Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR

23rd Anniversary of tragic GDF Camp Groomes explosion…

Monday Edition December 18, 2023 -Vol. 16 No. 49

“Forgotten Survivors” share struggle of dealing Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Guyana’s largest selling Online daily & New York’s most readership with lifelong injuries, making popular weekly yesterday, 62,516 ends meet with $125,000 per month

NEWS

Price $100

“People are still suffering although we have oil” ...single mothers being forced to sacrifice balanced diet to pay bills - Red Thread

Two men killed during fight at Victoria party GRA says no reports of fuel smuggling since removal of excise tax New EITI Standards require countries to verify production data by all mining companies

NDIA bought 10 Agriculture Minister undersized, inefficient injured in West Coast - AG pumps for $600M Report Berbice accident

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Kaieteur News

Monday December 18, 2023

“People are still suffering although we have oil” ...single mothers being forced to sacrifice balanced diet to pay bills - Red Thread Red Thread women from right, Halima Khan and Joy Marcus during an ‘Oil Talk’ programme hosted by Charles Sugrim

The price of pumpkin has risen steeply in recent months at the market stands as well as on the supermarket shelves.

As the Christmas season approaches, single mothers are dreading the reality of being unable to put meals on their tables for their children.

Red Thread, a grassroots women organization during a recent radio programme ‘Oil Talk’ aired on 99.1/ 99.5 FM, expressed frustration over the citizenry being unable to benefit from the oil wealth discovered offshore Guyana.

To date, discoveries in the Stabroek Block amounting to more than 11 billion barrels of oil have been announced by US oil major, ExxonMobil. In fact, three Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels are currently in operation and is likely to push daily production to about 620,000 barrels per day (bdp) in the first quarter of 2024.

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of the Stabroek Block is producing about 400,000 bpd alone at the first two projects, Liza One and Liza Two. Even though oil production commenced since December Continued on page 3

The price for vegetables at the market has skyrocketed in recent months as seen at this vegetable stand at a local market two weeks ago.

Monday December 18, 2023

Kaieteur News

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AG Report: GRA says no reports of fuel smuggling $233 million in since removal of excise tax last year payment vouchers Over the past years, a significant percentage of the revenue recovered by Law Enforcement and Investigative Department (LEID) of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) mainly come from the seizure of smuggled fuel –diesel and gasoline - and reconciliation exercises regarding the importation of same for tax exempted beneficiaries.

However, the GRA reported that since the excise tax rate on fuel was reduced to 0% in March 2022, there has been little to no reported cases of smuggling of fuel or any seizure of same, thus, this has resulted in a negligible to no revenue collection from this activity.

This was revealed in the Auditor General’s report of 2022.

According to report, as a result of the removal of the excise tax on fuel, there is no incentive to smuggle fuel.

“The many activities conducted by LEID to enforce the various tax laws have resulted in a greater level of compliance by

taxpayers and businesses that were previously noncompliance, thus minimal revenue collection in those areas,” the report revealed.

During early 2022, there was still some impact from the COVID-19 pandemic which affected revenue collection during that period.

As such, the GRA said there is no revenue from the seizure of c e r t a i n restricted/proh ibited items which are some of the most popular smuggled goods.

They include chicken – all such seizures are donated to government agencies; cigarettes – all such seizures are destroyed; mosquito coils – all such seizures are destroyed; and prohibited items are usually destroyed.

Further, the revenue body said it continues to experience delays in dealing with seized items from taxpayers.

According to the report, the Head of the Authority

indicated that the entity has consistently over the years addressed the processing of seizures in a more expeditious manner.

It must be noted that seizures are generally disposed in accordance with the provisions of Section 22 6 of

t he Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.

In view of same, processing of seizures may be delayed, in some instances, as a result of, inter alia, ongoing investigations, ongoing Court matters, awaiting payment of outstanding liabilities, etc.

Notwithstanding same, steps are generally taken to prevent loss of revenue;

“People are still suffering although...

From page 2 2019, poor Guyanese families say the sector has not improved their lives in any way. This is due to the lopsided Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed by the former Coalition government and the failure on the part of the incumbent administration to effect better fiscal management of the sector.

During the radio programme, Red Thread highlighted that the cost of vegetables and fruits have skyrocketed in the past five years with little done by government to assist families.

It must be noted that the government had reduced the cost of fertilizers to assist farmers as well as reduced and removed taxes on certain equipment. Be that as it may, customers continue to complain of high market prices.

Halima Khan and Joy Marcus, civil rights activists with the organization for over the past two decades, both shared their experiences as single mothers, struggling to make ends meet for their children.

Khan told the host, Charles Sugrim, a member of the Oil and Gas Governance Network

(OGGN) that fruit prices in the market have tripled, causing some mothers, like herself, to cut back on these items from their daily diet.

Similarly, she pointed out that vegetable prices have skyrocketed. Khan told listeners that families are being forced to reduce their market budget to meet other expenses such internet and electricity bills; leaving no resources for medical purposes or recreation.

Her colleague, Joy Marcus also explained that she was being forced to cook peas and stews in her household as a result of the high vegetable prices. She said fruits are eaten “once and far,” adding that the objective is no longer maintaining a balanced diet, but to “prevent yourself from fainting.”

Marcus said she pays her rent and electricity bills and whatever is left is “stretched” to purchase food. The single mother explained that she started planting vegetables to be able to feed her family, however, the hot weather has been affecting the produce.

Red Thread contends that majority of the population in Guyana is faced with similar circumstances, as only a few

manage to earn enough to live comfortably. They contested that public servants, especially nurses, teachers, and police officers are underpaid, while other small entrepreneurs such as hair dressers and labourers barely earn enough to provide for their families.

As Guyana nears the five-year mark since oil production commenced, Red Thread said the poor class of Guyanese is yet to experience any benefits from the sector.

Khan argued, “Nothing has trickled down to the poor class people, because all these billions that we are getting yes the roads, the school building, bridges and stuff like that, people can’t eat road, they can’t eat bridges, they can’t eat schools.”

She added, “People are still suffering although we have oil. The country have oil, nah we.”

Meanwhile, Marcus also pointed out, “We always hear these big sums that you are talking about (oil revenue) …but we not getting this money, it’s not us so we don’t see the benefit in it. It’s not helping us in any way. If our lives remain the same then we don’t see any benefit…”

since LEID continues to dispose of seized goods expeditiously in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.

It was noted that during the year of review, the GRA conducted fourteen disposal exercises.

Further, the report outlined that entity advised that forfeiture and d i s p o s a l proceedings take time since this process involves a number of processes.

These include the gazetting of the items to be disposed; waiting the expiration of the mandatory claim period from lien holders and/or interested persons; and inviting submission of bids from prospective buyers via sealed bids auction where necessary, before the actual disposal process is undertaken.

It is important to note, however that items of perishable nature are disposed of almost immediately.

unaccounted for

by Region 5 RDC In his 2022 report, Auditor General, Deodat Sharma flagged multiple discrepancies at various government agencies, including the Region Five Regional Democratic Council (RDC) where a total of $233.108M in payment vouchers for last year have not been accounted for.

The report noted that the regional administration “was in breach of Section 30 of the Audit Act 2004, in that payment vouchers totaling $233.108M were not presented for audit.”

As a result of this, it could not have been determined as to “the propriety of payments or whether value was received for the monies spent.” The payment vouchers were part of the documents requested to be reviewed by the Auditor General’s office; the absence of the documents hindered the auditing process.

In response to the audit findings, the Region Five administration said that it will work with its Sub-Treasury Department to have all the payment vouchers presented for audit scrutiny in the future. To this end, the Auditor General office has recommended that the region be in full compliance with the Audit Act 2004 and present the payment vouchers requested for examination.

Meanwhile, the report also highlighted that audits of spending by the Region Five RDC last year also found that $64,818 were over paid to employees, while a total of $420,926 was overpaid to agencies as salary deductions, and have still not being recovered.

The regional administration noted that efforts are being made to recover the funds from both the employees as well as the agencies.

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Alistair Routledge and Maduro Moros ExxonMobil’s Chief Executive Officer in Guyana, Mr. Alistair Routledge, had some helpful words for Venezuela’s Chief Executive, Mr. Nicolás Maduro Moros. In American, it is no way, Jose. In Spanish, it is no mas, as in no more of the nonsense that comes out of Venezuela, so take note and get a grip on self and ambitions. We also hear the ExxonMobil’s Guyana CEO saying cut the recklessness, quit with the bullying, because the company has the most powerful asset at its back. It is the might of the US Government to set Mr. Maduro right so that he comes to his senses in a hurry.

“We are not going anywhere,” said Mr. Routledge. “Our focus remains on developing the resources efficiently and responsibly, per our agreement with the Guyanese Government.” Translation: get lost, eat those words Maduro, and run away with tail between legs. Try that with someone else in some other place, but not here, because ‘we (ExxonMobil) ain’t backing down.’ The message to Maduro and his cronies in Caracas is “Don’t mess with Texas!” As President Maduro makes plans to go to Russia, he is reminded not to mess with America. We at this paper have serious differences with ExxonMobil and its obscene 2016 oil contract that it foisted (bullied) Guyana. We also recognize the strength from which ExxonMobil’s man on the ground here, Alistair Routledge, speaks with such supreme confidence, such unruffled calm. In thinking of ExxonMobil’s Routledge unyielding stance, the memory of the President of General Motors Corp’s Charles Wilson returns. It is what the US Congressional Record memorialized of how he responded to a question about interests. “For years, I thought that what was good for our country was what was good for General Motors, and vice versa.” This was what has been continually misquoted as ‘what is good for GM is what is good for America.’ Replace General Motors with ExxonMobil, and Maduro suddenly is not looking too strong, or lodged in too good of a position. This is regardless of whatever transpires between him and Vladimir Putin in his upcoming visit to Moscow. To nail this down firmly, it was American President Calvin Coolidge who said, “After all, the chief business of the American people is business. They are profoundly concerned with producing, buying, selling, investing and prospering in the world.”

A hundred years later that profound concern of America has not altered. If anything, it has intensified in a whole range of business pursuits, and in numerous places around the world.

Without a doubt, Mr. Routledge stands on the firmest ground, and it is all because the interests of ExxonMobil are so intricately woven into the interests of America. There is energy, and the economic, and the strategic, and the military. ExxonMobil is perched where it is in the American corporate pantheon, and encircles an expression of American strengths and, if circumstances make necessary, can summon a projection of American power. Mr. Maduro is playing rather irresponsibly with matches, and he continues with his recklessness, there is a high probability of burning himself. ExxonMobil’s Guyana operation is an oil company’s sweetest dream coming true.

The basement level two percent royalty and zero taxes mean that this American Orca has much to bare its teeth and flex its muscles about. It is inconceivable that a company from a superpower country, the dominant one currently, would surrender to a usurper’s ultimatums, and hustle away from the Guyana bonanza. ExxonMobil was forced to shut down its wells in Venezuela, pack up its tools, and head back home a few years ago.

The likelihood of a repeat in Guyana today, compliments of Hugo Chavez’s disciple Nicolás Maduro is remote to nonexistent.

ExxonMobil is sitting on a mother lode of oil, and it will not be relinquished, regardless of the bombast and bullying of Maduro.

Maduro rolled out his post referendum plans, and ExxonMobil’s Routledge stuffed them into a barrel, and rolled them right back at him. At least Guyana in 2023 is getting some value from the oil bargain it made with ExxonMobil back in 2016. This is one formidable and nuanced aspect of the international community that Guyana has made its cornerstone position towards clear Venezuelan dangers.

Monday December 18, 2023

St. Vincent’s meeting was a success

DEAR EDITOR, I surveyed opinions in the literature (articles) in Guyana’s papers on the St. Vincent meet (before and its aftermath). Opinions were/are divided on whether the President should have gone to St. Vincent; ditto on evaluation of the success of the meeting with Nicolas Maduro. Those who are supportive of the President feel it was a success and that Irfaan Ali came out on top.

Those who were not supportive of the President felt he didn’t gain anything and that Maduro came out on top. Both sides claimed victory in their respective countries — in any peace summit, both sides are supposed to be winners, and the leaders must convince their supporters of same. For me, peace was the winner.

