Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR Jagdeo supports penalties Sunday Edition NEWS for public servants on infractions flagged by AG but maintains free pass for ExxonMobil December 24, 2023

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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Govt. shows outstanding courage with Maduro but - Chris weak when facing Exxon Ram No bonus p.

42 for BOSAI workers although company expanded operations - Workers disgruntled, surprised by announcement

More heavy duty Bosai trucks and machinery imported

68 gas projects globally cancelled or put on hold as solar power batteries become cheaper - Reuters Patrons save man from burning Houston apartment Labour Ministry's OSH Dept. not – AG Report working effectively

K News’ Publisher appeals to politicians to ring-fence all new oil projects

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Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Govt. shows outstanding courage with Maduro but weak when facing Exxon To its credit, the Guyana Government has displayed outstanding courage, bravery and embrace of love of country when countering the absurd efforts of Venezuelan President, Nicholas Maduro to seize the Essequibo Region. But when it comes to ExxonMobil, the whole approach is different - weak, spineless and an embrace of the oil companies which should be guests of the country and the holders of licences to participate in the development of the patrimony of the people.

This is the essence of arguments recently made by Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram in his 116th column published by Stabroek News.

In that commentary, Ram expressed his disappointment that the Irfaan Ali-led Administration refuses to ring-fence production projects from exploration projects in the Stabroek Block which results in Guyana losing billions of dollars in revenues. Readers would recall that ring-

fencing is used as a tool to ensure that exploration projects are financed by funds independently provided by the oil companies: that there is no crossing over of revenues from a successful project to cover the exploration expenses of another.

In the absence of ringfencing, Ram showed that Exxon can redirect oil profits from existing projects which should be shared between the oil companies and the Government to exploration and production programmes under licences from the Government. Ram lamented that this is another raw deal for Guyana since the oil companies now benefit from that money without any loss or any return from that type of abuse.

According to Ram, Guyana essentially makes itself an investor for Exxon's projects but has no seat at the table nor does it have any say in decision making for those projects.

Ram expressed distress that top finance experts in the

Government do not recognise that even if exploration is successful, there is a time value of money, and that Guyana should not be financing exploration in the first place.

He also said these experts should recognize that the risks to the oil companies are halved when Guyana's oil profits repurposed and that the country is still bound to give all kinds of benefits to the oil companies, including paying their taxes.

Noting that this amounts to a de facto rearrangement of the contract, Ram asked rhetorically why the government does not correspondingly reduce by 50%, the value of the taxes which it pays out of its share of profits.

Ram also noted the abhorrent effect of the stabilization clause in the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that governs the Stabroek Block.

Ram said this PSA essentially strips Parliament, a key vessel of Guyana's statehood, of its most

- Chris Ram essential power and function, and that is the power to “make laws for the peace, order and good government of Guyana.” (Article 65 of the Constitution).

Referencing the said clause, Ram said subArticles .1 and .2 state: “Except as may be expressly provided herein, the Government shall not amend, modify, rescind, terminate, declare invalid or unenforceable, require renegotiation of, compel replacement or substitution, or otherwise seek to avoid, alter, or limit this Agreement without the prior written consent of Contractor.

The Agreement further notes, “After the signing of this Agreement and in conformance with Article 15, the Government shall not increase the economic burdens of Contractor under this Agreement by applying to this Agreement or the operations conducted

Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram thereunder any increase of or any new petroleum related fiscal obligation, including, but not limited to, any new taxes whatsoever, any new royalty, duties, fees, charges, value-added tax (VAT) or other imports.”

Ram pointed out that this state of affairs will not only be obtained for one year, five years or 10 years but until 2057

In light of the government's refusal to make zero changes where the foregoing matters are concerned, Ram said, “The inevitable conclusion is that in standing up to Maduro, the Government has been commendably courageous, demonstrating fortitude and spine. But when it comes to Exxon, this Government is totally supine.”

Court of Appeal throws out AG's request to help ExxonM fight against citizens' case for full oil spill coverage The Court of Appeal on December 19, 2023, unanimously rejected the application by AttorneyGeneral, Anil Nandlall to join the case of two Guyanese, Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte, who are fighting for the Environmental Protection A g e n c y ( E PA ) t o g e t ExxonMobil Guyana to furnish the nation with unlimited liability coverage for oil spills.

In the said case, the EPA is represented by Frances Carryl and Sanjeev Datadin.

ExxonMobil Guyana is represented by Edward Luckhoo SC, Andrew Pollard SC and Eleanor Luckhoo.

The Attorney General was represented by a battery of lawyers including Darshan Ramdhanie, KC, and Nigel Hawke.

Kaieteur News understands that Justice of Appeal, Rishi Persaud read

the first written judgment, then Justice of Appeal, Dawn Gregory Barnes read the second written judgment and finally the Chancellor (Ag.), Yonette Cummings Edwards read her written judgment, whereby the three judges all agreed to dismiss the AG's Application to join the appeal.

The Court of Appeal unanimously upheld the submissions made by Seenath Jairam ,SC, leading Ms Melinda Janki and Mrs. Abiola Wong-Innings on behalf of Collins and Whyte, strenuously objecting to the joinder of the AttorneyGeneral (AG). The Attorney-General had sought to join the side of Exxon Guyana which opposed the orders made by High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon for there to be a full coverage for all oil spill costs.

Jairam , SC made a number of legal arguments

as to why the AG should not be allowed to join but in particular pointed out that the Attorney-General has no place in judicial review proceedings – a legal position that has now been judicially endorsed by the Court of Appeal.

The Collins and Whyte case is currently in the Court of Appeal following the internationally renowned and historic decision by Justice Sandil Kissoon on May 3, 2023. The High Court Judge had ordered the EPA to obtain from Exxon Guyana, environmental liability insurance as is customary in the petroleum industry and an unlimited parent company guarantee to cover all costs of an oil spill, in accordance with the environmental permit issued to Exxon Guyana.

In his judgment, Justice Kissoon was very clear and had castigated the EPA for abdicating its statutory

responsibilities stating that the EPA had “relegated itself to state of laxity of enforcement and condonation compounded by a lack of vigilance thereby putting this nation and its people in grave potential danger of calamitous disaster.”

Justice Kissoon also found in the evidence that Exxon Guyana, “was engaged in a disingenuous attempt which was calculated to deceive when it sought to dilute its liabilities and settled obligations stipulated and expressed in clear unambiguous terms” in its environmental permit.

Both the EPA and Exxon Guyana appealed the decision which is now before the Court of Appeal for a date to be heard and determined.

On June 8, 2023, Appellate Court Judge, Justice Rishi Persaud granted a stay of Justice

Kissoon's orders and ordered Exxon Guyana to produce a guarantee for US$2 billion within a fixed time frame instead. Justice Persaud also stayed the requirement for insurance.

On July 5, 2023 Collins and Whyte filed a Motion for an urgent hearing to vary or discharge the Order made by Justice Persaud. In his Affidavit in Support of the Motion, Collins pointed out that as a result of the stay granted by Justice Persaud, Guyana is now on the hook for damage caused by an oil spill and warned that “the potential harm to Guyana's economy cannot be overstated.

Liability for clean-up, restoration and compensation following an oil spill, well blow out, or tanker accident from Exxon's operations is unlimited and uncapped and could run into billions of US dollars or trillions of Guyana

dollars, far exceeding the National Resource Fund and Guyana's biggest ever annual budget, and even exceeding the amount of said fund and budget combined.”

On behalf of Collins and Whyte, Attorney-at-Law, Melinda Janki wrote several letters to the lawyers for the EPA and Exxon requesting a copy of the US$2 billion guarantee but none was produced.

On November 1, 2023, a summons was filed for orders directing the EPA and Esso to produce a copy of the US$2 billion guarantee.

Neither the motion nor the summons has been heard as yet. However, following the hearing on December 19, the Court of Appeal directed Wong-Inniss to follow up with the Registrar with regard to obtaining a copy of the US$2 billion guarantee and dates for the hearing of the appeal and other applications.

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News, 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

Big Oil, Big Problems

Diaspora stepping up, PPPC D E , findings foretell an audit the expenses, dependent on qualified experts. Costs including the scope that was confined to Exxon’s highest-valued r e l a t e d t o p e t r o l e u m Government falling down fullDetails, terms of reference or evaluating indirect and non- u p s t r e a m a s s e t s a n d operations are to be allocated EAR

Guyanese are scattered all over the world, with great concentrations in New York, Toronto, Atlanta, and Florida, among other big, thriving immigrant cities. Many of them remember where they came from, especially those who left their relatives behind, and the tough economic conditions that are the norm there.

The roots can be so strong that even as they themselves are struggling to get off the ground financially, they still have the heart to send ‘a little something’ to make life easier for those close to them. In a recently released report from the World Bank, members in the Guyanese diaspora have been sending upwards of a half billion US dollars back home (here) every year for the last three years. This is notwithstanding the arrival of oil in Guyana, and Guyana pumping hundreds of thousands of barrels of the precious commodity daily. Currently, oil has stayed around the US$80 a barrel mark, other than for a few blips, for most of this year. Yet the Guyanese diaspora felt that they had no choice but to share some love because their own are facing severe daily hardships, and fighting an uphill battle with cost-of-living.

In 2021 and 2022, the diaspora remitted US$548 million each year to Guyana, which was edged by the US$549 million sent back here in 2023. The Guyanese diaspora is due a word of thanks for not forgetting, for caring, and for doing so in a tangible manner. We wish that the same could be said of the PPPC Government, which has so many millions of US dollars, which convert to billions of Guyana dollars, in its hands, thanks to the returns from oil, and that of other natural resources. On a dollar-for-dollar basis, the Guyanese diaspora has remitted more to Guyana in 2021, 2022, and 2023 than the Government of Guyana approved for the people of Guyana in that same period. Using the US$548-49 million in each of those three years, and it is over a hundred billion Guyana dollars yearly.

An aggregation of cash grants, pay raises, disability and old age pension increases from the PPPC Government to the people of Guyana does not come anywhere near to GY$100 billion sent back by overseas-based Guyanese. If we are to be generous and include the assistance that some call subsidies (water and gasoline, as examples), and what others see as shadow accounting, the remittances from the diaspora are still ahead of what the government has extended to struggling Guyanese in different sectors of the economy.

The Guyanese in the diaspora were not elected to office, and are not responsible for governing anything and anyone.

The fact that cannot neither be argued nor denied is that they have been more thoughtful and more deeply compassionate than those who have total power over the purse strings here.

To expand on an earlier assertion, quite a few Guyanese felt some heavy blows during the COVID-19 viral epidemic that hit their new places of residence hard. But they still found it in them to spare a few dollars for their struggling relations back home. Also, not many Guyanese have middle management, or high-paying, white-collar jobs, but they were able to be moved by the consideration to put some dollars together and send them here. They have their own families and their expenses in what was a tough inflationary environment, but the remittances of a hundred or two hundred US dollars kept coming. This was what has aggregated to US$549 million in each of the last three years, and which is what has put the efforts of the government to shame.

If there is one thing about which the government cannot cry about shortage, it is money. Two recent national budgets have been record breakers. Loans are available for Guyana from everywhere and everyone, and the PPPC Government has gone on a borrowing binge from left, right, and center. Some GY$200 billion has been taken out of the Natural Resources Fund, and Guyanese are still depending on their relatives in the diaspora to remit a couple of dollars back to them, so as to help with their unending fight for survival. The diaspora has stepped up, the PPPC Government cannot go on falling down.

DITOR

scope, remain unpublished regarding the 2018-2020 ExxonMobil Guyana US$7.3B cost recovery audit report, leaving Guyanese to speculate on the political, economic, and military influences on Guyanese-led RVHE Consulting and international firms: Martindale Consultants Inc. and SGS. Kaieteur News released an article on November 12th, titled, ‘How ExxonMobil brazenly abused Guyana’s oil profits, summarizing the audit findings. These

recoverable costs. The results approximated that 1.3% of the US$7.3B contractor recoverable expenses were either incorrectly allocated costs or categorized as nonrecoverable. These amounts are to be refunded to the Stabroek Block Account, a majority of which sit outside the main cost recovery classifications: exploration, development, and operating costs.

Based on analyzing media reports of the audit, there is an assumption that

production volume, were excluded from the work performed by the auditors. If the scope of the audit was to analyze administrative, service, and non-recoverable costs, then the objective was met. However, this approach would result in an inadequate assessment of the risks at stake. A 4-month time constraint, imposed by the Government of Guyana (GoG), to complete an audit of this size and complexity is an attempt to avoid compulsory questions needing to be asked by

to exploration, development, and production phases and should match the contractorprepared end-of-year statements that are provided to the Minister Responsible for Petroleum, per the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Annex C | 9.1.

Let’s return to exploration and development after addressing ExxonMobil Guyana’s refusal to provide production volume data, stating that “production (Continued on page 06)

Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox ‘Stop the press’ statement Police’s handling of

by Roydale Forde SC Travis Chase shooting is disingenuous DEAR EDITOR, The ‘stop the press’ statement by Opposition Member, Roysdale Forde SC to decry the law enforcement and judicial agencies of Guyana serving a summons on a defendant and to heap accusations of political excess is self-contradictory.

Its disingenuous and contrary to common-sense.

It has been established in English law from as far back as the Magna Carta that every defendant is entitled to a hearing at his trial. The principle is recognised by the latin words audi alteram partem, its translation being ‘let the other side be heard’.

The service of a summons to attend Court on Rickford Burke is to make him aware of the hearing. At the very least it would make him aware of the charge(s) he is facing in the Magistrate Court and affords him, if he wishes, to be heard in

defence of the charge(s).

This is very different to a warrant which seeks to arrest/ detain someone for them to be produced in Court. An important distinction.

A summons can be served on anyone, anywhere since it is to satisfy the Court that the defendant is aware of the proceedings and is given the opportunity to be heard.

The defendant can refuse to participate and defend his case but then risk consequences which he may not like, including affecting his options on appeal. If a conviction results that can be enforced in accordance with law.

However, its baffling that those who wish to shout accusations about all on sundry on social media and elsewhere do not want to defend what they have said.

Freedom is not free. Free speech is protected once it

does not breach the laws and constitution of Guyana.

Truth is a complete defence to any charge of bullying and false utterances. If you are so willing to shout it on social media why are you afraid to back it up in court ? Is it because you feel secure in another country hiding behind a keyboard and perverse “free speech” assertions that you think you can say what you want? No Sir. Justice must be open and transparent not be bogged down by all sorts of tricks and games to prevent the true issues being resolved. In this regard the wise words of the Caribbean Court of Justice in Watson v Fernandes is instructive “The attainment of true justice is over the highway of realities and not throught the alley of technicalities”.

Yours faithfully, Sanjeev Datadin.

Industrial Training is vital in today’s world DEAR EDITOR, Amidst the furore of the Guyana-Venezuela, many missed that “One hundred sixty-three persons are now more adequately equipped to seek employment, after they graduated from Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC)…” This is not something to take lightly.

The areas of expertise include Data Operations, Electrical Installation, Furniture-Making, Metalwork Engineering, Motor Vehicle Repairs,

Plumbing, Welding and Fabrication, and Masonry.

What we need to know and accept, as well as act in this regard, is that developing countries must improve productivity throughout their economies if they are to compete successfully in an era of rapid economic and technological change.

Improved productivity requires not only capital investment, but also a work force that has the flexibility to acquire new skills for the

new jobs created, as the structures of economies and occupations change.

The level of competence of a country’s skilled workers and technicians is a key determinant of labor force flexibility and p r o d u c t i v i t y. S k i l l e d workers and technicians enhance the quality and e ff i c i e n c y o f p r o d u c t development, production, and maintenance, and they are able to supervise and train workers with lesser (Continued on page 06)

incident suspicious

DEAR EDITOR, Well known journalist Mr. Travis Chase made a report to the police that unknown person/s shot at his car. He claimed that it was an attempt to assassinate him.

The police responded and during the course of the initial investigation found evidence that the car was indeed shot at.

They found what appeared to be bullet holes on the car and spent ammunition shells in the vicinity.

The police in a release stated that “one of the expert firearm examiners within the laboratory compared the aforementioned shell casings with the specimen shell casing that were obtained from Mr. Chase when he had just purchased and registered his firearm, and the preliminary test result reveals (sic) significant similarities between these spent shells”.

The release went on to say that “as a consequence, investigators have invited Mr. Chase to surrender his licensed firearm for further analysis to be conducted”.

Editor, I find this course of action by the police very strange, even suspicious.

According to the report, Mr. Chase never fired his firearm during the incident, so why did the police find it necessary to check the ballistic records of Mr. Chase’s firearm?

I am of the view that this was a very suspicious course of action. According to the police they are in possession of ballistic records of Mr. Chase’s firearm. So why was there a need for the firearm to be turned in for examination?

Mr. Chase complied with the request by the police and turned in his firearm for examination. After keeping the firearm for more than twenty-four hours, the police returned the firearm to him.

The police then issued a release which said that the result of the ballistic test on the firearm was “inconclusive”.

Why the firearm was returned if the test was “inconclusive”?

Editor, the way this matter was handled by the

police raises lots of questions. It is evident that the police, without any proper investigation into the alleged assassination attempt, sought the paint a picture that Mr. Chase, the victim in this disturbing incident, was not to be believed. It would appear that elements within the Guyana Police Force are out to get Mr. Chase. I wonder why!

I would advise Mr. Travis Chase to be careful, be very careful. The fact that the police handled the alleged assassination attempt in such an unprofessional manner is cause for concern. He should be even more concerned that his licensed firearm was unjustifiably kept by the police for over twenty-four hours.

Yours truly, Paul Slowe, CCH, DSM, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired). Former Chairman Police Service Commission.

Kaieteur News

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Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox Big Oil, Big Problems...

From page 04 information was outside the scope of the cost recovery audit.” Operating costs, ultimately incurred in the production phase, are fixed or variable costs, where the variable costs are directly related to production.

Materials used in oil recovery, workers’ hourly wages, and fluctuations in repairs and maintenance all move in the direction of production.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, o i l recovery methods that rely on reservoir data influence production costs.

Production-driven cost depletion is determined by the volume produced in each period. How does an auditor verify related production costs without production data or challenge Exxon’s management in their refusal to furnish the information requested? The graphs of daily production displayed o n t h e G o v e r n m e n t ’s w e b s i t e (https://petroleum.gov.gy/da ta-visualization/) show considerable day-to-day fluctuations, so it would not be accurate to assume some daily average.

The exploration phase should include depreciation expense, determined by the cost of equipment, preceded by the acquisition phase which includes payments to acquire, renew, or relinquish surface rights per PSA Annex C | 3.1 (a), all recoverable costs. Did these accounts or amounts meet the auditor’s expectations?

Development costs are the

most capital-intensive of the three phases. Did the auditors identify if there were any weaknesses and deficiencies in intangible drilling and development, costs that were expensed, but should have been capitalized? Were the 2020 asset impairments “fairly valued”? When one does not promote good governance, it opens doors to manipulation of other sectors, such as financial services.

Guyana partnership RV H E C o n s u l t i n g , comprised of Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc., led the local audit team consisting of seven individuals, two of whom traveled to the United States to work alongside Martindale Consultants Inc. This organization had an additional seven people, titles undisclosed, working on the audit. Their website’s (https://www.marticons.co m/) About page explicitly states, “Martindale is not a certified accounting firm and does not offer legal advice.”

No details have been released about the type of support SGS (formerly known as Société Générale de Surveillance), a S w i t z e r l a n d c o m p a n y, provided to the government of Guyana.

Issues of concealing transactions, inflating costs, and underreporting production can be mitigated by adhering to new PSA guidelines: gross-split model (a percentage of oil

extraction, eliminating cost recovery in its entirety), ring-fencing (financially separates assets, matching expenses to revenue on wells within a ring), on-site volume inspection (ensures actual volume is consistent with reported volume), and enforcement of income tax.

Implementing policies of this nature force oil companies to operate more efficiently, without financial and environmental violations.

The GoG has agreed to a production-sharing contract with terms that trump the land’s tax law and create loopholes for the oil business. The government will undermine future revenue and will not reduce the country’s financial debt if ring-fencing, cost recovery, and tax breaks continue to be overlooked. It has been several months since the audit report for 2018-2020 was handed over to the government. If there is no intention to officially release the audit report, then per the PSA Annex C | 9.1, the GoG should release the end-of-year cost recovery financial statements to the public.

The people of Guyana have a right to hold the government accountable. If the current policies in place do not change, Guyana’s people will continue to question the government’s intention of extending contracts that don’t benefit the country.

