Kaieteur News

K/News robbery suspects to remain in jail In the interest of Public Safety at Christmas:

The men accused of carrying out the armed robbery at Kaieteur News' Saffon Street, Charlestown office were on Thursday further remanded to prison untilDecember15,2022.

The Prosecution made partial disclosure of the statements in the case and on the next court date, the remaining evidence will be handedovertotheDefence.

Those on remand are: Ryan Wharton, 33, a former Kaieteur News Research Assistant of R4-574 Canary

S

Georgetown, 35-year-old Joshua Junor, Kaieteur News Security Guard of Middle Road, La Penitence, 25-yearold Ivor Belingie called 'WildLife' of Back Circle, East Ruimveldt, 23-year-old Lemuel Grant, a clerk of Russell Street, Charlestown and 36-year-old Harry Stongster of Hyde Park, Timehri, East Bank Demerara(EBD).

The Defendants appeared virtually before Chief MagistrateAnnMcLennanat

...Chief Magistrate tells Lawyers

the Georgetown Magis trates'Courts.

The Lawyers for Grant, Junor and Stongster renewed theirbailapplicationbutthey were all denied by the Chief Magistrate While the Lawyers contended that their clientsenjoythepresumption of innocence until proven guilty, and that they are entitled to a fair trial in a reasonable time – the Chief Magistrate denied bail

highlighting that in the interest of public safety during this time of t h e year,she will not be granting bail but noted that she will entertain another bail application on the next h e a r i n g w i t h n e w contentions.

On Thursday, the Prosecution also amended the charge to show that the totalvalueoftheitemsstolen (Continued on page 8)

Remanded, Kaieteur News former security guard, Joshua Junor

Remanded, Kevin France

Remanded, former employee of Kaieteur News, Ryan Wharton

Remanded, Collis Haywood

Remanded, Harry Stongster

Remanded, Ivor Belingie called ‘Wildlife’

Remanded, Lemuel Grant

ExxonM pockets to gush with profits in five years

projects

C o r p o r a t i o n a n n o u n c e d yesterdaythatitsinvestments next year will be in the range of US$23B to US$25B. The companysaidmorethan70% ofitsbudgetwillbedeployed in strategic developments in the U S Permian Basin, Guyana, Brazil, and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects around the world.

By 2027, Exxon said its investments will allow its production to grow by 500,000 oil-equivalent barrels per day to 4.2 million

oil-equivalent barrels per day It said more than 50% of the total will come from the keygrowthareasmentioned.

F o r G u y a n a , t h e American oil giant will have at least five major projects—Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two, Payara, Yellowtail and Uaru on stream by 2027 These projects will produce at least one million barrels of oil per day ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek Block will walk away with the lion's share of this production.

Exxon was also keen to

note approximately 90% of itsUpstreaminvestmentsthat bring on new oil and flowing gas production are expected to have returns greater than 10% at prices less than or equal to US$35 per barrel, while also reducing Upstream emissions by 405 0 % t h r o u g h 2 0 3 0 , compared to 2016 levels. Importantly, all of Exxon's sanctioned projects in Guyana carry a US$25US$35 breakeven price range.

The company is therefore expected to be gushing with profits over the next five

years.

The company also announced the expansion of its US$30 billion sharerepurchase programme, which is now up to US$50 billion through 2024. It also recently increased its annual dividend payment for the 40thconsecutiveyear

By year-end 2022, ExxonMobil said it expects to distribute approximately U S $ 3 0 b i l l i o n t o shareholders, including US$15 billion in dividends and us$15 billion in share repurchases.

Exxon was keen to note

British Finance Minister to meet with oil giants to discuss 35% increased windfall tax

ofthewindfalltaxonthe sector

According to Bloomberg, the m e e t i n g w i l l i n c l u d e representatives from oil majors Shell Plc, BPPlc andTotalEnergies SE as well as independents like Harbour Energy Plc and Neptune Energy Group Ltd., according to peoplefamiliarwiththematterwho askednottobeidentified.

Last month Kaieteur News had reportedwhenHunthadannounced the British Government plan to increase the windfall tax on oil and gas operators from the current 25 percent which was announced in May of2022to35percent.

A windfall tax is a one-off tax imposed by a Government on a company, specifically targeting those that benefit from something they were notresponsiblefor Inthisinstance,the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war have sent

oil prices soaring and triggering a cost of living crisis in many countries, includingBritain.Amidthewar,oiland gas companies have been seeing record-shattering profits and as such, many Governments have introduced a windfall tax on the big profits to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis and balancetheireconomy

On Thursday November 17, the

British Finance Minister said, “I have no objection to windfall taxes if they are genuinely about windfall profits caused by unexpected increases in energy crisis.” Hunt then disclosed that the energy profits levy will increase from 25 percent to 35 percent He added that the increase will take effect from January 1, 2023 and last until March2028.

The British Government move for increase windfall tax comes amid British oil and gas giants,likeShellandBP,continue to book record profits this year For the third-quarter of 2022, BP recorded US$8.2 billion for the three months through to the end of September – whereas Shell recorded US$9.45billionforthesameperiod.

The British Government move to further tax oil operators' big profits comes at a time when American oil giant, ExxonMobil subsidiary and its associates are enjoying tax-free profits inGuyana.

thatitsUpstreaminvestments programme as well as its expanded share repurchase programme form part of its five-year plan to drive leadingbusinessoutcomes.

DarrenWoods, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) commented, “We view our success as an 'and' equation, one in which we can produce the energy and products society needs – and – be a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations and also those from other companies.”

He said too that the company remains on track to d e l i v e r a t o t a l o f approximately US$9 billion in structural cost reductions by year-end 2023 versus 2019.

The CEO also noted that Upstream earnings potential isexpectedtodoubleby2027 versus 2019, resulting from investments in high-return, low-cost-of-supplyprojects.

Exxon and its co-venture partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Limited currently have four sanctioned developments on theStabroekBlock.

The Liza Phase One and Phase Two developments are currently operating at their

combined gross production capacity of more than 360,000barrelsofoilperday The third development at Payara is on track to come online at the end of 2023 utilizingtheProsperityFPSO with a production capacity of approximately 220,000 gross barrelsofoilperday

The fourth development, Yellowtail, is expected to come online in 2025, utilizing the ONE GUYANA FPSO with a production capacity of approximately 250,000 gross barrels of oil perday

APlan of Developmentis expected to be submitted to the Government of Guyana before year end for a fifth development, Uaru, which is expected to come online at the end of 2026 with a gross production capacity of approximately 250,000 barrelsofoilperday

TheStabroekBlockis6.6 million acres. ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limitedisoperatorandholds 45 percent interest in the StabroekBlock.

HessGuyanaExploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percentinterest.

Ex x o n M o b i l

…as multi-million dollar investments planned for increased production in Guyana, Brazil, other high-return

ExxonMobil Corporation CEO, Darren Woods

British Finance Minister, Jeremy Hunt is schedule to meet with the North Sea oil and gas producers today to discuss the expansion

British Finance Minister, Jeremy Hunt

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor-In-Chief:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Vice President Bharat Jagdeo must be commended for hisversionofwhatiscaringandcompassionate.Ithastodo with the recently announced 8% pay raise for public servants.

ThefactthattheVicePresidentactuallysparedthetime toshedsomeadditionallightbehindthe8%payincreaseis itself a major development. We hope that it is of things to come, such as his authorising the release of concealed miningcontracts,andthoseoilreportskeptfromGuyanese.

Onthe8%paymove,Dr.Jagdeoassertedthatitcannot beviewedinisolation,butotherfactorsmustbeconsidered, and they all make the 8% raise for public servants much betterthanitlooks.

HepointedtowhattheAPNU+AFCCoalitiondidwith taxes,andhowitdrainedpeople’spockets(includingPublic Servants),andwhichthePPP/CGovernmenthelpedtoundo to the tune of GY$40B. It is factual a hefty sum.What Dr Jagdeoconvenientlyleftoutishowmuchofthedifferenttax eases actually touched the pockets of Public Servants and whether they made any material impact. The minimal resultedforpublicservants.

Further,VicePresidentJagdeomentionedthiscountry’s ‘hugefiscaldeficit’whichisreal.Weagreethatthereissuch adeficit.Butwealsonotethatbillionsinnewdebthavebeen incurred by his own PPP/C Government, some believe accordingtohiscommands,inthelasttwoyears,andwith the national debt ceiling raised to accommodate still more borrowing. This bingeing on debt like credit unconscious consumers contributed heavily to the ‘huge fiscal deficit’. Moreover,westeerDr Jagdeotowherehewishestoavoid. Asignificantpercentageofthenation’sdebtischanneledto aslewofinfrastructureprojects. Theseprojectsaremostly in the hundreds of millions individually and, in aggregate, manybillions.

While the PPP/C Government approved infrastructure projectsraceaheadonsteroids,Guyanesestillhavetoexist day to day and, too often, paycheck to paycheck. The problem with the monthly paychecks of Public Servants is that they are falling well short of what is required for a decent life. They still have to feed their families, clothe them, and house them, with those expenses being only the beginning. NeitherPublicServantsnoranyothercitizenat thebottomoftheeconomicstairwayhaveyetperfectedthe artofeatinginfrastructure,orclothingthemselvesandtheir familieswithbricksorsteelorwood.

Also,weacknowledgeVicePresidentJagdeo’saccuracy inidentifyingthatoilincomeisonthemodestside. Whatwe have difficulty with is his sustained obstinacy towards bringingExxonMobiltothediscussiontableandsqueezing some financial concessions out of it. The new Production SharingAgreement(PSA)termsthatheunveiled,andtobe madeofficial,shouldapplytotheoilprojectsintheStabroek Block waiting for the PPP/C Government’s greenlight. Simplyput,Dr Jagdeo’sapproval.

He has it in his hands to make that difference by extractingtheroyaltyandtaxationratesinhisnewPSAand theVicePresidentknowsinhishead,howmuchthatwould contributetotheoilmoniesthatGuyanaearnmovingfrom modesttothemoremeaningful.

With that in mind, Dr Jagdeo is enlightened enough to knowhowmuchmorecashhisGovernmentcanputintothe hands of poor Guyanese, not just public servants. More billions would be available to give to all those struggling communities he mentioned, all those programs that have happened. Now that we heard from Dr Jagdeo, and we thank him, about how much his Government has done for Guyanese, and how much more than 8%, in reality, Public Servant received, our bottom line is that it is not enough. Moreisneeded,morecanbedone.

He must rebalance his hand and go after ExxonMobil usingdifferentstrategies(approvals),formore,sothatmore canbegiventohurtingandhungryGuyanese. ThePPP/C Government should focus more on people, and less on public works, which disguises many trickeries. Finally, as muchasDr Jagdeomaynothavesaidso,butwishit,8%is not 80%, maybe not even 18% all told, considering eases fromhisGovernment.

Titles to land for Bare Root resident, the Coalition started that process

DEAREDITOR, decades, it predates the after more than 20years” Communities, with Eighty-four residents of Coalition Government’s captured my attention. My responsibility for Housing, Bare Root on the East Coast tenure in Office. Persons immediate reaction was, inApril2019,Icontinuedthe Demerarahavefinallybegun wereallocatedlotsunderthe “this PPP/C regime has no work by my predecessor I receivingtheirTitlestoland, PPP/C government, while SHAME!” I believe Mr recall attending follow-up which they have been they were in office for IrfaanAlishouldbeashamed meetings with thenAttorney occupying for over two twenty-three consecutive to read such a headline, General,Mr BasilWilliams, decades. years, 1992-2015. However, carriedbyanagencyheonce SC, his technical officers

From the images seen, residents of Bare Root did headed, as the Minister of from theAttorney General’s persons were, as expected, not receive Titles to land, to HousingandWater,sincethe office, Registrar of Titles, elated and relieved after give them legal rights to PPP/C Government at that Lands Registry, technical waiting for so many years. ownership during that time FAILED the residents staffers from Central Editor, it is only fair and period. of Bare Root, by denying Housing and Planning befitting that I put this “title AsIbrowsedtheinternet, themtheirtitlesforsolong. Authority, and Guyana distribution” into a headline carried on the Editor, while in Lands and Survey perspective and present the website of the Central opposition the APNU Commission, including FACTS leading up to the Housing and Planning agitated for the issuance of Councilors from the distribution.

Authority, December 2, these titles When the Regional Democratic

T h e B a r e R o o t 2022, captioned, “Promise Coalition took office, action Council, Demerara-Mahaica community has been in delivered, 84 Bare Root was taken Having been Region.Thisandother existence for over two residents receive land titles assigned to the Ministry of (Continuedonpage5)

Why are these foreign institutions allowed to rip-off Guyanese?

DEAREDITOR, informed by the teller that placed on their website or tolaunchaninvestigationso As if the many scandals thereisnowa$1,500charge Facebook page to give that this bank can be held and complaints from attachedtothisserviceifyou citizensaheads-upaboutthis accountable.Whileyou’reat Guyanese about funds do not have an existing nonsensical policy So it, I encourage you to speak missing from their accounts accountwiththem. where exactly were these withstaffaboutthetreatment ( s e e a r t i c l e s Why are these overseas- noticesplaced? they receive, staff allegedly https://www.stabroeknews.c basedinstitutionsallowedto Where are these profits being fired for consulting om/2020/05/26/news/guyan impose such charges on going? Are Guyanese now union representatives, and a/republic-bank-facing- hard-working Guyanese at being left to pay to keep howtheyfeelaboutknowing new-complaints-over- their convenience? Where other regional banks afloat? thatthebankinquestionwill deductions-from-accounts/ arethenoticesaboutthisnew AretheTrinidadandTobago not pay out annual year-end a n d policy? The teller informed holdings doing well? Is the bonuses until sometime in https://guyanatimesgy.com/r me that this policy was put money earned from such a January2023. epublic-banks-visa-debit- into place this week, but I policygoingtowardspaying Thesearethelittlethings cards-hacked/ ) were not waslaterinformedthatthisis to cover the severance that are swept under the rug enough, the Trinidad and somethingthattheystartedat payments for the many staff until it’s too late. Republic Tobago-owned Republic the beginning of the month. that allegedly were and are Bank let me inform you, Bankisatitagain. When I enquired about still to be laid off from contrary to your slogan, you TodayIventuredintothe public notices the teller branches in the twin-island are most definitely not the Camp and Robb Street simplysaid,“Itisoutthere”. republic? What is their oneforme! branch to change a cheque As of today, December 8, justification for this new Sincerely, issued by the bank and was 2022, no notice has been policy? I implore journalists JanellCameron.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips is the latest PPP Afro-Guyanese mouthpiece