People will enjoy a period of peace and calm at least for three more months when another report is to be released on progress in their agreement.

There was knee jerk reaction on whether the President should have accepted the invitation from Dr. Ralph Gonsalves as

Chair ECLAC and from CARICOM with some saying he should not have gone, arguing it was a set up to entrap the President into making concessions. Some saw the meet as in the selfinterest of selective Caricom states who were beneficiaries of Venezuela’s PetroCaribe generosity.

Others like me advised that Ali could not decline an invitation to talk peace especially when Caricom was the host; the President could not blank his Caricom friends who were trying to avoid conflict in the region.

Wisely, Ali went and the principal objective was achieved — peace in the region and respect for the ICJ as the mechanism to resolve the border conflict.

Unless one studies and masters international relations or foreign policy or international diplomacy or international law, one will not really understand how nations (their leaders) behave and how peace is achieved when war is on the horizon. In real politick, it might make right. It is almost impossible to get a powerful nation that is defiant to

follow the rules of the international order. It would always want to bully a smaller nation. If willing to talk, you engage a bully or a bigger nation and urge it to follow the rules of international behaviour. The fact that Caricom or the chair of ECLAC was able to get Maduro to agree to a meet was a success in itself.

Maduro had made it clear that he would not abide by the ruling of the ICJ. He appeared to now soften his position on the World Court after the meet. He was very bellicose over the last month threatening military action; such language has abated after December 14 meet.

After the December 3 referendum, he said steps would be taken to annex Essequibo. After the meet, that plan has been shelved for now. Before the meet, Maduro had ignored the ICJ’s provisional order of December 1 to maintain the status quo.

After the meet, he agrees that neither State should take action to change the status quo in the order. He has stated that investors in the Essequibo region would

need to apply for licences in Venezuela. Now he has backed off.

In general, Maduro agrees to peace and order in the region. This is very important to Guyanese, especially those in Essequibo, and the people in the region. Prior to the meet, Guyanese were in the edge fearing an imminent invasion and annexation of Essequibo. The region was also worried about the c o n s e q u e n c e s o f w a r.

People were emptying out of Essequibo moving to Demerara and some booking flight to North America and the Caribbean. Now they can breathe easy.

The purpose of the meet was to talk peace and peace has been promised at least for short period. The status quo about the border has been maintained. In that sense, the meet was a success and both sides have won.

Ralph Gonsalves, ECLAC, and Caricom and others who encouraged the meet are commended for their efforts to maintain peace in the region.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Why is the PPP/C regime so brutish and uncaring to public servants?

DEAR EDITOR, Season Greetings to you and your readership.

Kindly allow me to publicly express my commiseration to the bereaved families, relatives and friends of our recently departed servicemen, and my commitment to pray for the two heroic survivors.

As we prepare to welcome the 2023 Festive Season, I am aware that, in the midst of national grief, many Guyanese families continue to grapple with rapidly decreasing spending power as a result of poor management of our national coffers by the PPP/C government. Indeed, “tings nah regulah” in our beautiful nation.

When I examine the performance of the PPP/C regime for the year 2023, I can only conclude that they have failed the nation. In fact, citizens have faced many critical issues since the return of the PPP/C in August 2020. We can go as far back to the “flooding of lands in Success,” occupied by low-income Guyanese seeking to build their home; the deterioration of health care and education services

provided to the average Guyanese, the current mismanagement of the influx of Venezuelans who have literally been allowed to invade Guyana; the utter chaos old age pensioners are being subjected to as they seek to uplift the $25,000 bonus; and the 6.5% salary “increase” for public servants and other categories of workers.

This “increase” is ridiculous, disrespectful and a slap in the face of our workers grappling with the unprecedented high cost of food and essential utilities. I appeal to the Ali regime to respect the constitution (Article 147) and engage the w o r k e r s ’ l e g a l representatives, using C o l l e c t i v e B a rg a i n i n g Agreements, for a better livable wage for our Public Servants.

Editor, I believe the Ali regime, has the fiscal space to pay Public Servants and all categories of workers, an attractive salary increase of at least 15% for 2023, instead of offering less (8% in 2021, 7% in 2022 and now 6.5% in 2023). The Ali regime has withdrawn monies seven times from the

Natural Resource Fund (NRF), between 2021-2023, the latest being US$100M, equivalent to G$20.8B, in November 2023. How have those funds been spent?

There is no evidence that the ordinary Guyanese are benefitting from this oil wealth. There has been much talk about development, but to-date, this has mainly benefitted friends, family and favourites who enjoy huge contracts to build roads, bridges, and buildings.

Coming on the heels of this 6.5% announcement, the Ali regime laid the fifth Supplementary Paper on Monday, December 11, 2023, seeking an additional $24B, which will bring Budget 2023, to a whopping $897.9B, from an initial budget sum of $781.9B in February 2023.

Editor, from this, it is clear to all Guyanese, that this Ali regime is inept at managing the finances of our nation and they are NOT spending our monies for the benefit of all citizens.

Further Editor, it was most disheartening to hear the utterances made by Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo at his last

press conference, Thursday, December 14, 2023, when he boldly defended the 6.5% his regime afforded to hardworking, professional, and committed Public Servants of Guyana. In my v i e w, t h e a r g u m e n t s proffered by Mr. Jadgeo, are unacceptable and disrespectful to the workers of Guyana.

Editor, for the year 2023, GuySuCo has benefited from $16B via the National Treasury, and through the Financial Paper, No. 4 of 2023, GuySuCo, through the Ministry of Agriculture is requesting an additional $2B “to meet additional operational costs.”

As a Member of Parliament, I have serious concerns regarding the management of this entity.

The PPP/C regime is yet to table a performance report on GuySuCo to the National Assembly, since they took office in August 2020.

There needs to be accountability. The current Political head of the Ministry of Agriculture boasts in the National Assembly that GuySuCo is meeting its production targets and will (Continued on page 06)

Monday December 18, 2023

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President Ali turns his back on the judicial process and disarms Guyana while doing so DEAR EDITOR, In what can only be termed a stunning rebuke of the action of the Granger administration, President Ali turned his back on the judicial process that he reassured Guyanese he would not do before going off to the meeting with President Maduro of Venezuela. In almost every statement to the Guyanese people prior to his departure for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, President Ali kept saying that he was not

wavering from the process of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He kept repeating that the matter was before the ICJ and that was where the matter should be settled. From his blustery press briefings, one got the impression that with a name like Mohamed Ali, he would have danced like a butterfly and stung like a bee when in the ring with President Maduro. Instead, he melted like salt and restored Guyana’s territorial integrity to perpetual jeopardy.

Informed that Guyana was backed by CARICOM, CELAC, Brazil and other international partners, Guyanese were looking for a lightning punch from Ali to floor Maduro like the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali often did to his opponents. This writer can hardly believe that it was the Amazon Warrior that landed flat on his back as the Bolivarian landed heavy punches that knocked Ali and the ICJ out of the Vincentian ring. This is an

Tribute to Justice Nandram Kissoon DEAR EDITOR, In 1993, as a columnist for the Stabroek News, I wrote a series of articles on “Hegemony and Hinduism in the West Indies.” The point was that even though it was assumed that “Hinduism was retained outside of India,” conceptually and in practice, much had been mapped onto Christianity within which it struggled to survive. I had pointed out also that as Hindus moved up economically, socially and especially professionally, they jettisoned even the watered-down version practised. Justice Nandram Kissoon, who transitioned last week, soon got in touch with me. And while to my surprise agreed totally with my analysis, I soon discovered that he was the exception to the rule. He was a professional who wore in Hinduness on his sleeve, to a point that he answered his phone to all callers, “Jai Sri Ram!!’. He ragged me about referring to Kant and Gramsci, when he knew that I knew there were more profound thinkers in the Hindu fold.

He was tremendously

knowledgeable about all the major texts (Shastras) of Hindu Dharma – which was quite a feat considering they number in the hundreds. He was a great raconteur on all matters under the sun, and always with great erudition.

We spent many hours on his verandah at Bee Hive, the village his father had bought, as villagers would pass by and hail him. As a Hindu, he did not stand on ceremonies and treated all who he encountered with the same bonhomie he shared with his friends.

There was not an occasion where he would not make himself available to share his perspective on any matter than might be troubling me - either personally or over the phone.

He was generous to a fault when it came to donating to Hindu initiatives and was always willing to share his knowledge at Hindu camps and other occasions.

On the last occasion, I met him personally (in the presence of Swami Aksharananda), he outlined a project to reinvigorate interest in Hindu Dharma in youths. He suggested that the Hanuman Chalisa, which

is available in any number of “tunes” – including very rhythmic newer ones – could be the test piece in regional competitions for youths across the country at the next Hanuman Jayanti (birthday).

The competition would culminate in the National Stadium where all attendees would be facilitated to participate.

What struck me was his youthfulness of vision and a refusal to be bogged down by the dead weight of tradition that can be so claustrophobic. Maybe we can honour “Judge” as I knew him, by executing his vision next year on April 23, 2024.

Om Sadgati.

Sincerely, Ravi Dev

affront to the Granger administration, a betrayal of unity on the border controversy and a serious setback for the future of Guyanese, particularly since Maduro gave up nothing.

The results of the summit are embarrassing to say the least and I want to be kind to President Ali and say that he chose to give up the judicial process with his eyes wide open rather than being inveigled into doing so. But from the language in the Joint Declaration, particularly in paragraphs 2 and 4, President Ali revealed his naivety, poor negotiating skills and rendered the value of any judicial decision of the ICJ impotent. It is not clear what the urgency was to agree to such outcomes of the summit without the benefit of inputs from the Opposition and the Guyanese people. There was no harm in asking for a few hours to ensure that he protected the interests of the Guyanese people by properly preserving his position on the ICJ. The expression “read between the lines and not only what is on the line” is a cliché that is crucial to negotiations and is elevated to the level of a technique, especially in diplomatic negotiations. The use of this cliché is even more critical when dealing with a matter as serious as the territorial integrity of a country and sovereignty over that territory. Ceding ground is the last thing that one wants to do on a matter as consequential as a border

controversy and one in which your position is not only valid but just. This knowledge apparently escaped President Ali as can be gleaned from operative paragraph 2 of the Joint Declaration. A key word in paragraph 2 is “any” which governs the word “controversies.”

Together the words “any controversies,” along with the rest of the language in the paragraph, opened the opportunity to have the border controversy returned to bilateral talks. President Maduro gave President Ali the words “international law” which the latter had been flashing to all and sundry. But then President Maduro cleverly included the words “including the Geneva Agreement dated February 17, 1966,” as the mechanism for such talks, thus maintaining the position that he always held. Ali’s failure to modify paragraph 2 with words like “except that which is before the ICJ” meant that he conceded the border controversy can return to bilateral talks as Maduro wanted.

The negotiating skill of President Maduro emerged again in paragraph 4, the contents of which he carefully distanced from paragraph 2, and subtly used to get President Ali, by his own doing, to render any ICJ

decision against Venezuela impotent. President Maduro readily acknowledged that the matter was before the ICJ as Guyana wanted him to do.

That did not cause President Maduro as much harm as A l i ’s a c c e p t a n c e t h a t Venezuela has the right to ignore the decision of the ICJ. One would have thought that President Ali would have been very vigilant when it came to language in any paragraph dealing with the ICJ, much less the only one in the Joint Declaration. President Ali’s failure to modify operative paragraph 2 means that a rejection of the decision of the ICJ by Venezuela as catered for in paragraph 4 would require Guyana to honour that position, again immediately returning the matter to bilateral talks as Venezuela prefers. The sad reality is that, in the context of this declaration, Guyana does not have the same right to reject a decision of the ICJ if the ruling was inimical to its interest.

Pro-government statements have emerged to suggest that the outcome of the summit guarantees a deescalation of tensions, and the region will be a zone of peace. For that to happen, Guyana had to accept also that it was as much an aggressor, capable as (Continued on page 06)

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Monday December 18, 2023

I support the ‘Focus PPP Govt. mocking public servants with 6.5% on Mangroves’ salary increase

DEAR EDITOR, No doubt about it: “Guyana’s mangroves are a global asset.” So it is perfectly in order that “A $60 million Mangrove Centre has been constructed at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.”