Sincerely, Candice Dorwish

Defending Democracy: Guyana’s shameful and worrying Decent into Transnational Repression DEAR EDITOR, As democracy in Guyana continues to stumble, recent actions by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have sent shockwaves through the very fabric of our nation’s democratic principles. The deeply troubling incident in question involves the serving of a defense summons overseas to an outspoken government critic, Rickford Burke marking another disconcerting chapter in what appears to be a series of actions constituting transnational repression.

In a published statement, which appeared in our dailies the Guyana Police Force stated inter alia: “As such, the Magistrate ordered that the ‘defendant summons’ be prepared and served on Rickford Burke to attend the Vigilance Magistrate’s court on the 28th day of March 2024.

As such, pursuant to the order of the Court, two (2) defendant summons were subsequently prepared and on the 13th day of December, 2023, an Officer of the Guyana Police Force, ASP Rodwell Sarabo left Guyana and travelled to the United States of America with both defendant summons in his possession.

On the 16th December 2023, ASP Rodwell Sarabo met with Mark Wesserman, a Process Server based in the United States of America and they served both defendant

summons on Rickford Burke at his home address at Maple Street, Brooklyn, New York.

Both defendant summons were read to Rickford Burke and he said he understood.”

The jurisdictional extent of the Courts of Guyana and the Guyana Police Force’s authority to act in any manner is defined by the geographical limit of Guyana unless specifically and expressly conferred by law. There is absolutely no legal authority conferred on the Magistrate’s Court to order service of a D e f e n d a n t ’s S u m m o n s outside of Guyana and the Guyana Police Force to serve a D e f e n d a n t ’s S u m m o n s outside of Guyana. Therefore, the conduct of the Guyana Police Force is utterly unconstitutional, void and of no legal validity.

The threat to Guyanese Diaspora and/ or persons living outside of Guyana as stated in the Guyana Police Force’s statement that: “Finally, the Guyana Police Force wishes to make it known that a similar course of action will be adopted against persons who are outside of the jurisdiction and engage in criminal conduct.” Is of no substance. There is no remaining doubt that the Guyana Police Force is nothing more than an instrument of repression and an agent of the PPPC

government. It is to be noted that the PPPC’s Attorney General, has not only cowardly refused to condemn a patent and flagrant breach of the laws of Guyana and of international laws and convention, but also he has sheepishly refused to comment. In a democracy, the right to criticise the government is not only a cherished privileged but also a foundational and fundamental pillar of a healthy and robust political discourse. Citizens have the right to express dissenting opinions without any fear of persecution, especially when those opinions are voiced abroad.

Therefore, this recent attempt by the Guyana Police Force to serve a summons overseas is not just a studied attack on an individual; it is a vicious assault on sacred democratic values. I call on all Guyanese, particularly those living in the Diaspora to take to Social Media to express and magnify their condemnation of the actions of the repressive, discriminatory and authoritarian PPPC government. Our collective voice must reverberate against any attempt to suppress dissent and curtail the rights and freedoms of individuals, whether within or beyond our borders.

Roysdale Forde, SC, Member of Parliament (MP)

Industrial Training is vital in today’s...

From page 5 skills. The bottom line is that improving the job skills of the work force has been a cornerstone of economic development theory and practice and has received more international assistance than any other form or level of education.

As I congratulate both the Government and those who have just graduated, I fully endorsed Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, who “… encouraged the graduating class to continue striving for excellence in all their future endeavor, noting that the transformation of the nation is in their hands.”

Quite correctly he explained that “The skills that the graduates now possess are currently needed in the c o n s t r u c t i o n , manufacturing, civil engineering, mechanical, oil and gas, and hostile industries, given the demand for skill persons compared to the labour shortage in these markets.”

Editor, more and more

people are beginning to realise that investing in the skills development of a nation, through vocational training, is a critical component of human capital development. Many communities still hold technical and vocational training in disdain, and this has resulted in an influx of individuals who are enrolled in universities ultimately resulting in high unemployment. I add that the high unemployment figure in many cases is exacerbated by the skills gap that exists in countries where a number of graduates are channeled out, yet without skills that meet the needs of the specific economy. So, I am glad that our government is not falling prey to this flaw.

The Minister was timely in this regard, encouraging the successful participants that they should not “… let anyone look down upon (them), don’t let anyone suggest to you because they are more literate than you, they are worthy than you.

What takes you through this world to success is confidence.

When no one believes in you, you have to believe in yourself.” In closing, even as I rejoice in this success story, I take pride in the fact that “The 163 GITC graduates now join the 4,444 individuals, who graduated from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) earlier this year.” It makes for good reading that “BIT certified 187 individuals in Region One, 646 in Region Two, 320 in Region Three, 1,224 in Region Four, 254 in Region Five, 697 in Region Six, 265 in Region Seven, 118 in Region Eight, 190 in Region Nine, and 543 in Region Ten.” Indeed, as Hamilton said, “The programme demonstrates the Labour M i n i s t r y ’s a n d t h e Government’s commitment to ensure that persons, particularly youths, have both skills and employability.”

Yours truly, HB Singh.

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

President Ali, Vice President Jagdeo, let’s cut to the chase.

Your country is making headlines as a rising global oil titan, but let’s not kid ourselves – the people on the streets are not experiencing that prestige in their daily grind.

500,000 barrels of oil production per day is a wake-up call, not a cause for celebration.

You are sitting on a goldmine, yet many of your citizens are barely scraping by.

They probably feel like hungry children, watching their parents throw a lavish party in a mansion while they starve.

Four years of oil flowing - do the people have enough to show for it? Development takes time – sure, we know that.

But the people need to feel like they are walking side-by-side with you in this growth journey.

They deserve to feel change that satisfies them, to understand why it is taking an eternity for their lives to get better.

It is high time you make them a part of this journey, not just bystanders watching their country’s wealth pass them by.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 8

Sunday December 24, 2023

Litigants yet to see Exxon's US$2B parent company guarantee despite requests to court, other agencies T

wo Guyanese who have made n u m e r o u s requests through their lawyers to see ExxonMobil Guyana's US$2 billion parent company guarantee continue to hit a brick wall.

The litigants, Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte, had filed a case back in September 2022 so that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can be ordered to secure from Exxon Guyana, an unlimited liability coverage for oil spills.

In so doing, Guyana

would be fully protected from any hidden costs associated with an unmitigated spill from one or more projects in the Stabroek Block.

On May 3, 2023, High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kisson ruled in favour of the litigants and ordered the EPA to secure an unlimited parent and/or affiliate company guarantee for oil spills.

To c i r c u m v e n t compliance with that order, Exxon and the EPA through their lawyers, appealed and were successful in staying Justice's Kissoon's decision.

Pending the final outcome of the appeal, Justice Persaud ordered Exxon to lodge a US$2 Billion parent and or affiliate company guarantee.

Since that order was issued on June 8, 2023, the litigants said their lawyers which include Seenath Jairam SC, leading Melinda Janki and Abiola Wong-Innings have been unable to secure a copy of the said guarantee for perusal.

Kaieteur News understands that Attorney-atLaw, Melinda Janki wrote several letters to the lawyers for the EPA and Exxon

Jagdeo says new fiscal regime will be in place for gas resources Vi c e P r e s i d e n t D r.

Bharrat Jagdeo said recently that the production of Guyana's natural gas resource will be governed by a different fiscal regime than the generic terms of the Stabroek block production sharing agreement (PSA).

These terms have been widely condemned for being lopsided and unfavourable to Guyana.

During his Thursday press conference at Freedom House, the Vice President said, “We want to monetize the gas in the country. The gas will be monetized under a different fiscal regime…

And this can only bring greater benefits and more revenue to the country."

He added, “... Right now, Exxon does not want to monetize the gas. It prefers to inject the gas into the wells, claiming that it will help to maintain the quality of the reservoirs. It does not want to monetize the gas. We, on the other hand, we believe that there is great value to the country and to our people by monetizing this gas.

“We can get billions of dollars more of revenue from the wells, rather than it being re-injected. And gas is now universally recognized as a transitional fuel.”

It should be noted that the Stabroek PSA's nonassociated gas clause gives

requesting a copy of the US$2 Billion guarantee but none was produced.

In fact, requests were also made to the Registrar of the Supreme Court and the Court of the Appeal but these efforts did not bear fruit.

In light of the foregoing, Kaieteur News understands that a summons was filed on November 1, 2023, for orders directing the EPA and Exxon to produce a copy of the US$2billion guarantee.

In the summons seen by this newspaper, Collins said, “I am advised by my Attorney-at-Law, Melinda Janki, and do verily believe that over the course of four months, she has consistently and persistently sent four (4) u n a n s w e r e d communications, copying all the parties' representatives, to the Court's Registrar requesting a copy of the said Order and the reasons associated with same…”

Given the failure to see the document, Collins said,

“I, in particular feel that we have been gravely denied justice and I feel hurt that after such interminable delays in a relatively straightforward matter we encounter obstacles in our way obstructing our progress in a public interest matter before the hierarchy of courts in Guyana…”

He further noted that in the absence of any evidence in the court record that Exxon has lodged the guarantee, the company is therefore in contempt of court, and the original order issued on May 3, 2023 by Justice Kissoon, is reinstated.

While the matter languishes and the remedy already granted is inhibited by the stay handed down by Justice of Appeal, Rishi Persaud, Collins said Guyana remains on the hook for all costs of clean-up, restoration and compensation which Exxon cannot meet.

He reasoned that such a massive expense is a direct

threat to Guyana's economic viability, particularly in light of the uncooperative and evasive responses from the attorneys-at-law for Exxon and the EPA and their failure to provide a copy of the said US$2 billion guarantee.

Collins said history has shown and is replete with examples that in the petroleum industry, where operations are by definition based on an inherently hazardous resource, then spills, well blowouts and other accidents do occur.

Those incidents result in widespread pollution and contamination which cost billions of US dollars to mitigate or "remedy".

He said the risks are even more severe and present an even more dangerous situation.

Accordingly, Collins said Guyana's economic viability and future are at stake and urged that the summons be given an early hearing.

Patrons at a bar on Friday evening assisted a woman to save her 55-year-old brother, Ganeshram Ramdeen, from a burning apartment at Lot 9, Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Police said that the woman, Champabai Ramdeen, 60, owns the twostorey building which consists of her living quarters on the top flat and her brother's apartment and a bar which she operates on the bottom flat.

According to reports, R amd ee n w as s er v in g customers in the bar at

around 19:00hrs when she heard her brother shouting fire from within his apartment.

She then saw smoke emanating from the area and alerted her customers.

They were reportedly ready to assist and gave them permission to break down the door and they did so and subsequently saw him and the apartment on fire.

They managed to extinguish the flames that engulfed his body and pulled him out of the burning apartment before calling the fire service.

Firefighters arrived promptly and not only managed to extinguish the blaze and prevent the whole building from burning down, but rushed the injured man to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). He was treated for burns to his hand and feet and according to doctors his condition is listed as stable.

The origin of the fire is unknown but according to Ramdeen, her brother had many times attempted to set the apartment on fire.

Investigations are ongoing.

Patrons rescue man from burning Houston apartment

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo ExxonMobil and its partners the leverage to request renegotiation of terms if they deem it necessary for commercial viability. Should this provision be invoked, the government would be obligated to come to the negotiation table to grant more favourable terms to the companies. This has the potential to exacerbate the present inequities of the Stabroek Block deal.The current terms, applied for oil projects, favour oil companies like ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC. The current contract conditions, including a 2% royalty rate, a 75% cap on cost recovery, and a 50-50 profit-sharing model, along with tax waivers, have faced extensive criticism.

A particularly contentious aspect is the contract's stability clause,

which significantly limits Guyana's ability to renegotiate for better financial terms.

The government, instead of pursuing better terms for Guyana, is focused on developing a national gas strategy to set out a roadmap for developing the gas reserves.

With an estimated 17 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil is gradually shifting attention to gas, as evidenced by recent drilling activities.

Jagdeo has said that if ExxonMobil does not actively work towards monetizing these gas reserves, Guyana might request the relinquishment of the blocks. This would allow the government to explore partnerships with other interested entities.

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

PAGE 09

Jagdeo and remittances N

othing better captures how much Jagdeo is divorced from local reality than his response to a Kaieteur News article about the growth of remittances. In that article, it was pointed out that since oil production began remittances to Guyana moved from US$380M in 2019 to US$429M in 2020 to US$548 in 2021 and 2022.

This finding was contained in the World Bank’s 2023 Migration and Development Brief entitled “Leveraging Diaspora Finances for Private Capital Mobilization”. The reported highlighted the massive growth in remittances to Guyana despite the high cost of doing so.

Jagdeo sought to attribute this growth to the flow of personal investment funds from abroad. He was implying that overseasbased Guyanese were sending remittances to invest in Guyana, including in property and commercial housing development.

But one should be careful also about the assumptions about remittances as a form of development funding – a line that Jagdeo seems to be adopting. In 2009, Professor Tarron Khemraj had argued that remittances cannot replace Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). He noted that some persons have argued that remittances, having surpassed FDI, should be seen as a critical source of development funds. However, he argued that although aggregate

remittances were higher than FDIs, they enter the economy in small units that go directly to families and individuals to prop up private consumption and these micro quantities are not necessarily aggregated into a large high productivity investment project.

But being an economist, one would have expected Jagdeo to disaggregate the US$548M in remittances so that the public could be enlightened as how much of this was for investment purposes and how much was for altruistic purposes. He did not and therefore what is saying is mere speculation.

Had his feet been firmly planted in local reality and had he understood what is happening in Guyana, he would have recognized that despite the splurge in oil revenues, tens of thousands of Guyanese still depend on remittances from their families overseas to survive.

Remittances, of course, can be both monetary and non-monetary. The former relates to cash and other forms of financial inflows, while or non-monetary remittances include clothing the sending of items All Jagdeo needs to do is to extricate himself from his office for a few hours each day and take a stroll down to one of the money transfer agencies and witness the monthly pilgrimage of the poor and dependent to uplift remittances sent by their relatives. He could start by visiting the money transfer agency next to his friend’s business in downtown

Georgetown.

Then he can make a trip to Berbice and witness firsthand the long lines each month of persons waiting to uplift the remittances sent by their relatives, and which have to be used for food, paying utilities and other expenses. No one doubts that persons are remitting sums for buying and renovating properties and for investment, but substantial remittances arrive in this country each month just to help families meet day-today expenses.

Many families depend on these remittances. If a loved one dies, a S.O.S goes out to the overseas based relatives to send money for the cost of the funeral. If there is a special event such a school graduation, monies are remitted to buy the graduation outfits. If there is a wedding, not only are overseas relatives invited but they are expected to contribute to offsetting the cost of the wedding. If there is a religious ceremony, the remittances will help defray the expenses. But, apart from these occasional remittances, each month, like clockwork, there are tens of thousands of families that depend on remittances for their survival.

No wonder there are so many money transfer agencies in Guyana. Two money transfer agencies alone have more than 60 outlets spread across Guyana. To this one must to add several institutions, including banks, offer money transfer services.

DEM BOYS SEH

Christmas and de cost-of-living mekkin’ things rough Christmas time in Guyana is like trying to string up fairy lights in a blackout! De prices shootin’ up higher than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve, and housewives jugglin’ budgets like they’re doin’ a circus act.

Yuh can’t talk ‘bout Guyanese Christmas without droolin’ over Black Cake, Fruit Cake, and Sponge Cake, right? But hold on to your sweet tooth, ‘cause eggs these days cost more than a diamondencrusted ring.

And what’s with sorrel goin’ MIA? Remember when everyone was supposed to plant sorrel

like it was goin’ outta style?

Now, it’s scarcer than de rain.

As for de ginger beer?

Yuh might need to take out a mortgage just to afford a pound. It’s like Christmas decided to dress up as a luxury boutique this year! $900 per lb.

What would a Guyanese Christmas be without apples and grapes?

These ain’t your regular fruits no more; they’re sippin’ champagne and getting high. Grapes went and pulled a price tag higher than a kite at $1100 per pound, while apples thought they’d join the elite club too, struttin’ around at

$240 a pop, which is still cheaper than a juicy buxom-spice mango.

And them fairy lights?

Well, with electricity costin’ an arm and a reindeer’s leg, ain’t nobody keen on lightin’ up the neighbourhood like Times Square. Christmas might just be a dim glow in the darkness this year.

So, as we brace ourselves for a Christmas that’s tighter than Santa’s belt., let us make do with the little we have. ‘Cause even in dis this merry-goround of prices, Guyanese spirit ain’t gonna dim, even if the lights do.

Talk half. Leff half.

Money transfer is big business in Guyana. The growth and distribution of these agencies represented an indictment of the Jagdeo administration from 1999 to 2011.

D u r i n g J a g d e o ’s presidency, there was a massive growth of remittances with these inflows reaching as high as 24% of GDP. This caused eyebrows to be raised and suspicions generated that much of this growth was related to the repatriation of

drug proceeds from the United States. It is partly because of this that the US intensified its crackdown on drug lords in Guyana and demanded strengthened anti-money laundering legislation. Several factors can explain the present rise of remittances. Nothing must be ruled out. The only way to know the truth is to disaggregate the value of total remittances. But this is an exercise which Jagdeo may not be too disposed towards as it could burst his

bubble about much of remittances being investable funds.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

S

UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

L

LAL

Sunday Monday December May 02, 24,2022 2023

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Peace - Durable And Credible G

uyanese could have noticed that a subdued, as well as a supportive line has been adhered to during the Venezuelan crisis. I looked away from PPP G o v e r n m e n t ’s … a h , shortages, as part of holding my own peace in the national interest. I offered little by way of criticism on the leadership of Excellency Ali, though he was anything but beneath the bold words,

and brash swagger. I still refrain from drawing blood at this time.

There was and is concern, though, with former president Jagdeo’s fixation with Venezuelans for Votes (V4V), of which more should be on the way after the long holiday season. C’mon, I am more of a Christmas guy than most.

Objective Peace could have been the codename of

exchanges between Guyana and the international community.

Objective Essequibo ran into some headwinds in Argyle, and left Guyana a little under. I refuse to cast around for culprits. After all the men there should not be expected to operate above their respective ceilings. It was low, to begin with, a shade on the shabby side. The President was wise enough to walk with the Hon

Attorney General. The latter was unwise and discombobulated enough (couldn’t help that one) to be fascinated and fearful of the mountains of documents compiled by the Venezuelans for the St Vincentian confab.

Mr. Maduro may not have wanted to shake his hand, but the Guyanese could not remove his eyes from the Maduro Memos.

Regardless, Guyana left St

Vincent with its Golden Fleece: peace.

Admittedly, it is peace at a price. A stiff one. Who the hell wants to deal with Switzerland when Hague is the only destination.

Hague, the place, not Haig the secondrate whiskey. Also, it is peace with honor, as some Guyanese pundits would like for people like me to believe. I am an atheist on t h i s , a n d t h a t ’s m y confession today. Still, I forego hesitations, for the time being, on the price paid for peace to the nation, and peace that questions the essences of national honor.

My thinking is all embroiled in the nature of the peace to follow.

Considering how much was bargained for, and what Guyana received in return, it seems that both the PPP and PNC are good at participating in one-sided deals.

For those pretending at memory obstacles, the latter party has to do with Exxon and oil. That aside, the peace bargain is only as good as how credible and durable this peace negotiated by the likes of Gonsalves and Mottley and crew in St Vincent. The latter had some regard in this corner, but that evaporated; the former was always seen as a phony, which is the best credential of successful politicians.

I think that Guyana bought some time.

Venezuela gets off from its knees, and it could feel frisky and reinvigorated enough to start kicking up its heels.

Guess in which direction and in whose faces?

For there was Nicolas Maduro, white shirt and all, as though he was some angel on a purifying mission with infidels. He wants to stay in power, so he must behave himself.

This means that the Argyle Declaration has some promise relative to its durability; at least, up to elections, and how that is handled, and who is allowed to triumph.

Yes, I did say that: who is allowed to arise out of the ballot box. If they do things like we do over here with elections, there could be hell to pay. My people, the Americans, are sure to have something to say.

Mr. Maduro wins in a fair fight,

and the man could then rollout phase two (it may be phase five) of his schemes on Guyana’s territory. Get this straight: the man Maduro is a schemer and a hustler. He is not a thinker, just a cold, fish-eyed operator. It is why he has bonded so well with his counterparts in Guyana. So, I think that the peace scratched out by President Ali has some time on its hands. But is this peace now bandied about so deliciously credible?