DEAREDITOR, they prefer; however, to no evidence of racial courage, weak and selfish. The Prime Minister, allow oneself to be used to discrimination. We want to Mark is used as the MarkPhillip,isbecomingan frustrate the legitimate ask him what percentage of mouthpiece for the PPP increasingly disappointing aspiration of others is a t h e g o v e r n m e n t whenever they need to and embarrassing figure differentmatter procurements contract are counteranAfricanattackon WhenMarkPhillipsdecided For example, Roger obtained byAfro-Guyanese. their most racist behavior that he would submit his Luncheonwassenttodefend In the distribution of cash ManyinsocietyseeMarkas name to be placed on the theobnoxiousandvindictive grants why so many Afro- self-serving and far from ballot as the PPP/C’s Prime racial biases of the PPP Guyanese complaints have being sensible. If he, Mark, Ministerial candidate many u n d e r t h e J a g d e o gone unanswered? Why not weretosimplytellthetruth, Afro-Guyanese were

Administration, and he, asingleAfricanvillagehasa the country might be better disappointed. Luncheon, sounded most properly developed governed,butwiththislevel

Most Afro-Guyanese stupidwhenhehadtostatein marketplace? What is the of incomprehensible could not help feeling publicthatAfricanswerenot level of Afro-Guyanese cowardice,thecountrycould disgusted.Itwasfeltthathe, qualifiedtobeintheForeign participation in the oil and go over a cliff and he would Mark, would reduce himself Service Now to Mark, gas sector? I can go on. In continue to find excuses. If tobecomeasimple“window people knew that he was every single categoryAfro - Mark is at all interested in dresser’. unlikely to change the Guyanese are denied fair how future generations

The behavior of Roger behavior of the PPP and opportunity would see him, he should Luncheon and Sam Hinds, rather than looking like a We are painfully aware begin to act courageously two African professionals, fool he should stay away that Mr Phillips knows but and stand for the truth working in the PPP However, he has decided will not confess since his However, he might not, so Administration served as otherwise and the level of bosses cannot handle the Mark is unlikely to change, examples of the level of disrespect, disgust and truth.Manynon-Africansee henceourconclusion,“Mark subservience required. Each disdain from a cross section Mark as powerless and a willnotmakehis“mark.” person has the right to ofGuyanajustkeeprising. rubber stamp. Africans see Sincerely, support the political party Markclaimsthatthereis him as a man of no moral

Guyanese priorities are in all of the wrong places

DEAREDITOR, Guyanese see benefits from decision that has benefited Mentors usually ask their resources” yet as this country from those those they guide “what are foreign companies declare working for govt. or state your goals and priorities for their up-to-date profits from entities, and the legal the future?” For the poor Guyana. The Ramoutar and professionals who sit back Guyanese it’s time they GrangerGovernmentsdidn’t and watch as untold crimes answer this wisely for their have slogans as they were are committed on this and their family’s sake busy giving away the oil country We only get to People globally are blocks and oil respectively knowhowskillfultheyarein protesting for all issues President Ali is doing law during disputed risking their lives and outreach activities which is elections; many of these families, yet they do it as good, yet blankly saying no professionals should know they will not be bullied, tofightformorefromtheoil their subsidized education robbedordeniedtheirrights. dealwhichshouldbehistop and scholarships came from So, if these protesters were priority the sweat and blood of the protesting to be the richest Parliamentarians, poor they are failing to citizens per capita in the insteadofthemspeakingout represent. world, they would protest for Guyana’s wealth to I went to school from more vigorously to attain benefit their constituents as kindergarten to postthis. So,whyGuyanesewho theirtoppriorityhavechosen secondary in Guyana, no have the chance to achieve instead to be yes-men and teacher, instructor or thisdon’t? Whyisthis?. women to party leadership. professor mentioned

In trying to solve an The Media other than KN anything on the wealth of issue, one must look at the instead of providing Guyana, their first priority root cause, which is those information on Guyana’s was to push students to who lead and influence an wealth as their top priority achieve marks. As Guyana audiencehavefailedtomake have chosen instead to continues to decline, those Guyana’svastwealththetop engageintitfortatracialand who have influence to make priority, choosing instead, political divisiveness a difference watch from the different priorities, starting Fighting for Guyana’s sidelineswithgluedlipsonly with leaders since rightfulshareofitswealthis getting outraged if someone independence whose top notthetoppriorityofnoneof hurt their personal feelings. priority was to manage the following who have Everyday Guyanese Guyanalikeaprofitableand influence on audiences: complain to radio, viable business for the U n i o n s , B u s i n e s s newspaper and to other benefitofthepeoplewithits Associations, Religious sources about their resources, choose to Organizations, Activists, hardships, yet if you ask maintain the strangling hard Sports and Cultural them if they would change lifefromcolonizationonthe Organizations and their vote or hold their party people Burnham said, particularly the Professional accountable, one would “produceorperish”. Organizations and clearly see where their Hoyte, “the economic Associations whose priorities lie and it’s why recovery program ERP will members like to put the Guyana is where it is, and bringhardship”. Jagan“put letters in front and back of poorGuyaneseiswherethey yourshoulderstothewheel”. theirnamestoremindushow are, question is, will their Ali “tighten your belts for much they studied and prioritieseverchange? roughtimesahead”. Jagdeo achieved, I don’t know of Sincerely, “it will be a while before one accounting or financial R.David

Titles to land for Bare Root resident...

Frompage4 persons who were waiting landownersNOW!Thelong similar matters were a high for their title have since wait is Over. To God be the priority for the Coalition. taken eternal rest without glory. Unfortunately, the being given the opportunity

Biometrics helps on the front-end, does not prevent elections fraud on the backend

DEAREDITOR, who was also an election aware, the claim of voter Increasingly since the observer, explaining the fraudonElectionDayisstill 2020 national elections, process of checking voter tobeproven.However,cases membersoftheAPNU-AFC identity at polling stations which were investigated by oppositionhavebeencalling andstating“Itwassafeguard the major newspapers in for the use of biometrics for after safeguard after Guyanahaveturnedouttobe voter identification in order safeguard.Itwasimpossible untrue. tocastavoteinregionaland to cheat…I was positively In the views of all nationalelectionsinGuyana. impressed”. independent observers, both On the other hand, the Atthecloseofvoting,the localandinternational,fraud governingPPPhasshownno t h e n A P N U - A F C didnotoccuratthefront-end interest in moving in this government was all set to of the election process, i.e., direction. swear-in Mr Granger as at the voter identification

In my view, apart from President on the belief that stagepriortovoting.Infact, the fact that implementation the coalition had won the they all agree that fraud was of a robust, secure elections There was no only attempted when the biometrics system could be concern expressed by the declaration of votes for the costly depending on what APNU-AFC team at that last remaining region, features the system will timeaboutvoterfraud. Region 4, was being capture, i.e fingerprint or Fraud was only seen conducted. It seems to me facial recognition or both, during the declaration of thattheproponentsoftheuse andthattheuseofbiometrics results when the Regional of biometrics are may violate the constitution Officer for Region 4 was obfuscating the unproven as was the case with photo observed in plain view by claim of voter fraud with Identity Card for the 1997 local and international actual fraud attempted by elections,biometricswillnot election observers, GECOM staff and are eliminate claims by a losing ambassadorsoftheABCand proposing a solution to a partyofelectoralfraud. EU countries, and party problemthatdidnotexist.

Biometricsisafront-end agents blatantly flouting the Another factor to bear in processtoverifytheidentity established procedure for mind is that biometrics of a voter before the declarationoftheresultsand authentication requires the individualisallowedtovote. presenting fraudulent use of computer technology Inthe2020elections,voting numbers in favour of the AMarch6,2020reportinthe wasobservedbyhundreds,if APNU-AFCcoalition. press stated that then Public notthousands,ofscrutineers After extensive delays Security Minister Khemraj fromeachparty.Inaddition, due to machinations by Ramjattan yesterday (i e there were international GECOM staff followed by threedaysaftertheelections) observers, as well as local court challenges, when said the police expelled two observers from the Private recount was finally allowed Russians and a Libyan Sector Commission, the under the watchful eyes of a national from Guyana on Guyana Public Service teamfromCARICOM,voter Monday on the belief that Unionandothercivilsociety fraud on election day was theywereheretointerferein organizations. Yet there was thenraisedasanissuebythe the electoral process at the no report of fraud on APNU-AFCteam. behestoftheoppositionPPP ElectionDay Withreference Another claim of the According to the report, he tothevotingonElectionDay APNU-AFC team which is also stated that computers, 2020, a clip of a videotape now no longer mentioned tablets, flash drives, and a presented at the current because it was proven number of ‘other things Commission of Inquiry into factuallytobeuntrue,isthat electronic’were seized from theelectionsshowstheHead votescastbymembersofthe them.Further,hewasquoted of the OAS team of Defence Force were not assaying“Wehadtodeport observers, Mr Bruce counted. As far as I am (Continuedonpage6) Golding, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, stating “I have never seen a more transparenteffort”.

On behalf of those to put mechanisms in place

Finally, I would wish to government changed before ofleavingtitledpropertyfor proffer a suggestion to the this could have been theirheirsandbeneficiaries. PPP/C to use our oil wealth completed.

Editor, credit must officials and agencies toendthediscriminationand therefore be given to the mentionedearlier,Itakethis speedy issuing of titles to c a r i n g C o a l i t i o n opportunity to wish the title residents of Angoy’s Government and agencies holders every success, as Avenue, in NewAmsterdam mentioned earlier, for the they are now empowered to and other similar work done to correct this acquire mortgages and or communities,whohavelong egregiousAct of the PPP/C. loans to improve their beenwaiting. Theevidenceisthere. accommodation and quality Yourssincerely,

Iamfairlysurethatsome of life You are REAL AnnetteFerguson

Another clip shows the E u r o p e a n U n i o n Ambassador, Mr Fernando,

Biometrics helps on the front-end...

Frompage5 electronic systems for or unusual, maybe, to be them on elections day after Russians or anybody else to addressed by the early ourintelligencerealisedthat hackinto”. examples of biometric there were some conspiracy To this day, Mr systems used around the to tap into (the) GECOM Ramjattan has not provided nation and the globe”. In (Guyana Elections any proof to validate his Guyana, biometrics would Commission) computer claim and he avoids any not have deterred the system They were mention of this matter His attempted fraud during the immediately deported A claim has since become a declaration of the election fourth one, who was not joke; however, had results. foundathisMarriottroomis computers been used for Instead of pushing ontherunsomewhere…” voter identification, as biometrics to deal with an

On March 11, 2020, it would be the case with the unprovenclaim,Ibelievethe was reported that then PPP use of biometrics, his claim major opposition party Member of Parliament, Ms couldhavegainedcredibility shouldbetakingstepstowin Gail Teixeira dismissed as thereby resulting in serious legitimately the support of ‘comical’ the claim of consequences. the majority of voters so it Russian plot to interfere in In a September 21, 2022 can be truly “a government polls, and in a video on article captioned “US State in waiting” ready to replace PPP/C’s Facebook page she lawmakers look at the current incumbent at the stated, “The count in the biometricsforvoting,sayit’s n e x t e l e c t i o n s . polling station is done just not ready” (Biometrics Unfortunately,itseemstobe manually not electronically, News),JimNashreportsthe alongwayfrombeingready andthestatementsofpollare views of state politicians topursuesuchacourse. verified and tabulated “The fraud committed in Sincerely, manually, so there is no Arkansas is too complex HarryHergash

21 more new COVID-19 cases; 1 in ICU

The Ministry of persons are in institutional thinkingtheyhavetheflu. H e a l t h o n isolationand198personsare Meanwhile, the Minister

T h u r s d a y in home isolation.To date, a reminded that following the disclosedthatwithinthelast total of 70,232 persons have deaths of three persons late 24hours21newCOVID-19 recovered from the deadly November the Ministry cases have been recorded virus. arranged for samples to be taking the total number of Minister of Health, Dr taken to the Caribbean persons infected for Frank Anthony had Public Health Agency Decemberto81. reiterated the call for the (CARPHA) for genetic

TheMinistryreleasedits public to get vaccinated and sequencing. dashboard data and an boosted with one of the “ That’s because we analysis of the data shows COVID-19 vaccines, as want to understand whether that thus far the number of local health authorities are or not which variant is casesrecordedforthemonth seeingaspikeincasesagain. circulating here… whether is almost the same amount “We are again appealing it’sthesametypeofvariants recorded for the month of to the general public to take that are causing deaths October allthenecessaryprecautions amongourpatients.

In October some 89 because over the last two So this is something that persons tested positive for weeks the cases in Guyana wewoulddoroutinelytoget COVID-19 while a total of have been going up and anideaofwhatiscirculating 189 persons tested positive hospitalization has been andwhatweneedtolookout for the virus in November goingup,”hesaidduringhis for,”hehaddisclosed. with three COVID-19 COVID-19 update on Persons are urged to get related deaths. The latest Tuesday Dr Anthony noted vaccinated at any of the dashboard shows that one that the variants of the virus Ministry’s testing sites patient has been admitted to currently circulating mimic located across the country, the COVID-19 Intensive theinfluenzaviruswhichcan and continue to wear their Care Unit (ICU), five lead to persons mistakenly maskswheninpublicspaces.

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Exxon’s fat cats give themselves a 10% raise.

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Guyana’s cheap oil getting them fatter and richer.

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How about giving Guyanese 10% royalty, Exxon?

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Why not agree to pay 10% taxes in new Stabroek Block projects?

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Do something honest for once, Exxon.

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Reverse the robbery, banditry, and other criminality on this country.

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GECOM rules Local Govt. Minister has no power to demarcate boundaries

...postpones Nomination Day for LGE

Guyana'sElectionsBody, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), will sit next Tuesday to decide on the reversal of constitutional boundaries set by the Government for the purpose of Local Government Elections (LGE). During a special meeting yesterday, GECOM Commissioners agreed that the Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall does not have the power to demarcate constituencyboundaries.

GECOMhasalsodecided on addressing issues concerning the Voters List and thus postponed Nomination Day for LGE. Providing an update to this publication, Opposition Commissioner, Vincent Alexander said that it was agreed by all Commissioners

that the Minister does not have the power to demarcate constituency boundaries, “and that whatever changes have been made, is null and void.

Alexander explained that GECOM, as the elections body is responsible for issuing the List of Voters in k e e p i n g w i t h l e g a l constituencies. “So, we can't go ahead and issue a list on a constituency that he (Minister) has created. So, we have to go through our process, approve them and we will have the kinds of mapping on which to issue ourlist.”

Thecurrentsituationtook rise when the Opposition Political Party, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) in a court

matter highlighted that the current List of Electors were extracted from the list for General and Regional elections. They said that the list did not take into consideration the current boundary changes and thus affects the residency requirementforElectors.

Alexander said that since the court case brought the issues to light, GECOM's Chief Elections Officer has already presented proposals on addressing the current setback. The CEO's proposal s u b m i t t e d t h a t t h e APNU+AFC is a major stakeholder in the holding of elections and their concerns must be heard. The CEO noted that the Opposition Party is concerned that members of the public were not provided opportunity to

claim entry onto the constituency Register of Voters and to make objectionstoElectorsintothe constituency's ROV who do notbelongthere.

