Kaieteur News

the World Cup Trophy after Argentina beat France in an epic final, to become the 2022 World Cup Champions!

Glenntells VPJagdeo:

GlenntellsVPJagdeo:

‘Monitor Exxon expenses, come clean on Guyana’s real profit from Stabroek Block’

With Vice President (VP), Bharrat Jagdeo throwinghissupportbehind, ExxonMobil’s claim that Guyana was getting 52% profit from the oil resources in the Stabroek Block, Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, said this assertioncouldnotbefurther from the truth. He also said thatasheadofthepetroleum sector here, Jagdeo should do more to monitor the expenses of ExxonMobil, which the company recoups based on the lopsided Production Sharing Agreement.

Speaking on his final radio programme for the year, Lall told his audience, “As of now I could be definitive to tell all Guyana, that the 52% they say Guyana getting is false, its misleading, is inaccurate, is deceptive – no matter how many billboards they put up in this country and how much Jagdeo dance on his head-thebottomlineisthat Guyanaisnotreceiving52%

assetoutintheExxonMobil contract,andthatIcanprove beyond the shadow of a doubt”

The issue came to the fore some two Fridays ago ataNewsConferencehosted by Jagdeo, an Economist, after he was asked to weigh inontheissuewithreference to billboards erected by ExxonMobil advancing the 52%profitclaim.

TheVPexplained,“Isaw howtheyareclaimingthe52 (percent) - 50 percent from profit oil and then 52. That might not be the most egregiousthingbecauseitis accurate- that 52 percent. If you look at how it’s calculated, so its 50 percent oftheprofits.”

VP Jagdeo was reminded that 75 percent of the revenue is first deducted to cover the Operator’s expense,inkeepingwiththe lopsided Stabroek Block, Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), and was asked to explain how this calculation would be

accurate. After pausing, he thenresponded,“Ifyoulook at the lifecycle, normally you look at the lifecycle of the project. It can’t be done simply Soifyoulookatthe lifecycle at 50- we had the simulations done- of $50, $60and$100.Sothisis,here ifthisis$100,itworksoutto about49to50percent.Ifits $50 over the lifecycle of the project, it’s close to 50 something percent, 56 percent.”

Highlighting and stressing Guyana’s share, Jagdeo said factors such as the number of production years and number of barrels produced, must be considered and then multiplied by the price per barrel at $50. As such he said,“No,Idon’tthinkthatis misleading, there might be other things I do not agree with but I don’t think that’s misleading.”

But Lall who first called out ExxonMobil on the billboards, said when he listened to the Vice President, he became confused “This is not accidentalwhatishappening here,thisispartofascheme goingon,thesell-outofthis country’s wealth. How on God’searthJagdeocan’ttell this country what amount of money we have to get on a daily basis, when the contract spell it out clear The contract says 2% Royalty,and50%profitafter 75% of the total revenue is taken out as oil expenses.

HowcomethisVPcan’ttell us precisely and with authority what is Guyana’s totaltakeinthisoilbusiness we have. If a Leader can’t tell us exactly how much money you must get as a country, as your share, then what else this man can’t tell us.

“Uncle, you tell me, I begging you, you tell me, if you nah know the exact amount of money you getting from your coconut

farm or your rice field or yourmangofarm,thenwhat businessyoureallyrunning? Is better you tell the people tocometekthethingandgo along their way This man goingroundincircles,round and round, like a belly dancer to spin we head, making us fools,” Lall furthersaid.

Publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, also said the reason why Jagdeo has not been definitive on the matter is because ExxobnMobil is recovering theroyaltiespaidtoGuyana, andthatthe50%profitshare they said Guyana was receivingwasnottrue.

“…so the billboard is totally false, incorrect and Jagdeoofallpersonswithall his financial gurus at his side, Ashini Singh and others, know that Guyana is beingrobbed,thisiswhy he cannot come out clear and tell this nation, well listen Guyana,thisiswhatyouare gettingoutofyouroil,”a Continuedonpage6

Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

OilmoneyhasmadetheGovt.‘powerdrunk’

...protecting oil company while creating second class citizens - Former EPA boss

Veteran Petroleum EngineerandformerHeadof the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams has called out the Guyana Government for exhibiting signs of a ‘power drunk’ Administration now backed byoilrevenue.

Adams has argued that theGovernmenthasfailedto adequately protect citizens and the oil sector but is nonchalantly allowing the oil companies to break the lawsanddisregardstandards customary to oil operations. Adams in a presentation during an Alliance for Change (AFC) Press Conference on Friday last said that the Government is being emboldened by the increased revenue from the oil resource and has already started to treat citizens poorly TheAFChadpointed to actions committed by the Government which they believeareinfringingonthe democratic fabric of the country One incident involved the recent arrest of Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine and Opposition Member, Sherod Duncan, whowerefurtherchargedfor incitingracialhostility

TheAFChasaccusedthe Government of using the Police to silence freedom of speech since among what was reportedly, said by the Mayor was whether President Irfaan Ali did not want to meet with him because he is Hindu. The entire episode started however, over the removal of vending stalls within the vicinity of the main hospital InGeorgetown.

Adams opined however, thatwhiletheGovernmentis goingaftercitizensforusing their right to speak, it is

allowing Exxon to become the country’s new colonial master He explained that there are a number of issues currently affecting the oil sector He said to date workers on the oil floating production ships (FPSOs), are still treated like second class citizens by being paid less and treated as less. He said that even the Insurance Companies are now complaining as evidence relating to how Exxon and Partners are trying to cheat the sector out of millions of US dollars, start to surface.

Adams continued that local companies are not given the same treatment as Exxon who already enjoys an excessively friendly production sharing agreementwiththecountry

“…it goes back to this power drunkenness. And I believe this power drunkenness is emboldened throughtherichesofoil.The Governmentisjustreneging on its responsibility of protecting all individuals and most import to treat everyone equally,” Adams told the Press Conference. Hesaid,“Thebigquestionis why are they treating the foreign rich big companies

such as Exxon differently from our people who have a sovereign right for freedom of speech and not to be secondclasscitizens.”

Adamsclaimedthateven Exxon’s files are now being protected at the EPA- his understanding is that Exxon’s files are no longer beingstoredinthebigroom where it is supposed to be, but that the company’s documents are being protected in the Executive Director’s office. He said it appearsthattheGovernment

does not want any other information regarding the Exxontobecomepublic.

“Thereisnoquestion,it’s just as if Exxon is being our newcolonialmastersandour GovernmentandLeadership are bowing down to them at the expense of the freedom of its own citizens,” Adams said.

He noted that Guyana indeed need Foreign Investorsastheirbusinessis i m p o r t a n t t o t h e development of the country, “butyoucannotbereneging

on your responsibility to protectyourpeopleandtreat themequallyinpreferenceto how you treat folks who are comingin.”

Adams said, “… Exxon isviolatingourlawsdailyin front of our eyes, thumping their noses at us, they are puttingupbillboardsthatare misrepresenting the facts, violating the laws and putting us at high risk and they are producing (oil) at a higher rate than the safety limit allows, and nobody is sayinganything…”

The former EPA Head said that currently the laws Exxonisviolating,theyhave signed on to it He questionedthereforewhythe Governmenthasnotpressed the company of these violations or have arrested its President Alistair Routledge for the actions committed.Adams said that instead, the Government extends to Exxon the same treatment it gives to its citizens, it is protecting the oil company with its illegalities.

Former Head of EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams

PublishingCompanyLtd 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

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

EDITORIAL

Panama renegotiation of retrench

ForfourlongweekstheGovernmentofPanamaengaged in discussions with a foreign company involved in mining operations in that country The Panamanian Government’s good faith efforts to renegotiate and finalise a deal first agreed to by the parties in January 2022 all went to naught. There is a lesson for the PPP/C Government, Guyanese Parliamentarians, and every Guyanese Politician with any self-respect left on the action that the Panamanian Government felt was the only dignified and patriotic option lefttoit.

In January 2022, there was what appeared to be an agreement in principle between the Government of Panama and Minera Panama relative to its operations in the Cobre Panama mines. Minera Panama is 80% owned by Toronto based First Quantum, and was engaged in copper and gold mining operations in Panama. The January agreement included a minimum of US$375M in annual royalties to be paid to Panama, improved conditions for Panamanian workers, and tangible protections for the Panamanian environment.

When the time came in November for Minera Panama (First Quantum) to honor what was agreed to in January, the company dug in its heels with endless stonewalling to buy time, and what was clearly bad faith conduct. According to official Panamanian sources, Minera Panama ‘countered with unreasonable demands, and went the other way.’ Instead of closing in and finalising what was agreed to in January in respect of royalties, employment, and such, MineraPanamadistanceditselffromtheoriginalagreement. Even when the Panamanian Government extended the time in the hope of a successful conclusion of what was a renegotiationoftheminingcontract,thecompanywouldnot budge,didworsestill.

Minera Panama’s response was to send out a new draft agreement/contract that changed fundamental economic aspectsofwhatwasagreedtoinJanuary Oneofthecrucial areas that Minera Panama altered was the annual royalty minimum payable to Panama. In brief, Minera Panama reneged on what was agreed to before. This inflicted some deepwoundsonPanama’snationalleadership,whichdidnot havetheluxuryofmuchoperatingroom.

The Panamanian Constitution is very pointed in what it states unequivocally about the country’s natural resources. “Concessions for the exploitation of the land and subsoil…are inspired by social well-being and the public interest.”

For the Government and leadership of Panama to save face, to manifest any degree of persuasive patriotism, perhapsevenhonesty,strongactionhadtofollow,anditdid.

President Laurentino Cortizo called an extraordinary session of the Cabinet Council, and within hours a decision was announced. The decision was to close down Minera Panama’s (First Quantum) mining operations in Panama. It surely had to be a most difficult decision, but one that the Cabinet Council of Panama felt was unavoidable, since Minera Panama backed it against a wall. The fact that the GovernmentofPanamacouldhaveresortedtothishardestof actions (halting operations) is something that the Guyana Government should seriously consider in its one-sided dealingswithExxonMobil.