Well, I have my doubts.

Men like Maduro and Jagdeo can’t help themselves.

They itch and twitch too much.

The Guyanese President (de facto is what keeps making the rounds) is already busy plotting his V4V (Venezuelans for Votes) visions, as though national elections are right now in the middle of talk about war, and fears of war.

I always saw him as a funny fella, a seriously funny one.

Meanwhile, the man in Caracas is up to his own tricks conjuring ways and means, having nothing to do with what is fair, to help Guyana increase its immigrant population.

I regret to inform my fellow Guyanese that newcomers from the West should not be seen as economic migrants.

I was one (still am), so I know one when I see one.

Then, there are those American millions in Venezuela’s national budget for Essequibo in this hard guava season over there. I don’t see that cash going back to the Venezuelan treasury. It has to be put to use.

The verbiage was for the “defense of Essequibo.

With all these peace pipes smoked, and talk of peace in the air (it is Xmas), why the need for that appropriation?

Thus, my hangups with the credible peace that Guyana still searches for, but which I think might me a mirage this side of the Sahara.

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

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

PAGE 11

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! T h i s government should know that anyone, l o c a l o r foreign, can twist any story to give muscle to their positions.

It is part of the territory, and one that gets tricky when there is a border controversy/ dispute raging such as ours. What the government should be fully and honestly focused on is how to manage this oil cleanly, and how to monitor ExxonMobil closely, so that it does right by Guyana. These two areas are under its control, not what Venezuela does with what is written and spoken here.

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

S UNDAY – December 17, 2023 An agreement for peace Following historic “peace talks” on Thursday in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela have agreed to a number of measures aimed at maintaining peace and stability within the region. These measures include an agreement that both partners will refrain from the use of force against one another in any circumstances, including those consequential to any existing controversies between the two States.

Both States have also agreed to cooperate to avoid incidents on the ground conductive to tension between them.

In the event of such an incident, the two States will immediately communicate with one another, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Community of Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAC), and the President of Brazil to contain, reverse and prevent its recurrence.

It is hoped that Venezuela will abide by these new rules of engagement pending the outcome of the border controversy case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

MONDAY – December 18, 2023 No narrative or decree can change the Map of Guyana “We know what Guyana looks like, we know what the map of Guyana looks like. All of it belongs to Guyana.

This is the map of Guyana, and no narrative and no propaganda or decree can change this.

This is Guyana” – President, Dr. Irfaan Ali following peace talks with Venezuela’s President, Nicolas Maduro on December 14, 2023.

TUESDAY – December 19, 2023 Govt., The Media and Maduro The fact that Venezuela, which has longstanding designs on Guyana’s territory and its riches, may use what it dug up locally should not serve as a deterrent to the media. The duty to pursue the real stories of Guyana’s oil remains. ExxonMobil has been most unfair to this country – its public relations gimmicks notwithstanding. Such stories must be brought to light to expose the banditry that is now so deeply woven into Guyana’s oil sector.

The costly excesses and

accounting schemes of the company, as revealed in audit findings, is an example.

WEDNESDAY – December 20, 2023 Nandall’s ill-advised comments Attorney General, Anil Nandlall ill-advised comments over the weekend warning Guyanese to not criticize ExxonMobil continue to trend in the local media. His contention is that Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has been using those comments to bolster his illegal claim to the Essequibo region.

THURSDAY – December 21, 2023 That Abominable

6.5% Pay Hike!

As public servants grapple with the measly pay increase ordered

by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, it must be very traumatic at this Christmas time.

Thinking of 6.5% as a pay raise in a one or two resource country, some level of satisfaction would come. The government is trying, has done its best.

But when one thinks of what and where Guyana is today, there is the chilliest reception to that 6.5% number. Take it and shove it up that place with its own truths. This single-digit public service pay raise is so thin; the odds are heavy that some smearing could greet the hand.

FRIDAY – December 22, 2023

Cake shop management from a cake shop VP Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was at it again yesterday, wasting tax payer’s dollars and reporters’ time with his weekly press ‘cussfrence’.

He told the nation that it was a long time he did not ‘cuss’ Kaieteur News so he devoted two hours of his press conference to do so.

Imagine a former President and current Vice President of a country with Venezuela to worry about, rampant crime, and a starving nation, has time the time to stoop so low.

The public display was so disgraceful coming from a man who plays such a major role in the governance of this country.

No wonder Guyana is a laughing stock and being run like a

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Sunday December 24, 2023

SUNDAY ExxonM billed Guyana over $204M for expenses it racked up before 2016 PSA was signed …auditors flag cost as unrecoverable ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of the Stabroek Block has billed Guyana over US$1 million for costs incurred before the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) of 2016 came into effect.

This was exposed in the Audit Report completed by VHE Consulting (Ramdihal & Haynes Inc; Eclisar Financial; and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc) and SGS and Martindale Consultants. The team was contracted by the Government of Guyana (GoG) back in May 2022 to review the US$7.3 billion expenses of EMGL – formerly Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EMGL), that were incurred between 2018 and 2020.

In the report, auditors noted that the oil company submitted cost recovery statements to the tune of US$1,019,945.58 or approximately $204 million for pipe racks and shore base operations. According to the Report, “Guyana Energy Support Services provided labour for loading and offloading boats and transporting equipment to various locations.”

While the invoices were booked in February, April, and May 2018 and January and February 2019, auditors determined that the costs were incurred prior to October 7, 2016. Notably, costs incurred prior to October 7, 2016, are not Recoverable Costs.

The auditor pointed out, “Section 3.3 of Annex C to the June 27, 2016, Petroleum Agreement (PA) stipulates costs incurred before the Effective Date are not recoverable.” The contract also provides for specific costs, already settled, to be recovered as Pre-Contract costs.

Consequently, the audit team noted that since the Effective Date of the Licence is October 7, 2016, costs incurred prior to that time are not Recoverable Contract Costs.

Exxon responds In response to the alarming findings of the

auditors, ExxonMobil wholeheartedly disagreed that the sum should not be recovered.

The company explained, “Invoiced amounts and activities identified by the Auditors were accrued in the pre-contract costs outlined in section 3.1(k) of Annex C. The delay between the activity occurring and the invoice being finalized and paid was caused by the lengthy process for EEPGL to receive VAT exemptions (per Article 15.1) from the GRA. Prior to first oil (December 2019), EEPGL was not VAT registered as had not VAT Output, this prevented EEPGL from reclaiming VAT Input through a VAT refund claim.”

It added, “To ensure compliance with Article 15 of the Petroleum Agreement, EEPGL was unable to pay any invoices from local suppliers containing Guyana VAT and such payments could only be made once the GRA had granted VAT exemptions in accordance with Article 15.1. In any case, given the ongoing accruals of the identified exploration and appraisal wells, the delay in the invoices being finalized / paid had no overall net

impact to the pre-contract amount.”

Meanwhile, the auditors have since advised that irrespective of the date and time submitted of the invoices submitted for the “recoverable costs” any sum incurred prior to the effective date of the agreement would not be considered. They explained, “These statements (from the contractor) suggest the costs in question are already contained in the PreContract Costs; as a result, in addition to the current claim being improper, including the costs in the Cost Recovery Statement would constitute double-counting.”

The report said that the Contractor’s response will be evaluated “but any cost incurred prior to October 7, 2016, no matter when booked, is a non-recoverable cost.”

It would be prudent to note that Guyana’s first oil audit of the company uncovered similar findings.

That audit was conducted by a British firm, IHS-Markit for the period 1999-2017.

The audit team was tasked with reviewing some US$1.6 billion in costs.

Kaieteur News had reported that before Hess Corporation or CNOOC

Petroleum Guyana Limited signed on as partners with ExxonMobil to the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement for the Stabroek block, they apparently racked up US$31.4M in certain expenses which they claim Guyana must pay.

Venezuela paying close attention to operations of Exxon, public commentaries on border ‘dispute’ - Attorney General During a historic meeting on Thursday between Presidents Dr. Irfaan Ali and Nicolas Maduro, many observed the sizable chunk of documents the Venezuelan Head of State was furnished with.

Those documents were materials being used by Venezuela to bolster their outrageous claims over two thirds of Guyana, known as Essequibo.

Revealing this in a public statement was the Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall S.C. He explained, “many would have seen that President Nicolas Maduro had with him at the meeting, several volumes of documents. Many of those

were compilations of public statements made on this matter, critical commentaries on the operations of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and the several legal proceedings filed in relation thereto – all extracted from the local media.”

He went on to note, “These are materials which Venezuela is using to bolster their narrative. Whatever weight is placed upon them, they certainly do not and will not assist Guyana in any form or fashion.”

The Attorney General therefore urged, “those who wish to travel this road by making such statements, or taking such actions, must now become alive to this consequential reality.”

The AG was part of Guyana’s delegation that participated in the high level talks with President Maduro in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He was keen to point out that while Guyana came out of the Argle engagement without ceding any of its positions but gained much.

Be that as it may, he noted that the nation now awaits to see whether the commitments made on paper will materialize.

A major declaration made by the two countries is to avoid the use of force or threats amid the ongoing border dispute.

The AG said that should these commitments be trampled on, it would only serve to solidify Guyana’s position for future engagements.

Border dispute Meanwhile, the Legal A ff a i r s M i n i s t e r a l s o

explained that while historically, there was an insistence on the avoidance of the term ‘dispute’ in reference to the issue at hand, the matter has since evolved.

He noted, “It has been submitted by Guyana to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for adjudication and the Court has assumed jurisdiction over the matter.

The jurisdiction of a Court of Law is activated only to resolve legal disputes, not controversies.

Indeed, there is a whole school of jurisprudential thought that compels a Court to decline jurisdiction if there is no real or bona fide dispute between the parties before it.

He went on to point out that the ICJ in its judgment granting provisional measures used the term “dispute” and “territory in dispute” seamlessly and interchangeably. Therefore, he reasoned that this objection is one overtaken by events and bears no merit.

Monday “People are still suffering although we have oil” –‘ Red Thread’ says single mothers being forced to sacrifice balanced diet to pay bills As the Christmas season approaches, single mothers are dreading the reality of being unable to put meals on their tables for their children.

‘Red Thread’, a grassroots women organization during a recent radio programme on ‘Oil Talk’ aired on 99.1/ 99.5 FM, expressed frustration over (Continued on page 13)

Sunday December 24, 2023

From page 12 the citizenry being unable to benefit from the oil wealth discovered offshore Guyana.

To date, discoveries in the Stabroek Block amounting to more than 11 billion barrels of oil have been announced by US oil major, ExxonMobil. In fact, three Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels are currently in operation and is likely to push daily production to about 620,000 barrels per day (bdp) in the first quarter of 2024. ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of the Stabroek Block is producing about 400,000 bpd alone at the first two projects, Liza One and Liza Two. Even though oil production commenced since December 2019, poor Guyanese families say the sector has not improved their lives in any way. This is due to the lopsided Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed by the former Coalition government and the failure on the part of the incumbent administration to effect better fiscal management of the sector.

During the radio programme, ‘Red Thread’ highlighted that the cost of vegetables and fruits have skyrocketed in the past five years with little done by government to assist families. It must be noted that the government had reduced the cost of fertilizers to assist farmers as well as reduced and removed taxes on certain equipment. Be that as it may, customers continue to complain of high market prices.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Red Thread women: (from right) Halima Khan and Joy Marcus during an ‘Oil Talk’ programme hosted by Charles Sugrim

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

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

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

Khan told the host, Charles Sugrim, a member of the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) that fruit prices in the market have tripled, causing some mothers, like herself, to cut back on these items from their daily diet.

Similarly, she pointed out that vegetable prices have skyrocketed. Khan told listeners that families are

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

being forced to reduce their market budget to meet other expenses such internet and electricity bills; leaving no resources for medical purposes or recreation.

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

Marcus said she pays her rent and electricity bills and whatever is left is “stretched” to purchase food.

The single mother explained that she started planting vegetables to be able to feed her family, however, the hot weather has been affecting the produce.

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

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, Marcus also pointed out, “We always

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

NDIA bought 10 undersized, inefficient pumps under $600M contract - AG report A recently published report by the Audit Office of Guyana (AOG) concerning the Ministry of Agriculture National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) activities has uncovered significant concerns regarding a contract valued at $600.886 million.

The contract was awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) in the sum of US$3.602M equivalent to $753.397M on 05 June 2018 to Apolla International

Limited for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of nine fixed and three mobile highcapacity drainage pumps and a s s o c i a t e d structures/equipment. The Contract was signed on 03 September 2018 by former Chief Executive Officer of NDIA, Fredrick Flatts.

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

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

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

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

In response to these findings, the Ministry of Agriculture acknowledged the unexpended sum, citing issues with the supplied pumps as the reason for the delay. Moreover, an (Continued on page 14)

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

From page 13 assessment conducted by a technical team identified the need to replace ten undersized engines and utilize the remaining contract balance to rectify defects in the equipment.

However, despite the recommendation and communication from the Attorney General in August 2022, confirming the necessity to replace the engines, none of the 10 engines (three for mobile pumps and seven for fixed pumps) were exchanged as requested. The NDIA mentioned the supply of only one gear drive for the Devonshire Castle Pump Station, further emphasizing the unresolved issues with the project.

Conclusively, the Audit Office recommended continued engagement between the Agriculture Ministry and the Contractor to ensure the replacement of the ten engines, emphasizing the importance of proactive project management to detect and address issues p r o m p t l y, t h e r e b y preventing delays and ensuring the intended budget utilization.

TUESDAY As Guyana increases oil production yearly, citizens depend more on overseas relatives for financial help —World Bank report Amidst ramped up oil production and being labeled the fast growing economy in the world, Guyanese still heavily depend on overseas relatives to send them help to survive. For this year, the World Bank said that Guyana received US$549M (GYD $114,836,356,362) in remittances (financial aid from overseas relatives), representing some 3.4% of t h e c o u n t r y ’s G r o s s Domestic Product.

The heavy dependence on remittances by Guyanese to make ends meet daily, despite the abundance of oil resources, further underscores the cries of citizens that the oil money is not reaching them. Guyana has so far received just over US$3B of oil revenues since start pumping oil back in 2019, but with a lopsided contract that waives the taxes of the oil companies and a lack of ring-fencing, the country is foregoing US billions more. The President Irfaan Ali administration has

thus far resisted calls to renegotiate the contract or even tighten up certain provisions by capping the interest rates on loans being taken by the oil giant- Exxon Mobil to run its operations and ring-fence upcoming projects.

In its 2023 Migration and Development Brief, the World Bank said remittances to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) grew at an estimated 3.8% in 2023-a moderation from the high gains of the previous two years. Of concern, the bank said, is the risk of decline in real income for migrants in 2024 in the face of global inflation and low growth prospects, according to the World Bank.

For Guyana the report stated that this country received some US$549M in remittances so far this year.

Of note the World Bank report shows a steep increase in remittances to this country since Guyana started pumping oil in 2019 reaching its highest since 2007 of US$549M in 2023.

The World Bank report shows remittances to Guyana reaching US$380M in 2019, then moved to US$429M in 2020 and US$548M in years 2021 and 2022.

Guyanese have been complaining about the high cost of living and unemployment for decades and many had hoped with the advent of oil, their situation would have improved.

However, many citizens continue to turn to their overseas relatives to cushion the blows from the economic fallout.

According to the World Bank in 2023, remittance flows to LMICs are estimated to have reached US$669 billion as resilient labour markets in advanced economies and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries continue supporting migrants’ ability to send money home. By region, remittance inflows grew for Latin America and the Caribbean (8%), South Asia (7.2%), East Asia and the Pacific (3%), and SubSaharan Africa (1.9%).

Flows to the Middle East and North Africa fell for the second year, declining by 5.3% mainly due to a sharp drop in flows to Egypt.

Remittances to Europe and Central Asia also fell by 1.4% after gaining more than 18% in 2022.

The United States

remains the largest source of remittances. The top five remittance recipient countries in 2023 are India ($125 billion), Mexico ($67 billion), China ($50 billion), the Philippines ($40 billion), and Egypt ($24 billion).

Economies where remittance inflows represent substantial shares of gross domestic product (GDP) – highlighting the importance of remittances for funding current account and fiscal shortfalls – are Tajikistan (48%), Tonga (41%), Samoa (32%), Lebanon (28%), and Nicaragua (27%).

Based on the trajectory of weaker global economic a c t i v i t y, g r o w t h o f remittances to LMICs is expected to soften further to 3.1% in 2024. Driving the moderated forecast are a slowing economic growth and the prospect of weaker job markets in several highincome countries.

Additional downside risks include volatile oil prices and currency exchange rates, and a deeper-than-expected economic downturn in highincome countries. “During crises, migrants have weathered risks and shown resilience to support families back home. But high inflation and subdued global growth is affecting how much money they can send,” said Iffath Sharif, Global Director of the Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice at the World Bank.

“Labor markets and social protection policies in host countries should be inclusive of migrants, whose remittances serve as a vital

lifeline for developing countries.”

According to the Bank’s Remittances Prices Wo r l d w i d e D a t a b a s e , remittance costs remain persistently high, costing 6.2% on average to send $200 as of the second quarter of 2023. Compared to a year ago, sending money to all regions was more expensive, with the Middle East and North Africa being the exception. Banks continue to be the costliest channel for sending remittances (with an average cost of 12.1%), followed by post offices (7%), money transfer operators (5.3%), and mobile operators (4.1%).

“Remittances are one of the few sources of private external finance that are expected to continue to grow in the coming decade. They must be leveraged for private capital mobilization to support development finance, especially via diaspora bonds,” said Dilip Ratha, lead economist and lead author of the report.

“Remittance flows to developing countries have surpassed the sum of foreign direct investment and official development assistance in recent years, and the gap is increasing.”

A special section of the Brief describes how diaspora finances can be mobilized for development and strengthening a country’s debt position. Diaspora bonds can be structured to directly tap diaspora savings held in foreign destinations.

Many countries provide for nonresident deposits to

Sunday December 24, 2023

attract diaspora savings.

However, unlike diaspora bonds, such savings tend to be short-term and volatile.

Future inflows of remittances can be used as collateral to lower the costs of international borrowings by developing countries.

Due to their large size relative to other sources of foreign exchange, countercyclical nature and indirect contribution to public finances, remittances can also help improve a country’s sovereign ratings and its ability to repay debt.

Regional Remittance Trends Remittances to East Asia and the Pacific increased by an estimated 3% to reach $133 billion in 2023.

Excluding China, remittances to the region grew an estimated 7% to $83 billion in 2023, supported by the sustained growth in remittance flows to the Philippines, which has migrants in a welldiversified set of host destinations across the world. The average cost of sending $200 to the region was 5.9% in the second quarter of 2023. In 2024, remittance growth to the region is estimated to be 2.4%.

Remittance flows to Europe and Central Asia are estimated to have declined by 1.4% to $78 billion in 2023. The subdued growth in 2023 is due mainly to an unusually high base level posted in 2022, driven by huge amounts of money transfers from Russia, and a lingering weakness in flows

to Russia and Ukraine.

Depreciation of the Russian ruble against the U.S. dollar has also decreased the value of money transfers from Russia. The average cost of sending $200 to the region was 6.9% in the second quarter of 2023 (excluding Russia). In 2024, remittances are projected to post a decline of 1.2%.

Remittance flows to Latin America and the Caribbean are expected to increase by 8% to reach $156 billion in 2023. The strong labor market in the United States positively impacted remittance flows.

Remittances to Mexico, the region’s biggest recipient, are projected to increase by 9.7%. The growth of remittances is expected to be 45% in Nicaragua, 9% in Guatemala, and 7.5% in Colombia. The average cost of sending $200 to the region was 6.1% in the second quarter of 2023. Growth in remittances to the region is expected to slow to 4.4% in 2024.

Remittances to the Middle East and North Africa are expected to decline again in 2023, falling by about 5.3% to $61 billion in 2023, driven mainly by a sharp drop in flows to Egypt.

For Egypt, a significant gap between the official exchange rate and the parallel market likely caused a large part of remittances to be unrecorded. Meanwhile, remittance flows to the Maghreb countries experienced a gain, offsetting some of the decline. Sending $200 to the region cost 5.9% on average in the second quarter of 2023. In 2024, remittance flows are projected to recover to a 2.1% gain based on an expected turnaround in flows to Egypt. Remittance flows to South Asia are estimated to have grown 7.2% in 2023 to reach $189 billion, tapering off from the over 12% increase in 2022.