He said that one of the foremost standards of free andfairelectionsisthatevery citizen is able to vote. In his case, for the elections to be free and fair, all citizens who reach the eligibility

requirement must be able to vote. The CEO has thus proposed to GECOM, a 14 day 'Correction of Registers” exercise that will facilitate claimstothelistforentryinto the ROV, hearing of objections, and correction to incorrectlistingofparticulars amongothers.

Dharamlall had said last month that after extensive c o n s u l t a t i o n s w i t h

Neighbourhood Democratic C o u n c i l s ( N D C s ) , Government officials and regional stakeholders, the boundaries of constituencies for Local Government Elections (LGE) were reverted to what they were in 2016, with some other minor changes being made. He said a number of constituency boundaries had been altered b y t h e A P N U + A F C Coalition Government in 2018, and in some of the constituencies, their boundaries were collapsed or merged, “… just so that supporters of the PPP/C could not have won those constituencies in 2018.” A new date will have to be set for Nomination Day, which was supposed to be held next Monday, December 12. It is unclear how the current issue will affect the LGE date, which is set for March 13, nextyear

KN robbery suspects to remain...

From page 2 from the media entity during the wee hours of October 10, 2022 amounted to over $50 million. The five men were jointly charged for robbery under arms and it is alleged that between October 9, 2022 and October 10, 2022 at Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, while being armed with a dangerous weapon, the Defendants robbed Kaieteur News owned by Glenn Lall of $38.8 million, a Republic Bank cheque valued at $9.1 million, US$9,306, one black .32 Taurus pistol serial number FHS60749 valued $350,000, ammunition valued at $480,000, one firearm case valued at $25,000, two handles valued at $10,000 and six magazines valued at $60,000. The charge also stated that the men allegedly robbed Noel Junor, the other security guard who was on duty of $5000 and Wayne Lyttle, a GraphicArtist, who was also on duty, of one cellular phone valued at $44,000.

The Prosecution then made an application for the matter to be disposed of summarily Thismeansthata request for the matter to be tried at the Magistracy level as opposed to the High Court.

Chief Magistrate McLennan granted the application for the matter to be tried in the Magistrates' Court and as such the charge was re-read to the Defendants who all pleaded

notguilty.

Moreover, Collis Haywood, 40, a Chef of Lot R2-578 Canary Street, Tucville and Kevin France, 35, a Taxi-Driver of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown is the two other suspects who were charged separately for the role they played in the crime.

According to reports, during the wee hours of Monday, October 10, three bandits entered the Kaieteur News office and stole a safe containing millions of dollars along with a firearm andammunition.

Wharton was the first to be arrested While in custody, he reportedly confessed to plotting the crime with Junor who was one of two security guards who were on duty during the commission of the robbery –andseveralothers.

According to police, Wharton and Junor had confessed to planning and carrying out the crime while their accomplices admitted to playing their roles as well.

Wharton and Junor had reportedly been planning to rob the company a while back but had only finalised their scheme the Sunday morningpriortotherobbery They contracted Stongster and Belingie to be their accomplices and borrowed a Toyota Spacio motorcar from Grant to transport them to and from the Kaieteur Newsoffice.

During the wee hours of October 10, they put their plan into motion Junor

turned up for work duties early while Wharton drove the borrowed car with Stongster and Belingie as passengers to the location. Belingieenteredthebuilding and held their accomplice Junor, as well as the other security guard on duty, and thegraphicartistatgunpoint, whileWhartonandStongster headed upstairs of the twostoreybuildingandbrokethe door of the company's AccountsDepartment.

They also broke a drawer, stole petty cash and fetched out the safe which contained the other items that were stolen. The two men loaded it into the car, which was parked just outside the Kaieteur News office,andthenescapedwith Belingie Junor remained and waited until his accomplices were a safe distance away before contacting his superiors to inform them that he and his colleagues had been robbed of cellphones and $5000 cash.

After splitting up the cash at Wharton's home, a sixthsuspect,Haywood,was contacted and given the s t o l e n f i r e a r m a n d ammunition to keep. He reportedly hid them in his backyard.Investigatorswere able to crack the case after individuals were able to identify Wharton as one of thebanditsseeninfootageof the robbery As it relates to France, he was reportedly thesuspectwhoprovidedthe firearm that was used to carryouttherobbery

Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall

THE KINGMAKERS AND CHANGE

Every time a new break that benefits them. political continuity and that Burnham. The introduction conceive and plan a major Leadertakesover They see a new President as theyneednotfeelthreatened of television began with public project. To therefore i n G u y a n a , representing an opportunity by him. It gave him the Burnham. And the move simply dismiss everything

pressure mounts forthemtofeathertheirnests breathingspaceheneededto towards the IMF and World that went before would be on that person to andtheyarenotpleasedwith entrench himself and build Bankdidnotatallstartwith crazy because the country immediately distance thestatusquointermsofthe his power base within the Hoyte.Since1983,Burnham would end up being at a second electoral victory that himself from the previous main political players party and Government so had been sending teams to standstill. he labeled her a private Leader He is told to be his remaining unchanged under that when he was ready to the World Bank and IMF This is something that citizen. The same thing is own man, to do things his anewPresident.Inreality,it rout the Burnham guard, seeking a funding the bourgeois class that happening today There are own way and more is never practical for very few persons were able programme. wishes to control the persons out there who want importantly to make sweeping changes to take tostandinhisway Hoyte should not, Presidency through exerting to see change but the only sweepingchanges. place immediately unless of Over time, Hoyte however, be deprived of the influence needs to change they can envisage is This call in part reflects course the President is effectively dismantled the honour of being credited understand They see the dumping of Jagdeo and the frustration of some courting political failure Burnhamite guard from with the changes that were themselves as kingmakers. everything that concerns withinoursocietyatthepace There is always a period of within the Government, but made under his rule even if Their main strategy is to him. Unfortunately change of progress and the political consolidation when ittookmanyyearsforthisto those changes took root apply pressure on the goes beyond personalities. association of the need to the new President seeks to happen. There is another under Burnham Every incumbent to break with the Those who are plugging for hasten that pace with the ensure his own political reasonwhyitisnotpractical Leader inherits something past because breaking with change must state exactly need for change. The new survival and to establish his for a new Leader to make from his predecessor and the past means that the what specific things they Leader is told that he needs politicalbase. sweeping changes upon Hoyte was not the only one incumbent will be forced to would like to be done to break with his When Hoyte first took assuming the Presidency todoso.Itisnousetryingto rely on them for support. In differently predecessor Hoyte was told over there were many, Thathastodowitheconomic argue as to who should be this way, they will wield (The views expressed in this; Cheddi Jagan was told especially the Americans, continuity Every President given credit. The incumbent greater political influence. this article are those of the thisandJagdeowasnodoubt who were hoping that he respects benefits from the takes the credit for what is When Jagdeo was President author and do not toldthesame. would immediately banish rebound of projects that his achieved under his watch there was a group that he necessarily reflect the Donald Ramotar was the old Burnhamite guard. predecessor would have andtakestheblameforwhat publicly stated wanted him opinions and beliefs of this given the same advice. And This, however, did not implemented Hoyte was goes wrong. It takes about tobreakwithJanetJagan.He n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s already people are saying happen until very late in his credited with changing the three years to negotiate a didnotdosoimmediately In affiliates.) that the new President is Presidency In fact for the course of the economy and new loan and longer to fact it was not until after his doingwellbutneedstomake first years of his Presidency, for its liberalization. But some changes. What they Hoyte surrounded himself those who are familiar with really mean is that he needs with powerful figures from the behind-the-scenes to distance himself from the old Burnham regime, workingsoftheGovernment Jagdeo.Thismaynotbebad including the wife of would relate that the adviceexceptthatitispartof Burnhamwhowaspromoted groundworkformanyofthe a change chorus line that to a Vice-President changes that Hoyte was emerges every time a new immediately upon credited with actually began Presidenttakesoffice. Burnham’sdeath.Thismove under Burnham. The What the “change” was intended to assure the invitation of Foreign chorus wants is not just any party leadership that he, Investors in the mining and break from the past but a Hoyte, would ensure forestry sectors began under

Dem boys seh...

GUYANA LOOKING FUH BONUS FROM EXXON

Dem oil companies mekking good comingdown.Depriceoffoodindemarket money in Guyana. Dem mekking good gone up and while de Minister of money all over de world. So much so dat Agriculture talk dat de country gat enough some Governments imposing windfall tax chickenfuh Christmas,he nah talkinghow on dem. Dat is a higher tax wah countries chicken retailing fuh $100 more per pound doesputpuncompanieswahmekkinsuper- danbefore. profits.

And chicken is poor man meat. Dem

All across Europe, dem Government poor man gan eat chicken fuh Christmas. putting windfall tax fuh prevent dem Anddemgandreamaboutdeoilmoneyand companies from mekking super- profits how one day dem might be able to afford because of de high price to petrol. One duckandturkey countryputa60%windfalltaxpundemoil But dem rich people gat it good. De companies. higherdecostofliving,demoreprofitsdem

Meanwhile in Guyana, we paying dem mekkinbecausedemjustaddingonextrato oilcompaniestax. wahdemdoessell.

But while dem oil companies doing Dem rich people like de oil companies. well,Guyaneseketchindemtail. De more times get hard, de more money Decostoflivingstillhighandnomatter demmekking. wah de Government do, some prices nah Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

SEX APPEAL, THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND HANGING SAVAGE HUMANS

Ihave written it on society instruct me that This is not the law in andhewillspend6years. maker in this this page twice human society has bred perhaps, all countries in the He may even come out county, I take the before, I am writing people who are worse than world. In other countries before6yearsbasedonwhat bold step of making

it again- I will never predatory animals in the when he enters court, thejudgesaid.Iwillcometo an intellectual support the abolition of the jungle.Apersonseesabeast especially the US, and as an that below But here is what argument here. I am deathpenaltyingeneral.The chasing a human and shoots adult, his identity could be thejudgesaidatarrivingat6 submitting the thesis ever come out against these emphasis is on the word, it, then by the same logic, published years She cited the thatalawyerdetainedforten inexplicablesentences? No, “general.” society should execute He committed a brutal sentencing guidelines in the minutes at the police station theydidnotbecausetheyare Pleaseseemycolumnof human beasts Society’s m u r d e r o f t r a g i c Juvenile Offence Act. I here in Guyana while looking for issues in society Sunday,January20,2019,“I taxes should not go to circumstances Sheniza haven’t read the guidelines visitingherclientisoflessa a focus on which brings sex cannotsupportabolitionof supportthesesavagesinjail. KhanBhola,amotheroftwo soIdon’tknowifthejudge’s threat to the rule of and appeal The sex appeal the death penalty in Ihavewrittenonmurder employed this person at her handsweretiedbylaworshe social stability than theory was propounded by general.” I endorse the sentences in many murder businessplaceinCayuni.He hadroomtomanoeuvre. murderers serving six years the famous Guyanese abolition in specific cases. I cases which I think cannot and his friend robbed and If the judge had latitude forviolenthomicides. politicianandlawyer,Ralph could accept sparing the survive public criticism and murderedthewoman. toupthesentence,heshould The Bar Association Ramkarran. death penalty when in a which hardly is replicated Justice Ann Barlow have been given a time picketed the police station Writing in one of his drunken brawl, a person is elsewhere in the world. I assignedhim8years.Please period that involved joined by almost a dozen columns, he directed some murdered. I will not accept come to another such remember at all times that a completion of at least 15 lawyerswhoneversawitfit of these civil society thedeathpenaltyfortreason. unbearablesituation. year of imprisonment in years. There were remarks to picket on anything in this organizations to important Iwillrejectthedeathpenalty A14yearoldofHelena, Guyana’scriminalsystemis by the judge that suggest he country but picket over the situations in Guyana which for murder if the accused Mahaicawascharged,when not actually a year It is 9 could come out before his mundane banality of a should attract their attention was under severe narcotic hewas14formurder Under months.This monster killed six years if there is good lawyer detained by the rather than concentrating on inhalation. theJuvenileOffenceAct,his a mother trying to make a behavior and technical policefortenminutes. episodes, incidents and My studies of human name cannot be revealed. livingtosupportherchildren training was even suggested Of course, there was an violations the focus on whileheisinjail. underlying political current whichbringsthempublicity So this man robbed and of those lawyers who Unfortunately Guyana murderedawomanandmay mashed up the parapet does not hang sadistic comeoutofprisonbeforesix outsidetheEveLearypolice murderers because they are years fully trained in station. all pleading guilty and carpentry or masonry at the Has the Bar Association getting fat in jail with expense of our tax dollars. I evermadeapronouncement taxpayers’money cannot and will not accept on incredibly light sentence

(The views expressed in that Society should not for brutal murders? They this article are those of the acceptthat.Andtoaddinsult can’t because of fear They author and do not to injury, the identity of this have to appear before the necessarily reflect the savage killer cannot be judgetheywriteon. opinions and beliefs of this revealed. Finally, the sex appeal n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s

Where is the Bar lust of certain civil society affiliates.) Association? As an opinion organisations Have they

FrederickKissoon

A billboard of the bold and beautiful (the bad too) Op- Ed:

By GHK Lall

I am prompted to confess recognition of a certain sly cuteness to this latest construction from Exxon for the inspiration of Guyanese. This billboard idea is a slipperybeautyintheGuyana skyline.

Look and learn; learn howmuchExxonhasdone,is doing for Guyanese. In the milk of corporate kindness, there are those lush

p

mouthwatering billions by the hundreds. There are the numbers at key points in flashing, scrolling stars for the natives to be thankful to Exxon for how good it has been to us, the Guyanese people. Exxon's Country Head (spinner and swinger) Alistair Routledge revealed, butalsoconcealed.

Itis,indeed,aboldstroke for Exxon to put this piece of company propaganda before

Drunk Driver jailed for three months, fined

A Berbice man was on Wednesday sentenced to three months in prison and fined $60,000 for driving under the influence of alcohol along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor The convicted drunk Driver, 51-year-old Errol Williams of Lot 50 Fyrish Village, Berbice, Region Six, appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrates' Court where he pleaded guilty to the DUIcharge.

Williams' breath alcohol level exceeded the prescribed limit of .035 BAC.

the Guyanese public. It is further confirmation of the sprawling arrogance of this American corporate superpower that it can concoct and construct such a billboard, and then carry through. Now a billboard towers over us, lowly Guyanese peasants, the handwork of this American Caesar He towers over us, like a colossus, doesn't he? My first concern is about our sovereignty, in that this man Routledge and this company Exxon could come here and have the swaggering audacity to educate us poor folks about how much we o w e E x x o n f o r i t s graciousness to citizens of thisRepublic.

I assert that it cannot be a republic with its own head of state, not when Commanderin-Chief Routledge reigns on the bridge. He infiltrates Guyanese consciousness with his billboard over the Demerara Harbor Bridge for local absorption; he intrudes at our air bridge, (the international airport) to mesmerize incoming foreigners and awestruck locals.

