Kaieteur News

Oil sales agreement shrouded in secrecy

The Government of G u y a n a i s continuing to violate the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) standards that require full publication of oil sales agreement, as yet another deal remains in the dark.

Notably, Guyana just awarded BP International Limited, a subsidiary of British Petroleum a contract to market Guyana's share of profit oil from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity Floating,Production,Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels- currently producing about 360,000 barrels of oil perday.

I n m a k i n g t h e announcement, the Ministry of Natural Resources did not say the costs that will be attached to these services, while the tender documents seen by this publication said t h e c o m p a n y b i d US$000.000 per barrel of oil. Oneotherfirmhadsubmitted a similar bid while the other international firms that expressed interest submitted the specific compensation theywereseeking.

In an invited comment on the issue, subject Minister Vickram Bharrat said Government will not be paying the company for its services. He explained that there are no marketing fees that are being charged by BP International. When he was

asked to specifically say how the company would be benefitting from the arrangementwithGuyana,he pointed out, “They will have to decide whether to take the crudetotheirrefineryorthey will hold and sell. There are many ways once we are not paying.”

In the meantime, the contract with the company remains secret, contrary to theguidelinesoftheEITI.

K a i e t e u r N e w s previously reported that Aramco Trading Limited (ATL), the London based trading subsidiary for the State controlled Saudi Aramco,hadinkedaoneyear contract with the Ministry to market Guyana's crude entitlement from the Liza Phase One Project. That contract came to an end last month. This deal too was never released for public scrutiny

Despite calls from various sections of society for the release of large-scale mining contracts, the People's Progressive Party (PPP)Governmentcontinues to conceal the US multimillion, and more recently US multibillion, contracts.

According to the EITI Standards of 2019, as it r e g a r d s c o n t r a c t s

“Implementing countries are required to disclose any contracts and licenses that are granted, entered into or

to violate EITI standards

amended from 1 January 2021 Implementing countries are encouraged to publicly disclose any contracts and licenses that provide the terms attached to the exploitation of oil, gas andminerals.”

Itgoesontopointoutthat countries must also provide: “An overview of which contracts and licenses are p u b l i c l y a v a i l a b l e Implementing countries should provide a list of all active contracts and licenses, indicatingwhicharepublicly available and which are not. For all published contracts and licenses, it should include a reference or link to the location where the contract or license is published. If a contract or license is not published, the legal or practical barriers should be documented and explained.”

Guyana is among more than 50 countries that have committed to strengthening t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability of their e x t r a c t i v e s e c t o r m a n a g e m e n t b y implementing the EITI Standard.Thecountrysigned ontothispactonOctober25, 2017.

In June of this year, Kaieteur News reported that Guyana's third Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Report made yet another call for the Government to release all

mining contracts, especially those dealing with large scaleoperations.

Since becoming a member of the global body, the report notes that the Government agreed to a d h e r e t o s e v e r a l requirements. In this case, EITI requirement 2.4 (a) of the 2019 Standard states that Guyana should publicly disclose all mineral agreements entered into force prior to the reporting period, in this case, 2019.

Importantly, the report highlights that the country's Mining Act (1989) does not include any expressed restrictions on the public disclosure of mineral agreements and licenses by t h e G o v e r n m e n t .

Itgoesfurthertostatethat even the mineral agreement signed on November 18, 2011 for Aurora Gold Mine developed by Guyana Goldfields is silent about restrictions on the public disclosure of the mineral agreement. Be that as it may, that very agreement, along with many others, is not available online for citizens to understand what concessions were granted to these firms versus what the country would get in return.

In light of this, Guyana's t h i r d E I T I r e p o r t recommended that a work

plan be drafted for the electronic publication of all mineral agreements in the miningsector

Last Friday, the Alliance For Change (AFC) told Reporters that Guyana could face expulsion from the international watchdog body as it has several violations.

As such, former Minister of PublicSecurityandLeaderof theAFC,KhemrajRamjattan said this can mean that foreign direct investment wouldbeaffected.

“When they look at the scoreboard as to which countries to come in, which c o u n t r i e s a r e v e r y transparent with their institutions of governance and transparency in their record keeping in the various sectors(they)wouldfindthat Guyanaissoopaquethatthey are not gonna want to come and what will come to Guyana will be corrupt kinds of Investors – not that which we would want to come to Guyana,”heexplained.

In August of this year, Vice President Bharrat

Jagdeo was asked for an update on the release of the mining contracts by Kaieteur News Publisher, Mr Glenn Lall when the VP again promised to make the contractspublic.

Jagdeosaid,“Idon'tthink these agreements should be secret. Right, because the concessions are standard… Manypeopledon'tremember this but the Minister of Finance used to sign every duty-freeletterthatwaswhen Iwasthereandwechangedit. WhenIbecamePresidentand even before that, we started movingtochangeitwhereall of that, the administering of duty-free concessions would be done by the GRA and not by a political individual and secondly, they would be basedonlegislation.”

He therefore indicated, “I don't see the reason why many of these are not in the public domain already I'll findoutaboutit.”

Despite giving this assurance, there has been no word on the mining agreementstodate.

Chief

Executive Officer ( C E O ) o f H e s s

Corporation, John Hess has told Investors to brace for a 'major upgrade' to the 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources discoveredattheStabroekBlock.

During the recently held Bank of America Securities Global Energy Conference, Hess said ExxonMobilCorporation'saffiliate and operator of the block, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), marked nine significant discoveries for 2022 alone These discoveries, namely at Fangtooth-1, Lau Lau-1, Barreleye-1, Patwa-1, Lukanani-1, Seabob-1, Kiru-Kiru-1, Sailfin-1 and Yarrow-1 wells, have yet to be appraised for the number of barrels theyhold.

The Hess boss said this 'fantastic rate of exploration success' especially at one of the

most prime pieces of oil real estate isinkeepingwiththepartnersdrive to grow future cash flow for shareholders.

Hess said, “If you are going to grow future cash flow then you needtogrowyourresource.Wehad our first discovery in 2015 and this is on an over 6 million acre block. We have 30 percent interest and Exxon has 45 with the remainder being held by our Chinese partner, CNOOC.

We have had 29 significant discoveries and we had nine alone thisyear.”

The CEO added, “Our resource has been growing in Guyana. In fact, it moved from one billion barrels of oil equivalent to 11 billion. The nine discoveries this year are not in that resource base estimate so there will be a major upgradetothatnumber.”

Hess said he and the partners

feel fortunate to be leading the production at the Stabroek Block since the discoveries offer a sweet combinationoflowcostbarrelsthat areinextricablytiedtoaProduction Sharing Agreement (PSA) that allows for fast recovery of expenses.

He said the partners already have four sanctioned projects from

the Guyana Government and are looking to bring a fifth on board soonest. “What sets us apart from competitors is that we have a growing piece of real estate in Guyana, one that is the best the industry has seen this decade. We have seen fantastic exploratory results there and there is potential fordoublingthosefinds.

The partners are working aggressively to develop this world class resource,” the Hess Chief stated.

In terms of the state of play for its current projects, Hess said the Liza Phase 1 and Phase 2 developments are currently operating at their combined gross production capacity of more than 360,000 barrels of oil per day at the StabroekBlock.

The third development at Payaraisontracktocomeonlineat the end of 2023 utilizing the

Prosperity Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vesselwithaproductioncapacityof approximately 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day The fourth development, Yellowtail, is expected to come online in 2025, utilizingtheONEGUYANAFPSO with a production capacity of approximately 250,000 gross barrelsofoilperday

A plan of development is expected to be submitted to the GovernmentofGuyanabeforeyear end for a fifth development, Uaru, whichisexpectedtocomeonlineat the end of 2026 with a gross p r o d u c t i o n c a p a c i t y o f approximately 250,000 barrels of oilperday

Hess has confidently told Investors on numerous occasions that it is poised to make a comfortable US$1B in annual profitsfromeachship.

CEO of Hess Corporation, John Hess

...as Govt. continues

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor-In-Chief:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Guyana’s oil contract: unusual, unconscionable

TodescribeGuyana’s2016oilcontractwithExxonMobil as banditry is doing the American oil supergiant a favor, treatingitwithkidgloves.

To put in the publicdomainthatExxonMobil’s contract that cheats many Guyanese generations is the work of barbariansisanunderstatementofrankproportions. Tostate beforetheworldthatExxonMobilisaMafia-typecorporate entity operating under legal cover, and pretending at being Guyana’s brother and friend is the kiss of a Judas infinitely worsethantheoriginalofsacredtexts. Thisisjustskimming the surface in presenting a high-level view of what ExxonMobil 21sst century robber barons seized for themselves, stripped from Guyana, and how they sank into new slavery every Guyanese, including the local touts the companyhaspimpingforit.

Aman who worked for Chevron, anotherAmerican oil behemoth, for 30 years should know, for he has had the exposure.Tom Mitro, a Senior Fellow at top tier Columbia University, in a recent Bloomberg presentation, revealed in clinical and analytical terms the savagery of the people at ExxonMobilrelativetowhatthecompanygotversuswhatit gave to Guyana through the 2016 contract (“After gifting ExxonMobil “unusually sweet oil deal” Guyana now banking on ‘ravelings’ for sustenance -Bloomberg report reveals”,KNNovember30). Itisareprehensibledocument, thiscontractthatmeetseveryelementofwhatacapitalcrime is, what should be the scaffold for all who had a hand in it, whetherGuyaneseorAmerican.

Locally, ‘ravelings’ are the equivalent of sawdust or shavings,theleftoversdiscardedtodogs. ExxonMobilwas contractually gifted an area to explore that is bigger than many countries. In oil space to operate, 26,000 plus kilometers is 9 times bigger than the average ExxonMobil internationaloillease,andmorethan100timesinsizeofthe averageleaseintheGulfofMexico.Onthatbasisalone,this is not a contract for an exploration field, but a killing field with Guyanese as the victims. But ExxonMobil and the currentleadersinthePPPCGovernmentdon’tseeanything unusual about that land grab by the company, and the land giveawaybyGuyana. GuyanadidnotgiveExxonMobilan exploration area, Guyana gave ExxonMobil a whole vast, sprawling economic zone, an unprecedented, unimaginable one.

AsTomMitrosaid,hehasneverseenthelikesofthisland lavishness. Nordoesheknowofthepast,nowabhorrentand unacceptable,practiceofanoilproducingcountrypayingthe taxes for the oil operator-company It goes without saying thatAlistairRoutledgeandDarrenWoodsseenothingwrong with this setup, have no problems with this tax regime continuing forever untouched. What is alarming is that Guyana’s leaders, men of believed stature, go along with what suits and pleases ExxonMobil’s men, and serves their visionsandcalculationsontheirincredibleGuyanaoilhaul.

By any standard, ExxonMobil’s deal with Guyana qualifiesasanimmensehaul. Haulisappropriatebecauseit is the language of swindlers, rogues, and serial felons. ExxonMobil should be run out of this country without a pause, a second thought, on the back of these two considerations(kilometersandtaxes)alone. Whentheother side of the contract equation, the percentage coming to Guyana is counted, ExxonMobil should not be allowed to remainhereforonemoreday,anotherhour ExxonMobilis notapartner;itisacompanyofpredatorsandrobbers.

Those are not oil boats and supply ships operating offshore. Those are the slave ships of ExxonMobil, and Guyanesemenandwomenandtheirchildrenarethetrapped and shackled cargo. Which Leader possessing a speck of self-respect,thetinieststreakofpatriotism,couldstandidly by, make speeches, and let this rape and pillage to go on? What Leader, PPPC Government, or APNU+AFC Opposition,couldbesolackinginagramofwarrior’sblood andspiritthattheyswallowthisdesecrationofGuyana’soil altar,thisdisgracingofGuyana’snationaldignity?

ExxonMobil can take its 2% royalty, book two planes, and leave. Get these criminals out of Guyana. Give them their ‘best deal ever’ to clean themselves, and then use to wipetheshameandsicknessfromtheirfaces.

GECOM has full responsibility for compiling Voters List

DEAREDITOR, thesereasons.