The PPP/C Government is on record for repeatedly cursing the 2016 oil contract that Guyana (the Coalition APNU+AFC) signed with ExxonMobil as a terrible crime. Now its Leaders should have the spine and the testicular fortitude to correct that crime of a contract. It would be the principledthingtodo,makinggoodonthepublicposturesof its leaders, and the party’s elections manifesto. At the core, bettercontractmanagementtranslatestoabetterdeal. With

Guyanese Christmas of Yesteryear

DearEditor, holiday over a three week displayandlitupiftherewas Christmas or New Year’s Christmasandtherelated period. And parents were no blackout, which was an Eve,peoplegooutforsnacks end of year season is the busy with their kith and kin. almostdailyoccurrence. or shopping but people were most celebrated of all People, children in

Regardless of religious contented with inexpensive festivals. Everywhere in the particular, had a most lovely background and age, garment or footwear and Guyanese diaspora and in time in the Caribbean during virtuallyeveryonepartookin their general lifestyle. Guyana, an aura of the the season in the old days the Christmas spirit. The Children assisted with seasonal celebration is in the (pre-1990s). Christmas holiday festival decorating the home and in air with decor, aroma, Peoplewouldflocktothe transcends religions as trees preparingcakesandbread. shopping, masquerades, etc. stores right after Diwali, are brightly lit next to It was usually one of From one end of the country shopping for decorations, fluttering Jhandis or next to expectancy among kids totheother,streets,shopping furniture, and toys. Shops on Islamic green Crescent Children assisted in the malls, markets, exterior and the varied business avenues Muslims and Hindus also preparation of drinks and the interior of homes are aptly in the towns and larger cities partake in the festivities. cake and bread. Those who decorated for the yuletide in the Caribbean were well Hindus and Muslims may assisted with cake and drink season.Thesameisobserved decorated with colorful not attend church mass but preparation get to lick the in my travels inTrinidad and electronic lights and related like others they too prepared bowl or extra drinks.People inNewYork. paraphernalia Christmas thatspecialholidaymealand went out for late outings not

The decorations and the music emanated from many beverages and joined in the worried about being robbed. jostling and bustling by of the stores and one can holiday spirit Christian For the season, there was a shoppers on the streets in p u r c h a s e v i r t u a l l y churches mounted nativity lotoffoodandmerrymaking Guyana, rest of the everything related to the scenesontheirlawns.People withchildrenrunningaround Caribbean region and in the festival. The homes and the flocked to church for playing with toys No Guyanese diaspora in New yard got a makeover every midnight mass on Christmas Christmas was without York bring back fond year – whitewashed or re- Eve. Crime was low and m a s q u e r a d e b a n d s memories of the celebration painted The decoration people felt safe moving (musicians with mouth growing up in the 1960s and smell new as curtains were around in the evenings. The organ, a flute and drums) –1970s. It was a season of pulled out of storage or new youths were excited about men dressed in skirts and the expectancy, fun, joy, safety, ones bought Artificial the season because they got public having a joyous time. caring, compassion, looking flowers were taken out of new clothes to go to the Those were the good old out for others, and sharing. storage and used in cinemas or horse racing or times of celebrating the Much of those traditions decoration of the home. The for the ride to town on seasoninGuyana. have been wiped out few electric lights received ChristmasEveorforafeteor Yourstruly, Schools were closed for the from abroad were put on just for the New Year On VishnuBisram

Christmas is a time for self-searching

DearEditor,

believers who have no dignifiedlifeinGuyana.And tookplaceoutsidethecity,in We are in the time of the connection with religious as we are in the month of the middle of the darkest Nativity, but the sentiment doctrines but practice a December, there is the night, in an animal shed couldverywellbenotoneof spiritually and religiously preparation for Christmas. away from all the chaos in Christmas,butmoreofGood autonomy There is also the Which for most, takes on a the city and wider society Friday Becauseofchaosand culture of superficiality, and commercialandmaterialistic Nothingwasknowneitherin confusions in our world. In the velocity to acquire aspect Example: to Rome, the capital of the other parts of the globe there information and resolve consume, and most time empire, or in Jerusalem, the is killing of children in war problems without applying abuse the use of alcohol as religiouscenterofthePeople zones and also killing of critical reasoning and we merry ourselves for the of Israel. Almost no one LGBTQ + persons and dialogue. holidays. Then there is the noticed, only those from others. Inotherexperiences, In the Guyanese society, humanitarian element of humble and peasant there is the exodus of there is the rich who are giving and sharing or environments, such as the refugees, and migrants to getting richer and the poor reaching out to the less shepherds of Bethlehem other countries for greener who are getting poorer, there fortunate besides the Theycametotheshedwhere pastures but who suffer from is misery, gender violence, spiritual part to prepare the Divine Child was xenophobiaetc.Thereisalso killingofwomen,garbageon ourselves by attending shiveringfromthecold. racism, sexism, and all the the streets and waterways, church services to celebrate As we prepare to i s m s a n d s c h i s m s suicides and the exploitation the birth of Jesus on celebrateJesus’scoming,the everywhere. of the environment. There Christmas day, December Nativity story offers us the

In the modern church are children who suffer from 25th. key to comprehend some of there is power and sexual abuses at homes and However, contrastingly, the most inscrutable clericalism and growing the breakdown of family internally in our lives, there mysteries of our afflicted r e l i g i o u s structure. are also chaos, confusions, existence Human beings fanaticism/fundamentalism Furthermore, from a evils, and obsessions that have always questioned that are offshoots of right- socio-economicandpolitical dominate our hearts and others and themselves: why wing Christian ideology, perspective,thereisthegreat minds on a daily basis is our existence so fragile? centered around a theology obsessionabouttheoilboom Including our approach to Why all the problems of prosperity and division. which makes many ponder deal with problems where confusions and sufferings? On the flipside, there is a how the money will be spent m o s t t i m e s w e a c t And God was silent. But in growing number of non- so that all can have a vindictively to others and the Nativity an answer is jumptoconclusions,judging found:Jesusmadehimselfas people without seeing the fragile as we humans opportunity to understand through sufferings and and work things out chaos This was God’s mutually These our interior answer: not in words but chaos and problems w i t h a g e s t u r e o f metaphorically turn off the identification. Hence, we are lights of the Nativity trees no longer alone in our and fills them with darkness immense loneliness, which should create an sufferings and struggles in environment of joy and Guyana, God is with us. His childlike innocence that still name is Jesus! A blessed existsinallhumans. Christmastoall!

afifthprojectnearingapproval,thetimeisripeforGuyanato wringmaterialconcessionsoutofExxonMobil.

The issue is whether the PPP/C Government has what it takes to extract concessions for royalties and taxes, expenses and proper environmental protection from ExxonMobil. To date, it is clear that Leaders in the PPP/C Government are all talk (criminal contract) and no walk (no renegotiation). When courage is called for, Guyanese are left to marvel at a cowardly government. When Guyanese need a PPP/C Government with spine, it gets one made of elastic. When Guyanese need Politicians of steeliness, they are forced to settle for those constructed of rubber Will we ever get anything from ExxonMobil with a Government and Politicianslikethese? Mostlikelyno!

In the nativity story, it Yoursfaithfully, relates that the birth of Jesus MedinoAbrahamSJ

War in Guyana between ‘good’ and ‘evil’

in its ability to naturalise a p a r t i c u l a r w a y o f interpretingsomething-beit an ethnic group or a strategy

DearEditor, features, discourses are most for political struggle. There It is interesting to listen crucial because they are two parts to the tothenarrativesspewedover sanction certain kinds of construction of identity social media nowadays action and not others for within discourse: firstly the They are part of a whole most people. In times of creation of the ‘other’– with welter of formal and heightened tension and all negative qualities and informal processes, conflict, narratives and secondly the comparison of language and performance – discourses link individual that ‘other’ to the self – the dubbed “discourses” - that andgroupidentityproducing antithesis imbued with all serve to fix the acceptable a sense of linked fate among the “good” qualities. The meaning of a given notion groups. When violence is in a r c h e t y p a l b i n a r y and literally “hail” it into the air, the fears also include hegemonic discourse owed being. Identity and social concernforphysicalsecurity its success to its divisive action – including political and fears of extinction of framing of the identities in action - are key features self, family, and the group play, as well as to the fixed largely by narratives and its culture Political ‘truthful’ nature it attributed anddiscourses:“Howarewe actions – and reactions - are tothatframing. made in our culture?” asked therefore highly influenced After a brief moment of Foucault. by the dominant discourses “us” (all Guyanese) against While not denying the circulatingatanygiventime. “them”(theBritish)the importance of structural The power of discourse lies (Continued on page 6)

WPA stands with Vendors, for balance between order and survival

DearEditor It is in this context that AFC member Sherrod WPA roundly condemns we commend Georgetown’s D u n c a n f o r r a c i a l the Government for its high- MayorUbrajNarine’sheroic incitement. Since when the handednesstowardsVendors stand in support of the questioningofthemotivesof located in the vicinity of the vendors. In putting his body Government as they relate to G e o rg e t o w n P u b l i c on the line, he upheld the racial equity is a criminal Hospital. The Government’s noble tradition nonviolent act? How can the army resort to what it perceives as civil disobedience His ‘discipline’ one of its ranks its right to ensure order in stance for justice and without due process? In any Georgetown is yet another fairness for the least among case, the Mayor was not reminderofourswiftdescent us is worth emulating. But lo acting in his capacity as a to a Police State. To add and behold the Government member of the army The insulttoinjury,thisactionby promptly reached for the Government continues to the Government is in clear proverbial big stick. The trample on the civil liberties violation of the separation of swift use of the top two of Guyanese with impunity powers between Central Institutions of force within What next? Will we be told Government and Local thestateagainsttheMayoris that uttering the word race is Government. Where is the bothanactofcynicismanda illegal? This Government is respectfortheruleoflaw? blow against the democratic takingGuyanatotheedge.Is Where is the respect for right to free speech and this the ‘One Guyana’ they the right of citizens to fend peacefulprotest. havebeentouting? for their families? It is WPA is particularly

Regards

unconscionable for a outraged at the charges DavidHinds Government to forcefully against Mayor Narine and FortheWPA block poor people from making a living in these difficult times. For us in the WPA,itisnotacaseofOrder or Chaos, but it is about how do you balance the desire for order with the clear and present need of citizens to survive economically. WPA has no hesitation in standing with the vendors in this assaultontheirrighttoearna living and by extension their righttolife.

PPP Govt. should repeal the Cybercrime Act, and revamp libel laws used as political weapon

DearEditor, Opposition MP charged Cyber CrimeAct charges are I support Government’s under Racial Hostility Act becoming ridiculous efforts to remove Vendors (GT,Dec.15,2022). Recently, Mr Ramayya, and their unsightly stalls at I call on the Government former MP and President’s all roadsides, the hospitals, to immediately repeal all Representative in Berbice and along Regent Street sections which are senseless w a s c h a r g e d f o r a where they sell right in front including the Section 18 of cybercrime for allegedly of the stores of established the Cyber CrimeAct, No. 16 saying a ‘Pandit consumed businesses. I also support of 2018, which the PPP gilbaka fish at religious removing derelict vehicles opposed when it was passed functionsdespitehisreligion and objects along the by the PNC. The AG had not permitting him to so do’ roadsides. said, “Money laundering, (KN,Dec.2,2022).

Bullyism at its worse

DearEditor,

While I’m not a fan of the Mayor of Region Four, his recent outburst is right on point. It’s like cancer, slowly creeping up, and evolving... Attach are pics of noticeable disrespectthatkeephappening.

It’stherightthingtodoto Cybercrime Acts among Isn’t that hilarious? Now enforce the law, bring order, laws to be amended – AG the Mayor is charged for and ensure smooth traffic (KN,Sept.24,2021). allegedly uttering political flow You would expect a They should quickly anddistastefulcomments. progressive Mayor to move to get this done as the (Continued on page 6) support the Government’s efforts but because everything in Guyana is so politicised, the Mayor (and thePNC)tookanadversarial position. In Guyana, the PPP and PNC do not want to see the other being successful whileinGovernment.

They fail to realize that a hole in the boat is a hole in the whole boat. But while he may be evaluated as probably one of the most underperforming Mayors and his antics, theatrics, and “Muslim state” comments were silly, I agree with a Robin Singh that “Arrest of Ubraj Narine places our freedom to question anyone in Government under siege” (SN, Dec. 15, 2022). The worst action in this fiasco is contained in the headline “Islamic State” comments a g a i n s t P r e s i d e n t : Georgetown Mayor,

Yet society is afraid you speak out all because the President of Guyana is Muslim, and everyone is being intimidated when they object. Presently, this burial ground is barredfromsociety,unlessyouareaMuslim.

Sincerely, SahadeoBates

‘Monitor Exxon expenses, come clean on Guyana’s real profit from Stabroek...