Exxon invades the sovereignty of the Guyanese nation, and assaults the dignity of the Guyanese people. Where is President

GHK Lall

Ali when this abomination of a billboard speaks so poorly of his power? Guyana is President Ali's house, the Harbor Bridge his backyard, and there is this American interloper scorching our sensitivities, profaning our air,oursight,ourspace.

I recall a public consultationaboutoilwhena well-schooled Exxon spokesmanrefusedtoanswer questions from Guyanese a n x i o u s a b o u t t h e environment and money. TheExxonfrontmanpolitely referred all such questions to the Government of Guyana. Why not the same, with this poisoned toad of a billboard, that it as if the PPP G o v e r n m e n t , m y Government, does not exist? Surely, no one-no pundit, no propagandist, no partisan panjandrum-is going to set the record straight, and set me in my place, but positing

thatthePPPGovernmentwas consulted, and that the President had a hand in the presence of that leprosy hanging over our heads, tainting our existence? If the President is the one that is really running this country, I respectfullyurgehimtoorder Routledge and Exxon to remove that monstrosity of a billboard. They are free to install it on the rooftop and front fence of Exxon's headquarters in Guyana. I can live with such a placement. This is President Ali's opening his moment, to show who is boss in this country, who calls the shots here.

Separately, Exxon knows of the disputes surrounding the Wales gas-to-shore project, yet it uncaringly noted in the billboards, viz., thatitisbuildingthepipeline. This is a sly endorsement of the gas-to-shore project, and another provocation conveying to Guyanese that if Exxon is doing so, it must be good for Guyanese. Why not let Guyanese decide for themselves?

I consider that billboard as Exxon's continuing p s y c h o l o g i c a l bombardments, its broadbased warfare, on the Guyanese psyche, with betraying Guyanese endorsing its plunders here. Certainly, there are elements of paper accuracy in those dazzling billboards.

Percentage of royalty and profits areas the contract says.

The billions are in Guyana'sbank.

Those figures have an irresistibleattractiontothem. But it's the scales and warts behind those numbers, in what has been subtracted, through what is hidden, that is where the real flashy stories fester There is US$7.3Bbeingaudited,what accuracies and truths therein? Who is really profiting there, and by how many unknown American billions? How much oil is really being pumped and shipped?

How much gas is being flared into the atmosphere, poisons in our environment, andhowelseisGuyanabeing taken advantage of again, in its unequalled ignorance? How about accurately billboarding those, Mr Routledge?

Maybe Guyana doesn't want to know, but I do. I recommend that Exxon's man on a horseback and a whipinhishandmanufacture a bigger billboard in answer to the questions I ask, and plaster it all over Guyana. Exxon's Country Head should do his homework and know that I know how companies like his operate. He is Exxon's Country Head in Guyana, but not all Guyanese are gullible. Or traitors.

Opposition accuses Police of harassing Carol Joseph

O n We d n e s d a y, APNU+AFC Coalition

Chief Election Scrutineer, Carol Smith-Joseph, received a summons from the Special Organised CrimeUnit(SOCU).

Smith-Joseph received the summon from SOCU, an arm of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) some five days after she filed a lawsuit at the Demerara High Court against the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM), the Chief Elections Officers and the Attorney General, seeking several declarations and orders intended to nullify the preliminary list of electors and give rise to a new Register of Voters, before Local Government Elections(LGE)areheld.

According to the A P N U + A F C , o n

...as Party Chief Scrutineer again summoned by SOCU

In a Press Statement the Coalition condemned SOCU's summons and highlighted that no reason was provided for SmithJoseph being summoned “The summoning of Ms. Smith-Joseph by the Police is a violation of her basic human rights as a lawabidingcitizen.Itisanabuse of Police powers…,” the Coalition said in its statement.

Wednesday their Chief Election Scrutineer was instructedtoreporttoSOCU H e a d q u a r t e r s i n Georgetown, on Friday morning,December9,2022.

When Kaieteur News contacted the Head of SOCU, Faizal Karimbaksh, he declined to comment. Notably, Smith-Joseph is currently before a City Magistrate facing multiple charges related to the 2020 elections.

Carol Smith-Joseph

Drunk driver jailed: Errol Williams

“I panicked, I became very much afraid”

By Rehanna Ramsay

Chairperson of the Guyana elections

C o m m i s s i o n

GECOM, Justice (ret'd)

Claudette Singh recalled feeling very stressed, and overwhelmed by a series of events that plunged the holding March 2, 2020 Regional and General Elections into complete chaos.

Justice Singh was called to the witness stand on Thursday to testify in the Commission of Inquiry established to look into the conduct of the Returning Officer of electoral District No. 4 and other Elections Officers in execution of their tabulation and declaration of vote duty under the relative sections of the RoPA, and whether any attempts were made to prevent 'the declarationofthetrueresults' of votes polled for electoral DistrictFour

T h e G E C O M

Chairperson faced a series of questions as it relate to how sherespondedtothemayhem that followed after the holding of the elections Despite her supervisory role and functions as Chair of GECOM, Justice Singh told the Inquiry being chaired by JusticeoftheAppeal(retired) of Turks and Caicos Stanley John, and include former Chancellor of the Judiciary (Guyana), Carl Singh, and High Court Judge (Belize) and former Justice of Appeal (ag) in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Godfrey P Smith, that she was for the most of time, not informed of the decisions taken by the Officers of the Commission in relation to the outcome of the Regional and General elections.

For instance, the GECOM Chair said that she was in meetings with several of the Commissioners, when she was told Ms Bibi Shadick, a PPP/C nominated Elections Commissioner that Mr Clairmont Mingo, Region Four Returning Officer had diverted from using the Statements of Poll (SOPs) to using spreadsheets in the tabulation process. Justice Singh said that she was talking to the then C a n a d i a n H i g h Commissioner to Guyana, Ms. Lillian Chatterjee, when she learnt that Mr Mingo moved forward with announcing the result of the RegionFourpolls. TheChair said that this was while tabulationprocesswasstillin

process.

“Everyone ran out of the room because this was something unheard of, and nobody thought that would have happened because the counting was going on,” JusticeSinghsaid.

The GECOM Chair was grilled nevertheless by the Commissioners about her response to all that unfolded a t t h e t i m e T h e Commissioners appeared to have a difficulty with Justice Singh's responses. Former Justice of Appeal in the Eastern Caribbean Court, Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith, said that he found Justice Singh's decision to abandon her post at a critical juncture in the elections, “odd.”

S h e h a d t o l d

Commissioners that as the events unfolded, she became seriouslystressed.

She said that she was feeling unwell, locked herself in her room away from everyone and stopped answering her phone “I didn't want to talk to anyone. I needed a minute to process everything and to breathe So I wasn't talking to anyone or taking any calls,” she added. “To say you couldn't be bothered seems odd becauseyouaretheChairand you are in the middle of a very serious situation I simply want to know, at that point did you call other Commissioners, and say look, I am feeling stressed, let's meet together and weather the storm, I am not taking this on my own. Did that occur to you or you just preferred to shut yourself away?”CommissionerSmith questioned.In response, the

G E C O M C h a i r m a n explained, “I felt a little dizzy I wasn't feeling well and there were so many thingsonmymind,andIwas actually shaking, You see with the declaration, there was an injunction filed by Mr Nandlall then against the declaration, and there were so many things on my mind, andIwantedtoknowwhatto do, the next step. So, I just couldn't be bothered with anybody Iwentupthere,just tohaveaquietmoment.”

The retired Judge noted too that she decided to lock herself in the room was against the advice of her security detail, who believed that she should have instead taken a break from the building. She testified that she wanted some quiet time to gather her thoughts. She stressed: “I didn't want to speak with anybody I just wanted time; I felt a little dizzy, and I just wanted to be by myself,” Justice (Ret'd) Singh said, while noting that she didn't know who to trust. She said she also felt overwhelmed with several phone calls to her mobile phones. Those calls came from officials in and out of Guyana, including from the Secretary General of the Commonwealth and a number of local Diplomatic representatives.

The GECOM Chairman said however while she sat in the room, she heard a loud commotion outside. Justice Singh said it sounded as though an angry group was coming up the stairs to break down the door She said, “I heard footsteps and chants, I want the Chairman! I want theChairman!”

She said, “I panicked. I became very much afraid, and I said look, and I dialed Ms Amna Ally [former Government Minister] and I called her because I was afraid for my life; I thought people were coming to harm me…andshetoldmethatshe wouldbecallingsomeone.”

She further detailed that she remained inside until the doorwasforciblyopenedthat she recognised some of the persons on the outside. The GECOM Chairman said that when the door opened she recognised Dr Josh Kanhai, one the political party

candidates and a Police Inspector Singh said “I was relieved that it was not anyone to harm me because Dr Kanhai asked me if I was ok.”

She said that she eventuallyleftthebuilding.

She also testified too that prior to this, she had told the Returning Officer for Region Four (Mingo) that the tabulation should take place from the Statements of Poll and not the spreadsheet. She said that Mingo still attempted to do so The GECOM Chair said there were several hurdles that the

Commissionfacedbeforethe resultscouldbedeclared.

She said following Court action and after the recount, shefacedanotherhurdlewith getting the Chief Elections Officer to present a report with the results from the recount.

The GECOM Chair said she was forced to send him a number of letters, but indicatedthathecouldnotbe disciplined at the time since the entire Commission just wanted the results to be presented, which he eventually did. He was later firedbyGECOM.

Man jailed for 8 years for 2014 shopkeeper murder

A 24-year-old man was on Wednesday sentenced to eightyearsimprisonmentfor the 2014 murder of Bibi ShanezaBholaofLaParfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara(WBD)duringthe courseofarobbery

Nathan Anthony Stoute was sentenced by Justice JoAnn Barlow when he appeared at the Suddie High Court.

Bhola was reportedly killed at her shop located at Rock Creek, Mazaruni River, Region Seven betweenFebruary26and27, 2014.

Stoute was employed at Bhola's shop when he and another co-worker robbed and killed the mother of two at her Mazaruni shop. She was found dead in her bedroom with three stab woundstothestomach.

Bhola also had a gaping

woundto the right side head a l o n g with other injuries A substanti

amount of jewellery and cash were also missing from her shop.Stoute, 16, at the time and his co-worker were reportedly hiding in Suriname. He was nabbed and charged five years later when he returned to Guyana toattendafamilyfunction.

Reports are that on November 9, 2022 during an appearance at the Suddie High Court, Stoute itted that he murdered the 34y e a r - o l d woman.

Bhola's f a m i l y expressed satisfaction thatjusticehas beenserved.

Murdered: Bibi Shaneza Bhola

Jailed: Nathan Anthony Stoute

Exxon locks local Insurers out of multi-billion dollar

projects for next five years

For the next five years, Guyanese I n s u r a n c e Companies will be unable to provide services to cover the massive multi-billion dollar energy projects ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) will soon bringonstream.

Instead, 'a small fee' will be offered to the local company that agrees to 'front' the insurance policy which will cover the US$9B Yellowtail Project offshore Guyana in the Stabroek Block, as well as the more than US$1B Gas- to-Energy project that will land the commodity at a facility in Wales,WestDemerera.

Industry operators say that Exxon has effectively blockedthemfrompartaking in the provision of the insurance policy and is also keeping them out of the deal forthenextfiveyears.Based on the request in the oil c o m p a n y ' s r e c e n t advertisement, the operators say that Exxon has already decided on the terms and conditions of the policy which will be held and controlled overseas, and only wants a local company

to look like it is the one handlingthecoverage.

The advertisement also gives the timeline for the policy, and it shows that the local operator will be fronting for the next five years, a concerned industry memberopined.

“What it says there is thatcoverageisnow inplace and the PI policy-which is the material damage- that that is exiting until January 2026 and that their liabilities

are existing until 2027. In other words, they have shut out the industry completely, not just for now, but for the nextfourtofiveyears.”

The ExxonMobil advertisement under the heading “Duration of C o v e r a g e : P r o g r a m currently in effect, covering period from,” noted that the insurance is from February 1, 2022 to June 30, 2026 for Property Damage (PD) and February 1, 2022 to

December31,2027forThird Party Liability (TPL) and Operator Extra Expense (OEE).

It was explained that since the advertisement is seeking to identify a local fronting company, “it is presumed that the oil company will weigh the responses for the agency willing to work for the least amount of money which is the fronting fee -and that couldonlybeafewthousand

usdollars.

A n d t h e c o u n t r y essentially loses or is unable to capture the real revenue which is the brokage commissions and the premiumitselfandofcourse, ceding commissions which insurers pay We lose a lot, and we have lost a tremendous amount of money over the last five yearseasily.”

The industry operator told the Kaieteur News that this business with Exxon under the current terms will only see the local fronting companyissue“thepaper”,a policy document on terms and conditions set by the overseasplacement.

The local company will have no say or control and will blindly issue the relevant documents directly from the overseas firm. “All decisionswillbemadebythe people overseas… and all commissions, premiums and everything is collected in the backroom by Exxon's overseasbroker.”

With this challenge, the local Insurer said that firms here will have no choice but toacceptwhatisbeinggiven to them by the oil company “Figuringthatthereisnoend

in sight to this thing, every local company will want to through their hat in the ring. Because they're gonna vie now for the meagre fronting fees. It will be like throwing feed to the chicks and watching them fight over it”. He continued that if this matter is not addressed an 'unimaginable' sum of moneywillbelost.

“Millions and millions and millions of US dollars in premiums.” He said when y o u l o o k a t t h e environmental impact risk alone…if you sit down and add up the assets that are sitting out there, all of them has to be insured; every shipmentthatleavesherehas to be insured, every activity has to be insured, every liability has to be insured. But we don't know where that money is going, that's theproblem.

And without the local industry involved the government does not have a yard stick by which to measure what's happening,” the operator warned. It was noted that insurance for the energy sector, is not being discussed enough when there is massive “leakage” takingplace.

High-yielding Brazilian Green Dwarf coconut variety launched in Guyana

the export of coconut and coconut products during the period January to September 2022.AsCARICOMseeksto reducethefoodimportbillby 25% by 2025, with Guyana havingtheleadresponsibility of agriculture in the region, coconut is one of the priority commodities that has been identified for increased production.Alargeportionof the coconut industry engages in the primary processing of coconut. We are working with our private sector counterpart to produce more value-added products,” he noted

ensure it was in a place to tap intothatmarket.

I n d u s t r i e s L i m i t e d , i n collaboration with the Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI), on Wednesday hosted an exercise to launch the Brazilian Green Dwarf coconutvarietyinGuyana.

The first shipment comprising 1,000 seed nuts arrived in Guyana from BrazillastOctoberpavingthe way for intensive research

and product development intended to become a game changer for the local coconut industry, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a press release.

The Brazilian Green Dwarf variety is best known for its high-yielding properties, as well as its high tolerance to attacks from common pests and diseases that usually affect other varieties of coconuts Its m o s t o u t s t a n d i n g characteristic, however, is its

ability to produce a higher volume of water than other varietiescommonlygrownin Guyana. This variety is also saidtoproducewaterthathas a very high sucrose level, making it sweeter than other varieties.