LocalGovernmentElections election machinery is GECOM,byvirtueofthe He explains that Guyana (LGE). concerned. I repeat too that Constitution of Guyana, has had a long history, “… First,letmeestablishthat APNU/AFC did not have stipulates that ‘… the High going back to 1968 of the the March 2020 Guyana qualmspre-elections2020. Court shall have exclusive deceased voting and of Elections were absolutely A closing note now and jurisdictiontodetermineany thousands of eligible voters, ‘fairandfree.’ this goes back yet again the question whether either especially youths, (being) In fact, the entire post 2020 Elections claims generallyorinanyparticular excluded from casting machinery for the March by the Opposition Just place, an election has been ballots because their names 2020 Elections was recently, Attorney General, lawfully conducted or the didnotappearonthevoters’ conducted by GECOM, Anil Nandlall, S.C., dared result thereof has been or list”. when A Partnership For a s s o c i a t e s o f t h e mighthavebeen,affectedby TothisIsaythatBandhu National Unity/Alliance For APNU+AFC to show the any unlawful act or needs to be specific, as pre- Change (APNU/AFC) were public one case of voter omission.’ 1992 elections characterised inGovernmentandtheyhad impersonation to support I note that according to his recap.He adds that “The no issue to the buildup nor claimsmade. theURP(UnitedRepublican current voters’ list being actualvoting. Theysaidtheyhadalist, Party) ‘new voters list is prepared for voting in the Also, the host of yetwhentheAGwasforced sorely needed ’ and March 2023 LGE is observers deemed the to request the list legally to therefore, is still calling on problematic”. To this I say balloting as generally free, beinvestigated,theyclaimed GECOM (Guyana Elections thatBandhuisnotfollowing but did recommend that it was a kind of pseudo list, Commission)toembarkona nor is he au fait with the Guyana’s election laws and accidentally compiled and house-to-house registration ‘RuleofLaw’asitpertainsto GECOM’s management withmanymistakes.Sounds to create a new and updated election issues in Guyana. undertake some overhaul.” to me, like their SOPs have voters’ list that excludes no He really needs to read Andrightnow,thatiswhatis manystanzas. one.” Inthisvein,theparty, carefully what the Attorney happening under the Editor,thebottomlineis via Dr Vishnu Bandhu, its General, Anil Nandlall has People’s Progressive that every single potential Leader, says “Elections are beenexpoundinguponinhis Party/Civic(PPP/C),asthey voter is going to get to vote. very important for a many outpourings on many want to preclude attempts at Ifanameismissing,thereis functioning democracy (as) platforms. And then he rigging.Bandhu boasts but a mechanism to remedy that They facilitate democracy, hurriedly shouts that “The does not document that situation. byallowingpeopletohavea list is bloated, having the “Clearly, the list (for the A l s o , i f ‘ v o t e r choiceonwhowouldgovern names of many deceased, LGE) is not credible and impersonation’ is to be them Therefore, it is creating vast opportunities appropriateforanelectionat attempted, then all the importantthatnoonewhois for electoral fraud (He this time.” As “The URPis contesting party must be in eligible(tovote)beexcluded details that) Many young of the view that unless the ‘unified collusion’ with a from voting. Every eligible voters who recently attained voterslistbecleansedofthe silentpublic. Iclosewiththe voter who is 18 or older on 18 are not on the list while names of deceased and that reminder that GECOM is the day of election must be the dead are somehow alleligibleyouthshavetheir mandatedbylaw‘when’and onthevoters’list. voting, how is this still namesonthelist,noelection ‘how’ a voters list is At the same time, the considered a democracy?” shouldbeheld.” compiled’andsofarnothing deadmustnotbeonthelist.” So,Ineedtocommentonall Ifirmlybelievethatheis untoward was done by the Thus,heinformedthenation this gratuitous noisemaking clueless concerning the body thatthesaidURPwillnotbe by Bandhu and his type, registration and removal of Yourstruly, partaking in the LGE for concerning the impending names, where the Guyana H.Singh

Jerry Jailall bats for Vishnu Bisram

DEAREDITOR, fundraising events in New hotelownerwhereIstayedin Bisramismostsuitedforthis I have noticed several York and Toronto. If Dr NewDelhiknewDr Bisram position.Dr Bisramisnotan letters in support of Dr Bisramisappointed,thiswill as well as President Jagdeo. unknown, and he is well Vishnu Bisram to be be a win win for the Bisram’s connections in qualified.Therewasarecent appointed as Guyana’s High Government,diasporansand India are enormous and that A m b a s s a d o r i a l Commissioner to India. All ourcountry will be a great asset as he appointment,butIhadnever the letters have made great At a time when seeks to bring benefits to heard about that person arguments in support of one democracy was under threat Guyana as a High before Anyone who has ofGuyana’smostprominent by the PNC attempts to rig Commissioner In my view, beenreadingthenewspapers Guyanese in the Diaspora. the 2020 election, I it’sano-brainerthatofallthe would know the name Government’s consideration remember Dr Bisram was Guyanese who may be “VishnuBisram.”Heisnot of all the recommendations among the top three letter interested in serving. Dr (Continuedonpage5) of Dr Bisram will writers in the newspapers demonstrateitssincerityand battling against the riggers. send strong signals about When Guyana needed him engaging and involving the most, Dr Bisram was there Diaspora in national to preserve our democracy development. The PPP Government must

Both the PPP and PNC remember that, and not be have done much talking ungratefultothe“Guardians about how much they value of Democracy ” When diasporans and that they President Ali decides to have a role in moving make the “Guardians of Guyanaforward.Butbeyond Democracy” awards as he therhetoric,diasporanshave promised in a nationally beenleftoutfromanymajor televised speech to the appointments in or out of nation, Dr. Bisram’s name Guyana.Theappointmentof will be on that list. Dr Bisram will be a strong Diasporans are paying keen signal to diasporans that the attention to whether the Governmentisseriousabout Government will give Dr involving them in Bisram the nod for the India development, beyond lunch appointment.When I was in and dinner photo op India,Iwassurprisedthatthe

Thanksforfixingroadsat RechtDoorZeePhaseII

DEAREDITOR, access roads of Recht Door

Over the last two years I ZeePhase11. have repeatedly asked the I pray that those hands Governmenttofixtheminor mayneverlackandthattheir access roads of Recht Door ears will always be open to Zee Phase 11 (the scheme thecriesofhumanity which many professionals Thankyou. callhome).

Thank you and thank

About three weeks or so you. I pray also that the agoIsawevidencethatthese Government,andLeadersin minor access roads were general, always remember fixed.Iamthankful. that taxpaying citizens

Please permit me space deservemuchmorethatthey in your newspaper to thank mayeveraskfor allthosewhomayhavebeen Bestregards, involved in fixing the minor

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

The PPP/C Government harbours abusers of women: it cannot be looked on to help

DEAREDITOR, religious bodies’ roles in

passiondies. representing Guyana. To There are various types assisting in this battle and

F i n a l l y E d i t o r, date, no action has been of violence that are without any fear, say that

interacting with many, there taken to convince society constantly being committed they contribute towards this are lots of people (men and) thatGovernmentisseriousin against women and the five dilemma Like vultures, battling some sort of the fight against Violence main ones are physical t h e s e depression, and whilst some A g a i n s t W o m e n violence, verbal violence opportunists/hypocrites arenotfearfulofannouncing Charrandassisrecalledfrom (including hate speech), would miraculously emerge that,somearehidingit. hispost,butnodoubthewill psychological violence, from their concave at a time

It’s no secret that most be given a rewarding post sexual violence, and socio- that benefits them, either to suffering depression stem somewhere else in time to economic violence gain fame when the issue is from financial issues, or come. Regrettably, Guyana in the limelight or to

That’s just a few I could continuouslyshinesinallthe convenientlybetherecipient situation and I would recall offhand at the time of areas without any signs of ofsomesortoffinancesthat reiterate that workshops and writing, and there are many change, or any proper stands to benefit themselves funding should be more that people could talk m e c h a n i s m b e i n g alone. established in each aboutregardingGovernment implemented to properly Editor, I repudiate that community/village to train Officials who attract public address this embarrassing there’s any hope of relying people to notice signs and attention or are hidden, but sore. on the Government’s depression and how to areknownbyafew RepeatedlyI’vesaidthat i n t e r v e n t i o n f o r addressit. Imadementionofthisto therearemanyorganizations help/solution to eradicate

from some sort of domestic

The Organisations pointoutthatitstimesociety in Guyana that are running this plague, especially when a v a i l a b l e a r e a n stopped looking for around collecting this Government has

embarrassment if looking to Government intervention grants/loans under the guise numerous officials that are themforhelp. when they are also guilty of ofcombatingthisplague,but directly responsible for

DEAREDITOR, needs to be addressed with Itiscommonknowledge exigency because it has far that the teaching profession reachingimplications.Inthe is one where the female near future, it is our nation gender is the majority, but that will suffer We need to have we ever really pause for a moment and wondered why? I wish to carefully think and consider sharewithreadersoneofthe the repercussions, should majorreasonswhymalesare there be a complete absence leaving the teaching of male teachers in the fraternity and are even system. hesitantinjoiningit. There will certainly be a Fact is, having men as breakdown in moral teachers improves the uprightness in our educationsystem,sincemale society.Oftentimes,wehear teachershavealwaysmadea fromeducationofficialsthat significant impact as good they didn’t ring a bell and rolemodelsforchildren.The callpersonstoteaching.This mere presence of male means that you choose to be teachers in schools provides aTeacher,youmustendure.I children with the say,thatisutternonsense!It opportunity to observe non- isnotavalidjustificationfor violent behaviours and underpayingtheeducatorsof positiveinteractionswiththe this land.In a country with oppositegender one of the fastest growing

The Guyana Police suchacts. my opinion is that they are committing various acts of Force’s actions toward There are many not producing any tangible violenceagainstwomenand domestic violence is also techniques that could be results that are convincing not being persecuted in embarrassing and there implemented to assist, but for them to keep getting accordancewiththelaw should be a separate body our culture is to announce loans/grants.

It’s no secret that the established to deal with it. andforgetaboutconsistency

If one checks, they former President (now Vice

The Law is conveniently There are many areas that miraculously pop up when President) Jagdeo does not suitedinsuchawaythatthe need revisiting and loans/grants are being haveacleanslate,themedia rich, powerful, and implementing rules, offered and disappear after was very busy at one time connected escape justice, providing training, making receiving them. Noticeably publishing the cries of andthehaplesspaytheprice. independent, giving also is the absence of former First Lady Varshnie,

JerryJailallbats...

Frompage4

a Johnny come lately He has consistently fought for Guyana for decades. We in the diaspora would be very disappointed if the Governmentdoesnotconcur withthisbodyofopinionthat Dr Bisramwillserveuswell inIndia.

As we deepen trade ties with India and as several India-supported projects are in the pipeline, the Government would do Guyana well to consider Dr Vishnu Bisram as a most viable candidate for the replacement of Mr Charrandass Persaud at our Embassy in India. I trust the PresidentandVicePresident will do the right thing Diasporans are remaining optimistic and look forward to a favourable decision for Dr Bisramsoon.

Sincerely, Dr.JerryJailall

Therearemanyareasthat adequate powers to execute hisex-wife. need improvement, but the theirdutiesifweareserious.

Then Minister Dr Bheri paceGuyanamovingat,isa When training, many jump Ramsaran was on camera nationalembarrassment. totheopportunitytogettheir threatening violence against

Sincerely, name on a certificate and awoman,andonlyrecentlya SahadeoBates afteraccomplishingthat,the recording of Charrandass surfaced of him abusing a national in her own country, which is more developed than Guyana, whilst he is there

InGuyana,thesadreality economies, dubbed an ‘Oil is, the salary that is being RichNation’,itismorethan paid to a Teacher cannot unreasonable for the maintain a family of two Presidenttoannouncean8% persons much less having salary increase. One may children to feed. It is arguethatitisgoodfornow extremelydifficultforaman andthatmoreistocomebutI toprovideforhisfamilywith have been hearing that the pittance given, in this narrative everytime an time when cost of living has announcement is made for a skyrocketed.Thisisthemain salary increase for several reasonwhymenmakeupthe years now Evidently, those minority in the teaching who speak like that do so profession and it also forces based on political themtoleave.Inasmuchas affiliations. Editor, imagine, those in authority are Senior Teachers will be pretending to be blind and receivingnotmorethan lendadeafeartothisissue,it (Continuedonpage6)

Teachersneedasalarythat affordsthemtolivewithdignity

DEAREDITOR, done so when I gave for your honest and candid Permit my response to evidence in the Walter description of the African Mr SultanMohamed’sletter Rodney COI, the correct conditioninGuyana! published in the November forum to set the historical I take this opportunity 28th 2022 edition of the record straight. Presently I remind you and Prime Kaieteur News, captioned, havenothingmoretoaddon Minister Mark Phillips that “By his own words, the subject. Mr Mohamed 23 uninterrupted plus two Ogunseye’s position on assertions about Walter yearsof PPPrulehas beena violenceisunchanged”. Rodney, Eusi Kwayana and major contributor to our Your letter writer Rupert Roopnarine is his condition in recent times. correctly observed that I did propagandizing, are just The late President Cheddi not respond to his previous putting words in the Jaganafterhecametopower letter as he requested. My comrades’ mouth – he has in 1992 stated that Africans failure to do so was absolutely no idea about the were at the bottom of the deliberatesinceIhadalready close and comradely “socialladder”. political relationship

Teachersneedasalary...

