhammad and Aubrey Shanghai Major, who has been involved in sports and other events, but mainly football, led tributes yesterday following the passing of EdsonArantes do Nascimento, known to us as Pele, King of football for manyyears.

The K&S duo was responsible for bringing the legendary Brazilian, Pele, to Guyana for a visit in 2009. Major noted that it was against many odds that they were successfully able to bringPelehere.

They had a stern challenge from their Jamaican counterparts. He expressedcondolencestothe family and friends of Pele, and to the Brazilian people and all who adored the exceptional Brazilian footballer

He noted that it was an honour for him and Muhammad to have been able to bring Pele to Guyana and not only meet the legend but give many Guyanese the chance of meeting him in person.

Meanwhile, Lennox Arthur, former National Footballer, Coach and also the founder of the Pele Football Club here in Guyana, recalls the Great ‘ E d s o n A r a n t e s d o Nascimento,’known to us as Pele: as the Greatest Footballer to have ever lived.

Pele was born to Joaos Ramos do Nascimento aka dondinho (father) and Mrs Celeste Arantes (mother) on the 23rd October, 1940 in Tres Coracoes, State of Minas Gerajs, Brazil. Pele begun his football career at the innocent age of 15 years old for Santos FC and to no surprise he represented the

Brazil National Team only a yearlater

Pele, a professional footballer who played as a forward for his country was loved by many simply, for the way he played the game. He also led the Brazil national team to the 1958, 1962 and 1970 Fifa World Cup Championship, also the onlymantohavedoneso.

He was also regarded as the greatest player to have ever played the game for more reason than one. He was also deemed the most popular sports figure of the 20thcentury

Pele retired from international football in 1977, after which he served as a worldwide football ambassador thereof In January1995 he was appointed to serve as Brazil’s Minister of Sports, his tenure ended in1998 and in 2010 he was rewarded as the President of the New York Cosmos. Pele was a father of seven and grandfather to many His international career spanned from 1957- 1971, scoring 92 goals in 77 matches for Brazil, he also played for Santos as well as New York Cosmos scoring a whopping 700 goals between the two c l u b s , 6 1 8 a n d 3 7 respectively

Pele who died on Thursday 29th December, 2022 at aged 82, after battling with colon cancer Hespentthelastmonthorso inAlbertEinsteinHospitalin Soa Paulo, Brazil. He is remembered by former national footballer Lennox Arthur as the ‘football god’ of all time Arthur who played for the local club SantosFCintheearly1950’s into the late 1960’s. Seven years after his playing days, he became the founder of Pele FC. He recalls, “His love for the Great Pele was

therealreasonhecreatedthe Pele Football Club berthed on 18th July, 1971.” Arthur recallsthehighlightsofearly local football career were playing against his arched rivalsSantosFCinwhatwas called ‘Brazilian Cup’in the 1970’s. Arthur bemoans the loss of the Football Legend Mr Edson Arantes do NascimentoakaPele.

Pele (centre) with several officials during his visit including PM Sam Hinds, Kashif and Shanghai, Minister Frank Anthony and GFF President Colin Klass. (Guyana.com photo via Shanghai)

Kashif Muhammad and Shanghai Major with Pele during his visit here in 2009.

RHTYSC Executive Member Tyrone Pottaya hands over scholarship to Jonathan Rampersaud.

Brazilian soccer legend Pele greets the crowd at the Manchester United versus Liverpool match during the half time interval in Manchester, Britain, April 10, 1998. (REUTERS/Ian HodgsonR)