While speaking at the exercise, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said coconut is one of the prioritycommoditiesthathas been identified for increased production. “Approximately $1.5 billion was earned from

The Minister also said, with the international coconutindustryanticipating tremendous growth by 2026, it was critical for Guyana to

“Internationally, the coconut industry is expected to be a USD 30 Billion industry by 2026, therefore it is important for us to set the stage to tap into this market. We will be working to develop industries utilizing four popular bi-products of coconut which include the husk, shell, meat, and water This is why the Ministry has been working to develop coconut nurseries and decentralize the production of coconut seedlings across the country Through close collaboration with CARDI, Hope Estate was able to development of one of its first coconut nurseries under the National Coconut

D e c e n t r a l i z a t i o n P r o g r a m m e T h i s intervention has seen further expansions over the past two years.ThishasledtoGuyana becoming one of the leading producers of coconut seedlings in CARICOM,” he added.

General Manager of Hope Industries Limited, Ricky Roopchand while offeringremarkssaid thatthe introduction of this variety w a s c o n c e p t u a l i s e d following discussions held during the inaugural AgriInvestment Forum and Expo which was held in Guyana last May He further stated that, through support from the Government, and CARDI,HopeEstatewas (Continued on page 22)

$9.6M pick-up handed over to Region 8 to aid fight against malaria

The Government h a s b o o s t e d mobility in the fightagainstmalariawiththe provision of a pick-up vehicle to Region Eight valued at $9.6 million, the Department of Public Informationhasreported.

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony on Tuesday handed over the keys to a brand new 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser pick-up to Region Eight's Vector Control Supervisor, Natalie Griffith, in the Ministry's compound on Brickdam, Georgetown. The Health Minister in brief remarks noted that the close partnership with the 'Global Fund' is a necessary resource inthefightagainstMalaria.

“Over the last couple of years, we have been working very closely with 'Global Fund' to get the necessary resources to help with our Malaria programme.

This is just one example where we were able, through the 'Global Fund' to acquire this vehicle and we will be

sending this vehicle to Region Eight”, hestated.

Meanwhile, Griffith expressed her gratitude on behalfoftheregion.Shesaid it will assist greatly in traversing the challenging terrain.

The Health Ministry's Head of Vector Control (Malaria), Dr Reza NilesRobin shared with the DPI, that the acquisition will enable personnel to finally reach residents in a region that has the second-highest numberofmalariacases.

“We are grateful to the Global Fund along with the Ministry of Health for this vehicle because the terrain is a bit difficult and mobility is veryimportanttous.

The region accounts for thesecondhighestnumberof cases of Malaria that we have, and we are glad that [with the vehicle] the programme will finally be able to reach these hard-toreach areas, where we might or may not have some cases, but at least we want them to

haveaccess,”shesaid.

TheGlobalFundtoFight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, (or simply the G l o b a l F u n d ) is an international financing and partnership organisation that aimsto“attract,leverageand investadditionalresourcesto end the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malariatosupportattainment o f t h e S u s t a i n a b l e

Development Goals established by the United Nations”.

Guyana through the 'Global Fund' was also able to access insecticideimpregnated bed nets. In 2021, the Government was able to donate over 57,000 bed nets to different communities across the country and is continuing to do so, especially in mining communities.

Present at the event was the Coordinator of Health in the Hinterlands, Michael Gouveia and other personnel from the Ministry's Vector Controlprogramme.

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony handing over the new vehicle to Natalie Griffith, Region Eight's Vector Control Supervisor

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, plants one of the Dwarf Coconut seedlings during the exercise

Western Diplomats call on Govt. to do more to root out corruption

No t i n g t h a t

c o r r u p t i o n disproportionate ly impacts the most vulnerable in society, the Western Diplomatic community here has called on the Guyana Government to hold to account those who engage in fraud, bribery, and collusion with criminal elements.

“Governments alone cannot solve this social disease, however - civil society and the private sector must also do their part to work collectively with governments to eradicate corruptionatalllevels.Asthe yeardrawstoaclose,welook forwardtomoreinitiativesby the Guyanese government to address and eventually root out corruption, ” the ambassadors of the United States of America, SarahAnn Lynch; British High Commissioner, Jane Miller; C a n a d i a n H i g h Commissioner, Mark Berman and Ambassador of the European Union, René van Nes said in a joint statement to commemorate I n t e r n a t i o n a l A n t iCorruption Day on the t h occasion of the 20 anniversary of the UN C o n v e n t i o n a g a i n s t Corruption.

The envoys said that combating corruption requires more than robust legislative framework and that the civil society and the private sector “must also do theirparttoworkcollectively with Governments to eradicate corruption at all levels.” The Envoys: U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, British High Commissioner, Jane Miller OBE, Canadian High Commissioner, Mark Berman and European

Union's Ambassador to Guyana, René van Nes said w h i l e t h e G u y a n a Government has held several anti-corruption workshops and developed an anticorruption manual, more needs to be done to 'root out corruption'.

“ A l s o , r e c e n t a m e n d m e n t s t o t h e

Representation of the People Act have been made to try to further promote fair and transparent elections. In addition, the revised Natural Resource Fund Act allows for increased transparency and improved management over Guyana's natural r e s o u r c e w e a l t h Importantly, amendments to Guyana's anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism legislation may clear its path to membership in the prestigious Egmont Group, which facilitates cooperation and intelligence sharing among international financial intelligence units to investigate and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing”, the Diplomats said while applauding the Government forthoseactions.

“However, combatting corruption requires more than a robust legislative framework. In each case where the legal framework allows for best practices, those practices must be implemented for all to see and experience,” the Envoys said while noting that c o r r u p t i o n disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable in society. The Diplomats said that as the year comes to an end, “we look forward to more initiatives by the Guyanese Government to address and eventually root

outcorruption.”

“Guyana's sturdy anticorruption policies together with swift responses to evidence-based cases of corrupt practices will clearly demonstrate to Guyana's citizens, and the rest of the world, that the Government iscommittedtotransparency, a c c o u n t a b i l i t y, a n d responsiveness for the future benefit of all Guyanese, the Diplomatssaid.

Meanwhile, the Joint Statementsaidthatthisyear's

I n t e r n a t i o n a l A n t i -

Corruption Day highlights the crucial link between anticorruption and peace, security, and development. Globally, corruption is a corrosive influence that undermines public faith in institutions resulting in diminished citizen security, stunted economic growth, and a drain on public and privateresources.

“As such, we underscore the importance of ensuring improved accountability,

increased transparency, and thedismantlingofcorruption inallitsformstobuildamore inclusive future for all Governments at all levels, all around the world, should honor their obligation to tackle corruption. At the local level, Governments should commit to anticorruption initiatives in collaboration with the public and private sectors as well as civil society Such cooperation will yield positive outcomes leading to

good governance, a robust civil society, respect for the rule of law and the preservation of human rights norms Strengthening legislative frameworks to deter corrupt practices, promote transparency, and uphold accountability is a key step in addressing corruption,” the statement said International AntiCorruption Day is themed 'UNCAC at 20: Uniting the W o r l d A g a i n s t Corruption'.

…say Officials who take bribes, collude with criminals must be held accountable

High Court throws out applications to block testimonies from elections COI

Justice Damone Younge has dismissed an application by three staffers of the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission seeking to block a summons by the Commissioner of Inquiry (COI)intothe2022elections forthemtoappearbeforethe panel.

Theapplicationwasfiled by Denise Babb-Cummings, Sheferen February and Michelle Miller employees of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) seeking, among other things, a permanent injunction to prevent the Commission of Inquiry(COI)intotheMarch 2020 General and Regional Elections from compelling themtogiveevidence.

The GECOM employees had declined to testify and invoked their right to remain when they appeared before

the commission on earlier thisweek.

Denying all of the orders prayed for, and dismissing the Notice ofApplication by Babb-Cummings, February and Miller, Justice Younge ruled inter alia that the COI into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections is indeed a part of the State pursuant to section 2 of the COIAct.

As such, she determined the injunctive relief claimed against theAttorney General and the COI into the March 2020 General and Regional Election is refused. In any case, the case raised in the Fixed Date Application (FDA) is not appropriate for the grant of a conservatory order,thejudgeruled.

B a b b - C u m m i n g s , February and Miller have b e e n c h a r g e d w i t h

Obstructing justice charge dismissed against former Police Prosecutor

Gonsalves,whowasaccused of ‘ducking’ two sentence warrants in order to obstruct the course of justice, was on Tuesdayfreedofthecharge.

Sergeant Gonsalves, 35, of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, was charged back inApril and was out of self-bail pending the outcomeoftrial.

Gonsalves was on trial before Magistrate Sunil S c a r c e i n t h e D i a m o n d / G r o v e Magistrate’s Court. He had denied the charge which alleges that between July 23, 2020 and November 27, 2021, at Diamond East Bank Demerara,heconspiredwith person(s) unknown; to obstructthecourseofjustice, so as to cause the disappearance or to falsely execute two warrants in favourofVishalMunilall.

After the Prosecution closed its case, Gonsalves’ Lawyer, Bernard DaSilva, made a no case submission to the court. On Tuesday, Magistrate Scarce ruled and upheld the no-case submission and this led to the charge being dismissed against the former Police Prosecutor

Kaieteur News had reported that in December 2021, Vishal Munilall, Deodharry Oodit and others were charged for corrupt

transactionwithanagentand otheroffences.

It was stated that Munilall and Oodit gave information against the Prosecutor for his alleged involvementofthe‘ducking’ of two sentence warrants for Munilall, which was issued by Magistrate, Annette Singh, at the Georgetown Magistrates’Courts.

As such, an investigation was launched, and a video interview was conducted with Prosecutor Gonsalves.

During the interview, it was reported that the Prosecutor did not deny the allegation, however, while being escorted to the Tactical Service Unit (TSU) he admitted to a Senior Officer of his involvement.As such, a file was prepared based on the investigation carried out and sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice. The DPP later s e n t b a c k t h e f i l e r e c o m m e n d i n g t h e Prosecutorbecharged.

conspiracy to defraud the March 2020 Elections, and, on 2nd December 2022, were summoned to give evidence to the COI established by President Irfaan Ali into the March 2022Elections.

In a FDAfiled on the 5th December2022byAttorney, Eusi Anderson, Attorney-atLaw, against the Attorney General (the first named Respondent); and the COI established by President Irfaan Ali into the March 2020 Elections (the second named Respondent), BabbCummings, February and Miller sought several declaratory,andotherorders, including a permanent injunction preventing the COI from compelling the attendance of anyone charged with a criminal offence related to March

2020 Elections; and damagesinexcessofGY$50 million, each, for the breach o f t h e A p p l i c a n t s ’ constitutional rights to due process, a fair trial, and the State’s willful exposure of them to self-incriminatory testimony under risk of compulsionandcontempt.

In response to the Notice of Application, the State through the Office of the Attorney General, Anil Nandlall SC submitted that while the High Court is vestedwithpowertograntan injunction under section 23(1) of the High CourtAct, Chapter 3:02of the Laws of Guyana, sections 16 (6) and 16 (8) of the State Liability and Proceedings Act, Chapter 6:05 of the Laws of Guyana, expressly, and specifically prohibits the High Court from granting

prohibitory or mandatory injunctions against the Respondents in the form of injunctive/coerciveorders.

The Respondents further submitted that the COI into the 2020 General and Regional Elections is a State entity, given that it was established by the President exercising constitutionally granted supreme executive authority, and having activated section 2 of the

Justice Damone Younge

under the Commissions of InquiryActCap19:03,Laws of Guyana. That section provides that “The President [who] may issue a Commission appointing one or more Commissioners and a u t h o r i s i n g s u c h C o m m i s s i o n e r o r Commissioners to inquire into any matter in which an inquirywould,intheopinion of the President, be for the publicwelfare.”

Colombian Investors, Agri. Ministry in talks to establish Palm Oil industry

A team of Colombian Investors on Wednesday met with Agriculture Minister ZulfikarMustaphatodiscuss t h e p o s s i b i l i t y o f establishing a local palm oil industry

The Investors are from Palnorte, a company that owns and operates palm oil millsinColombia.

The Ministry in a Press Release said that though Guyana was once a producer of palm oil, the industry has beendormantformanyyears as no new plantations have beendevelopedindecades.

A c c o r d i n g t o

grandviewresearch.com, the global palm oil market will be valued at US$ 66.44B at the end of 2022 and is expected to increase to US$98 9B by 2030 The marketissaidtobedrivenby exponentially growing demand from the food, beverage, biofuel, energy, personal care, and cosmetics industries, the Ministry of Agriculturesaid.

“An oil palm tree will begin bearing nuts three to four years after it is planted and has a life span of between 25 to 30 years before its production levels

begin to decline,” the media release said Minister Mustapha said that in addition to industry being lucrative, the cultivation of oil palm trees will also contribute to promoting Guyana’s green agenda as the crop when mature is said to capture as much carbon dioxideasarainforesttree.

“One hectare of palm oil i s s a i d t o c o l l e c t approximately 30 tons of carbon dioxide and releases 21 tons of oxygen yearly,” theMinistersaid.

T h e M i n i s t r y o f Agriculture said that the

Government has been working assiduously to advance and diversify Guyana’s agriculture sector in a bid to lower the national foodimportbill.

These efforts are in keeping with CARICOM’s Vision20by2025agenda.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, President Dr IrfaanAli disclosed that he held bilateral discussions that could see Guyana producing coffee and palm oil, while both countries boost their agricultural sectors through mutuallearningandshared

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Payments for immigration other services can now be done via mmg+

Persons can now use a cashless option to pay for a number of services at three agencies associated with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The newly formed partnership between the Ministry and Mobile Money Guyana (mmg+) now allows all mmg+ subscribers to make payments to the Guyana Register Office (GRO) and Immigration Support Services, for various categories of visas and work permits, as well as birth, death, and marriage registrations, GTT said in a Press Release on Thursday.

Tint permits and other transactions processed through the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are also included in the list of available services. Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn hailed the partnership as innovative and transformative, adding that the government is elated to support development for all in Guyana, through meaningful 21-st century solutions. “Our country is at its most exciting

and propitious time, and we cannot fail to raise the quality, level of service, level of customer service, the speed, and quickness of which we provide that service if we want to truly benefit from that which is upon us,” the Minister said.

General Manager at mmg+ Bobita Ram explained that this year, to add to the convenience of mmg+, the company embarked on a journey to make life easy for customers by bringing onboard more service providers to make mmg+ a payment option for everyday transactions. She added that this partnership forms part of that plan. “This transformative solution shortens lines, reduces the amount of physical cash

persons need to carry around, and helps to make services more efficient,” the General Manager said.