Quickly let me share available and trusted information for our readers.

First, when there are right environmental conditions, mangroves can store the carbon they took from the atmosphere for decades, centuries, or even millennia. They protect against extreme weather and disasters, are a haven for threatened animals, boost food security, and have the ability to bounce back naturally.

Then mangroves provide natural infrastructure to help protect nearby populated areas by reducing erosion and absorbing storm surge impacts during extreme weather events such as hurricanes. They are also important to the ecosystem too, as their dense roots help bind and build soils.

Editor, let me add one more (of the many things in t h i s m a n g r o v e conversation). It is that mangrove forests act as a physical buffer between marine and terrestrial communities. The trees protect the coastlines from severe weather events as well as slow down erosion.

The mangroves provide valuable protection for those nearby communities that are prone to storms and are at risk of sea-level rises. As a matter of fact, it is well-

documented that wide areas of mangroves help reduce tsunami heights, thus aiding to reduce loss of life and damage to property in areas behind mangroves. The dense roots of mangroves help to bind and build soils.

The above-ground roots slow down water flows, encourage deposition of sediments and reduce erosion.

Bottom line: The P e o p l e ’s P r o g r e s s i v e Party/Civic must stay on this line of development, and I am glad to note Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips “… posited that the facility displays Government’s commitment to restoring Guyana’s mangrove industry, lead in forest management and climate change. The PM explained quite rightly that “Guyana’s mangroves are a global asset.”

This is exactly what I said before but worth repeating: “Mangroves, with their unique ecosystem and unparalleled ecological significance, play a vital role in mitigating climate change…By conserving and protecting our mangroves, we actively contribute to global efforts, striving to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Now, concerning this $60 million Mangrove Centre, the press has that “… the initiative is part of a collaborative effort with the Guyana Conservation Initiative (GCI), facilitated

by Iwokrama, and funded by ExxonMobil, to implement a Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Rural Statistics (SPARS) and develop an Integrated

Agriculture Information System.” Added to this, “The centre will also serve as a hub for research on mangrove restoration, secure coastal areas, generate economic opportunities and support bio-diversity.”

The list is quite impressive: expanding beekeeping in mangroves through a partnership with Cuban beekeeping experts and GLDA; contributing to the scaling up of Guyana’s honey production; and integrating mangroves into the landscape, (thus) ensuring recreational space for all Guyanese.

Editor, Guyana will be employing the “… greengrey infrastructure approach to securing its coastline by combining hard ‘engineered’ sea defences with the restoration, conservation, and m a n a g e m e n t o f mangroves…” This translates into a plan-ofaction that “… provides climate resilience for vulnerable coastal communities… (and is testimony the Government’s c o m m i t m e n t t o e n v i r o n m e n t a l stewardship.”

Let us not forget that Guyana is very multidimensional, and therefore Government must be very balanced in developmental style and strategy. I too, like the PM, “… call upon every Guyanese to take pride in preserving these invaluable ecosystems. Together, let us ensure a legacy of environmental harmony and prosperity for generations to come.”

Sincerely, HB Singh

DEAR EDITOR, The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD), an organisation dedicated to advocating for justice and equality, strongly condemns the Irfaan Ail led PPP Government for its recent decision to impose a 6.5% salary increase for public servants without engaging in any meaningful consultation with the unions representing these hardworking individuals.

This move, which violates the workers’ right to c o l l e c t i v e b a rg a i n i n g , devoid of empathy and fairness, is nothing short of a mockery towards the invaluable contributions of our public servants.

It is with dismay that IFAAD highlights the disregard shown by the Ail led PPP Government towards the rights and welfare of public servants, who play an indispensable role in maintaining the smooth functioning of our society.

Public servants are committed individuals who diligently serve this nation day in and day out, deserve to be treated with respect, f a i r n e s s , a n d consideration.

The absence of any form of consultation with the unions representing these civil servants not only displays a lack of transparency but also undermines the principles of democratic decisionmaking.

By unilaterally imposing a meager 6.5% salary increase, the government has shown a complete disregard for the concerns and aspirations of the public servants and their representative bodies.

IFAAD firmly believes that fair remuneration reflects the value society places on t h e l a b o u r a n d commitment of its public servants.

It is essential that any decision affecting the livelihoods of these individuals is taken through a consultative process, involving negotiations and open dialogue between the government and the unions.

By sidestepping this responsibility, the Ail-led PPP Government not only undermines the rights of public servants but

perpetuates a system of discrimination and injustice.

The IFAAD urges the government to reconsider its decision and actively engage with the unions representing public servants to ensure fair compensation that respects their dedication and hard work.

Collaborative discussions must take place, taking into account the real cost of living, inflation taxes, and the evolving economic landscape.

Anything short of this will continue to breed discontent, erode morale, and threaten the fabric of our nation’s public service.

As an organisation c o m m i t t e d t o e r a d i c a t i n g discrimination in all its forms, IFAAD implores the Ail led PPP Government to rectify this situation immediately.

We stand united with the public servants and t h e i r u n i o n s , advocating for their fair treatment and just compensation.

Regards, Pt. Ubraj Narine Vice Chairman /Communication Officer IFAAD

Why is the PPP/C regime so brutish...

From page 04 make a profit at the end of 2023. However, my colleague, Hon. Vinceroy Jordan, MP, exposed the untruths being told by Mr. Zulifkar Mustapha.

Editor, it is clear that this Ali regime has no intention of improving the livelihood and wellbeing of our Public Servants, who continue to provide

exemplary service to the people of Guyana.

I will boldly ask, why is the PPP/C regime so brutish and uncaring to Public Servants, while sugar workers benefitted from a $250,000 and $25,000 cash grants?

Better MUST come!!!

Yours sincerely, Annette Ferguson, MP

President Ali turns his back on...

From page 5 Venezuela of escalating the conflict.

Guyanese are aware that, while we call ourselves Amazon Warriors, we have never displayed that attitude towards Venezuela and singularly does not have the capacity to do so.

It is disappointing therefore to see sister CARICOM countries seemingly transferring our aggression for victory in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to the border controversy with Venezuela.

As innocuous as the words “refrain … from escalating any conflict or disagreement” appear in paragraph 6, Venezuela can easily call Guyana an aggressor if it sought to conduct military exercises with a country like the USA or worse yet, if it agreed to the US having a long-term military presence here.

He, in effect, agreed to disarm Guyana.

Equally troubling was the willingness to agree to the use of the word “dispute” in re l a t i o n t o t h e territorial matter between the two

countries.

Since Ali has now agreed that the territory is in dispute, Venezuela can raise any objection to decisions made

by Guyana regarding the use of the Essequibo.

An objection by Ve n e z u e l a b e c o m e s a controversy in the meaning of paragraph 2 of the Joint Declaration.

It is amazing how President Ali has caused Guyana to slip back in time and have the Sword of Damocles perpetually hanging over its head.

Regards, Rawle Lucas

Monday December 18, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Monday December 18, 2023

New EITI Standards require countries to verify production data by all mining companies

T

he Extractive Industries and Tr a n s p a r e n c y Initiative (EITI), a global watchdog institution for the mining industries, have issued new standards which compel implementing countries to verify production data reported by companies.

This organization has a strong focus on promoting the understanding of natural resource management, strengthening of public and corporate governance and providing the data to inform greater transparency and accountability in the extractive sector.

Notably, mineral-rich Guyana became a member of EITI in October, 2017. The country has been extracting gold, diamond, bauxite, manganese and more recently oil and gas- all nonrenewable resources.

The 2023 EITI Standards now require countries to disclose proven economic oil, gas or mineral reserves along with verification methods for production data accuracy. The body noted that this new requirement is aimed at mitigating corruption risks associated with “reserves speculation” as well as potential revenue leakages.

According to the new standards, “Implementing countries are required to disclose existing mechanisms to monitor and verify the accuracy of p ro d u c t i o n d a t a a n d document findings, including any weaknesses r e l a t e d t o t h e comprehensiveness and reliability of publicly available production data.”

It must be noted that the main driver of this country’s economy is the oil and gas sector. Since the startup of oil production in 2019, the sector has raked in just over US$3 billion, as at September, 2023, according to data from the Bank of Guyana (BoG). The country is yet to however implement an independent system to monitor the daily production rates. Currently, three Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels are being operated offshore Guyana by American oil giant, ExxonMobil. The Government said now that the legal framework has been established for the prudent management of the sector, it will not turn its attention to acquiring its own tools to monitor the number of barrels being produced daily.

In the absence of independent meters to monitor the daily oil production, stakeholders fear that the country could

Transparency Initiative Standards states: “(a) Implementing countries are required to disclose timely production data, including

lose thousands of barrels daily. Presently, the nation relies on production statistics provided by ExxonMobil.

It must be noted however that these new standards will not only apply to the oil and gas sector, but the traditional mining sectors as well.

According to the EITI, “The objective of this requirement is to ensure public understanding of extractive commodity (ies) production levels and the valuation of extractive commodity output, as a basis for assessing expected government revenues from the extractive industries and the potential for government revenue leakages linked to under-reported production.”

Consequently, the 2023 Extractive Industries

production volumes and values by commodity. Data must be further disaggregated by project, where available. An estimate of production resulting from artisanal and small-scale activities must be disclosed where applicable and available.”

Additionally, it notes: “(b) The sources of and the

methods for calculating production volumes and values must be disclosed.

Implementing countries are required to disclose existing mechanisms to monitor and verify the accuracy of production data and document findings, including any weaknesses r e l a t e d t o t h e comprehensiveness and reliability of publicly available production data.”

M e a n w h i l e , implementing countries will also be expected to present production data using national and international commodity classification standards.

EITI also sets out new requirements for companies operating in the mining industry. It now encourages those firms to disclose realised sales volumes and values by project.

About the EITI Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) was first announced at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002 (the Earth Summit 2002) and was officially launched in London in 2003. EITI is currently being implemented in 57 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, North and South America, and the Caribbean.

The EITI Standard sets out the requirements which countries need to meet in order to be recognised, first as an EITI implementing country and subsequently assessed against the EITI Standard. The Standard is overseen by the EITI Board, which comprises members from governments, extractive companies, and civil society.

Too many fires caused by children playing with matches/lighters - Fire Service The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is calling on parents and guardians to ensure children are not left unattended at home and matches and lighters are kept out of their reach. This call comes as a matter of concern, as the GFS has recently responded to fires within the last week, where the supposed cause of fire was a result of children playing with lighters and matches.

O n We d n e s d a y, December 6, 2023, the GFS said firefighters responded to a fire at Lot 10 Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, where a single flat concrete and wooden building was destroyed by fire supposedly caused by children playing with a lighter and the flames came into contact with nearby combustible materials.

Further, on November 29, 2023, firefighters were called to another fire at Lot 19 Public Road, Agricola on the East Bank of Demerara which again, was supposedly caused by a child who was playing with a lighter on a mattress which ignited. The property in this fire was a two-storey wooden and concrete structure, and though no life was lost, the wooden walls of the property were severely damaged.

The Fire Service is therefore “admonishing parents and guardians to teach their children the dangers and repercussions of playing with lighters and matches and to ensure they desist from such behaviour.”

Firefighters at the scene of a recent fire.

(Photo: GFS)

Fire safety is everyone’s business, let’s work together to ensure the safety of our homes and communities, the agency said.

Last month, the GFS found itself stretched thin on as it responded to a staggering total of 23 fire reports, 21 of which were identified as grass or garbage fires, underscoring the growing threat of this phenomenon to public safety and property within 24-hour periods.

The Fire Service has expressed deep concern over the carelessness exhibited by certain members of respective communities, who continue to ignore warnings about the Continued on page 15

Kaieteur News

Monday December 18, 2023

PAGE 09

Is the Guyanese economy about to collapse?

In a bizarre defense of his government’s paltry award of a 6.5 percent increase in salaries to public servants, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is reported to have said that any salary increases not grounded in an analysis of the economy, the state of the country’s finances and its revenue stream will not be sustainable.