The increase is attributable entirely to remittance flows to India, which are expected to beat previous forecasts by $14 billion and reach $125 billion in 2023. The key drivers of remittance growth in 2023 are a historically tight labor market in the United States, high employment growth in Europe reflecting extensive leveraging of worker retention programs, and a dampening of inflation in high-income countries.

(Continued on page 46)

Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

KNews’ Publisher appeals to politicians to ring-fence all new oil projects T

he Publisher of Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall is appealing to Guyanese politicians to ensure future Stabroek Block projects are ring-fenced, beginning with the sixth development, Whiptail.

Lall has been on the forefront of calls for a renegotiation of the repulsive agreement Guyana signed with ExxonMobil for several years; however, he urges that such a change can be implemented without touching the contract. In a public comment, Lall said this was his only Christmas wish.

The businessman said, “All I want is for the Guyanese Politicians to ringfence each new oil project, starting with the 6th one. If that is done, the trauma, the burden, and hardships, will no longer be on the Guyanese people's backs.”

He reasoned that

Guyana's 83,000 square miles can be transformed with better wages and increased old age pensions and the country can also upgrade its water and electricity supply and assist Guyanese with the combating the high cost of living.

Importantly, Lall pointed out that the revenues to be earned by ring-fencing the oil projects can build and upgrade highways and transform the country's medical facilities.

Ring-fencing simply means that each oil project must pay for itself. In this manner, Guyana can enjoy 50 percent of all revenue generated at that development after costs have been recovered by Exxon. In the absence of this provision, Guyana has been losing profits to pay for exploration and development costs in the Stabroek Block.

To this end the newspaper

Publisher said, “Fence those new oil projects and our children will have the best quality education, in comfort and style. Fence the oil projects and Guyana will never have to run to foreign banks for loans, Guyana can become lenders rather than borrowers, fence every new oil project and our present and our children's future is secure and set for generations to come.”

Lall explained that Guyana is presently foregoing over US$4 billion a year in profits to Exxon and will continue to lose more revenue by failing to ringfence the future projects. He questioned the logic for this even as the country struggles to repay its close to US$4B debt.

Already, Guyana has granted Permits for five projects, Liza One and Two, Payara, Yellowtail and Uaru, respectively.

A sixth development,

Whiptail, is currently pending the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) approval.

In making his case for the new projects to be ringfenced, the businessman reasoned that the country still does not have independent meters on the three Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels in operation and has not capped the interest rates being charged on the oil companies' investments.

He also expressed concern that thorough audits are not being conducted on the multi-billion US-dollar expenses being incurred by the operator of the Stabroek Block.

Lall said, “They not (thoroughly) reviewing and auditing each project cost, not receiving a cent tax from its oil resources, not verifying or scrutinizing the monthly expenses by the oil companies, not demanding

Publisher of Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall full protection / compensation from an oil spill to this entire region and all its people, but as the Publisher of the Kaieteur News, I am willing to bypass all those misdeeds, and mismanagement of the oil sector.

I am willing to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to all of the above mentioned. All I am pleading for is to fence all the new oil projects that VP Bharat Jagdeo is about to hand Exxon.”

He pointed out that ringfencing is a key provision that has been implemented by

oil producing countries around the world, referencing neighbouring Belize and Suriname as examples.

In his appeal to the Guyanese politicians, Lall said, “Look how everything in this country is dull and dark at this time, all because those five oil projects were not fenced.

Could you guys show the nation some light in the coming year, by fencing every new oil project as a Christmas gift, so we can all breathe and enjoy our oil wealth?”

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Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

Enhancing beauty with a touch of sophistication…

The SAKS founder and her two beautiful daughters

s l l a f r e t a W The

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Susan 'SAKS' Ibrahim

Premier Guyanese MUA

Susan 'SAKS' Ibrahim

is a 'Special Person'

Owner, Atika Stephens

...Redefining gastronomy for all

Rickeita Leitch

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Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

And this week's beauty, the glamorously alluring Rickeita Leitch is reminding us of just that. This 21-year-old business developer loves fitness, is a gym enthusiast, and a trained Kathak dancer.

She enjoys spending time fixing puzzles and going for long drives. Rickeita is currently pursuing her degree in marketing and business management. Her favourite quote is by American clergyman and author, Norman Vincent Peale, “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”

Rickeita Leitch

Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Guatemala: Democracy vs. Unbridled Attorney-General Authority By: Sir. Ronald Sanders

Recent events in the Central American country, Guatemala, underscores why organs of government in any country should have oversight bodies that have the authority to curb rogue behaviour by office holders.

These events also demonstrate why legislation should be carefully drafted and reviewed before being passed into law.

Over the last year, the Public Ministry and the Attorney-General of Guatemala have been p u r s u i n g l e g a l manoeuvres to undermine the Semilla Party and its leader Bernardo Arévalo, who convincingly won the Presidency of the country at runoff elections in August.

Because of a lag period between the elections and installation of the new executive, Arévalo and his VicePresidential running mate, Karin Herrera, cannot take office until January 14, 2024.

This interregnum provided time for mischief by forces, including the Attorney General and the Public Ministry to try to disqualify Arévalo and Herrera from assuming their elected positions.

These actions included undermining the rule of law and the rights of Guatemalans by arbitrary arrests and constant attempts to persecute opposition leaders and human rights d e f e n d e r s . T h e I n t e rAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has repeatedly expressed alarm that, particularly since the year 2021, there has been intense criminal prosecution and persecution by the Public Prosecutor’s Office against people who have performed work of special relevance for democracy, such as journalists, justice operators, human rights defenders, student organizations, officials of electoral bodies and members of political parties”.

The Attorney-General, María Consuelo Porras, is protected by a sinister law which prohibits her removal from office, except upon conviction for an intentional crime. This protection is enshrined in Article 14 of the Public Ministry Law of

2016. But “intention” is extremely difficult to prove; it requires the almost impossible task of reading the mind of a person to determine that any action taken was “intentional” or planned. Armoured with this protection the Attorney-General and her Public Ministry have been waging what appears to be a campaign of abuse of the law to achieve their objectives, of which the principal one appears to be stopping the installation of Bernardo Arévalo and Karin Herrera as P r e s i d e n t a n d Vi c e President of the country.

In the course of all this, the Public Ministry has seized ballot boxes from the July and August elections, breaking the chain of custody in violation of the electoral laws of the country and contaminating the sanctity of the votes.

Additionally, magistrates of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) have had their immunities removed. Three of them have fled the country in fear.

The Public Ministry claims that they sought to remove these immunities because of suspicion of corruption in the purchase of a computer programme for the transmission of preliminary results.

However, on October 31, the TSE had certified the results of the elections, confirming the election of Arévalo and Herrera.

This issue of the unfettered power of the Attorney-General is one that concerns many people, including civil society and human rights groups in Guatemala. It is of great concern to the Semilla party and the President-Elect and Vice President elect, who recognise that, even after they assume office on January 14, there is little or nothing they can do about the behaviour and power of the AttorneyGeneral.

In October, the Semilla Party filed a case on this matter at the Constitutional Court, fearing that, if Article 14 of the 2016 Public Ministry law, is not declared unconstitutional, the Attorney-General and the

Public Ministry “will continue its illegal acts”.

Their hopes were dashed on December 20, when the Constitutional Court ruled that Article 24 is not unconstitutional, leaving the Attorney General free rein to implement policies and actions of her sole making.

After visiting Guatemala, as Chair of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS), I advised the Council on December 20 that, “Given the history of t h e P u b l i c M i n i s t r y ’s arbitrary behaviour, this case is one to which the Permanent Council may need to pay close attention, even after the transfer of executive power”.

Arévalo and Herrera look set to be installed as President and Vice President on January 14, despite the antics of the AttorneyGeneral and the Public Ministry.

Assurance of this was given on December 14 by the Constitutional Court which rules that: investigation by the Public Ministry cannot prevent the completion and results of the electoral process; demanded that the Congress and its directing board are obliged to guarantee that all elected persons take their positions in accordance with the certification of the results m a d e o ff i c i a l b y t h e Supreme Electoral Tribunal; warned all authorities that they must comply with the installation of the new executive; and stated that any persons who do not comply with the rulings will incur civil and criminal liabilities.

However, it is unlikely that the Attorney-General, who is legally accountable to no person or oversight body, will cease a campaign which, in the view of some in Guatemala is, at best selfrighteous, and at worse malicious.

Her actions and those of the Public Ministry appear set to be a destabilizing force for the new executive from its first day in office.

But as the IACHR pointed out: “Respect for democracy entails ensuring the validity of a model of checks and balances in which the different state functions correspond to separate, independent and balanced bodies, so as to allow the necessary limits to

the exercise of power and, in turn, to avoid arbitrariness”.

The member states of the OAS, which includes the countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), must maintain a vigilant eye on Guatemala in terms of trying to ensure that the absence of limits and oversight on the AttorneyGeneral and the Public Ministry, does not seek, do not give a license to overturn

the will of the electorate; the majority of whom voted for a new executive led by Arévalo and Herrera.

At risk is the validity of the people’s vote and Sir. Ronald Sanders democracy itself.

(The writer is Antigua Organization of American and Barbuda’s Ambassador States. The views expressed to the United States and the are entirely his own)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

Laura Lynch founding member of The Dixie Chicks dies

Laura Lynch Laura Lynch, a founding member of The Dixie Chicks, has reportedly died after being involved in a car accident in Texas. She was 65.

The musician was killed instantly on Friday (Dec. 22) after another vehicle slammed head-on into her car as it was attempting to pass another vehicle on Highway 62 outside of El Paso, Texas, according to TMZ. The driver of the other car was reportedly transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Lynch was declared dead at the scene.

Lynch was a co-founder of The Dixie Chicks — who now go by The Chicks — alongside members Robin

Lynn Macy, Martie Erwin and Emily Erwin in 1989.

Billboard has reached out to representatives of The Chicks for comment on Lynch’s passing.

The Texas-born artist initially served as the upright bass player for The Dixie Chicks and eventually took on the role of singer. She recorded three albums with country music group — Thank Heavens for Dale Evans (1990), Little Ol’ Cowgirl (1992) and Shouldn’t a Told You That (1993) — before leaving the country group in 1993. Two years after departing, she was replaced by Natalie Maines.

Lynch is survived by her husband, Mac Tull, and their daughter, TMZ reports.

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Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

PAGE 23

Rosé Teases BLACKPINK’s ‘A VR Encore’ Concert

Jennifer Lopez

Looking Ahead: A Release Calendar of Upcoming Albums in 2024 2023 may have featured massive releases from artists s u c h a s Ta y l o r S w i f t (Taylor’s Versions of Speak Now and 1989), Drake (For All the Dogs and its Scary Hours edition), Bad Bunny (Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana), Nicki Minaj (Pink Friday 2), Morgan Wallen (One Thing at a Time) and many others, but 2024 is shaping up to be a strong year as well.

Albums scheduled for release include Jennifer Lopez’s long-awaited ninth

studio album This Is Me…Now, the follow-up to her 2002 release, This Is Me…Then. Also planned?

Among them as well is the Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign collab Vultures, which has moved its release date from 2023 into the new year.

Though projects are announced, they’re sometimes delayed for various reasons, or even announced just days in advance, so keeping track of when artists’ albums are

coming can be difficult.

To make it easier for fans, we’ve compiled this release calendar so the biggest and most anticipated releases won’t be missed when release dates come and go.

The list is organized chronologically by month and week, and includes genres from pop, hip-hop, rock, K-pop, Latin, country and beyond. Keep reading for our running calendar of the major album releases coming in 2024.

K-pop stars Blackpink are among the acts who have recently partnered for programming with YouTube Music.

As the global phenomenon that is BLACKPINK prepares to unveil BLACKPINK: A VR Encore, an immersive virtual reality experience stemming from the special finale concert of the BORN PINK World Tour, anticipation is high not just from fans, but the members themselves.

Speaking exclusively with Billboard ahead of A VR Encore’s premiere on Tuesday (Dec. 26), Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa dive into their vision and inspiration to take the “next step” intersecting the technology, creativity and energy synonymous with the BLACKPINK brand to jump into virtual reality.

Produced and directed by Emmy winners, The Diamond Bros in partnership with Meta, the 70-minute concert will have BLACKPINK and BLINKs experiencing Billboard Hot 100 hits such as “Shut Down,” “Pink Venom” and “How You Like That” like never before. Utilizing Meta Quest 3 headsets, the show takes place in Meta Horizon Worlds’ new Music Valley venue.

BLACKPINK: A VR Encore premieres for free, exclusively in VR on Tuesday, Dec. 26, at 5 p.m. PT in Meta Horizon Worlds. For those unable to attend the live premiere, replays will be available until the end of January in Meta Horizon Worlds.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

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g tin s... s e er re Int eatu Cr

The Caribou (Reindeer)

National Geographic t’s Christmas eve and Santa might be preparing his reindeers for a trip across the globe. While the story of Santa and his flying reindeers is a fairytale, these animals do exist.

However, they do not fly and they do not live in the North pole but make their home in the northern parts of Europe and North America where the weather is cold.

Today, we are going to learn about the Caribou Reindeer, which is native to North America.

The large hoofed animals belonging to the deer family, caribou and the normal reindeer are a c t u a l l y t h e s a m e

I

The Caribou Reindeer.

species—Rangifer tarandus. There are differences between them though. Caribou are native to North America, whereas reindeer are native to northern Europe and Asia.

Alaska does have some reindeer, however, imported from Siberia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Some people use the term

“reindeer” to refer to domesticated work animals, such as those pulling Santa’s sleigh, but there are both wild and domestic herds of reindeer. Caribou, on the other hand, live in the wild and take on long annual migrations. Indigenous groups, including the Sami in northern Scandinavia and the Nenet in Russia’s Arctic, herd reindeer

and use them for their meat. That’s also likely why reindeer evolved to be stockier than caribou.

Migration Caribou make one of the w o r l d ’s g r e a t l a rg e - a n i m a l migrations. As summer approaches, they head north along well-trod annual routes. Some herds may travel up to 800 miles to get to their summer grazing grounds. They’ll spend the summer months feeding on the abundant grasses and plants of the tundra. An adult caribou can eat 12 pounds of food each day. This is also when they give birth.

When the first snows fall each year, the caribou turn back south.

Herds of female caribou, called cows, leave several weeks before the males, which follow with yearling calves from the previous birthing season. The herds spend the winter in more sheltered climes and survive by feeding on lichens.

Caribou are taller and lankier than reindeer, likely because they evolved to make these long migrations. Cows have one calf each year, which can stand after only a few minutes and move on with its mother by the next day.

Hooves and antlers Caribou, as part of the deer family, have large hooves that are useful tools for life in the harsh northlands.

They are big enough to support the animal’s bulk on snow and to paddle it efficiently through the water. The hoof’s underside is hollowed out like a scoop and used for digging through the snow in search of food.

Its sharp edges give the animal good purchase on rocks or ice.

Caribou are the only deer in which male and females both have antlers—though only some females have them.

Male reindeer, however, shed

their antlers every November and grow them back in February—suggesting that Santa’s reindeer would have been female.

Conservation Caribou are classified as vulnerable to extinction, one step above endangered. Because they’re m i g r a t o r y, c h a n g e s i n t h e landscape, such as the appearance of new fences or other human development on their migration routes, can be especially disruptive.

Human activities like logging has made caribou more susceptible to predation from wolves and other animals who now have free access to caribou habitats. Climate change is also a threat.

As the Arctic warms, they become more susceptible to diseases and parasites, which could quickly spread through a herd. Source of i n f o r m a t i o n : https://www.nationalgeographic.co m/animals/mammals/facts/caribou

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Sunday December 24, 2023

Sunday December 24, 2023

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Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

Sunday December 24, 2023

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Kaieteur News

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Sunday December 24, 2023

The SAKS founder and her two beautiful daughters

Enhancing beauty with a touch of sophistication…

Susan 'SAKS' Ibrahim

Premier Guyanese MUA Susan ‘S'AKS' Ibrahim‘ is a 'Special Person'

By Rehanna Ramsay “The love of beauty is taste but the creation of beauty is art,” said famous American Philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Perhaps, this is the thinking that

drives this week's Special Person, a premier Guyanese Makeup Artist (MUA) whose reputation precedes her; so much so that the name, Susan 'SAKS' Ibrahim has become synonymous to class, beauty and sophistication. Ibrahim is readily

on call especially during this festive time of year. Despite being booked and busy, the MUA was gracious enough to take time out from her busy schedule to share her inspiring journey with The Waterfalls Magazine.

She told The Waterfalls that circumstances led her to hone her passion for cosmetics and makeup artistry.

The mother of two said her career as a MUA came about after the birth of her second daughter.

into a maternal role as a stay-athome mother,” the MUA said adding this allowed her to capitalize on her passion for cosmetics.

According to Ibrahim, this led to her branding the business SAKS

“Following the birth of my second daughter, I faced the harsh reality of limited childcare options, which prompted me to transition

which is derived from the initials of the family– including her husband, Shafwaz, daughters Aurelia, Kate, (Continuned on page 35)

A satisfied client: Teshawna Lall shares a heartwarming smile after getting her makeup done by Susan Ibrahim.

Susan 'SAKS' Ibrahim

The Guyanese MUA has copped a prestigious Caribbean award for her work.

The glamourous Susan Ibrahim is a sought cosmetic and marketing expert

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

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Ne-Yo wins masks singer season 10 Ne-Yo got udder-ly candid about the love he has for his mother and the strong women in his life as he was unveiled Wednesday as the winner of Fox’s “The Masked Singer.”

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter came out on top in Season 10 after nearly three months performing as a cow dressed as a retro diner waitress. Ne-Yo said winning the trophy “would just be icing on top of a very beautiful cake.”

For his final performance, Ne-Yo (as Cow) performed Rihanna’s “Take a Bow.” Panelists Robin Thicke and Nicole Scherzinger correctly guessed that the “Closer” singer was behind the mask, while Jenny McCarthy and Ken Jeong thought otherwise. Upon his big reveal, Ne-Yo admitted he was “giving real girl cow realness” and that he intentionally went with a “female cow” to trick judges and make it to the end of the season. He bested fellow finalist John Schneider, the “Dukes of Hazzard” alum, who was masked as Donut.

The 44-year-old recording artist, also known for the hits “Miss Independent” and “Because of You,” dedicated his “Masked Singer” win to his mother.

“I grew up in a house full of women: my

mother, my sister, my grandmother, five aunts...what I learned in that house is the strength of a woman — I’m talking physical and mental,” he said.

“I learned how to be a listener. I learned how to not be afraid of emotion. I learned how to stand on my own two. I learned these things from these women,” he continued.

“My mother has been my rock for my entire life — she still is to this day.”

The singer also recognized his children Madilyn Grace, Mason Evan, Roman Alexander-Raj, Isabella Rose, Braiden and Brixton — whom he shares with multiple women. Ne-Yo and ex-wife Crystal Renay finalized their divorce in February.

Acknowledging the size of his family, Ne-Yo joked with host and father of 12, Nick Cannon: “I don’t got as many as you but I’m getting close.

Together with families, schools and the community, LAEP facilitates access to and opportunities for quality educational and wellness practices.

Now a “Masked Singer” winner, Ne-Yo joins an exclusive club that also includes TPain, Jewel and Teyana Taylor. Singer Bishop Briggs was the Season 9 winner.

Taraji P. Henson Considers Quitting Hollywood Actress Taraji P Henson

Taraji P. Henson is candidly speaking out about the salary gap in Hollywood while expressing her frustration over being paid a fraction of what white actors are earning.

Henson’s career spans more than two decades in Hollywood, having starred in a string of blockbuster hits, including ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,’ ‘Hidden Figures,’ and ‘The Karate Kid.’ But in a recent interview with Gayle King on SiriusXM, the actress says she’s continuing to fight for equal pay in the film industry because she still isn’t receiving equitable compensation, despite

having comparable or even more impressive resumes than some of her white costars.

After being asked about the rumors of her potential retirement from acting, the ‘Empire’ star gave quite an emotional response. “I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do [and] getting paid a fraction of the cost,” she said, stressing over the pay gap for Black actors. “I’m tired of hearing my sisters saying the same thing over and over.

“I hear people go, ‘You work a lot.’ I have to. The math ain’t mathing. Big bills come with what we do. We don’t do this alone. The fact that we’re up here, there’s a

whole entire team behind us.

They have to get paid.”

The severity of the situation in the film industry has left Henson to consider walking away from her passion and hard-earned career. Despite starring in award-winning movies, she continues to feel that people undervalue her work based on her pay.