Frompage5 than $10,000 added to their salaries. Can that amount address the rise in cost of living?Whatwilltheholiday seasonlooklikeforteachers? Not even Santa knows that. WhenwillGuyanaevertreat their teachers the way they deserve? Guyana has to be more sympathetic to the plight of its Teachers and I urgethoseinauthoritytogive our Educators what they deserve.Wecandobetter! Faithfully, AshanBacchus (SchoolTeacher)

Heapologizedanditwas between EusiKwayana, generally accepted. During Rupert Roopnarine, and the controversy I took the WalterRodney position that Dr Jagan However, on this experienced a slip of the occasion, Mr Mohamed tongue when he referenced earned my response by the “social ladder” instead of c a n d i d “economicladder”. observation/declaration he My point is that this espoused with finesse at the realization of the African endofhisletter condition by the PPP

He writes, “What is now leadership emerged in 1992 clearisthatwiththeAfrican and persisted and got worse masses at the bottom of the after25yearsofPPPrule. economic ladder, it will I conclude by restating always provide fodder for that we Africans know that agitators to seek cause for ‘OneGuyana’underPPPrule dissension....”Myemphases is economic and social here:“Africansatthebottom violence. of the economic ladder”. Yourssincerely, Thank you, Mr Mohamed, TacumaOgunseye

Neither Professor Brandli nor his evidence can be taken seriously

DEAREDITOR,

previous letter: (list of votedonMarch2nd,2020.It TheStabroekNewsinits electors-660,998;totalvotes isonlythosevalidvotesthat 29/11/22 edition published a cast–468,184=70.8%voter are reckoned, and their letter bearing the bold turnout). Not fazed, the aggregate is declared as the caption ‘Most citizens would Professor perseveres in this results of the elections expect that a responsible secondletter Thegravamen Whenthatischeckedagainst Attorney General would take of his contention is herein the total list of electors, it the evidence presented captured:“to cut a long story supports a voter turnout of seriously’ This letter is short, the adult voting 70.8%. It appears that the authored by Andre Brandli, population in Guyana was Professor divided the total PhD, Professor, Ludwig estimated to range between number of votes cast at the Maximilian’s University, 470,000 to 508,742. This 2020 elections (468,184) by Munich, Germany and is a amounts to a more realistic hisguesstimateofthe “adult response to a letter of mine voter turnout ranging voting population” in publishedinSN25/11/22. between91.3%to98.8%.” Guyana (470,000 and

The esteemed Professor It is obvious that the 508,784) to arrive at a voter first ascribes to me a above is the “evidence” that turnoutof98.8%and91.3%, responsibility with which I the Professor insists that I respectively Perhaps the am not imbued: ‘the take seriously I am not fault is mine, but at no level investigation” of “the aware of the area of the does this make sense! irregularities that occurred Professor’s training, but in Interestingly, even the in the wake of the 2020 mine,“evidence”isatermof fiercest of protagonists, General and Regional art and, not any material peddling their discredited Elections, March 2, 2022”. conjured up or statistical narrative of voter The laws of Guyana data guesstimated, qualifies impersonation at the 2020 prescribeidentifiedagencies to be characterised as elections, would recognise with this responsibility The “evidence”-moreover,tobe the excruciating flaw in the AttorneyGeneralisnotone; taken seriously The Professor’s reasoning, as neitherhaveIbeenassigned, Professor offers absolutely they themselves have never nor have I assumed such no basis upon which he advanced a contention even responsibility The goodly arrives at Guyana’s “adult remotely close to that which Professor embarks upon voting population” in 2020 the Professor postulates.In another harangue about the to range between 470,000 to conclusion, I am to level of voter turnout at the 508,742. Butthataside,itis regrettably inform that there March 2nd, 2020 General these guesstimated figures is no “evidence presented” andRegionalElections.Inso that the Professor then uses capable of being taken doing, he again eschews the tocalculateavoterturnoutof seriously statistics published by the 91 3% to 98 8% What Sincerely, G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s apparently eludes the Hon MohabirAnil Commissions (GECOM) Professor is the simple fact Nandlall,SC,MP upon which I relied to that only registered electors Attorney General, and debunkhishypothesisinmy canvoteand468,184ofthem MinisterofLegalAffairs

Mr. Sultan Mohamed was honest this time,African Guyanese are at the bottom of the economic ladder

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

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

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

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

ThomasSankara,aman amongmen-part3of3

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

Drove out the French imperialists.

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

Thomas Sankara stopped borrowing from the IMF.

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

The corrupt ones hated him.

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

They ended up killing him.

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

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

At 38, he was the late Thomas Sankara.

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

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

Agood man who died young, a very good one gone very young.

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

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

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

Pres. Ali to spend millions more on CJIA airport

An a d d i t i o n a l

US$750,000 has been pumped into the

US$160M Cheddi Jagan Interational Airport (CJIA) but President Mohamed Irfaan Ali still wants to spend millions more for a newterminal.

“As I speak to you tonight are already contemplatin Terminal Two because y have to get it”, said Ali on Tuesday while addressing guests at the 27th Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association

L i m i t e d ( G M S A ) , A n n u a l A w a r d s Ceremony

According to Ali, “The truthisweshouldhavehada better airport but we know what would have happened with the last Government entireprojectwasmessedup”.

He reasoned that his intentions for spending millions more to build a second terminal at the airport is to facilitate the rapid increaseofarrivalsintothecountry

“By 2025 the projections are that we will be creeping past one millionarrivals”,Alisaid.

Ramesh Geer, CJIA's Chief

...says ‘We should have had a better airport’

Executive Officer, was the first to raise the issue in 2021 that the airport might need a new terminal but the Government had never official decided that it is heading in that direction until President Ali saidsoonTuesdaynight.

In August this year, however, Kaieteur News reported that Government through the Ministry of Public Works will be injecting a n o t h e r G Y D $ 1 5 0 M (US$750,000) into CJIA for “modernizingworks”.

In an advertisement published back then in Kaieteur News, the Ministry of Public Works, invited for bids to undertake drainage improvement and flood control structures to facilitate these additional works, and the engineer estimated that it wouldcostsome$150million.

Bids for these additional works have already been submitted in Septemberbysome11contractors.

Allnewworksbeingdoneatthe CJIA fall under the PPP administration plan to 'continue

modernize'theairport.

Infact,itwasMinisterofPublic Works, Juan Edghill, who announced that citizens should expect more of their taxpayers' dollars going towards the 'continued modernization' of the airport.

The Minister had noted that construction at the airport will continue because the Government has to keep making more accommodation.

He had said, “We have to continue to making more

accommodation, I think sooner or later with oil and gas sector growing and tourism growing and bringing in high profile tourist, we will have to have facilities for c o r p o r a t e j e t s , l u x u r y

lines…people coming here with private planes to go and do things, wehavetokeepexpanding…”

Just recently Chinese

Contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) completed its part under the US$150 million airport expansion contract.

President Irfaan Ali

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport. [Mike Charles photo]

THE JOBS ARE THERE, BUT WORKERS ARE FEW

Onarecenttourofaward country refers to those who confined to the poor. There technical knowledge. For as Labourers to make a inthecity,thePresidentwas are not employed but who are some children of very example, to be become a hustle as vendors. In other approached and told that are actively seeking jobs. rich parents who see no Certified Mechanic or words, the social problems most employers can attest, there are a lot of young men This rate does not include reason why they should Electrician,youhavetohave associated with the lack of there are vacancies intheareawhohaveatalent those who are unemployed work or even pursue higher sound grounding in employment,islinkedtothe available. But finding the but are not working. The butwhoarenotseekingjobs. studies. mathematics and physics failures of our education right persons for the job is President asked about In Guyana, we have both T h e y f e e l v e r y Technical courses therefore systemasmuchasitistothe harder than advanced numbersandhewastoldthat kinds. comfortablestayingathome are not necessarily for those lack of sufficient suitable calculus. there were more than fifty Wehavepersonswithout andlivingoffoftheirparents whohavefailedtoachievea jobs. (The views expressed in suchpersonsinthatarea. jobsbutwhoarelookingfor sweat. It would therefore be soundeducation. Each year, half of all this article are those of the

The President then told work, and we have those interestingtoknowjusthow And because of the high students fail the end grade author and do not the person who approached who are out of work but are many of the promised fifty- failure rate of youths at examinationsatprimaryand necessarily reflect the him to bring together the not interested in working. odd skilled young persons technical education, a great secondary school Our opinions and beliefs of this young men who had The latter consists of turned up lastTuesday to be many of our young people education system is turning n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s constructionskills. persons, qualified and involved in working in the end up being forced to work out mass failures. And as affiliates.)

He promised that on unqualified, skilled and government’s housing Tuesday last, the unskilled, who are not programme or in physical Government would meet interestedinworking. enhancement work in their with them and incorporate For many either the pay communities This would them into the Government’s is too small or the work too give the Government a fair housing construction hard.Butformostitisacase idea as to the nature of the programme and into works that they can get by without problem concerning inthecommunity Therehas having to find a formal job. unemployedyouth. been no public report about WhyworkwhenthereisMa From time immemorial, the outcome of that meeting andPatoprovide. Ifyougo when children did not do with the young persons who through the many well in school leaving were supposed to have been communitiesinGuyana,you examinations, their parents mobilised to work in the willfindagreatmanyyoung would suggest that they construction sector But it is people who prefer to not should get a skill. Their morethanlikelythat,ifthere work.

parents would encourage was such a meeting, that far Their parents and them to enroll in technical lessthanfiftypersonswould guardians cover them with and vocational studies or to have turned up for that three square meals and they seek apprenticeships in meeting. are happy with that. There various workshops at which

Guyanese, including are thousands of young theycanacquireaskill. Opposition Politicians, are people who quite happy not But the type of skills keentolamentthenumberof working. They get by and which are demanded of the young people who are theyarenotstarving.Onthe moderndayworkforcetoday unemployed in the country, other hand, each year cannot always follow that but they fail to make a thousands of young persons script. The experience of distinction between those overtheageof15yearsleave technical training who are not working and school and struggle to find institutions is that unless those who are actively decentemployment entrants have a basic seeking jobs The

The problem of persons academic foundation they unemployment rate in a not keen to work is not willnotbeabletomasterthe

I’M ACCUSING THE US EMBASSY OF DISCRIMINATION

Pleaseseemycolumn,in embassies.Theyquestionis; haveaniron-proofalibi-“we receives its funds from limits for SASOD caseyoumissedit,ofFriday, is the justified? You are donotcommentonembassy mainlytheUSembassywith office holders Its September 23, 2022, naïve if you think if you matters.” So I was nearly occasional donations from head,JoelSimpsonhas “People live in mortal fear criticize these embassies in injured when I read the US the Canadian and British been there since the of the US, UK, Canadian Georgetown, you name will Ambassador saying there HighCommissions.TheEU empire of Timbuktu diplomats in Guyana.” I not go into their data base. I needstobemoreinclusivity mission here also donates disintegrated My Interestingly, a stand by every word that is canlivemylifehappilyifmy ingovernanceinGuyana. funds to SASOD Those questionis-howcantheUS competitor to SASOD was printedinthatcolumn. visaisdenied.Idonothavea Iwasdrinkinghotcoffee funds pay the monthly rent embassy bankroll such an formed in 2020. This is a Ihaveachieved34years visa for any country except whilereadingthenewspaper ofSASOD’sCharlotteStreet organization? more politically neutral of a presence in the media one–Timbuktu and when I saw Ms. Sarah- office.