From page 2 “This oil company is part of, or have a say in a perturbedLalladded. taking us for a ride by businessinwhichtheygotto RICHEST COUNTRY cheating us with inflated get ½ of the profit, you guys PER CITIZEN bills. Section7.1ofthe2016 know of anybody?,” asked Meanwhile, Lall said the Contract states: “The Lall. “Evenifyouandaman oil discovered in the Contractor shall prepare mining 1,000 chickens to Stabroek Block has made with respect to each spilttheprofit½and½,don’t Guyana the richest country Calendar Quarter, or on a you have to know the price per citizen in the world, monthly basis if requested your partner paying for the noting that at the moment by the Minister in writing, a chickenfeed…?”saidLall. Guyana is the fastest Statement of Expenditure Nothing Jagdeo’s growing economy on earth and Receipts under the indifference to monitoring with the biggest GDP Agreement.” There is no the expenses of the oil “Guyana is now the talk in debating of Section 7 1, companies, is almost the whole world… but when because the facility for co- criminal Lall continued by it comes to our Politicians management is written there saying, “Imagine this man you believe that some cat instone,andpaintedinblack running our oil sector out carry way their tongues.” andwhite. there, not checking the Lall said for this Christmas We are surprised that Dr projectsworthbillionsofUS many citizens are finding it Jagdeo missed that, and we Dollars, not approving any difficult to go in the market hope that it was not of the USMD contracts to buy groceries due to deliberate. Moreover, we ExxonMobil giving out, just skyrocketing cost of living. are surprised that the allowing ExxonMobil to To this end he called on Minister of Natural deductwhatevertheyhaveto citizens to stand up for their Resources has not taken the deduct and give Guyana rights. fullest advantage of Section whatever they feel like

Drawingreferencetolast 7 1 of the contract by givingGuyana. week’s protest for City demanding those bills. This That is the 50/50 Mayor, Ubraj Narine, Lall would effectively put this partnership Guyana got with said he was heartened by the country in the position of ExxonMobil out there, largeturnout. confidently watching out for accordingtoJagdeo.”

However, he urged that its own interests, while Highlighting further the citizens to be similarly keeping a watchful eye on seriousness of the matter, enthused to fight for a better thoseitdoesthisoilbusiness Lall added, “The contract oil deal and get our Leaders with, meaning ExxonMobil say we are to get 50% profit tobringExxonMobilbackto and its partners, be they in out of the entire business thenegotiationtable. the form of suppliers, every day and we have a

EXPENSES v e n d o r s , a n d s u b - right to know the entire cost

Touching on the issue of Contractors. Just recently, of operating the business out recoverable expenses as per there was the warning to there–thatishowbusinessis the oil contract between Guyana to be on the lookout runJagdeo. Guyana and ExxobnMobil, for ‘shell companies’ which We are not just a partner Glenn Lall said at the recent c o u l d b e u s e d b y that will sit down and accept News Conference, Jagdeo ExxonMobil to pay itself whatever is thrown at us, no was also asked who is from this country’s sir, that’s not how a business monitoring and authorising ignorance or negligence”, is run, each partner must the expenses being incurred Lallsaid. haveasayineverycentspent by the oil company and “The Vice President is andearned. according to him Jagdeo studiously trying to avoid “Where is the Private asserted that Guyana is holding ExxonMobil Sector Commission, the blinded by the lack of a ‘co- accountable. Georgetown Chamber of management arrangement’, He said the contract Commerce and Industry, the which prevents it from provides for monitoring, but business community out knowing on a timely basis the Government is refusing there, as to what this man is what costs are accumulated todoso. telling Guyana?,” Lall byExxonMobil. Who does not want to be furtherquestioned.

War in Guyana between ‘good’...

From page 5 in the construction and is in mortal conflict between struggle for independence reproduction of terroristic good and evil and that evil is introduced complications violence is the deliberate real,andmustbeopposed. into the narrative. Between creation by critics and Critically, this framing 1958-1964, it was “coolie- political entrepreneurs of a locates evil in the nature of rice” PPP government totalizing and hegemonic the PPP – and by extension, locking Africans out socialandpoliticaldiscourse their supporters - thereby development (African that builds on the previous stigmatizing a whole narrative constructed by the discourse of hatred, fear, and category of people. Not to PNC) or a “communist” the justified use of extreme mention putting them at risk government determined to violence. After 2020, the in an atmosphere dominated deliver B.G. into Moscow’s discourse was given a new by a discourse of “us” arms (the narrative of the twist The PPP – the against “them” and a history West) During the PNC “them/other” - was now ofpoliticalviolence. regime of 1964-1992 - defined as creating an It is a compelling usheredinafteravirtualcivil “emerging apartheid state” – discourse and an act of war between Indians and the most extreme modern demagoguery that vitiates Africans – the Indian manifestation of the initial the actions of the PPP and n a r r a t i v e w a s o f White-Black binary their supporters of any marginalisation through othering. political content by de“racial” policies of a The Opposition define contextualizing and degovernment dominated by themselves as fighting for historicizing them. They are their African political “democracy, freedom of s i m u l t a n e o u s l y d eopponents. Between 1993- speech, justice, workers’ humanized and de2011, the discourse was rights and presumably, personalize What sharpened by PNC claims of m o t h e r h o o d ( g o o d justification, ultimately, can “ethnic cleansing” and other qualities) In contrast, in be offered for ‘acts of evil’? anti-African Guyanese virtually every speech and Thewagesofsin,Iamtold,is excesses of the PPP These article about the PPP, they death. precipitated anti-Indian riots a r e d e c l a r e d t o b e In other words, holding after alleging the 1997 committing “economic that the PPP and their elections were rigged that genocide” against African- supporters are by nature evil segued into a decade-long Guyanese Millions (and racist to boot) rather full-scale assault against the genocidally murdered in thanordinarypeople,itisnot state and perceived Rwanda are invoked and difficult to see how attacks supporters of the PPP by placed on the heads of against them – a la Mon violent terroristic gunmen. Indian-Guyanese who, of Repos - can become The latter were dubbed course, are responsible for normalized. “ResistanceFighters”. “installing”thePPP Sincerely, Thefundamentalprocess Inthisdiscourse,Guyana RaviDev

PPP Govt. should repeal the...

From page 5 has been “a crackdown” on freedom of In the same way it repealed the PNC’s speech and freedom of expression since the Natural Resource Fund Act, the PPP should People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) repeal the CybercrimeAct, or revamp it. It is Government took Office in August 2020 silly that because you use a computer or through the barefaced abuse of the country’s digital device to type a public comment or CyberCrimeAct.“…Guyanesehavelostthe critiquethatitiscalled“cybercrime”andthat basic fun indulgence of speaking their minds sounds so bad.All the PPP’s criticisms of the onsocialmedia. PNCBillwhenitwasdiscussedinParliament We cannot even post on Facebook in arestillvalidtoday peace, the government cyber security teams

So why has the PPP not amended theAct arescoutingthepagesofordinaryGuyanese or repeal it now that it is in power? What’s to abuse the Cyber Crime Act,” MP stoppingthem?Thisisthepoliticalsyndrome Chandan-Edmond told the National of “where you stand, depends on where you Assembly ” sit.” Both the PPP and PNC have critiqued My friend Suresh said, “Why don’t the bills during Parliamentary discussions, but PPP and PNC come together and protest the once they get into Government, they use oilcontractsinsteadofprotestingagainstand those same bad policies they criticized while for the Mayor who is limbo-ing under a truck inOpposition. bed to support vendors blocking the streets

APNC MPand former General Secretary nearahospital.” had also spoken out against the Cybercrime WhilefixingtheCybercrimeAct,wealso Act (See “Geeta sets face against Cyber need to revamp our libel laws where libel CrimeAct”–Feb.6,2022). suits are being freely used as a political

ItwasreportedthatShadowHomeAffairs weapon. Minister in the NationalAssembly,Attorney- Sincerely, at-Law Geeta Chandan-Edmond said there Dr JerryJailall

HighCourtJudgestopsSchlumberger fromoperatingradioactivestoragefacility

Justice Nareshwar

Harnanan on Friday granted an injunction to stop the operation of US based Company, Schlumberger Guyana Inc.’s radioactive storagefacilitylocatedatLot 1 Area ‘X’ Houston, East BankDemerara(EBD).

On February 14, 2022, three Environmental Activists and residents who live nearby the facility, Vanda Radzik, Danuta Radzik, and Raphael Singh, through their Lawyers: Marlene Alleyne, Siand Dhurjon,andRonaldBurchSmith filed a lawsuit at the Demerara High Court against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Environmental Assessment Board and Schlumberger

Attorneys-at-Law ShareefahParksandFrances Carryl represented EPA while the Law Office, Hughes, Fields and Stoby representedSchlumberger

At Friday’s hearing, Justice Harnanan ruled that the EPA breached its

statutory duties when it made the decision to waive the requirement of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to Schlumberger in relation to granting an environmental permit for the construction ofthefacility

In fact, the Judge declaredthatEPA’sdecision to not conduct an EIA into the effects of the construction of the facility was illegal, ultra vires, unreasonable, and irrational since it breached the

Environmental Protection Act,Cap.20:05.

Justice Harnanan granted an Order of

Certiorari issued and directedtotheEPAquashing its decision on June 9, 2021 to award an environmental a u t h o r i s a t i o n t o

Schlumberger to construct a radioactive substances and material storage and calibration facility on the ground that the decision is ultra vires and breached the EPA statutory duty set out under section 11 (2) of the

EPAAct.

A second Order of Certiorari, was issued and directedtotheEPAquashing itsdecisionmadeinJanuary 2022, that permitted Schlumberger to operate its radioactive substances and materials storage and calibration facility and to possess, use and store radioactivematerials,onthe groundthatthedecisionwas in breach of the EPA statutory duty set out under Section11(1)and(2)ofthe EPAAct.

Section 11 of EPA Act, stipulatesthatanyprojectthat may significantly affects the environmentrequiresanEIA and such an assessment requires publication in the newspapers of the intended project as well as consultationswiththepublic

Further,theJudgeissued an injunction against Schlumberger, restraining it from continuing the possession, use and storage of radioactive chemicals at its Houston facility, unless and until it is in receipt of a

lawfully issued permit pursuanttotheprovisionsof theEPAAct.

Further, the Judge orderedcostsweretobepaid byEPAandSchlumbergerto theApplicants.

According to reports, on January 19, 2022, the EPA without any notice given to the public, granted Schlumberger permission to use, store and possess radioactive materials at its facilitylocatedatHouston.