The mmg+ app and by extension – your money, stay secure; even if your device is lost. To to-pup your wallet, the company has onboarded almost 900 agents in all Administrative Regions for the subscriber’s convenience. “I want to applaud the Government and its agencies for seeing the necessity of solutions like mmg+ in Guyana and making it an option, giving ease to thousands of persons living here,” Ms. Ram added.

Present at the launch were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr.

Calvin Brutus, Registrar General Mr. Raymon Cummings, Deputy Registrar General Mr. Vishnu Boodhoo, and Head of the Immigration Support Services Ms. Marcia Sealey along with IT and other technical staff of the Ministry and mmg+. Since the pandemic, mmg+ has onboarded and partnered with several stakeholders to help everyone to ‘live life easy’. Some of our most memorable partnerships just this year allow persons to pay for fuel at any Shell-branded Sol Guyana Service Station, Breezepass the tollbooth lines at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, book tickets early for the Parika-Supenaam Ferry and purchase groceries and pharmaceuticals at all Massy Stores locations.

Taliban carry out first public execution since returning to power in Afghanistan

CNN - The Taliban on Wednesday put an alleged murderer to death in the first public execution held in Afghanistan since the Islamist group returned to power.

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Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the man was shot three times by the father of his alleged victim in an execution attended by senior Taliban officials in southwestern Farah province. The man had been accused of stabbing the victim to death in 2017 and stealing a cell phone and

bicycle. The news comes just weeks after the Taliban ordered judges to fully impose their interpretation of Sharia law, including public executions, amputations and flogging – a move that has raised fears of a further deterioration of human rights in the impoverished country.

It is the first public execution since Kabul fell to the Taliban following the withdrawal of US forces from the country in August 2021.

During the Taliban’s earlier period of rule, from 1996 to

2001, public executions were common, as were other violent punishments.

According to the Taliban, the accused had admitted to the killing and the case had been heard by three different courts. Afghanistan’s Supreme Leader Amirul Momineen gave final approval for the execution, the statement said.

The mother of the victim told state-run media agency RTA Pashto that the family had turned down several requests to forgive the alleged killer.

High-yielding Brazilian Green Dwarf ...

From page 18 able to improve its seedling production capacity tremendously over the last two years.

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“Over the last two years with the Government’s support, we’ve expanded the local coconut industry in terms of seedling production. We now have nine seedling nurseries across the country, with the tenth expected to be established soon in Lethem. If these nurseries are operated at full capacity. With the support of CARDI and the EU, by the end of the year, we would’ve acquired some 2,000 Brazilian Green Dwarf seed nuts that will be used for developing plantations

European Union Ambassador to Guyana, H.E. Rene Van-Nes in his remarks said that the coconut sector will also play a role in Guyana’s Green Goal and presents a win-win situation for everyone involved.

“I’m really proud that the European Union is supporting Guyana and the Guyanese farmers to create better livelihoods for all the people involved in the production, processing, and distribution of coconuts and its by-products. The coconut sector in Guyana is contributing to the Green Goal, for example by inter-

cropping, you really make sure that you have more biodiversity, you’ll need less pest control, and you’ll diversify the income from the land. This presents a win-win situation for all those involved,”Ambassador VanNes noted.

An additional shipment containing 1,000 seed nuts is expected to arrive in Guyana before the end of the year. The introduction of the Brazilian Green Dwarf variety will result in the expansion of Guyana’s local genetic diversity adding to the Government’s efforts to further develop its national coconut breeding programme which is expected to commence shortly.

Colombian Investors, Agri. Ministry in talks...

From page 21 opportunities with the President of Guatemala, Alejandro Giammattei Falla at a Central American and Caribbean Summit.

President Ali told Reporters that, “We’re talking about helping us to revitalize, improve coffee production in Guyana (and) other high-

value crops like palm oil.”

Over the last two years, there has been an influx of overseas companies signaling their interest in establishing new industries in Guyana.

Last week, the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Agriculture, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Israeli

company, KARLICO INC., making way for the development of a US$15M hydroponic production system project in Guyana.

The hydroponic project will aid in the production of fresh herbs, lettuce, and other leafy vegetables as well as other high value crops, the Ministry said.

Chinese firms among 14 bidding to resurface Soesdyke-Linden Highway

Fourteen Contractors are competing to be prequalified for the Ministry of Public Works' project to resurface the SoesdykeLinden Highway Five of thosecontractingfirmsareof Chineseorigin.

At the opening of tenders on Wednesday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, it was revealed that the 14 Contractors are Ashoka Buildcon Ltd , Novus Construction & Supply Inc., Namalco Construction Services Limited in joint venture with Guy-America C o n s t r u c t i o n I n c , E n v i r o n m e n t a l & Engineering Solutions Inc., Construction & Industrial Equipment Limited, Junior S a m m y G r o u p o f C o m p a n i e s , B K International Inc , China Harbour Engineering Company Limited(China), MIR-Akhter in joint venture with Hego, China Railway First Group Company Limited(China),ChinaRoad & Bridge Corporation (China), ALYS Construction S A ,Shandong Luqiao G r o u p C o m p a n y Limited(China), and China Railway Construction CaribbeanCompanyLimited (CRCCCL) in joint venture with China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group (CRCBEG).

The Government of Guyana has received financing from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)

to fund the resurfacing project.

Kaieteur News had r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e Government had requested a US$120M loan from the Bank to rehabilitate the highway During a recent visit to Linden in October, PresidentIrfaanAliinformed residents that the loan was approved The SoesdykeLinden Highway connects Region Four to the mining townofLindeninRegion10.

The US$120M loan would now be added to the G$2.6B that was allocated for the project in this year's budget for the rehabilitation of the highway The Public Works Ministry in an advertisement had noted that its Work Services Group (WSG) is responsible for the overall implementation of theproject.

The project entails r e c o n s t r u c t i o n o f approximately 73km of the asphaltic concrete pavement from the Soesdyke junction to the Wismar Bridge in Linden. Key elements of the scope of works include, milling of existing asphalt

surfacecourse,applicationof varying pavement structures above the milled sections of pavement inclusive of asphalt, sand asphalt &/ subbase, full depth pavement reconstruction in certain sections, construction of two roundabouts along the alignment, sidewalk extensions to 9 multi-span bridges, drainage works and utility relocation and installation of roadway lighting.

In March, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had stated at anoutreachinLindenthatthe road was in dire need of repairs. He had explained that while the Government has spent money repairing the road, because of exhaustive use, it has returned to a dilapidated state.

In 2021, the Government spent about $150M to upgrade sections of the roadway as well as drainage works Despite this, followingatriptothemining town, the VP stated that “the highway is in a horrible state… it is in a bad state cominguphere”.

Some sections of the Soesdyke - Linden Highway

Anna Regina boys top Guyana at CSEC

The country's top three performers

Examinations Certificate (CSEC) are from Anna Regina Secondary School whilethetop2022Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination(CAPE)student is from Saraswati Vidya Nakitan.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand made this announcement on Thursday via her Facebook page. She said that Guyana receivedtheofficialresultsof who the country's top performers but is yet to be informed of who has topped the Caribbean at the respectiveexaminations.

“ T h e C a r i b b e a n Examination Council (CXC) has not yet told us who the Region's top students are but we don't have to wait we know who Guyana's top students are. So the best

overall CXC student are all coming from one school, Anna Regina Secondary on the Essequibo Coast,” she said.

She announced on Thursday that the country's top CSEC performer is Uotam Heeralall of Anna Regina Secondary who gained 25 Grade Ones. In second place is Ramoll Baboolall who gained 25 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos, and the third spot is awarded to Daniel Dowding who gained 22 Grade Ones andthreeGradeTwos.

When the preliminary results were announced, it was revealed that it was Baboolall who copped first, Heeralall second and Dowdingthird.

As it relates to CAPE, the country's best overall student at exams isAtishta Seenarine of Saraswati Vidya Nakitan located in Region Three Seenarine gained 18 Grade

… Saraswati Vidya Nakitan girl tops Guyana at CAPE

ones Vish Kistama of Berbice High School (BHS) secured 15 Grade Ones and three GradeTwos copped the secondplace.

The preliminary results had showed that it was Bhedesh Persaud of Queen's

College who copped first placeattheexams.

Minister Manickchand also announced that the information the Ministry received, revealed that the best science students at CSEC for Guyana are

SheridanDyalwhogained15 grade ones and one Grade Two,andLateishaMcArthur who gained 13 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos, both of Queen'sCollege.

No other results were announced by the Minister

but she said, “Please remember these are the best from Guyana, CXC has not yet published who the best overall students are or the best individual subject students are for the Region.”

GPSU seeks clarity on 'typo' in Constitution regarding collective bargaining

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is seeking clarity regarding an apparent'typographical'error in the Constitution regarding the matter of collective bargaining.

The Union said that it would have noticed that where the law speaks to the protection of freedom of assembly, association and demonstration and the right to'collectiveagreements',the law book however describes the engagement as 'collective arguments'.

During a social media interview last month, President of the GPSU, Patrick Yarde had told the public that the Union was concerned about the change ofwordingintheconstitution and brought the matter to the attention of the Parliament for clarification. He said that if citizens were to look at Article 147 (3) of the Constitution, the end of the

sentence says, 'collective arguments'. “I am very sensitive about anything that passes in Parliament about Trade Unions rights, and I can't recall this ever happening, that they have a m e n d e d c o l l e c t i v e agreements to collective a r g u m e n t s i n t h e

C o n s t i t u t i o n , ” t h e

longstanding Trade Unionist said. Yarde said that a letter was therefore written to the Clerk of the National Assembly regarding the change in language. “How did collective agreements change to collective arguments?” he questioned.

“We want to know if it's a genuine error or if people are going to such an extreme to tamper with Trade Union rights.”HesaidArticle147is one of the legislation the Government says gives it the right in its approach to the Union.

GPSU's Dawn Gardener,

told the Kaieteur News yesterday that the Union has since received a reply from the Parliament and was informed that the matter was sent to the Privileges Committee Gardner explained that the Assembly Clerk in his reply noted that “the matter had been sent to the Privileges Committee as they had not recognised the difference until it was broughttotheirattention.”

Gardner said that it appears that none of the Parliamentarians would have observed the change in wording. She said that the Union has also asked for copies of source documents, “andthatishowwewereable to justify that there was an error because they all are different.” Gardener believes there should be no challenge for the matter to be addressed, “because the records are there, all they need to do is correct it,” she

said.

Article 147 (3) is one of the legislations the GPSU is using in its recent legal challenge to the Government to force it to adhere to workers right to collective bargaining. In March, the Union filed the legal suit against the Government for not observing various conventions, laws and regulations that ensure the rights of public service w o r k e r s , a n d m o r e specifically, their right to collective bargaining on wages and salaries. They claim that the Government is treating Public Servants poorly by imposing meagre wage increases and refusing to bargain with their representatives.

Yarde has argued that instead of meeting with Union Representatives for a decent salary increase for public services, they have engaged in a gifting spree,

where some resources are concentrated in more places than others “With oil revenue, the Government is like Father Christmas about the place, giving out money to people who they expect to produce, but the Public Servants who collect the revenue, who look after health care, who are dealing with all the projects in Guyana, and are relied on u p o n t o m a k e t h e

Governments programs a s u c c e s s , ” t h e y a r e suppressed, he said. Yarde said with the handouts c o m i n g f r o m t h e

Government they can afford topayPublicServants“much more”. “People are just quitting and leaving. Over 100 nurses may have left Guyanabynow.”

G P S U s a i d t h a t

Government must adhere to workers' rights. Apart from the court, he said himself and Vice President Gardner will

be again approaching the International Labour Organisation about the issue at hand. He said so far, they have met with an ILO in Trinidad “We are also putting our case to the ILO. At every level that we have stated our position we were notcriticized.”Yardesaidthe Union has in fact been praisedforitsefforts.

GPSU President, Patrick Yarde

The country's best overall science performers at CSEC.

The country's best overall CAPE performers.

The country's best overall CSEC performers. (Photos courtesy, Ministry of Education)

(Photos courtesy, Ministry of Education)

Niece, neighbour 'Aunty Betty' murder: jointly charged for murder

Two persons were on Thursday jointly charged with murder committed on Sumintra Sawh called 'Aunty Betty' and remanded to prison.

The duo Mohammed Ramzan Shaheed called 'Bhajee' a 48-year-old labourer of Loy 132 Section 'D' Bushlot, West Coast Berbice (WCB) and Roshanie Basdeo called 'Mala' , a 37-year-old housewife of Lot 84 'D' Bushlot Village, WCB, were not required to please to the indictable offence when they appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh at the Fort Wellington Magistrates' Court.

Shaheed and Basdeo wereremandedtoprisonuntil December14,2022.

Shaheed, is accused of colluding with Roshanie Basdeo to kill 85-year-old Sawh between November 27 andNovember28,2022.

HetoldInvestigatorsthat he was contracted to kill the elderly woman but denied stabbingher

He had initially denied being involved in Sawh's murder However, on Monday he reportedly told Investigators that he beat her withapieceofwood.

Sawh'sbatteredbodywas found a week ago with stab wounds and head injuries lyinginabloodsoakedbedat her Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice(WCB)home.

An autopsy has since revealed that Sawh was stabbed seven times and sustainedafracturedskull.

The elderly woman's GreatNiece,Basdeo,wasthe first to be arrested for her murder Basdeo had initially told Investigators that two men wearing dark clothing and armed with knives, enteredthehome,tiedherup, killed Sawh and stole $350,000.

Basdeo then changed her storyandinsteadclaimedthat she was part of a plan with Shaheed to rob and kill the BustLotPensioner Theplan was to steal the money she had saved, purchase a scooter, and then take over the house. A wanted bulletin was subsequently issued for Shaheed.

However, her story changed a third time when she told cops that she had murdered her Great Aunt

Man jailed for threatening Head Teacher

A 33-year-old man was on Thursday jailed for three months and fined $75,000 for cursing and threatening the Head Teacher of Strathspey Primary School, located on the EastCoastofDemerara(ECD).

The man identified as Satrohan Khemraj of Coldigen Squatting Area, ECD appeared at the Vigilance Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore and was charged with three offences. He was charged with abusive language, disorderly behaviour and threateninglanguage.

ThecourtheardthatKhemrajhadentered the school on Wednesday and began cursing the Headmistress over a misunderstanding. Khemraj reportedly pleaded guilty to the chargesandwasfined$75,000andsentenced tothreemonthsinjail.

alone.

She claimed that she had battered the woman to death with a hammer and wood after Sawh accused her of stealing her money She said she discarded the murder weaponsinapitlatrine.

C o p s r e p o r t e d l y recovered the suspected murder weapons and a blood stainednightgown.

Police were still looking for Shaheed despite Basdeo's thirdconfessionanduponhis arrest last Saturday, he confessed that Basdeo asked him to kill the woman because she wanted the house Basdeo reportedly promised him payment after theactandheagreed.

To execute the plan, the man said he started by consuming white rum on his verandah and at around midnight he ventured to Sawh's house where he

picked up the wood and enteredthehousethroughthe door that was left open for him.

