Kaieteur News

Sergeant Kester Cosbert received the award for ‘Best Overall Cop’ for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) from Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken on Tuesday.

Govt.togiveGuyanesetwoweekstoperuseand makerecommendationsonnewoilcontract

Guyanese will be given two weeks to examine and make recommendations on the new oil contract being drafted by the Government of Guyana before the documentisfinalised.

This is according to informationpublishedonthe Ministry of Natural Resourceswebsite.

It was explained that Government would host consultations on the ‘Indicative Terms and Guidelines’ of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between December 12, 2022 and January31,2023.

However, the draft model contract would only be released on February 13, 2023 also marking the c o m m e n c e m e n t o f consultations on the document. This process is slated to wind down by February28,2023.

This means that Guyanese will be granted a mere 15 days to scrutinize the document and offer c o m m e n t s t o t h e Administration.Notably,the

second International Energy ConferenceandExpowillbe held between February 141, 2023. This means that

stakeholders will be entrenched in the Conference during the consultativephase.

Nonetheless, the Government of Guyana has committed to publishing the final Terms of Reference

(ToR) and Model Contract by March 8, 2023. Bids for the 14 oil blocks on auction wouldbesubmittedonApril

14, 2023 while evaluation w i l l c o m m e n c e simultaneously and concludeonMay5,2023.

The Ministry of Natural Resources was also keen to note that negotiations with prospective oil block(s) ownerswillrunfromMay8 to May 26, 2023, with contracts likely to be awarded by May 31, 2023. These oil blocks will be governedbythenewPSA.

D u r i n g a P r e s s Conference last week, the Opposition said it believes Guyana would be granted a limited time-frame to scrutinize the new model agreement.

In fact, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Spokesperson on petroleum matters, Elson Low, told Reporters that the consultations may mirror a ‘rushed’process resembling the passage of the Natural Resource Fund in the National Assembly, last December

ThatLegislationwaslaid intheNationalAssembly

Girl,11,founddead underhammock

of Tagore Memorial

Secondary School was on Tuesday found dead in the backyard of her No 50 Village, Corentyne, Berbice home.

Reports are that Tinesha Johnson, who was last seen playinginatornhammockin thebackyard,wasfoundina kneeling position with part of the hammock wrapped aroundherneck.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the hammock was tied to a fruit tree and Tinesha’s motionless body was found nearthetree.

The child’s mother, 35year-oldLatoyaLaverictold policethatshehadonlyaleft theyardforafewminutesto purchase fish from a van on the public road, some 150 feetawayfromherhome.

It was while purchasing the fish that one of her childrenrantoherscreaming

Dead: 11-year-old, Timesha Johnson

that something was wrong withTinesha.

Thegrievingmothersaid thatsherushedhomeonlyto findherdaughtermotionless with blood oozing from her nose near the hammock underatreeinthebackyard.

The unresponsive child was rushed to the Skeldon Hospitalwhereshewas Continuedonpage13

State House Shooter off ventilator, to be interviewed by Police

Almostoneweekafterhestagedan attackatStateHouse,theofficialhome of President Irfaan Ali, Nigerian national Bethel Chimezie is off of a ventilator and will soon be interviewed byLawEnforcementOfficials.

Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, toldKaieteurNewsthatonceChimezie regainsconsciousnessandhiscondition improves, he will definitely be questioned.

Chimezie was shot multiple times after he opened fire on members of the Presidential Guard on Carmichael Street,Georgetown.Hewastakentothe Georgetown Public Hospital where he underwentsurgeryforhisinjuries.

He was reportedly placed on a ventilatoraftersurgeryandaccordingto police he has since been taken off the machineandisinastablecondition.

On December 15, 2022 Chimezie had reportedly entered a security room locatedatthesoutheasternsideofState House facing Carmichael Street, Georgetown and demanded to see PresidentIrfaanAli.

“I want the President [Mohamed Irfaan Ali])” the man reportedly said

beforepullingaknifefromhispants waistandstabbingTelonPerriera,a member of the Presidential Guard, fivetimestotheneckandbody

Upon seeing the violent attack, other members of the Presidential GuardondutyrushedtoPerriera’said buttheintrudermanagedtodisarma femalememberofher9mmpistoland startedshootingattheOfficers

Members of the Presidential GuardreturnedfireintheircounterattackandpursuedChimezietoNew Market Street where he was eventuallyshot.

PresidentMohamedIrfaanAliis yettomakeanofficialstatementon the matter and the public is eager to learn about the motive behind Chimezie’s actions. Many critics have begun to question the major breach of securityatStateHouseandhavecalled for ‘comprehensive security arrangementsforAli’.

One of them, a former Head of the Presidential Guard, Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe, wroteinarecentlypublishedletterinthe daily newspapers, “This clearly shows

thatsomethingisdefinitelywrongwith the security arrangements at that location. It is fortunate that (according to the sketchy reports) the person once in possession of the firearm did not attempttogofurtherintothecompound ofStateHouse”.

He called for a comprehensive review of the entire security arrangements, not only at State House, but at other buildings where Senior Government and other Functionaries workandlive.

Bethel Chimezie

An 11-year-old student

The hammock Tinesha Johnson was playing with.

Kaieteur News

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER CONFIRMATION

TheInternationalLaborOrganization(ILO)putonpaper whatsensibleGuyanesetalkaboutamongthemselves,some actuallyplaceinthepublicdomain. Itisthatthismassiveoil wealthisoverwhelmingus,whilesubjectingthiscountryto costlyexploitationsthatwecanillafford. Whatistragicand criminalaboutthisisthatourPoliticiansknowthis,yetthey have thrown all cautions to the winds and barrel ahead in recklessindifference.

SomeknowledgeableGuyanesealreadyknewtoadegree where matters stand, but it comforts most locals to hear the samethingsfromforeigners. WhattheILOpresentstousis staggering (‘Lack of qualified persons, limited workforce, keyweaknessesinGuyana’soilandgasindustry-NewILO report’-KN December 20). Four out of five Guyanese of workforce age (more than 80%) possess only a secondary schooleducation. Justasbad,ifnotworse,isthefactthatin the final 35 years of the last century about 90% (9 of 10) Guyanese with higher learning credentials emigrated. Thoughthattrendmayhaveslowedtosomeextent,foreign shores are a greater attraction for Guyanese university graduates, notwithstanding the lure of our immense oil wealth.

Whenthesetwonumbersarestudied(onlythesetwo),it is beyond doubt, beyond contentiousness, that Guyana is woefully underprepared, and disastrously deficient, to benefitfromthisnaturalresourceendowmentthatistheenvy oftheworld. Weneedsomewhereoveraquarterofamillion qualifiedworkers,andwehaveamere39,000plusinhand, orlessthanoneworkerforeverysixneeded. Ifallofthose Guyanese of working age that are not employed, or fully employed,weretobeavailableandrecruited,wewouldstill be100,000workersshort.ThisisthestarkrealityofGuyana andthisgreatoilwealththatkeepsbuildingandbuilding.

For its part, the PPP/C Government and its leading players have approached this oil wealth in the worst way conceivable. Commonsense and prudence would require that exploration and production activities be pursued at a pacewhichallowsustocometogripswithwhatwehave,and the sum of our human assets. This would facilitate a clear understanding of what we don’t know, permit an appreciationofwhereweneedtobemosturgently,andwhen the sprawling gaps are identified, be wise enough to recognizethedifference.

We at this publication have repeatedly made these recommendations. Denouncementanddismissalhavebeen the responses from the PPP/C Government and its agents, quite a few of them numbering in the ranks of the unscrupulous. Thisdoesnotmeanthatitisatimetothrowup hands,andletmattersbe. Themessagemustcontinuetobe soundedandpounded. Wemustslowdown,moreforcontrol ofourowndestiny,thantoletourprosperitybedictatedby outsiders with their own heightened profit agenda. They could (and currently do) profit in more ways than we can begintograsp,andallbecauseweareinsuchamadrush,this inexplicablyfrenziedhaste.

Whenwedon’thaveourownpeoplelookingoutforour own interests according to our own timetable, then we are digging our own graves. We are staring at a tragedy in the making.

WhenthefewGuyaneseexpertsthatweactuallyhaveare kicked out by the PPP/C Government from any close oversight, any hands-on involvement, in this ballooning trillion-dollaroilsector,thenourpoliticalbossesarenothing butthemostheinousofenemiestotheGuyanesepeople. Ina nutshell,itishowanalreadyterriblesituationismadetragic.

The politics or philosophy of any Guyanese should not matteratall,notwhenitisourenormousoilendowmentthat hangsinthebalance. Wealththatissubjectedtoeverykind of trickymaneuverthatcan be conceivedby the foreignoil powers operating here, with America’s ExxonMobil standingatthefrontoftheline.

It stands to reason that when we are so acutely short of quality people, then there will be a corresponding deficit in ourexpectedprosperity ExxonMobilandcompanywillsee tothat,makehaywhilewearesodevastatinglyshorthanded.

Iwokrama Congratulates Govt. on signing VPAAgreement

DEAREDITOR, secure such an agreement. highly commends the welcomesthisaddedlayerof T h e I w o k r a m a TheagreementwillgiveEU- G u y a n a F o r e s t r y third party validation that InternationalCentreforRain based buyers assurance that Commission for its strong Guyana’s forests are Forest Conservation and timber products from leadership throughout the managedinaccordancewith Development expresses Guyana are legal,while FLEGT VPA preparatory social, environmental and heartycongratulationstoHis helping to improve forest and negotiations process, ecologicalbestpractices”. Excellency, President Irfaan governance, and promote and for engaging multiple T h e I w o k r a m a Ali, the Government and tradeinverifiedlegaltimber partners to ensure all actors International Centre was people of Guyana on products nationally alongthesupplychainareon pleased to participate in the securingyetanotherfirstfor Through the Voluntary board. DaneGobin,CEOof nationalworkinggroupsand Guyana. Earlier this month, Partnership Agreement Iwokrama, notes, “this is is committed to supporting an innovative carbon credit (VPA)whichisalignedwith another major step for t h e s u c c e s s f u l agreement with Hess the expanded Low Carbon Guyanaasitseekstobalance implementation of the Corporationwassigned. Development Strategy its oil and gas sector with FLEGTVPA.

This week Guyana (LCDS) 2030, Guyana’s conservationandwiseuseof Regards, signed a legally binding forestry sector will see its natural assets. Several Dr. Raquel Thomastrade agreement to promote advances that will increase forest operations in Guyana Caesar sustainable trade of legal employment opportunities, are already certified under Director, Resource timber to the European promote sustainable variouscertificationregimes ManagementandTraining Union (EU) – another developmentandsupportthe includingthe1,000,000acre Iwokrama International significant achievement as livelihoods of indigenous Iwokrama Forest which has Centre for Rain Forest Guyana is the first country peoples and local beeninternationallycertified C o n s e r v a t i o n a n d from theAmazon Region to communities Iworkama since 2008. The Centre Development

Asad day for Leonora as part of its soil is reclaimed by the

Atlantic Ocean

DEAREDITOR, the beat of another drum or as the Eastern neighbor, an h a i r a n d a m o r o u s Leonora’s garden of afforded the intrusion of an Afro nurse as her Western companionship. Her latter blooming flowers is estranged rhythm, but, she neighbor,Uncle Bahaduras days were spent rocking in withering slowly but surely didfine-tunedthetoneofthe her Northern neighbor and her hammock with her ofalltheseedsplantedfrom moment to produce the PanditMarajasherSouthern familiar smile ready to greet theoldestofgenerationswho requiredmelody Shedanced neighbor Her life style any visitor and to indulge in have survived the test of to 98 years and 8 months of included the functionalities memorable past time time, and, have survived the pump and glory, name and of a Pandit’s family and she conversations, while, at blistering storms from the fame and good times and soondrewtheattentionofall times, still cooking for era belonging to the 1920’s. challengingtimes. and sundry who came to herself.