Notably,thepublicwas Continuedonpage17

Executive Director of EPA, Kemraj Parsram

Attorney-at-Law, Siand Dhurjon

Attorney-at-Law, Ronald Burch-Smith

Attorney-at-Law, Marlene Alleyne

High Court Judge, Nareshwar Harnanan

Waiting for the day of retirement

Invariably when you observing them they try to multiple degrees and a long openings for some sharp, notseemasiftherewouldbe visit a Government office engage in some make- line of computer certificates. qualified young people who manytakers. you have to wait The believe work, pretending There are others who come will bring more energy and However, given the waiting is not all that bad if that they are doing in at higher grades with moreenthusiasmtothework increase in salaries since youlookaroundandobserve something,wheninfactthey specialized skills, and still ofthepublicservice. then and the concomitant whatistakingplace. havenothingtodo. others who have to be paid The Government in the increase in the benefits, the There are many useful If by chance they have a market rates because of the early 1990s had once toyed pay-off package may now a u t h o r a n d d o n o t observations that can be supervisory position and are needfortheirskills. with the idea of offering a induce many to opt for early necessarily reflect the made while waiting in a required to sign-off on some For example, a normal voluntary retirement retirement. opinions and beliefs of this Government office. Often document,theywillexamine Electrical Engineer cannot package, but backed out of (The views expressed in n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s these insights are lost on our it like a Doctor examining a be paid the same as a the idea. At the time, it did this article are those of the affiliates.) P o l i c y m a k e r s a n d patient.Butitisclearevento

Hydrological Engineer

Politicians, and for the main the casual onlooker that they Even though they are both reason that because of their aremerelygoingthroughthe Engineers, the skill of one is positions and importance in ritual of pretending that they in more demand than the life, they never have to sit arere-checkingit. other and therefore will and wait while their For most of them, they attract a higher pay. This is transactions are being are simply waiting for the why the old Public Service handled.They have others to day they will retire.They are system of salary bands has do the running around for hanging on, going through become outmoded and why them and so they miss out on the motions, and enduring many people opt for nonvaluable insights into the the humiliation of the work tenured employment within w o r k i n g s w i t h i n dayjustinorderthattheycan thePublicService. GovernmentDepartments. serve their time and qualify There are a great many Within most Public for their pension and the big educated and highly talented Services, you are bound to pay-offthatcomeswithit. individuals in our Public find an employee that stands Withthisbigpay-offthey Service. But there are also out for no other reason than may be able to buy a car and many others who have thefactthattheydonotfitin. place it in hire, open a shop, outlived their usefulness and Mostoftenthisemployee pay off their mortgage, or do who are simply occupying would have belonged to the something else useful with it spaceandwaitingfortheday old Public Service and to bring in an income, which whentheyarerelievedofthe would have found that over when added to their monthly responsibility of going to time, he or she had become pension, will tie them over work. redundant because of the for the rest of their living Theseworkerswanttobe work requiring more days. And so each day they retired. They are waiting to knowledge and specialized go to work and whittle the b e r e t i r e d a n d t h e skills. day away watching the new, Government should help These employees often more educated and more them by offering a voluntary are only a few years away talented entrants do most of retirement package as has from the age of retirement the work, just like they did beendonewithgreatsuccess but have outlived their whentheywereyoungandin inothercountries. usefulness to the system. a different public service to There are many within They can no longer function theonethatnowexists. the Public Service who have efficiently at the level at The Public Service is not a few more years on the job which they are, and given whatitusedtobe.Entrylevel and who would be willing if theirageandpresentskills,it positions are no longer filled offered early retirement makes no sense to re-train by persons who may have without loss of benefits to them for a modern public simply completed secondary moveon. service. education. These positions The Government should These employees can are now being filled by seriously consider doing often be seen twiddling their young, highly educated kids this. It will reduce the size of thumbs at their desks. And with seven and eight t h e G o v e r n m e n t whentheynoticethatyouare subjects, others with bureaucracyandcreatesome

Dem Boys Seh… People mekking excuse fuh France’s defeat!

If yuh watch de finals of de World Cup When teams lose dem does try fuh find Football Finals yesterday, and yuh heart nah excuse. Dem does blame down to de collapse, den yuh gat a good heart. Yuh nah Referee. It remind dem boys of de time, a need to go to do no ECG and no stress test. soccerfanappearedinfrontofdeJudge. Dedramaofdegameitselfwasenoughstress De Prosecutor tell de judge how de man pun yuh hear and if yuh survive, yuh good is charged with disorderly conduct and fuhgofuhatleastanotherweek. assault after a match. The arresting officer

When de football fuss start, de western told de court that de man had thrown countries did bad mouthing Qatar But now something into the river not far from the demsingingdempraisesbecausewasdebest stadium. Finals ever, not only in terms of de “Whatexactlydidtheaccusedthrowinto arrangementsbutalsobecauseofdefootball. theriver?”theJudgeasks. Wassixweeksofexhilaratingaction!

“Stones,sir,”theOfficerreplies.

Deh gat some people in Guyana who The Judge is confused. “Well, dat’s happy and some who sad. Dem, wah happy hardlyanoffense,Officer.” did backing Argentina and dem wah sad, “It was in this case, sir,” the Officer been backing France. But everybody should explains. “Stones was the name of the behappybecausewasoneofdebestfootball Referee.” matchesyuhcouldeversee.

Talk half. Leff half

FREDDIEKISSOONCOLUMN

ThetragicdeathofworkingclasspoliticsinGuyana

TheHighCourthasruled against a foreign company, Schlumberger-Guyana Inc. to building a storage facility for radioactive material in Houston, an area that is residential. I can’t believe a Guyanese would argue againstthatdecision.

Thisisnotapeppersauce factor or a juice –making establishment.Wearetaking about dangerous chemical i n a p o p u l a t e d neighbourhood The writ wasfiledbytwomembersof the Veira dynasty that

originally owned HoustonDanutaandVandaRazik.

It should be obvious to any sane person that the Radzik sisters would have beenfinanciallysupportedin their court quest by other elite members of the Houston community The issue in the Schlumberger case is not the plaintiff and their class position The pointisthatsomeoneneeded to ask the court for a pronouncement on a companythatwasbuildinga radioactivechemicalfacility

in their neighbourhood WhenyouthinkofGuyana’s complete inability to handle an emergency spill in that structure then one should thankthelitigants.

But class analysis is extremely relevant in a comparative context The rich residents of Houston will allow not for encroachments into their district of things they feel shouldnotbeaccepted.They havemoneypowertobackit.

The situation is identical with Subryanville. Over the

past100years,Subryanville came to be the exclusive ownership of certain families.Despite,theareais part of the public domain in Guyana,therichresidentsof Subryanville have gone to court several times the past 40 years to stop types of businesstheyfeelshouldnot bepermitted.

The wealthy elite in that community decide on permits based on class and colour The reactions of the elitist residents of Subryanville to newcomers makeforafascinatingstudy oftheresidualeffectofclass and colour in an age where such aristocracy died a long timeago.

S o w h i l e t h e Schlumbergerdefeatisgood news, the bad thing is that there is an ocean of illegal mistreatments that working classfolkshavetolivewith. The illegalities of some of these situations are so obvious it makes Guyana a pariah in a world where workingclassfolkscanhave resort to friendly, understanding civil society groups and sympathetic lawyers.

Letusstartwithmini-bus drivers. I do not support mini-bus drivers. Theirs is a subculture that needs to be eradicated in this country. They are a reckless stratum that society has to confront. One solution is state-owned buses that operate on a onestopbasis.

But regardless of how uncouth they are, the principle of equality before

the law applies to them In a marketeconomy where there are nopricecontrols, the state cannot stop them from responding to inflationary trends The identical situation obtains with speedboat operators.

Itisonlywithafaltering economyandarangeofprice controls applied over the economy can you stop a mini-busdriverorspeedboat operatorfrominstitutingfare increase.Ihavelongargued, andImeanlongago,thatthe mini-bus drivers should test incourttheactionofthestate stopping them from fare increase.

I believe both types of operators – mini-buses and speedboats- would win their case because even a halfgood lawyer can succeed by arguing that Guyana is governed by market forces andthereisnoemergencyin t h e e c o n o m y t h a t necessitatespricecontrols.

It will not happen in Guyana because these categoriesofincome-earners are working class people without the finance to employ top-notch lawyers. Wedonothavecivilsociety organisations to pursue seek litigation on their behalf. Guyanadoesnothavemany lawyers driven by social justicethatwouldgotocourt ontheirbehalf.

ItisforthisreasonIthink working class politics is

dead in this land.This is in sharp contrast to the era I grew up in. Back then there was a plethora of lawyers who would file a writ on behalf of a donkey-cart owner if the state harasses him. That was age where class prejudice was confronted; people were proud of their dark-skin; the mighty could not do what they want because there would be hundreds of picketers outside their door; and politicians of all stripes would be in the front line of thedemonstration.

Where has that world gone to? I saw Banks DIH officialsrefusedtocomeout of their compound to speak to the Traffic Chief on a complaint that they had erected illegal signs on the public parapet That hegemony of a private company was met with complete silence. I’m glad I am getting old. I don’t want to think about Guyana anymore.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

FrederickKissoon

Anti-Corruption Practitioners warned to be Vigilant for ‘Lawful but Awful’ Practices

De

pi

i

i

a

r

global efforts at combating corruption, ‘lawful but awful’practices which push the limits of anti-corruption Legislation by staying just within thelawsorbyexploitingloopholes and disparities between jurisdictions, remain stubbornly persistent.

Professor Nikos Passas, Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University,highlightedthisasakey issue for anti-corruption, antimoney laundering compliance and cybercrime Professionals during his keynote address at the Caribbean Development Bank’s 2022 Caribbean Conference on Corruption, Compliance and Cybercrime(3Cs2022)lastweek.

“We have thrown money and we have seen the convergence of agendas and rule of law, governance development and anticorruption, and yet there are signs that we are dropping the ball. The scores on the control of corruption are flat or going down,” Professor Passas noted during his address at theCDBinaPressRelease.

He spoke on Day One of the free two-day virtual conference offered by CDB, which attracted nearly 1200 registrants from 51

countries The conference coveredandprovidedcutting edge insights on some of the most current issues in the sector, including a high-level panel on the ongoing fallout from the collapse of the Caribbean-based cryptocurrencyexchange,FTX.

He underscored the problem of “asymmetries of laws” between countries where practices that are criminalised in one country due to their negative impacts on health, safety, the environment, or financial wellbeing, are not criminalised in other countries.

“We’re talking about practices allowed by the law… but when you look at their effects, they are detrimental and sometimes worse than organised crime. And what youhavetorealiseissometimesthe lawisbad-itisdecidedandmade by corrupt Lawmakers and Dictators and influenced by ruthless corporations. And when you’re trying to do comparative work, you also face the reality of asymmetric laws – different standards, different provisions fromplacetoplace,”saidProfessor

Professor

Passas.

He highlighted the financial incentiveforcompaniestodosuch, noting that the costs of mitigating against or preventing certain bad practices can be significantly higher in jurisdictions with tighter regulatory and legislative frameworks and that the rewards reapedcanbehuge.

This is why, he added, companiesstillseekto“externalise thecosts”theywouldusuallyincur

by transferring their bad behaviouroffshore.

“The kind of problems with the legal asymmetries… is what we have in the global environment where corporations create the asymmetries where they do not exist by forcing or lobbying or influencing legislation in ways [so] that what they cannot do at home, theyareallowedtodoinother countries,” he asserted in his presentation.

This behaviour, he said, wasaccompaniedbyacodeof hypocrisy which framed such issues as being characteristic of developing countries and regions but was muted in its critique of the developed countries that were home and headquarters to companies which propagated “lawful but awful” behaviour outside of their borders.

“We look at the perception [of corruption] index and we see Denmark is at the top. Then you lookatthebiggestbankingscandal that facilitated corruption and moneylaunderingintheworldwith hundreds of billions of dollars involved,anditisDanskeBank.

“How can you be the cleanest

country in the world and be the homeofthecompanythatallowed this corruption scandal to take placeoverseas?

Somehow, the metrics have to take into account what your citizens do overseas – your individual and corporate citizens,” statedProfessorPassas.

On December 13, Danske Bank, a Danish Financial Institution, pleaded guilty in the United States in a massive bank fraud conspiracy case where US$212 billion in illicit funds was laundered through its now-closed Estonian branch for high-risk clientsfromvariouscountries.The conclusion of the long-running investigation which covered operationsbetween2008and2016, willseetheDanishbankpayUS$2 billioninfines.

“The bottom line is the more such companies or industries flourish, the more societies suffer [and] are worse off. And the externalisation of costs [is] shifted totheshouldersoftheweakestand leastprivilegedgroupsorcountries and the blame is also externalised… the practises are considered natural or inevitable or part of our economic system and critique therefore is muted,” he charged.