So, what is the state of the country’s economy, its finances and revenue stream that cannot justify an increase higher than the 6.5 percent? Considering even the official rate of inflation, then a 6.5 percent increase suggests that there are serious problems with the economy and the country’s revenues. What are the facts? It is the same government served by Vice President Jagdeo that brags consistently that Guyana is the fastest growing economy in the world. It is the same economy which is supposed to enjoy double digit growth right through to the end of the decade. Over the next four years, the economy is expected to grow at an average of 20% per annum with oil production reaching one million barrels were day within a few years.

The IMF in its most recet analysis of the Guyanese economy stated that the economy has tripled in size since oil production began and that growth last year was recorded at 62.3%. It indicated that there are no signs of the overheating of

the economy. It claimed that the country’s economic fundamentals were strong.

In the face of this impressive report card on the performance of Guyana’s economy, it is implausible for the government to contend that the economy cannot sustain a 10% wage increase for this year.

Oil revenues are flowing into the economy. As a result, the country’s fiscal deficit as share of GDP has improved despite heavy capital expenditure.

The IMF states that total revenues are projected to grow strongly because of increases in oil revenues. It is expected this year to be about US$1 billion (6 percent of GDP), which will finance more than onequarter of the 2023 budget, and capital revenues and carbon credit inflows (1 percent of GDP). Given the country’s strong fiscal position, could the government not offer a higher increase to public servants?

The public sector wage bill also does not suggest a problem. In terms of government’s wages and salaries, these were only estimated at 3.1% of GDP in 2021, hardly an unsustainable level considering that in 2020, it was almost double this amount. The central government wages bill is projected to double over the next five years and this is not seen as a problem.

As such, Jagdeo or his government, can hardly have credible grounds for contending that higher than 6.5 percent public sector wage increases for public servants this year is unsustainable. There must be another reason for the pitiful increase offered.

It could well be that Jagdeo sees stresses emerging in the economy over the next year and beyond. For one, while the IMF sees no sign of overheating of the economy, one senior government official has pointed to the potential risk of overheating and has indicated that the government is taking steps to address this.

Overheating of the economy refers to a situation where economic activity accelerates at an unsustainable pace. This condition is typically characterized by an excessively rapid expansion, often fueled by factors such as excessive public investment, consumer spending and government borrowing. Overheating may cause prices to rise as demand increases beyond the economy’s productive capacity. This can trigger a crash within the economy.

High private investment has contributed to inflationary pressures in the economy, particularly in the construction sector. But rather than constrain such high levels of investment so to avoid overheating, the

DEM BOYS SEH

Leh we go back to we ole time Christmas In de land where sugar and spice once made everything nice, modernday Christmas seems to have become a lavish spectacle, leaving wallets thinner by the end of December.

Gone are the days when a Christmas tree adorned with twinkling lights and a few ornaments and a couple of strings of fairly lights were considered as sufficient decoration for de season.

Now, it seems one must transform their humble abode into a winter wonderland, complete with fake snow, imported reindeer, and a Santa Claus that’s more hightech than the latest smart phone. Y’all remember when a Guyanese Christmas meant indulging in the simple pleasures of

black cake, sponge cake, and fruit cake? Now, it’s all about exotic imported delicacies that leave your wallet sobbing. Pepperpot and ginger beer have been replaced by artisanal, organic, gluten-free, and ethically sourced concoctions that seem to cost more than a plane ticket to America.

And let’s not forget the grand Christmas party that government workers eagerly anticipated – a glittering affair that was the highlight of the year. This year things blue. Many Ministries and de Gee Pee Hell claim dem nah gat money to hold staff party.

But de big boys holding parties fuh dem private sector friends while de workers getting a box lunch

like dem used to collect during de hard days when dem had to march.

Money is important at dis time of de year and dem banks cashing in on the need for money. Dem are now offering Christmas loans – because nothing screams “Merry Christmas” like paying off your festive cheer in monthly installments until next December. So even though de government acting like a Grinch and holding out on dem public servants, let all Guyanese remember dat Christmas is about the warmth of family, the joy of giving, and the delight in simple pleasures – like a slice of black cake and a glass of local ginger beer that doesn’t require a second mortgage.

Talk half. Leff half.

government appears to be asking workers to shoulder the responsibility by foregoing a higher wage increase. This exposes again the fact that workers are going to be sacrificed for the interests of the bourgeois class. Another possible stress within the economy is oil prices. These have been trending downwards. The projections for 2024 suggest that oil prices are going to be in the mid $70s range.

Guyana may have been hoping that prices would have remained over US$80 per barrel. A decline in oil prices will have a negative impact on the economy.

When the Vice President therefore says that any salary increases not grounded in an analysis of the country’s economy and revenues is unsustainable, he may be hinting that the economy is not as healthy as its appears or as is claimed.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Monday December 18, 2023

AG Nandlall and public commentaries I am alarmed.

The independent media should also take note. All Guyanese should be concerned about what Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC, MP said recently about public c o m m e n t a r i e s . I n M r.

Nandlall’s thinking, these public commentaries strengthen Venezuela’s hand in the border controversy, now recoined as “dispute.”

The facts are as follows.

Mr. Nandlall noted that Ve n e z u e l a ’s P r e s i d e n t Maduro went to St. Vincent armed with tall stacks of documents. In brief, they represent public commentaries by Guyanese

that are critical of how the PPP Government manages the oil sector, and the manner in which Exxon exploits Guyana’s riches, among other very sensitive things.

Mr. Nandlall was very specific: “These are materials which Venezuela is using to bolster their narrative. Whatever weight is placed on them, they certainly do not and will not assist Guyana in any form or fashion.”

This is clever, I must admit. Excellency Ali is on record about how much he is for what he termed “constructive” criticism, but of which [constructive] only

he knows how it must be defined, when it applies.

From the record, it must be what he wants to hear, as his postures and actions confirm.

Now Attorney General Nandlall seems to have taken matters past that self-serving bar of the president. That is, anything and everything (even if constructive) would be gathered, and could be used,

by Venezuela for its own nefarious objectives, viz., what is inimical to Guyana’s interests.

Clearly, what the AG tabled cannot be constructive, never found acceptable.

I find it

offensive. Has he thought before he spoke? About what is enmeshed in his words? I interpret a veiled warning to Guyanese who speak critically to stop doing so.

What exposes the rapaciousness of oil companies, and the impotence of the PPP Government must be halted.

Completely, to take this to the extreme. It is tantamount to asking frank citizens to kneel first, prostrate themselves next, and surrender last to the caprices of Exxon, and the schemes of his government.

Put differently, it is that critical

Guyanese must now rollover to be kicked like a dog, and die like one.

U s i n g M r.

Nandlall’s logic, it means, therefore, that Exxon will have to cease announcing oil discoveries in Guyana, curtail boasting to its shareholders about the gem that Guyana is, discontinue disclosing its oil investments and profits from Guyana. For Mr. Nandlall’s information, those are treasure troves of helpful information for Venezuela.

The same could be said for the analyses conducted by foreign think tanks of Exxon’s own records and history in Guyana. And, when the Government of Guyana and its people speak of how good Exxon is for this country, the quiet assembling of every piece of propaganda contributes to Venezuela’s r a g e a n d Ve n e z u e l a ’s document libraries.

So, unless the Hon. Attorney General is suggesting a total information blackout on oil matters across Guyana (and beyond), the Venezuelan watchers will have plenty to rake in, for it would be there.

Mr. Nandlall is a sensible man, so I deal with him at that level. I urge him to put himself (like I have) in the shoes of Maduro and his ilk, plus the opposition, plus Venezuelan super-patriots and regular patriots.

With every positive and negative report, commentary, posture coming out this country, it is likely that the Venezuelan groups identified are incensed and hopping mad. I would be. After all, in their thinking, it is their wealth that is being ruthlessly plundered by Exxon, and their riches being dreadfully mismanaged by the PPP Government. All this has to be sending the Venezuelans crazy, regardless of the Guyanese source. What does he plan to do with what comes out of government and Exxon?

Then, Mr. Nandlall took

matters to a chilling place: “those who wish to travel this road by making such statements, or taking such actions, must now become alive to this consequential reality.” I hope that AG was speaking purely about how what originates here is taken

by Venezuela, and not engaging in any threat (“consequential”) to strangle public commentary. Did I hear the menacing from Mr. Nandlall in “consequential reality?”

Is a man as erudite as Mr. Nandlall saying that if public commentaries and actions by conscientious Guyanese cease that Venezuela would be left empty-handed, reduced to dumbness? This is the newest twist in the PPP Government’s nonstop efforts to mold thinking about oil, Exxon, and itself in line with its propaganda.

Public commentary that may be conveniently interpreted by Exxon and the PPP Government as helpful to Venezuelan ambitions signals the lengths to which the PPP brain trust would go to still dissenting citizens. I would like to see what the next move by the government and AG is.

On a one-to-one note, I am astonished at the lengths to what the government goes to paint a rosy oil picture in Guyana, and the depths to which the AG has so easily degraded himself. Maybe Venezuelans missed that due to their siesta.

Finally, if I had said something along the lines that the AG did, the hatchets would have come out; there would be no end to the allegations, damnations from his brethren.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

Monday December 18, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

NDIA bought 10 undersized, inefficient pumps for $600M - AG Report

A

recently published report by the Audit Office of Guyana (AOG) concerning the Ministry of Agriculture - National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) activities has uncovered significant concerns regarding a contract valued at $600.886 million.

The contract was awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) in the sum of US$3.602M equivalent to $753.397M on 05 June 2018 to Apolla International Limited for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of nine fixed and three mobile high-capacity drainage pumps and associated structures/equipment. The Contract was signed on 03 September 2018 by former Chief Executive Officer of NDIA, Fredrick Flatts.

Funding for the pumps was acquired under an India Line of Credit.

Total payments on the contract as at 31 December 2021 amounted to $600.886 million. It was noted for 2022, the entire sum of $152.511 million allotted for this project was not expended. The pumps were received in March 2020 and the installations were completed in 2021.

Shockingly, the 2022 AG report highlighted that 10 of the twelve engines supplied were deemed “undersized” and incapable of sustaining long-term operation for the designated pumps. Despite government requests for the contractor to replace these engines, none was replaced by the time of the report.

Former NDIA CEO Frederick Flatts (right) and Apollo Inc Representative Ajay Jha signing the pact. (Ministry of Agriculture photo dated August 18, 2018)

Notably, the installations of the fixed pumps were done at various locations, including Hampton Court, Devonshire Castle, Den Amstel, Hope, Nootenzuil, Mora Point, and Rose Hall, alongside mobile pumps at Church Street, Sussex Street, and Ruimveldt South.

In response to these findings, the Ministry of Agriculture acknowledged the unexpended sum, citing issues with the supplied pumps as the reason for the delay.

Moreover, an assessment conducted by a

technical team identified the need to replace ten undersized engines and utilize the remaining contract balance to rectify defects in the equipment.

However, despite the recommendation and communication from the Attorney General in August 2022, confirming the necessity to replace the engines, none of the 10 engines (three for mobile pumps and seven for fixed pumps) were exchanged as requested.

The NDIA mentioned the supply of only

one gear drive for the Devonshire Castle Pump Station, further emphasizing the unresolved issues with the project.

C o n clu s iv ely, th e A u d it O ff ice recommended continued engagement between the Agriculture Ministry and the Contractor to ensure the replacement of the ten engines, emphasizing the importance of proactive project management to detect and address issues promptly, thereby preventing delays and ensuring the intended budget utilization.

Kaieteur News

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Monday December 18, 2023

Two men killed during fight at Victoria party Dead: William Montrose Two men succumbed to chop and stab wounds they inflicted on each other on Sunday morning following a gold chain row at a party at Vi c t o r i a , E a s t C o a s t Demerara (ECD).

D e a d a r e Wi l l i a m Montrose, 26, a miner of Side Line Dam Victoria and Eusi Bobb 23, a mason also of Victoria. The gold chain row escalated into a deadly

brawl around 03:15 hrs; during the melee two other individuals, Siyani McFarlane and Delex Skeete sustained chop wounds; they were later hospitalised.

P o l i c e s a i d investigations revealed that Bobb, McFarlene, and Skeete attacked Montrose at the party and took away his 30-pennyweight gold chain.

During the attack, Bobb and the men reportedly stabbed Montrose several times about his body.