Shaheed said that entered Sawh's room and dealt her several lashes to her head until the elderly woman started groaning with pain. He threw the wood into the hallway before leaving the victim'shome.

The man alleged that he went home and continued drinking before retiring to bed.Around04:00hrs,hewas

awokentoscreamsof“Thief! Thief!”coming from Sawh's GreatNiece.

AccordingtoShaheed,he subsequently got up, took a bath, shaved, locked up his house and left the area on his bicycle. He reportedly told investigators that he left after Basdeo did not have the moneytopayhim.

He said he stayed at various friends' and relatives' homes before his return on Monday when he was arrested.

Roshanie Basdeo Mohammed Ramzan Shaheed

Jailed for threatening a Head Teacher, Satrohan Khemraj.

Raheem Sterling to return to Qatar for England v France

(BBC Sport) - England winger Raheem Sterling is to return to Qatar before Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against France.

The Chelsea player, 28, flew back to England on Sunday following a break-in at his family home in Surrey.

Sterling’s spokesperson said he left the England camp to “prioritise the wellbeing” of his three young children.

He missed England’s 3-0 win over Senegal in the last

16, but is expected to rejoin the squad in Al Wakrah on Friday, 9 December.

Sterling, who has 81 international caps, scored for England in a 6-2 win against Iran in their opening game at the World Cup.

He also started the goalless draw against the United States before being an unused substitute in the 3-0 win against Wales that saw England qualify for the knockout stages as group

winners. His representative had said Sterling’s family was at home on Saturday when there were “armed intruders”.

The former Liverpool and Manchester City forward was said to be “shaken” and concerned for the wellbeing of his children.

In a statement Surrey police said they were investigating a report of a burglary after the occupants of the house returned to find jewellery and watches had

been taken, but that no threats of violence were involved.

On Wednesday, the police said they are not linking the case to another attempted burglary in the same village. No arrests have been made yet in relation to the break-in at Sterling’s home.

The Football Association is yet to reveal exactly what it was told about the incident before Sterling’s departure.

GCB announces U-13 team...

Friday December 09, 2022

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

You're feeling especially loving, attractive, and romantic, so romance is likely to be on your mind. Romantic novels and movies could seem especially appealing. If you're currently involved.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

An increased level of ESP and imagination could have you feeling more creative and artistic. You might want to channel this energy into writing, painting, or adding touches to your living room.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

An attractive neighbor with whom you seem to share a bond could become a friend. A group you're affiliated with could be expressing highly idealized goals and purposes.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Dreams of a new career could fill your mind today, perhaps because of too much stress in your current one. You might even think of becoming a movie star.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Spiritual goals may be at the top of your priority list now, Leo. You may be looking for online metaphysical seminars or meditation workshops, perhaps taking place in a distant state or foreign country.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Lovely dreams could spark your imagination and get your artistic abilities going. You could learn a lot about yourself and whatever has been limiting you. Write down whatever comes your way.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

A new friend could arrive today, Libra. You're probably going to like this person very much. He or she probably shares many of your interests. You could become close friends.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

If you've been thinking about a job change or even a new career, a chance interaction could provide the opportunity. However, Scorpio, remember, "If something seems too good to be true.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

A journey by air to a distant place might be on your mind, though you might not make it for a long time. Knowledge is important to you, and you can be insatiably curious. This is likely to be one of those days.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

The desire to beautify your home could hit you full force today, Capricorn. Perhaps you're expecting future visitors or house guests and want to make a good impression.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

A new neighbor could arrive who you feel especially drawn to, Aquarius. You might have high hopes for a friendship with this person. He or she may seem especially congenial and share a lot of your interests.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You could be feeling especially sociable today. Maybe there's a virtual party of some kind you want to be invited to. You could hear some good news, and there is probably some truth to it,.

From page 29 Fredericks, scoring a century and fifty in the tournament. Guyana Under-13 Team: Brandon Henry (Captain), Richard Ramdeholl (Vice-Captain), Ravid Fredericks, Ethan Silas, Lamar Seecharan, Mohamed Balle, KhushSeegobin, Nathaniel Ramsammy, Makai Dowlin, RayazLatiff, TameshwarDeonandan, Raffel Mc Kenzie, Darrius Pearson, Thierry Davis, Leon Ready, and ArifMarimutoo. Coach: LathmanYadram, Manager: Rayon Da Costa. Trinidad and Tobago Under13 Team: Zakariyya Mohammed (Captain/Wicket Keeper), Mikaeel Ali (Vicecaptain), Brian Harricharan, Shaan Ramtahal, Reyad Jerome, Roberto Badree, Ethan Ramcharan, Ra’ed AliKhan, Sameer Ramdath, Zion Phillip, Abdiel Boland, Tyler Ramroop, Aaden Owen and Jordan Julien.

Asst. Coach – Brent Francis, Coach – Kenneth Samuel, Asst. Manager – Azard Mohammed, Manager- Peter Padmore (This is an official release from the GCB)

NATI, MTI advance...

From page 31 (93 – 55), thanks to a dominating performance from Shannon Wilson, who poured in double-double (32 points, 15 rebounds).

Marvin Mars (25 points, 12 rebounds) and Kurvin Mars (15 points, seven rebounds) were other top performers for MTI in their commanding win.

Vivian Bowling led his team with 18 points in the loss for GSA.

The tournament will conclude on Sunday, sponsored by ExxonMobil (Guyana) and the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Allicock calls on

From page 33 defence, including President Irfaan Ali, who even mentioned that the Government of Guyana must play a helping hand in supporting any national team.

Meanwhile, following the Opposition’s use of Allicock as an example in their effort to question Minister Ramson’s handling of Sports in Guyana, the Youth Commonwealth Games Silver medallist came out swinging. According to Allicock, “let me also clarify once again that my previous public statement had nothing to do with the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport but had to do with the Sports Associations.” “I issued a subsequent statement imme-

diately thereafter stating that I have ALWAYS had the support of the Office of the President and the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, and I expressed my gratitude for that support,” Allicock said.

The boxer, while calling on the Opposition to “to leave me out of their drama,” lauded the Ministry, pointing out that “this Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport has been the most active, supportive, effective and visionary that this country has ever seen. Anyone who does not say that is lying to themselves.” Allicock expressed gratitude to President Ali and Minister Ramson for what he calls, “all the tremendous work they have been doing.”

Labuschagne displaces Root to become No. 1 Test batter

(Cricinfo)-Labuschagne scored 204 and 104* in Perth, becoming just the eighth player to record a century and a double-ton in thesameTest.

The knocks gave him 50 rating points, helping him regain his position at the top of the rankings table for the first time since June this year

He rises to 935 rating points, just one behind his previous best of 936 Anothersolidshowinginthe second Test, starting tomorrow, can well take him past the likes of Virat Kohli and Viv Richards, who have all-timehighsof937and938 respectively.

Root, with scores of 23 and 73 in the run-fest in Rawalpindi, did not just lose his place at the top - he dropped three places to fourth position, with Steven Smith and Babar Azam in s e c o n d a n d t h i r d

respectively Smith hit an unbeaten 200 and 20 against West Indies, while Babar got 136and4inRawalpindi.

On the bowling front, James Anderson zoomed into the top three after snaring five wickets on a tough bowling track in Rawalpindi His bowling partner, Ollie Robinson, the Player of the Match for his own match haul of five, jumped seven spots to enter thetoptenineighthposition.

Pat Cummins continues to lead the charts, but that could change with the Australia captain set to miss the second Test against West Indiesduetoaquadstrain.

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite is back in the top 20 among batters after scores of 64 and 110 against Australia, while Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique moved up five placesto15thwith114and6 againstEngland.

Edghill,HolderattendPanAmSports...

From page 31 athletes through various programmes inclusive of theOlympicSolidarity

The constitution of the athletes’ commission was drafted by the steering committee in 2020 and

consists of Tiffany S o l o m o n , R o n d e l McArthur, and Joshua Griffith The affiliated nationalfederationsinApril were invited to serve on the body, with six federations eventually responding, and

nominating 12 athletes to join the previously established steering committee.

E d g h i l l i s t h e Commission’s Chairperson and Griffith is ViceChairperson.

Marnus Labuschagne scored a total of 308runs in the opening Test against West Indies. (Associated Press)

Griner’s Olympic coach calls for compassion as WNBA star released

(Reuters) - Brittney Griner’s Olympic coach Dawn Staley called for compassionastheeight-time Wo m e n ’s N a t i o n a l Basketball Association (WNBA) All-Star was released from Russian detentiononThursday.

Staley, who led the United States to gold at the Tokyo Games and was assistant coach in 2016, was among those calling for Griner’s release after she was first detained in February Griner pleaded guilty to charges of possessing and smuggling illegal drugs but insisted she had made an “honest mistake” and on Thursday U.S. President Joe Biden announcedherrelease.

“It’s been hard,” Staley told Reuters. “I hope she felt lifted, lifted in prayer, lifted in friendship, lifted in our basketballcommunity.”

U S R e p u b l i c a n lawmakershavebeencritical of the deal in exchange for Russian citizen Viktor Bout,

a former arms dealer, as it leaves behind Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine who is serving 16 years on espionage charges, which he denies.

Staley, a Basketball Hall of Famer who is head coach of the South Carolina women’s collegiate team, said the basketball community would continue to advocate for Americans wrongfully detained in Russiaandelsewhere.

“We thought Brittney’s star power would probably bring, you know, her and someoneelsehome.Andthat justdidn’thappen,”shesaid. “But you got to take the deal that’s on the table to bring oneofushome.”

“She’s always been a greatteammate,”saidStaley “Very professional, very cordial, incredibly funny And she’s just been great to bearound.”

She also called on critics to show empathy for Griner’sfamilyandfriends.

“Imagine your loved one being in that position,” she said “You will want anything to be done to bring yourlovedoneshome.”

GCB announces U-13 team for inaugural bilateral series against T&T

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) announced the National Under-13 team to play in the Bilateral series (GoodWill series), starting on Sunday, December 11, 2022, from 10:00 to 16:15 hours, at the Guyana N a t i o n a l S t a d i u m , Providence.

The series includes four (4) One-Day, 40-Overs matches against the touring Trinidad and Tobago Under13 team.All matches will be played at the Guyana N a t i o n a l S t a d i u m , Providence, from 10:00 hours.

The schedule for the games is as follows; Sunday, December 11, 2022, Tuesday, December 13, 2022; Thursday, December 15, 2022; and Saturday, December 17, 2022 All matches will be livestreamed on the Guyana Cricket Board Facebook page.

Both Presidents of the respective Territorial Boards haveexpresseddelightinthe conduct of the tournament, which they indicated allows the young players to be appropriately exposed at an

early age. President Singh said,“Werecognizetheneed for children to develop their art, bowling, batting, and fielding in a fun-related manner However, we strongly believe that players in the Under-13 age group can begin to challenge their minds a bit more than is currently being done Learning cricket techniques is good, but executing the respective skills in competitive environments will set the players on a greater path to success.” He also indicated that he hopes such an initiative will pave thewayforaregionalUnder13 Tournament The Bilateral/Goodwill series

announced by the Guyana Cricket Board is the region’s first-ever National Under-13 series.

The touring Trinidad and Tobago Under-13 team arrives in Guyana on Friday, December 9, 2022, and will be led by Zakariyya Mohammed,withMikaelAli as vice-captain. The GCB’s Chairman of the Junior Selection Committee,Andre Percival,led the selection of the national Under-13 team following a series of trial matches recently played at the National Gymnasium. These matches were arranged following the cancellation of the inaugural GCBUnder-13One-Day40Overs Inter-County Tournament scheduled for the Everest Cricket Club ground in early December 2022.

Demerara’s Under-13 Captain, Brandon Henry, will lead the Guyana Under1 3 t e a m , w h i l e Berbice’sUnder-13 Captain, Richard Ramdeholl, will serveashisdeputy Theteam also includes exciting openingbatsman,Ravid

Staley watched Griner grow from a first overall WNBAdraft pick in 2013 to oneofthedominantforcesin the league and an American super star who collected two World Cup golds on top of herOlympictitles.

Brittney Griner of the United States in action with Monica Okoye of Japan. (Reuters)

Brandon Henry

Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal deny that captain threatened to leave World Cup squad

Portuguese Football

Federation (FPF) has denied that Cristiano Ronaldo threatenedtoleavetheWorld Cup.

Portuguese publication Record claims the forward, 37, made the threat after being told he would not start their last-16 game against Switzerland.

In the previous game against South Korea, the Portugal captain reacted angrily when he was substituted.

The FPF said: “At no time did Cristiano Ronaldo threatentoleavethenational team during the stay in Qatar.”

Ronaldo left Manchester United by mutual agreement before Portugal’sWorld Cup opener after a controversial interview in which the fivetime Ballon d’Or winner criticisedtheclub.

Ronaldo was substituted off the field in both of Portugal’s opening games and coach Fernando Santos said he “didn’t like” Ronaldo’s reaction when he was again replaced during the 2-1 group defeat by SouthKorea.

Goncalo Ramos started instead of Ronaldo against Switzerlandandthe21-yearold scored a hat-trick in the 6-1victory

Ronaldo, who is Portugal’s most-capped player (195) and all-time leading goalscorer (118), was used as a late substitute in that game but, afterwards left the field while his teammateswerestillcelebrating.

“Cristiano Ronaldo builds up a unique track record every day at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected,” added the FPF

“ T h e d e g r e e o f dedicationoftheplayermost capped by Portugal was again demonstrated - if necessary - in the victory against Switzerland, in the round of 16 of the 2022 WorldCup.”

PortugalfaceMoroccoin the quarter-finals on Saturday(15:00GMT).

Ronaldo did not train with the other substitutes after Wednesday’s game, instead taking part in a gym session alongside those that startedagainstSwitzerland.

After the FPF statement was released on Thursday, Ronaldo tweeted: “A group too close to be broken by outside forces. A nation too brave to let itself be f r i g h t e n e d b y a n y adversary.”

“A team in the truest senseoftheword,whichwill fight for the dream until the end.Believewithus.”

West

Indies name

squad for inaugural ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies’(CWI) Selection Panel today named the 15-member West Indies Women’s Under 19s Rising Stars squad for the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in South Africa in January 2023.The squad will again be led by batting all-rounder Ashmini Munisar who captained the team on their tours to the USA inAugustandlastmonthinIndia.

Lead Selector Mrs. Ann Browne-John said:“TheUnder19girlsT20WorldCupwill be an historic event being the first of its kind in women’s international cricket In preparation for this the team embarked on tours of the USA and the recent Tri Series in India against the hosts and New Zealand. These series have identified some competent up and coming batters like Djenaba Joseph, Shunelle Sawh and Trishan Holder who are showing potential to transition to a higher level. We also had excellent performances from the two main spinners, captainAshmini MunisarandShaliniSamaroo.”