Henson then broke down the salary division, explaining that one portion goes to the IRS while the other covers her team’s salary. Her answer strongly suggested that if she receives less than her asking price, the mother-of-one is subsequently left with very little for herself.

Neyo is the winner of masked singer season 10

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Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

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This week in History Christmas celebrated worldwide December 25 Though the precise origin of the date is unclear, Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, is celebrated on this day, having been first identified as the date of Jesus’ birth by Sextus Julius Africanus in 221.

Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.

A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it follows the season of Advent (which begins four Sundays before) or the Nativity Fast, and initiates t h e s e a s o n o f Christmastide, which historically in the West lasts twelve days and culminates on Twelfth Night.[5] Christmas Day is a public holiday in many countries.is celebrated religiously by a majority of Christians,] as well as culturally by many non-

The nativity scene

Boxing Day is observed December 26 Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide December 26. Though it originated as a holiday to give gifts to people in need, today Boxing Day forms part of Christmas celebrations, with many people choosing to take advantage of Boxing Day sales.

It originated in Great Britain and is celebrated in several Commonwealth nations.

The attached bank holiday or public

Christians, and forms an integral part of the holiday season surrounding it.

The traditional Christmas narrative recounted in the New Testament, known as the Nativity of Jesus, says that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in accordance with messianic prophecies.

When Joseph and Mary arrived in the city, the inn

holiday may take place on December 28, if necessary to ensure it falls on a weekday.

Boxing Day is also concurrent with the Christian festival Saint Stephen’s Day. In parts of Europe, such as several regions of Spain, the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Romania, Hungary, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, and most of Ireland (excluding most of the North), December 26 is Saint Stephen’s Day, which is considered the second day of Christmas.

had no room, and so they were offered a stable where the Christ Child was soon born, with angels proclaiming this news to shepherds, who then spread the word There are different hypotheses regarding the date of Jesus’s birth and in the early fourth century, the church fixed the date as December 25.

Denzel Washington was born Pakistani politician Benazir Bhutto was assassinated

December 28 Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. 69, is an American actor, producer and director. In a career spanning over four decades, Washington has received numerous accolades, including a Tony Award, two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards and two Silver Bears. He was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2019, and in 2020 The New York Times named him the greatest actor of the 21st century. In 2022, Washington received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

After training at the American Conservatory Theater, Washington began his career in theatre, acting in performances offBroadway. He first came to prominence in the NBC medical drama series St. Elsewhere (1982–1988), and in the war film A Soldier’s Story (1984).

Washington won Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his role as an American Civil War soldier in Glory (1989) and for Best Actor for playing a corrupt cop in Training Day (2001). His other Oscar-

Denzel Washington nominated roles were in Cry Freedom (1987), Malcolm X (1992), The Hurricane (1999), Flight (2012), Fences (2015), Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017) and The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021).

December 27 The assassination of Benazir Bhutto took place on 27 December 2007 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Benazir Bhutto, twice Prime Minister of Pakistan (1988–1990; 1993–1996) and then-leader of the opposition Pakistan People’s Party, had been campaigning ahead of elections scheduled for January 2008.

Shots were fired at her after a political rally at Liaqat National Bagh, and a suicide bomb was detonated immediately following the shooting.

She was declared dead at 18:16 local time, at Rawalpindi General Hospital.

Twenty-three other people were killed by the bombing.

Bhutto had previously survived a similar attempt on her life (the 2007 Karsaz bombing) that killed at least 180 people, after her return from exile two months earlier.

Following the event, the Election Commission of Pakistan postponed the

Benazir Bhutto general elections by a month, which saw Bhutto’s party win.

Though early reports indicated that she had been hit by shrapnel or the gunshots, the Pakistani Interior Ministry initially stated that Bhutto died of a skull fracture sustained when the force of the explosion caused her head to strike the sunroof of the vehicle.

Kaieteur News

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Sunday December 24, 2023

30 new companies certified by GNBS in 2023 This year, thirty new companies were certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) under its Bed and Breakfast, Made in Guyana, Laboratory and Product Certification programmes, to promote quality in the local manufacturing and services sectors.

Two companies, Atlantic Suites Luxury Apartments, under the Bed and Breakfast Certification programme and Fresh Packagers, under the Permit to use the Made in Guyana Certification Mark programme were certified by the GNBS this month.

According to the GNBS, Atlantic Suites Luxury Apartments which is located at Lot 30 Henrietta Public Road, Essequibo Coast in Region Two was certified on Thursday, December 21, 2023, as a Category A Bed and Breakfast (B&B) provider after fulfilling the requirements of the Guyana Standard GYS 514: 2016 (Amd. 1 2022) “Requirements for bed and breakfast facilities.”

The certificate was handed over to Manager of the facility, Sharay McKenzie by GNBS Technical Officer, Latchman Mootoosammi.

During a simple ceremony at the facility, McKenzie expressed gratitude to the GNBS team for working with the management of the business to meet the requirements of the standard. She explained that the facility has two fully furnished two-bedroom apartments for short-term and longterm rental and is currently working on three others. In accordance with the standard, the apartments are equipped with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, blackout curtains, distilled water and other necessities. There is also

A representative of Fresh Packagers display the ‘Made in Guyana’ Standards Mark certificate issued by the GNBS convenient parking, security, a caretaker and provisions for pest control.

Meanwhile, the GNBS certified Fresh Packagers of Lot 06 First Street, Kaneville Grove, East Bank D e m e r a r a o n We d n e s d a y, December 20, 2023, to use the ‘Made in Guyana’ Standards Mark on their locally manufactured packaged products.

These products include Fresh Packagers’ geerah, ground mix massala, achar massala and black pepper and Chinese Spice among others.

Proprietress of the company, Sursattie Paul, was elated to achieve the company’s certification milestone. “I am honoured and overwhelmed by this presentation.

I have waited very long, and this is long over-due, I cannot describe how happy I am,” she said.

The certificates were handed over to the entity in the boardroom of the GNBS Head Office, National Exhibition Complex, Sophia by GNBS Technical Officer, Yan Yi Zhu and GNBS Head of Certification Services, Keon Rankin, who extended

Products certified by the GNBS

congratulations to the recipients and urged them to work towards maintaining the requirements of the certification programme and pursuing continuous improvement.

The certifications are valid for one year pending renewal.

Meanwhile, several companies were recertified in 2023, with companies such as Sterling Products Limited and Roopan Ramotar Investment receiving their certificates last week under the Made in Guyana Programme.

Through its Laboratory Certification Programme, the

GNBS certified nine new laboratories to the National Standard GYS 170 “General requirements for the operation of a laboratory,” while two hollow blocks manufacturers and one new gold jeweller were certified under the Product Certification Scheme.

To learn more about the GNBS certification and other programmes, please visit the gnbsgy.org website or contact GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190064-66, the GNBS hotline number 219-0069 or WhatsApp us on 6924627.

Sunday December 24, 2023

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Kaieteur News

MAY THE PEACE AND GOODWILL CONSUMER CONCERNS OF XMAS BE WITH US!

By Pat Dial This year, 2023, the celebration of the Xmas Season has been somewhat restrained owing to the untimely and heroic deaths of five of our finest soldiers and also because of the bellicose and bullying threats of some powerful extremist politicians in Venezuela to violently seize nearly three quarters of the territory of Guyana and destroy Guyana as a nation.

Thankfully, the national grief is diminishing with the interment of the heroes and the closure being experienced by their families and the dangerous existential threat to the nation has been lifted by the Argyle Accord and the tensions which had enveloped Guyanese over the last several months has now receded.

There is, therefore, some space and opportunity for the celebration of the traditional Guyanese Xmas.

In this offering, we will use ‘Xmas’ as the spelling for Christmas since it is reminiscent of the catacombs of ancient Rome and that era when Christians and Christianity

were in a struggle to survive against persecution. Christians at the time used the Greek alphabet which began the spelling of Christ and Christmas with the letter “X” (chi) and this alternate spelling was retained over the centuries. At that time, Christians did not treat Xmas as a time of celebration, rather, it was a time of reflection and where Peace, Goodwill, Fraternity and Loving-kindness, especially to the poor, were the themes rather than joyousness and m e r r i m e n t . G u y a n a ’s present mood is similar and this year, we value and understand the theme of Peace and Goodwill more than the theme of merriment.

Thus, it is more satisfying to wish one’s friends and relatives Peace and Goodwill this Xmas.

Though the mood of Guyanese this Xmas may be reflective and restrained, the traditions of Xmas as marking the birth anniversary of Lord Jesus are very much alive and are deeply etched in the psyche of Guyanese and this was clearly manifested when some decades ago, the Government of Guyana

declared “the deemphasizing Xmas” as national policy, only to be met with strong and universal opposition.

We will remind readers of these traditions, most of them have already been manifesting themselves during this Xmas Season.

These traditions include c l e a n i n g o n e ’s h o m e thoroughly and ensuring that all household equipment and furniture are in spick-andspan condition. Then there is the lighting up of homes and some streets with fairy lights and other lights with the Xmas colours of blue, red, green and gold, each of these colours having its own mythology.

Cakes have always been part of the Xmas fare from the time of Emancipation and the three most popular types being black cake, fruit cakes and sponges with black cake being the Xmas cake par excellence. Though for drink, many families have moved into using aerated drinks, however, homemade drinks, in particular, ginger beer, sorrel, mauby, jamoon wine and rice wine continue to be appreciated.

Xmas music is ubiquitous at this time whether in the form of

H a n d e l ’s m u s i c , B i n g Crosby, Nat King Cole or the many evergreen Carols.

The part children play in the preparations in the Xmas Season is very important as it creates nostalgic memories which they would treasure all their lives; such would be their part in house cleaning or in the preparation of cakes and confections like conkey and various fudges and in the family reunion Xmas meal; and most importantly the toys and gifts they receive.

Gift giving is among the oldest Guyanese Xmas traditions. In the villages and in poorer areas like Albouystown, housewives exchanged saucers with a few foreign dried fruit-like dates and prunes and figs and pieces of cake.

As the country became more Westernized, it was always felt that gifts should be imported and foreign made and indeed, more expensive. In the present mood of realism and successful resistance to Venezuelan bullyism, it is easier to grasp the virtue of giving locally produced gifts.

The varieties of locally

produced items which could make wonderful Xmas gifts are many and in the interest of space we will mention only a few: There are gold and silver handmade jewellery which could be had in 12ct and 18ct and sold by reputable jewellers; there are Amerindian craft such as hand fans, table mats, bows/arrows, hats, matapees, and Amerindian specialties such as sun dried cassava bread and cassareep; there are several manufacturers of world class food and drink products such as E.B. Beharry who produce a l a rg e r a n g e o f S w i s s formulated sweets with types like gold-finger which is a household name, a range of 100 spices of world class packaging and quality and of course their curry powders and chowmein.

Banks DIH produces a fine rice based wine of various flavours, [we should remind consumers that there is nothing declasse’ in using rice as base - Sake and Maotai do - and whiskey and vodka use wheat], their range of biscuits with its crackers and vanilla cookies

could well replace the Danish cookies which have become so popular at Xmas time and their patisserie bakes a variety of cakes including black cake and icing cakes on which customers could have names and greetings written in any colour they choose.

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) produces the best rums in the world and this is universally acknowledged with its 15year-old in demand at the bars of all the major hotels and airports, its jams and jellies and cake mixes and Topco Fruit Juices are standard delights and its liqueurs compare with the best of Europe’s.

In this Xmas Season, the Guyanese Xmas traditions are being maintained in every corner of Guyana, in Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice and the tradition of Christmas shopping showed a sparkle which was reflective of the several billions of dollars of disposable income pumped into the economy in the last several months.

Guyanese are enjoying a joyous Xmas Season which will culminate tomorrow in Xmas day.

Premier Guyanese MUA Susan ‘SAKS’ Ibrahim is a ‘Special Person...

From page 30 and herself Susan. Since then, SAKS Guyana has been the top choice for MUA services boasting an impressive clientele. The business caters for all types of glam needs; for parties, weddings, anniversaries and any other special event. Over the years, Ibrahim has advanced in craft. Her consistency and commitment to excellence has earned her many admirers in Guyana and abroad.

As a result, the SAKS founder copped the prestigious Caribbean Makeup Artist of the Year award at the Caribbean Style and Culture Awards in 2020. She noted that: “The industry acknowledged my unwavering dedication to my craft, culminating in the prestigious 2020 Caribbean Makeup Artist of the Year award that Caribbean Style and Culture bestowed upon me.”

PROFESSIONAL PURSUITS Ibrahim revealed, however, that while her skills as a MUA has earned her significant successes, her earliest professional pursuits had nothing to do with cosmetics.

In fact, she revealed that she grew up in Georgetown in an environment fraught with chaos and dysfunction.

Despite the negative circumstances, Ibrahim said her mother and aunt’s unwavering support and guidance instilled in her a sense of strength, resilience, and determination.

“Their assistance enabled me to

complete high school and set the stage for a brighter future. I aimed to emulate my late mother’s teachings and be a responsible and self-sufficient parent.”

Among the values that Ibrahim learnt while growing up was the importance of earning an honest dollar and how it could lead to true happiness. These values she said, coupled with the influence of people who impacted her life, have been instrumental in shaping the person she is today.

As a young woman, Ibrahim stayed focus and attained academic success. After completing her high school education, she attained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in English Literature, Language, and Linguistics and later, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Marketing from the renowned University of Cambridge. During her academic tenure, Ibrahim utilised her skills and discovered her aptitude for creative pursuits and found a passion for marketing.

As such, she worked as a parttime hostess and freelance marketer for a local television programme, “Greetings from Guyana to New York.”

This opportunity proved to be a significant success, and Ibrahim eventually gained employment as a marketing assistant at the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) for Castrol lubricants. This role provided her

with valuable real-world experience in creative development and campaigns.

CAREER SHIFT Ibrahim’s career shift came shortly after her second daughter was born. She decided that she wanted to be a more hands-on mother. Leveraging digital marketing strategies, she diligently promoted her business and completed a series of marketing courses. Concurrently, Ibrahim honed her makeup application skills by enrolling in prestigious institutions, participating in collaborations, and undertaking practical courses conducted by distinguished makeup artists across the Caribbean.

Soon the demand for Ibrahim’s service grew so much that she started to gain regional recognition and accolades. The MUA noted nonetheless that her reward as a cosmetics expert comes from giving her clients satisfaction.

“As a professional makeup artist, my utmost satisfaction comes from empowering clients and forging meaningful relationships. The art of makeup holds an extraordinary power that can bolster one’s confidence, and I am sincere about utilizing this ability to enable my clients to feel their very best” the SAKS founder stated.

She continued that: “As a makeup artist, I am driven by an

intense love and passion for my profession. The key to success in this highly competitive industry is genuinely enjoying one’s work. My diverse clientele, consisting of women of varying ages, races, and preferences, is an endless source of inspiration and motivation.”

Despite the commitment to her craft, the MUA noted that she has faced a significant challenge in balancing my work commitments, family time, and social activities. “ R e g r e t t a b l y, m y w o r k schedule often infringes upon my time with my daughters, compelling me to sacrifice quality family time for professional obligations. As a mother, I take the responsibility of spending time with my children seriously, and it is challenging to reconcile the competing demands of my work and family life. Nonetheless, I am committed to finding a balance that enables me to deliver quality work to my clients while being present for my family.”

OTHER PASSIONS The task of balancing personal and professional life can be challenging. Ibrahim knows this all too well. As such, she has made taken intentional steps to ensure that she spends enough quality time with her family.

She explained: “I schedule family events on my calendar as well as client appointments, to achieve this balance. This approach

allows me to manage and prioritize my personal and professional obligations effectively.”

The devoted mom noted further, “If I cannot attend to these family commitments, my husband has been gracious enough to step in for me, particularly regarding our daughters. I am grateful for his assistance and proud that my daughters have demonstrated remarkable understanding in these situations.”

Aside from her work as a MUA, Ibrahim seeks to contribute positively to the wider society. She has had the privilege of being a member of the Rotary Club of Garden City-Georgetown in Guyana; she participates in activities for the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and holds a parttime position as an instructor at Carnegie School of Home Economics, which allowed her to share my expertise and knowledge with the community.

As it relates to challenges, she has encountered in life or career, Ibrahim said that she overcomes the hurdles in strides and she seeks to always maintain a positive attitude and never give up on life.

“My unshakeable belief in the good in people and a better future has kept me going. I am determined to continue on this path and never let bitterness take over, no matter the obstacles,” she added.

Kaieteur News

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Sunday December 24, 2023

68 gas projects globally cancelled or put on hold as solar power batteries become cheaper - Reuters G

iant batteries that ensure stable power supply by offsetting intermittent renewable supplies are becoming cheap enough to make developers abandon scores of projects for gas-fired generation world-wide.

The long-term economics of gas-fired plants, used in Europe and some parts of the United States primarily to compensate for the intermittent nature of wind a n d s o l a r p o w e r, a r e changing quickly, according to Reuters’ interviews with more than a dozen power plant developers, project finance bankers, analysts and consultants.

They said some battery operators are already supplying back-up power to grids at a price competitive with gas power plants, meaning gas will be used less.

The shift challenges assumptions about longterm gas demand and could mean natural gas has a smaller role in the energy transition than posited by the biggest, listed energy majors.

In the first half of the year, 68 gas power plant projects were put on hold or c a n c e l l e d g l o b a l l y, according to data provided exclusively to Reuters by U.S.-based non-profit Global Energy Monitor.

Recent cancellations include electricity plant developer Competitive Power Ventures decision announced in October to abandon a gas plant project in New Jersey in the United States. It cited low power prices and the absence of government subsidies without giving financial

Renewable energy firm RP Global intends to build a solar power plant of up to 100 MW with battery storage on the territory of Sremska Mitrovica in Serbia. (Source: Balkhan Green Energy News) detail.

British independent Carlton Power dropped plans for an 800 million pound ($997 million) gas power plant in Manchester, northern England, in 2016.

Reflecting the shift in economics in favour of storage, this year it launched plans to build one of the world’s largest batteries at the site.

“In the early 1990s, we were running gas plants baseload, now they are shifting to probably 40% of the time and that’s going to drop off to 11%-15% in the next eight to 10 years,” Keith Clarke, chief executive at Carlton Power, told Reuters.

Without providing price detail, which companies say is commercially sensitive, Clarke said Carlton had struggled to finance the planned gas plant in part

because of uncertainty over the revenues it would generate and the number of hours it would run.

MODELS UNDER SCRUTINY Developers can no longer use financial modelling that assumes gas power plants are used constantly throughout their 2 0 - y e a r- p l u s l i f e t i m e , analysts said.

Instead, modellers need to predict how much gas generation is needed during times of peak demand and to compensate for the intermittency of renewable sources that are hard to anticipate. “It does become more complex,” Nigel Scott, head of structured trade and commodity finance at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, said.

Investors are putting increased scrutiny on the modelling, he added.

Banks are focused on financing plants that have guaranteed revenues, three bankers involved in energy project finance said, asking not to be named because they were not authorised to speak to the press. Many countries worldwide, but especially in Europe, provide payments for standby power plants through capacity markets. In these markets, power producers bid to be back-up suppliers.

The system has long been criticised by environmental campaigners

on the grounds it can amount to a subsidy to fossil fuel.

Its advocates say it is necessary to ensure the smooth integration of renewable power and that the payments can also reward batteries.

Those selected to provide back-up generation are paid to keep plants ready to come online at shortnotice to meet peak demand, or to cover for outages at other plants, or to compensate for variance in wind or solar power generation.

These payments can improve the economics for gas-fired plants, but are insufficient to guarantee long-term profits.

Carlton Power secured a capacity auction contract for its planned UK gas plant, but had to relinquish it because of delays in securing investment due to uncertainty over the project’s future revenues.

The UK first introduced a capacity market in 2014, and more than a dozen countries followed with similar schemes.

B a t t e r y a n d interconnector operators are also participating in these auctions, and have begun to win contracts.

The cost of lithium-ion batteries has more than halved from 2016 to 2022 to $151 per kilowatt hour of battery storage, according to BloombergNEF.

At the same time, renewable generation has reached record levels. Wind and solar powered 22% of the EU’s electricity last year, almost doubling their share from 2016, and surpassing the share of gas generation for the first time, according to think tank Ember ’s European Electricity Review.

“In the early years, capacity markets were dominated by fossil fuel power stations providing the flexible electricity supply,” said Simon Virley, head of energy at KPMG. Now batteries, interconnectors and consumers shifting their electricity use are also providing that flexibility, Virley added.