The wounded man reportedly left the party but returned shortly after with a cutlass and unleashed a brutal attack, fatally chopping Bobb and critically injuring his friends, McFarlene and Skeete.

The attack caused chaos and sent patrons scampering away from the venue.

Montrose, according to police, managed to run from the scene.

“The ranks then combed the area of the scene and discovered the body of

William Montrose, in a trench about 500 feet north of the scene,” police said.

It is believed that he collapsed and died from the stab wounds he sustained including one to his forehead, another to his upper chest and right-side jaw.

Crime sleuths noted that

Dead: Eusi Bobb his body was found facing upwards and a black handle knife was also found tucked

in his pants waist.

Investigations are ongoing.

166 girls complete Guyanese Girls Code programme

Three of the top performers of the programme. (OPM photo) A total of 166 girls have successfully completed the Guyanese Girls Code Programme, which is being implemented through the Office of the Prime Minister’s Industry and Innovations Unit.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the programme ran from July to October and saw young ladies aged 12 and over benefitting from a wealth of ICT knowledge, instructed in various aspects, including coding/ programming, robotics, micro bit, and introduction to the development of video games.

According to the Industry and Innovation Unit, the programme was able to capture a diverse range of females, hailing from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, and Ten. It was delivered in four cohorts, with the first three being delivered online, and the remaining one being conducted faceto-face. The top performers selected were Aaliyah Andrews, Tomika Wallace, Aliana Porter, and Ariel Craig.

These participants were awarded with tokens, which were p r o v i d e d t h r o u g h t h e e ff o r t s o f t h e t r a i n i n g consultant/specialist of the Guyanese Girls Code Programme, Mr. Dave Sarran, with sponsorship from USA-based Guyanese Loren Lorick and Naitram Baboolall.

According to a release from the Industry and Innovation Unit, Director, Shahrukh Hussain reaffirmed that the unit is dedicated to enhancing the ICT sector in Guyana through education and awareness.

Meanwhile, Sarran, ICT consultant for the programme, urged the participants to continue pursuing opportunities within the growing ICT sector, and congratulated them for completing the programme. A key aim of the programme is to address and combat gender discrepancy in the ICT sector, while simultaneously creating and solidifying ICT skills in the young female population.

In 2024, the programme is expected to be expanded to several regions in a physical setting This year’s edition of the programme was delivered under the theme: Digital Skills for Life.

Kaieteur News

Monday December 18, 2023

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

Agriculture Minister injured in West Coast Berbice accident

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha and his driver sustained minor injuries on Sunday following an accident at Foulis, West Coast Berbice (WCB), Region Five.

Kaieteur News received information that a car crashed into the minister’s SUV around 17:00 hrs. He was reportedly returning from a toy distribution drive which he spearheaded earlier in the day in Region Six. Video footage of the accident showed a speeding car which overtook another vehicle, crashing into the right side of the minister’s vehicle which was heading in the opposite direction. The driver of another vehicle which was ahead of the minister’s sports utility vehicle (SUV), avoided colliding with the car by pulling into the corner.

Mustapha and his driver as well as Regional Officials were rushed to a city hospital where they received treatment.

Kaieteur News understands that the Minister has since been discharged from the hospital. The driver of the car has been detained.

Investigations are ongoing.

Inmates dine with loved ones during “Christmas family bonding visits” - Prison Service

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot Dubbed the “Christmas family bonding visits,” the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) said inmates housed at the various prisons countrywide were allowed the opportunity to spend some quality time with their families in a more normalized environment over the past two weeks.

The GPS said that a special feature of the initiative was that families were allowed to provide a meal and dine with their loved ones.

It was noted that the visits were “an emotionally charged one that only family, love and affection could generate, as they showered each other with hugs, shared a meal, conversed and took time to pose for photos.”

Both family members and charges, expressed their gratitude for being allowed the opportunity to be with their loved ones for the extended period of time, the GPS said.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot complimented all staff members who were rostered to oversee the event.

Elliot noted that he is aware of the effects that incarceration has on family life and the role of the Prison Service is in no way to hinder but to promote and maintain familial bonding.

“We have worked with prisoners and their families for years and appreciate how daunting an experience it can be for everyone involved, so we are always here to offer practical and emotional support,” Elliot said.

Screengrab capturing the moment a speeding car crashed into Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha’s vehicle

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

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Monday December 18, 2023

23rd Anniversary of tragic GDF Camp Groomes explosion…

T

oday marks the 23rd anniversary of a series of deadly explosions that rocked the Guyana Defence F o r c e ( G D F ) ’s l a rg e s t ammunition dump, Camp Groomes. The incident had claimed the lives of three soldiers.

As for four of the 11 survivors, they shared with Kaieteur News that they not only feel “forgotten” but they also struggle to deal with permanent ailments as well as making ends meet with a $125,000 salary.

On December 18, 2000, 14 soldiers were tasked with guarding the three-storey ammunition bond at Camp Groomes located deep within the w o o d s a l o n g t h e Soesdyke/Linden Highway. The bond, due to reasons which have not been released to the public, exploded. The bond reportedly contained grenades, various rifles, guns, and a suspected chemical warfare weapon which the government had said was destroyed at the time.

When the dust settled after the massive explosion, three ranks were dead and among the injured were: Samuel Archer, Colwin Lewis, Wincel Wade, Kerwin Wilson, Curtis Samuels, Delroy Hutson, Joslyn Ross, Cecil Ault and Wendell Cort. Some of victims suffered loss of eyesight, third degree burns about their bodies, legs and backs while others sustained damaged and fractured spines.

The four survivors, who Kaieteur News spoke with last week, all noted that in the years following the horrifying incident, they had to fight for proper compensation. This finally occurred in 2018/2019. This newspaper understands that the survivors were all promoted to Sergeant which allows them to receive about $125,000 per month. The men said, however, that this money is barely enough to cover groceries and the expenses related to dealing with their varying injuries. They said the physical, economic and psychological hardships can be daunting to live through many days.

Curtis Samuels, for example, shared that he has never experienced a pain-free day since the incident. “I am experiencing ailments from that incident every day. Most of it is mentally and internal. I get a lot of pain in my feet,” shared Samuels.

The 42-year-old added, “Because of the pain, I cannot

really work. I can’t stand too long on my feet…Sometimes the pain is so much, I have to stay in bed…As for the salary, it is $125,000 but we would be happy for this to increase because at this point, it cannot help me with the cost of living and I have two kids.”

Recounting his experience in the incident, Samuels described it as a terrible one. He recalled that at the time, he was a Lance Corporal. Samuels said he was part of a unit of soldiers who was posted to the location to stand guard.

He shared that the team worked a shift system, where some of the men would sleep while others kept watch.

Samuels said the place was pitch black as they did not have enough gas for the generator they would use, which they turned off around midnight.

What concerned him though was a flashing light, which he saw some distance away from the fence of the camp. Samuels said around 21:30hrs on December 18, 2000, another colleague informed him of strange movements near the camp.

Samuels said he and his colleagues were eager to investigate but hesitated since, in the darkness, they could be exposing themselves to an unknown danger.

Hopeful that he and his team were safe, Samuels who lives in Corentyne, Berbice said he proceeded to take his rest in the guard room set up outside of the bond. “When I went to sleep, for

Samuel Archer

“Forgotten Survivors” share struggle of dealing with lifelong injuries, making ends meet with $125,000 per month

some reason, I dream I was fighting a war…but it was the real thing…the place exploded. There were several explosions and this was foreday morning.

“I de done give up on life because I was pinned down…But next thing when I catch back mehself, I was in a bush. I don’t even remember how I got there or what else happened. But we lost three good men in that explosion…,” the Sergeant said.

His colleague, Samuel Archer also spoke of his struggle to cope since the horrifying incident.

Archer, who lives in Kuru Kuru on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, recalled that another unit of soldiers was supposed to relieve the team and take over guard duty two weeks before. But they did not show up. Archer said he and Lieutenant Carter then left for

Camp Seweyo located six miles away. There, they called their families and informed them that they would have to stay longer and would not be coming home.

Upon completing those calls, Archer said he and the Lieutenant started making their way back to Camp Groomes.

During that time, they met up with a Sergeant Gordon who was heading to Camp Seweyo.

Archer said he asked the soldier why he had left his post since he was given strict orders to stay and supervise the team.

Archer said the Sergeant told him, he decided to head to Camp Seweyo because they were taking too long with their calls.

Archer said the Sergeant then told him something very strange. He recalled him emphasizing that, “If anybody asks who was shining light, I must tell dem is he (Sergeant) was shining de light”.

Archer said he continued on his journey to Camp Groomes, but he had the strangest feeling that the Sergeant was not being honest.

He further recalled that upon returning to the base, the other soldiers shared their concerns about the flashing light they saw near the camp.

Upon sharing what was told to him by the Sergeant, Archer said plans were put in place to remain vigilant. Interestingly, the Sergeant never returned from Camp Seweyo.

As the evening progressed, Archer recalled being very tired, and taking a few minutes to rest. “I was so tired that I went and lay

down on my back. I didn’t even take off my clothes. When I drop to sleep, I start dream a set of things. I dreaming nuff explosion like I deh in a war. I throwing grenades at my enemy all but when I open my eyes and I seeing all this fire around me. I thought I was dreaming with my eyes open.

So I go back to bed to sleep.”

Archer said he recalled one of his soldiers shaking him frantically, urging him to get up, that it was not a dream. “When I catch myself, I realize that the place blow up. I run out and tried to climb over the fence but then they tell me one of our guys was caught under a bunker. So I turn back and help him out. And push him over the fence. I run from there straight to Seweyo,” Archer recalled.

Archer covered six miles even though he suffered a ruptured eardrum as well as significant third-degree burns to his face, neck, arms, back, stomach and legs. He recalled being successful in getting help for his team and subsequently being flown to the city where all the survivors received treatment at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

More than two decades after that tragedy, the GDF officer shared that he was back in the hospital last month to treat another issue. “Several weeks ago, I started getting this pain in my head, and I was smelling something very stink and rotten around me. I started feeling very weak too…my sister helped me Continued on page 16

Monday December 18, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Mahaicony rice farmers will soon benefit from access to irrigation water Several farmers and residents who attended the meeting on Saturday. (Photo: DPI) installed are operating well and giving the farmers access to enough water.

He reiterated that Regions Five and Six are slated for the construction of massive Hope-like canals.

Minister Mustapha said that some 40,000 acres of rice are being cultivated in the Mahaicony area.

To date, approximately 190,000 acres of land have been prepared across the country for rice cultivation.

Additionally, some farmers,

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha as he addressed the farmers at the meeting. (Photo: DPI)

Rice farmers and residents of Mahaicony River and surrounding areas in Region Five who are experiencing water woes will soon have an adequate supply of irrigation water as mechanisms will be implemented.

This was highlighted at a farmers’ meeting spearheaded by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha at Green Mill, Mahaicony Branch Road, Region Five, on Saturday.

Minister Mustapha said the farmers would be provided with immense

relief in response to their concerns guaranteeing their continuous output.

He also added, “I want to see all the lands under cultivation, especially in our rice sector… Within three days, you will get the water… Two pumps are there already… We have to monitor it. The main thing is that the creeks are running salt. We will look at that. We will put all systems in place to get it done.”

According to Minister Mustapha, the ministry will look at several possibilities to determine how to modify

who requested excavation works to be conducted, were informed that a machine would be made available on Monday.

The minister was joined by the Chairman of NDIA, Lionel Wordsworth, CEO of Guyana Livestock Development Authority ( G L D A ) , D r. D w i g h t Wa l r o n d , R e g i o n a l C h a i r m a n , Vi c k c h a n d Ramphal, other heads of agencies and representatives of GRDB and MMA. (DPI)

Too many fires caused... the system so that rice farmers have access to irrigation water.

“For the right bank people, we will try to get one [bowser] from GuySuCo that will designate this over so you can get water constantly… until we get the system cleared back. We will look to see where we can modify them,” the Agriculture Minister committed to the farmers.

To keep an eye on the river’s salinity levels, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) was assigned to conduct four salinity tests

every day.

Minister Mustapha also suggested that a rotation system can also be implemented to ensure all the farmers are provided with irrigation.