She added: “We’ve held training camps over the past few months and the preparation will culminate with a final camp to be held in Antigua this month This international exposure would no doubt be extremely beneficial, not only to this group of players, but also serve as an investment and feeder group into the senior West Indies Women’s setup.”

Captain Ashmini Munisar expressed her happinessinbeingselectedtoleadthesquad, “It is every cricketer’s dream to play for their countryletalonebeabletocaptaintheirteam, it is an immense honour that I get to do it at this historic inaugural ICC Women’s U19 World Cup. We have been playing together forthepastfewmonthsandalltheplayersare gelling and progressing quite nicely and we’re all excited to represent the West Indies.” The ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup will feature 41 matches be played from 14 to 29 January in SouthAfrica.The official warm-up matches will be from 9 to 11 January The 16 participating teams will play in four groups in the preliminary round.West IndieshavebeendrawninGroupCalongside

NewZealand,Ireland,andIndonesia.

WEST INDIES WOMEN UNDER 19s RISING STARS SQUAD:Ashmini Munisar (captain), Asabi Callendar, Jahzara Claxton, Naijanni Cumberbatch, Earnisha Fontaine, JannilleaGlasgow,RealannaGrimmond, Trishan Holder, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, K D Jazz Mitchell, Shalini Samaroo, ShunelleSawh,LenaScottandAbiniStJean.

GROUPS

Group A: Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,USA

Group B: England, Pakistan, Rwanda, Zimbabwe

Group C: Indonesia, Ireland, New Zealand,WestIndies

Group D: India, Scotland, South Africa, UAE GROUP C - WEST INDIES

MATCH SCHEDULE

Sunday January 15: vs Ireland at NW University,Potchefstroom

Tuesday January 17: vs Indonesia at NW University,Potchefstroom

Thursday January 19: vs New Zealand, JBMarksOval,Potchefstroom

(BBC Sport) - The

Ronaldo was substituted off the field in both of Portugal’s opening games.

Guyanese Realanna Grimmond

NATI, MTI advance at YBG Tertiary B/Ball tournament

Part of the YBG Tertiary knockout basketball championship opening night action.

N e w A m s t e r d a m

Technical Institute (NATI) and Mahaicony Technical Institute (MTI) will march on in the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) Tertiary Knockout basketball t o u r n a m e n t T h e Championship bounced off Wednesday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and will bring the curtains downonanotherexceptional

year of events and programmesforYBG.

In the opening match of the tournament, NATI got the better of their rivals, Linden Technical Institute (LTI)64–50.

The Region 6 technical institution had an all-round team performance, fuelled by a team-high 16 points from Charles Williams, who also had seven rebounds and

threestealsonthenight.

Qwesi Joseph (15) and Lavar Simon (14) were the other standout performers for NATI. Jamol Semple hadagame-high18pointsin LTI’s defeat. Colin Phillips chipped in with 16 points in the loss. In the second fixture, MTI trampled the G u y a n a S c h o o l o f Agricultureby38points (Continued on page 25)

Edghill, Holder attend Pan Am Sports Athletes Forum in Mexico

Last weekend, two members Guyana Athletes’ Commission, Table Tennis star Chelsea Edghill and National Sprinter Noelex Holder, attended the third Pan Am Sports Athletes ForuminCancun,Mexico.

The three-day forum served as an educational opportunity to help athletes on their journey as competing athletes and more importantly their lives after competition.

According to a release from the Commission, the forum served to also discuss key areas in athlete development, where the topics of Mental Health, Entrepreneurship, Branding (Personal and Commercial) and access to experts, role models and access to learning materials and funding for Athlete Commissions. “We would liketoextendourgratitudeto P a n A m S p o r t s , f o r organizing such an interesting and inspiring forum which allows us to return to our Athlete

Commissions with a renewed sense of activism a n d p a s s i o n , ” t h e Commission said in a statement.

TheythankedtheGuyana Olympic Association (GOA) for affording them the opportunity “to learn and growasaCommissionandas individuals who are passionate about the development of sports in Guyana and the advocacy of athletes.” In May, the GOA announced the formation of the Athletes Commission, which comprised 15 athletes that have represented

Themissionstatementof the commission is to ensure that the viewpoints of the athletes are central to the decisions of the GOA, as well as serve as an integral linkbetweenthecompetitors andtheassociation.

They are also mandated to support and lobby for increased participation of Guyanese

West Indies Women name squad for 3rd CG United ODI against England

ST JOHN’S, Antigua –

The Cricket West Indies (CWI)SelectionPaneltoday named a 14-member squad for the third and final CG U n i t e d O n e D a y International (ODI) against England Women on 9 December at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. There is one change to the 14-member squad from the first two matches, as Karishma Ramharack has been replaced by Kyshona Knight.

Lead Selector Ann Browne-John said: “The 3rd and final ODI will be important in the overall landscape of the Series Although England has already won the series, this final match will give the batters an opportunity to get some much-needed time at the crease before the start of the T20 International series onSunday

Thebattinghasnotcome through as we would want it but there are many experienced batters in the

team, who with the right applicationcanproduce.”

Browne-John added: “It’s unfortunate that Karishma has missed out on this series as we believe she is a vital component in our bowling attack but the return of Kyshona Knight will help bolster our batting lineup, as we seek a win in this final matchoftheCGUnitedODI series.”

The third CG United ODI in Antigua will be free for local and visiting fans as it falls on V.C. Bird Day, a national holiday in Antigua andisbeingsupportedbythe Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

Fans who purchase tickets will receive their tickets securely into their online Windies Tickets account to save to their mobiledeviceorprintoutfor presentation at the stadium, avoidingtheneedtoqueueat ortraveltothestadiumticket offices.Ticketofficesateach venue will be open on the dayofeachmatch.

All matches will be

available to view in theWest Indies live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel as well as on the ESPN Play app. Fans in the UK will be able to view on BT Sport with fans based in the USA abletowatchliveonESPN+.

Hayley Matthews (Captain), Shakera Selman (Vice Captain), Aaliyah A l l e y n e , S h e m a i n e Campbelle, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika G a j n a b i , S h e n e t a Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Chedean Nation, Kaysia Schultz and Rashada Williams.

MATCH SCHEDULE

CGUnitedODISeries

Friday, 9 December: 3rd CGUnitedODIatSirVivian Richards Stadium– 2pm Eastern Caribbean/1pm Jamaica

T20ISeries

Sunday, 11 December: 1stT20I,SirVivianRichards Stadium, 6pm Eastern Caribbean/5pmJamaica

W e d n e s d a y , 1 4 December: 2nd T20I,

Kensington Oval, Barbados, 6pm Eastern Caribbean/5pm Jamaica

Saturday, 17 December: 3rd T20I, Kensington Oval,

6pm Eastern Caribbean/5pm Jamaica

Sunday, 18 December: 4th T20I, Kensington Oval, 6pm Eastern Caribbean/5pm

Jamaica

Thursday, 22 December: 5th T20I, Kensington Oval, 6pm Eastern Caribbean/5pm Jamaica

Guyana at multi-sport g a m e s , r e g i o n a l tournaments, and/or participated at national championships within the lasteightyears.

There is one change to West Indies’ 14-member squad from the first two matches

Noelex Holder (L) and Chelsea Edghill

Labuschagne and Head post dominant twin tons

(Cricinfo) - Marnus Labuschagne and hometown hero Travis Head struck near-flawless centuries to dominate the pink ball, as Australia put a struggling West Indies attack to the sword on day one of the secondTestinAdelaide.

After stand-in captain Steven Smith elected to bat, Labuschagne and Head combined for an unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership of 199 to power Australia to a commanding position at stumps Labuschagne hit his 10th Test century on the back of his double-century and hundredinAustralia’s164-run series opening win in Perth While his good fortune has been widely noted, rearing againafterridinghisluckinthe first Test, Labuschagne produced a chanceless inningsashebecamethefirst Australian batter to notch three straight Test tons since AdamVogesin2015-16.

Hecompletedthefeatwith a boundary through point underlightsinthefinalsession and raised his arms aloft to strong applause from the 24,449 crowd at the Adelaide Oval Labuschagne’s 235-ball knock was marked by unwaveringconcentrationand patience in tricky early conditions before he toyed with West Indies’ flagging bowlers.

Hewaswellsupportedby Head, who scored his fifth Test ton and first on his home ground with a brilliant drive to the boundary much to the delight of the Adelaide Oval faithful Head’s aggressive moodcontinuedaftermaking 99inhissoleinningsinPerth, targeting the short square boundaries and continually plundering West Indies’ increasingly ragged bowling through point The pair flattened West Indies’ attempts at a comeback after the quick wickets in the

middle session of opener Usman Khawaja and Smith, whofellforjusthisfifthduck in Tests in Australia But sloppy bowling and fielding left West Indies frustrated as their hopes of ending a 25yearTest drought inAustralia withaseries-levellingvictory already appearing forlorn. Much like in Perth, where theyclaimedonlysixwickets

in 190 overs across two innings, West indies’bowlers were inconsistent and failed to penetrate on a surface with occasional bounce and movement Without injured frontline quicks Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales, West Indies speedsterAlzarri Joseph unsuccessfully targeted a short-ball strategy and resisted trying to conjure swingwiththenewball.

But he did dismiss opener David Warner, who wascaughtbehindfor21ina rash dismissal in another missed opportunity to end a near three-year Test century

drought. Briefly attempting a rally,WestIndiesbowledwith more discipline in the second session through seamers

Jason Holder and Anderson Phillip, who impressed with accuracy in just his second Test match But it was debutantDevonThomaswho broke through by trapping Khawaja lbw for 62 with his handy seamers providing a surpriseoption

It was a much-needed tonic for an injury-hit West Indies, whose woes deepened when debutant quickMarquinoMindleyleft the field in the first session with a suspected hamstring injury after bowling just two overs. Mindley had arrived inAdelaideonMondayfrom the Caribbean as injury cover Captain Kraigg Brathwaite scrambled for inspiration throughout the day’s play and used seven bowlers. He unsuccessfully reverted to spinner Roston Chase as the first change bowler in a baffling move. He again unwisely used Chase and his own part-time spin before the tea break to release the pressure on new b a t t e r H e a d , w h o

counterattackedwithease.

It paved the way for a sub-par final session for WestIndiesunderlightswith thesecondnewballfailingto do the trick as the beleaguered tourists stare downthebarrelofconceding another massive firstinningstotaltoAustralia.

Bothteamsmadeahostof changes, with Australia’s regular captain Pat Cummins failing to overcome a quad strain he picked up during the first Test, while quick Josh Hazlewoodwasruledoutwith a side strain Seamers Scott Boland and Michael Neser added to Test matches they played last summer against England, while former captain Smith took the reins from Cummins like he did in last year’s Ashes Test in Adelaide Even though he endured an uncharacteristic failurewiththebat,fallingto Holder in a return catch, Smith should be well pleased withAustraliamakingastrong start in their bid for an 11th straightday-nightTestvictory Match details: Australia 330 for 3 (Labuschagne 120*, Head 114*, Khawaja 62) vs WestIndies

GPF receives footballs to assist youth and community development

In the continued effort to honour their social responsibility, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is going all out to do things differently

Of late, the force has adopted an aggressive drive a s t h e y e n t e r i n t o communities to interact with members, especially the youths.

I n t h e o n g o i n g programme the (GPF) recently received over 100 footballs from a number of business entities. According to GPF, the footballs received will be distribution to youths along the East Coastcorridor

The balls were handed over to the Commander of the East Coast Division Assistant Commissioner, KhaliPareshram.Amongthe donors were Mr Howard Runcie, Mr Charles Ramnarine and Mr Ishaan Ramkellawan The main purpose of the donations were to have the police continuously engaging with

youths and aid in the developmentofsportsacross the East Coast of Demerara andmoreso,Guyana.

Afterreceivingtheitems, Pareshram thanked the donors for their contribution

to the GPF and envisioned further collaborations in the future.

Efforts will be made to have this distribution continue country wide (SamuelWhyte)

Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head posted twin unbeaten tons on day one. (AFP/Getty Images)

Some of the donors during the presentation of footballs to C-Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner, Khali Pareshram.

Allicock calls on APNU/AFC to be excluded from qualms with Sport Ministry

By Rawle Toney

National and Caribbean Champion,KeevinAllicock, isrefusingtobecaughtinthe middle of the political squabble and used as an example by the Opposition APNU/AFC in an attempt to question the work done by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr At their weekly Press Conference, theAPNU/AFC member,RandolphCritchlow, raised some questions about theMinistryofCulture,Youth and Sport allocation of $32B

allocation for sport in this year’sNationalBudget.

In a release, the country’s main opposing political party noted, “the recent revelations by our national athletes, including national boxer Keevin Allicock,haveindicatedthat those billions have not gone intohelpingthem.”

Allicock grabbed headlinesinOctoberafterhe lashed out at the Guyana

Keevin Allicock

Future Stars, Bent Street promise fireworks in MVP Futsal finals

Future Stars and Bent Street are promising an electrifying MVPSports Futsal Finals on Saturday as the two sides look to claim to the tournament’s $500,000 firstplaceprize.

OlympicAssociation(GOA) and the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) for what he dubbed as a lack of support following his lifethreatening scare at the South American Games in Asunción,Paraguay

Allicock, one of Guyana’s most prized boxers in the Amateur division, had many people comingtohis (Continued on page 27)

Over in theWomen’s division,Tiger Bay ladieswillgohuntingforthe$200,000upfor grabs, but standing in their way, is Fruta Conquerors. Thefinalistsforbothcategories met today at the tournament’s title sponsors’ headquarters at the Giftland Mall, with all confidentoftakinghomethecashandtrophy Ian Ramdeo, the proprietor of MVP Sports, said he was happy with the intensity shown in the tournament, adding that Saturday’s finals will be one that the public willenjoy

He said MVP Sports was happy to be associated with the Petra Organisation in sponsoring the tournament, but more importantly, playing a part in giving the country’sskilledplayersoffootball’sshortest format a chance to showcase their talent. In thewomen’ssemi-finals,TigerBaysqueezed past Police, 2 – 1, and then Fruta Conquerors kept the faith to win, 3 – 2, against GT Panthers. While the Women’s Division champs will take home $200,000, second place bags $100,000, while third and fourth

incentives amount to $50,000 and $25,000, respectively

Moving into the Men’s Division, another impressive performance from Future Stars gotthema2–1resultoverStabroekBallers.

The runner-up will have to settle for $300,000,thirdplacecartsoffwith$200,000, andthefourth-placefinisherwalksawaywith $100,000.

The Petra-organised tournament is sponsored by MVPSports with support from Ansa McAl, through their Magnum and Lucozade brands, Luminous Automotive & Motors and the Ministry of Culture, Youth andSports.(RawleToney)

MVP Sports Proprietor, Ian Ramdeo

Future Stars and Bent Street Captains, Akel Clarke and Nicholas McArthur, along with MVP Sports proprietor, Ian Ramdeo,at stores Giftland location. (Rawle Toney Photo)