Yes, this historical village Hailed from Kingston, consult with her husband. Leonora is hearkened whichhasseededthecurrent Georgetown, this mother of Her trade mark was her with the longevity of her President Dr Mohammed 12 children (4 died as sweet,charmingandfriendly oldest citizen but saddened Irfaan Ali, has enjoyed the infants), was born on 12Th smile which accompanied that her innings was livelihood of many famous, April, 1924, as the daughter her to her last day Being of completed before achieving popular and well known ofJagmohanandBudhniand small stature, her swift thecenturionmark.Looking personalities who have asasisterto2siblings.Bread movements had others around, there are sporadic characterizedeachandevery atUitvlugt,asalittlegirl,her straggling to keep up with survivals from the 1920’s aspectofalifestylebefitting pasttimewastypicalofmost her dance-like movements. who are domiciled or of the people from every Indian girl children; limited What an adorable character residing abroad All corner stone which molded schooling (Teacher Bovell she proved to be, always Leonorians tip their hats, thestatusquoofLeonorians. School from Stewartville) advocating the friendly bow their heads and clasp Succeeding generations beforebeingpulledoutfrom p o s t u r e o f b e i n g their hands to the passing of have amplified their echo, the education system, then accommodating to visitors, this beautiful store house of multiplied their gains and becameoccupiedwithhouse welcoming children playing history who bid us all have built castles from chores to suffice the home, in her open yard space and, farewell on the 16th of cottages. Yet, many of the spentafewyearstoenjoyas ready to offer genips from Decemberaround12:30PM. veryoldestofseniorcitizens a teenager before being the huge tree during the The village feels lonely have befuddled the younger roped in a ‘marrow’ and season and also, the long withoutitsdearestandoldest generations, beaten the test being married off This dungsfromthedungstreeat villagerandherabsencewill of time and have out lived mother gave birth to Sgt. thebackoftheyard. create an irreplaceable their siblings. Today, with Doopan (deceased), Ruby Attheturningofthetide, presence. memories full of nostalgia, (deceased), Doodnauth her residence changed from As we say goodbye to a anopenbookconsumedwith (Ajay) (deceased), Narine Leonora to Stewartville monumentalfigure,letusall the rich legacy of vibrating (deceased), Pearly, Lallman (1973), but, she still offer our gratitude to her energiesandapamperedpast (deceased), Pampie and traversed between side by affording us the pleasure of time, Leonora has to Mamzie.Asamother-in-law, side villages to play out her her amicable friendship and reluctantly close the final sheaccepted5daughters-in- innings, deliver the call of pray that the Almighty will chapterofaverywell-known law and 3 sons-in-law duty and respond to her grant her peace, bliss and face, familiar to each and Turning and churning the variable engagements. The happiness.Thegoodnatured every one and an individual subsequent roles as a grand- shifting of the sand did not civility of Sookrajie (better who has succeeded to grace mother, there are 20 prevent her to maintain the knownasAuntyDoris),will t h e p r e s e n c e o f grandchildren (1 died); as a true nature of herself but not be forgotten when unfathomable moons. She great-grandmother,thereare rather, to elevate from one cremated on the 20th has outlived, outclassed and 30 great grandchildren and diversion to another December’22atRuimzeight outsourced so many a s a g r e a t , g r e a t direction.As Mother Nature Crematorium, because, she compatriotsinherownway, grandmother, she was lucky would request, such a lived the role as the withherownlifestyle,inher to see the birth of 2 great, charming body of Dharampatni (wife) of the own time and to the dictates greatgrandchildren. exuberance, returned to her late and great Pandit ofherownpace.Alwaysone As a young lass, she home village to enjoy the Nandkishore(died1995). determined to play her own came to reside in the village golden days of her silvery Yoursrespectfully, tune, she seldom danced to of Leonora with Albert Loo lifetomatchherstillflowing JaiLall

The latest manifestation

commitment to enhancing the lives of every Guyanese in every community

DEAREDITOR, attestation that the PPP/C is Hinterland residents will healthcare systems in excluded from the national land. The new highly- committed to enhancing the soon benefit from enhanced Lethem, Kato, Kamarang, Development Agenda, the Unlike the old Act, the upgraded and modernized lives of every Guyanese in healthservicesoverthenext Mabaruma, Moruca, Bartica Head of State said, “More new Act includes a process h o s p i t a l r e c e n t l y everycommunityinkeeping three years with projects andPortKaituma. than $125 billion will be for the granting of land. For commissioned by His with the President’s one estimated to cost Underscoring the invested in upgrading these instance, a community can Excellency President Irfaan GuyanaInitiative. approximately $125 billion Government’s commitment facilities,givingyouthebest applyforlandoncetheycan AliatMabarumaisonemore In staggered sequences, into the enhancement of the to ensuring no citizen is working conditions. That is prove that they have been important; giving the living there for at least 25 population the best possible years and the Minister must access to healthcare commence an investigation services; that is what andmakeadecisionwithin6 transformssocieties.” months.

Political agreement must be honoured

DEAREDITOR, political agreement the 1990s, in Uttar Pradesh, coalition, breaking the Iwriteinresponsetothe enforced? Would or can the India, the BJP (led by LK coalition agreement. Labor recent comment made by court intervene to enforce a Advani)andBSP(ledbyMs went to court to enforce the AFC Leader, Khemraj private political agreement Mayawati) signed an agreement. The Supreme Ramjattan that his party is between parties or political agreement to rotate Chief Court accepted jurisdiction entitled to the nine seats leaders? Minister and other cabinet in the matter and ruled in allocated to it, win or lose , In several countries, positions in a coalition to favor of Labor affirming it duringthe2020electionand political leaders or parties govern the state After can decide on political contending that Opposition madeagreementsonalliance serving her term as CM, issues. Sothereisprecedent Leader Aubrey Norton or accommodation or Mayawati pulled out of the for the court to intervene in cannot revoke or recall or government formation. In coalition. The BJP opted enforcing political replace AFC MPs with some countries, the not to go to court with fresh agreement between parties APNUorPNCMps. agreement was broken. In elections called resulting in ortheirleaders.

TheAFCannouncedthat Trinidad, for example, in her defeat. In Israel, during Political agreements, it is breaking away from the 1986, the Leader of the the 1980s, Likud party and even if made verbally, and APNU-AFC Coalition and NAR, Arthur Robinson, Labormadeanagreementto known to the public should thatNortoncannotbreakthe broke an agreement with formacoalitiongovernment behonored.Internalpolitical agreement for AFC to get Basdeo Panday on with equal Ministries and agreements made among nineseats. Ministerial berths; Panday alternating PM position as leading personalities within

Only the Leader of “the opted not to go to court to wellasafewMinistriesafter apartyandorwithaleaderor List”canrecallMPs.Norton enforce the agreement and two years. Likud served its its executive should also be isnotleaderofthelist.David pull out of the Coalition two years leading the honored. Granger is Head of the list resulting in the defeat of the coalition. Then the Likud Yourstruly, with Ramjattan as Deputy NAR in elections. During decided to pull out of the VishnuBisram Granger and Ramjattan agreed that the AFC would be allotted nine seats; that agreement was honored GrangerisstillLeaderofthe Coalition.

It is unlikely he would break the agreement and he is not known to have such charactertrait.

But if he does and or if Norton insists that the nine seats be recalled, can the AFCdoanythingtohavethe

Since Dr Cheddi Jagan (2) Leases:The Minister declared September to be isnotrequiredtoapprovethe ‘Amerindian Heritage leasing of titledAmerindian Month’ in 1995, there has land, as opposed to the 1st been projected into the Act where the Minister is national and psychological requiredtoapproveit.Inthe psychethatAmerindiansare new Act, the communities no longer going to be a areonlyrequiredtoseekthe marginalized people adviceoftheMinister subsisting on the crumbs of (3) Intellectual Property developmental initiatives Rights: With respect to the within the national useofscientificresearch,the construct, but will be fully Researcher will, among integrated into the holistic other things, have to submit national programme for totheVillageCouncilacopy development by the PPP/C of any publication Administration, and one of containing material derived thebasiccomponentsofthis fromtheresearch. new paradigm is the (4) Environmental AmerindianAct. Protection: The Amerindian The Amerindian Act, Actsupportstheneedforthe 2005providesfor,interalia: communitiestousetheir (1) Grants to communal (Continuedonpage6)

of the PPP/C’s

Voting Day is January 18 for Antigua & Barbuda

NATION NEWS – ruling Antigua and Barbuda

General

Party (ABLP) said the writs of

Browne on Monday night he had already asked the tomorrow 20th December, announcedJanuary18,2023 Governor General to issue 2022. Nomination Day will as the date for fresh general the writs for the polls on follow on December 28, elections in Antigua and Tuesday 2022andyoucanbeassured Barbuda and urged “Last Friday, I that when the next general supporters to ensure that his dispatched a letter to his elections are held, there will government is returned to Excellency, Sir Rodney be wailing and gnashing of power Williams asking him to teeth in the UPP (United HesaidNominationDay dissolvetheParliament.The Progressive Party) and that willbeDecember28. Parliament had been duly day will be in January 18, Browne speaking at the dissolved. 2023, ” Browne told launch of candidates for the “I have also asked our supporters.

Govt.togiveGuyanesetwoweekstoperuse...

ThelatestmanifestationofthePPP/C’s commitmenttoenhancingthelivesof...

Frompage5

recommendations are initiative by use of racenatural resources in a way reflected in the Act. These baiting and fear-mongering that lends support to the inclusionswereasaresultof tactics. concept of sustainability: recommendations from the The evidence of the Impact Assessments will communities and other Government’s commitment have to be completed in stakeholders. to the development of all accordance with the The process lasted two Guyanese is clear and Environmental Protection y e a r s a n d i s a n present and therefore all Act. unprecedented one in this right-minded Guyanese

Frompage2

country’slargestoilreserve- deduct expenses from one lessthantwoweekspriorto theStabroekBlock. projecttodevelopanother the People’s Progressive After kneeling to public Anotherbenefitenjoyed Party (PPP) government pressure,theagreementwas by Exxon is a 75 percent usingitsoneseatmajorityto finallyreleased. cost recovery each month. make it law The Thisledtothediscovery So far, Vice President, Parliamentary Opposition of a number of provisions Bharrat Jagdeo has assured had called for the Natural which stakeholders believe thatthesefiscalclauseswill Resources Fund Act to be largely favour the oil be amended in the new senttoaSpecialCommittee company For instance, contract. for consultations, however Guyana is only receiving Some of the key thiswasnotallowed. two percent royalty for its provisions that will be The former Coalition sweet light crude in that featured in the new deal Government came in for contract, while the oil includea10percentroyalty, harsh criticisms for failing company enjoys a 10 percent corporation tax to publicize the oil continuoustaxholiday and ring-fencing provision. agreement signed in 2016 There is also no ring It would also cap cost withUnitedStatesoilgiant, fencing provision which recovery at 65 percent of ExxonMobil for the allows the company to earningsannually

(5) MiningandForestry: partofthehemisphere. must resist the efforts of Amerindians will have a The Amerindians of these anti-Nationalists and legal right to traditional Guyana are given equal their divisive messages. It mining with the consent of status within the landscape must be noted that the theVillageCouncilandthey of Guyanese citizenhood by Government proved its must comply with the every PPP/C Government, mettle via its early struggles relevantlegislation. while yet being encouraged to get into office following With regard to forestry, to sustain their cultural and the 2020 regional and theVillage Council plays an traditional norms; which far General Elections. Their integral role in determining surpasses the treatment fight to protect Guyana’s who is allowed to use their meted out to indigenous Democracyandpreservethe landandonwhatterms. peoples of even first-world willoftheelectoratewasnot

(6) Governance: The countries The revised lostonmanyGuyaneseboth Village Council is Amerindian Act is merely locallyandinthediaspora. empoweredtoestablishrules one component of the Guyana is now the fortheircommunitiesandset holistic approach successive fastest-growing economy in fines within the legal PPP/C governments have the world, owing primarily confinesofthelaw Notably, taken to enhance economic to our booming oil and gas the money received due to growth and social sector the non- adherence to the development in Amerindian Itisthereforecriticalthat rules goes into the Village communities. as a citizenry, we reject the Council’s account, not the Reflectedinrecentmedia politics of division being Government’s. cyclesarethenotableefforts pedaled by some sections of

(7) Consultations:More by anti-development voices society and join with our t h a n h a l f o f t h e to forward a narrative that President and our the indigenous are being Government to ensure that ostracized here in Guyana. we as a people enjoy the Theseopinionsareprimarily bounties of the future as a fromthesamevoicesthatare strongunitedpeople. keen on

attacking the Regards, President’s ‘One Guyana’ ErinNorthe

Governor

to issue Prime Minister Gaston Labour

elections

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The PPP/C Govt. is playing dice with Guyanese taxpayers.

What was to cost US$900M is now more than double that number.

The Wales GTE project is shaping up to be another black hole, one more white elephant.

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Whatever benefits this GTE project held before could now be lost.

This sounds like another clever concoction to rip-off Guyanese by their own government.

Double the GTE project cost could mean double the money collected by PPP/C insiders.

Taxpayers lose on each occasion.

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Norton says no invitation received to nominate candidate for Local Content Board

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, has denied receiving a letter from the Ministry of Natural Resources to nominate a candidatetositontheLocal ContentAdvisoryBoard.

Hetoldthisnewspaperin aninvitedcommentrecently that even though the Ministry said it sent a letter of invitation, it was never received.

“Ireceivednoletterfrom the Minister of Natural Resources. He claimed that he has delivered a letter I

noticed they said they delivered one sometime in January before I became LeaderoftheOppositionand then he is claiming that one was delivered now I have notreceivedthatletterandso I couldn’t respond to it,” Nortonexplained.

In the document addressed to the Opposition Leader, dated September 6, 2022 and seen by this publication, the Ministry said the invitation is being extendedinkeepingwiththe LocalContentActof2021.

“The Government of Guyana, in keeping with its commitment, will establish the Local Content Advisory Committee, pursuant to Section 20, of the Local ContentActNo.18of2021, tosupporttheLocalContent Secretariat in the discharge of its functions in an advisory capacity and to provide the Minister of NaturalResources,beingthe Minister Responsible for Petroleum, representing the Government of the Cooperative Republic of

G u y a n a , w i t h recommendations. We look forward to your support and participation, the document stated.

AccordingtotheAct,the advisory body would help the Local Content Secretariat with the discharge of its functions which includes developing and maintaining measures f o r t h e e f f e c t i v e implementation of local contentbyContractors,SubContractorsandlicencees.