RISING RISKS The start-up in March of UK energy company SSE’s Keadby 2, a gas power plant in eastern England, was supported by a 15-year government contract signed in 2020 to provide standby electricity services to the grid from 2023/24.

The plant was financed by the company before it had the standby contract, and took four-and-a-half years to build.

The economics for such a plant would look different now, said Helen Sanders, head of corporate affairs and sustainability at SSE Thermal.

“I don’t think we’d be taking an investment

decision without revenue security through some sort of mechanism now because of the inherent risk associated with revenue security,” Sanders said.

See full article by Reuters here.

Guyana’s gas project While 68 countries have now put their gas projects on hold or cancelled altogether, Guyana is rushing full speed ahead it’s a 300-megawatt Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project that international analysts continue to question.

Guyanese local and abroad have voiced their concerns over the nonexistence of an updated feasibility study for the project but chief policy maker for the sector, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo maintains that the project is a “no-brainer”.

The project entails a 12inch pipeline to be constructed and financed by ExxonMobil to the tune of about US$1 billion, as well as a 300-megawatt gas-fired power plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant.

The two latter components are to be funded by Guyana with loan financing the government anticipates from the United States Export Import (US-EXIM) Bank.

The loan has not yet been approved, while Exxon too has not yet made a Final Investment Decision (FID) on the project.

Sunday December 24, 2023

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Sunday December 24, 2023

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...Redefining gastronomy for all

By Renay Sambach

Owner, Atika Stephens

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Sunday December 24, 2023

Sunday December 24, 2023

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Jagdeo supports penalties for public servants on infractions flagged by AG but maintains free pass for Exxon The Government of Guyana (GoG) will be taking stiff action against public servants that were flagged by the Auditor General (AG) in his 2022 audit report for infractions.

This stern position was communicated by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday during a press conference at Freedom House.

He said, “For example, the audit office says we have not seen the vouchers for this expenditure then obviously

During his press c o n f e r e n c e , t h e Vi c e President informed that he spoke with the Minister of Finance who has since assured that he will “personally take corrective action” against any adverse findings of the AG. According to Jagdeo, “We see the audit report as a tool for management and that's how we are approaching it.”

While the VP has cited his support for penalties to be instituted on citizens of this

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

the Minister has to bring in the (Regional Executive Officer) REO and say where are the vouchers to now take it to a different level.”

Jagdeo continued, “If you can't produce the vouchers then two courses of action; you have to give an explanation, if the explanation is not plausible as the accounting officer for the region you face consequences, financial consequences or it could be referred to the police, one of the two if he finds that its adverse so that sort of action I expect.”

country for infractions flagged by the AG, he does not support the same course of action for the Fortune 500 American oil company, ExxonMobil.

Consecutive audit reports have so far flagged the company for multiple breaches of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed with Guyana, however the VP previously explained that this company will face no sanction; instead, it will only be required to return the monies it recovered from Guyana's oil.

The agreement expressly

states that the revenue generated in the Stabroek Block must only be used to pay for development within those borders; however, auditors discovered that the company brazenly used the monies to cover unrelated expenses.

In October, an audit

report—drafted by a local consortium Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc. and bolstered by the international support of SGS a n d M a r t i n d a l e Consultants—gave a meticulous breakdown of

five instances where the Stabroek Block's financial resources were used for Kaieteur –a block Exxon walked away from this year –as well as Canje.

When asked to comment on the issue however, the VP would only say, “I maintain my position that it would be

illegal and I repeat that.

The audits would have revealed that now and as I said before, there will be consequences.

If you did unauthorized work, you don't go to jail according to PSA; it just doesn't form part of the cost bank.”

PAGE 42

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

No bonus for BOSAI workers although company expanded ...workers surprised, operations disgruntled by announcement

By Shervin Belgrave

T

he management of the BOSAI Minerals Group at Linden told its workers last week that they would not be receiving any bonus this year because the company did not make a profit.

T h e s u r p r i s e announcement left workers disgruntled because, according to them, the company has expanded its operations in recent months by importing new trucks and machinery to help boost its production for the bauxite market.

“This is a company that is expanding yuh understand, [they] brought in a whole ship load of machines and truck and different, different thing,” one disgruntled worker (name provided) said while adding, “they are telling people that they are doing well, now the company is not doing well and yet yuh expanding.”

The man said that he and his colleagues are working hard for the Chinese- owned company in meeting its demands and yet the firm cannot reward them at the end of year.

He said he believes that the company was able to purchase more trucks, new machines and expand its operations because the workers have produced and assisted in making profits and raising funds the entity needed for capital expenditure so that it can expand and produce more in the coming year.

The machineries and trucks that the workers are referring to, arrived on December 4, BOSAI on December 5, 2023 posted on its Facebook p a g e , “ O n M o n d a y The machinery and trucks imported by the BOSAI December 4, 2023, MV Minerals Group to expand its bauxite operations.

BBC Kimberly arrived at Port Dock Facility. This shipment of equipment utilization of the ongoing vessel carried a significant specifically intended for MAZ (Metallurgical Grade Bauxite) project”.

Kaieteur News understands that the MAZ project is a new operation to mine a different type of bauxite material.

A senior official within the company explained to Kaieteur News that the MAZ (Metallurgical Grade Bauxite) project is focused on mining a higher quality of bauxite.

He said that it's a raw material that does not need processing before export.

He noted that that previously, the raw material was processed through a plant to make the byproducts for export but this grade of bauxite comes from the mines ready to ship and it also reduces the company's cost of production.

The company on its website said, “In 2006, Bosai Group acquired Omai Bauxite Mining Inc., from the Canadian gold mining company IAMGOLD, and renamed it as Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc. The company has ownership of over 200 million tonnes of high alumina and low iron bauxite deposits, and a bauxite reserve which is unique around the globe in

r espect of quality and quantity.

To date, the annual production capacity of the

company consists of 1.5 million tonnes of Metallurgical Grade Bauxite (“MAZ”).”

Sunday December 24 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 43

Labour Ministry’s OSH Dept. not working effectively - AG Report A Performance Audit conducted on the Ministry of Labour ’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has found that the inspection processes are not working effectively.

This is according to Auditor General (AG), Deodat Sharma. The AG noted that the ministry’s OSH Department is responsible for protecting workers’ safety and health in Guyana by inspecting workplaces for safety and health requirements to reduce workplace accidents and fatalities.

A performance audit was conducted for the period January 2021 to December 2022, to determine whether the Labour Ministry i m p l e m e n t e d e ff e c t i v e Occupational Safety and Health inspection processes to ensure that obligated employers are protecting the safety and health of workers.

For the revised period, the AG Report states that the ministry recorded 337 accidents and 27 fatalities in 2021, and 655 accidents during 2022, which included 20 deaths.

Having carried out an audit on the performance of the department for the reviewed period, Sharma revealed in the report that, “ T h e M i n i s t r y ’s O S H inspection processes are not working effectively. We found weaknesses at each stage of the inspection process, from registering new businesses to following up on recommendations made to correct unsafe working conditions.

Collectively, the weaknesses increase the possibility that employers are not protecting the safety and health of workers.”

He went onto share that many unregistered workplaces remain unidentified. It was highlighted that the d e p a r t m e n t ’s p r i m a r y responsibility under the OSH Act is to register and regulate workplaces to protect the safety and health of workers. A workplace is required to be registered within 30 days after the workplace commences to operate.

The AG in his audit revealed that the Labour Ministry did not collaborate with other Government agencies to promptly identify new workplaces and enforce registration. He

added that a comparison of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority registrations with the Department’s registrations revealed that over 99% of new workplaces were not registered.

In some of its responses to the AG, the Department mentioned that it does not have outstations that are set up to facilitate the registration process which includes the collection of Government revenue.

Against this backdrop, it is difficult to easily access business owners and employers in remote areas.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Department said it is unable to properly carry out its functions due to a lack of resources.

The AG said that awareness of new workplaces will enable inspectors to monitor workplaces in high-risk sectors on a proactive basis.

In another finding, the AG noted that there was a lack of a comprehensive inspection plan. He said that there was no evidence that the OSH Department had properly planned inspections and allocated available resources, especially in the high-risk sector. As a result, the Department could not utilize its resources efficiently and effectively to carry out preventative inspections at workplaces.

The Auditor General noted that apart from that, what the auditors found is that workplaces were not adequately inspected, and that inspections carried out were partially effective.

The report detailed that inspectors did not perform important tests that can affect workers safety and health, such as, air quality, noise and radiation levels.

The tests should be performed at workplaces regarding construction, manufacturing, service (hospitals, schools, restaurants). It was highlighted that there was little or no equipment available to undertake specific testing by the Department, such as tests of the workplace environment for contaminants and hazards. The tests conducted usually include surveys on noise levels, vibration levels, and water quality.

In its response to this, the Department admitted that indeed, the unit requires

more tools and equipment. It was only this year that steps were taken to equip each inspector with a kit to carry out various tests, the Department stated.

Lastly, the AG found that the OSH Department has no

system to monitor follow-up inspections. Follow-up of inspections is ineffective since progress made by employers to implement i n s p e c t o r s ’ recommendations was not monitored, and penalties for

violations were not enforced.

In his document, the AG revealed that an “Annual Plan for Preventative Activities” was presented for both years however, the plans lacked key details.

Specific follow-up and enforcement activities , and the associated costs were not included in the plan.

It was made clear that follow-up inspections are required to ensure that owners and employers i m p l e m e n t i n s p e c t o r ’s recommendations to effectively address previously identified hazards. The purpose is to protect the health and wellbeing of employees.

According to the Auditor General, the audit sought to verify the total number of follow-up inspections carried out during the years audited.

H o w e v e r, t h e Department did not present documentary evidence to

show the number of followup inspections conducted during the years audited.

The OSH Department in its response to those findings, noted that followup inspections are usually done from time to time and in most instances. The department added that there is a high level of compliance with the recommendations made according to the reports from the officers.

“However, it is recognized that there is need for improvement with regards to the record keeping and this will be addressed with an improvement of the staffing situation,” the Department related.

Having found that the OSH Department is not effectively executing its inspection processes, the Audit Office made thirteen recommendations to the Ministry for improvements to the inspection process in place.

PAGE 44

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 45

More than 200 dead in 24 hours in Gaza as Israeli Death toll in Gaza during the 11-week assault raids turn ‘more intense’ hits 20,258 while 53,688 others are wounded.

Aljazeera - At least 201 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 370 wounded by Israeli forces in the past 24 hours in Gaza as the assault on the besieged enclave nears its 12th week.

Bombing in central Gaza’s Bureij refugee camp killed at least eight Palestinians, including children, on Saturday while another attack on Jabalia camp is believed to have killed dozens more.

The death toll in Gaza during the 11-week assault has hit 20,258 while 53,688 others are wounded, the Palestinian health ministry said on Saturday.

Thousands more bodies are believed to be trapped under the rubble across the strip.

Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Rafah, said the Israeli attacks across Gaza “have become much more intense”.

“The bombardment and the shelling of the northern

parts of the territory continue as dead bodies have been found decomposed after days of fighting in the ground in these areas,” he said.

Al Jazeera TV said the decomposed bodies, some of them left unattended for 20 days in the rubble and streets, were finally buried

by Gaza’s Civil Defence team on Saturday.

‘No place safe’ Almost all of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been displaced and forced to live in flimsy tents or on the streets in the southern part of the strip, where widespread hunger has been reported.

Israel has long urged the Palestinians to leave northern areas of Gaza but its forces have also been b o m b a r d i n g neighbourhoods in central and southern parts of the tiny coastal enclave.

“Where should we go to?

There is no place safe,” Ziad, a medic and father of six,

told the Reuters news agency by phone.

“They ask people to head to [the central Gaza city of] Deir el-Balah, where they bomb day and night.”

Israel has said 144 of its soldiers have been killed since it launched its ground incursion on October 20, two weeks after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on its soil, killing 1,147 people and taking 240 captives into the enclave.

More than 100 captives are still believed to be in Gaza after a number of people were exchanged during a weeklong truce last month. The Israeli government says of those still in Gaza, 22 are dead.

Hamas on Saturday said it had lost contact with a group it said was responsible for five of the Israeli captives due to Israeli bombardment.

There is a possibility the captives were killed during an Israeli raid, Abu Ubaida, spokesman of Hamas’s

A mourner reacts next to the bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza [Bassam Masoud/Reuters] armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said.

There was no immediate response from Israeli authorities about Hamas’s statement.

Drawing on various information sources, an Israeli government-

appointed committee has been declaring some hostages dead in absentia.

Hamas has not confirmed these accounts but has warned Israel that “time is running out” for the captives.

Osama Hamdan, Hamas

representative in Beirut, on Saturday, said there will be no negotiations with Israel on the exchange of captives until the onslaught on Gaza stops.

“If Israel wants to recover its prisoners alive, it must stop the war,” he said.

Alabama mother with rare double womb gives birth to two babies in two days BBC - A US woman with a rare double uterus has given birth twice in two days - after a “one in a million” pregnancy and a total of 20 hours in labour.

Kelsey Hatcher, 32, delivered one daughter on Tuesday, and a second on We d n e s d a y, a t t h e University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital.

Announcing the arrival of her “miracle babies” on social media, Ms Hatcher hailed the medics as “incredible”.

The girls are described as fraternal twins - with rare separate birthdays.

Ms Hatcher said the family was now back at home to “enjoy the holidays”. She had previously expected a Christmas due date.

A UAB obstetrician confirmed that the trio were doing well, and told the BBC it was the sort of case that most people in her profession “go through their

Kelsey Hatcher - pictured with daughters Roxi (L) and Rebel ® - learned as a teenager she had a double uterus

entire careers and never see”.

Ms Hatcher was told at age 17 she had a double uterus (uterus didelphys) which the UAB described as a rare congenital anomaly affecting 0.3% of women.

And the odds of

becoming pregnant in both uteri - a dicavitary pregnancy - were even slimmer, at “one in a million”, according to the UAB.Reported cases worldwide are extremely rare. In 2019, a doctor in

Bangladesh told the BBC a woman had given birth to twins almost a month after delivering a premature baby in her other uterus.

Ms Hatcher had three previous, healthy pregnancies. This time, she

believed herself to be pregnant in only one uterus until a routine ultrasound revealed there was also a baby in her second.

“I gasped... We just could not believe it,” she recalled.

She went on to document her unusual journey on Instagram. One update at 38 weeks asked: “What the heck?! HOW have we made it this far?!”

The UAB described her pregnancy as routine.

Prof Richard Davis, who co-managed the delivery, pointed out that each baby had enjoyed “extra space to grow and develop”.

This was because each baby had a womb to itself, he said - unlike in a typical twin pregnancy.

Ms Hatcher’s labour was induced at 39 weeks, and required double the monitoring and charting at the hospital - as well as double the staffing.

This proved to be “the most atypical” part of Ms

Hatcher’s case, said Dr Shweta Patel from the hospital’s obstetrics and gynaecology team.

UAB staff did not have “a lot of evidence or data” to hand, Dr Patel told the BBC, and were required to apply their knowledge of typical pregnancies.

Sure enough, the babies had a “mind of their own”, she said - and were delivered by different methods.

The first, Roxi, was born vaginally at about 19:45 local time on 19 December. The second, named Rebel, came by Csection more than 10 hours later. Prof Davis said the g ir ls co u ld b e called fraternal twins - a term used when each baby develops from a separate egg, each fertilised by a separate sperm.

“At the end of the day, it was two babies in one belly at the same time,” he said.

“They just had different apartments.”

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

PAGE 47

Depictions of the area foreign companies have their mining projects (G2 image)

From page 46 frameworks to be in place, yet the national budget is prepared in isolation of a strategic framework.

Following the necessary inputs from the heads of budget agencies, the Ministry of Finance proceeds to develop the national budget around the beginning of the third quarter of the year after detailed discussions with key stakeholders, including the political opposition, the private sector, civil society and trade unions.

Goolsarran was keen to note that there have been criticisms of the extent of such consultations over the years. The third stage is the presentation of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure to the Assembly within 90 days of the beginning of the fiscal year.

According to the former AG, “The previous Administration had agreed that the national budget must be in place before the beginning of the fiscal year. As a result, the Estimates for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 were presented to and approved by the Assembly before the beginning of the fiscal year.

However, when the new Administration took over in 2020, this decision was reversed.”

After the Estimates are approved, the execution of the National Budget effectively begins.

A Mid-year report is then presented to the Assembly within 60 days of the end of the half year. Goolsarran pointed out that previously, there was an End-of-Year report on the performance of the economy and on the budget execution but this is now incorporated in the Minister of Finance’s budget speech.

He explained that within four months of the close of the fiscal year, the Accountant General and heads of budget agencies submit to the Auditor General draft financial statements constituting the public

accounts, and appropriation and revenue accounts, respectively. The Auditor General has up to 30 September to audit these accounts and submit his report to the speaker of the Assembly who in turn lays it in the Assembly. Once the report is laid in the Assembly, it is referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for detailed scrutiny of the audited accounts after which the PAC issues its own report to the Assembly. Goolsarran noted that there is unfortunately, no deadline for doing so.

Finally, the Ministry of Finance issues a Treasury Memorandum, setting out what action it has taken or proposes to take in relation to the findings and recommendations of the PAC. This brings to an end the public accountability cycle.

Revision of accountability timeframe Arguing that the above timeline have been in place since colonial times when public accounts were maintained manually, the former AG said authorities should consider: (a) bringing forward the date for the submission of draft financial statements to the Auditor General to 28 February; (b) the Auditor General to issue his report not later than 30 June; (c) the PAC to commence its examination of the audited public accounts not later than 15 July and to issue its report not later than 31 August; and finally for the Ministry of Finance to issue its Treasury Memorandum not later than 30 September.

THURSDAY Canadian gold company in Guyana to sell 12% stake to US firm for CDN$22M G2 Goldfields Inc., a Canadian-

based company, disclosed on Tuesday its agreement with AngloGold Ashanti (AGA), a USbased firm, to finalize a strategic investment deal. AGA has committed to purchasing an 11.7% stake in G2’s Guyana mining project for CDN$22,050,000.

According to G2’s statement, AGA will acquire the 11.7% shares at a rate of $0.90 per share.

Proceeds from this transaction will be directed toward advancing exploration activities at G2’s Oko project in Guyana, along with funding, working capital and general corporate needs.

The agreement includes provisions granting AGA preemptive and top-up rights for future security issuances by G2. However, the completion of this strategic investment remains contingent upon the execution of definitive documentation, encompassing customary closing conditions such as approval from the TSX Venture Exchange. The subscription is anticipated to conclude in January 2024, subject to fulfilling these conditions.

Dan Noone, CEO of G2, expressed enthusiasm about AGA’s interest, stating, “We are delighted Anglo Ashanti has confirmed it intends to be a major shareholder in G2. This is a testament to the quality of our assets and exploration team. Anglo Ashanti’s investment will allow us to continue to advance our high grade OKO project whilst aggressively exploring our district scale land package.”

The sale of shares to AGA will be conducted through a private placement in the United States, following exemptions from registration requirements under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Canadian securities laws.

The shares will be subject to a fourmonth hold period in accordance with Canadian securities laws.

For its part, AGA expressed confidence in G2’s exploration properties, citing significant growth potential within Guyana.

The company highlighted Guyana’s position as part of the Guiana Shield, a highly promising gold province globally.

The Guiana Shield is host to a number of significant deposits including the Aurora (6Moz) and Omai (5Moz) mines and the Toraparu (7.0Moz) deposit in Guyana; the Rosebel (13.7Moz) and Merian (6Moz) mines in Suriname; and the Montagne d’Or (3.9Moz) and Camp Caiman (2.9Moz) deposits in French Guiana.

AGA noted in its statement that the G2 team, led by Patrick Sheridan, Executive Chairman and Dan Noone, CEO is comprised of professionals who have been directly responsible for the discovery of millions of ounces of gold in Guyana. Notably, G2 had previously financed and developed Guyana’s largest mine, Aurora, before its sale to China’s Zijin Mining in 2020 for US$238 million.

The principal OKO project comprises the OKO Main Zone and Ghanie deposits. Initial estimates in April 2022 indicated 793,000 indicated tonnes grading 8.63 grams of gold per tonne and 3.3 million inferred tonnes grading 9.25 grams of gold, amounting to 974,000 gold ounces.

G2 plans to release a Mineral Resource update in the first half of 2024 and has identified exploration targets within a 20km radius of OKO Main and Ghanie. These are situated adjacent to Reunion Gold C o r p o r a t i o n ’s O K O We s t

discovery, which published an Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource of 4.24Moz, grading 1.91 g/t, in June 2023.