In addition, the situation with the farmers will be constantly monitored by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), GRDB, and the M a h a i c a , M a h a i c o n y, Abary (MMA).

In a few weeks, Minister Mustapha and his technical team will return to the area to make sure the systems

From page 8 gravity of their actions. These reckless acts not only jeopardize lives, but also pose severe threats to homes, businesses, and the environment at large.

Grass fires in particular are notorious for their speed and ferocity. Fuelled by dry conditions and wind, these fires can swiftly cause extensive damage to properties, harm wildlife, and present a significant risk to human safety.

Experts emphasize the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent such incidents, and to respond promptly if a fire does occur.

Citizens were strongly urged to equip their homes and businesses with essential safety equipment, including fire and smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems.

Remaining vigilant and actively scrutinising the surroundings for signs of grass or garbage fires is crucial, the Fire Service has said. If any such fire is observed, it should be reported immediately to the Fire Department via the emergency hotline 912.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Monday December 18, 2023

Over 60 people have drowned in the capsizing of a migrant vessel off Libya, the UN says

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(AP) — A boat carrying dozens of migrants trying to reach Europe capsized off the coast of Libya, leaving more than 60 people dead, including women and children, the U.N. migration agency said.

The shipwreck, which took place overnight between Thursday and Friday, was the latest tragedy in this part of the Mediterranean Sea, a key but dangerous route for migrants seeking a better life in Europe. Thousands have died, according to officials.

The U.N.’s International Organization for Migration said in a statement late Saturday that the boat was carrying 86 migrants when strong waves swamped it off the town of Zuwara on Libya’s western coast and that 61 migrants drowned, according to survivors.

“The central Mediterranean continues to be one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes,” the agency wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The European Union’s border agency said in a statement Sunday that its plane located the partially deflated rubber boat Thursday evening in Libya’s search and rescue zone.

“The people were in severe danger because of adverse weather conditions, with waves reaching heights

of 2.5 meters (8.2 feet),” the agency, known as Frontex, said. Alarm Phone — a hotline for migrants in distress — said in a tweet that some migrants onboard reached out to the volunteer group who in turn alerted authorities including the Libyan coastguard, “who stated that they would not search for them.”

A spokesman for the Libyan coast guard was not immediately available for comment. Libya has in recent years emerged as the dominant transit point for migrants fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East, even though the North African nation has plunged into

12 killed in attack on party in Mexico: Officials (AFP) - At least 12 people were killed and another dozen were wounded in an attack early Sunday on a pre-Christmas party in central Mexico, authorities in the state of Guanajuato said.

The attack occurred in the town of Salvatierra, reportedly at a hacienda, or ranch, that can be rented out for festivities.

“So far 12 people are reported dead,” the state’s prosecutor’s office said on X, the former Twitter.

Another 12 people who were wounded have been

taken to hospital, according to authorities.

It was not immediately clear what kinds of weapons were used.

The Tierra Negra foundation, which promotes social projects in the area, said the victims were young people who were participating in “posadas,” religious gatherings that celebrate aspects of the story of Christmas.

Guanajuato is one of the most violent states in Mexico, due in large part to the presence and activity of criminal gangs — including a pair of

feuding drug cartels.

“I condemn the unfortunate act of violence that occurred in the community of San Jose del Carmen this morning. We are thoroughly cooperating with the prosecutor ’s office,” Salvatierra Mayor German Cervantes posted on Facebook.

Similar attacks have been recorded in recent years in Guanajuato, which this year topped the list of states with the most homicides in Mexico, with 3,029 so far, according to official figures.

chaos following a NATObacked uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

More than 2,250 people died on the central European route this year, according to Flavio Di Giacomo, an IOM spokesperson.

It’s “a dramatic figure which demonstrates that unfortunately not enough is being done to save lives at sea,” Di Giacomo wrote on X. According to the IOM’s missing migrants project, at least 940 migrants were reported dead and 1,248 missing off Libya between Jan. 1 and Nov. 18.

The project, which tracks migration movements, said about 14,900 migrants, including over 1,000 women and more than 530 children, were intercepted and returned to Libya this year.

In 2022, the project reported 529 dead and 848 missing off Libya. Over 24,600

were intercepted and returned to Libya.

Human traffickers in recent years have benefited from the chaos in Libya, smuggling in migrants across the country’s lengthy borders, which it shares with six nations. The migrants are crowded onto ill-equipped vessels, including rubber boats, and set off on risky sea voyages.

Those who are intercepted and returned to Libya are held in government-run detention centers rife with abuses, including forced labor, beatings, rapes and torture — practices that amount to crimes against humanity, according to U.N.-commissioned investigators.

The abuse often accompanies attempts to extort money from the families of the imprisoned migrants before allowing them to leave Libya on traffickers’ boats to Europe.

“Forgotten Survivors” share...

From page 14 get to GPHC. When I got there, and they did a CT scan, they told me that my brain was leaking fluid.”

As he continues to use medication to address the latest issue, Archer said these ailments are heartbreaking reminders of the horrors of December 18, 2000.

Two other survivors who did not wish to share their candid views on the record, due to fear of victimization, appealed for better to be done for those soldiers who have been permanently scarred or rendered unfit for work. One of the survivors said, “We used to get assistance with groceries but that cut off now.

For the past two years, we stop getting Christmas hampers too. I feel to myself they should do better for us man.

This happen to us in the line of duty…We are not being

treated right. But don’t mention my name because I really don’t want no moh heat from them.”

The other survivor lamented the current salary of $125,000 as being insufficient to cover his basic needs. “...it just isn’t enough, look at the high prices for food and then we still got to take care of ourselves and these injuries that with us for life,” he said. The GDF survivor said, “But I don’t want to get cut off…We had to beg and fight for years to get back into the system…I can’t afford for them to drop me now.”

The survivors also shared that a Board of Inquiry was launched into the incident in 2020 but they were never told of the results. To this day, they do not know who was officially responsible for what they believe to be a blatant act of sabotage.

Monday December 18, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Monday December 18, 2023

‘A welcome sign of relief’ Patterson hails

outcome of Guyana/Venezuela summit ( J A M A I C A OBSERVER) - Jamaica’s former prime minister and Caribbean elder statesman PJ Patterson has commended last Thursday’s summit between Guyana and Venezuela in Argyle, St Vincent, and described the outcome as “a welcome sign of relief” for the hemisphere.

Patterson, one of the region’s most respected voices, said the summit established several significant precedents which deserve due commendation and indicate a path for the future.

“It was a Caribbean initiative which demonstrated the intrinsic value of collective regional action. Caricom stepped forward in united efforts to face the challenge of preserving the territorial integrity of Guyana, a founding member State and headquarters of the Caribbean Community,” he said.

Patterson added that the summit “demonstrated that in a world of unprecedented turbulence, diplomatic skills and negotiating expertise can still be deployed to avert military conflict”.

He also said that the meeting “asserts that the Caribbean and Latin

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali speaks during a press conference after meeting behind closed doors with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Argyle on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Ali and Maduro met to discuss a long-standing dispute over the Essequibo territory, a vast border region rich in oil and minerals that represents much of Guyana’s territory but that Venezuela claims as its own. (Photo: AP)

America, despite the colonial rivalry and exploitation by European powers, constitute one hemispheric family”.

That, he argued, highlights the merits of our full engagement and present leadership of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

At the end of the twohour summit convened by St Vincent and the Grenadines’ P r ime M in is ter R alp h Gonsalves to broker a peaceful solution to the border dispute between

Venezuela and Guyana, both sides pledged not to resort to force to settle the matter.

Gonsalves read a joint statement issued after the summit in which both sides promised to resolve the dispute “in accordance with international law” but noted that while Guyana believes the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the proper jurisdiction for the matter, Venezuela has rejected the court’s recognition over the issue.

The meeting took place after months of escalating discord that has raised fears

in the region of a potential military conflict over the oilrich Essequibo region, a remote area of 160,000 square kilometres (62,000 square miles) which makes up two-thirds of Guyana.

Venezuela, which has long claimed ownership of the Essequibo, ratcheted up its rhetoric after Guyana, which has governed the area for more than 100 years, started issuing licences for oil companies to operate there following ExxonMobil’s discovery of oil in Essequibo in 2015.

The discovery gave

Guyana, which has a population of 800,000, the world’s biggest crude reserves per capita.

On December 3, the Maduro Administration held a controversial referendum in which 95 per cent of voters, according to officials in the Government, supported declaring Venezuela the rightful owner of Essequibo.

Venezuelans were also asked to vote on whether or not to reject an 1899 decision by an arbitration tribunal that had set the border with Guyana but which Caracas insists was “fraudulently imposed”.

Also on the ballot was whether Venezuela should reject the authority of the ICJ in The Hague to adjudicate the dispute, and whether or not to grant Venezuelan citizenship to the people living in the Essequibo region. Patterson, a former Caricom chairman, said while the “far-reaching agreements” at the St Vincent summit do not constitute a final settlement, they provide mechanisms to bolster healthy, productive, and peaceful relationships between neighbours.

He also said the summit “constitutes a model for devising consultative

approaches to address other long-standing border disputes in south and central America”.

No praise, he said, is too high for presidents Ali and Maduro “for their preparedness and courage in accepting the terms of the Argyle Declaration”.

Patterson also said that Prime Minister Gonsalves, who is the current chair of CELAC, revealed his astute skills and considerable experience, with extensive support from Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, “through his trusted emissar, Celso Amorim, who were the principal interlocutors”.

“Commendations are due to all the Caribbean prime ministers who were in attendance, to representatives of the UN secretary general, Caricom, and the CELAC Troika, to endorse the declaration and pledge to facilitate its timely implementation,” Patterson said as he urged Caribbean citizens to “applaud and encourage this bold step to fashion a Caribbean where peace and harmony prevail”.

There’s no Christmas in Bethlehem this year With war in Gaza, festivities are off (NPR) - Jack Giacaman enjoys telling customers that every day is Christmas in his shop, which features handcrafted olive-wood Nativity scenes, camels and crosses.

But this year there will be no Christmas in the city that is synonymous with the birth of Jesus, located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Last month, Palestinian leaders of Christian denominations here came together, and citing the devastating war in Gaza made a unanimous decision to cancel public celebrations.

There’s no Christmas tree or sparkling lights in Manger Square or along the cobble-stone streets that should be bustling with

A view of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church’s Nativity scene in Bethlehem. This year, it portrays a baby Christ born under rubble and wrapped up in a Palestinian keffiyeh. (Ayman Oghanna for NPR) foreign tourists this time of year.

There will be no Christmas parade with musicians weaving through the old city’s labyrinth

walkways, no Santas on street corners doling out joy to children. Instead, the main square is a simple parking lot, without a hint of holiday decoration to be seen.

At Christmas House, Giacaman’s shop, things have been bad since shortly after the Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel by Gazabased Hamas militants that

killed 1,200 people, Israel says. Israel’s military has responded with an air-andground assault that has killed more than 18,000 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

“This is the worst Christmas. Even during the first intifada, the second intifada, it was not like this,” he says, referring to the Palestinian uprisings against Israel that began in 1987 and 2000, respectively.

Giacaman, a Christian who has lived in Bethlehem all his life, traces his ancestry back to conquering crusaders who arrived in the area centuries ago. At his shop, a small group of artisans are hard at work, shaping statues of Mary and

the infant Jesus and stamping out Christmas tree ornaments, all piled up, ready for a holiday rush that isn’t coming this year.

The shop has been in the family for three generations.

O v e r t h e y e a r s , i t ’s weathered more than a few shocks to the business, most recently the COVID-19 pandemic — but Giacaman says this is the worst he can remember.

At home, his family is also having trouble feeling the Christmas spirit.

His teenage daughters said they weren’t interested in decorating this year.

“They said we don’t have the feeling to put up the Christmas tree,” he says. “I was a little bit sad.

Monday December 18, 2023

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Kaieteur News

GCB congratulates new BCB president NBA: Curry passes 3,500 three-pointers

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) sent congratulations to the new president and executives of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), following Sunday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The new-look BCB executive body will now be tasked with carrying out the Board’s plans and agenda as it relates to the continued development of cricket in Berbice.