Professor Nikos Passas,

of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University

Int’lLegalBodyagreestohearingsfor OpiniononClimatejusticeforsmallstates

ClimateChange.TherequestforanAdvisory OpinionwassubmittedbytheCommissionof Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) of which Prime MinisterBrowneisafounderandCo-Chair ITLOS has issued an invitation to all states that are party to the International ConventionontheLawoftheSea,aswellas COSIS,tomakewrittensubmissionsbyMay 16,2023.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, signing contracts to build houses at Smith Creek, Region One

On Friday, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister,GastonBrowne,announcedthatthe effortbyagroupofsmallislandstatestoseek justice for damage, caused by the impact of ClimateChange,haswonanothersuccess.

PrimeMinisterBrownedisclosedthatthe International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) decided to hear “oral proceedings” ontheissuingofanAdvisoryOpiniononthe obligations of states to reduce, prevent or controlthedeleteriouseffectsthatresultfrom

Prime Minister Browne declared, “The decision by ITLOS to hear the case brought byCOSISandtosetafirmdateforreceiptof submissions indicate that the international body regards the request for an Advisory Opinion as deserving of investigation”. He addedthattheGovernmentsthataremembers of COSIS are “greatly encouraged by the decisionofITLOSwhichsendsaclearsignal to all polluting countries that the impact of theiractionmayhavealegalconsequence”.

Calling on all small island states in the Caribbean to join the COSIS effort, Browne said“AllourGovernmentshaveadutyofcare toourpeopletosafeguardtheinterestsofour homelandsforthisandfuturegenerations”.

Notably, COSIS was established as a TreatyOrganizationin2021inthemarginsof COP26inEdinburgh.Itscurrentmembership consists of: Antigua and Barbuda, Niue, Palau,StLucia,TuvaluandVanuatu.

Contracts signed for construction of 10 houses in Smith Creek, Region One

Residents of Smith Creek,RegionOnearesetto benefit from 10 wooden elevated houses to be built under the Hinterland Housing Programme of the Central Housing and PlanningAuthority

At a simple signing ceremony which took place on the sidelines of a community outreach spearheadedbyHousingand WaterMinister,CollinCroal

at the Mabaruma Learning and Resource Centre, some $13 million in contracts weresigned.

Thethreecontractswere signed by the Chairman of t h e C o m m u n i t y Development Council (CDC),ShermanLewis,and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) for the supply of labour, timber,sand,andstone.

Minister Croal said the project is a fulfillment of a

commitment made by His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali when he visited the riverine community during the election campaignin2019.

He noted that the initiativeispartofaprocess to upgrade the environment inwhichthepeopleofSmith Creeklive.

Further,theMinisterhas committed to improving wateraccesstomitigate

Continuedonpage18

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, Gaston Browne

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$780m City Hall restoration project on track for 2023 completion - Dharamlall

Restoration works to the ‘iconic’ City Hall building is on track for its 2023 completion, says Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall.

The $780 million contract was signed on September 24, 2021, with Fidis Guyana Incorporated.

Minister Dharamlall explained Friday that as the work progresses, extensive damage to structural components of the building is being uncovered by the Contractors, making the works ‘intricate’ and

‘tedious’.

He said, “I just want to guard against us forcing them in terms of getting it done as quickly as we would like them to get it done but at the same time, this may compromise the quality of work.”

“I would have liked for more to be done but as they are restoring, they are finding a lot of components of the building that were not visible when we did the bills of quantities,” Minister Dharamlall noted.

The newly restored building will be the main attraction site as Government

works towards diversifying Guyana’s tourism.

“It is the intention that City Hall is going to be a production capital where a lot of tourists will possibly go and so, previously, it was used as office space and I think that moving forward, it will probably have to be used more as a town hall and where public activities can be done as well as a site for tourism,” the Local Government Minister noted.

Minister Dharamlall said once completed, the building will benefit all Guyanese.

Bandits use canter to steal $3M “Jet Ski”

Three bandits dressed in ‘hoodies’ on Saturday morning used a white canter to steal a $3M JET Ski from a Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident.

Video footage captured a white canter pulling up at the victim’s residence around 00:20hrs.

The canter parked on a grass parapet a short distance away from the resident’s home and three men dressed in dark coloured three quarter- denim jeans exited the truck and picked the lock of the victim’s gate.

They then pushed out the Jet Ski out from the resident’s yard and loaded it into the canter’s tray and drove off.

Kaieteur News has been able to confirm that the theft was reported to the Providence Police Station and investigations are ongoing.

PNC/R Mervin Williams, Dawn Hastings Williams tipped to be Party’s General Secretary

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People’s National Congress /Reform (PNC/R) Executive, Mervin Williams and Parliamentarian, Dawn Hasting Williams are being seriously considered for the post of General Secretary for the PNC/R, following the resignation of Geeta Chandan-Edmond.

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Well placed sources told Kaieteur News that the two candidates are highly respected within the party, and the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton will make a decision shortly.

General Secretary of the PNC/R, Geeta ChandanEdmond, submitted her letter of resignation to the Party’s Leader last Wednesday.

Chandan-Edmond, a former Magistrate, was selected by Norton when he was elected Leader of the Party earlier this year. Norton had said that ChandanEdmond, possessed management and good human relations skills that made her suitable to be General Secretary of the PNCR.

However, ChandanEdmond has been on extended leave from her duties in the Party since August but had continued to attend sittings of the National Assembly as a Member of Parliament. Kaieteur News understands that she was physically absent from the Party’s Sophia Headquarters for several months, ahead of submitting her resignation

letter to Norton on Wednesday.

The Opposition Leader was repeatedly questioned during his weekly Press Conferences about ChandanEdmond’s hiatus but skirted those questions.

In a post following her resignation, ChandanEdmonds thanked party members for the support, cooperation and guidance

she received during her stint as General Secretary.

“It has been an absolute honour and privilege,” Chandan-Edmond wrote, saying she will remain committed to the ideals of the party.

The former Magistrate who had replaced Amna Ally, a long-serving member of the PNC/R, remains a Member of Parliament.

Meanwhile, PNC/R’s National Treasurer, Faaiz Mursalin, has signaled his intention to resign from his post.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Mursalin said that he will be performing his final duties as National Treasurer on December 23, 2022 after serving under ‘Team Norton’ for the past year.

“I will discharge my last and final duties as National Treasurer of the P.N.C.R. on December 23, 2020…A formal letter will be prepared and be sent to the Leader’s Office, thank you all who supported me,” he said in the social media post.

2014 Nissan X-Trail $4.5 Mil negotiable. Excellent condition, dark blue colour & black interior. Call 658-9008.

Nigel Dharamlall

The bandits stealing the Jet Ski with a White Canter.

Dawn Hasting-Williams

Mervin Williams

Over 90% of persons living with HIV in Guyana know their status

A I D S

Programme Secretariat (NAPS), Dr Tariq Jagnarine

- Dr. Jagnarine

which include Tenofovir, said 93 per cent of persons L a m i v u d i n e , a n d infected with the Human Dolutegavir(TLD). Immunodeficiency Virus TLD is a dilutable-based (HIV)knowtheirstatus. drugthathasfasterviralload

Dr Jagnarine said suppression and is more Guyana is close to meeting convenient to take. It is a its 95-95-95 goal, set out by smaller tablet that is taken the Joint United Nations once per day and is ProgrammeonHIV/AIDS. associated with fewer drug

“There is the 95-95-95 interactions.This means that goal that most countries are compared to other regimens, trying to achieve. We’ve itiseasiertoadministerTLD been doing well. We have with the most commonly closely met our first 95. usedmedications. We’re currently at 93 per “Your immune system is cent where persons living in boostedrapidlyandyoustart Guyana who are HIV recovering faster. Most positive, know their status, importantly, there are no persons about HIV, well,” the Programme 93 per cent of them know major side effects… If you prevention, treatment plans, Managerexplained. theirstatus.” ask any person out there that getting tested for HIV, and He noted that persons For 2021 and 2022, there hasbeeninthefightwhogets muchmore. living with HIV should not was a slight increase in HIV four decades ago, when

He noted that a lot more beashamedoftheirstatus. infection in men, which was you took tablets for HIV, needs to be done regarding “I hope that one day, we some 1.5 per cent overall, sometimes you had to take prevention,risks,andgetting can have a society where we and1.3percentforwomen. 11 or 12 huge tablets. Now, testedforHIV Theseinclude will have zero stigmas and He said the 15 to 25 age we have tablets that are a lot access to condoms, safe discrimination A lot of group is predominantly simpler, one tablet, simple, sexual practices, and HIV people are afraid to go to the affectedbyHIV. no side-effect, ” Dr. self-testing. health facilities within their Deaths were minimal for Jagnarineadded.

Dr Jagnarine said the communities. When you go, the year which was directly P r e - e x p o s u r e face of HIV is changing as it people see them and once related to tuberculosis, HIV, prophylaxis (or PrEP) is a is no longer life-threatening. people see them, that’s when and mother-to-child medicine taken to prevent Free treatment plans are also theyleavetheclinic.” transmission. HIV infection PrEP is available.

Teachers will be included in salary - Pres.Ali increases

The Government of P r e v i o u s l y, t h e Guyana is progressively President announced salary working to address the adjustments for selected concerns of all categories of categories of employees of workers and Teachers will the Disciplined Services soon receive salary andHealthcareWorkers. increases, President Irfaan He made it clear, on AlisaidonWednesday numerous occasions, that He emphasised that the salary increase will take w h i l e G o v e r n m e n t a holistic approach that will understands the importance eventually see every Public of wage adjustments, the Sector Worker benefitting all-embracing, well-being from a comfortable s u p p o r t b y t h e remunerationpackage. administration is more than “Youhavetounderstand justfinance. the functionalities of the

“It is quality of life, economy and every quality of healthcare, category of workers will be quality of infrastructure, the addressed, and we are cost of your electricity, the starting from critical areas cost and quality of your where they were great water… We are working to anomalies; and that is how have treated water to every we have started and we are single person on the coast, progressing,” President Ali to bring down the cost of added.

electricity by half President Ali did not Definitely every sector of give a timeframe as to when employees,” the Head of Teachers will receive a State asserted. “Their time salary adjustment but will come… the day for reminded, “As you can see Teachers will come,” he things are happening very emphasized. quicklyinthiscountry.”

High Court Judge stops...

The guidelines for HIV

“There is a lot of work highly effective for “As long as you know andotherSTIswerechanged that needs to be done,” Dr preventing HIV when taken your status, you can go on by the Centres for Disease Jagnarinesaid. as prescribed. PrEP reduces treatment, and stay on Control and Prevention and He said there is a rapid the risk of getting HIV from treatment… You can get as t h e Wo r l d H e a l t h increase in cases of Sexually sexbyabout99percent. muchasfourtosixmonthsof Organisationlastyear Transmitted Infections Dr Jagnarine indicated supply of drugs Home T h e P r o g r a m m e (STIs) including Syphilis, that male circumcision can delivery is available A Manager highlighted that HepatitisB,andGonorrhea. also help to reduce a male’s familymembercanupliftthe new treatment options for Interventions are being chances of acquiring HIV medicationsforthepersonas HIVare available in Guyana put into place to sensitise (DPI)

Small business grants distributed in Region 6

Several small business owners of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturday received grants of $150,000 from the Small Business Bureau(SBB).Thisispartofaseriesof distribution exercises planned for severalregionsacrossthecountry Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the SBB, Mohamed Ibrahim said that the distribution is only part of the support the agency plans to give to smallbusinessesinGuyana

“Weareheredistributinggrantsand we did just about 130 just for this region,RegionSix.Wehavepeopleina varietyofsmallenterprisesandwegive out about $150, 000 each grant and thesegrantsisallwithintheplansofthe Small Business Bureau to promote sustainable growth and to help with “I think it’s good, it’s great, at least SubikeSolomon,amotheroftwo,is poverty reduction within the entire it’sahelpforstartingasmallbusiness,” also grateful for receiving the grant, region. This is one of the major aspects saidBibiRahaman,whoownsagrocery which she said will aid her small and we focus on helping these small business. “The extra money now that business. ”This sum of money that we businessesgrow,”Ibrahimsaid. we get, we will be able to boost the can put into our business and It would

The distribution was done at the business,”saidPadraattSeebran. help especially me, a mother of two, to businessincubatoratBelvedere. Young businessman Devindra expandinmybusiness,”shesaid

Several beneficiaries expressed Ramnarine, is excited to finally receive The SBB assists persons with gratitudetowardstheSBBforthegrants his grant. “I have been waiting months grants, training, business development, they received and promised to nowandIfinallygetitandthiswillhelp and loan guarantee. The SBB will be in prudently use it to further advance their me to restock my shop…I receive several other regions shortly to respectivebusinesses. $150,000,”heexpressed. distributemoresmallbusinessgrants.