Commenting on the subscription to G2 Guyana’s mining project, Alberto Calderon, CEO of AngloGold Ashanti said, “This strategic investment in G2 will provide us with a strong position in one of the world’s key gold provinces with significant potential for new discoveries. We look forward to G2’s continued exploration success as the Guiana Shield continues to develop.”

About G2 Goldfields Inc. As stated on the company’s website, the G2 Goldfields team is comprised of professionals who have been involved in the discovery of more than 7 million ounces of gold in Guyana and the financing and development of Guyana’s largest gold mine (RPA, 43-101, Technical Report on the Aurora Gold Mine, March 31, 2020).

The Oko Main Zone discovery is the initial fruit of the application of this extensive in-country experience. Ongoing exploration within the 17km long Aremu – Oko trend has generated multiple drill targets, similar in geological setting and scale to Oko Main. The Aremu – Oko district has been a prolific alluvial goldfield since the rush of the 1870’s.

Modern exploration by the G2 Goldfields team has begun and continues to reveal the exceptional potential of this district.

Govt. boasts of injecting $13B in disposable income into economy before Christmas but gave away $108B in taxes to oil companies last year The Guyana Government (Continued on page 48)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 48

From page 47 boasted yesterday that it injected an additional $13 billion in disposable income into the hands of public servants before Christmas.

Interestingly, the very government gave away eight times this amount in tax concessions to oil companies last year.

In fact, the Auditor General’s report for 2022 notes that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in 2022 waived $108 billion in taxes to petroleum companies operating locally.

In a statement to the press on Wednesday, the Ministry of Finance proceeded to note how much additional income it made available for citizens just before the Christmas season via its recent 6.5 percent salary increase.

The ministry said more than 54,000 public servants, teachers, members of the disciplined services, and government pensioners have received their 2023 salary increase representing payment of the 6.5 percent retroactive salary increase announced by Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on December 10.

Dr. Singh thanked staff of the Ministry of Finance and Finance Departments of the various Government agencies who worked tirelessly and diligently to ensure that the increases were paid out in time for the Christmas Season to eligible persons, together with the retroactive amounts.

The ministry also ensured that the 12,000 members of the Disciplined Services including members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and, for the first time, civilian employees of the army, received the one-month tax-free bonus. In addition to the 6.5 percent salary increase received, as part of a $5 Billion cost of living allocation, the ministry recalled that government also paid out a 25,000 one-off tax-free cashgrant to public sector e m p l o y e e s , a o n e - o ff $35,000 cash grant to persons with disabilities receiving public assistance while old aged pensioners also benefited from the $25,000 one off cash grant.

The ministry said these amounts placed a total of over $13 billion in the hands of all of the above categories of persons.

Furthermore, Minister Singh highlighted the importance of persons

Sunday December 24, 2023

have recently announced the cash grant of $25,000 to every single public servant,” Minister Singh had pointed out.

H e s a i d t h e implementation of these measures, including g o v e r n m e n t ’s h o u s i n g initiatives has, no doubt altogether enhanced the lives of Guyanese all across the country including public servants who are among the nearly 30,000 individuals who have benefitted.

Shurwayne Holder

Elson Low

receiving these payments before Christmas, which he said will stimulate economic activity across the country. “…an injection of this nature has tremendous positive multiplier effects in the economy because it generates the consumption that it stimulates at the household level, then feeds into the retail trade and that then feeds into the wholesale trade and that then feeds into production,” Dr. Singh explained.

Moreover, members of the Disciplined Services and health workers received salary adjustments in January 2023 reflective of announcements made by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali on November 24 and December 12, 2022 respectively.

With respect to health sector workers, the ministry noted that the salary adjustment to the tune of $1.5 billion benefitted over 5,000 health care professionals while an estimated 8000 members of the Disciplined Services benefitted from their salary adjustments which increased their disposable incomes by over $1 billion annually.

For 2023, the ministry reminded that government announced salary adjustments and other emoluments for teachers as follows: All Graduate Teachers (i.e. holders of a relevant Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Guyana, a Degree awarding institution under the GOAL Programme, or a Degree certified by the National Accreditation Council) shall be moved to the maximum of the scale applicable to the post they currently occupy.

This will benefit over 4,000 teachers at an additional annual cost of $1 billion, effective from 1 December 2023.

Secondly, teachers will receive an Education allowance of $10,000

monthly for holders of a Bachelor’s Degree, $20,000 monthly for a Master’s Degree and $30,000 monthly for a Doctorate Degree. The ministry said this revision benefits over 4,500 teachers.

It also noted that any preexisting allowances paid in relation to the Post Graduate Diploma in Education (DipEd) will remain in place.

Kaieteur News understands that the Remote Areas Incentive will be adjusted upwards from its current level to $20,000 monthly, effective from 1 December, 2023 to the benefit of over 2,400 teachers.

Furthermore, all teachers who hold a substantive appointment as a Senior Master/Mistress/Head of Department or above and are within three years of retirement and have not previously received a Dutyfree concession on a motor car, shall be entitled to one Duty-free concession for one motor car up to 1500cc.

Dr. Singh noted that other than salary increases, the Government’s approach to improving the lives of Guyanese involves improvements and upgrades to essential services under the numerous policies and plans the administration has been administering.

He said some of the measures include the reviving of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant for school children, pensioners’ water subsidy, removal of taxes on various commodities as well as the resumption of the onemonth tax-free bonus for the Disciplined Services.

“When you speak about disposable income, you have to speak first of all about adjustment to salaries…We have also adjusted upwards a number of specific categories of public sector employees. Some as high as 50, 60 and 70 percent. We

FRIDAY Unless there is renegotiation, Stabroek Block deal will continue to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty until 2057 - Chris Ram While Guyanese authorities have displayed an outstanding degree of courage in their efforts to thwart Venezuela’s plans to seize the Essequibo region, there is a document sitting right under their nose that undermines the nation’s sovereignty. That document is the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement which Guyana and an ExxonMobil-led consortium signed onto in 2016.

Chartered Accountant a n d A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, Christopher Ram recently pointed out in a column published in the Stabroek News that the PSA essentially strips Parliament, a key vessel of Guyana’s statehood, of its most essential power and function, and that is the power to “make laws for the peace, order and good government of Guyana.”

(Article 65 of the Constitution).

“And how do we do it?

By the burdensome stability clause contained in Article 32 of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement,” said Ram in his column.

Referencing the said clause, Ram said subArticles .1 and .2 state: “Except as may be expressly provided herein, the G overnment s hall not amend, modify, rescind, terminate, declare invalid or unenforceable, require renegotiation of, compel replacement or substitution, or otherwise seek to avoid, alter, or limit this Agreement without the prior written consent of Contractor.

It further notes, “After the signing of this Agreement and in conformance with Article 15, the Government shall not increase the economic burdens of Contractor under this Agreement by applying to this Agreement or the operations conducted thereunder any increase of or any new petroleum related fiscal obligation, including, but not limited to, any new taxes whatsoever, any new royalty, duties, fees, charges, value-added tax (VAT) or other imports.”

Ram pointed out that this state of affairs will not only be obtained for one year, five years or 10 years but until 2057. In a subsequent letter to the press where Ram cited the 2057 date, he noted that this includes the one-year extension that the former A P N U + A F C Administration granted to Exxon to continue exploration of the block.

Exxon was required to return 20 percent of the Stabroek Block to the State in October 2023 but had asked the former regime for an extension to October 2024, claiming that its exploration activities were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram

Former President of Guyana, David Granger had granted the extension on the condition that a review would be done to determine the extent to which it was affected. When the PPPC administration assumed office, it said that review was done and it was satisfied that Exxon’s operations were affected. It therefore allowed Exxon to be granted the oneyear extension to hold onto the block in its entirety.

Apart from that bland good faith statement, Ram told Kaieteur News that the PPPC has not said who did the review, the evidence provided by Exxon and who gave final clearance.

According to Ram, “This is the shady nature of deals between the PPPC and Exxon in which everything is hidden from Guyanese, and everything further sweetens the already lopsided deal, making a mockery of the PPP/C’s 2020 elections pledge for better contract administration.”

Kaieteur News understands that Exxon is targeting at least 10 to 12 wells in the Stabroek Block next year to unlock more multi-million barrels of oil.

Thus far, more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources have been discovered.

APNU still weighing pros and cons of ring-fencing oil projects to give Guyanese more benefits The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) political grouping on Thursday disclosed that it is still weighing the pros and cons of ring-fencing oil projects in the prolific Stabroek Block.

During the Opposition weekly press conference, Economist Elson Low and Party Chairman, Shurwayne Holder were confronted with queries regarding the possibility of ring-fencing projects within the Stabroek Block, managed by ExxonMobil Guyana.

The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed by the previous Coalition government, stipulates that a whopping 75 percent of the monthly revenues are to be deducted as costs to repay the companies’ shareholders, while the remaining proceeds are split as profits equally with Guyana. In the (Continued on page 49)

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

From page 48 absence of a ring-fencing provision, the companies have the leeway to use the profits from producing oil projects to pay for others that are yet to commence production. A ring-fencing provision would therefore prevent oil companies from using revenue generated from a production field to offset costs in another project. It would also mean that when that project cost is repaid, Guyana would enjoy 50 percent of the revenue generated there.

Expressing discontentment, party representatives criticised the Government of Guyana’s recent 6.5% across-the-board salary increase for public servants. Low labeled the raise as a “slap in the face” to these essential contributors across vital sectors like healthcare, education, national defense, and infrastructure development. He stressed the nation’s fiscal capacity, buoyed by a substantial national budget and burgeoning oil revenues, advocating for higher wages and a fairer distribution of wealth.

He said ,”for the next Coalition government, our budgeting will put people first and at the centre of national development. We see this not only as a moral obligation but as an economic investment in our human resources. Our budgets therefore will reflect this philosophy.” When pressed about potential implementation of a ringfencing provision under a future Coalition government, Holder said the Coalition is committed to maximizing benefits for Guyanese citizens. Holder added, “A lot of other things that can be done in the confines of this contract…so there is no excuse for us still being poor in this country, no excuse.”

He emphasised that upon assuming government, provisions within the oil contract would enable, the Coalition “to sit and to work out the maximum benefits that we can gain from the existing contracts and I am committing that when we take government we are going to do that.”

Moreover, he said that the party has to deal with ring-fencing from an informed position. He then underscored that they are advantages and disadvantages to ring fencing. “So it is an issue that we are conscious of but as I said, our key focus doesn’t lie in ringfencing or the other measures our key focus is to get the maximum benefit from our resources and allow it to meet the people. So that will be our focus, we will have to look at it in a holistic manner and as I said, we will have to weigh pros and cons before we move forward so we don’t want to make a definitive statement to say well ring fencing will be in this discussion of not, we will look at it holistically,” Holder said.

Notably, a few months ago, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has finally accepted that ring-fencing the oil projects will allow Guyana to benefit more from the wealth generated in the resource-rich Stabroek Block, immediately.

Despite his acceptance however, the VP is unwilling to affect any changes to the lopsided deal that United States oil giant, ExxonMobil and its partners.

For his part, Low stressed the importance of informed decisions, seeking expert advice and considering economic dynamics before determining the best course of action in relation to ring-fencing the oil projects. “What we have said is that there is a range of options

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Auditor General, Deodat Sharma

that we will speak to the operator regarding…Now ring fencing is one of those options. However, we will evaluate closely how we will approach each option because they are different economic dynamics that we need to make sure are properly accounted for so we believe that we have already started that and we will engage in that conversation,” he added.

Low explained that the next Coalition government will not adopt the approach to make demands, but to have discussions with the oil companies and experts before making a decision.

SATURDAY Three years later…

Govt. continues to hide how much taxes it’s paying for Exxon and partners- Chris Ram Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram in his most recent

Oil and Gas Friday column published in the Stabroek News, has rebuked the government for failing to disclose how many taxes it is paying on behalf of an ExxonMobil-led consortium operating the Stabroek Block.

Readers would recall that the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with Exxon, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited in 2016 requires the Government of Guyana to pay to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) the Corporation Tax owed annually by the oil companies. Those payments, the agreement states, are to come out of the Guyana’s share of profit oil.

While the money Guyana makes from the sale of profit oil is deposited into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), in addition to royalties received, none of the audited financial statements for the fund state anything about withdrawals being made to cover tax payments on behalf of the Exxon group.

When contacted on the matter yesterday, Auditor General Deodat Sharma, who is in charge of auditing the NRF declined to say why the financial statements make no reference to the taxes that ought to be paid over to GRA. He said, “I acknowledge that the Stabroek Block Agreement states Guyana must pay the taxes but I think it is a little more than that…I will have to find out from the Governor of Central Bank and (GRA’s) Commissioner General (Godfrey Statia).”

The Stabroek Block agreement further requires GRA to issue to the oil companies, certificates to show that they have met their tax obligations. It therefore begs to question if the Guyana Revenue Authority issues a certificate to the companies stating that it has paid its taxes when the money to pay the taxes remains in the NRF. Calls to the tax chief yesterday for a response to this matter proved futile.

Since Bank of Guyana is the operational manager of the NRF, Kaieteur News also made efforts to contact its Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga. But this proved an unsuccessful pursuit.

Kaieteur News also reached out to Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NRF, Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh to ascertain if the absence of transfers from the NRF to GRA to cover the tax obligations of the oil companies is a concern for the Board.

He said, “Based on the (NRF) Act, what the board is responsible for doing is ensuring whatever disbursements are made, that the Central bank which has the operational responsibility for the management of the fund informs us on the amounts paid as well as those deposited into the Federal Bank where the NRF account sits.”

The Chairman added, “Our job is to ensure disbursements are in accordance with the Act, meaning approved by parliament and any disbursements go into the Consolidated Fund… I can’t answer your question but based on the Act, our job is this. That question should be directed to Ministry of Finance and Natural Resources. It really is out of our remit.” As for Christopher Ram, he nonetheless expressed his concern about what he believes is an inflated NRF account. In his column he said, “...The problem is that the whole business of the payment of taxes and the issue of certificates have been withheld from the public.”

The columnist added, “I find it difficult to believe that the Guyana Revenue Authority would issue a receipt for money it does not collect. Forget for a moment, that those oil companies also claim credits in their home countries for taxes represented by the Certificates but which they did not pay.”

Overall, Ram said he considers this whole matter a complete coverup involving key agencies of the state. Ram said one can only speculate whether the reason for this cover up is to prevent the Guyanese public from knowing the annual amount of taxes paid by the government on behalf of these avaricious oil companies.

With the government being in office for more than three years, and failing to disclose such critical information, Ram deduced that the PPP/C is not an iota different from that of its predecessor which it has criticized for keeping citizens in the dark.

With there being no withdrawals from the NRF in the form of tax payments on behalf of these companies to GRA, Ram opined that the balance of the account is overstated by tens of billions of Guyana dollars, with a corresponding error in the Consolidated Fund.

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Kaieteur News

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Sunday December 24, 2023

Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Sunday December 24, 2023

Sunday December 24, 2023

Pollard takes up stint as England’s batting consultant ahead of their T20 W’Cup defence

SportsMax - Former West Indies captain Kieron Pollard is set to start a new chapter in his decorated cricketing career, as he is expected to join reigning Twenty20 World champions England as a batting consultant ahead of their title defence in the Caribbean and the United States, next year.

According to media reports, Pollard, 36, is expected to impart knowledge of Caribbean conditions and pitches to England, for the showpiece tournament scheduled for June 4-30.

With the region notorious in recent years for its low, slow pitches, condi-

tions are expected to play a key role in the tournament, and, as such, Pollard’s experience of same, will be an asset for England.

The Trinidadian’s appointment is expected to flawless, as he is already acquainted with current England captain Jos Buttler with whom he played during a couple of stints with county Somerset, and others, who he would have rubbed shoulders with, in franchise tournaments.

Pollard, who retired from international cricket last year, after a T20 series away to India two months prior. Still, the powerfully built player continues to feature in the global

short-format franchise leagues, recently leading New York Strikers to victory in the Abu Dhabi T10.

His vast experience in the T20 format, will also be of value to England, as Pollard has 123 One-Day International and 101 T20 International appearances under his built. Overall, he has featured in 537 T20s, scoring over 12,000 runs, with 300 wickets from his parttime bowling.

Pollard was at the helm when West Indies copped the T20 World Cup title in 2021, to go along with the 2016 title won by a Darren Sammy-led team which he was a part of.

Sunday December 24, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Libra. Finally, the overpowering emotions that have been surging from your relationships will subside.

You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) With today's planetary energy, you'll find yourself a little more extraverted than usual, Taurus. You'll finally be able to say what you really think about things.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you're unstoppable!

You're a very hard worker by nature, and with the current planetary alignment you'll be able to accomplish even more than usual.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This is a good day to devote time and thought to spiritual pursuits, Scorpio. Do something inspirational that instills a sense of wonder deep in your soul. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A new phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Discard those items from the past for which you really no longer have use. As much as you like to surround yourself with objects of sentimental value.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today's aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Capricorn. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a more artistic pursuit.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days.

Loved ones suddenly want to spend more time with you, and you'll want to invite friends over every night! By all means, do.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself, Aquarius. Now it is time for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Feeling unusually adventurous, Virgo? You're often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and the planetary configurations today .

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Kaieteur News

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today's planetary energy should compel you to commit certain acts of self-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.

Embiid shakes off injury, has 31 and 10 to lead 76ers past Raptorsa SportsMax - Joel Embiid shook off an ankle injury to finish with 31 points and 10 rebounds in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 121-111 win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

Embiid scored all 31 points after landing awkwardly trying to block a shot with 5:25 remaining in the first quarter.

He recorded at least 30 points and 10 rebounds for the 13th straight game, the longest in the NBA since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did it in 16 consecutive games in 1971-72. Embiid has scored 30 or more in 14 games in a row, the most in the NBA

Joel Embiid shook off an ankle injury to finish with 31 points and 10 rebounds. since James Harden’s 32game run in 2018-19.

Tobias Harris and Tyrese

Maxey each scored 33 points, marking just the second time in franchise history three players have scored 30-plus points in a game. The other was in 1961 when Dick Barnett, Hal Greer and Dolph Schayes did it for the Syracuse Nationals.

Philadelphia has won eight of nine overall and six straight meetings with Toronto.

Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 31 points.

Young makes history in Hawks’ loss Trae Young had his sixth straight game with at least 30 points and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough as the Miami Heat got 30 points from Tyler Herro in a 122-113 victory.

Young finished with 30 points and 13 assists for his sixth c o n s e c u t i v e g a m e with at least 30 and 10.

That ties the secondlongest such streak in NBA history, one that only Oscar Robertson has topped.

Robertson had such a streak twice – a six-game stretch in January 1964, then a seven-game run spanning December to January 1965.

Duncan Robinson had 21 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 19 for the Heat, who overcame an 11point deficit in the third quarter.

Sabonis has tripledouble to lift Kings Domantas Sabonis had 28 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds for his fourth tripledouble of the season as the Sacramento Kings rolled to a 120-105 win over the shorthanded Phoenix Suns.

De’Aaron Fox added 23 points and broke Mike Bibby’s Sacramento-era assists record in the third quarter. Kevin Durant scored 28 points and Devin Booker contributed 24 for the Suns, who have lost four of five to fall to .500 (14-14).

Phoenix played without Bradley Beal (ankle), Josh Okogie (hip strain) and Jusuf Nurkic (personal).

Kaieteur News

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Sunday December 24, 2023

Chase’s Academic settles for 3rd place in KFC Goodwill Series 2023 - as Clarendon College clinches first title The Petra Organisation concluded its 4th KFC Goodwill Under-18 International Football Series on Friday, seeing Jamaica’s Clarendon College clinching an emphatic 2-1 victory to claim their first Goodwill title at the Ministry of Education ground.

In a gripping showdown that had fans at the edge of their seats, as Petra brought the curtains down on another excellent year of youth football, Friday evening erupted in a clash between the tournament’s powerhouses St Benedict’s College out of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica’s Clarendon College.

The scene was set for an epic battle, and it was foreign entrants Clarendon College who emerged triumphant, seizing the coveted title in a resounding 2-1 victory against the formidable St Benedict’s College.

The match crackled with intensity from the outset.

Clarendon College, fresh off their DeCosta Cup victory, wasted no time showcasing their prowess. In the 32nd minute, the dynamic Daniel Clark orchestrated a

Bryan Wharton (right) of Chase’s Academic receiving his Most Goals award from Petra Organisation Secretary Jackie Boodie.