Beharry, who was treasurer of the BCB for a few years, clinched the role after voting went 18-14, in his favor, following Sunday’s well attended meeting.

Emphasis on the development had been among the areas the previously run Hilbert Foster and his executives, focused heavily on over the past six years.

New BCB president Dr. Cecil Beharry (left), GCB president Bissoondyal Singh (center) and former BCB president Hilbert Foster With a veteran presence which includes long-serving BCB executive, David Black being named Vice-president along with Junior Blair and

Quails Winter.

Ryan Algu was appointed new BCB Secretary with Ameer Rahaman the Board’s Assistant Secretary, while the

Monday December 18, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Sometimes, it's amazing to see how your relationships can spin so easily out of control, Aries. Today you may have to deal with a lot of tension within your group.

You'll almost feel as if no one understands the situation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) As the dawn of another quiet and peaceful day appears, Libra, you will be in the best disposition to observe and appreciate the lightness of things. Life can seem so beautiful on some days.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You sometimes have difficulty making up your mind. You don't always know exactly what you want.

Today, Taurus, you'll be at peace with yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You will find a clean page on the agenda today, Scorpio.

You should try to think only about yourself. This will allow you to meditate about your life and be at peace with yourself. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You will wake up today on cloud nine, Sagittarius. Your morale is at a peak. You will feel totally free and be able to clearly perceive the essentials of life.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Sometimes we all feel a little lost, Gemini. We often want to move mountains and use all our energy and enthusiasm to try to do so.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You have a natural ability to accomplish a great deal rather easily, Cancer. But today you may feel snowed under with projects. Things around you might be moving quickly.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your day has finally come, Leo. You have your own vision of life and you like sharing it with others. You're far from thinking that you're any sort of new messiah.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Today you'll have the strange feeling that something is floating in the air.

The time is right to try to understand the different needs of your family circle.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The The astral energy will have you reminiscing all day long over childhood memories, Capricorn. These memories will take you to the houses and places where you were raised.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You love interacting with people others might consider eccentric. You can't help it. You're simply attracted to them. You will probably encounter one of these people today, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You have always tried to build up your health using traditional methods, and you take great care of yourself.

treasurer’s role was given to Rovin Bahadur, who will have Devindra Ramdihal as his assistant.

Meanwhile, GCB president Bissoondyal Singh and his executives, sent their best wishes to the new BCB executive arm, as they seek to revamp and strengthen the level of cricket in the Ancient County, heading into 2024.

New BCB executives: Ceil Beharry-President David Black - Vice-president Junior Blair - Vice-president Quails Winter - Vicepresident Ryan Algu- Secretary Ameer Rahaman - Assistant Secretary Rovin Bahadur - Treasurer Devindra Ramdihal - Assistant Secretary

Curry is the only player to have made 3,000 three-pointers in NBA history (USA TODAY Sports) (BBC Sport) - Stephen Curry became the first NBA player to make 3,500 threepointers as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Brooklyn Nets.

Curry passed the mark midway through the first quarter and finished with 37 points, including six threepointers, as the Warriors came through 124-120.

The 35-year-old also scored 12 straight points in less than two minutes in the fourth quarter to seal the vic-

tory. It ended a three-game losing streak for the Warriors.

Team-mate Klay Thompson, who moved into ninth place on the career threepointer leaderboard, finished with 24 points while four others scored in double figures for the Warriors.

Cam Thomas had a gamehigh 41 points for the Nets, who had two shots at either a tie or a lead in the final one minute and 28 seconds before losing for the third time in four outings on a five-game trip.

Kaieteur News

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Monday December 18, 2023

Premier League: Arsenal edge past Brighton to go top of table (BBC Sport) - Arsenal e v e n t u a l l y s a w o ff a stubborn Brighton to move back above Liverpool - for a few hours at least - at the top of the Premier League.

With Liverpool hosting Manchester United at 16:30 GMT, the Gunners returned to the summit thanks to Gabriel Jesus’ header and Kai Havertz’s late strike.

Arsenal dominated the first half without reward, but the tension eased when Jesus turned in after a corner.

The hosts were almost punished when Pascal Gross poked a golden chance wide before Havertz sealed victory to spark joyous celebrations at a relieved Emirates Stadium.

The Seagulls, who were looking for a third successive league victory at Emirates Stadium, managed just one shot on target and drop to ninth place.

After a conservative first-half performance, Brighton offered more attacking threat in the final half an hour but anything other than a home win would have been scarcely deserved.

Arsenal had 26 shots in the match and almost added a third in injury-time when substitute Emile Smith Rowe’s low drive was saved.

“It was an incredible performance. It was a joy to watch from the start to the end,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, whose jubilant celebrations indicated the magnitude of the win.

“The way we played against a phenomenal Brighton side was incredible. We were patient, kept going, kept believing and got what we deserved.”

Liverpool fail to go top…

Manchester United lifted the mood of crisis around manager Erik ten Hag by securing a battling point against Liverpool at Anfield.

In a mediocre encounter, United stopped the rot that had been spreading after the heavy home loss to Bournemouth and a tame Champions League exit rubber-stamped by Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.

While this was hardly a classic display from injuryhit United, who had Diogo

Gabriel Jesus’ goal for Arsenal was his third in the Premier League this season Dalot sent off in stoppage time, Ten Hag had cause to be much happier than Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp whose side missed a chance to return to the top of the Premier League.

United keeper Andre Onana made one fine firsthalf save from Virgil van Dijk, while Rasmus Hojlund had the visitors’ best chance in the second half but saw his shot blocked at the near post

by Liverpool’s Alisson.

Liverpool dominated possession but were too

often wasteful and had to settle for a point, not enough to overhaul Arsenal whose earlier win against Brighton took them to the summit.

Villa beat Brentford Aston Villa came from behind to dramatically beat Brentford after a red card for Bees defender Ben Mee changed the match.

Keane Lewis-Potter opened the scoring for the hosts at the end of the first half, shooting through a crowded penalty area after Villa failed to clear a corner

from the left. But the game turned when Mee was sent off in the 71st minute for diving in and catching Leon Bailey on the ankle.

On-pitch referee David Coote, close to where it happened, originally handed Mee a yellow card but, following a check by video assistant referee Craig Pawson, was advised to check the incident and it was then upgraded to a red card.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank was furious with the decision and got

b o o k e d , w i t h Vi l l a capitalising on their player advantage six minutes later.

B a i l e y ’s c r o s s w a s headed in at the back post by Alex Moreno for an equaliser, before Watkins headed in an 85th-minute winner from Boubacar Kamara’s flick-on.

In a bad-tempered match, Kamara was then sent off for pushing the face of Ye h o r Ya r m o l i u k i n stoppage time, with Villa boss Unai Emery also cautioned.

NBA roundup: Thunder sneak by Nuggets in final second (Reuters) - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points, including a goahead jumper with 0.9 seconds left, as the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder edged the Denver Nuggets 118-117 on Saturday night.

Chet Holmgren had 17 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks, Jalen Williams scored 24 points and Luguentz Dort had 13 points for Oklahoma City.

Nikola Jokic had 24 points and 12 assists and Michael Porter Jr. finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Nuggets.

Aaron Gordon scored 16 points and Jamal Murray added 15.

The Thunder trailed by eight late but rallied to steal a win. Gilgeous-Alexander converted a three-point play, Williams hit a jumper and threw down a dunk and Holmgren also dunked to cut Oklahoma City’s deficit to 113-112 with 1:38 left.

Mavericks 131, Blazers 120 Luka Doncic recorded his 61st career triple-double with 40 points, 12 rebounds

and 10 assists as visiting Dallas beat Portland.

Ti m H a r d a w a y J r. scored 25 points, Dante Exum and Derrick Jones Jr. had 18 apiece and Markieff Morris chipped in 10 for Dallas, which won for the fifth time in its past six games.

Anfernee Simons had 33 points, eight rebounds and six assists to lead Portland.

Jerami Grant had 27 points, Scoot Henderson added 13 and Duop Reath finished with 11. The Blazers trailed by as many as 18 in the third quarter and lost their sixth straight game.

Bucks 146, Pistons 114 Damian Lillard scored 33 points, Bobby Portis recorded a double-double with a season-high 31 points and Milwaukee extended visiting Detroit’s franchiselong losing streak to 23 games.

Milwaukee never trailed, scoring the game’s first seven points. The Bucks then went on firstquarter runs of 15-6 and 142 t o b u i l d a n e a r l y, insurmountable lead.

Cade Cunningham and Bojan Bogdanovic led Detroit with 25 and 24 points, respectively. Marvin Bagley III scored 12 points and grabbed a team-high seven rebounds.

76ers 135, Hornets 82 Joel Embiid scored 42 points in just three quarters as Philadelphia blew out host Charlotte.

Embiid went 18-for23 from the field and 6for-6 on free throws to go with 15 defensive rebounds and two blocked shots.

Tyrese Maxey poured in 21 points to go with s ev en as s is ts , To b ias Harris racked up 15 points and ex-Hornet Kelly Oubre Jr. came off the bench for 12 points as Philadelphia extended its winning streak to six games.

Brandon Miller had 14 points and Bryce McGowens provided 12 for the Hornets, who’ve lost four in a row. Charlotte shot 7-for-35 (20 percent) from 3-point range and gave up more than 30 points in three

different quarters.

Cavaliers 127, Hawks 119 Jarrett Allen had team highs of 25 points and 14 rebounds to lead Cleveland to a win over visiting Atlanta.

Donovan Mitchell added 22 points and 13 assists for Cleveland, which snapped a three-game losing streak. Isaac Okoro scored 18 points and Dean Wade supplied 16.

Trae Young led the Hawks with 35 points and 10 assists, while Dejounte Murray tallied 21 points.

De’Andre Hunter added 18 points for Atlanta, which lost its sixth game in its past seven contests.

Heat 118, Bulls 116 Jimmy Butler hit a stepback jumper over Coby White at the buzzer, leading host Miami to a victory over Chicago.

Butler finished with a game-high 28 points and Kevin Love added 22 points on 6-for-10 shooting from deep for the Heat.

DeMar DeRozan had 27 points and Patrick Williams

added 25 for the Bulls.

Williams was benched 92 seconds into the game after getting called for two quick fouls. He was scoreless in the first quarter but got going with a 13-point second.

Timberwolves 127, Pacers 109 Karl-Anthony Towns scored 40 points on 15-for25 shooting and grabbed 12 rebounds, and Minnesota cruised to a win over Indiana in Minneapolis.

Anthony Edwards added 37 points on 14-for23 shooting, including 7f o r- 1 0 s h o o t i n g f r o m beyond the arc, to lift Minnesota to its 19th win in 24 games to start the season.

Naz Reid finished with 17 points off the bench.

Bruce Brown and Aaron Nesmith scored 17 points apiece to lead Indiana, which lost for the second time in as many nights.

Myles Turner and Isaiah Jackson finished with 12 points apiece.

Warriors 124, Nets 120 Stephen Curry saved 16 of his team-high 37 points

for the fourth quarter, Klay Thompson buried a pair of late 3-pointers and Golden State held off Brooklyn in San Francisco.

Thompson finished with 24 points and four others scored in double figures for the Warriors, who ended a three-game losing streak.

Cam Thomas had a game-high 41 points for the Nets, who had two shots at either a tie or a lead in the final 1:28 before losing for the third time in four outings on a five-game trip.

Kings 125, Jazz 104 Keegan Murray established career bests of 47 points and 12 3-pointers, and host Sacramento overcame the absence of star De’Aaron Fox to wallop Utah.

Murray connected on 16 of 23 shots from the floor and missed just three of his 15 3-point attempts. The 12 treys fell two short of the NBA record set by Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors in 2018.

Murray had the green light often with Fox out due to right shoulder irritation.

Monday December 18, 2023

Kaieteur News

Ink Plus supports day of sports in Wakenaam Ariana Singh of Ink Plus presents the sponsorship package to Divendra Bhishan

I

nk Plus has thrown its support behind the Wakenaam Year End Bash Committee for the staging of a day of sports which is slated for December 3 0 a t t h e Wa k e n a a m Community Centre ground, Good Success.