Its members would be

selected from the following agencies: Office of the President, the Ministries of Natural Resources, Finance, Home Affairs, Labour, Foreign Affairs, Tourism,

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton

Education, Public Works, theGuyanaNationalBureau of Standards, the Guyana Revenue Authority, the AttorneyGeneral’s Continuedonpage13

WHERE JAGDEO FAILED, ALI WILL ALSO FAIL

IfIrfaanAli’sPresidency relationship between the Guyana ought to have the also been heard about plans is clearly not looking in is to be impactful, he will UAE and Guyana but so far expertise to do this. Coding for the UAE to invest in a Guyana’s direction when it have to delink it from the theflowhasbeenmainlyone isnothighscienceandthere deepwaterportinGuyana– comes to that sort of failed agenda of former way is no reason why the longapipedreamofJagdeo. investments. necessarily reflect the President Bharrat Jagdeo. Addressing a recent University of Guyana could AbuDhabiPortswassaidto President Irfaan Ali opinions and beliefs of this Two major areas where event,PresidentIrfaanAliis not have been asked to beexaminingproposals. therefore needs to reassess newspaperanditsaffiliates.) Jagdeo failed were food reportedtohavesaidthatlast develop such a programme President Ali wants the hisMiddleEasternoutreach. (The views expressed in security and investments year’stradebetweenthetwo using local trainers No UAE to help make Guyana At present, the funds are this article are those of the fromtheMiddleEast. countries was around doubttheUAEhastobepaid into a logistic hub for the flowinginonedirection:out author and do not Jagdeo was Caricom’s US$300M. Buthecouldnot handsomely for providing region. That is not going to of Guyana and not necessarily reflect the lead on food security The providedetailsofthistrade. thistraining. happen. The UAE has sunk inwards (The views opinions and beliefs of this furthest he got was His numbers do not The UAE was supposed moneyintoalogisticshubin expressed in this article are n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s identifying 10 major appear to be credible to have signed a tax treaty theDominicanRepublicand thoseoftheauthoranddonot affiliates.) constraints to food security Guyana would have had to with Guyana. This no doubt Healsofailedwithattracting besellingoilandgoldtothe was intended to ensure that large-scale investments in UAE for such numbers to UAE companies doing agriculture from the recorded and there is no businesswithGuyanadonot Caribbean Community The evidence of this happening. paydoubletaxation. Santa Fe Mega Farm which Other independent sources The UAE is also could have been used as a have tagged the trade at supposed to be helping model for similar initiatives around US$6M last year, a Guyana with governance, cateredmoretotheBrazilian farcryfromAli’sUS$300M. statistics and leadership market and was eventually All indications are that capacity – all of which are divestedtoaBrazilianfirm. the trade is predominantly low hanging fruit and for Jagdeo’s Middle Eastern one way. The UAE sold whichtheUAEislikelytobe diplomacy was an absolute Guyanavaccinesin2021ata paid by the Government of disaster.Jagdeohadeyedup pricewhich,atthetime,was Guyana. the sovereign wealth funds doublethemarketprice.But A UAE company has of oil rich Middle Eastern Guyana was desperate for sealed a deal to provide the states as a source of vaccinesandwouldhavehad country with biaxial voided investment to prop up the topaywhatwasdemanded. slabs, a special type of faltering Guyanese Now we are reading that cement product. This too is economy Hefailedtoattract the UAE is about to make business for UAE any major interest from the more money from Guyana. companies, as is the MiddleEast. They are to train 150,000 arrangementtohelpGuyana Historically the Middle Guyanese students in withcybersecurity East has not shown much coding. Inthemeantime,Guyana interest in investing in This is shocking is still waiting for the big Guyana. Even when there revelation on a number of investments from the UAE. was an ideological affinity counts. For one, Guyana’s Jagdeo recently went to the between Libya and student population is so U A E l o o k i n g f o r Burnham, investments did small that it cannot over the investments. He came back notflowonanymajorscale. next years identify 150,000 empty-handed. But Qatar The United Arab students for training in has already obtained an Emirates historically have coding. And even if this interest in Guyana Kanaku not shown any keen interest amount of student could be oilblock. in economic relations with found for the programme,

A UAE company Guyana.Buttheoilboomin thecodingwouldhavetobe involvedintourismissaidto Guyanawouldhavechanged atarudimentarylevel. be looking at opportunities. thatbutnotinthewayAlior But why does Guyana But no announcement has Jagdeo envisages. Both are need to be inviting the UAE beenmadeofanyinvestment looking for a two-way to train locals in coding? as yet. Nor has anything

Dem boys seh...

People still talking about de final of de Cup fuh he country But dem boys nah see WorldCupfootballFinals.Anddemputting heasdestarofthefinal. Messi on a pedestal. All over Facebook is Detwoplayerswahmainlyresponsible Messi, Messi Messi. Yuh would have for Argentina having to declare a holiday believedthatdemanisontopofhegame. todayisdeGoalkeeperandAngelDiMaria. ButdemboysknowdatMessioftoday DiMariaisatormentordowndeleftwing. isnotdeMessioffouryearsago. Hewasdemainmanresponsibleforgiving He is long past his best and was only a Argentinaa2-olead.Andisonlybecausehe shadowoftheplayerhewaswhenhewasin carryinganinjury,thathewassubstitutedin hisprime. definal.

IsnicehewinaWorldCupbecauseat35 Some Guyanese also want holiday yearsofage,henahgatanotheronetoplay today. Dem claiming dem bin supporting anditwouldhavebeendisappointingfuhde Argentina.Butdemboysdidseenuffadem manwahwasdegreatestofalltime,Diego at dem bar wah showing de football, in Maradonna, andMessi,hesuccessor,notto Brazilian colours. But some Guyanese are winaWorldCup. likedat.Demcanswitchloyaltieslikehow

Peoplenahrealizethatthiswasdefifth yuhdoesturnonandoffalight. attemptbyMessiandhefinallywinaWorld Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

ON THIS DAY IN 2018, CHARRANDASS WROTE HIS NAME IN HISTORY

There is so much patronage that winning foreignpolicyadvisortothe year before, at a birthday manifested its unreasonable, irrational, parties used to extend M a u r i c e B i s h o p party in David Street, Kitty, u n w a n t e d almost insane output from gratitudetothosewhomade Government, I learnt about Charran told me that presence. Sadly, at the psychology of people electoral success possible is the story of Fidel Castro’s although he was against the the crescendo of the about the PPP’s leadership the overseas diplomatic womanizing ways. Castro type of governance scandalization by his that it is sad that there is no posting. It has become a got mixed up with the wife practiced by the PPP, when detractors raged on, intellectual climate in norm in the use of power of of a high state official and the AFC got in power, he there was not one how I could have argued a Guyanatostimulatedebate. w h i c h t h e O b a m a posted the gentleman to saw power-hungry men response,notevenonefrom case for him staying on as When Charrandass presidency stood out head the Cuban mission in whose character made the PPPintellectuals in Guyana High Commissioner Persaud became High Obama dished out Poland.WhenCheddiJagan PPP leaders look like and the diaspora.Therewas Charran has apologized and Commissioner to India the ambassadorship to the became President in 1992, angelicdemocrats. never a defence of Charran he has been removed from StabroekNews(SN)carried friends who made his hemadetheunlikelychoice He said the NCM idea from these quarters about India. Charran should be an editorial that rejected his presidency possible. From of Brindley Benn as our was put to him and he was the role of conscience in home shortly and I hope he suitability Here is what SN the time of Independence to High Commissioner to elated at the possibility but leadership. When President staysandgetsastatejoband noted: “On the face of it Mr March 2022, Guyana has Canada. President Granger was afraid for his life. He Granger’s son-in-law, continues in politics. He Persaud does not appear to created ambassadors that plucked Halim Majeed out askedmeifhevotedforthe Dominic Gaskin, at the made the eventual outcome be the appropriate choice have deep relation with the of obscurity where he lived opposition NCM, how he height of the election of the March 2020 election for New Delhi. It is now left rulingparty intheUSandconferredhim w o u l d l e a v e t h e rigging, denounced the possible through his valor t o b e s e e n h o w

After the PNC and with ambassadorship to parliamentary compound rigging twice, there was not and conscience on this day, Georgetown’s decision to United Forces formed the Cuba. They both worked unharmed Finally, the one accusation of bribery fouryearsago. make a purely political government in 1964, a closely during the Burnham strategy was completed in Here is an interesting I end with a quote from appointment to the New Portuguese woman, Ann presidency Secondly, SN 2018 and he felt he had contrast Khemraj John Milton, the English Delhi mission – as opposed Jardim, without any foreign never informed the nation protection.Onthisdatefour Ramjattan denounced poet(1608-74):Givemethe to that of a career diplomat service background was why Charran, a long- yearsago,Charranwrotehis Charran as a bribe-taker for liberty to know, to utter and – will advance this made our envoy in Brazil. standingBerbicelawyerwas nameinthehistorybooks.It whichCharransuedhimand to argue freely according to country’sinterests.”

Prime Minister, Forbes unsuited for the position. was an expression of won. I saw in a television conscience.”

Three things to note Burnham in order to Thirdly, would SN have conscience that took its interviewlastyear,thesame (The views expressed in about that quote above safeguard himself from the adoptedthesamehostilityif place among the great RamjattansaidthatDominic this article are those of the before we look at the no- rivalry of his charismatic the government had chosen moments of Caribbean Gaskinremainshisfriend. author and do not confidence motion political ally in the PNC, a light complexioned politics A deluge of It was unfortunate about necessarily reflect the (NCM)which occurred on John Carter, made him Mulattolawyer? scurrilities greeted his theincidentwiththeladyin opinions and beliefs of this thisdayfouryearsago.First, ambassadortotheUS. We come now to NCM courageous mind, of which India. Even though we are n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s one of the avenues of In 1983 when I was of December 21, 2018. A the charge of bribery closefriends,Icouldnotsee affiliates.)

FrederickKissoon

IDPADA-Graisesconcernsover plightofAfro-GuyaneseatUNForum

Govt. says complaints erroneous, policies inclusive

The International

DecadeforPeopleofAfrican Descent Assembly Guyana (IDPADA-G) has taken its concerns regarding the state of African Guyanese to the United Nations during the first Session of the

PermanentForumforPeople of African Descent being heldinGeneva,Switzerland and has accused the Governmentofundermining

the development of the group.

In a recent Press Statement, IDPADA-G’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Olive Sampson said thatthebodytooktheplight of African Guyanese to the UN as described during sessions that allowed communities to convey the message they wanted taken to the international agency.

IntheUNmessageSampson declaredthatthehistoryand politics of the current political regime does not bestowconfidence.

“

They have not acknowledged the plight of theAfricanGuyaneseandin pursuit of their own interest they have shown scant regard for the lives and livelihood of African Guyanese. Extra-judicial

killings, corruption and the narco-trade have trumped justice, good governance and legitimate wealth creation,”thestatementsaid.

It noted that member organizationsofIDPADA-G are concerned that no specific attention, as the Decade calls for, is being paidtothestateofGuyanese of African descent. “On the contrary, the policies of the Statearefurtherentrenching and escalating the dire state of African descendants in Guyana.

The disproportionately large size of the oil and gas sector in relation to the rest of the nation’s economy, the historically structured inequalities in resource allocation and wealth creation, combined with race-based politics in Guyana have contributed to an exponentially widening economic gap between Africans and others in the Guyaneseeconomy

IDPADA-GtoldtheUN, that African Guyanese have been marginalised, kept out oftheoilandgassector,and deprived of significant contracting opportunities, mining, logging and other n a t u r a l r e s o u r c e concessions, in addition to being forced out of the PublicSectorandshutoutof the Private Sector in deference to an IndoGuyaneseoligarchy

“In two short years, through a ruthless and systematic attack on landownership and tenure, mining concessions, employment, contract awards, African Guyanese now control less than 8% of the nation’s productive sectors and are being relegated to the margins of Guyana’s burgeoning economy.”

Sampson said that member organizations crafted the community’s m e s s a g e a n d recommendations to the UN seeking economic equity, equal and fair treatment underthelawandsupportfor mechanisms under the decade to be advocated for by government. IDPADA-G members called for the collection of disaggregated data and/or ethnic disparity audits as the basis for developing policies and programmes targeted at improving the lives of Africandescendant.

They called for establishment of national oversight and monitoring agencies in Guyana and other similarly affected states,toensureGovernment respects the Human Rights ofPeopleofAfricanDescent andadherestoallestablished affirmativeactionandequity policies IDPADAG also brought attention to Government’sremovalofits

modest subvention which it saidwasdonewithcause.

IDPADA-G’s statement highlighted that the December 5 to the 8 event was well attended by Governments and civil society representatives from countries with African descendants, Guyana’s Government however was a noshow

It said the forum offered a healthy and healing opportunity to address the long-standing and painful issues confronting persons of African Descent worldwide and for national representatives, both Government and civil society to hear the same m e s s a g e s a n d recommendations and make the effort to get on the same page for the way forward, but “the concerns of the African Guyanese c o m m u n i t y w e r e represented solely by IDPADAG.”

IDPADA-G said that for months President Irfaan Ali h a s g i v e n v e r b a l commitments for a meeting when paths are crossed but hasgivennoofficial

IDPADA-G’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Olive Sampson

$339Mcontractawardedtoconstruct rip-rapseadefenceatMahaicony

Rip-rap sea defence in the Mahaicony area.

Girl,11,founddead...

Frompage3 pronounceddeadonarrival.

Her body is currently at the mortuary awaiting a post mortemexamination.

Meanwhile, Tinesha’s father 37-year-old Clinton Johnson was in the backdam where he farms, when he receivednewsofhisdaughter’sdeath.Theshockedmantold KaieteurNewsthathewastoldthatitwashiseldestdaughter whofoundTineshaunconscious.

Heexplainedthatthechildhadgoneoutwithhermother butwassenthomefor$5000.Onherarrival,shediscovered Tinesha in a kneeling position and part of the hammock wrappedaroundherneck.

The child raised an alarm and her mother rushed to backyard.

The National Procurement and TenderAdministrationBoard(NPTAB) hasawardedM&BConstructiona$339, 215, 400 to construct a rip-rap sea defence at Mahaicony between Essex andConcord.

When bids were opened for the project, Kaieteur News had reported that M&B Construction was among 10 Contractors who had applied for the Ministry of Public Works project estimatedtocost$352,619,100.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthatthe Contractor is contracted to construct 350 meters of rip-rap sea defence at Mahaicony between Essex and Concord This publication was informed that it would be an elaborate rip-rap structure which would have berm (the flat strip of land bordering a riverorcanal).

Duringavisittothearealastmonth,

MinisterofPublicWorks,JuanEdghill hadannouncedthatworkswillcontinue aggressively since the area is being threatened by the sea, especially with theincreasinghightides.