The same question body although one of its bothintheprintmediaandin Of course you are also Ann Lynch uttered those I have the right to should be put to the other founders is close to one of local television and in those naïve if you think this is an words, for the umpteenth expressanopiniononpeople westernmissionsinGuyana. thePPPbignames.Mypoint three and a half decades exception.Allembassiesfor time,assomanytimesinthe and organizations once I I doubt very much that the is why SASOD is such a people have been emotional all governments put names past, the hot liquid burnt avoid two pathways Guyana Human Rights special child of the western about the wrong things the of journalists, columnists through my pajama trousers fictional libel and scurrilous Association; Article 13; embassies? American, Canadian and and critical academic andIwasinjured.Theshock vocabulary It is my opinion ACDA; Indian Arrival I close with my position Britishembassieshavedone thinkersintotheirdatabase. causedmyhandtotremble. that SASOD is an anti- Committee, renamed Indian onhomosexuality.Ihaveno to them, and the refrain has If you criticize Mexico, as I The envoy should Indianoutfitandiszealously Action Committee; Red objection to LGBTQ always been the same – did years ago on this page, practice what she preaches. anti-government;takethatto Thread; Election Reform activities. I am not against “Please Mr Kissoon, don’t the Mexican embassy here The US ambassador should meananti-PPP Group, Civil Society Forum samesexmarriage.Isimply mention my name, I don’t would put you in its data implement inclusivity in its I once heard a SASOD among others get money want to know why a wanttobevictimized.” base. financial donations to personality in the presence from the US embassy and questionable organization Thatpleahasbeengiven Iwroteonthispageafew different organization in of several women rights westernmissions. like SASOD gets so much to me throughout my media yearsagothatMexicowasa Guyana. The US embassy activists,outsidetheOASIS Thequestioniswhynot? money from the US career It has not stopped. failedstate.Theambassador bankrolls an LGBTQ entity Café on Carmichael Street Why is the US embassy not embassy From every walk of life in was annoyed and broke the namedSASODandnoother used the infamous ethnic practicing inclusivity with (The views expressed in this country – rich people, diplomatic code by replying group in the broad category slang word, that is, the C- regards to civil society this article are those of the governmental leaders, tome.Istillholdthatview I of rights activism gets word to describe the PPP organizations? We will author and do not journalists, professionals, don’tknowifIwillgetavisa moneyfromtheembassy leadership And those never know because necessarily reflect the etc, there is mortal fear of for Mexico; not I will ever In fact SASOD was presentlaughed. embassies do not comment opinions and beliefs of this being victimized with visa applyforone.Notatmyage. started with funds from the One needs to mention publicly on embassy n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s denial if you criticize these The diplomats of course US embassy. SASOD also that there are no term outputs. affiliates.)

Guyana raked in

in direct foreign investment last year – UN Report

Teen dies in fatal Buxton road accident

recent report by the country received for the

ADigicelsaidin2021. the United prior year In fact, it was

According to the report, Nations (UN) stated that Guyana's FDI for while Guyana's oil and gas

Economic Commission for 2021, was an inflow of sector propped up its Latin America and US$4.453 billion which is investment – the tourismCaribbean (ECLAC) 116 percent more than in driven economies of the disclosedthatmajorityofthe 2020. Caribbean were hit hard by Foreign Direct Investment “Guyana has positioned theCOVID-19crisis. While (FDI) that came into the itself for the first time as the investment in the tourism Caribbean in 2021 went to leading FDI destination in andhotelsectorhasstartedto Guyana. the sub- region, accounting pick up in the Dominican

Intheannualreporttitled for50%ofinflows,followed Republic, other countries 'Foreign Direct Investment by the Dominican Republic such as Jamaica and in Latin America and the (35%),”thereportstated. Barbados have shown their Caribbean2022'itwasstated AccordingtotheBankof potentialinbusinessprocess r e s p o n s i b l e f o r that in the Caribbean, Guyana 2022 report, the outsourcing, attracting announcements in other Guyanawasthecountrythat country'sgrowthwasmainly investment from companies relatedsectors.In2021,new exhibitedthegreatestgrowth due to the hydrocarbon inthesector FDI projects worth US$180 in investments last year and sectorandtheoilexploration

Treon Goppy 19, from Buxton East Coast Dememra,diedonTuesday, November 29, after being involved in a road accident about 12:30hrs on the BuxtonPublicRoad.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an accident which involved motor car #PWW 6816, owned and driven at the time by 43year-old Kwame Gentle of Railway Line Buxton and motor cycle #CK 7430 drivenatthetimebyDevon Grant of Friendship, East CoastDemerara,withTreon Goppy (now deceased) as thepillionrider

One of the main players was not enough to achieve byDigicelofaprojecttolay

The ECLAC onTuesday millionwereannounced,and even surpassed the project in the Liza field. It revealed that while the FDI this is an increase of 397 Dominican Republic, which was added that the sector is theRegionreceivedin2021, percent over 2020. The in prior years had been the expected to continue to isanincreasefromwhatwas sector with the largest share leading recipient of attract FDI in the coming recorded in 2020, it was was telecommunications, investments in that sub years. highlighted that the growth owing to an announcement region.

According to the report, in oil production in the the levels seen prior to the asubmarinecabletoprovide theforeigninvestmentinthe country is American oil pandemic As such, the the country with high Caribbean for last year was giant, ExxonMobil ECLAC called on countries technology telephone and totaledatUS$8.957billion– (Guyana), who announced in the Region to use FDI Internet services, with an thisrepresentsa19.4percent that it planned a US$10 strategically, owing to the estimated value of US$137 increase from 2020 – and is billion increase in its oil weak economic recovery million The project, accounted for mainly by investment in the country's recordedlastyear however, is associated with capital inflows in Guyana's prolific Stabroek Block,

Moreover, it was also oilandgasexplorationinthe hydrocarbon sector and which is to include six revealed that the European area, as the intention is to increased FDI in the drilling centres and 26 Union (EU) and the United connect oil platforms off the DominicanRepublic. production wells (Valle and States (US) were the main coast of Guyana with other Guyana's natural Kumar,2022).

investors in the region in territories and countries in resourcessectorwaslistedas According to the report, 2021, representing 36 the region, such as French the 'most dynamic' racking the dynamism of the percentand34percentofthe Guiana, Suriname and up63percentofthetotalFDI hydrocarbon sector was also total,respectively Trinidad and Tobago,

According to police reports, the driver of motor Car PWW 6816 was proceeding east along the Buxton Public Road when he allegedly put on his left- Treon Goppy was seen side indicator to pull onto and examined by a doctor thenorthernparapetandfelt and later died while an impact to the left side of receiving treatment The hisvehicle. motorcyclist was admitted

After receiving the in GPHC's Accident and impact,heobservedthattwo Emergency Unit suffering males were on the northern from head injuries A parapetwithvisibleinjuries breathalyzer test was about their bodies. EMTs conducted on the 43-year were summoned and both old motorcar driver and no victims were picked up and trace of alcohol was found. transported to the He is in custody assisting Georgetown Public with the ongoing Hospital. investigation.

FrederickKissoon

US$4.453B

Dead: Treon Goppy

British workers take to the streets for better pay as Exxon oil profits soars

Stakeholders the world over have accepted that major oil companies such as ExxonMobil would have generated 'Observe' profits from the energy sector following consecutive periods of high returns highlighted in quarterly earning calls. While some nations have demanded returns from the companies increased revenue, so are workers grappling with the high cost of living and the threatofaglobalrecession.

A report out of Fawley Village, Hampshire, in Englandsaidthatoilworkers there downed tools for some twoweeksafterExxonMobil and its industry, Contractors Altrad and Bilfingerm, refused to negotiate an additional pay increase for affected workers. Video footage from London based c i v i l r i g h t s g r o u p , 'ReelNews'showedscoresof oil workers protesting against the 'pitiful' 2 5 percent pay increase even as they claimed that Exxon

Mobil had sent police ranks to harass and intimidate them into backing down from industrial action. It has been stated that around 100 Boilermakers, Welders, Pipefitters, Mechanical Fitters and Scaffolders at the Fawley Plant in Hampshire hadtakenpartintheaction.

The video which aired last Sunday presented interviewswithworkerswho claimed that the company was making extraordinary profits but unwilling to speak with workers over a payincrease.

“A company making billions simply refusing to pay its workforce a decent wage,” one worker told the activistgroup.

Another declared that workers have been asking for “a hardship pay rise” but the company just said “no” and refused to negotiate. Another worker who was identified as a Welder said there is a lot of anger among workers because, “they're right under our noses saying we're making this much

Exxon workers during another protest in April

money and don't know what to do with it.” The worker saidthatgiventhelargesums made, their unions have asked for a pound more, but thecompanyisrefusing.

It was later believed however that the workers would not have to engage in industrial action after Exxon saidithadanoffer

T h e c o m p a n y nonetheless refused to put

the deal on the table thus initiating the protest action that is expected to last for sometwoweeksinitially

A representative of 'Unite', one of the UK's leading Workers' Unions said that Exxon Mobil made an obscene 3 billion Euros profit in their last quarter, “but has tied their workers into a pitiful 2.5 percent pay rise both this year and next. All the workers are asking for is a Euro 1.62 rise on the hourlybonuspaymentstotry and protect them a bit from inflation, now running at 14.2percentRPI-butExxon and their Contractors (Bilfinger, Altrad, Enerveo and Royal Engineering) are refusing to even speak to workers who risked their health to ensure those profits continued throughout the pandemic.”

“In fact, far from trying to settle this dispute, the bosses have instead been spreading disgusting lies about the strikers, accusing themofwolfwhistlingunder age school girls and attacking vehicles ” 'ReelNews' highlighted in

their video however that the reality was that the strike played out in “a very polite and civil picket line, with an incredible amount of workers refusing to cross in support when they hear what thestrikeisabout.”

Other oil workers on hearing the reason for the protest refused to cross the picketline.

“The strikers' courage andbraveryinstandingupto such nasty, bullying employers has earned them the nickname "The Fawley Fighters" - and the bosses' underhand tactics have only made them more determined to win,” ReelNews reported. Itsaidthat'Unite'and'GMB' unionswillbecontinuingthe strike into a second weekand then will give the bosses three days to agree to negotiate “If there's no response, another two week strike will take place from December8-21.”

In August, it was United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres who called on nations to implement windfall taxes on oil companies making

excessiveprofitsfromtheoil sector He urged countries to implement taxes and use the sumstoassistthevulnerable.

"It is immoral for oil and gas companies to be making record profits from this energy crisis on the backs of the poorest people , " Guterres said before highlighting that the combined profits of the largest energy companies in the first quarter of this year were nearly $100 billion. The trend continued into the year with oil companies' profits continuing to soar This caused more calls for windfall taxes. In Guyana, where Exxon Mobil is banking heavily on the country's resources to continue its record-breaking profits,windfalltaxesarenot being implemented as the Governmentsaysitscontract with the company does not allow it. Countries such as Germany,Spain,Canada,the United States and Britain among others have already implementedasecondtaxon oil companies while some are in the process of doing so.

Athletics Coach arrested for allegedly raping girl, 14

ByShervinBelgrave

ANational Coach was on Wednesday arrested for allegedly raping a 14-year old girl on Friday last after a training session at the Leonora Track and Field Centre,WestCoastDemerara(WCD).

Region Three Police Commander, MahendraSiwnarine,confirmedwiththis newspaper that the Coach was nabbed at the sports facility during the afternoon hours while the National Schools' Track and Field Championships was is in full swing. Siwnarine said that his ranks had received a sexual assault report against the Coach and had launched an investigation.

Kaieteur News understands from sources close to the case, that the alleged

sexual assault took place while the Coach was assisting a number of athletes for the ongoing National Schools' Championship. When the trainingsession ended, the man allegedlylured the 14-year-old girl into the room where he allegedlysexuallyassaultedher

The victim later confided in a friend and told the individual about what had happened to her and contact was immediately made with a WelfareOfficer

Her parents were subsequently informed of the incident and a report was lodged with the Police. The 14-year-old athlete has since been taken to a medical facility where she was examined. Kaieteur News understands that the examination confirmed that the girl was raped and a move was made to arrest the suspect. Investigationsareongoing.

Supply vessel sinks in T&T

(CNC3) A supply vessel operating in Heritage Petroleum's north acreage field has sunk after an accidentyesterdaymorning.

The vessel, which belongs to the Trinity Liftboat Services, a subsidiary of the Trinity Group of Companies, went down in the Gulf of Paria for reasons that were not immediatelyclear

Video and photos of the incident also show what appears to be a large infrastructural asset toppled over in the water, although it was also not immediately clearwhatthatwas.

GuardianMediahasbeen seeking to get further informationonit.