The entity made a presentation to organisers on Thursday at their location at Laluni Street, Queenstown.

The day’s event will be held in collaboration with

the Wakenaam Cricket Academy and is being sanctioned by the Wa k e n a a m C r i c k e t Committee.

The activities will get underway with at 10:00hrs with a T10 knock out competition involving four teams while a dominoes competition will be played simultaneously. The event will culminate with a sevena-side knock out football tournament will commence

at 18:00hrs.

The venture is being organise to help raise funds to assist the young cricketers on the island, to sponsor age group tournaments there as well as to assist young footballers.

The event will be held under the theme “Essequibo is we own”.

Persons interested in lending support can contact organiser/Coach Zaheer Mohamed on 665 6202.

PAGE 21

Williamson returns to NZ’s T20I squad for series against Bangladesh (Cricinfo) - Kane Williamson returns to captain New Zealand’s T20I squad in the home series against Bangladesh after more than a year since he last played the format.

Like he was for the ongoing ODIs against Bangladesh, opening batter Devon Conway was rested from the T20Is as well because of workload management, while Michael Bracewell (achilles), Lockie Ferguson (achilles), Matt Henry (hamstring) and Henry Shipley (back) were all injured. Trent Boult made himself unavailable for selection.

Williamson’s previous T20 international was during the home series against India in November last year. He made a comeback to international cricket during the ODI World Cup in October and November, after a long recovery period following knee surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament he had ruptured during the opening game of the 2023 IPL season. Alrounder James Neesham also returned to the T20I squad after missing New Zealand’s previous T20I series, in England in September, because of the birth of his child, while fast bowler Ben Sears has been included.

“It’s great to be able to finish off a busy year that started on the road by having the group together in New Zealand,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “We’ve played T20 cricket in a wide variety of conditions this year and it’s been great to see a broad range of players making contributions. “Tim Seifert, as an example, returned to the side in a specific role at the top of the order and made significant contributions in each series he was part of.

Kane Williamson

With a World Cup in the middle of next year, we’re well into our planning in terms of both the tournament and the type of squad we might need in the conditions. “While we’re advanced in our planning, as we saw with the oneday World Cup squad this year with the likes of Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra - there is certainly still time for players to come into that mix.”

New Zealand’s T20I squad will assemble on Boxing Day ahead of the series opener against Bangladesh in Napier on December 27, after which the teams travel to Tauranga for the second and third games on December 29 and 31.

New Zealand’s T20I squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee

Brook hopes thrilling win over Windies sets tone for T20 World Cup Harry Brook (Reuters)

(SportsMax) - Harry Brook insisted England can still salvage something from a chastening winter ahead of two crunch T20s against the West Indies.

E n g l a n d ’s w o e f u l group-stage exit at the World Cup was followed by an ODI reset getting off to a false start with a 2-1 defeat in the Caribbean, while they then lost T20s in Barbados and Grenada.

But Phil Salt’s maiden T20 hundred and Brook’s 31 not out off seven deliveries – thumping 24 off the final over – saw England chase down 223 on Saturday.

The tourists arrived in Trinidad on Sunday with hope renewed and Brook believes a pair of wins this week could do wonders for them a few months out from the T20 World Cup in the region.

Brook likened England’s predicament to last year’s series in Pakistan, where

they came from behind to win 4-3 before sealing T20 World Cup glory.

“We’re a fair way away from the World Cup but these two games can make a big difference, especially getting the experience of these pitches and these crowds,” Brook said.

“We had it against Pakistan before the last T20 World Cup where we needed to win the last two games and we just tried to play them all like finals.

We’ve got to do that for the rest of this series.

“We can take a lot of confidence from that win.

Yo u ’ v e g o t s o m u c h clarity chasing a big score like that, you know you’ve got to get out the blocks quickly.”

England were behind the eight ball at the start of the 20th over with the Wi n d i e s c a l l i n g u p o n Andre Russell, who has been confronted with this situation many times. Requiring 21 to

avoid losing the series and with Salt on 109 at the other end, Brook, on seven off two balls at the time, whipped the all-rounder fine for four.

R u s s e l l overcompensated by bowling too wide, allowing Brook to free his arms for a six over extra cover, before a full toss was larruped over the rope to leave England needing five off three balls.

T h e Yo r k s h i r e m a n clipped to midwicket for a couple before taking England to a seven-wicket victory i n s t y l e b y carving another wider delivery over backward point.

“I’m just trying to be as cool as I can be,” Brook said. “I’m trying to be free-flowing – as soon as I get tensed up in any format, I’m never as good.

“It was really nice to go out there and finish it off. Hopefully I can do it plenty more times in my career.”

Brook has been conspicuously bowling a lot in net sessions, most notably attempting to improve his off-spin.

He memorably snared New Zealand captain K a n e W i l l i a m s o n in Wellington earlier this year – so far his only Test wicket – but as a military mediumpacer.

While adding extra d e p t h t o E n g l a n d ’s bowling is still a way off, Brook is optimistic of being able to turn his arm over in The Hundred for Northern Superchargers next year.

“It was jokey at the start but then I’ve actually started to get pretty good at it,” Brook added.

“I’m just trying to work on it and see what can happen.

“The seamers are still there for Test cricket. But I am trying to look towards The Hundred. I might not bowl but it’s a little target I’ve got.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Monday December 18, 2023

WI plans ‘still very good’ despite loss, says Powell (CMC) - West Indies will not make any radical changes to their approach against England despite a heart-breaking defeat in Saturday’s third Twenty20 International, says captain Rovman Powell.

The home side mustered an imposing 222 for six at the National Cricket Stadium but England staged a remarkable run chase to overhaul the target to win by seven wickets with a ball to spare.

Powell hailed the tactical approach of playing two leftarm spinners – Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie – in the attack, pointing out his side’s plans were still “very good.”

Captain Rovman Powell … believes West Indies plans remain sound.

“I think it is very good.

They bowled pretty well in both games so it’s just for us now to sit down … and come up with plans,” Powell said.

“I think the plans are still very good against these English batters but credit has

to be given to them, they fought strong and hard in what is a very good series.”

Phil Salt led the chase for England with a superb unbeaten 109 off 56 balls, which included four fours and nine sixes.

He put on 115 for the first wicket with captain Jos Buttler who made 51 off 34 deliveries, before adding a further 70 for the third wicket with Liam Livingstone (30) and 40 in an unbroken fourth wicket stand with Harry Brook (31 not out).

With England needing 21 from the final over sent down by veteran allrounder Andre Russell, Brook clobbered three sixes and a four in a sensational finish.

“I think we have quality guys on the field in the XI to do the job,” Powell lamented afterwards.

“It’s just unfortunate that it didn’t come off today. It’s a small ground, good wicket

Rovman Powell launches one during his 39 (Associated Press)

so credit has to be given to Phil Salt and company. They batted well.”

West Indies won the opening two games – the first by four wickets at Kensington Oval in

Barbados and the second here by ten runs.

In both games, they showcased their bighitting ability to get the better of England and Powell said this approach would also continue in n e x t w e e k ’s d o u b l e -

header at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.

“I think it’s just taken its natural course.

We’re six-hitters so we try to hit as much sixes as possible and then we try to improve in the other areas that we aren’t as strong [in],”

explained Powell.

“But if you should look on the duration of this series, the guys are improving steadily and those are encouraging signs.”

The fourth T20 International is set for Tuesday at 4 pm.

Pacaraima Golden Suites throws support behind KFC Goodwill Football Pacaraima Golden Suites, a hotel located in Lethem, Region 9 has thrown their support behind the Petra Organisation, which was announced on Saturday with a simple presentation ceremony, as they currently run stage the KFC Goodwill Schools U18 Football tournament.

Their support, while general in nature, has also included some logistics associated with the St Ignatius Secondary School team.

This year’s tournament, the fourth edition, has seen an expansion with Jamaican powerhouse Clarendon College, Surinamese VW04, Trinidad’s St Benedict’s College and local schools Chase’s Academic Foundation, Carmel S e c o n d a r y, B a r t i c a Secondary, DC Caesar Fox Secondary and St Ignatius Secondary all participating.

The final will be played at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue on December 22.

Pacaraima Golden Suites’ Amazyah Braithwaite (right) hands over the sponsorship package to Petra Organization’s Jackie Boodie

Kaieteur News

Monday December 18, 2023

PAGE 23

Guyana’s National Powerlifting champion sets New Records G Dominic Tyrrell (centre) receiving his trophy

uyana’s 74 kg Powerlifting champion, Dominic Tyrrell, moved up in weight class to 83 kg to compete at the ‘Silent Wo r k e r M e e t Wi n t e r Edition’ in Lyon, France on Sunday, December 17, 2023.

In the Squat category, he did 540 lbs even though he failed his last attempt at 562 lbs.

In training, he achieved 562 lbs two weeks prior to the competition. Now, he will be aiming to improve

this feat next year.

Additionally, 347 lbs was his best in the bench press category which was well executed.

During his deadlift, he moved 711 lbs, which was the heaviest done that day and one of the heaviest in the entire competition, which ran for two days.

He unofficially broke the junior and open Guyana National deadlift and totals records achieving a total of 1598 lbs.

The battle was fierce between Dominic and Calixte, one of the top 83 kg juniors in France. Both achieved the exact total, but Dominic won on body weight (he was lighter 79.8kg).

Dominic placed first overall of all the open men.

Dominic Tyrrell whom the French commentators thought was French, qualified for the French National team, proudly wrapped in the Golden Arrowhead.

KFC Goodwill Under-18 Football Series 2023…

Chase’s Academic, St Benedict’s, Clarendon College and VWO-4 into semis - Finalists to be decided tomorrow The tension has soared in the 2023 KFC Goodwill International Series as Chase’s Academic Foundation and Voorgezet We t e n s c h a p p e l i j k Onderwijs (VWO-4) of Suriname claimed the last two spots in the semifinal round.

C h a s e ’s A c a d e m i c secured two wins despite a setback, falling 2 - 0 to Clarendon College in their final group match.

Meanwhile, VWO-4 clinched their second victory with a thrilling 4-3 win against the 2022 champions, DC Caesar Fox Secondary, in a heart-stopping showdown at Ministry of Education ground last Saturday.

Keith Felter, Matthew Soetosenojo, Arivin Djojoseparto and Jackson Justin were instrutmental in VWO-4’s win with one goal apiece.

The ultimate contenders, Clarendon College (Jamaica), St. Benedict’s College (Trinidad and Tobago), VWO-4 (Suriname), and Chase’s Academic Foundation, are poised for the semifinals set to electrify the field tomorrow (Tuesday).

Notably, Chase Academy stands as the sole local team advancing to the penultimate stage, with Bryan Wharton leading the tournament’s goal-scoring charts with 7 goals in two matches.

Anticipation brims as our local representatives edge

Clarendon College’s goal scorers were Terron Williams (left) and Daniel Clarke

closer to the championship finals, scheduled to c u l m i n a t e o n F r i d a y, December 22. Alongside the thrilling matches, substantial financial rewards await the top four finishers, boasting a prize pool of G$500,000 (US$2,500) for the champions. The runners-up will receive G$300,000, while the third and fourth positions secure $200,000 and $100,000, respectively.

Additionally, individual accolades await the Best Goalkeeper, Top Goal Scorer, and the tournament’s

MVP. Title sponsor, Beharry Restaurant Holdings Inc, through the KFC Brand has partnered with the Petra Organisation to host their final tournament of the year.

They have also garnered support from key entities like the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, ANSA McAL (Lucozade), Guyana Football Federation, the Ministry of Education (M oE) and P acaraima Golden Suites, ensuring the successful execution of the 2023 football series.

KFC Goodwill Under -18 Football Series 2023... rts Spo

Guyana’s National Powerlifting champion sets New Records

Just two playing date remain before the culmination of the 2023 edition of this tournament.

Chase’s Academic, St Benedict’s, Clarendon College and VWO-4 into semis - Finalists to be decided tomorrow

Dominic Tyrrell (centre) receiving his trophy

Andre Russell celebrates the wicket of Jos Buttler (Associated Press)

WI plans ‘still very good’ despite loss, says Powell Pacaraima Golden Suites throws support behind KFC Goodwill Football Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.