Minister Edghill who noted the importance of preventative measures and interventions to preserve the mangroveshadexplainedthat“Withthe movement of mud, climate change, weather patterns and everything else, we are losing a significant number of mangroves in this section. Once the mangroves are removed, the dam that we are standing on becomes compromised, and once this dam is breached, the water is all the way in, whether at farmers, poultry farmers or households.”

He said that sea defence is an expensive venture, but his Ministry is committedtofacilitatinginterventions.

“Based on the understanding that I have, we have already done six kilometres, from Dantzig, Mahaicony coming all the way back to Fairfield.As the work continues, we are now in the seven-kilometre zone. But we are not asking to do an entire kilometre right now It will be just about 350-400 metres, and we will fill in the gaps as we goalong,”heexplained.

The Minister shared that climate change is affecting the sea defence but notedthatGovernmentwillcontinueto putmeasuresinplacetoensurecitizens living in close proximity to the sea are not severely impacted by these environmentalchanges.

This year, the Ministry was allocated some $5B from the National Budget for the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of riprapseadefenceinthecountry.

Clinton explained that though the hammock was torn intoparts,hischildrenwouldstillplaywithit.Hedescribed Tinesha as a child with a big personality who excelled at school.

The devastated father said he loves his children dearly andwillsurelymissthelovehereceivedfromTinesha.

Nortonsaysnoinvitation...

Frompage8 Chambers, and Ministry of LegalAffairs, Guyana Office for Investment, Private Sector Commission, Labour Unions, National Toshaos Council, Guyana Bar Association, Parliamentary Opposition, and Local PetroleumOrganizations.

TheLocalContentLawisintendedtoregulatetheway companiesoperateinGuyana’soilandgassector,employ persons,buyservices,andguidethewaythattheyprocure goods.Thelawcurrentlysetsaside40areasofworkwhich mustseehighlevelsofparticipationfromGuyanese.Some of these works pertain to logistics, security, immigration support,transportation,customsbrokerageandcatering.

These are expected to be revised soon to allow for greaterlocalparticipationinthesector

(PhotocourtesyofMinistry ofPublicWorks)

Guyana’s ‘historic’ high inflation rate contributing to higher levels of poverty, inequality

A new Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report has flagged Guyana’s ballooning inflation rate, whichitsaidhasbeenabove historical levels since June last year, eroding consumer purchasing power and contributing to higher poverty levels and inequality

Titled ‘Headwinds

Facing Post-Pandemic Recovery in the Caribbean’, theIDBquarterlyreportsaid that Caribbean countries shouldprepareforprolonged effectsofexternaleconomic shocksin2023,includingfor highfoodandfuelpricesand rising international interest rates. The bank said higher interest rates could lead to economic slowdowns, or

even recessions, in

importantsourcemarketsfor exported services and goods fromtheCaribbean.

Though the report spoke glowingly of Guyana’s economicprospects,itnoted that there have been important local effects of these global headwinds that have not been as favourable as the improvements in the terms of trade, mainly throughtheirimpactonlocal pricelevels.

“The inflation rate has been above historical levels since mid - June 2021. The annual inflation rate was 2 1 percent in December 2019, remained subdued through 202 0 and early2021,andthenreached 6.9 percent in June 2021,”

theBankstated.

According to the IDB, the inflation rate averaged 6.6 percent in the second half of 2021 and 6.2 percent through September 2022.

“More notably, food prices have seen even higher rates of inflation,

averaging 11.2 percent this year through September The implications of this challenging global context driven by high energy prices and disruptedsupply chains is that consumer purchasing power has eroded in the face of increasing price levels,

contributing to higher poverty levels and inequality.”

The report noted that a recent IDB study, estimates that a 20 percent increase in food prices in 23 countries in Latin Americaand theCaribbean would lead to an increase of 1.6 percent in moderate poverty and 1.8 percent in extreme poverty, increasing the total number of people living in moderate and extreme poverty by 9 8 million, and 10.8 million, respectively

HIGHCOMMODITY PRICES

According to the report, thecurrentglobalcontextof high commodity prices affects countries differently,

depending on whether they are mainly commodity importers or exporters, and directlyaffectingtheirterms of trade. Countries that mainly export products whose prices increase benefitfromimprovedterms of trade, which means imports become relatively cheaper, supporting a country’spurchasingpower

However, for Guyana, this development is twofold,sincethecountryisnot onlybenefittingfromhigher energy prices but also from higher levels of oil production,thereportstated.

It added that specific commodities such as oil and aluminum are projected tohave relatively Continuedonpage29

The bodies of two siblings, aged five and one, who drowned in the Pomeroon River, Region TwoonMondaynight,were recovered early Tuesday

Bodies of children aged 1 and 5 recovered from Pomeroon River after boat mishap

morning.

The children have been identified as 5-year-old Reshanna Atkinson and 1year-old Josiah Atkinson of Karawab.

The children along with their parents, 23-year-old Novita Atkinson and 33year-old Bhinauth Atkinson and older brother 7-year-old Jade Atkinson, were returning to their Kawawab, Pomeroon home in the family’s boat after completing Christmas shoppingatCharity

Appeal Court reduces 13-year sentence for Berbice man jailed for attempted murder

The Court ofAppeal has reducedthe13-yearsentence of HanselAndre Lewis, who was convicted for attempted murderin2016 Hissentence hasbeenreducedto10years

Lewis, of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was sentenced by JusticeBrassingtonReynolds in the Berbice High Court in 2016 after he was found guiltybyaJuryofunlawfully and maliciously wounding Chris Burrowes, called ‘Bully’ on New Year’s Day of2013.

His appeal was heard by Chancellor (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal, Dawn GregoryandRishiPersaudat theCourtofAppeal TheState was represented by State Prosecutor,NatashaBacker

After reviewing the case, the Appeal Court affirmed Lewis’ conviction but reducedhissentence

Lewis, called ‘Smiley’, ‘Hansel’ and ‘Andre’, had appealed the severity of the sentence

Back in 2016, Lewis faced a trial after he was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm or to maim, disfigure or disable Burrowes

ItwasreportedthatLewis had slashed the man’s throat following an altercation.The victimwasrushedtotheNew Amsterdam Hospital and taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where doctors performed emergency surgeryonhim.

Lewis, a deportee from theUSA,wenthomeandwas subsequently arrested for the crimeandcharged

Duringhistrial,Burrowes hadtoldthecourtthathehad

known the accused for a number of years He had recalled being in the vicinity of the Rainbow Bar, New Amsterdam, where he drank Banko wine He was standing on the road when Lewis, who was smoking something,hadwalkedupto andstoodneartohim.

Burrowes reportedly upbraided Lewis who in response told Burrowes that helikedto“talk”

Anargumentbetweenthe two ensued and the victim reported that he had just finishedurinatingandwasin the process of zipping up his pants when the accused pulledoutaknifefromhisleft sidepocketandstabbedhim tohisneck.

While testifying at the trial, the man mentioned that he had a good look at the accused “There was nothing blockingme Iheldontomy neck Itwasbleedingandthe accused calmly walked away.”

Burrowes stated that he subsequently went to his parents’ home not far away Hecollapsedandwasrushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was admitted for emergency treatment

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the family of five boarded their 18 feet long wooden boat just after 20:00h and traveled up the Pomeroon River en route to their Karawab home At about 20:30h in the vicinity of St Monica, the boat struck a floating object causing the boat’s motor to slipoutofBhinauth’shands. As a result, the boat aggressively turned on its side, tossing all occupants overboard.

“All I can remember I

wasdrivingtheboat,thegirl [five-year-old]waslayingin the boat with the big boy [seven-year-old]. The girl wassleepingbuttheboywas awake… The mother was right next to me with the babyinherhand.Thenatthe last minute I feel something hit the motor foot, and take the motor out my hand, and before I could realize what happen every body was out of the boat,” the grieving fatherrecounted.

Bhinauth and Novita along with their 7-year-old

son swam to shore

Unfortunately, they were unable to locate 5-year-old Reshanna and 1-year-old Josiah.

Atabout02:30h,through thehelpofasearchparty,the family was able to recover the children’s bodies from the Pomeroon River They were taken to the Oscar Joseph Hospital at Charity wheretheywerepronounced dead.

The grieving man told Kaieteur News that he was eager to spend a joyous

Christmas with his family but now he is faced with significantpainandsorrow Bhinauth is seeking support to cover the funeral expensesforhischildren.

DEAD: Reshanna Atkinson

DEAD: Josiah Atkinson

Hansel Andre Lewis

AFC says Govt. not telling the truth about Guyana’s real profit share

in cost oil

The Alliance For Change (AFC), o n e o f t h e

country’s largest political partiesisarguingthatoilgiant ExxonMobil is not being truthful to the Guyanese people by hiding pertinent dataregardingproduction.

After issuing a staunch statement at its last Press Conference on Friday, the party has now come out to explain what it believes the

country’s true benefits from oil and gas is Dr Vincent Adams, a member of the Alliance For Change explained in a recent interview with Kaieteur News that the country is merely benefitting from a 14.5 percent share, after Exxon bags 75 percent to coveritsexpensestodevelop theresource.

Heexplained,“Theysaid it’s 52 percent of the profits

andthey’renotwrongbutit’s just a trickery to give people the impression that we are getting52percent;butit’s50 percentofa25percent.After the75percentistakenoutas costoil,weareleftwiththe25 percent so they split that and weareleftwith12andahalf percent and on top of that there is the two percent Royaltysothat’showweget to14.5percent.”

Dr Adams, the former

Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)arguedthatthe oilcompanyismisleadingthe populationbyfailingtopoint outthefactsthattheyarefirst collecting 75 percent, then sharing a remaining 25 percent with Guyana. As such,hemadeitclear“that52 percent is not what we are getting”

On the other hand, the formerHeadoftheregulatory

body reasoned that while Guyanahasbeentoldthat75 percent is being taken out each month to cover expenses,thiscouldverywell be as much as 80 or 90 percent, further lessening the country’sshare

“The75percentthatthey put there it’s just for accounting It could be 90 percent, it could be 80 percent This90or80percent is going over to the next month every month Its adding up all the time so we will never pay off,” Dr Adamssaid

He explained the method of cost recovery Guyana agreed to in the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Exxon, comparing it to a credit card that one uses to purchaseitemseachmonth.

“Imagine you have a credit card and each month you go shopping like crazy You’rebuying$100worthof goodsbutyouareallowedto pay a minimum of $25 so when you keep paying back the$25butyoustillshopping $100 so what happens is for yourentirelifeyou’llstillowe onthatcreditcardandit’sthe sameexactthingwithouroil Wedonotknowhowmuchits costing us and remember on top of that, there is no ring fencing so we will never get that52percent.Never!”

As such, he challenged the oil company to tell Guyanese the truth in the billboards they have erected across the country In those structures,Exxonclaimsthat Guyana is getting 52 percent oftheprofitsfromoilandgas activities in the Stabroek Block, where approximately 360,000barrelsofoilisbeing pumpedperday TheAFChas rebutted this claim, insisting that the oil giant comes clean.

At its Friday Press Conference, the party said,

“How about telling us that thatmeansyouaregettingsix times what we are getting? Howabouttellingusonyour billboardsthatwemaynever get more than this 14 5 percent and if you disagree, how about becoming transparent and stop hiding thedatathatshowyouractual operating and capital cost plusyouranalysisastowhen payoutoftheseprojectswill occurtogetustomakemore than the 14 and a half percent.”

Additionally,itnotedthat Exxon should also communicate to the public whatthe75percentmeansin termsofvalue ThePartysaid itisconfidentthatmostofthe populationisunawarethatthe cost of production surpasses the 75 percent value each month, which means the country’s debt will be recurrent

Not satisfied there however, the AFC has also called on the multinational corporation to tell the nation whenallofitsdebtswouldbe paid off to give the country more than its current 145 percent

The AFC’s statements regarding Guyana’s benefits from oil and gas comes at a time when the oil company has embarked on a billboard campaign across the country claiming that Guyana is getting 52 percent of the profits from the Stabroek Block

The Publisher of this newspaper, Mr Glenn Lall has since challenged the company’s assertion, explaining that Guyana is merelygettingaquarterofthe profits due to the 2016 PSA He is adamant that what Exxon should have been telling Guyanese on those huge billboards, is who is gettingthe¾oftheappleplus the other half of the quarter applewhichremains

- says country getting 14.5% after oil giant walks away with 75%

Former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams

$30M refurbished Sophia Kitchen opened at Drop-in Centre Drop

A view of the inside of the facility

The Ministry of Human recreational area conducive meals with love and care Services and Social Security tolearningforthechildren. c o u l d h a v e a s a f e on Tuesday declared open At the opening Minister environment where they can the $30M refurbished Dr Vindhya Persaud said, “I preparemealsincomfort.” cater to their holistic “It was very needed havethisfacility,”shesaid. SophiaKitchenattheSophia thought this would be a very Assistant Director of development.” because the conditions we Immediately after the D r o p - I n C e n t r e i n good way of giving those Childcare and Protection

Head of the Kitchen, were working under wasn’t opening, the children under Georgetown. children who are in State Agency, Levine Gouveia Sarah Rogers, who has workable so we are very State care, baked cookies The Ministry in a care an environment where noted, “This is a welcomed served the facility for 15 grateful for this upgrade and cupcakes with Minister statement said that with the thecanbond,wheretheycan venture,thechildrenwillnot years said that the from the Ministry of Human Persaud after which they injection of approximately enjoy a meal in a good just eat meals but socialize, rehabilitation was really Services. This is very good assisted her in making $30M the facility features a atmosphere,andwherethose do their assignments, so this needed. for us, we are very happy to Christmascards. state-of-the art kitchen and persons who prepare their is an environment that will

CARICOM Reparations Commission to engage Netherlands following apology for African enslavement Netherlands

The CARICOM alive today bears any against humanity deserving overseas territories on 1 July R e p a r a t i o n s personal guilt for slavery of a formal apology and 1 8 6 3 , m a k i n g t h e C o m m i s s i o n But the Dutch state bears financialreparations. Netherlands one of the last

( C R C ) o n responsibility for the The Government has countries to outlaw the Tuesday said while it immense suffering of those ruled out reparations, but practice, but it took a further welcomes the apology who were enslaved, and will set up a €200m decade to end in Suriname issuedbytheKingdomofthe theirdescendants Today,on educationalfund. because of a mandatory 10Netherlands for African behalf of the Dutch “Its formal apology, yeartransitionperiod. enslavement, there is need Government,Iapologisefor however, has caused

However, on Tuesday, for the apology to be thepastactionsoftheDutch considerable controversy, CRC said it “welcomes this translatedintoaction. state ” with descendants’ groups statement which it views as

On Monday, Dutch Rutte’s words were due and some of the countries long overdue to the victims Prime Minister Mark Rutte to be echoed by Dutch affected criticising it as of the trans-Atlantic trade in apologised on behalf of the Ministers who had travelled rushed and arguing that the enslaved Africans, chattel

Netherlands for the to seven former colonies in lack of consultation from the slavery in the Caribbean

The

pursuing reparations for Chairman, CARICOM slave trade saying that Caribbean that suffered colonial attitudes still “However, the Prime Native Genocide and Reparations Commission slavery must be recognised untoldmiseryduringthe250 persisted. Minister did not commit nor African Enslavement, from and Vice-Chancellor, The in “the clearest terms” as a years of the slave trade that Campaigners have said signal his Government’s the former colonizing University of the West crimeagainsthumanity helpedfundtheNetherlands’ an apology should instead intention to enter into nations of Europe, namely Indies, Mr Armand Zunder,

historicalroleitplayedinthe South America and the Netherlands showed theirdescendants.”