From page 8 also not given any notice that any such permit was under considerationbytheEnvironmentalAgency

However,onApril11,2022,theEPAinanoticepublished in the daily newspapers, disclosed that Schlumberger wanted to construct a building to house the radioactive materials and thattheconstructionprocesswouldnotrequireanEIA.

After seeing the EPA’s notice to waiver the EIA for Schlumberger, several residents formally objected to the decision stating that radioactive materials should not be used orstoredincloseproximitytoschools,neighbourhood,orthe DemeraraRiver

Kaieteur News understands that the EPAthen convened a meetingwiththeresidentsandtheirLawyers.

During the meeting, EPA assured the residents that this was only for the construction aspect of the facility and that theywouldgetabetteropportunitytospeakonthemeritsand demerits of the actual radioactive storage facility’s operation whenSchlumbergerseeksanapplicationforsame.

Three residents later approached the court seeking an Order of Certiorari to quash the construction permit EPA grantedtoSchlumbergerandanorderofinjunctiontoprevent thecompanyfromcontinuinganyconstructionofthefacility

However, in responding to the residents’lawsuit, the EPA in its Defence disclosed that the construction of the radioactive facility was already completed and that it had granted permission to Schlumberger to use, possess and store radioactivesubstancesatthefacilitysinceJanuary26,2022.

The State Agency also submitted to the Court that the Orders the residents sought ought not to be granted since the construction was completed and that operation had already started. The applicants through their Lawyers challenged the EPA’scontention.

For its part, Schlumberger in its Affidavit of Defence arguedthatthepublicdidnotneedanynoticethattheEPAwas considering a radioactive materials usage, possession and storage permit because the Authority was satisfied that there wouldbenosubstantialimpactontheenvironment.

Notably, the EPAhad joined Schlumberger in its Defence stating that it was clear that the project would not affect the residentsortheenvironment.

However, the Lawyers for the residents contended and maintainedthattheuseandstorageofradioactivematerialsat Houston, EBD could significantly impact the environment andshouldbemovedtoalesspopulatedarea.

Programme Manager of t h e N a t i o n a l

Programme Manager of NAPS, Dr Tariq Jagnarine.

CEO of the SBB, Mohamed Ibrahim, handing over a cheque

‘EPA broke the Law when it issued permit to Schlumberger’

-JusticeNareshwarHarnanan

Act,Cap.20:05. explains – that the agency t h a t G u y a n a ’ s Section 11 of EPA Act, should not issue a Environmental Protection stipulates that any project construction or operation Agency (EPA) breached the thatmaysignificantlyaffects permit unless the agency law to issue a permit to the environment requires an includes in the permit Schlumberger Guyana Inc. EIA and such an assessment conditions that are the public, granted prevent the company from to construct a radioactive requires publication in the reasonably necessary to Schlumberger permission to continuing any construction storage facility at Lot 1Area newspapers of the intended protecttheenvironment. use, store and possess ofthefacility ‘X’ Houston, East Bank p r o j e c t a s w e l l a s JusticeHarnanangranted radioactive materials at its However, in responding Demerara (EBD)., without consultations with the an Order of Certiorari issued facilitylocatedatHouston. to the residents’ lawsuit, the c o n d u c t i n g a n public. and directed to the EPA Notably, the public was EPAin its Defence disclosed Environmental Impact

Harnanan ruled

The Judge said, “This quashingitsdecisiononJune alsonotgivenanynoticethat that the construction of the Assessment(EIA)first. court is of the view that the 9, 2021 to award an any such permit was under radioactive facility was

EPA Head, Kemraj Parsram

On February 14, 2022, EPA’s decision to waive the environmental authorisation consideration by the alreadycompletedandthatit three Environmental requirement or EIA cannot toSchlumbergertoconstruct EnvironmentalAgency had granted permission to Activists and residents who quashing the EPA’s decision be found to be lawful as it a radioactive substances and However, on April 11, Schlumberger to use, live nearby the facility, to grant permission to the directly contravenes material storage and 2022, the EPA in a notice possessandstoreradioactive Vanda Radzik, Danuta US- owned company to [section] 11 (2) of the [EPA] calibration facility on the published in the daily substances at the facility Radzik, and Raphael Singh, construct and operate the Act, the court also finds that ground that the decision is newspapers, disclosed that sinceJanuary26,2022. through their Lawyers: facility but also halting the no adequate reasons were ultra vires and breached the Schlumberger wanted to The State Agency also Marlene Alleyne, Siand works at the radioactive contained in the notice EPA statutory duty set out construct a building to house submitted to the court that Dhurjon, and Ronald Burch- storagefacility publishedbytheEPA…” under section 11 (2) of the radioactive materials and the Orders the residents Smith, filed a lawsuit at the Justice Harnanan Justice Harnanan EPAAct.

that the construction process sought ought not to be Demerara High Court declared that the EPA’s highlighted that while the A second Order of wouldnotrequireanEIA. g r a n t e d s i n c e t h e against the EPA, the decision to not conduct an EPA contended that by Certiorari, was issued and After seeing the EPA’s construction was completed Environmental Assessment EIA into the effects of the granting a permit to directedtotheEPAquashing notice to waiver the EIA for and that operation had Board,andSchlumberger construction of the facility Schlumberger to construct its decision made in January Schlumberger, several alreadystarted.

The residents won their was illegal, ultra vires, the facility it does not 2022, that permitted residents formally objected The applicants through case last Friday when the unreasonable, and irrational guarantee storage of the Schlumberger to operate its to the decision stating that theirLawyerschallengedthe Judge handed down his since it breached the radioactive sources at the radioactive substances and radioactive materials should EPA’scontention. ruling in the case not only Environmental Protection facility - the EPA Act materials storage and notbeusedorstoredinclose F o r i t s p a r t , calibration facility and to proximity to schools, SchlumbergerinitsAffidavit possess, use and store neighbourhood, or the of Defence argued that the radioactive materials, on the DemeraraRiver public did not need any ground that the decision was Kaieteur News had notice that the EPA was in breach of the EPA reported that the EPA then considering a radioactive statutory duty set out under convened a meeting with materials usage, possession Section 11 (1) and (2) of the the residents and their and storage permit because EPAAct. Lawyers. the Authority was satisfied

One dead in strikes on Russian region near Ukraine, Belgorod governor says

18, 2022.

(CNN)Onepersonwasreporteddeadand refused hospitalization and was sent for eight people were injured in the Russian outpatienttreatment,”Gladkovadded. region of Belgorod on Sunday following Gladkov said medical assistance was shellingbyUkrainianforces,accordingtothe provided at the scene of the strikes and that regionalgovernor there was also damage to 14 residential “One person died. It is known that the buildingsandseveralcarsinthearea. man came to us from Tambov and worked as Belgorod, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) a contractor on the construction of a poultry from the Ukrainian border, has been struck farm,” Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said previously On November 15, the governor on Telegram. “I express my condolences to saidtwopeoplehadbeenkilledbyUkrainian thefamiliesandfriendsofthedeceased.” shelling. On December 8, Gladkov said the “Eight people were injured, seven are region was once again shelled by Ukrainian now in the hospital, one of them is in armed forces. Gladkov said onTelegram that intensive care All necessary medical thecityhadsustaineddamagetoapowerline assistance is provided Another victim causedby“shellfragment.”

Further, the Judge issued During the meeting, EPA that there would be no an injunction against assuredtheresidentsthatthis substantial impact on the Schlumberger, restraining it wasonlyfortheconstruction environment. from continuing the aspect of the facility and that Notably, the EPA had possession, use and storage they would get a better joined Schlumberger in its of radioactive chemicals at opportunity to speak on the Defence stating that it was its Houston facility, unless merits and demerits of the clear that the project would and until it is in receipt of a actual radioactive storage notaffecttheresidentsorthe lawfully issued permit facility’s operation when environment. pursuant to the provisions of Schlumberger seeks an However, the Lawyers theEPAAct. applicationforsame. for the residents contended

The Judge also ordered Three residents later and maintained that the use costs were to be paid by EPA approached the court and storage of radioactive and Schlumberger to the seeking an Order of materials at Houston, EBD Applicants. Certiorari to quash the could significantly impact

According to reports, on construction permit EPA the environment and should January 19, 2022, the EPA grantedtoSchlumbergerand be moved to a less populated without any notice given to an order of injunction to area.

Contracts signed for construction...

From page 15

“They tell us that if they only go into water-relatedhealthissues. power, they will transform that environment

“We will seek to assist that area or bring byimplodingthelandandalsotobuildsome some semblance to Smith Creek with the houses. Since they got into power they will assistanceofsomehousestobeconstructed. go towards it, and I had a meeting with

“The environment of Smith Creek EngineersfromtheMinistrythatcameinand cannot continue how it is and similarly, we lookedattheplace.So,thepeoplereallyfeel will be making interventions to ensure that proudtoknowthatthecommitmentsandthe theyhaveapropersourceofwatersothatwe promiseswillcometorealityandmajorityof can eliminate some health concerns,” he the community will be involved like in stated. building the , and cutting the material, so

Each unit will consist of three bedrooms theywillearnmoney,“henoted. andmeasureapproximately20x25feet.

Vulnerable persons and Pensioners are

The CDC Chair expressed satisfaction being targeted to benefit from the housing that the PPP/C Administration is honouring project.Tothisend,thecommunityagreedto itscommitment. thepersonswhowillbenefit.(DPI)

High Court Judge, Nareshwar Harnanan

An image posted by regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov shows damage in Belgorod, Russia, on December

HeavywindsdestroyseveralhomesinBerbice

Afamily of five

including three children along with approximately four other homes were damaged by heavy winds that swept through Region 5, No 9 Village,WestCoastBerbice, overtheweekend.

Angelika Laltoo, 27 of No.9 Village said her entire roofwasblownawaybythe gusty winds sometime around 6:00hrs yesterday morning.

Laltoo while still in a confusedstateatthedamage that was caused just days beforetheholidaysdisclosed that she and her three childrenweresleepingwhen

sheheardaloudnoise.

“Weweresleepingwhen I heard a hard noise, somethinglikeathunderand I just run out the bedroom andgrabmychildrenandrun outthehouse.”

She said that the zinc blewofffirstfollowedbythe structure of the roof Electrical wires that were connected to the home were a l s o d e s t r o y e d Accompanying the heavy winds was the rain which soaked all her furniture and appliances.At this point she isunsureoftheextentofthe damage but said it is a big blowtoherandherfamily “I done carpet back the

houseandspentsomemoney to decorate for the Christmas.”Laltoosaid.