Trinity Liftboat Services provides jack up liftboats from 130′ to 160′ class operating in Trinidad and Tobago and has supported many projects such as Oil & G a s We l l D r i l l i n g , Production Well Workovers, Wireline, Coiled Tubing, Snubbing, Offshore Construction&Maintenance on Platforms, Geotechnical BoreholesandCPT

The company also provides crewing and shore

Neighbour wanted for Bush Lot granny's murder

A man trusted by Bush Lot Sumintra Sawh called “Aunty Becky” to run errands, is now wanted for brutally killing her on Monday during a robbery attack allegedly plotted by her 37 year-old caregiver andgreatniece.

Police identified the man as 48 year old Shaeed Mohamed Ramzan, a next door nieghbour to Sawh Aunty Becky was stabbed seventimesandalsosuffered a fractured skull. Her niece Roshanie Basdeo has confessed to planning the fatal robbery with the wanted man so that she could be left with the woman's house and he could get some cash to buy himself a scooter Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Ramzan is askedtonotifythepolice.

According to Basdeo's confession, Ramzan had murdered the elderly woman in her presence Basdeo, who was Sawh's caretaker, told investigators that she had left Sawh's door openedsothatRamzancould have gained entry to execute

their plan Sawh was sleeping when the man entered the upper flat of the house and Basdeo led him to the woman's room and showed him her handbag which contained $350,000 she was saving to build her fence.

The 37-year-old woman toldpolicethattheneighbour beat the elderly woman with an object. She claimed that she begged him to t b

ut he continued to pound her After brutally killing Sawh, the neighbour left her room with the bag containing the

oney and reportedly scrambled Basdeo by the neck and cut her left hand. Basdeo told police that the manthreatenedtokillherand the rest of her family if she revealedtheirplantoanyone.

base management staff to support the Oil, Gas & Shipping Industry Guardian Media understands that no one was hurt in the incident.

Staff of Heritage Petroleum unsuccessfully attempted to save the vessel Further updates will follow as more informationisprovided.

...was operating in Heritage Petroleum's northern field

The scene of the incident in which a supply vessel sank in Heritage's north acreage field.

The wanted neighbour

Murdered Sumintra Sawh, called “Aunty Becky”

St. Johns College, Kingston Secondary receives monetary donation from Tropical Shipping

St. Johns College and Kingston Secondary School intends to purchase a new printer/photocopier with the monetary donation it received from Tropical ShippingonWednesday

Tropical Shipping, a logistics and shipping company, which has over 50 years' experience in the business arena, yesterday handed over two cheques to representatives of the schools,atits22Barrackand High Streets, Kingston office.

Making the donation to the officials of the schools during a simple ceremony was Tropical Shipping's Country Manager, Glenis Hodgewhosharedyesterday that the kind gesture is nothing new that the companydoes.Thecompany before made several donations to both primary and secondary schools acrosstheCapitalCity

“Every year we try to

give back to our cooperate citizens, but our heart is really with schools, with youths, with education as a whole,”shementioned.

Hodge noted that St Johns and Kingston Secondary Schools were chosen this year as the recipients of the donation, because the company really admired the works being done by the schools, as well as what the schools stands for “We saw your motto and your value is very close to w h a t w e t r y i n g t o accomplish,” she noted. The CountryManageralsoadded that they chose schools that are located right in the community where the companyis.

On behalf of Kingston Secondary, Sir Everton S t e p h e n s y e s t e r d a y expressed gratitude to the company and said that the donationwillgoalongway

“We would like to express our utmost

appreciation for your kind gesture and of course we would like you to know that thisdonationwillbegoingto good use; our intention is to p u r c h a s e a p r i n t e r photocopier for the school. We have been out of this for quite a while and so we respect and appreciate your c o o p e r a t e s o c i a l responsibility as a cooperate citizen, and we know that you are a key stakeholders, we are neighbours and so we are grateful you have chosen us to provide with this donation,” Sir Stephens expressed.

Acting Deputy of St Johns College, Ms. Suana Hamer, said yesterday that the donation will go towards purchasing a printer for the school which will assist the school in a great way She expressed: “I would like to say thank you very much for this token and we will take this and buy whatever we need,thankyouverymuch.”

Country Manager of Tropical Shipping, Glenis Hodge (left) handing over the donation to Deputy (ag.) of St. Johns College along with students of the school and officials of the company yesterday.

Country Manager of Tropical Shipping, Glenis Hodge (left) handing over the monetary donation to the teachers and students of Kingston Secondary School.

Opposition reiterates call for biometrics at elections…saysupgradeshouldbepartofGECOM'spushtowardimprovedprocess

The Opposition party, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) remains firm in its call for the use of biometrics for upcoming elections declaring that the technology should be part of the Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM) efforts toward upgrading and improving the electoral process.

During the party's weekly P r e s s C o n f e r e n c e Wednesday, Economic and Youth Advisor to the Leader oftheOpposition,ElsonLow made the case that several countries around the world with larger populations and voting districts use the biometric technology as a mechanism toward an efficient electoral process. He claimed that unlike recent utterances by former House Speaker, Ralph Ramkarran,

theuseofbiometricsdoesnot infringe on administrative andothersuchrestrictions.

The push for the biometrics goes hand in hand with the Oppositions call for a clean voters list which they claim is bloated with deceased and non-resident Guyanese whose names are usedtoconductvoterfraud.

A court order on how persons names can be removed from the list of registrants has caused a virtual halt toward sanitizing the list as GECOM has viewed the ruling to mean that only new legislation or some other way devised by the Politicians will allow the authority to legally remove names.

Low said that the Ppposition's calls for a clean voters list and voting by biometrics have prompted a

long and vigorous public debate, but noted several errors and misconceptions thatcontinuetobepeddledin the public. First he claimed, the use of biometrics at place of poll is not financially, technologically nor

Govt. goes to Parliament for further $47B in supplementary budget

Government on

We d n e s d a y returned to the National Assembly seeking approval of some $47B in supplementary spending, which will push this year's budget from $599.7B to well over$643.7B.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh presented the Supplementary Bill ComprisingFinancialPapers Numbers 2 and 3 to the National Assembly to a d d r e s s , w h a t t h e Department of Public Information said was a n u m b e r o f u r g e n t interventions across several key sectors including Energy, Agriculture, I n f r a s t r u c t u r e , a n d AmerindianAffairs.

The Financial Papers, together amounting to over $47 Billion, include FinancialPaperNo2of2022 totalling $2.9 Billion which caters for Contingency Fund advancescoveringtheperiod August 15 November 29, 2022 and provides for a number of interventions, including provision of additional resources to support the Linden

Electricity Company and provision of additional resources to conduct urgent drainage works including rehabilitation of drainage channels, access bridges, revetments and dams along with the installation of stainless steel sluice doors in Regions 2 to 7 including Georgetown.

With respect to Financial Paper No 3 of 2022, $44.4 Billion is being sought, including supplementary funding of close to $1.4 Billion under the Office of the Prime Minister for provision of additional resources to support

electricity companies in Linden, Lethem, Mabaruma, Kwakwani, Port Kaituma, Mahdia, and Matthew's Ridge. Additionally, $6.6 Billion is being sought for the provision of additional resources for the payment of electricity arrears to the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) Government remains committed to absorbing the impact of rising fuel prices on cost of services provided by electricity companies to ensure that it does not translate into high electricity bills for the Guyanese

people. Approval is being sought for $1 Billion for the provision of additional resources for operational expenses to the Guyana S u g a r C o r p o r a t i o n (GUYSUCO) and $2 Billion for the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

Meanwhile, $18 2 Billion is also being sought under the Ministry of Public Works for the provision of additional resources to facilitate the upgrading of roads and drains in various communities, $938 2 Million for the provision of additional inflows under the Caribbean Development Bank's programme to facilitate advancement of civil works on the Linden to Mabura Road Project, $275.9 Million for the provision of additional resources to facilitate completion of water supply interventions in hinterland areas and the procurement of anewdrillingrig,and$371.1 Million for the provision of additional resources to procure vehicles to boost the operational effectiveness of the Guyana Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

administratively prohibited. He said that, “several countries with larger voting populations and geographic areas than Guyana use the technology.” Peru, he highlighted is six times the size of Guyana with a list of elector of about 20M people, “yet it uses finger print biometrics for voting ” Several African countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo are also moving toward the use of

biometrics. Low added that finger print biometric voting kits are highly portable and are designed to work for hours on battery power “Polling stations with no electricity or blackout will not therefore pose a problem”.

Low went on to say that while calls are being made for the opposition to provide evidence of fraud, it misses a major matter: “that democracy is always a work

inprogress.” “WeinGuyana must continuously strive to ensure our elections are increasingly accurate efficient and trust worthy The (2020 elections) recount revealed many illegalities. The few improvements made by GECOM over the last two decades such as counting at the place of poll and use of finger print biometrics for registration must not be sporadic efforts, instead they m u s t r e f l e c t a n organizational culture that embraces continuous improvement,”Lowcharged. He continued that Guyana must always seek to make improvements from election to election, more so when credible claims of election flaws and fraud are made.

Improvements must also be made irrespective of such claims. “We must not ignore the fact that our elections are still marred by registration of i n e l i g i b l e s , v o t e r impersonation, and multiple voting. As a nation we have donenothingsincethelast

(Continued on page 16)

DigicelrollsouteSIMforChristmas

In another major stride towards delivering powerful digital experiences to its customers,Digicelispleased to announce the launch of eSIMs to support Electronic SIM enabled devices, for C h r i s t m a s T h e announcement comes as Digicel continues on its journey of being a premium Digital Operator since October 20, 2020.This latest developmentisalsoafirstfor Guyana.

The announcement gives customers, including those intending to get the e-SIMonlyiPhone14asreleasedin the US the ability to enjoy a full fledged digital experience on their device o n l y w i t h D i g i c e l Customerscanalsopurchase dual SIM (eSIM and physical SIM) versions of the iPhone 14 and connect to the Digicel network using theirexistingphysicalSIM.

An eSIM is a digital version of the physical SIM card that customers now use to connect to the Digicel network via smartphones, tablets, or other IoT devices, and enjoy the fastest data speeds and superior LTE coverage.Itisembeddedinto the device for easy setup and out of the box use that e n s u r e s s e a m l e s s connectivity to the network inseconds.

N e w s u b s c r i b e r s purchasing an eSIM from today until December 31stwill also be eligible for Digicel's bonus 10GB promotion for the holiday season Customers will receive a 10GB bonus of any-use data monthly for the next three months (January to March 2023) once a 7-day

Through its world-class LTE and fibre networks, togetherwithitssuiteofapps spanning sports, news, local radio and podcasts, TV streaming, enhanced messaging and marketplaces and self-care, Digicel is the only operator in its markets thatcandeliverthat.

Serving consumer and

or higher Prime Bundle Plan isactivatedmonthly

Corporate customers are encouraged to contact their Sales Representatives on 669 2677or by email at guy_b2bqueries@digicelgro up.com to make the switch today. In addition, the eSIM will be available across all Digicel retail stores from December9th2022.

As a Digital Operator, Digicel is in the business of delivering powerful digital experiences 1440 minutes of eachdaytocustomers–that's every minute, all day, every day

business customers in 25 marketsintheCaribbeanand Central America, its investments of over US$5 billion and a commitment to its communities through its DigicelFoundationsinHaiti, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago have contributed to positive outcomes for over 2 millionpeopletodate.

With its Better Together brand, Digicel is making a promise of simply more to customers and communities and its 5,000 employees worldwide work together to make that a powerful reality dayin,dayout.

Economic and Youth Advisor to the Leader of the Opposition, Elson Low

Former PPP GECOM Agent, BiBi Shadick PPP GECOM Agent, Clement Rohee

budget will move from $599.7B to over $646.7B

WANTED

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

Live-indomestic/maidand canterdrivertoworkinthe Interior.Call:614-1819.

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

Motor Lorry drivers needed and Porters. Tel: 627-1835/ 626-4691.

LabourerstoworkonCash Crop Farm, salary $5000. Call:695-6139,679-7552.

Bar girls needed to work in the Interior, ages 20-30 years. Call: 687-7638/ 6913942.

Able-bodiedPorterneeded. Ages between 18-25 years, $4,000 per day. Call: 2239677.

LiveinCook,mustknowto cook Indian dishes, 3040yrs. Weekly waitress for Ogle area, $22000 weekly Call:610-3974.

Urgently need one female bar assistant/ kitchen attendant for the Interior. Call: 689-4461/662-6254formore info.

Two porters and 1 experiencecookthatspecializein cooking curry, fried rice, chowmein, etc. Contact: 231-6591/648-8279.