Inaspeechatthenational economic and cultural come from the Dutch king, reparations negotiations the United Kingdom, Chairman, National archives in The Hague, the “golden age”, the Guardian Willem-Alexander, and be with CARICOM,Africa and France, Spain, Denmark, Reparations Committee of Dutch Prime Minister reported. madeintheformercolonyof the Indigenous Caribbean Germany, the Netherlands, Suriname, Mr Eric Phillips, acknowledged that the past In its report headlined, Suriname, on 1 July next communities, who suffered Portugal, Norway, Sweden C h a i r m a n , G u y a n a “cannot be erased, only ‘Dutch PM apologises for year, the 150th anniversary genocide and enslavement at andSwitzerland.

Reparations Committee, faced up to” while stating Netherlands’ role in slave of the end of slavery there. the hands of the Dutch state In this regard, the CRC Professor Verene Shepherd, that the Dutch state had trade’,theGuardiansaidthe Rutte said choosing the right and its agents for over 300 will be hosting a virtual Director, Centre for “enabled, encouraged and move by the PM follows the moment was a “complicated years. media engagement today to Reparations Research at The profitedfromslavery”. conclusion a national matter” and there was “not To this end, the CRC is address the Netherlands’ University of the Indies and P e o p l e w e r e advisory panel set up after o n e r i g h t t i m e f o r keen to engage the apology in collaboration D r H i l a r y B r o w n , “commodified, exploited the 2020 killing of George everyone”,” the Guardian Netherlands Government on with the Centre for Programme Manager, and traded in the name of Floyd in the US, which said reportsaid. next steps towards a Reparations Research at The Culture

Community the Dutch state”, he said, Dutch participation in Slavery was formally mutually satisfactory UniversityoftheWestIndies Development, CARICOM adding: “It is true nobody slavery had been a crime abolished in all Dutch outcome,”CRCsaid. (TheUWI). Secretariat(Moderator).

CRC said that since Speakers will include

and 2013, it has been actively ProfessorSirHilaryBeckles,

and

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte reacts to the exit polls in the Netherlands’ General Election in The Hague, Netherlands, March 17, 2021.

REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw/Pool/File Photo

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IDPADA-G raises concerns over plight of Afro

From page 12 response to a written request.

“Surely His Excellency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must realize that our outreach to the international community is a response to being ignored by those who manage the affairs of this country.

Handouts, tiny contracts, basketballs, hugs and dancing do not address the fundamental concerns of the Guyanese of African descent nor does the regurgitation of commitments made at international fora.”

They are insult to injury, IDPADA-G said as it renewed calls for the President to meet with the 65 member African group.

TOTALLY ERRONEOUS

In response to IDPADAG’s statement the Government said it is “totally erroneous and misleading.” It said the Administration refuted the claims of discrimination and marginalization from

significant economic opportunities. “The Government of Guyana refutes the contents of Ms. Sampson’s statements in their totality; statements which must be condemned and that can only serve to incite hatred, intolerance and mistrust in our society –defeating the very purpose of the Forum.”

The People’s Progressive Party Administration said that it has always supported global efforts against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

At the World Conference against Xenophobia and Related Intolerance which convened in Durban, South Africa over the period August 31 to September 8, 2001, Guyana was among the 170 countries represented at this Conference that resulted in the adoption of the historic ‘Durban Declaration’ and Programme of Action.

It said Guyana is on record speaking out against the practices of racial incitement, hatred, bigotry, prejudice and injustice. It called for “a clear set of concrete recommendations in keeping with the objectives of the Conference as set out in General Assembly resolution 52/111 to preserve the principles of equality and non-discrimination as central pillars of our modern civilization.”

The Government said it has sought to put Legislation in place that offers all citizens equal protection from racial discrimination and that it realizes that Legislation alone will not deter racism and xenophobia. “Only through an extensive process of education can a change be brought about.

We need, therefore, to conceive and implement educational strategies which promote a deeper awareness of the negative impact which

these deplorable practices have on us both as individuals and societies”.

The Government said that “inclusive policies being undertaken by the Government of Guyana speak for themselves and can be proven. It is unfortunate that at such a significant forum, Ms. Sampson chose to export the divisive policies of her organization and to demonstrate the narrow racist bias that continues to cloud the judgment of its members.”

It said that the ‘Durban Declaration’ affirms that “all peoples and individuals constitute one human family, rich in diversity”.

This Government will vigorously continue to promote unity in diversity and pursue its ‘One Guyana’ vision to ensure that every citizen is accorded a dignified existence and with due respect for their rights and with equality before the law.

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4 Contractors submit bids to build office and laboratory for Food Safety Authority

During the latest opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, it was disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture is preparingtospendalmost$200milliontoconstructanoffice and laboratory for the Guyana Food Safety Authority (GFSA).

TheprojecthasattractedfourContractorswhosubmitted bidsbetween$137millionand$402millionfortheproject.

Meanwhile,bidswerealsoopenedforraisingofthefloor and roof at Diamond Special Needs School, a project being undertaken by the Ministry of Education. Two Contractors are vying for the job which is estimated to cost some $13 million.

Below are the companies and their bids:

Ministry of HomeAffairs Procurement of traffic equipment for the Guyana Police Force.

Ministry of Public Works

Procurement of new vehicles at Lot1: two full size SUV, Lot2: six 4x4 pickups, Lot3: six new medium size SUV, Lot4: small crane truck.

Ministry of Education

Raising of floor and roof at Diamond Special Needs School.

New DNA testing machine to arrive in Guyana next year

Ministry ofAgriculture

Construction of office and laboratory to support the Guyana Food SafetyAuthority at the Ministry's complex.

Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Closure of Byderabo Dumpsite and development of sanitary landfill.

Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Rehabilitation of call centres at Tuschen and Enmore.

Minister of Home have been kept at morgues Affairs, Robeson Benn, on awaiting DNA samples, will Tuesday during his address finallybeburied.

a t t h e C r i m i n a l “We had some problems Investigation Department’s withDNAandIwouldliketo (CID) Christmas Luncheon saythatwehaveprocuredfor and Award Ceremony said a new machine and that we that a new machine to will shortly, within a couple conduct DNA testing at the of months…We would be Guyana Forensic Science able to be in a position to do Laboratory (GFSL)has been our own testing in Guyana at procured and will arrive in the Guyana Forensic the country within a couple Laboratory We won’t have of months. He related that to spend time and the long once the machine is up and wait to get DNA tests done running, cold cases that have overseas and maybe we been awaiting DNA might have a way of burial evidence will be speeded up. forparticularcaseswere He also said that bodies that (Continued on page 30)

Guyana’s ‘historic’ high inflation rate contributing to higher levels of poverty...

From page 16 2027. While soybean prices rest of the world,” the report (CARICOM)countries. high prices through 2024. are also expected to remain said, adding: “Guyana “After the start of oil The average price of the around 40 percent higher rapidly moved from being a production, the main main oil benchmarks (Brent, thanthepre-pandemiclevel net importer of agricultural destinations of Guyana’s WTI, and Dubai) reached a in the medium term, products and mineral fuels, trade surplus were North high of US$98 per barrel in internationalricepriceshave representing eight percent of America and other 2022,upfromUS$61before remainedrelativelystable. GDP in 2018 and 2019, to countries outside of North the COVID - 19 pandemic. Additionally, the report being a net exporter of the and South America. The The price is expected to stated that gold prices are same commodities, with a share of net exports to remain over US$80 currently about 30 percent tradesurplusof16percentof these countries increased through 2024, before higher than in 2019. “These GDP in 2020 and 31 percent through 2021, reaching 17 dropping to US$71 by price trends, and, more in 20 21 with the rest of the percent of GDP for net 2027. importantly, Guyana’s world.” exports to North America

According to the report and 14 percent of GDP to prices were 50 percent p r o d u c t i o n , h a v e prior to oil production, other countries (Figure 3). higherin2020relativetopre significantly affected the Guyana’s main suppliers As oil production continues - pandemic levels and are profile of the country’s net driving the trade deficit in ramping up, these trade expected to remain around tradeinagriculturalproducts these products were the surpluses are likely to 40 per cent higher through and mineral fuels with the Caribbean Community continuegrowing.”

Similarly, aluminum higher levels of oil

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn

The power of one, teamwork, vision and destiny

By GHK Lall

step, yet another recharge

left so much pain, introduced so noonewrestthatfromus. restart. Oh, they were there muchmoremysteries. Whatissaid For me this is not a game. It is Thesuperlativesbreakintonew both sides, with two never say die that can’t be done can be done, is of what could be, then working territory ‘One for the Ages’ and gladiators refusing to relinquish done. This has to be the lifelong tirelessly, thanklessly, and tearfully ‘stunning’ and “we will never see a second, retreat one step. imperative of every citizen in this (sometimes) to that goal, that grail anythinglikethisagain”. Thelatter will not name one, for that country Without fail, it must be that should be the holiest for us. was from Rio Ferdinand, a former would be a disrespect to the the body armor of those who Onlythen,shallwehavepositioned England defender In my own other, an injustice to two step forward to take the reins, ourselves to taste and thrill to the words, it was of men transcending champions, two winners be such in a victorious towering gifts that are ours. We the moment, of the sum of the who scaled rarified heights proposition or one that fell Guyanese, too, can have our own moments grander than the men and left a delightful treat for short by inches. The fact that longmomentsofreal,deeplyjoyful toiling in soulful combat, of the us to savor blissfully The Guyanese have never had celebration. It takes more than one great rewards of precision agony and the ecstasy, the leadership of this caliber should man, or groupings and gatherings teamwork, and of all those other thrill of it all. The people in not,mustnot,serveasadeterrent. offlawedmenandwomen. Ittakes overlooked components that make this part of the world, over 40 The biggest blockages are those of an extraordinary magnificence of the impossible possible, and to million of them, have our minds, the resistances that lurk the soul. The first word that comes where visions transform into hard- memorableChristmastocelebrate, deepinside. and fits is unselfishness. The fought reality, the magnet of some precious, unequal joys In the game of life, there is the follow-up one is self-sacrifice destiny It is more than physical. cherish. game of politics. And in the When we have given of those, then of challenges. Leadership of a Thereisadefiningspiritualessence If for a game on a floor of Guyanese version of this game, we wehavetrulywreathedourselvesin breedneverseenbefore,ateamand thattouchesandleavesbreathless. green, then I dare to think, to have never fought cleanly nor glory Whenwewouldhavegained teamwork whose handiwork is as Yes!Iwriteofagameplayedby envision, that in the great game of wisely nor honorably. It has been is that we have accomplished our goodasanyRollsRoyce,anyspace men in shorts running back and life, other things-more majestic the sorrowful saga of one for own age on the uppermost summit rocket aimed for the moon, some forthafteraball. ThenobleGreeks things-areevenmorepossible. But oneself, and none other counting, of the world. The world would distantplanet. placed a premium on valor and only if there is the investment of not even mattering in the hustle to drink from our cup, on our terms, The distant star for us in this victory on the field of play. The will, all one’s will, towards such outrace and out-grab the fruits of and Guyana would have truly and country is that one that has proved Romans conquered the world with achievements. triumph, even when all that we finally arrived on the world stage. to be unreachable to this day Like more than their arms and relentless Naturally, this calls for, havehadarepyrrhicvictories. The Because it possessed the sons of on that ground on Sunday last, all cruelties; theirs was a combination demands, honest toil powered by price of progress is that there has daughters who were of such was left on it, with not an iota of of soundness in mind and body minds focused on what is best, been no progress in the one area individual and collective prowess, energy withheld, all given to the Working towards an elusive wholesome, and which can lift and that means the most to us suchprofoundness. glory of indomitable drive, of objective,daringtodream,andthen carry high on shoulders, with none Oneness! Togetherness! A team (The views expressed in this soaringabovefrailty,risingbeyond livingit. left behind. Such can be the with a theme: we are one, we shall article are those of the author and uncertainties, and resting

I write not of superstars productsofgenuinecommitmentto overcome our limitations, we will do not necessarily reflect the gracefully after cresting the last straining every sinew towards that the worthiest of causes, the hardest determine our own destiny in a opinions and beliefs of this obstacle that held back for so long, last breath, one more determined of battles, the most unconquerable manner satisfactory to all. And let newspaper and its affiliates.)