Meanwhile Member of Parliament, Fizal Jafarally, told Kaieteur News that material was donated to Laltootohaveherrooffixed. He confirmed at least five homes were affected but Laltoo’s home endured extensivedamage.

Earlier in the year other homes were destroyed by heavy winds and rain-this is becoming a regular phenomenon.

Persons willing to assist Laltoo can make contact with her on cell number 672.3551.

The home of Angelika Laltoo with part of its roof missing

MP Jafarally having a look at some of the damage done to the home of Angelika Laltoo

Knight and Dean prove too strong for spirited West Indies

B R I D G E T O W N , Barbados- England Women tookanunassailable3-0leadin t h e f i v e - m a t c h T 2 0 International series against the West Indies Women with a 17run victory in the third encounter at the Kensington OvalinBarbados.

Amsterdam, Glasgow, Headley...

From page 25 decision,whilePompeyprovedhewastoogoodforDwayne July(GDF),winningthecontestbyahugemargin.

Monday December 19, 2022

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Think of today as a wellearned rest day, Aries. You're usually the one people turn to when they need consolation. Today, in spite of the tension in the air, your words seem to havenoeffect.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Today take stock of all that's occurring on the home front, Taurus. Think back over the last few months and you will see how much of your attention has been on work ratherthanlovedones.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Think long and hard before making commitments, Gemini. Much is at stake, especiallywhereyourlovelife is concerned. It's likely that a proposaliscomingyourway.

CANCER(June21–July22)

You will be busy today, Cancer Nevertheless,youstill may end the day with your desk piled high with projectsn o t b e c a u s e y o u ' r e unproductive, but rather because you're popular and yourworkisvalued.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You've been working exceptionally hard. Today is a good day to recharge your batteries. It seems everyone wantsapieceofyou.Youmay have reached the point where youhavenothinglefttogive.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Todaycouldbeaturningpoint for you, Virgo. Is it possible that you've finally learned how to say no? You're the one everyone asks for help. You spend so much time on other people's problems that you havelittleenergyleftforyou.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Today's planetary positions urge you to assert yourself, Libra, but take care not to take this encouragement too far. You tend to go a bit overboard whenmakingapoint.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21) You have a strong creative componenttoyourpersonality You should use it more Today's planetary positions will influence both your creativityandproductivity

SAGIT (Nov 22–Dec 21)You're highly sensitive and highly intellectual. This is a wonderful combination and part of what makes you a superstar Today's planetary positionschallengeyoutothink howyoucanbestcombinethese two key components of your personality

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You may be inclined to stay in bed today with the latest best seller Who wouldn't want to spend the day this way? Alas, that isn't going to happen. The planets are practically pulling the covers off you and pushing yououtofbed.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You have a lot to offers Everyoneappreciateswhatyou have to contribute. Yet you've been unable to give yourself credit for all that you've accomplished It would be worthwhile to take some time tocontemplatewhythisisso.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Whetheryouacknowledgeitor not, there's a child inside you who needs tending, Pisces. You're proud of the person you've become - and well you shouldbe.

Despite the loss, West Indies Women’s head coach, Courtney Walsh was pleased with the team’s performance, saying, “The effort we’ve showninthelasttwogames,in particular this one is very pleasing. It’s also good that we’ve got some youngsters around who are showing the fight. We’re trying to create a different team culture and approach and learning is taking place all the time. It’s a loss in terms of the series but I am pleased with what I am seeing with the bigger picture of what lies ahead for the triseriesandWorldCup.”

Another action-packed match-up is expected yesterdaywhentheteamsmeet for the fourth contest on this series.

Scores: EnglandWomen 157/6(20overs)

Sophia Dunkley 44AaliyahAlleyne2-0-12-1 Heather Knight 43HayleyMatthews4-0-19-1 WestIndiesWomen 140/8(20overs)

Rashada Williams 38CharlieDean4-1-19-4 Hayley Matthews 35SophieEcclestone4-0-28-2 Player of the Match: CharlieDean

West Indies Women v EnglandWomen 3rdT20International

Venue:KensingtonOval

Toss: England won and batted

Result:Englandwonby17 runs

Series:Englandlead3-0

Closing the night were two super-heavyweight matchupsinthe+92Kgsweightclass. Match#10–seeingLeandro ‘quiet storm’Dongo out of Suriname going up against ‘hard hitting’ Aubrey Headley (GDF). The Surinamese looked good in the ring, standing in a solid south-paw stance and managed to put on a good show for the Gymnasium crowds but failed to protect his head in the 2nd round. Headley sought the opportunity and skillfully sent a ferocious punch to his head, hitting the Surinamese to his knees. The referee subsequently was force to stop the contest two minutes and six seconds into 2nd round, rewarding Headley with his 2nd winforthecompetition.

In match #11 - Troy Glasgow (GDF) ended the contest between him and Christopher James (POL) with a combination of body shots which proved too much for James. As a result, he (James) abandoned the match ten secondsintothecontest.

In addition to that, there were four ‘no show’ matches, winners of these contest were Deron Williams as well as Komal Kissoon, Jamal Eastman and Colin Lewis Competitioncontinuedwiththefinalnightlastnight.

TheeventwasmadepossiblebytheeffortsoftheGuyana Boxing Association, Terrance Ali, John Fernandes Limited andSlingerzFamily

England celebrate during the match against West Indies. (CWI Media/Randy Brooks)

France disappointed but proud of fightback in epic World Cup final

L U S A I L , Q a t a r , (Reuters) - France are disappointed they could not successfully defend their World Cup crown after losing to Argentina on penalties in yesterday’s final but leave Qatar with heads high having fought until the end, players Raphael Varane andHugoLlorissaid.

Francefoughtbacktwice through Kylian Mbappe, who erased Argentina’s 2-0 lead in 97 seconds in normal time before scoring a third in extratimetolevelitat3-3.

But the SouthAmericans almost turned the game to a great start, being won4-2onpenalties. around, which was not going aggressive, using all facets

“ W e a r e v e r y well... There was mental of the game. We were a bit disappointed of course, we strengthinthisgroup,alotof reactionary all night,” the gave everything. We had to heart. That allowed us to goalkeepersaid. face a lot of obstacles during come back in this game. France had also come the competition, we gave up We’re disappointed but also into the final after several nothing,”Varanesaid. proud.” players missed training

“Foranhourwewerenot Argentinawerethebetter sessions due to illness over in the game. We could have team in the first half and the past week, but Lloris won too. I’m very proud of stormed into a 2-0 halftime refused to use that as an this group and of being lead before Mbappe brought excuse. French. We keep our heads them level with goals in the “We’re not going to high. We came back in this 80th and 81st minute of the make excuses, we gave g a m e w h e n i t w a s contest which France everything,” he added. “You complicated. skipper Lloris described as a havetocongratulatetheguys

“We pushed and we “boxingmatch”. because we didn’t give up believed until the end. We “The Argentines got off untiltheend.”

France’s Kylian Mbappe with French Pres. Emmanuel Macron during the trophy ceremony. (REUTERS/Carl Recine )

Ramtahal stars again to lead TT to a 3-1 series win

…Henry’s four-wicket haul

Tr i n i d a d a n d Nathaniel Ramsammy was Tobago’s (TT) left on 11 not out when the off-spinnerShaan last wicket fell. Three TT

Ramtahal was bowlers took two wickets again among the wickets, apiece: Ramtahal (2-6), Ra claimingtwotobowlTTtoa EdAliKhan(2-11)andTyler 9-runvictoryoverGuyanain Ramroop(2-21). the fourth and final match of The match started at theBilateral/Goodwillseries 15:00 hours because of Saturday at the Guyana consistent rainfall Friday N a t i o n a l S t a d i u m , night and the entire morning Providence. period, which caused the Ramtahal bowled six match to be reduced to 30 overs for six runs as he overs. tormented the Guyanese TT batted first for the batsmen His two-wicket first time this series after haul took his tally in the they won the toss under seriesto13wickets. gloomy conditions They Guyana needed 79 runs failed to bat their full quota for victory in 30 overs to and were dismissed for 78 in level the four-match series. 26overs. TT dismissed them for 68 MikaelAliandZakarriya

in vain

was presented with the match series, while Guyana with 3.3 overs to spare. Mohammed were the only Khush Seegobin, who conceding 14 runs from his Trophy for Most Wickets received the runner-up Guyana lost wickets batsmen to reach double bowledwithgreatcontrolfor six overs. Rayaz Latiff was taken (13) and the Player of trophy regularly, even though they figures with 14 and 12, ayoungleg-spinner,finished also miserly, bowling his the Match award. Most runs Each team was also were above the required run respectively Guyana with 2 for 9 off four overs. fouroversforjustsixrunsas went TT Vice-captain presented with medals. The rate for most of the innings. captain, Brandon Henry, the Pacer Raffel McKenzie took the Guyanese bowlers MikaeelAliwith57. fourth match concluded the Khush Seegobin top scored left-armspinner,wasthestar 2 for 25 off his five overs, showed great control in

TT took home the first-everBilateral/Goodwill for the second consecutive with the ball registering and off-spinner Richard harsh,wetconditions. winning trophy for the 3-1 series played between the match with 15, while Rayaz figures of 4 for 9 off six Ramdeholl continued to At the end of the match, series triumph in the four- twoteams. Latiff made 14, and overs, while leg-spinner bowl economically, TT spinner Shaan Ramtahal

Australia crush South Africa inside 2 days in 1st test

BRISBANE, Australia

Nathan Lyon for ducks to before Keshav Maharaj (16) (AP) — Australia’s bowlers

ensure there was no wag in wascaughtbehindoffStarc. ripped through South Australia’stail. Cummins took the Africa’sbrittlebattinglineup Australia would have remaining three wickets for again yesterday to complete been disappointed to have hiseighthfive-wickethaulto asix-wicketvictoryinawild not built a bigger lead but set up what appeared a series-opening test that saw Cummins ensured that the modest target of 34 runs for 34 wickets fall inside two final 20 minutes of the victory before the pitch days. morning session were again proved treacherous for Australia resumed on fruitful by trapping Dean Australia’stoporder 145-5 and was bowled out Elgar (2) lbw in the second “I think so, in Australia for 218 shortly before lunch over anyway,intermsofpaceand on Day 2, taking a 66-run Australia doubled-down bounce and seam,” said first-innings lead The on its breakthrough with Smith when asked after the Australians then skittled Starc (2-26) taking his 300th test if it was the toughest South Africa for 99 in the test wicket in trademark pitch he’s batted on. “It’s not second innings, with skipper style by bowling van der toooftenyouseeatestmatch Pat Cummins taking a five- Dussenthroughthegatewith overintwodays.” wickethaul. anin-swingingdelivery The last time Australia

Scott Boland and “(It’s) very cool, I’m won a test in less than two Mitchell Starc claimed two very privileged,” said Starc, days was in 2002 when wickets each. In the process who is the seventh Stephen Waugh’s team Starc became the seventh Australian to achieve the dismissed Pakistan for 59 Australian bowler to take 300-wicket milestone. “I’ll and53inSharjah. 300careertestwickets.