One sales person needed at Stabroek, Salary- 8-4:30 $75,000.Goodcustomerservicerequired,call:669-9258.

VACANCY

Hotel attendant needed at Hick'sVilleHotel.Tel:6400673,227-7714,email: info@vegeworld.com

Driver must be able to assist in workshop @ Eccles, age23-50,Car/Vanlicence. Call645-8443or642-9823.

OneclerkforTSIEcclesoffice. English & Mathematics,gradeoneortwo,email application to: techserigy @yahoo.com or call 6159132.

Maidtocookandcleanfor East Bank area call 6159132.

Wanted:Experiencedsuper visor, cashier, counter per son, cooks and labourer Apply@Shanta's,225Camp and New Market Sts.

Roomattendantandlaundry attendant,25-50yearsoldat SouthRoadLacytown.Call: 225-2304.

Data Entry clerk needed. Apply to: Essential Care Pharmacy & Supercentre , BlockXMandelaAvenueor G3 Building Diamond East BankDemeraraOrViaE-mail -essentialcarepharmacy@ yahoo.com

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

Cook needed at lot 36, Fort Street Kingston. Call: 6988955.

VACANCY

Two kitchen assistants and experinced cook to work night shift at People's Choice kitchen. Call: 6799449.

Cook/ baker, pitman and servicemen for Interior location. Applicants must be experienced.Call:615-0545 or231-2250.

Experienced manager for one location, good customer service is a must! Whatsapp:675-1509.

OneHousekeepertoworkin Providence.Call:680-3678.

PAHO calls for improved health service response to violence against women

Washington, DC, 30 November 2022 (PAHO) – The PanAmericanHealthOrganization (PAHO) this week launchedanewreportassessing the status of health sector responses to violence againstwomen,andcalledon countries to accelerate the fullimplementationofstrategiestoaddressthispervasive public health and human rights problem in the region oftheAmericas.

The report, ‘Addressing violence against women in health policies and protocols in the Americas: a regional statusreport’isthefirstofits kind. It reviews policies in PAHO’s 35 Member States and offers a roadmap for healthsystemstojoinamultisectoral effort to address the issue. AccordingtotheWorld HealthOrganization(WHO), oneoutofeverythreewomen in the Americas experience physical and/or sexual violenceduringtheirlifetime.Intimatepartnerviolenceisthe most common form of violence against women, and up to66millionwomenandgirls

are estimated to have experiencedthisformofviolencein the region.

“Weknowthatviolenceis preventable,whichiswhythe sheer number of women and girls affected by this in our region is particularly shocking,”saidDr AnselmHennis, Director of Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health at PAHO. “We know more today than ever before about what works to prevent violence against women, so this situation is unacceptable,” he added.

Therepercussionsofviolenceagainstwomenaredevastating,notonlyfortheirindividual health and well-being, but for entirefamiliesand communities.Consequencesincludeabroadrangeofphysical, sexual,reproductive,andmental healthproblems.

The health sector has a keyroletoplayinpreventing ormitigatingtheimpactofviolence against women and the new report highlights that 83%ofPAHOMemberStates have included this issue in their health plans or policies.

“Making violence against womenvisibleandincluding it in national health policies and plans sets the tone for engagementonthisimportant topic,” said Britta Baer, Regional Advisor on Violence Prevention at PAHO. “Often without guidance and policies from health ministries, the issue is not prioritised by governments,” she added.

As health workers often treat survivors of violence and are viewed as trusted individuals, the report highlights their key role in early intervention and in the provision of essential care and support.Forthistowork,however, health workers require an evidence-based protocol.

Thereportshowsthat60% of countries in the region have at least one such protocol but warns that more needs to be done to enhance theirqualityandtoalignthem with best practices, Baer explained, especially for first line support.

PAHOconsidersfirstline support as one of the (Continued on page 17)

Opposition reiterates call for biometrics...

VEHICLESFORSALE

DAF CF85 Double Axle TwinSteerDumpTrucksfor sale.$9Mileachnegotiable. Call658-9008forinquiries.

2014NissanX-Trail$4.5Mil negotiable.Excellentcondition, dark blue colour & blackinterior.Call658-9008.

One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition,lowmileage3.3M negotiable&1newsupercustom Hiace Bus 2.5M .Contact:649-0956.

From page 15 election to improve the standards and credibility of our elections,” Low submitted.Hesaidinfact,“we have made matters worse by, among other things refusing to reactivate the residency requirement.”

The voters list which some stakeholders claim is bloated by some 200,000 names has caused much controversyassomepolitical partiesalreadysignaledtheir reservationinparticipatingin the upcoming Local GovernmentElections(LGE) while others are yet to state

their participation. Given the 2020 elections controversy where claims of misconduct weremadebybothparties,the Opposition is claiming that biometrics would be ideal in ensuring that persons who turn up to vote at polling stations are who they say they are. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is adamant however that what the 0pposition is offering is a means of preventing persons from voting. In a letter by PPP’s GECOM Agent, Clement Rohee on Tuesday, heexpressedconcernthatthe bloatedlistclaimwasallpart of the scheme to have “restrictive measures such as biometricsatpollingstation.”

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Campbellville,Subryanville,

FORRENT

2 and 3 Bedroom fully furnishedluxuryapartmentsto rent. Tel:# 682-2585, 6648641,691-1432.

Brickdam property for 70 staff with parking (8000 sq ft)Brickdambottomflat1000 sqft.Contact:Ray'sRealty: 627-9685.

Twobedroomhouseforrent in Parfaite Harmonie,West Bank Demerara. Call: 6840159.

One 5 bedrooms house for rent (furnished) located on SouthRoad,forbusinessor residence.Call:614-0495.

SalesRepanddriver forcar & van needed. Must be knowledgeableofCATSYS and30years&above.Email: agriparts2022 @gmail.com

OfficeManagerneeded.DegreeinBusinessadministration or equivalent. Email: ateeyyeaali@gmail.com, mandaitwaru@gmail.com, Address: 127 Quamina Street, Georgetown. Call: 225-9409,502-9466

Kitchenmanagerneeded,3 yearsculinarymanagement experienceandteamplayer Send applications to : ateeyyeaali@gmail.com, mandaitwaru@gmail.com, Address: 127 Quamina Street, Georgetown. Call: 225-9409,502-9466

Contact:Ray'sRealty:6279685.

PENPAL

Male seeking a female pen friend, ages 40 years and older.Call:684-6551.

FOR SALE

Ginger, cassareep, tumeric andmorocottfishforsaleat wholesale and retail also goodqualitycarpetsforsale atreasonableprice.Call:6699258.

SERVICES

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

Repair & install fridge, freezer, washer & dryer, AC units, stove, etc. Whatsapp/Call:637-4927, 654-9511or683-8734.

Rohee said that “the feigned struggle engineered by the APNU+ AFC for the introduction of biometrics would be in violation of the Constitution and would in effect, impose an additional restriction on each bona fide voterentitledtoexercisetheir constitutional right on Election Day.” The call for biometrics is not a new one however as Opposition Representative at GECOM, Vincent Alexander remained vociferous in his call for the technology to be used.

SteveSurujbally,wholeftthe GECOMin2017.Shadickhad saidthatshehadmadeitclear alongtimeagothatthefolios used to identify voters on election day, are “so small” that the idea was presented to load the information onto a laptop and each person’s fingerwouldthenbescanned so they could be identified before voting. This, Shadick continued,wouldalsohelpin preventing any instances of double voting since the system would be integrated. The technology would be able to show if an individual would have voted anywhere else in the country and thus prevent them from doing so again. She suggested at the time that while specialized programsandsystemswould be needed as well as financing,Guyanacouldwork with foreign partners, especially those countries that already have the biometric system implementedintheircountry

LAND FOR SALE

SeafortStreetCampbellville, CarmichaelStreet.Contact: Ray'sRealty:627-9685.

Former PPP Representative, Bibi Shadick , who was replaced by Rohee following her passing last August had told this publication that she was in fact the one to bring the biometrics idea to GECOM more than a year before Alexander’s posture.

During that interview last May she said, the biometrics ideahasbeenfloatingaround sincetheChairmanshipofDr

During one of his Press Conferences inAugust at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre,VicePresidentBharrat Jagdeo, declared the governing party refusal for biometrics - he said that his party was not going to allow the Opposition to encourage them into passing a law in Parliamentthatwouldprevent people from voting only on the basis of biometrics. He said because if the Opposition were to lose the election they could go to and challenges the provision as they had done in 1997 and interrupttheparty’swin.“We are not going to fall into the trapagain,”Jagdeodeclared.

Bel Air, Diamond, Middle road, La Penitence, Peter's Hall & Parfaite Harmonie.

Over $500M estimated to build office building for CH&PA

During the recent opening of tenders, it was r e v e a l e d t h a t t h e Government through the Ministry of Housing and Water is looking to spend over $500 million to

construct an office building for the Central Housing and P l a n n i n g A u t h o r i t y (CH&PA).

CH&PA which is under the purview of the Housing and Water Ministry is an

Construction of Office Building for Central Housing & PlanningAuthority (CH&PA).

agency which addresses the housing needs of the citizen ofGuyana. Accordingtothe information received from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) there are two options for the construction of the new building. Option one, the Ministry’s Engineer stated is estimated to cost some $754 million while option two of construction is pegged at $593 million. This is just phase one of the project,

which would cover the foundation and building of superstructure.TheHousing Ministry in its invitation for bids(IFB)statedthatthenew structure will be built at Plantation, Houston and that the period for construction is six months. The IFB also noted that contracts will be awarded to the lowest evaluated qualified bidder.A total of 16 contractors have appliedforthecontract.

B e l o w a r e t h e companiesandtheirbids:

Ministry of HomeAffairs

Extension of ten living quarters at Mazaruni Prison.

Killer of South African anti-apartheid leader stabbed in prison

Gunman who killed Chris Hani in 1993 was attacked by another inmate after he was granted parole, authoritiessay

said.

Construction of Male Kitchen at Lusignan Prison.

Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Preparation of temporary area for accepting waste at Zorg-en-Vlygt, Region Two.

Construction of storm-water sedimentation and control pond at Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill.

Teacher accused of killing Grandmother being treated for postpartum depression

Stephanie Gamell, the twenty-twoyear-old teacher who allegedly killed herGrandmotheronSundaylast,isnow beingtreatedforpostpartumdepression in the Psychiatric Ward of the GeorgetownPublicHospital.

Police in a press statement yesterday,Wednesday, said that Gamell isadmittedasapatient,butisstillunder police guard pending further evaluation and treatment. The decision to have her referred to the medical facility comes after a medical evaluation at the Suddie PublicHospitalontheEssequiboCoast.

According to reports reaching Kaieteur News, Gamell would have given birth about a month ago, and was on maternity leave. Family members whospoketothispublication,however, told Kaieteur News that Gamell began acting strange after giving birth. The young woman’s Aunt, Simone Gamell, saidthatapartfromapparentdepression and anxiety, there were instances where

Now deceased,

Angelica Agatha Gamell

neighbours heard screams coming from the home of the seventy-five-year old woman. After some fifteen minutes, Stephanie approached a neighbour with her baby, saying that “her [Stephanie’s] baby was dead”. After the neighbour refusedtorenderassistance,Gamellleft andwanderedoffintothestreet.

Janusz Walus, the killer of South African anti apartheid leader, Chris Hani, has been stabbed in prison and is receiving treatment after news of his parole sparked widespread anger, authorities said. Walus, 69, a far-right Polish citizen who fatallyshotHaninearlythree decades ago, was granted parole by South Africa’s Constitutional Court last weekandwasexpectedtobe released soon. The decision wasmetwithfiercecriticism and protests across the country “Inmate Walus is stable and DCS healthcare officials are providing the necessary care, ” the Department of Correctional Services said in a statement on Tuesday He was stabbed by another inmate from the same housing unit, the department said. It did not providefurtherdetailsonthe incidentortheidentityofthe suspect. Days earlier, Hani’s gravestone had been vandalised, local authorities

The city of Ekurhuleni near Johannesburg, where the tomb and memorial site of the late Communist Party leader are located, said authorities had opened an investigation into the damage, which took place at the weekend. On Saturday, members of South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), protested outside the court after it had ordered the release of Walus. One of the pillars of the monument was badly damaged, one side fell off and the electric lighting system was stolen, Ekurhuleni spokesman Zweli Dlamini told the AFP newsagencyonTuesday Hani, a popular figure and fierce opponent of the apartheid regime, was gunned down in the driveway of his house in 1993, a year before South Africa’s first multi racial elections The shooting occurred just as negotiations to end apartheid were entering their final phase, stoking tensions that some feared would erupt into civil war

From page 16 minimum levels of health care survivors of violence against women should receive. First line support is known by the acronym ‘LIVES’, which stands for: listen with empathy, inquire about their needs, validate their experiences, enhance their safety and support them to connect with additional services. The report indicates that only 54% of Member States included some aspect of first linesupportintheirprotocols.

thetwenty-two-year-oldwouldloseand regainconsciousness.