Police awaiting forensic investigation report in alleged rape of athlete

New DNA testing machine to arrive in Guyana next...

Three weeks after a ofPublicProsecution(DPP), ended, the man allegedly national athletics Coach was forlegaladviceonapossible lured the 14-year-old girl arrested for the allegedly rape charge. The Coach is into the room where he raping a 14-year-old girl accused of raping the 14- allegedly sexually assaulted Police said they are still year-old girl on Friday, her awaitingaforensicinterview November 25, 2022 after a Thevictimlaterconfided report to complete their case training session at the in a friend and told the fileagainsthim. Leonora Track and Field individual about what had

Speaking with Kaieteur Centre, West Coast happened to her and contact N e w s o n T u e s d a y, Demerara(WCD). was immediately made with Commander of the Region Investigators had a Welfare Officer.Her Three, Mahendra Siwnarine arrested him a few days later parents were subsequently said, “Investigators are still on Wednesday November, informed of the incident and awaiting the forensic 30, at the training facility a report was lodged with the interview report from the while the recently concluded Police. social/ welfare officer to National Schools’Track and The 14-year-old athlete sendforadvice.” Field Championships was is was taken to a medical A forensic interview infullsession. facility where she was report is the victim’s K a i e t e u r N e w s

examined. Kaieteur News statementagainstthesuspect understands from sources understands that the and if it is not submitted to close to the case, that the examination confirmed that Investigators then he cannot alleged sexual assault took thegirlwasraped.Policehad becharged. place while the Coach was locked-upthecoachforafew Once the evidence is in assisting a number of days but was forced to then the Investigators will be athletes for the National release him on a $100,000 able to complete their case Schools’ Championship stationbailafter72hourshad file and send it the Director When the training session expired.

From page 29 was sourced from Italy and percentaccuracy Thatwasa bodies or remains are still in can run eight samples problem in itself because it waiting”,Bennsaid. simultaneously and produce could not run degraded In August last year resultswithintwohours. bloodorbonesamples,” Kaieteur News reported that Four persons were As a result of the the Guyana Police Force reportedlytrainedtooperate setback, Crime Chief (GPF) was forced to quickly equipment and the previous WendellBlanhum,ataPress dispose of unidentified Government boasted that it Conference in November bodiestocutstoragecosts. will save hundreds of said that over 20 cases were Acquiring the new thousands of dollars to affected by the lack of equipment will help to ease secureDNAresults. capacity to conduct DNA someofthefinancialburden The Coalition had stated testinglocally ontheForcetoo. that it had previously cost While the Government Benn when he made the $1M to secure DNAresults, is seeking to remedy the disclosure that “a new but with the machines it had situation, GPF secured a machine”hasbeenprocured procured, the cost would laboratory from the United did not mention the cost, have been reduced to States (US) to assist their however, earlier this month $60,000 Investigators with DNA some $50.5 million were Afewyearslaterinearly testing. approved by parliament for 2022, according to media One of the cases additional resources to reports, the present presentlyawaitingDNAtest support GFSL, specifically Administration had to resort results is the two-year-old for the acquisition of a DNA to spending large sums of murder of a Kuru Kururu analysisworkflowsystem. cash and forced to wait man,AnswarStoll.

This is not the first time lengthy periods for DNA A suspect, Leon Waddle that a Government spent results because the DNA had confessed to Police that millions on DNA testing machine purchased under he was Stoll’s killer but he equipment. the Coalition stopped nevertoldDetectives where

In 2017, the then producingaccurateresults. hehaddisposedofthebody CoalitionGovernmentspent During a bid in However, a few months $84M from US$1M Inter- Parliament earlier this to back in July last, Detectives American Development secure cash to purchase a discovered scattered Bank (IDB) loan to equip new machine current Home skeletal remains in the Kuru GFSL with DNA testing Affairs Minister, Benn said, Kururu backdam that they equipment.

“The machine could not run suspect might belong to

In 2019 the equipment analysis for degraded Stoll, but to prove this is w e r e o f f i c i a l l y samples. true,DNAtestingisneeded. commissioned and Former So….if there was fresh The last update police Minister of Public Security, blood or fresh samples, you give on the matter is that the Khemraj Ramjattan, had would get results with remains will be sent statedthattheDNAmachine maybe 75 percent, 80 overseasfortesting.

GHK Lall

The young athlete was allegedly raped at the Leonora Track and Field Centre T

The Opposition - led A debt to the University of Partnership for National Guyana. We had called for Unity +Alliance for Change allstudentdebtstobewritten (APNU+AFC) Coalition is off One day of oil

- Opposition

from 16 percent which was of the view that the revenues for the country and the budget for last year to 13 Government of Guyana is that debt could be wiped out percent,”Lowsaid. equipped with wherewithal instantly The Government

He added that “We have to clear the University of could have easily wiped out seen the Government Guyana (UG) mounting everyone’s University of actually missed the target studentdebt. Guyana student debt,” Low that they themselves had set Addressing the issue at said. when it comes to education the Press Conference of the He noted however that expenditure and we have Leader of the Opposition, the Government keeps a c t u a l l y s e e n t h e Economic and Youth Policy breaking its promises to supplementary budget pass Advisor,ElsonLow,stressed invest in the education with nothing extra for on the need for Government sector education.” to step up and handle the “We see the Government

Low noted that while the matter saying that it intends to Government is touting the “The Vice Chancellor i n c r e a s e e d u c a t i o n

idea that UG can be free in budget. This year education just recently said $600 expenditure to about 20 the future, it has the capacity expenditure actually fell million is owed in student percent of the national toactnow

From page 37 in the shower of some suites and a 56-meter (185-foot) high chandelierinthelobby

Coupled with an unprecedented level of security at a World Cup, it added to the feel of FIFAisolating in an ivory tower.

While France’s President Emmanuel Macron went for a briefwalkaboutatthemainmarketinDoha,Infantinoalmost nevermetordinaryfans.

One regular Infantino companion was a celebrity chef famed for painting gold leaf on steaks that costs hundreds of dollarsathisrestaurants.

The chef, known as Salt Bae, also seemed to breach WorldCupprotocolbyholdingthegoldtrophywhenjoining theArgentina players on the field on Sunday for post-game celebrations.

ForveteranFIFAwatchers,itwasanaptfinalsymbolfor theWorldCupinQatar

Wednesday December 21, 2022

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Something is urging you to act, Aries. You may feel a restlessness in the air that makes you want to get up and go. The problem is the place you need to go may not be obviousatfirst.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You will find that your emotions are much more under control today, Taurus. You're able to strike a happy b a l a n c e a n d a v o i d extraordinary extremes that scare others away In fact, quitetheoppositeistrue.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Things may seem a little cloudy today, Gemini, but this isnoreasontobeblue.Itcould be that you need to adjust before you can smoothly relatetoothers.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Try not to see the negative in everything today, Cancer Concentrate on the positive. Youwillpickupsubtlesignals from others that can be very helpful as you gather data throughouttheday

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Try to curb your tongue today, Leo. There's no reason to lash out. You will find that the more sensitive your approach, thefartheryouwillgetinyour pursuitofyourgoals.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Your thinking is clear today, Virgo, and you will find that generally things are running smoothly Yourperspectiveon everything is very much in linewithwhereyouneedtobe at this time. In other words, you're doing everything exactlyright.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Listentowhatotherpeoplesay to you today, Libra. There are valuable experiences waiting around the corner. The important thing to do now is recognize opportunities when theyarise.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

Your emotions may be more in tunewiththeworldaroundyou today,Scorpio.Youcouldeven feelabitpsychic.Gowithyour hunches. You will find that rational thinking may not be the best way to handle situationsrightnow

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

You might second-guess yourself today, Sagittarius Voices in your head are louder than usual, and you could be the one putting the brakes on yourowntrain.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Today is excellent for you, Capricorn. You will find that things flow naturally in the very way you've visualized. Youmightevenfindthatthings actually go much better than youhadenvisioned!

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Be careful about the way your words come across to others, Aquarius You might not realize how much other people's feelings are affected until it's too late. Consider backing off for a while and taking a break from your normalperformance.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Today could be the day you've been waiting for, Pisces Realize that you have the gentle, sincere nature necessary to sweet-talk your waythroughanysituation.

“In what world does the University need to be free in 2025, when the Government has the capacity to make it free now… we have been lobbying for this for the longest time and it is part of plan to make it a reality,” he said Low’s comments comes on the heels of Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin revealing that the University of Guyana (UG) is owed in excess of $600M in student debt. Dr Mohamed- Martin noted however that despite the large sum of monies owed, the University still allows students to complete theireducation.

“We have allowed them to continue studying and we’re collecting fees from themastheycanpayandthat ofcourseisnotverygoodfor our cash flow but it’s good for the country,” MohamedMartinexpressed.

She continued, “Because what’sgoingtohappen,ifwe say‘ifyoucan’tpay’,andwe stop you from learning, what’s going to happen to all thatpentuptalentandenergy and all those needs that we have. So, the University has taken that decision to relax itsfees.”

“One of the critical things that people do not understand about the University and its funding is when they hear that the U n i v e r s i t y g e t s a Government subvention, they think that funds everything for us and it actuallydoesnot…”

The University of Guyana has evolved from its launch in 1963 into a midsized University with over 10,000 students, more than 1,500 staff and over 500 oncampusvisitorsdaily

Additionally, the University has met another milestone this year with the hosting of its largest graduation, with a total of approximately 3,000 Graduates.

Argentina abandon Buenos Aires bus...

From page 39

gathered.“Itisanenormousjoytoseeallthesehappypeople, all together, one with the other, holding hands, giving each otherhugs,kisses.Weareallonetoday.”

Paris St-Germain forward Messi, who captainedthe side and cemented his place for many as the greatest footballer ever by lifting theWorld Cup, sat in the middle of a group of thesquadonthetopdeck.

EarlieronTuesday,hepostedonInstagramshowinghim wakingupalongsidethetrophy

Argentina has been in party mode since Sunday’s dramatic penalty shootout win against France in Qatar, which gave the country its first World Cup win since Maradonaliftedthetrophy36yearsago.

Messi, 35, finally achieved his World Cup dream as La Albicelestewontheirthirdcrowninoneofthegreatestfinals inthetournament’shistory

NBA roundup: Thunder spoil Damian Lillard’s record night

Reuters-ShaiGilgeous-

eightassists. fifth game in a row The Alexandercappeda35-point Lauri Markkanen led SixersplayedwithoutTyrese effort by draining a 14-foot Utah with 24 points and six Maxey (fractured left foot) jumper at the buzzer to give rebounds in his return to and Furkan Korkmaz (nonthe Oklahoma City Thunder Cleveland, where he played COVIDillness). a 123-121 victory over the one season. The Jazz played Pascal Siakam led the visiting Portland Trail without Kelly Olynyk, who Raptors with a season-high BlazersonMonday wassidelinedduetoanankle 38pointstogoalongwith15 Gilgeous-Alexander injury rebounds and six assists. caught the inbounds pass Hawks 126, Magic 125 O.G.Anunobyreturnedfrom with three seconds

Dejounte Murray hit two afour-gameabsencetoscore remaining, spun to his right free throws with 1.3 seconds 13 points and reserve Chris and then elevated over lefttogiveAtlantaawinover Boucher had 13 points and JustiseWinslow,launchinga visiting Orlando, ending the 10 rebounds for the Raptors, floater that dropped through Magic’s six-game winning who lost their sixth straight thenetasthebuzzersounded streak. game. to give the Thunder their

Atlanta led by 12 points Spurs 124, Rockets 105 secondconsecutivewin. with 3:05 left to play, but Devin Vassell scored a

The result spoiled the Orlando scored 13 straight game-high 26 points and night for Trail Blazers star andtooktheleadonadriving Doug McDermott added 16 DamianLillard,whobecame layupbyMarkelleFultzwith off the bench as San the franchise’s all-time 3.8 seconds left. The Hawks Antonio parlayed a prolific leading scorer in the third inbounded the ball to perimeter shooting display quarter Lillardcameintothe Murray, who dribbled to the with a road victory over game needing 21 points to corner and was fouled by Houston pass Clyde Drexler as the PaoloBanchero. Vassell and McDermott leading scorer in Portland Orlando was unable to combined to shoot 16-for-28 history get off a final shot before overall and 9-for-14 on 3He tied Drexler with a 3- timeexpired. point attempts to pace the pointer early in the third Trae Young led the Spurs. frametobreaktherecord. added 26 in the loss. No more than 13 points, but six quarter before sinking a pair Hawks with 37 points, and San Antonio, which Lillard finished with 28 Thunder player other than otherOklahomaCityplayers of free throws later in the he added 13 assists for his ended a mini two-game points while Jerami Grant Gilgeous-Alexander scored scoredindoublefigures.

15th double-double of the losing streak, shot 55 4 Cavaliers 122, Jazz 99 season. percent while converting 17 Donovan Mitchell

Orlando was led by of 34 3-point tries to send scored 23 points to lead host Fultz, who finished with 24 Houston to its third ClevelandtoawinoverUtah pointsandnineassists.Franz consecutivedefeat. in his first game against his Wagner scored 19 points, Alperen Sengun paced formerteam. and Banchero had 18 points the Rockets with 22 points

Hours after being named andsevenassists. while the starting backcourt Eastern Conference Player 76ers 104, of Jalen Green and Kevin oftheWeek,Mitchellhit8of Raptors 101 (OT) Porter Jr totaled 28 points 12 shots, including 4 of 5

Joel Embiid had 28 while misfiring on 19 of 28 from beyond the arc, in only points and 11 rebounds, shots, including 6 of 8 3- 23minutes.