Jamaicans celebrating their second goal of the final against St Benedict’s College of Trinidad and Tobago.

breathtaking move, receiving a precision pass on the right wing, and with sheer finesse, surged towards the center, unleashing a thunderous strike from about 25 yards out that found its mark into the Trinidadians’ net.

With a one goal lead, the Jamaican defence stood as an unyielding fortress throughout the first half, repelling every offensive surge from the opposition.

But the pendulum swung in

the second half when the relentless Justin Hayles soared to glory, connecting flawlessly with a corner kick in the 53rd minute to drive home a stunning header, doubling Clarendon College’s lead.

Yet, the Trinidadians refused to capitulate. In thrilling late-game resurgence, Jeremiah Niles salvaged hope for St Benedict’s, slotting in a solitary goal in the 80th

minute, setting the stage for a nail-biting conclusion. The match eventually ended 2-1 in favour of the Jamaicans.

Earlier in the day, the third-place playoff witnessed a masterclass performance by Chase’s Academic Foundation, led by the phenomenal Bryan Wharton. His scintillating four-goal spree in the 7th, 54th, 60th, and 64th minutes b u l l d o z e d S u r i n a m e ’s VWO-4, securing a

commanding 7-0 victory.

Justin Alcindor contributed a brace, while Omar Sam added another goal, rounding off an emphatic display.

The euphoria of victory was palpable during the presentation ceremony as Clarendon College basked in glory, receiving the firstplace prize of US$2500, generously sponsored by Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. Accompanied by

medals and the championship trophy, their triumph was further highlighted by Bryan Wharton, securing the accolade for the most goals, amassing an impressive tally o f 11 t h r o u g h o u t t h e tournament. St Benedict’s College wasn’t left emptyhanded, being awarded medals, the runner-up trophy, and a commendable US$1500 for their valiant efforts.

Rebecca Welch officiates The Guyana Horse Racing Legislation, what is the status? Fulham v Burnley to become Premier

By Samuel Whyte After much fuss about the Horse Racing Legislation being available

by August this year (2023), it now seems that all that was just talk. The bottom line is that the much sought after Horse Racing legislation is not in place.Despite the hype earlier that all will be ready there is a sudden wall of silence. The Government is not saying anything and the other players in Guyana are likewise hushed.

As journalists our job is not here to pick a fight. We ask probing questions, seek out the facts, lobby and advocate for changes and betterment among other fulfillments. Horse Racing is a very expensive sport known as the “Sport Of Kings” and with the amount of money involved persons must be concerned. One is forced to ask if the relevant authorities are playing politics with such an important activity.

It might be simple to rehash some of what was written before, but let’s look at the situation as it

is.Tremendous efforts were made during the early 2000s to have the Sport regularized.

Some semblance of order was returned to the sport, but things q u i c k l y w e n t a w r y.

Information coming to Kaieteur News is that the preparation of the legislation is in limbo with a number of controversies swirling.

Further digging informs that financial concerns are at the center of the controversy. This seems not to be going anywhere and things seems to be at a loggerhead. T h e l a t e s t imbroglio is Legal entanglement might be on the horizon. If this is not sorted out urgently it could be very embarrassing for the Horse Racing Industry and Guyana as a whole. Earlier in the year Mrs. Chan Kennard, a stalwart in the horseracing arena with close to 60 years of involvement in the Sport, was vocal about the status of the sport. She stated that there is no cooperation and people are not listening. The result is what we are having today. The sport is left to the

mercy of those who are willing to do as they please.

She wants cooperation.

The present state of the sport offers little or no guarantees except for a few including the many lawless gamblers, who reap the brunt of the profits. The above are some reasons why a number of top players are riding away from the sport and heading to countries like Jamaica.

The Government gives millions of dollars to various sporting activities. Horse racing gets little or nothing.

One of the pertinent questions is why? The players must seek to get themselves in order.

Put a governing body and proper rules and regulations in place. Establish committees such as the Race track owners, Horse owners, trainers, Jockeys among others and elect representatives. Some of those sub committees could help to offset some of the expenses in the interim.

In the meantime the waiting continues and it is uncertain how it will pan out.

League’smoment firstandwoman referee may there be summer.

BBC Sport - Rebecca We l c h m a d e h i s t o r y yesterday when she became the first woman to referee a Premier League fixture.

The 40-year-old took charge of Burnley’s 2-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Welch became a referee in 2010 when she combined it with a job in the NHS, before becoming a full-time official in 2019.

I n J a n u a r y, We l c h became the first woman to referee a men’s fixture in the Championship.

She returned to Craven Cottage a month on from serving as the fourth official d u r i n g F u l h a m ’s 1 - 0 Premier League defeat by Manchester United.

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany, who spoke to Welch at full-time, said: “I wanted to congratulate her because it’s a big moment.

“After the game it’s fair to say that it’s a milestone

more, and the best thing will always be when someone is judged on merit.

“But you have to have a first and this is it, so well done [to her] and I’m happy to be part of this moment.”

Welch was the first woman to take charge of an FA Cup third-round tie in 2022 after being added to the EFL’s national list for men’s football, which oversees both League One and League Two fixtures.

The referee, from Washington in Tyne and Wear, has been a leading light for English officials in the Women’s Super League.

Her work has been recognised on the international stage too as she was added to Fifa’s elite list of international match officials in December 2020, before refereeing at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in the

“We have not seen a female take charge of a Premier League game ever before,” referees’ chief Howard Webb told BBC Sport.

“We have some really talented officials in the men’s and women’s game.

Rebecca is leading that.

“She went to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

She has been exposed to some big games and is a really good model for women and girls to think refereeing is for them when previously they didn’t.”

In July, the Football Association laid out plans to recruit 50% more referees from “historically underr e p r e s e n t e d ” backgrounds by 2026, targeting an increase of 1,000 women referees and 1,000 black or Asian referees at all levels of football in three years.

Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 55

Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana” provides cricket gear to No. 65 Young Titans Vanessa Khemraj and Chandradat Nankooar.

This joint initiative between Kishan Das of the USA and GCB executive Anil Beharry has recently supported a group of males and females, youths included, by providing cricket gear. Traditional hard ball and soft ball cricketers from No.65 Young Titans benefited from two pairs of batting pads, one pair of wicketkeeping pads, one pair of wicketkeeping gloves, five pairs of batting gloves, one box, two cricket bats, one pair of thigh pads, twenty caps, one helmet and two gear bags.

The aim of this joint project is to keep as many youths as possible off the streets and get them involved in sports. Over the years, too many young kids are caught up in drugs and crimes.

It is our hope that our contributions will make a difference in their lives and the communities in which they live.

The caps were donated by former West Indies “B” all rounder Derek Kallicharran who now resides in the USA. The gear was recently handed over to

club leaders Chandradat Nankooar and Vanessa Khemraj.

Total cricket related items received/purchased so far: $370,000 in cash, thirteen colored cricket uniforms, two trophies, seventeen pairs of cricket boots, thirty one pairs of batting pads, thirty three cricket bats, twenty nine pairs of batting gloves, twenty four thigh pads, three pairs of wicket keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest guards, two boxes, ten cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets, one softball cricket bat and ten boxes of white balls. In addition to the above, over $600,000 worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket keeper/batsman.

All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time.

To date, sixty nine young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefited from five gear bags, two trophies, four arm

guards, twenty nine bats, three boxes, six helmets, twenty four pairs of cricket shoes, seventeen pairs of batting pads, twenty three thigh pads, one bat rubber, twenty nine pairs of batting gloves and three pairs of wicketkeeping gloves. In additi on, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats.

Pomeroon, Leguan and Wa k e n a m C r i c k e t Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each, Cold Fusion Cricket Club thirteen color uniforms while RHCCCC received three boxes of balls, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails. Other beneficiaries are The Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem and youth coach, Travis Persaud, softball teams in the Upper Corentyne area, No.65 Young Titans, Just Try CC, National fast bowler Shemar Joseph and Nehemiah Hohenkirk.

Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent.

Progressive and well managed cricket clubs with a youth programme will also benefit.

We take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of We s t I n d i a n S p o r t s Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Kelvin Brijlall, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru and Dennis Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, H u b u r n E v a n s , Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Tr o p h y S t a l l , S h e i k Mohamed of Star S p o r t s Aw a r d s a n d Trophies, Ajay Gainda o f Cricket Equipment

Guyana, Gajanand Singh, Peter Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Chin Singh, Denesh Chandrapaul, Davo Naraine of UK, Dr Cecil Beharry, Raj Mathura, Raj Bharrat, Latch Mohabir and family, Suresh Dhanai, Vishal Nagamootoo, Moses Nagamootoo, Regal Sports Store, Omkar Singh, P a r m a n a n d Dhaniram,Denanauti Singh, K r i s h n a R e n g e n s a m y, Ishwar Singh, Ricky Deonarain of 4R Bearings, Terry Mathura, Kennard Verapen and NY Pioneer Cricket Club and Derek Kallicharran. We thank the media for the role they are playing in promoting this venture. Distribution will continue.

Anyone interested to

Derek Kallicharran contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or

Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

‘Essequibo is We Own’ day of sports set for December 30 in Wakenaam - Aash Decor on board

Mrs Gangadai Bhimsain of Aash Decor makes a contribution to organiser Zaheer Mohamed in the presence of Mr. Seeraj Bhimsain.

The Wakenaam T10 Bash committee and the Wakenaam Cricket Academy will be hosting a day of sports of December 30 at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground, Good Success.

The day’s proceedings will commence with a four-team T10 tournament and a dominoes competition, while a seven-a-side football contest will kick off from 18:00hrs.

The day’s activities will be held under the theme “Essequibo is we own”.

The competitions will involve players and teams from on and off the island and the

main objective is to help raise funds which will assist the junior cricketers with gears and to sponsor age group cricket tournaments.

Aash Decor of 125 Good Hope, East Coast Demerara is among those that have supported the venture. The entity made a contribution to the organsiers Friday. Other entities lending support are Abu Guyana, L. Mahabeer and Son Cambio, Ink Plus, 4R, Trophy Stall, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Anil Beharry, Guyana Cricket Board, Gaza Taxi Service of Georgetown, Saif Hussain and Odyssey Transport Services.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 56

Queenstown/Ariel X1 win Essequibo Auto Sales Softball competition Queenstown/Ariel X1 defeated Airy Hall Empires by eight wickets to win the Essequibo Auto Sales Softball competition.

The six-team 15-over, round-round tournament recently concluded at Queenstown Community Centre, Essequibo Coast, Region 2 (PomeroonSupenaam).

Queenstown/Ariel chased down Airy Hall Empires’ 152 with two overs to spare. Frank Satrohan led the way with 58 while Jonathan Fernandes chipped in with 53. Satrohan was named player-of-the-match for his brilliant, batting performance.

Queenstown/Ariel X1 received $200,000 and a trophy while the runners-up team took home $20,000 and a trophy as well.

Third-place winner Aurora Secondary School

Captain Brian Mangar (left) presents the winning trophy from Andy Pierce.

were also given a trophy. The three other participating teams were: Walton Hall, Queenstown Tigers and Huist Diren. Organizer Brian Mangar thanked the teams for their participation and

also the sponsors. Those were: 786 Auto Imports, KSR Auto Sales, MD Auto Sales, Skyy Imports, AK Dealers, Richie’s Auto Body Work and Detailing and AB Tints and Graphics Design.

Sunday December 24, 2023

Lloyd Inniss hits 119 not out in opening round of ESCL T20 competition Right-handed batsman Lloyd Inniss struck a belligerent, unbeaten 119 for Queenstown Tigers but his innings went in vain after his team lost to Caribbean Cricket Club in the opening round of the Essequibo Softball Cricket League (ESCL)/Bhiska Taxi Service Over-40, T20 competition last Sunday.

Playing at Affiance Number 1 ground in Region 2, Pomeroon-Supenaam, Inniss slammed five sixes and seven fours as Queenstown Tigers made 218-6 from the 20-overs replying to Caribbean Cricket Club’s sufficient 235-6 (20-overs).

Inniss got support from Motielall Deepnarine who m a d e 2 3 a s Ya s e e r Mohammed snatched 2-30 from his maximum four

overs. When Caribbean Cricket Club batted, Eshwar Singh slammed a brilliant 81, while Ekie Baksh and Patrick Rooplall scored 37 and 36 respectively.

Trion Smith picked up 330 in his four-over outing.

At the same venue later in the day, Devonshire Castle Sports Club decimated Reliance Sports Club by 104 runs.

Devonshire Castle rattled up a formidable 1561 from the reduced 10-overs while Reliance Sports Club only responded with 52 all out in the 10th over. The reduction of the overs was due to rain. Latchman Singh cracked an enterprising 73 for the winner and Daramdeo Lall supported him with 64. Dexter Reid g r a b b e d 2 - 9 o ff f o u r economical overs delivering

for Devonshire Castle Sports Club. And across at Hebernia venue also in Region 2, Invader Masters defeated Untouchable by 44 runs. Invader Masters batted first and compiled a formidable 256-7 off 20-overs with former Essequibo InterCounty batsman Latchmikant Narine top-scoring with 82 while stalwart Ramesh Narine (unrelated) supported with 41.

For Untouchable, who replied with 192-9 at the expiration of the 20-overs, Ravi Beharry hit a fighting 36 as Raymond Allie claimed 4-28 in his four overs and Richie Bishop assisting with 2-49 (4).

Meanwhile, Hibernia Strikers got a walk-over from Essequibo Legends.

The eight-team, roundrobin competition will resume January 7 after the Holiday Seasons.

Man United slump again, Tottenham move up to fourth LONDON, (Reuters) Gloom descended on Manchester United again as they began their festive fixtures with a 2-0 Premier League defeat at West Ham United yesterday — a 13th loss of the season in all competitions for Erik Ten Hag’s faltering team.

Newly-crowned World Club champions Manchester City slipped out of the top four as Tottenham Hotspur claimed a third consecutive league win, beating Everton 2-1 at home in a thrilling end-to-end clash.

With City not in action after their triumph in Saudi Arabia, Tottenham moved above the champions into fourth place with 36 points from 18 games, three behind leaders Arsenal who face third-placed Liverpool (38 points) in the day’s standout fixture at Anfield later yesterday.

Aston Villa are second with 39 points, behind Arsenal on goal difference, after their surprise 1-1 draw with bottom club Sheffield United on Friday snapped their 15-match winning streak at home in the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest’s new manager Nuno Espirito Santo began with a 3-2 home

defeat by Bournemouth which left 17th-placed Forest far too close to the bottom three for comfort after big wins for Luton Town and Burnley who are immediately below them.

Manchester United’s gritty 0-0 draw at Liverpool last weekend was seen as a positive sign for Ten Hag’s inconsistent side but all the negativity returned at the London Stadium.

Second-half goals by Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus sealed the win for West Ham who moved above United into sixth place.

Bowen bundled home from close range in the 72nd minute after a lovely onetwo with Lucas Paqueta who played in Kudus six minutes later to settle the game with a sharp finish.

United, down in eighth place, again lacked any cutting edge in attack and have now gone four games in all competitions without scoring — their longest such sequence without a goal since 1992.

“We have players who can (score), they proved it in the past they can do it,” Ten Hag, who just cannot get a tune from his team, told reporters. “But we also have

West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates. (REUTERS/Hannah Mckay) to acknowledge the facts that football is about winning games and is about scoring goals.

“We have issues, we had many setbacks, injuries. But the players on the pitch are good enough to win the game.”

RARELY DULL Matches are rarely dull when Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham are in action and so it proved again as they ended Everton’s four-match winning streak.

Everton old boy

Richarlison gave Tottenham an early lead and Son Heungmin doubled the advantage inside 20 minutes to put the hosts in command.

But Everton fought back and wasted a hatful of chances before a clinical low strike by Andre Gomes in the 82nd minute set up a chaotic finale with chances at both ends.

Everton, carrying a 10point deduction after breaching Premier League financial rules, remained in 16th place with 16 points,

two more than Forest.

Luton have 12 points after making it a bad week for Newcastle United with a 1-0 victory at Kenilworth Road.

Winger Andros Townsend netted the only goal, his first for Luton, to secure a win that had added poignancy as it came a week after Luton captain Tom Lockyer, who suffered cardiac arrest in last week’s game at Bournemouth but has since been discharged from hospital.

Seventh-placed Newcastle have now lost three of their last four Premier League games and went out of the League Cup to Chelsea after a penalty shootout.

History was made at Craven Cottage as Rebecca Welch became the first female referee in the Premier League and while it was a milestone day for her it was also a great one for Burnley who beat Fulham 2-0 with goals by Wilson Odobert and Sander Berge.

Sunday December 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 57

What is happening? Powell rues absence of cricket fixtures in Jamaica Jamaica Tallawahs won CPL titles in 2013, 2016 and 2022, the latter under Powell’s leadership.

SportsMax - In the midst of celebrating a hard-fought 3-2 series win over England, West Indies Twenty20 captain Rovman Powell expressed disappointment about the of absence of international and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches in Jamaica and called on the government, particularly minister of sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange to address the issue.

It has been almost two years since West Indies last played Ireland in a One-day international contest in Jamaica last January, and four years since Jamaica Tallawahs last played at Sabina Park in 2019. This doesn’t sit well with Powell, who yearns to once again grace the Jamaican fans.

“I am a Jamaican and I want to play in front of my home crowd, but for the last few years I haven’t,” Powell lamented during a postmatch interview, after West Indies won the decisive contest against England by four wickets to clinch the five-match series at Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Thursday.

“West Indies Cricket Board (Cricket West Indies) and the Jamaica Government really have to sit down and have a conversation about that. Cricket has not played there for a long time...There are quite a few Jamaicans playing for West Indies now and no cricket has been there,” Powell argued.

Along with Powell, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas and Brandon King, were also a part of the triumphant West Indies team.

To add insult to injury, Jamaica will not have a CPL franchise in next year’s CPL tournament, as the Tallawahs are to be replaced by a yet-tobe-named franchise from Antigua and Barbuda. This would mark a return for another Leeward Islands franchise since the Antigua Hawksbills contested the first two CPL editions in 2013 and 2014.

Jamaica Tallawahs won CPL titles in 2013, 2016 and 2022, the latter under Powell’s leadership.

“Even if you look at the CPL team, I heard reports that they are looking to move the CPL team from Jamaica.

Jamaica is the biggest island in the Caribbean, a proud nation, a proud cricketing nation and for those things to be happening it is a little bit disappointing,” Powell noted.

In fact, Sabina Park is currently used to host football matches, which is contrary to its name the

‘cricket mecca’ of Jamaica, an island that has produced many great West Indies players, such as George Headley, Lawrence Rowe, Michael Holding, Jeffrey Dujon, Courtney Walsh, Patrick Patterson, and in recent era, Chris Gayle, Russell, Powell and others.

Another Jamaican and We s t I n d i e s s t a l w a r t Nehemiah Perry also expressed discontent with the happenings at Sabina Park, one of the oldest cricket grounds in the Caribbean, as it first hosted an international match almost 100 years ago. The first Test match played at Sabina Park was in 1930 between West Indies and England.

“I remember the days gone when we were talking about a Test series coming to the Caribbean; there were some grounds that you knew were going to get games like Sabina Park, Kensington Oval (Barbados), Queen’s

Rovman Powell

P a r k O v a l ( Tr i n i d a d ) etcetera,” Perry said in a recent interview on the Mason and Guest Radio Show.

When a Test series was played in the Caribbean in the 1980s and 1990s,

Jamaicans, Barbadians, Trinidadians, Guyanese and Antiguans could certainly look forward to seeing cricket played. Many other countries in the Caribbean have international cricket g r o u n d s n o w, s o t h e

traditional cricket venues in the region are no longer guaranteed matches. St Lucia, Grenada, Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis have all hosted international cricket regularly over the past decade.

rts Spo

Chase’s Academic settles for 3rd place in KFC Goodwill Series 2023 - as Clarendon College clinches first title

KFC’s Marketing Manager, Pamela Manasseh handing over the 2023 Goodwill Series trophy to Clarendon College captain Deandrae Gallimore and his team after clinching their maiden Goodwill title.

Pollard takes up stint as England’s batting consultant ahead of their T20 W’Cup defence Rebecca Welch (centre with ball) also refereed at the Women’s World Cup this summer. (Getty Images)

Rebecca Welch officiates Fulham v Burnley to become Premier League’s first woman referee

Former West Indies captain Kieron Pollard

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