Saturdaylast,StephanieGamellleft her Richmond home, for her Grandmother’s residence in Charity There she spent the night with her seventy five year-old Grandmother, Angelica Agatha Gamell. At around 04:00hrs on Sunday morning last,

She was later picked up by police wandering the streets, and appeared to have no clear recollection of what previously transpired Police Investigators told the media that when they arrived on the scene, the lifeless body of the elderly woman was found on her kitchen floor with a slash behind her neck, and her hair shaved off her head.

There were also reports of broken bottlesandscatteredsaltonthesceneof themurder Apostmortemexamination is to be performed on the body of the deceasedtoday,inanefforttodetermine hercauseofdeath.

Detailed health sector protocols are important as they support health workers in understanding what is expected and enable a faster response. “This is particularly relevant intheresponsetosexualviolence,whereeveryhourcounts in providing quality care and in mitigating consequences,” Baersaid.Thereportwaslaunchedduringtheweektomark 16 Days ofActivism against Gender-Based Violence. This international campaign takes place every year between the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November) and Human Rights Day (10 December)tospuractiontopreventandeliminateviolence againstwomenandgirls.“TheRegionhasmadeimpressive progress and has the potential to lead change on the ground bysharingexperiencewithotherregions,”Dr.Hennissaid.

“COVID-19 put the clock back on many advances, so we mustfocusonregaininggroundtoreachthe2025targetsin preventing violence and responding to the needs of women andgirlsintheAmericas,”headded.

U.S. House Democrats make history electing first Black Party Leader in Congress

WASHINGTON House

Democrats elected their new leadership team Wednesday, usheringinayoungergenerationof LeadersafterSpeakerNancyPelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer decided to step aside after Democrats narrowly lost the majoritythismonth.

Pelosi, 82, of California, the first female speaker of the House, will pass the torch to Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D N Y, 52, who ran unopposedforMinorityLeaderand will make history as the first Black Lawmakertoleadapoliticalparty’s caucusineitherchamber

“Today, with immense pride, I stood in front of the House Democratic Caucus as a candidate for Democratic Leader, and I am eternally grateful for the trust my colleagues placed in me with their votes,”Jeffriessaidinastatement.

Jeffries’ Top Deputy will be Rep.KatherineClark,D-Mass.,59, a Progressive who served under Jeffries as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus and rose to Assistant Speaker this Congress. ShewaselectedMinorityWhip,the party’stopvotecounter

Rounding out the trio of new Leaders is Rep. Pete Aguilar, DCalif , 43, a Congressional Hispanic Caucus member and former Mayor who was elected Democratic Caucus Chairman — theroleJeffrieshasheldforthepast four years. The election of Jeffries, Clark and Aguilar represents a changing of the guard for House Democrats who have seen the powerful triumvirate of Pelosi, Hoyer, D Md , 83, and Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., 82, occupy top leadership posts for the past two decades. “This is a moment of transition,” Jeffries told a small groupofReportersintheCapitolon Tuesday night. “We stand on the

shoulders of giants, but are also looking forward to being able to do what’s necessary at this moment to advancetheissues.”

Of the current “Big Three” Democrats, only Clyburn, the current majority whip, has opted to stay in leadership in the new Congress. He will run for the job of ‘Assistant leader’, which has been considered the No. 3 post in the minority in the past but will shift downtotheNo.4jobthisCongress.

Clyburn’s decision frustrated some younger members, who had hoped the new Congress would start with a clean slate. And on Wednesday Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., 61, announced a surprise bid against Clyburn for Assistant Leader;thatelectionwilltakeplace Thursday In a letter to colleagues announcing his run, Cicilline said, “I think it is critical that the House Democratic Leadership team fully reflect the diversity of our caucus and the American people by including an LGBTQ+ member at the leadership table, which is why I’ve decided to run for Assistant

Leader.”

One young Democratic member who is backing Cicilline expressed frustration Wednesday with Clyburn’s decision to run for leadership again. “I think it’s pretty ridiculous that Nancy had to leave.

She was the most effective leader in history and I’m not sure why he [Clyburn] didn’t have to leavewithher,”theDemocratsaid.

Intheonlycontestedraceofthe day, Democrats on Wednesday elected Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., as Democratic Caucus vice chair, the No.5slotinleadership.Lieu,anAir Force reservist, beat out three other strong contenders: Congressional Black Caucus Chair, Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., andMadeleineDean,D-Pa.

In recent years, other young, ambitious and talented Democrats looking to climb the leadership ladder discovered they had nowhere to go but out. Democratic Caucus Chair, Xavier Becerra took an appointment as California’s Attorney General and then was named by President Joe Biden as

Health and Human Services Secretary Two of Pelosi’s loyal Deputies in leadership, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Ben Ray LujanofNewMexico,successfully ranforseatsintheSenateoncetheir optionsranout.

Others, including Steve Israel of New York, who led both House Democrats’ campaign arm and communications shop, opted for retirement. Pelosi and Hoyer won’t begoingfar Ratherthanresign,the two said they will remain in Congress. And on Tuesday night, theHouseDemocraticSteeringand Policy Committee unanimously votedtograntPelositheceremonial title of “Speaker Emerita.” The resolution bestowing the honor on PelosiwasofferedbyJeffries.

“Speaker Nancy Pelosi will go down as one of the greatest legislative leaders in American history,” said the Steering Committee Co Chairs, Eric Swalwell, Barbara Lee and Cheri Bustos ”By granting Speaker Pelosi this honorific title, we proudly celebrate her marble

ceiling smashing and legendary public service.” Asked about how his leadership style might differ from that of Pelosi — a shrewd Legislator who ruled her caucus, at times, with an iron grip — Jeffries seemed to take a team-first view “The House Democratic Caucus is at its best when everyone has an opportunity to be on the playing field,playingtherightposition,”he said.

Jeffries dodged several questions about what it meant for him to be the first Black person to lead either party in Congress. “I haven’t really had the opportunity to reflect on that,” he said, later adding, “to the extent that I spent any time dwelling on outside narratives or the magnitude of the moment, it would take away from having to make real-time decisions as we prepare to organize for the newCongress.”

But after his election Wednesday, Jeffries spoke emotionally about how he grew up i n t h e C r o w n H e i g h t s neighborhood of Brooklyn, raised by his working-class parents — a case worker and a social worker — during the crack cocaine epidemic of the1980s and90s. “I’mthankful for them,” Jeffries said at a news conference, “thankful for their love, support and prayers throughout the years, throughout my journey into adulthood and my journeyasapublicservant.”Pelosi, in a statement Wednesday, praised thenewleadershipteam,promising “an orderly transition” in the next Congress and expressing gratitude for her time as leader “Together, this new generation of leaders reflects the vibrancy and diversity of our great nation — and they will reinvigorate our Caucus with their newenergy,ideasandperspective,” shesaid.

U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the new House Democratic Leader, flanked by Rep. Katherine Clark, the new Minority Whip, and Rep. Pete Aguilar, the new Democratic Caucus Chair, on Capitol Hill Wednesday. Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom.

Three homes destroyed in mudslide at Linden

...Contractor was doing excavation work at the time of incident

Amudslide at

Poker Street, Wismar, Linden on Wednesday morning has left three Pensioners homeless after their homes weredestroyed.

One of the homes was completely pushed under the debris, while the other was damaged by the pressure of theslide.

The incident occurred around 11:00 hrs and residents heard a rumbling sound, before noticing the large quantity of land moving from the top of the hill to the bottom An excavator operator who was at the time working on top of the hill was suspected to be trapped under the aggregates, however Private Contractor, Symon Harry, related that all workers aresafe.

He related that the operators were at the time digging to locate a drain which he believed if found, would have alleviated the w a t e r s i t u a t i o n t h e community has been

experiencing for some time.

“It was a drain I was trying to find, we were getting water probleminthecommunityfor some time, however like he went too close to a pocket of water and that pushed down thewholething,”herelatedto KaieteurNews.

Harry said an artificial pool was constructed on top of the hill as a means of storing water, since the community frequently experiences water shortage.

He said efforts to clear the debris,willbeexecutedbyhis company as well as the reconstruction of the two houses that were destroyed.

“Right now I am trying to get a truck, a front end loader and soforthtocartoffthestuff.”

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer, Dwight Johnsaidanewlyconstructed communityaccessroadwhich wasexecutedbytheRDCwas damagedinthelandslide.The community remains without electricity following the incident as well as is partially inaccessibleatthistime.

The aftermath of the mudslide in Poker Street, Linden

FrapparttomakeWorldCup historyasfirstwomanreferee

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — French referee Stéphanie Frappartwillbecomethefirst woman to take charge of a men’sWorldCupgamewhen she handles Germany vs. Costa Rica today, Thursday inQatar

FIFA also picked two women as assistants to Frappart — Neuza Back of Brazil and Mexico’s Karen Diaz Medina — to complete anall-femalerefereeingteam on the field.

A fourth woman match official FIFA picked for this

World Cup, Kathryn Nesbitt oftheUnitedStates,willalso be working at the Al Bayt Stadium as the offside specialistinthevideoreview team. Two other women, Salima Mukansanga of Rwanda and Yoshimi Yamashita of Japan, are also on the FIFA list to referee gamesinQatar

FIFA made the historic appointments for the 44th of the 64 games being played in Qatar. Frappart previously waspickedforfourthofficial duties. The 38-year-old

Thursday December 01, 2022

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Itwouldseemthatyoursensitivity is in slight conflict withyouractions,Aries.You continue to go through the motions and do what you planned to do, but it seems likeyourheartisn'tinitanymore.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You may have been spendingorsavingtoomuch money,Taurus.It'sclearthat a rebalancing is in order if you'retofindpleasurerather than eternal frustration.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You've been stamping the ground impatiently You're waiting for the moment to jump into new adventures with renewed vigor after your meditation of the last fewmonths.Gemini.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Ifyoufindyourselftiredand irritable now, Cancer, you should know that this is normal.Youmayhavehada fewmonthsthatwerealittle too studious.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

This is going to be a good moment to look elsewhere, Leo. You should do just as the artist does when he has workedonapaintingfortoo long, which is take a step back.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

This is the right moment to extricateyourselffromrelationships that have seen their day, Virgo. This won't be easy, but you must. In your professional and private lives.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You took off like a bullet a fewdaysago,Libra,making great progress in a short amount of time. But now you're grappling with doubtsthatareundermining all your energy

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Thereissomelikelihoodthat thoughts of your love life will haunt you today, Scor pio.Perhapsyou'reintrigued bytheideaofexploringcertainrealmsofyourrelationship that remain secret.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Today more than ever you willyearntoescapefromthe daily routine. You're thirsty for new sights and sounds, new faces and places. However,you'rewellaware that you must juggle your desires.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Finally,you'reonthemend, Capricorn. The minor ailments that have been dragging you down lately are beginning to disappear, and you're about to regain all of your physical energy

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Doyoufeelalittleunderthe weather,Aquarius? It's possible, considering all the emotional turmoil you've been through lately. It takes time to recover from those storms.As you know

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

There is some likelihood that the mood at home is fraught with tension, Pisces. Did you daretoexpresssomecontrary intellectual opinion? In any case, it looks like your selfconfidence .

Frenchwoman has been promoted in the men’s game by European soccer body UEFA and in her home country

She was refereed men’s games in World Cup qualifyingandtheChampions League,andthisyear’smen’s French Cup final. She also took charge of the 2019 Women’sWorldCupfinalfor FIFA.

District 10 holds...

From page 25

EastCoastDemerara(District 4), went on to win the finals in 10.79s. Omar James (District 10) finished second in 11.01s, and Jaheel Cornette (EastBankDemerara)crossed thelinethirdin11.12s.

Raulston Downer, from District15,wassuperbonthe mats during the Boys U20 HighJump,wherehedidwell enough to equal Okemi Porter’s2018recordof1.79m.

National football player MatrimMartin,whoalsoplays with West Demerara League champions,SlingerzFC,showed his class on the track when he wontheBoysU18800mfinals. MartinhailsfromRegion9,but thanks to football he’s based in thecity

The ChaseAcademy student representing District 11 finished the race in two minutes, 4.73s (2:04.73). West Demerara’s Samuel Booker was second (2:05.34), and third place was picked up by Leston Lovell of District 6 (2:07.45).

SimeonSolomonofNorth Georgetown(1:59.73)wonthe BoysU20800m,JordonBagot the Corentyne (2:03.79) was second and Akand Vammaalson (East Coast Demerara finished third (2:05.32). Other notable performances came from Noriann King of Upper Demerara/Kwakwani in the Girls U20 Discus (30.77m) andRanettLiverpoolfromthe New Amsterdam/Canje district, who took the Girls U18 Discus(26.44m).

Australia 1-0 Denmark: Leckie goal sends Socceroos to the knockout stage

SportsMax - Australia advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup after securing a hard-fought 1-0 win over Denmarkyesyerday

MathewLeckie’swinning goal at Al Janoub Stadium meant Tunisia - who drew withFrance-joinedDenmark in exiting the tournament as Graham Arnold’s side went through as Group D runnersup.

TheSocceroos qualifyfor the knockout stage of the

World Cup for only a second time from six tournament appearances, having only previously done so in 2006, andwillnowplaythewinners ofGroupC.

ItishometimeforKasper Hjulmand’smenthough,who disappointed after reaching the Euro 2020 semi-finals, and are now winless in their lastsixWorldCupgames(D4 L2),sincebeatingPeruintheir first game of the 2018 tournament.

Referee assistant Stephanie Frappart of France.(AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Mathew Leckie scored the winning goal at Al Janoub Stadium.

Labuschagne hits 154 as Australia take control against West Indies

AFP Marnus

Labuschagne c r a c k e d a

masterful unbeaten 154 while Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith hit 50s as a dominant Australia took control of the opening Test against the West Indies at PerthStadiumyesterday

The hosts reached an ominous 293-2 at stumps on day one following captain Pat Cummins’ decision to batinhotanddryconditions.

Thetotalwasbuiltoffthe back of a 142-run stand between Labuschagne and

Khawaja, who came together after David Warner was out for five, then an unbeaten142withSmith.

A focused Labuschagne, who survived chances on 75 and 137, brought up his eighth century in his 29th Test and with the in-form Smith unbeaten on 59 the omens are not good for the visitors, who have failed to win aTestinAustraliafor 25 years.

The West Indies bowled with plenty of discipline in front of just 10,929 spectators, but the

chances were few and far between.

After getting the early wicket of Warner for five, they had to toil for hours in the heat to bag another, with Khawaja compiling 65 before edging Kyle Mayers to wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva just before lunch.

Labuschagne and Khawaja came together after Warner fell to young paceman Jayden Seales, and hardly put a foot wrong

They had to work hard

against economical bowling in the opening session of the first Test between the sides for nearly seven years, reaching72-1atlunch.

But they accelerated after the break with Labuschagne bringing up his 50 with a three off Jason Holder

A faultless Khawaja, who has been a rock at the top of the order this year, soon followed, cracking spinner Roston Chase for four and then a single to reach his 18th half-century inhis52ndTest.

Khawaja had scored four Test centuries and reached the 90s twice in the last 12 months, with more glory beckoning

But he was undone by a beautiful delivery from Mayers, which trimmed the outside edge of his bat and was an easy take for Da Silva.

U n d e t e r r e d , Labuschagne powered to three figures from 192 balls, hittingthemilestonewithhis 13thboundary,offSeales.

Smith has reverted to a more orthodox batting style which saw him score 94 and anunbeaten80inAustralia’s recentone-dayseriesagainst England, and he again lookedingoodnick.

The 33 year old was untroubled as he swept to a 37th Test 50, eyeing another century to draw level with the great Donald Bradman on29.

Wearing black armbands to mourn formerWest Indies wicketkeeperDavidMurray, who died last week, the visitors kept Warner and Khawaja in check in the openingovers.

Warner’s first attacking shot saw Seales pulled for a boundaryinthefourthover

But the left hander’s aggressioncosthimnextball as tried to drive a wider delivery only to drag it back ontohisstumps.

The West Indies suffered ablowbeforethematchwith allrounder Raymon Reifer ruled out after picking up a groininjury

They handed a debut to batsman Tagenarine Chanderpaul, the son of retiredgreatShivnarine.

Top ranked Australia made just one change from their last Test against Sri LankainJuly,withspeedster Josh Hazlewood in for spinnerMitchellSwepson.

Scores:Australia 293 for 2(Labuschagne154*,Smith 59*)vsWestIndies.

Kyle Mayers found Usman Khawaja’s outside edge. (Getty Images)

Marnus Labuschagne cracked a masterful unbeaten 154.

Brian Lara handed Tagenarine Chanderpaul his first cap. (Cricket Australia/Getty Images)

Argentina finish top of group with win over Poland, who also advance

NBC Sports - Argentina turned in their best performance thus far at the 2022 World Cup yesterday, beating Poland 2 0 to conclude Group C play and finishtopofthegroupaftera tournament-opening defeat

toSaudiArabia.

Poland (4 points) will join Argentina (6) in the round of 16 by way of their superiorgoaldifference(0to -1) to Mexico (4). For nearly 45 minutes, the tiebreaker in question was fair play points

(yellow and red cards) with the sides matching one another identically at this WorldCup.

ApairofPremierLeague stars — Brighton’s Alexis MacAllisterandManchester City’s Julian Alvarez — got

the goals for Argentina, in a must-win game to reach the knockout rounds for their 17th straight World Cup appearance.

Lionel Messi was denied from the penalty spot in the 38th minute, perhaps delivering a bit of karmic justice following a questionable decision via video review Wojciech Szczesny undoubtedly made contact with Messi’s face as they both went for the ball in the air, but the contact was minimal and the ball had already been headed away

(and out of play) by Messi whenitcame.

The penalty was quite poor — nowhere near the post and at a comfortable height for Szczesny to get a handtoandbatitaway

Poland got to halftime at 0-0 — their desired result after 90 minutes but couldn’t complete the first

60secondsofthesecondhalf before Mac Allister took Nahuel Molina’s cut-back crossthefirsttimeandsoftly guided it just inside the far post.Goalno.2camerightat the midway point of the second half, as Alvarez turned and fired a rocket after receiving the ball from EnzoFernandez.

Alexis Mac Allister celebrate his goal.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi in action with Poland’s Przemyslaw Frankowski. (REUTERS/Pedro Nunes)

Terrence Ali National Open Boxing Championship set for Dec 15-18

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has already confirmed the dates for the return of theTerrence Ali National Open Boxing Championship, which will be taking place at the NationalGymnasium.

December 15 – 18 is pegged as the period for the three-day tournament that is the final event on the Association’s calendar following their return to action.

The tourney was one that also suffered the 3 year hiatus due to the pandemic

S p e a k i n g w i t h President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, he disclosed that the event returns with a historic feat that will see the amateur association presenting cash rewards to the medalists in eachElitecategorybout

“We are doing just like IBA has done: they introduced money in the

World Championship and at theConfederationlevel.

Wearealsotakingthatto mean that we should, at the National level, provide purses for every fighter who wins a medals,” Ninvalle stated.

T h e G B A b o s s anticipates a highly competitive return to the tournament that is expected to feature over 50 fighters from gyms in Berbice, Georgetown, Essequibo and Linden.

GBA recently hosted the L e n n o x B l a c k m o r e

Intermediate Boxing Tournament at the same venue, which saw the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Boxing Gym and the PoliceBoxingGymsharethe title.

That tournament featuredover60boxers.

When the Terrence Ali branded event was last contested, GDF won eight Gold medals to cart off with

theBestGymTitle.

GDF’s Terrence Pool wasvotedBestCoach,while Clairmont Gibson, who won the Lightweight title for GDF, claimed the Best Elite BoxerAward.

2022 Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival begins tonight

On the evening of Thursday, December 1, (tonight) the Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival will bully-off for the sixteenth time.

Born from the idea of Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, who upon visiting Guyana in 2003, met with the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) and encouraged them to stage an annual international hockey festival. Reds, being a huge proponent of sports tourism, thought that the Guyanese sporting bodies needed to do more to attract foreign athletestoourshores.

The GHB took up the challenge and secured the volunteer services of former national hockey players, Troy Hugh Peters, to be the TournamentCoordinator

Eighteen years later, the Festival has grown into one of the premiere indoor hockey events in the region and attracts top club teams and players from the Pan American region. While over the years, the festival has had its challenges and missed years due to renovations at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in 2012 and then again during the restrictive covid 19 times. This year the mighty Queens Park men’s contingent returns to

Flashback! Young

midfielder,

compete in the men’s, veteran over 35s and the Guinness Masters over 45s divisions. The over 35s will be the first foreign side on show as they take on the Antonio’s Hickers at 19:30hrs on the opening night. Trinidad Police make their debut this year with a large male and female contingent. The TT Police men will be on show for the final match of the evening tonight as they take on the recent GTT National Indoor Champions, Bounty GCC.

The police ladies similarly will face local national champs the GBTI GCC Tigers in the TLC ladies divisionat20:10hrs.

The tournament will feature 18 teams which includes 6 foreign teams. In addition, four players from

Canada and two from the USAwillbeonshowasguest players among the local sides, adding to the international flare of the festival. Diamond Mineral Water has been the mainstay of the festival and has been the title sponsor since its inception in 2004. Local f r e i g h t f o r w a r d i n g company, TLC Guyana Inc, which is the sponsor of the women’s division is new to the sport locally, while Guinness,morepopularwith football, has been the welcome sponsor of the Masters division All matches are being played at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and begins at 18:00 hrs t o d a y, 1 5 : 0 0 h r s o n December 2, 13:00hrs on December3and11:00hrson thefinaldayofDecember4.

The GDF Boxing Gym won the Terrence Ali National Open Boxing Championship’s Best Gym award in 2019.

national

Sarah Klautky of the GBTIGCC Tigers, being guarded by Amanda George of George United.

District 10 holds slim lead ahead of District 3

ByRawleToney

Blessed with perfect weather for track and field, athletes soaked up the sun’s energy and produced recordshattering performances yesterday at the National TrackandFieldCentre.

Whenthesunset,andthe

activities ended, District 10 w i l l h e a d i n t o t h e penultimate day of the N a t i o n a l S c h o o l s Championships with a slim leadaheadofWestDemerara (District3).

According to official results,through136eventsat

the country’s lone synthetic track facility, defending c h a m p i o n s U p p e r Demerara/Kwakwani scored 237 points, while West Demeraraison225points.

District 4, East Coast Demerara, sits in the third position with 203 points,

D i s t r i c t 1 5 ( N e w Amsterdam/Canje) with 192 points, District 6, Corentyne 173 points and District 11 in the sixth position with 154 points.

RECORDSTUMBLE!

Records were meant to be broken says the age-old saying, and it was exemplified last evening, especially in the ‘Blue Ribband’ event where some national athletes left their markonthechampionships.

First up, Keliza Smith of District 3 ran 12.03s to not onlywintheGirlsU20100m but also replaces East Georgetown’s Toyan

Raymond’s 2017 record of 12.21s.

Kwashiann Isaacs (Upper Dem Kwakwani) was second, running 13.60s, and Kenisha Green (East Bank Demerara) settled for third(13.83s).

Over in the Boys U20 100m final, West Coast Berbice’s Angus Lynch broke the record in the preliminary round when he finished ahead of the competitionin10.89s.

The record previously belonged to Titus Webster, also from West Coast Berbice(10.94s).

Lynchwentontowinthe

finals in 11 02s, beating Kewsi Tumbler (11.14s) of East Coast Demerara into second place, and District 11’s Wesley Tyndall was third(11.23s).

Not to be outdone, Ezekiel Newton, one of Guyana’s most promising sprinters, stopped the clock in 10.62s in the Prelims of the Boys U18 category to set a new National Schools Championrecord.

He erased former Champion athlete from District10,DanielWilliams’ timeof10:65s,setin2017.

Newtown,representing (Continued on page 21)

Ezekiel Newton (#435) blazing down the track to win the Boys U20 100m final at the National Schools Championships. He also broke the games’ record in the event. (Rawle Toney photo)

Keliza Smith (#366) powering home to win the Girls U20 100m finals and setting a new National Schools Championships record. (Rawle Toney photo) the

This 2019 photo shows Trinidad National striker, Kezia Layne trying to find a path through the GBTI GCC Tigers defence.