He scored 11 points and points and host Philadelphia

Tobias Harris added 21 pointtries.

In other results: nailed three 3-pointers in the defeated Toronto in Bucks128,Pelicans119 first six minutes to help the overtime. Timberwolves 116, Cavaliers establish control

J a m e s H a r d e n Mavericks106 early Jarrett Allen added 20 contributed 14 points, eight Suns130,Lakers104 points and 11 rebounds, assists and seven rebounds Hornets125,Kings119 while Darius Garland fortheSixers,whowontheir (Field Level Media) contributed 17 points and

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) on a drive during the second half at Paycom Center. Oklahoma City won 123-121. (Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports)

Brisbane pitch earns ‘below average’ rating from ICC

(Associated Press)

World Cup in Qatar sets scoring record with 172 goals

LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — The six-goal 3 through extra time to set the record. Lionel final between France and Argentina set a Messi scored two goals for Argentina and World Cup record of 172 at this year’s Kylian Mbappe got a hat trick for France — tournament. thefirstinaWorldCupfinalsince1966.

The previous tournament record of 171 Argentina won the title, its third, by goals was set in 1998 and 2014. The 1998 prevailing4-2inapenaltyshootout. tournament in France was the first edition in It was the second straight six-goal final. thecurrent64-game,32-teamformat. France defeated Croatia 4-2 four years ago in Anewrecordislikelytobesetatthe2026 Russia. The 2.63 goals per game average in World Cup, which has been expanded to 48 Qatar is far below the World Cup record of teamsplayingeither80or104games. 5.38 goals per game at the 1954 edition in OnSunday,ArgentinaandFrancedrew3- Switzerland.

ESPNcricinfo - he “Therewasextrabounceand Australia captain Pat Gabbapitchhasbeengivena occasional excessive seam Cummins said there was “no “below average” rating and movement.The odd delivery way” the surface was handed one demerit point also kept low on the second d a n g e r o u s b u t from the ICC after the first day, making it very difficult acknowledged it was Test between Australia and for batters to build

Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

“tricky”tobaton.“Twodays South Africa ended inside partnerships. probably isn’t ideal twodays.

“I found the pitch to be personally, I don’t mind it if

In total, only 866 balls ‘below average’ as per the the groundsman err on the were bowled in the match, ICC guidelines since it was greener side occasionally; which makes it the second- not an even contest between [I’ve] played a lot of Tests shortest Test ever played in batandball.” where they’ve erred on the Australia,and34wicketsfell Richardson, however, flatter side. Think it was the inthattime. did not go as far as Elgar and sameforbothteams,”hesaid Bowlers took a wicket suggest the surface could afterthegame. every 25.5 balls, the second- have posed a danger to This is the second time best strike rate in a Test batters. that an Australian pitch has matchever(withaminimum Elgar had posed the been given a negative rating of 30 wickets), and South question to Chris Gaffney by the ICC in the last four Africa captain Dean Elgar and Rod Tucker, the on-field years. said afterwards that the umpires, during Australia’s In January 2018, the surface did not facilitate a second innings when “KG MCG pitch was rated poor “fair contest,” between bat [Kagiso Rabada] got after a draw between andball.TheICCagreed. [Travis] Head out down Australia and England, in “Overall, the Gabba leg… and then [Anrich] which only 24 wickets fell in pitch for this Test match was Nortje was bowling those fivedays. too much in favour of the short ones that were flying The next Test between b o w l e r s , ” R i c h i e over our heads”. But he did Australia and South Africa Richardson, the match not receive an answer on- will start at the MCG on referee for the Test, said. field. BoxingDay

It was a tough pitch to bat on, as Temba Bavuma illustrates here.

France’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring from the penalty spot his side’s third goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar,

Goal of the Tournament Nominees Announced for 2022 FIFA World Cup

NBC Sports - After 64 that After breaking the exciting games, the 2022 deadlock against Serbia in FIFA World Cup in Qatar the Group H opener in the saw 172 goals hit the back of 62nd minute, Richarlison thenet. pulled off a stunning scissor That number is an all- kick 11 minutes later to seal time record in the history of the2-0win. the quadrennial tournament, Cody Gakpo’s left-footed, surpassing the 171 goals outside-the-box hit vs. scored in 1998 and 2014. Ecuador Each game averaged 2 7 Three goals in three goals. groupstagegamessawCody Now comes the hard part Gakpo break out for the – deciding which one of the Netherlands. He scored a 172wasthebest. late header against Senegal

FIFA on Monday in the Group A opener, then announced the 10 nominees got the Oranje off to an early for the 2022 Goal of the lead against Ecuador with a TournamentAward.Fanscan powerful strike with his vote for their favorite strike weak foot from just outside before the poll closes on thebox.

Thursday Enzo Fernández

Brazilian striker Richarlison pulled off a stunning scissor kick. (Getty Images)

Let’s recap the 10 goals announces himself came off the bench for everseefrom30yardsout. Brazil put on a rout over all game, Seung-ho set upforvote: vs. Mexico Camerooninthe55thminute Kylian Mbappé seals South Korea in the round of himself up brilliantly for the SalemAl-Dawsari’s The Young Player of the with the team down 3-1 Poland’s elimination 16, winning 4-1 after four left-footed shot that took a curling winner Tournamentdidn’tevenstart against Serbia, then scored a in round of 16 first-half goals. The third in partial deflection off a vs.Argentina in Argentina’s first two ridiculous lofted chip shot Down just 1-0 late in the the game from Richarlison Brazilian defender en route Saudi Arabia started group games Enzo eight minutes later to help round of 16, Poland tried got the nod, as he elegantly tosmashingtherightnetting. GroupCwithoneofthemost Fernández came off the spur the 3-3 comeback on knocking on the door to controlled the ball with his Neymar and the pinnacle shocking results in the bench against Mexico on Matchday2.Hewasinitially equalize against France – head before he, Marquinhos of jogo bonito vs. Croatia tournament’s history The 2- Matchday 2 and unleashed called offside, but VAR until Kylian Mbappé and Thiago Silva fed each Getting past Dominik 1 win came after Salem Al- anastonishing,curlingstrike overruledit. slammeditshut. otherquickone-touchpasses Livakoviæwasastrugglefor Dawsari’s sensational strike thatGuillermoOchoahadno Luis Chávez’s rocket free The young French star forthefinish. teams all throughout the from the left edge of the shot at saving. That set the kick vs. SaudiArabia scoredhisfirstofthegamein Paik Seung-ho’s long- tournament, and it took penalty box curled past course for the 21-year-old to In desperate need of the 74th minute, then locked range shot vs. Brazil Brazil until the end of the EmilianoMartínez. play a pivotal role in La more goals to advance from thedoorinthefirstminuteof Theaforementionedlone first period of extra time to Richarlison’s Albiceleste’stitlerun. thegroupstage,LuisChávez added time with a hard-hit goal for South Korea came crackhim.Neymar,Rodrygo scissor kick vs. Serbia VincentAboubakar lifts gave Mexico hope on finesse into the top-right via Paik Seung-ho’s outside- and Lucas Paquetá all Opening the World Cup high chip shot vs. Serbia Matchday 3 with one of the corner the-box effort to get his combined with tremendous with a brace? Brazilian Talk about an instant m o s t p o w e r f u l a n d Richarlison, Brazil go nation on the board link-up play to show the striker Richarlison did just impact. Vincent Aboubakar unstoppablefreekicksyou’ll tiki-taka vs. South Korea Struggling to crack Allison worldwhatjogobonitois.

French federation to go after abusers of World Cup players

PARIS (AP) The French Black. soccerfederationwantstogo Coman’s club, Bayern after social media users who Munich, also condemned the targeted some of the national racist comments targeting team’s players with racist thewinger,oneoftheFrench comments following players who missed during France’s loss to Argentina in the penalty shootout that the World Cup final. The decidedSunday’sfinal. federation said Tuesday that ‘’The FC Bayern family some players were hit by is behind you, King. Racism ‘’unacceptable racist and has no place in sport or our hateful comments on social society,’’ Bayern wrote on networks’’andthatitplanned Twitter. to file a complaint against French sports minister thosethatpostedabuse.

Amelie Oudea-Castera

‘’The French soccer tweeted her support to federation condemns with Coman and all the players the utmost firmness these abused, saying the heinous intolerable behaviors and comments ‘’have no place in abuses,’’ it said in a soccer or anywhere else.’’ statement.

France twice fought back for

French government a3-3drawthroughextratime officialshaveexpressedtheir in Qatar before Argentina indignation following the won a penalty shootout to insults. Isabelle Rome, the cap one of the most exciting minister in charge of gender finalsinWorldCuphistory equality, said Kylian Coman had an attempt Mbappe and Kinglsey saved by Argentina Coman were among those goalkeeper Emi Martinez abused. and Aurelien Tchouameni

Mbappe and Coman are thenmissedforFrance.

From left, France’s Matteo Guendouzi, Marcus Thuram, Randal Kolo Muani, Kingsley Coman, Raphael Varane, Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud practise during a training session at the Jassim Bin Hamad stadium In Doha, Qatar, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

FIFA mostly wins big but loses some trust at Qatar World Cup

AP- Even before an epic The drama rose with final won by Lionel Messi simultaneous group-stage and Argentina, FIFA games that carried Japan, president Gianni Infantino South Korea and Croatia to wascallingit“thebestWorld the round of 16 and sent Cupever”inQatar Germany and Belgium

There was clear self- home. interest to declare the All continents got teams success of a tournament that into the knockout rounds, was politically fraught for letting Infantino repeat his mostofthe12yearssincethe claim of soccer “becoming wealthy emirate was picked truly global for the first as host by a previous FIFA time.” leadershipbroadlytaintedby Whenthefinalwasatrue corruptionallegations. classiconSunday,Argentina

FIFA’s fundamental role winning on penalties after a is to oversee global soccer’s 3-3 draw, it left everyone rules and make sure World except France feeling like Cups happen on schedule: theywon. Goal achieved, billions of POLITICS dollarsdulyearned. It was a most political

As ever with arguably World Cup. Before a game world sport’s most colorful was played there was governing body, there was scrutiny of Qatar for its muchelsegoingon. human rights record, symbols; to World Cup activist messages, days later showed him sitting in VVIP withABInBev ON

THE

FIELD employment practices and a sponsor AB InBev about a Tunisian man did the same seats during the England- FIFA reported higher When the games begin years-long boycott by selling Budweiser beer with withaPalestinianflag. Wales game. Both countries than expected revenue of focus shifts to the field, and neighboring states in which alcohol at stadiums – that During the tournament, had armband and rainbow $7.5 billion for the four-year

FIFA got that early on day FIFA pushed for the Gulf started to collapse. Bonds of basic operational detail was issues with FIFA, while commercial cycle tied to three when Messi and region to share the trustwereseverelystrained. hardtogetandmostrequests British media extensively Qatar’sWorldCup. Argentina lost to Saudi tournament.

Pre-tournament talk of were ignored Routine covered migrant labor The World Cup was a Arabia2-1inanupsetforthe In the final weeks of being open to supporting a briefings and news issues. tougher sell in the past ages. preparation, Qatar pushed compensation fund and conferences at past World Though Argentina and decade when new sponsors One day later, Germany back more confidently better resources for migrant Cups, including Russia in Morocco fans traveled in big came only from Russia and lost to Japan and then Brazil against its critics – a process workers in Qatar was mostly 2018,didnothappen. numbers, fewer than Qatar two often delightedtheworldinitsfirst FIFA joined after teams and shutdown.

A guiding principle expected Europeans came to problematic host nations — game against Serbia mediaarrivedonsite.

Qatar’s World Cup was a seemed to be “never Qatar The pre-tournament and China while prosecutors Moroccopickedupthebaton Infantino’s infamous “I state-run project and it complain, never explain” for target was 1 2 million in the United States, and was the first African or feel gay, I feel a migrant seemed clear who was in WorldCuporganizers. international visitors but the Switzerland and France ran Arab nation to still be worker” speech on Nov 19 charge.

FANS official total was less than corruption investigations playing on the last weekend hit many of the host nation’s

When European women The FIFA president is 800,000 entering the final targetingsoccerofficials. ofaWorldCup. talking points that alleged lawmakers came to games traditionally jeered at World week. A late run of sponsor Games were consistently western hypocrisy and wearing the “One Love” Cupfinals.Ithappenedagain Yet, when thousands of signings for this World Cup compelling if not the best racism. armband, Middle East on Sunday when Infantino Morocco fans tried to arrive included tourism in Saudi quality These were not FIFA gave assurances in officials started sporting a was introduced for the for an unexpected semifinal Arabia and Las Vegas, plus vintageSpainorNetherlands private—toEuropeanteams Palestinianarmband. trophypresentations. against France last companies in the online teams, and not even Brazil about captains wearing anti-

When an Italian field Infantino also was booed Wednesday, several flights gambling, cryptocurrency by the time of its discrimination armbands; to invader displayed European when the TV broadcast into Doha were canceled to andblockchainsectors. quarterfinalsexit. fans about wearing rainbow limitnumbers.

Most deals now expire H i g h - p r i c e d and FIFA plans to cash in accommodation like tents from staging a bigger 2026 and cabins also seemed to World Cup in the United putoffvisitingfans. States, Canada and Mexico, Empty seats at kickoff by offering sponsors huge for most games would local markets and more steadily fill by halftime games being played mostly There was evidence and inhigh-yieldNFLstadiums. anecdotes of residents in Infantino said on Friday Qatar being taken to games that FIFA’s four-year and offered free tickets, and forecast is for $11 billion the host nation’s loudest through 2026 All 211 cheer squad was fans member federations will be brought from Lebanon and gettingmillionsmoredollars Syria When tournament fromZurich. attendance topped 3 4 HIGH LIFE million, it was unclear and FIFA leaders could stay went unanswered if the total in opulent Qatari hotels that included all the volunteers, opened just in time for the catering and security staff WorldCup. who clocked in to work in One base was the stadiums. waterside Fairmont Hotel,

MORE MONEY nearly 40 stories high and

a

This was a clear win for shaped like

curved sword. FIFA, despite a likely breach Itoffered18-karatgoldtiles of contract issue to resolve

Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou makes a save from Portugal’s Joao Felix during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Morocco and Portugal, at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates with the trophy in front of the fans after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Stokes and Duckett complete historic England whitewash in Pakistan

SportsMax - Ben Stokes but could not hide his andBenDucketttookjust38 disappointmentattheresult. minutes on day four of the “ D e f i n i t e l y third Test to see England to disappointment as a team,” an eight-wicket victory he said. ”First innings, we againstPakistan. lost back-to-back wickets, It completed a 3-0 series we were good in batches, but win for the tourists, the first thatmomentcostus. time Pakistan have ever lost “Bowling [was also a every match of a home Test problem], definitely, your series. best pacer [Shaheen Shah Starting yesterday Afridi] is not fit so that cost needing another 55 runs to us.Alot of positive things in chasedowntheoveralltarget this series, but also things of 167 in Karachi with eight thatwelack.” wickets remaining, Stokes Duckett’s star and Duckett made a careful continues to shine start initially, with just one The Nottinghamshire boundary coming in the first batsman did not exactly take fourovers. hisopportunityin2016when Back-to-back fours from he faced Bangladesh and Duckett off the bowling of India,scoringjust110across AbrarAhmed were followed fourTestmatchesagainstthe by more steady batting from pair the pair, before Duckett hit Finally getting back into the winning runs off the England team six years Mohammad Wasim with later, he looked far more another four to finish on 82 accomplished, scoring 357 notout. acrosssixinningsinPakistan

After securing what was at an average of 71.40, and England’s ninth win in 10 hitting at least 100 runs in all centuries in the series and Test matches since he and three Test matches, before averaged 93.60 runs, said: Brendon McCullum took the ultimately seeing his team ”This was probably my best reins, Stokes – who ended h o m e w i t h a n o t h e r tour so far, to win 3-0 here, unbeaten on 35 – described impressive outing in no-one’s done it before, it his team’s performances as Karachi. was phenomenal from the “perfect”, adding: “We’ve Brook announces lads.” gotaprocesswewanttoplay himself on Test scene

Scores: England 354 but the challenge was the Stokes and McCullum (Brook 111, Foakes 64, Pope different pitches for every appear to have a gem in 51, Nauman 4-126, Abrar 4Test.

Harry Brook, who won the 150) and 170 for 2 (Duckett “We stuck to our player of the match and 82*) beat Pakistan 304 gameplans and adapted seriesawards. (Babar 78, Salman 56, Leach reallywell.” S p e a k i n g a t t h e 4-140) and 216 (Babar 54, His opposite number, presentation, the 23-year- Shakeel 53, Rehan 5-48) by Babar Azam, was reflective old, who scored three eight wickets.

Hayley Matthews in top five for T20I bowlers and allrounders In latest ICC Rankings

England, who are leading 4-0 in the fiveMatthews went up by three places among match series, Matthews has picked up five the bowlers, to slot in behind Sophie wicketsandscored66runswithknocksof23 Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn and Deepti Sharma, and25inthelasttwogames.

ExxonMobil, Government partner to enhance Vigilance Sports Ground

By Rawle Toney

sporting event; Exxon has been very consistent with their sponsorship and that is Global oil and gas corporation giant, something that the local corporation and ExxonMobil (Guyana), has partnered with private sector, has to get more involve the Government of Guyana to enhance the in more community development, VigilanceSportsGround. community work, especially sports

Thefacility,whichisalsothehomeofthe development.” Buxton Youth Developers, an organisation

“Most of the major international sports headed by Robin Phillips, also saw an talent came out of corporate-driven upgradetoitsCentre,whichhousesalibrary, sponsored events, so I think this is very classrooms,gymandcomputerlab. critical, greater partnership between the

ExxonMobil Production Manager, Mike GovernmentandthePrivateSector,sowe’re Ryan, lauded Phillips for sticking to the looking forward to this (more partnership),” club’s motto of promoting friendship and PresidentAlisaid.

Influencingchangesinceitsestablishmentin President Ali also threw his 2007. Government’s support behind Newton, one

“You should be very proud of what ofGuyana’sbuddingsprinters. you’re building It’s not only the The 17-year-old competed in the 100m infrastructureonthegroundonwhichyou’re and200mathlete,inSãoPaulo,Brazil,atthe building, but to empower the youths and South American U-18 Championships, student-athletes,”Ryansaid. where he won silver in the boys’ 200m,

The Buxton Youth Developers group, clockingapersonal-besttimeof21.45s. behind the renowned Phillips, has produced Newton, who hails from the East Coast some of the country’s top young talents, the Demerara village of Bareroot, also won the mostrecentbeingEzekielNewton. sprint double at the just-concluded Inter

“When I went through school and GuianaGames(IGG)andwonthe100mtitle University, I was a student-athlete. The at National School’s Championship, where combination of sport and learning creates a healsosetanewU18100mrecord. combination that allows you to grow, President Ali said it was important for flourish and be empowered,” Ryan noted, as Government to remove all the hurdles he stated ExxonMobil Guyana’s pride of standing in the way of athletes and to allow lendingahandinhelpingtosustaintheclub. themtofocusonachievingtheirgoals.

Meanwhile, President Irfaan Ali said The Head-of-State promised Newton ExxonMobil has been playing a key role in that his Administration, is fully behind his the development of sports, “Whether it’s endeavourandreadytocatertohisneedsasa from the Cricket Carnival, community student-athlete.

Ben Stokes and Ben Duckett celebrate England’s eight-wicket victory against Pakistan in the third Test.

SportsMax - West Indies captain Hayley androseonespotamongallrounderstobejust Matthewshasjumpedtosecondplaceamong four rating points away from No. 1 Sophie T20I allrounders and is ranked fourth among Devine. In four T20Is at home against bowlersafterthelatestICCupdate.

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has jumped to second place among T20I allrounders.

Argentina abandon Buenos Aires bus parade amid jubilant scenes

The players danced and sang on the top of the bus as it moved through the city. (Reuters)

Buenos Aires at 11:45 local shame,” tweeted AFA captain of the 1986 World time(14:45GMT). presidentChiquiTapia. Cup champions and

The journey was One video on social regarded as one of the supposed to finish at the media appeared to show a greatest players ever - while capital city’s iconic Obelisk fan jumping onto the top o t h e r f a n s p l a y e d monument, where hundreds deck of the bus carrying the instruments or climbed

B B C S p o r t - chaotic,forcingarethink. mates beat France in of thousands had gathered players when it passed lampposts. Argentina’s World Cup “It was impossible to Sunday’sfinal. and created a party underneathabridge. Hundreds of fans lined winners had to abandon an continue on the ground due About four million atmosphere,laterthatday With the majority of the the streets, with many riding open-top bus parade in to the explosion of joy,” people lined the streets of But security forces jubilant fans wearing the scooters and running behind Buenos Aires and instead tweeted presidential Buenos Aires, according to would not let the bus national team’s blue and thebusonamotorway,asthe took a helicopter ride over spokeswoman Gabriela localestimates. continue to Plaza de la white colours, it was a sea of parademadeitswaytowards the millions of ecstatic fans Cerruti. Afterarrivinghomefrom República-thepublicsquare colour in Plaza de la theArgentinecapital. partyinginthestreets. T h e A r g e n t i n e Qatar in the early hours of where the Obelisk stands - República as they waited for “ I t ’s c r a z y, i t ’s

Thesquadshowedoffthe government declared yesterday morning, the after the celebrations thesquad. incredible, it’s the best thing trophy at the start of a yesterday would be a players left the Argentine becametoochaotic. Banners were held aloft that can happen to you in plannedeight-hourjourney national holiday in the South Football Association (AFA) “A thousand apologies of captain Messi and the late life,” said 25-year-old But the celebrations on American country after training complex on a 20- on behalf of all of the Diego Maradona - another MatiasGomez,oneofthose packed roads became more Lionel Messi and his team- mile journey to the centre of champion players. [Such] a iconic Argentina player, (Continued on page 33)

The celebrations were soundtracked by people playing musical instruments and encouraging others to dance. (Reuters)

Good showing for GBA this year as competition ends, Ninvalle looks for better 2023

Th e G u y a n a American Elite Boxing B o x i n g Championship(AMBC). A s s o c i a t i o n In addition to that,

(GBA) Terrance Desmond Amsterdam along Ali National Open Boxing with Keevin Allicock, Joel Championship brought an Williamson, Jamal Eastman, end to all statuary Colin Lewis, Triston competition for amateur Browne, Aluko Bess, boxinginGuyanaonSunday Emmanuel Pompey and 18thDecember,2022. Troy Glasgow all received

The competition ended Goldmedals. in fine style with a thrilling We also saw Terrance finish courtesy of Troy Poole, coach of the Guyana Glasgow, knocking out his Defence Force (GDF) opponentinthe2ndroundof Boxing Gym, retaining the the match, fans were given a Best Gym Award, while ‘jaw-dropping’ performance Sebert Blake coach of in the final match of the Forgotten Youth Foundation competition. collected the runners-up

The year of 2022 has trophy at the Terrance Ali been an exceptional and National Open Boxing rewarding year for boxing Championshippresentation. here locally, whereby the In height of competition, GBA was able to bounce boxers and coaches backwonderfully,hostingall applauded the initiative of boxersatanysingleevent. “these rewards will only success. overseas tournaments our three statuary competitions t h e G B A f o r t h e i r According to the increaseovertime.” The GBA promises that, localboxersisexpectedtobe for the year after the recent commitment to financially President of the GBA Steve However, he remains they will continue engaging part of in 2023, starting as pause to competitions due to compensate every Elite Ninvalle, “Guyana has hopeful that this approach with all stakeholders, early as January in Covid19. Boxer that would have always been at the fore-front transcends across the referee/judges, coaches and Morocco, as well as the

TheAssociationwasalso received either Gold, Silver as it relates to amateur Caribbean,wherewecansee also boxers in the attempt to Women’s World Boxing able to send our boxers to orBronzemedalintheyear’s boxing among Caricom more countries coming on keep their ‘air tight’ Championship and also the several international competition. states, starting with the board by introducing c o m m i t m e n t t o t h e Men’s World Boxing competitions,overseas. This initiative was the School boys and Junior financially rewards at continued growth and Championship to be held in W i t h D e s m o n d first of its kind in the entire tournaments, the association amateur competition success of all local Takht-i-Bahi,Pakistan. Amsterdam being the first E n g l i s h - s p e a k i n g is pleased to have initiated E x p o n e n t i a l l y o u r competition.Therearemuch The GBA also expects Guyanese boxer to bring Caribbean, with Guyana these financial awards here neighbours; Trinidad and in-store for boxing in the return of our Cuban home two bronze medals Becomingthefirstcountryto inGuyana.” Tobago have already given Guyana and fans can look Coach Francisco Roldan, after competing in the compensate their amateur He continued by saying, the thumbs-up to this forward to bigger and better which is good for our local initiative, confirming that competition within a matter boxers and a host of other t h e y a l s o w i l l b e of two-three years In things. implementing monetary closing, the GBA as they So there is definitely rewards to their competition look forward to the year of much to look forward to in next year So already this 2023 with much enthusiasm, the year of 2023, according initiative has proven to be a there are a number of tothePresidentoftheGBA.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle (2nd left) shares a light moment with (from left) Surinamese-Samuel Greene, Keevin Allicock and Seon Bristol at the just concluded event.

2022 KFC Goodwill Tournament…

Semifinals unravel at MoE Ground today

Today, the penultimate will face each other for top Rentals, MVP Sport, Trophy day of the 2022 KFC honours on Friday, Stall,GuyanaBeveragesInc. Goodwill Tournament is set December 23, while the and Demerara Life with to unwind at the Ministry of losing sides in the semis will support from the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, go head-to-head in the third Education and the Ministry with what is expected to be a place encounter in the first ofCulture,YouthandSports. thrillingpairofmatches. match of the double header

The final four will ignite onthefinalday the semifinal round from I t w a s q u i t e a n 17:30hrs in the Petra entertaining Group stage, organised event, as whichconcludedonMonday defending champs, Annai evening at the same venue, Secondary School, and St. with DFSS coming out on Benedict’s College (SBC) of top of GroupA, whileAnnai TrinidadandTobagokickoff finishedontopofGroupB. proceedings. SBCandCWSSendedas

Inthematchthatfollows, the runners up for Groups A the impressive Desrey Fox and B, respectively, while Secondary School (DFSS) SVB Academy and Golden and Christianburg/Wismar Grove were the unlucky Secondary School (CWSS) sides that were knocked out are billed to contend the ofthetournament. second semifinal encounter The third edition of this from19:30hrs. tournament is sponsored by The winners of the semis KFC, Tiger Offshore

Desrey Fox Secondary School (Waramadong) is the only team to maintain a clean sheet since the commencement of the tournament.

Defending champs, Annai (on ball), will spring Into action in the opening match of today’s double header

Sports

President Irfaan Ali and ExxonMobil Production Manager, Mike Ryan, along with some athletes from the Buxton Youth Development group.

Hundreds of thousands Argentinians had packed into Buenos Aires’ Plaza de la República by midday on Tuesday. (AFP via Getty Images)