Australia’s second innings, Earlier yesterday, who fell in the nineties for reflect on it more later It’s The quality of the pitch

On a green, grassy pitch including David Warner, Rabadatookthreewicketsto the second time in three tests onetoreflectonwhenit’sall will be under the scope, with offering plenty of assistance who was caught at slip for help restrictAustralia’s first- this summer, when he was done. the contest far more in favor for bowlers, and with two of three and will be under innings lead, while Marco caught behind down the leg “The last 18 months, two ofthebowlersthanusual. the best bowling attacks in further pressure to retain his Jansen (3-32) took the key side after the merest of years has been some of the South Africa skipper the world going head to place in the team heading wickets of Travis Head and touchesoffhisglove. besttestcricketI’veplayed.” Elgar said he didn’t think it head, wickets tumbled at the into the Boxing Day test at Cameron Green within three Head made 92 off 96 After lunch, Khaya wasafaircontest. Gabba.

Melbourne. balls to end a dangerous balls,with13boundariesand Zondo (36 not out) and “Still trying to wrap my

In keeping with the “Wasn’t much fun for us counterattack. a six, in his usual counter- Temba Bavuma showed brain around what’s pattern of the match, batters out there, to be Jansen first had Green punching style and was the some brief resistance to happened,” he said. The Australia made heavy work honest,” said Steve Smith, (18) edging through a sharp only batsman to appear whittleawayAustralia’slead pitch“wasprettyspicy.” in chasing the modest 34 who scored 36 and 6 in the chance to Maharaj at third comfortable in navigating but Nathan Lyon struck Scores: Australia 218 runs needed for victory, match. “It was a very slip, who could only parry the tricky Gabba pitch having Bavuma trapped lbw (Head 92, Rabada 4-76) and losing four wickets before challenging wicket. Lots of theballupforSarelErweeto conditions. to trigger a collapse of 6 35 for 4 (Labuschagne 5*, Marnus Labuschagne seammovement,veryupand complete the catch running Lungi Ngidi (1-35) wicketsforjust22runs. Rabada 4-13) beat South completed the job in the 8th down,divotsonthewicket. around from his first slip removed Starc with a sharp Boland (2-14) struck Africa 152 (Verreynne 64, overoftheinnings. “So,wasn’tmuchfunbut position. caught and bowled chance twice in the next over to Lyon 3-14) and 99 (Bavuma Kagiso Rabada (4-13) fortunately we were on the Two balls later Jansen for 14, before Rabada remove Kyle Verreynne and 29, Cummins 5-42) by six tookallfourwicketstofallin rightendofit.” got the big wicket of Head,

Guyana Captain Brandon Henry receives the Runner-up trophy from GCB Vice-president Azad Abrahim.

removed Cummins and Marco Jansen for ducks, wickets.

Australia’s Mitchell Starc, right, is congratulated by teammates after dismissing South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen, left, during day two of the first cricket test at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)

Argentina win incredible World Cup final in shootout

L U S A I L , Q a t a r , Gonzalo Montiel, who gave (Reuters) - Argentina won away the penalty for their third World Cup in an France’s third goal, the extraordinaryfinalyesterday chance for the ultimate as they beat France 4-2 on redemption, which he duly penalties after Lionel Messi took by calmly sending scored twice in a 3-3 draw HugoLloristhewrongway. and Kylian Mbappe grabbed It meant that after his a hat-trick to bring the record 26th World Cup holdersbackfrom2-0and3- match, at the fifth and final 2down. time of asking, the 35-year-

Itwasanincrediblenight oldMessiclaimedthetrophy of drama, high emotion and histalentandcommitmentto fluctuating fortunes, his country demanded, deliveringoneoftheall-time elevating him alongside great finals to cap a D i e g o M a r a d o n a , wonderful tournament as its Argentina’s first football two star players delivered god, who carried them to command performances on their emotional second thebiggeststageofall. triumph in 1986 following

Argentina had looked to thefirstin1978. be cruising to a one-sided “I wanted to close my victory after Messi’s penalty career with this, it was the and a brilliant goal byAngel onethatwasmissingsoIcan Di Maria in the first half put no longer ask for anything them in total control but else,” said Messi, who has Mbappe converted an 80th- played 172 times for his minute penalty and volleyed country in a sublime equaliser a “I was able to get the minutelatertotakethegame Copa America and now the have suffered so much in a outfighting a flat French Messi, Julian

toextratime. World Cup that I had fought perfect game. Unbelievable, team who looked to have no AlexisMacAllistersetup

only

be

Messi put Argentina so hard for I’ve got it at the but this team responds to chance of becoming the first Maristoslideinthesecond. by the outstretched leg of ahead again but Mbappe end of my career But I love everything,” Argentina to retain the title since Brazil Francebarelyfiredashot Martinezwhenthewinnerof levelled with another football and I want to coachLionelScalonisaid. 60yearsago. inangeruntilthe80thminute all late winners looked a penalty, becoming the continue living a few more

“I am proud of the work They went ahead when when Nicolas Otamendi certainty second man to score a World games being world they did. With the blows we the recalled Di Maria beat tripped Randal Kolo Muani Mbappe and Messi both Cup final hat-trick after champion.” received today. I want to tell Ousmane Dembele and was and Mbappe, previously converted the opening spot- England’s Geoff Hurst in The victory seems all the peopletoenjoy,it’sahistoric tripped for a penalty that anonymous, expertly kicksoftheshootoutbutthey 1966. more incredible coming a momentforourcountry.” Messi slotted in after 23 convertedthepenalty thenhadtostandbackandlet I n t h e s h o o t o u t , month after his team began

NEAT TURN minutes.

A minute later he swept their team mates decide their Argentina keeper Emiliano the tournament by suffering

There was little hint of One of the best goals to in a brilliant equalising destiny Martinez saved Kingsley statisticallythe biggest upset the drama to come as grace a final came after 36 volley after combining Argentina have now won Coman’s effort andAurelien in World Cup history when Argentina dominated the minutes when instinctive cleverly with Marcus six of their seven World Cup Tchouamenifiredwide.That theylosttoSaudiArabia. first hour, outrunning and passing by Nahuel Molina, Thuram, stunning the shootouts, including the gave substitute full back “I cannot believe that we massed Argentine fans quarter-final against the watching their team concede Netherlands a week ago two quick-fire goals for the when they also blew a 2-0 thirdtimeinthetournament. lead in the same Lusail

Argentina regrouped Stadium. well, though, creating France, the only team to several chances, and have scored three goals in a regained the lead after a final and lost, have tasted counter-attack when the defeat in three of five tireless Lautaro Martinez shootouts, two of those smashed a shot that Hugo lossescominginfinals.

Lloris saved, only for Messi “We came back from the to pounce on the rebound brink, that’s what gives us so with a rare right-footed many regrets,” said France f i n i s h , t e c h n o l o g y coach Didier Deschamps confirming the ball had “We could have won it in the crossedtheline. last minute (of extra time)

CALMLY DISPATCHED butitwasnotmeanttobe.”

The drama was not over, Two hours after the however, as Mbappe game, thousands of hammered a shot against Argentina fans, many in Montiel’s arm to win a Number 10 Messi shirts, penalty in the 117th minute, remained in the stadium as which he calmly dispatched theplayersandtheirfamilies for an amazing hat-trick and posed for pictures on the a tournament-leading eighth pitch and went for a joyous goal. lap of honour, parading the

Kolo Muani still had a golden trophy they last had wonderfulchancetosnatchit theirhandson36yearsago.

Alvarez and in stoppage time for France,

Di

to

brilliantly denied

Argentina trio Enzo Fernandez, Lionel Messi and Emiliano Martinez all won individual awards, alongside France’s Kylian Mbappe. (TIMESNOW photo)

The two titans of the match, Argentina's Messi and France's Mbappe, face off during the second half.

[Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera]

Amsterdam, Glasgow, Headley advance to the finals of Terrance Ali National Open Boxing C/Ships

The second night into to

times about the body in the with a brief speck of superb the competition at the 1st round. Nevertheless, he boxing. National Gymnasium, fought his way back into the In match #8 between the Mandela Avenue set up a contest, landing his effective AMBC middleweight ‘final night’ thriller last jabs to the body of c h a m p i o n D e s m o n d evening with the likes of Richardson, adding some ‘dynamite’ Amsterdam AMBC middleweight class and flare to the fight. representing the GDF c h a m p i o n D e s m o n d Crawford went on to win the boxing gym competed ‘Dynamite’ Amsterdam as match-up by way of the against Mixed Martial Art well as the heavy hitting judge’sdecision. champion Corwin D’Anjou Aubrey Headley, Troy

At this point there were out of the Police Boxing Glasgow, the Surinamese only 6 bouts left to close the G y m i n t h e l i g h tSamuel ‘too slick’ Greene, evening due to a few no- heavyweight 87-92Kgs Mark‘flyboy’Crawfordand shows, moving into match division. Sorely, fans were Richard Howard advancing #7 between the two heartbroken and robbed of into the final of the servicemen in the light- two rounds after D’Anjou competition. middleweight 67-71Kgs abandoned the contest Saturday evening was an category ColinHinds(GDF) before the end of the 1st e x c i t i n g n i g h t o f went up against Clifton round, handing over an easy competition, starting the Graham (POL), Graham win to the ‘Dynamite’ p r o c e e d i n g s a t proved his resilience by Amsterdam. approximately 7:45pm with coming back to win the Match #9, in the an exciting exhibition match match after being struck heavyweight 86-92Kgs between Shakquain James downbythesoldierinthe1st division, Kevin Harris andTiquanSampson. round Graham won the (VBG) and Emmanuel

Crawford (FYF)

Subratee (FYF) trashing his match between Donovan

The night had 15 bouts contestbywayofunanimous Pompey (WPBG) were opponent Ronaldo Sutton Richardson (POL) VS Mark carded for the evening, decision at the end of the given easy wins to advance ( G D F ) T h o u g h h e Crawford (FYF). Crawford beginning with two school threerounds. to the finals. Harris defeated (Subratee) was served some with a win on Friday, came boys match-ups followed by In what was considered Trevon King out of the GDF hard body-shots from the up against the Policeman’s 13Elitematches. the main event of the boxinggymbywayofasplit ‘short stature’ Sutton heavy fist, being hit a few Match #1- in the 41- evening, fans were thrilled (Continued on page 21) Subratee went on to win the 43Kgs school boys category match by way of the judge’s Okenwa Bushel (RHJ) went decision. up against Kendel Demonic

In match #4 and #5, (FYF) of which Demonic MichaelMaynard(GDF)VS won the match after his Joel Williamson (RHJ) and opponent Bushel abandoned Jermain Grant (GDF) VS the contest handing over an Richard Howard in the easy win to Demonic. In lightweight 57-60Kgs match #2 – 47-49Kgs division, Williamson won category, Euancy Marshall the contest over Maynard, VS Matthew Thomas after Maynard‘s coach Marshall appeared to be the Terrance Poole called off the better fighter on the night, match two minutes and four winning the contest by a seconds into the 2nd round unanimous decision. At this and Howard defeated his time the National Open opponentGrantbywayofan Boxing Championship fans unanimous decision, both started to pour through the winners advancing into the gates of the National finals. Gymnasium.

After that, action went The Elites Semi finals straight into match #6 - got on the way with match welterweight division- 63- #3- 48Kgs minimum67Kgs, with only a single weight, seeing Richard

Desmond Amsterdam (right) in action with Corwin D’Anjou.

Mark

Aubrey Headley (GDF) stands over Leandro Dongo after the knock down.

Argentina win incredible World Cup final in shootout

Mbappe came alive in the second half to help his side mount a comeback from 2-0 down and take the game to extra time. [Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera]

Argentina’s Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup trophy alongside teammates as they celebrate after winning the World Cup. Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Argentinian players celebrate Messi's opening goal. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]

Lionel Messi hoists the World Cup Trophy. [Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera]

Argentina's Angel Di Maria celebrates scoring his side's second goal as Argentina dominated the first half of the match.

[Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera]