Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR NEWS

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Christmas Appeal for peace from the publisher of Kaieteur News/ Kaieteur Radio The ongoing conflict in Palestine has evolved into

Husband who

came home for Xmas

Monday Edition December 25, 2023 - Vol. 16 No. 50

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 36.984

shot dead by wife’s lover in his own bedroom genocide against the Palestinian people.

As we celebrate Christmas, the season of compassion and goodwill, I call for an end to hostilities and for the freedom of

Palestine.

It is a terrible indictment against the conscience of the world that at this time when we celebrate the birth of Christ, innocent Palestinians, including

women and children, are being slaughtered, while those who survive are left homeless and helpless on the streets. How can humanity condone such inhumanity?

As we celebrate Christmas let us spare a thought for the suffering people of Palestine.

Let us pray for peace and goodwill and an end to war and occupation.

Ram exposes Jagdeo’s misleading claims on ring-fencing of oil projects

Attorney-at-law and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

- says VP must seek guidance in understanding Guyana’s oil laws - maintains country is de facto investor in ExxonMobil oil projects

Thief shot dead UK to send warship to Guyana while breaking into food container amid Venezuela tensions Man arrested ...Pres. Ali says move is part of “defence cooperation”

for operating ‘unregistered horse cart’ GDF budget propped up with $1.2B more

HMS Trent, an offshore patrol vessel, will take part in exercises off the coast of Guyana. (Getty Images)

UNFULFILLED MANIFESTO PROMISE:

Guyana to close 2023 without independent oversight body for oil sector

Five years later: Guyana still to implement

IMF advice to collect capital gain Merry Christmas tax in mining, petroleum industries from the staff of …VP not bothered by companies selling stake

Kaieteur News

Next edition on Wednesday 27th, Dec. 2023

PAGE 02

Kaieteur News

Monday December 25, 2023

Kaieteur News

Monday December 25, 2023

PAGE 03

Exxon’s third oil project already producing over 100,000 barrels daily

E

xxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of the Stabroek Block, has attained production of over 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) at its third development, Payara.

The Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, Prosperity, attained first oil on November 14, 2023.

According to statistics on the Ministry of Natural Resources Petroleum Management website, the oil company drew just about 24,000 barrels on the day one of production.

By November 28, Exxon pushed production up to 101,000 barrels for the first time. Data for the month of December has not yet been uploaded to the Ministry’s website.

Payara is expected to produce 220,000 barrels per day in the first quarter of 2024, thereby increasing Guyana’s daily production rate to 600,000 bpd.

Presently, ExxonMobil is also producing oil from two other projects in the Stabroek Block, Liza

One and Liza Two, at about 150,000 bpd and an average 250,000 bpd respectively.

Notably, the two projects have both exceeded its safe operating limit as prescribed by the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). The EIAs for the Liza One and Liza Two projects each specifically outline 120,000 and 220,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), respectively, as the safe operating limit.

This has sparked concern among Guyanese as the company fights against offering full liability coverage in the event of an oil spill.

Senior officials at ExxonMobil have also revealed plans to ramp up production at the Payara project beyond the designed capacity.

ExxonMobil Corporation’s Senior Vice President, Neil Chapman had said, “We would hope, we would expect to have a similar type of uplift. There is no reason to think that we wouldn’t, but we have to start that up. The plan is to start that up in the middle of November,” the Senior Vice

President said while acknowledging the 220,000-bpd nameplate capacity of the Prosperity vessel.

Presently, Guyana has been assured of a US$600 million insurance policy per oil spill event in the Stabroek Block, where over 11 billion barrels of resources have already been discovered.

Two citizens had approached the High Court for the company to provide unlimited oil spill coverage

Guyana’s third FPSO, Prosperity

rather than leave those costs to Guyana. The Court ruled that ExxonMobil must provide the signed parent company guarantee to that effect but the ruling has been appealed. In the meantime, Exxon has lodged a US$2B affiliate company guarantee to prop up its USS$600 million oil spill insurance.

Guyanese, however, remain concerned that this sum may not be sufficient to cover the extensive

damage that may be caused by a massive spill. Multiple studies conducted by ExxonMobil’s consultant, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) have determined that over 10 Caribbean countries can be hit by a worse case disaster.

One analyst has determined that countries within the pathway of a potential spill from Guyana have US$140B in economic activity at risk.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

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

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

EDITORIAL

Christmas

T

he lyrics of the popular song ‘If I can help somebody’ come alive mostly at Christmas because it is that one time of the year, when most people are disposed to giving.

The song says: “ If I can help somebody as I pass along, If I can cheer somebody with a word or song, If I can show somebody that they’re travelling wrong, Then my living shall not be in vain.”

It went on to say: “ if I can do my duties as a good man ought, If I can bring back beauty to a world up wrought, If I can share love’s message like the Master taught, Then my living shall not be in vain.”

People around the world today are observing the Christmas holiday. It is one of the most sacred days for Christians, although through the years its sanctity has been desecrated.

Even some Christians have allowed themselves to be caught up with the commercialism of the festivities, reducing it to a time of merriment.

Perhaps, a greater understanding of the purpose of Jesus’ birth would see a more sober reflection on this day.

It is often argued that December 25 is not the date of Jesus’ birth and therefore should not be observed. Others feel that though the date might be incorrect, the significance of the occasion is what matters and as such persons should not be restrained from observing December 25.

Whatever the argument is, there is no divine sanctity resting upon the twenty-fifth of December; and it is not pleasing to God that anything that concerns the salvation of men through the infinite sacrifice made for them , should be so sadly perverted from its professed design.

Christ should be the supreme object; but as Christmas has been observed, the glory is turned from Him to mortal man, whose sinful, defective character made it necessary for Him to come to our world.

The Bible teaches that Jesus- the Majesty of heaven, the royal King of heaven, laid aside His royalty, left His throne of glory, His high command, and came into our world to bring to fallen man, weakened in moral power, and corrupted by sin, aid divine. He clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might reach to the very depths of human woe and misery, to lift up fallen man. By taking upon Himself man’s nature, He raised humanity in the scale of moral value with God. Those great themes are almost too high, too deep, too infinite, for the comprehension of finite minds. So as we celebrate today, let us do so with the knowledge that the birth of Christ was the first step towards the great sacrifice for humanity.

Therefore, how should we in turn respond to this gift? It is by working to lift up our fellow human beings who have been wracked by injustices, and hunger to a higher plain.

It is for us to do as Jesus said in Luke 4: 18 to preach the gospel to the poor; heal the broken-hearted, preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind and to set at liberty them that are bruised. Perhaps if we would start there this Christmas, then our living will not be in vain.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Monday December 25, 2023

President Ali’s preplanned ‘victory’ DEAR EDITOR, ‘Give me six lines written by the most honest man in the world, and I will find enough in them to hang him.’ So said the formidable Cardinal Armand Richelieu, the chief minister of France from 1624 to 1642. This is one of my favourite quotations and hopefully it will provide some solace to President Irfaan Ali given the torrent of negative opinions that have followed the Argyle Declaration.

By the caption I am suggesting that the president

was not defeated but was forced by the logic of his context to accommodate himself to his opponent’s preplanned reality. In other words, as planned by Miraflores, President Ali was forced to extricate President Nicolas Maduro from the corner that - on my reading - he self-interestedly backed himself into. In this sense, the outcome was a win for Maduro’s planners but not a loss for Ali, who merely did the required and inevitable.

Two weeks ago, I argued

that Maduro’s historical context and current requirements make it unlikely that his intention is to invade Guyana.

Venezuelans have been weaned on the belief that Essequibo is theirs and Maduro is using this situation to bolster his plunging popular support in time for the coming 2024 elections. But to be successful he will have to appear to be making good on his commitments; hence his threat to annex Essequibo, warning off investors, etc.

However, once one accepts this possibility, it follows that careful thought and planning went into this process and the perception of political recklessness on the part of the Venezuelan authorities some critics assume is baseless. Even if all we have been fussing about was not carefully choreographed, the planners would certainly have designed a way out of their self-imposed cul-de-sac.

Even if the government of Guyana suspected that (Continued on page 06)

Monday December 25, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 05

Study Singapore & Southeast Asia to avoid resource curse DEAR EDITOR, I just returned from several weeks traveling around several Southeast Asian countries examining economic progress since last there before Covid and from multiple visits earlier while a graduate student.

Going back to the 1980s, my professors suggested Southeast Asian nations as models for economic development for “Third World” or less developing countries and advised visits for practicum (experience). That led to my multiple visits over the years.

Southeast Asian nations as well as neighboring China grew astoundingly from the 1980s (some even from the 1970s) and came to be known as “miracle economies”. It is not a unified region although the several countries share some common characteristics like ‘benevolent authoritarianism’

and embracing elements of capitalism. Each nation had its own peculiar attributes that facilitated growth and development. My most favorite country as a model for Guyana is Singapore because it shares many commonalities – British colonial rule, English as the main language, parliamentary system, ethnic and cultural pluralism, among others. I love Singapore for its high state of development, zero poverty, full employment, near zero crime, zero tolerance for (government) corruption and graft, zero illicit drugs, orderliness, cleanliness, efficiently managed state corporations, among other reasons. Unlike Guyana, Singapore has no natural resources and that has not handicapped development.

And unlike Guyana, it has managed multi ethnic

relations without outward physical conflict; unlike Guyana, ethnicity does not negatively impact development. The ethnic groups get along and each is allowed “cultural autonomy”. The three main ethnic groups – Chinese majority, Malay the second largest, and Indians (Tamils or we call ‘Madrassi’ in the Caribbean) — learn their native language and culture in public institutions and celebrate their identity; Chinese, Malays, Indians have national public holidays (including Diwali and Eid) during which identities are promoted and celebrated. They do not shy away from their identity; cultural diffusion is encouraged and that has helped the groups to live in relative harmony and peace unlike during colonial rule

We have emerged stronger as a people DEAR EDITOR, We are in the middle of the festive season of Christmas and the New Year. This year has not been without its challenges, the most significant of which was the threat emanating out of Caracas to our territorial integrity and national sovereignty. At least for now, the tension generated by Venezuela’s unlawful ‘annexation’ of the Essequibo region has subsided somewhat following a meeting in Argyle, St. Vincent and the Grenadines between President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and President Maduro.

But challenges also bring about opportunities.

The unity displayed by Guyanese all across the political and geographical spectrum of Guyana was extraordinary. And so was the support and solidarity for Guyana on the issue by the international c o m m u n i t y. G u y a n a

gained the spotlight by all the leading media houses including the BBC, CNN and Al Jazeera. Several interviews were done with President Ali who was brilliant with his responses to questions posed to him.

The entire world saw Maduro as an aggressor and someone who has no regard for the norms of international law. Guyana, on the other hand, is seen as playing by the rules of international law and has won international respect and acclaim for taking the controversy arising out of Venezuela’s refusal to accept the legally binding 1899 Arbitral Tribunal to the International Court of Justice.

We h a v e e m e rg e d stronger as a people. The threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity have induced a sense of renewed patriotism and nationalism unprecedented in our recent history.

We are defined by our

multiculturalism and national identity. As a society we have always embraced a culture of peace and cultural tolerance. Our multiculturalism is particularly evident during the festive season of Christmas and the New Ye a r. G u y a n e s e a r e optimistic about the future prospects. Never before in our history has there been such a surge of economic activities. The economic and social landscape is changing dramatically which augers well for our continuing growth and prosperity.

I wish to take this opportunity to wish all Guyanese a prosperous New Year!

Regards, Hydar Ally

when there were ethnic riots.

A Chinese has been Prime Minister since its founding but the Presidency (that replaced the monarchy) rotates among the three ethnic groups; the current President is an Indian who assumed office a few months ago. The MPs and the cabinet represent the three groups in a partnership.

The state of the economy (GDP per capita) of Singapore was not much different from Guyana at independence. Singapore was part of a federation with M a l a y s i a w h e n independence was granted in 1963. Unhappy with and speaking out against Malay dominance and control of resources, Singapore was asked to leave the federation. It became independent in 1965 under an enlightened leader with a vision — Lee Kwan Yew (came to be known as LKY), Cambridge University educated lawyer – and perhaps the most enlightened leader of his era who served as Prime Minister till his voluntary retirement in 1990. He remained a MP till his death in 2015 training and advising his successors; his son Lee Hosien Loong (since 2004) has been PM and plans to retire. LKY cofounded a political party (Peoples Action Party) with other prominent politicians or activists and cultural leaders including Malays and Indians.

He brought together several Chinese, Malay, and Indian organizations. He became the dominant figure and did not tolerate much dissension although he respected and accepted the views of others.

Although he was a left winger (and even labeled a socialist) in his youth when combating colonial rule, in the same mold as Guyanese nationalists who fought imperialism, he was a pragmatist. He was extremely brilliant and u n d e r s t o o d t h e consequences of aligning with the East during the cold

war unlike left winger Cheddi Jagan. LKY recognized that Singapore would not develop under socialism, and he did not want his nation to fall in the same trap as Indo-China nations that fought the French and Americans. He distinguished himself from his radical socialist comrades in the party having them expelled.

And he embraced capitalism as the mode of development.

More specifically, at the height of the cold war, unlike our Jagan in British Guiana, he sided with the US and the West. This won him kudos and support from the Americans and the West resulting in loans, investment and open markets. He became very close with American Conservative rulers like Ronald Reagan and George Bush.

His embrace of capitalism and the West going back to the 1960s gave him access to resources and markets to grow his country’s economy. And it took off like a jet. While the GDP per capita of Guyana and Singapore were almost the same in 1966, three or four decades later, Singapore’s was twenty times that of Guyana.

Guyana pursued ‘etatism’ or insular state development tied to socialist economies and its economy stymied.

Today, Singapore’s GDP per capita is almost the same as the USA. Singapore has become a ‘super’ developed city state, the envy of the world. Singapore, like other Southeast nations, focused on education and

industrialization.

Scholarships were provided to outstanding students to study abroad (USA and UK) and return to make contributions to the e c o n o m y. ( S e v e r a l Singaporeans of all ethnicities studied with me in NY) during the 1980s.

From a poor nation with no natural resources, Singapore has become one of the most efficient and rich states. Other Southeast nations and China have also done extremely well since the 1960s. Vietnam for example, has made a complete turnaround of its economy after the devastating consequences of the Vietnam war with America; that country has been booming with construction undergoing so much change every time I visited a few years apart. LKY was economic advisor to China and Vietnam, both growing phenomenally.

The Southeast Asian nations have not wasted their resources or new found wealth like Latin American or African countries. They have largely avoided the “resource curse” and their people are enjoying a very high standard of living and declining poverty. The Guyana government should give thought to (supporting young scholars) studying the development models of Singapore and other Southeast Asian nations. These economies can serve as a guide if not models of development and on how to avoid the resource curse.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Kaieteur News

PAGE 06

Monday December 25, 2023

The attempt to serve a summons Don’t assume Exxon will not renegotiate unconscionable (as the contract is illegal (better D E , in the manner in which the Guyana The Democratically ExxonMobil/Guyana oil clarification would be PPP/C Government contract is because it heavily needed here to understand Police Force attempted on Mr. Burke Elected of Guyana should not favours ExxonMobil as well why....over to you OGGN) assume that ExxonMobil as demands that Guyana then it is not enforceable by is not only illegal and void will not renegotiate. They pays for environmental the courts.

EAR

DEAR EDITOR, I have seen a rather strange letter purportedly written by Mr. Sanjeev Datadin, Attorney – at – Law and Member of Parliament on a press statement issued, by me, Saturday, December 23, 2023, to the media, on the inappropriate and unlawful action of the Guyana Police Force to attempt to serve a summons on Mr. Rickford Burke, overseas.

I deliberately used the word “purportedly” because I am prepared to accept, without question, that an imposter may have written that

missive.

However, in the event that it was my colleague, at the Bar, and in the National Assembly, who penned that letter, then I would say in the repeated words of my recently departed Mentor, the distinguished and eminent Rex H. McKay S. C. that: “only fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” Mr. Datadin would add to the intellectual bank of this nation, and, in fact, advance jurisprudence if he could only cite the authority that exists in the United Kingdom for similar action undertaken by the Guyana

Police Force against a citizen residing in the United States of America.

Again, the attempt to serve a summons in the manner in which the Guyana Police Force attempted on Mr. Burke is not only illegal and void, but calls into serious question the adherence to fundamental principles of due process and respect for individual rights.

We await his contribution and edifying response to this request or let him keep treading.

Yours truly, Roysdale Forde S. C., Member of Parliament

DITOR

will renegotiate. It is just a question of how much more they will be willing to part with. At least try to renegotiate as opposed to fighting ExxonMobil corner.

As for the “sanctity of contract”: if the contract is

damage/cleanup in the event of an oil spill) and/or goes against public policy (as the ExxonMobil/Guyana oil contract is because too many oil blocks were given to ExxonMobil) as well as some people suggest that the

ExxonMobil will renegotiate as it will do anything to protect its shareholders value and will not just walk away from Guyana’s oil.

Sincerely, Sean Ori

President Ali’s preplanned ‘victory’...

From page 04 Maduro was bluffing, there is no way that the government of a small, weak, and ethnically divided country like Guyana could h a v e , w h i l e m a ki n g diplomatic, military, and other arrangements, not in the interest of peace follow one of the primary maxims of negotiations and international relations: once it would not be too costly, seek to find and give your opponent a way out. The planners at Miraflores also knew this and the Argyle declaration fits the bill.

The declaration has not placed Guyana at any serious disadvantage: its case is still intact before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Notwithstanding Guyana claiming that the matter before the court is a ‘controversy’, the court itself in its response to Guyana’s complaint about Ve n e z u e l a ’s p r o p o s e d referendum stated: ‘[P]ending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby the Cooperative Republic of Guyana administers and exercises control over that area.’

Indeed, the court took jurisdiction over both what Guyana would like to understand as a controversy - ‘the validity of the 1899 Award’ - and ‘the definitive settlement of the land boundary dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.’

Also, one of the judges of the court, in a minority comment, said that Guyana had been disadvantaged by the final phrase in the above sentence that speaks of ‘control over’ rather than ‘sovereignty.’

If so, it appears to me that there are substantial concerns as to the precise implications of these formulations as the case proceeds. I accept that, perchance it occurs, the matter cannot be left at the

stage where the court simply declares that the 1899 Award is invalid, for in such a hiatus, as Thucydides observed ‘the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must’. If it has not already been done, these are substantive matters that require a level of elucidation.

By way of the Argyle Declaration the Venezuelan authorities have in the most public of manner once again committed themselves to the peaceful settlement of the border controversy/dispute, and this is good. But one must not overlook that what it means by peace appears to include the decades-long harassment and seizure of Guyana’s property. Guyana must take nothing for granted and must develop an inclusive, comprehensive national response that assumes the possible use of force. In terms of the latter, recently Dr. Andre Brandli, (SN:09/12/2023) called upon Guyana to consider joining the Inter-American Tr e a t y o f R e c i p r o c a l Assistance (Rio pact). If it is possible, I endorse this advice. In 2015, during an incursion of Venezuelan forces into the Cuyuni River I made a similar suggestion (‘Should Guyana join the Rio Pact?’ SN: 30/09/2015).

The Rio Pact. which included all the countries of the Americas except Canada and the colonies of the British and other colonial empires, was established in 1947. Since then, of the ex- British colonies, Trinidad & Tobago joined upon independence in 1967 and the Bahamas joined in 1982.

Venezuela had a territorial dispute with Trinidad & Tobago and its then prime minister, Dr. Eric Williams, was very suspicious of its ‘imperialist’ ambitions in the region.

According to the Rio Pact’s founding treaty, ‘The High Contracting Parties agree that an armed attack by any State against an American State shall be

considered as an attack against all the American States and, consequently, each one of the said Contracting Parties undertakes to assist in meeting the attack in the exercise of the inherent right of individual or collective selfdefense recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. … The provisions of this Article shall be applied in case of any armed attack which takes place within the region … or within the territory of an American State’ (Article 3 of the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (Rio Pact).

Article 9 states, ‘In addition to other acts which the Organ of Consultation may characterize as aggression, the following shall be considered as such: a. Unprovoked armed attack by a State against the territory, the people, or the land, sea or air forces of another State; b. Invasion, by the armed forces of a State, of the territory of an American State, through the trespassing of boundaries demarcated in accordance with a treaty, judicial decision, or arbitral award, or, in the absence of frontiers thus demarcated, invasion affecting a region which is under the effective jurisdiction of another State.’

The Pact was invoked many times during the 1950s and 1960s, including to unanimously support the United States’ naval blockade during the Cuban missile crisis.

Argentina invoked the treaty d u r i n g t h e Malvinas/Falklands war with Britain, but the United States decided that Argentina was the aggressor and supported Britain. After 9/11 in 2001, the US invoked the treaty, but only four Central American countries contributed troops while two countries (Colombia and Panama) became members of the US inspired ‘coalition of the willing’.

Sincerely, Dr Henry Jeffrey

T N U L B . . .

T B N U T L N T B .

U .

L .

L T B .

N .

U .

N U T L N B .

U .

T .

L N T U N B .

N U .

L U L LUNT. B .

T . .

T T N N B U B .

U .

L .

L T B .

B . .

N . . .

T U T L N N T U U L N L B U .

B . .

L . . .

T B T . .

N .

N T U L N LU B U PEACE AND GOOD . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

TIDINGS TO ALL T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

N T B . .

U N .

L T U L B N . .

B .

U . .

T L .

N T B . .

U N .

L N T B U N . .

L .

U T L B . .

N B . . .

T U .

L N T B U . .

L .

UN T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L B U UN .BLUNT. . .

L .

T B . .

N .

T U .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

LU ...BLUNT LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . .

L N .

T B U BL T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B BBLU T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU .

T .

N .

N T T U L U N L B U T...BLU U B .

L .

N .

B T . . .

N T U N N N L U U U B L .

L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Monday December 25, 2023

Kaieteur News

Christmas is a time of peace and good tidings.

We at Kaieteur News are happy to have patterned with you in bringing to the public’s light all of the atrocities of this society.

We cannot begin to count all the wrongs being done to citizens by their leaders, who continue to be aiding and abetting foreign investors.

We hope and pray that this period, recognizing the birth of Jesus which ushered in salvation for men, will be the springboard from which our lives will be changed and our governance improved.

Merry Christmas!

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Kaieteur News

UK to send warship to Guyana amid Venezuela tensions

Monday December 25, 2023

HMS Trent, an offshore patrol vessel, will take part in exercises off the coast of Guyana (Getty Images)

...Pres. Ali says move is part of "defence cooperation"

T

h e U n i t e d Kingdom (UK) is preparing to send a warship to Guyana in a show of diplomatic and military support for the former British colony, the BBC reported.

This development comes at a time when Venezuela has renewed its claim to Guyana's Essequibo territory, which is rich in oil and minerals. When asked to comment on the development, President Irfaan Ali told Kaieteur News, “These were all planned exchanges at a bilateral level.

The ship had calls at other ports within the Region. As part of our bilateral and International cooperation on security we have many joint

exercises and training planned within our borders and sovereign space. This is part of our defence cooperation.”

President Ali underscored that the government is fully committed to ensuring the region remains a zone of peace and stability.

“We will continue to provide leadership and partnership with everyone around us in the pursuit of and realization of peace, prosperity and development for all,” he added.

The BBC reported that the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed HMS Trent would take part in joint exercises after Christmas.HMS Trent an offshore patrol vessel had been deployed to the

Caribbean to search for drug smugglers but was re-tasked a f t e r Ve n e z u e l a ' s government threatened to annex the Essequibo region of Guyana earlier this month.

This raised fears that Venezuela might invade and spark the first interstate war in South America since the Falklands Conflict in 1982.

Venezuela has long claimed ownership of Essequibo, a 61,000 square mile region which comprises about two-thirds of Guyana.

Its hills and jungles are rich in gold, diamonds and bauxite, while huge oil deposits have been found off its coast.

While Guyana's economy is growing fast, Venezuela's is suffering, the BBC report stated.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, staged a referendum on 3 December to assert popular support for his country's claim to Essequibo.

The result was widely challenged and disputed but he nonetheless published new maps and legislation showing Essequibo as part of Venezuela, named a new governor and offered identity cards to those living in the sparsely populated region.

He has also ordered the state oil company to issue extraction licences.

Mr. Maduro has subsequently met President Ali, and agreed not to use force, but he has maintained his territorial claim and both sides are still at odds over how the border dispute could be settled legally.

This week the Lloyd's insurance market in London added Guyana to its list of riskiest shipping zones.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson told the BBC: "HMS Trent will visit regional ally and Commonwealth partner Guyana later this month as part of a series of engagements in the region during her Atlantic Patrol Task deployment."

According to the BBC, the HMS Trent has a crew of 65, a top speed of 24 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles.

It is armed with 30mm

cannon and a contingent of Royal Marines.

It can also deploy Merlin helicopters and unmanned aircraft.

HMS Trent left its home port of Gibraltar in early December and is currently alongside in Bridgetown, Barbados for Christmas.

The warship is expected to anchor off the capital of Guyana, Georgetown, and conduct visits, joint activities and training with the country's navy and other allies, the report said. It cannot go alongside because the port is too shallow.

The vessel is mainly used for tackling piracy and smuggling, protecting fisheries, counterterrorism, providing humanitarian aid, and search and rescue operations, but the Royal Navy says it is also designed for border patrols and defence diplomacy.

The decision to send HMS Trent to Guyana is part of a growing UK effort to show international diplomatic support for Guyana.

This week the Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said the UK would "continue to work with partners in the region to ensure the territorial integrity of Guyana is upheld and prevent escalation".

David Rutley, the Foreign Office Minister for the Americas, visited

Georgetown on 18 December, the first G7 representative to do so since Venezuela renewed its claim.

He promised Guyana the UK's "unequivocal backing" and welcomed Venezuela's promise to avoid using force.

Mr. Rutley continued: "The border issue has been settled for over 120 years.

Sovereign borders must be respected wherever they are in the world.

"The UK will continue to work with partners in the region, as well as through international bodies, to ensure the territorial integrity of Guyana is upheld."

Venezuela's Foreign Minister, Yvan Gil, criticised the visit, accusing the UK of destabilising the region.

In a post on X - formerly Twitter - he said: "The former invading and enslaving empire, which illegally occupied the territory of Guayana Esequiba and acted in a skilful and sneaky manner against the interests of Venezuela, insists on intervening in a territorial controversy that they themselves generated."

Venezuela disputes the border which was established under an international agreement in 1899.

Guyana was formerly known as British Guiana before it secured its independence in 1966.

(Excerpt taken from article published by the BBC)

Kaieteur News

Monday December 25, 2023

PAGE 09

Is Jagdeo’s bubble about to burst?

Despite the presence of the acclaimed Champion of the Earth at COP 28 – the annual United Nations Conference on climate change – there was, to put it mildly, little progress in respect of advancing forest carbon markets.

If the truth were to be told, there is a creeping indifference developing t o w a r d s t h e commodification of forest carbon. As part of this commodification, carbon credits are produced and sold.

In the case of Guyana, they are sold in what is known as voluntary markets.

Jagdeo’s hopes of trading forest carbon in the compliance market were dashed at COP 28.

The voluntary carbon trading market is now facing a crisis. The fear is that much of the forest carbon credits traded in this market are ‘phantom’ credits and do not actually represent any cuts in emissions. Their conclusion is based on the math used in calculating these carbon credits and the suspected overestimation of deforestation reductions.

The capacity of voluntary markets to significantly alter global warming is now also being called into question. As one recent UN report stated, “Neither the price currently paid for forest carbon nor the volume of REDD+ transactions in carbon markets is in line with the goal of the Paris Agreement to keep global temperature

increase below 1.50C.” Carbon offsets are also facing a crisis of legitimacy.

One of the ways in which countries and companies cancel out their polluting emissions is through what is known as carbon offsets.

Instead of reducing their own emissions, these countries and companies pay for reducing emissions elsewhere.

The vulgarity of carbon offsets has been compared to a man seeking to lose weight. But instead of losing the required weight, he simply pays another man to lose weight and he buys that as a credit for himself.

This is what passes for carbon offsets. Countries and firms pay other countries to reduce emissions and then they use these offsets to reach the targets which they are required to do in their countries.

One of the arguments against carbon-offsets is that they do not reduce emissions. All they do is cancel out one set of emissions with an offset.

One form of offsets is the forest protection scheme.

This is what Guyana is seeking to capitalize on.

Under this arrangement, companies and countries pay other countries such as Guyana to keep its forests intact or to replant forests.

The offsetting country is paid for this service.

A great deal of controversy now surrounds these carbon-offset schemes. Apart from the

overstating of reduced deforestation, there have been concerns that these schemes end up harming indigenous peoples. These two push backs are affecting the legitimacy and integrity of carbon offsetting schemes.

Guyana had been hoping for greater progress during COP 29 on carbon credit trading. But that progress was not forthcoming. If, as some are predicting, the voluntary forest carbon credit markets collapse, it will represent a major blow to Jagdeo’s plans to leverage Guyana’s high forest cover to obtain financing through the sale of forest carbon credits. If the forest carbon markets collapse, it will bring an ignominious end to the international career of Bharrat Jagdeo.

Jagdeo has championed two issues regionally and internationally: climate change and food security.

Incidentally these are two issues on which President Ali pledges to make Guyana a global leader. If voluntary carbon markets collapse, it would mean that these two platforms would have collapsed.

COP 28 saw a subtle shift. Instead of a stronger focus on monetization of forest carbon, the emphasis is now on preserving and protecting forests. Eighteen countries endorsed a Joint Statement on Climate, Nature and People.

Surprisingly, Guyana was not among those 18 countries. Jagdeo should

DEM BOYS SEH

Dis is what all the fuss was about

C

hristmas Day does remind dem boys of dem times when dem does try fuh sneak out of dem boring office meetings.

Dis day is one of de quietest day of de year. Yuh could literally hear a pin drop.

In the weeks leading up to this day, people been hustlin’ and bustlin’, decoratin’ yuh place. Yuh been spending so much cash, yuh wallet lookin’ like it’s on a diet. But Christmas mornin’, it’s like de whole world tek a break and whisper, “Easy, man.”

Yuh clean up, spruce up, dash decorations all over de place. And why?

For Christmas Day to come and say, “Nah, bai, we chillin’ today.”

People shop till dey drop like dem boys at a bar after payday, and then what? Christmas Day come, and all yuh hearing is quietude. Yuh would have thought that Christmas day would have ended in a big bang – a noisy culmination of all the sportin’ and spending over the past month.

Ask people ‘bout dey Christmas Day, and like clockwork, nine outta ten go say, “Quiet, man.” De odd one out probably get knocked out from partyin’ like it’s the end of the world

on Christmas Eve. Sleepin’ through de silence, so exhausted dey dreamin’ of a second Christmas.

Imagine, dis de day we commemoratin’ a baby born in a manger in a stable in a faraway land. We turn that into a carnival, and Christmas Day just sittin’ back, smirkin’, and askin’, “What was the big fuss for?”So, leh we enjoy dis Christmas Day, take a breather from the noise, and wish all dem Guyanese a Merry Christmas. And oh, dem boys hopin’ Glenn Lall get he ring fencing of de oil projects. Christmas cheer for all!

Talk half. Leff half

offer an explanation as to why Guyana did not endorse this statement.

The Statement on Climate, Nature and People speaks more to the scaling of finance and investment for climate and nature. But this can hardly be the reason for Guyana not endorsing the statement since Guyana has been advocating for more financing for climate adaptation. With the World Bank getting into the act through its Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, Guyana may now face a further backlash in terms of more rigorous standards for avoided deforestation.

Fifteen countries have signed on to an arrangement that would allow them to earn income from carbon credits generated from preserving their forests.

Guyana is not among those fifteen countries, and for good reason.

The new arrangements being put in place under that existing facility has the potential to affect Guyana’s forest carbon credit sales because of the anticipated higher standards and relatively lower prices for carbon. The World Bank has already signaled that the credits must be unique, real, additional, permanent, and

measurable. Jagdeo may be facing his Waterloo – a climate Waterloo.

The ground beneath his feet appears unsteady.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Monday Monday December May 02, 25,2022 2023

Husband who came home for Xmas shot dead by wife's lover in his bedroom A

man, who went h o m e o n Christmas Eve but was refused entry into his home by his wife, was shot dead in his own bedroom by the woman's lover.

The dead man, Ketezel Bazillio, was murdered around 04:30hrs on Christmas Eve at his home at L o t 7 6 9 , N e w Yo u n g Professionals Housing Scheme at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), police said.

Kaieteur News understands that Bazillio's wife was not expecting him home that early and had her lover, a convicted murderer who was released from

prison only two weeks ago, sleeping in their bedroom.

The 38-year-old-woman, who lives with her four children, was questioned by police and she said that she knew the suspect for several years; she said the two are in a relationship.

According to police, the woman called her lover around 22:00hrs on Saturday while decorating the house for Christmas. She asked him to bring her some Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and after arriving with the food, he ended up spending the night.

“At about 04:00hrs this morning (Sunday), Bazillio (her husband) came home

Wanted suspect in Bazillo's murder Ketezel Bazillio who was shot dead by his wife's lover (Travis Chase photo) and called out to his wife for her to open the front door and she hesitated,” police said.

Bazillio grew angry and asked the woman why she took a while to open the door.

The woman reportedly cracked under pressure and told her husband that her lover was in the house.

Bazillio grew angrier after learning that the man was a convicted murderer.

During the discussion, the man's wife refused to let him into their home and he decided to enter their bedroom, through the louvre windows, where the woman's lover was waiting.

The two men then confronted each other, and

according to the police, the woman's lover pulled out a gun and fatally shot Bazillio before making good his escape.

Police said “He pulled out a handgun and discharged a round at Bazillio, who fell to the ground. (Name provided) then went over him and discharged another round at Bazillio”.

C r i m e s c e n e investigators said that Bazillio's body bore gunshot wounds to the neck and chin area.

One .32 spent shell was found in the bedroom. Police are currently hunting the suspect.

Annai man killed in motorcycle hit-and-run A 56-year-old-man was killed during the wee hours of Christmas Eve in a hitand-run accident involving a motorcycle at Rupertee Access Trail, North Rupununi, Region Nine, police said.

The victim was identified as Charles Dookram of Aranaputa, North Rupununi.

A resident of Rupertee Village, Wesley Roberts, told police that he was awoken from his sleep by a loud noise outside his house on Sunday morning around 03:40hrs.

He went outside to investigate and saw an

unconscious Dookram lying on the road. Roberts claimed that he saw a motorcycle and its rider not too close to the scene. It was evident that the motorcyclist had struck Dookram but instead of stopping to assist, he fled the scene.

Roberts woke up some individuals and they assisted him in rushing Dookram to the Annai Health Center.

The injured man was transported to the Lethem Regional Hospital where he died around 09:35hrs while receiving treatment.

Police later managed to track down the motorcyclist and arrested him.

Monday December 25, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Ram exposes Jagdeo's misleading claims on ring-fencing on oil projects - says VP must seek guidance in understanding Guyana's oil laws - maintains country is de facto investor for ExxonMobil’s projects

T

here are a series of challenges and weaknesses in the petroleum sector, which if not urgently addressed, will morph into crises with severe consequences for the country and its people. So said Christopher Ram, attorney-at-law and chartered accountant in an extensive interview at the invitation of Kaieteur News to discuss recent comments made by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo about him at his latest press conference at Freedom House.

Ram made it a condition of the interview that he would not be revisiting that counterproductive road but rather to address the substantive issues dealt with by the Vice President, namely Ram's assertion that the Government has become a de facto investor in exploration and prospecting activities of the Stabroek block, that the 2016 Petroleum Agreement with ExxonMobil does not permit ringfencing and the PPP/C's new mantra of sanctity of contract.

Ram identified as grave, the challenge of credibility, which some even consider one of trust and integrity; a challenge of policy; a challenge of execution; a challenge of institutional capacity; a challenge of understanding the basic tenets and principles of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement; a challenge of execution and even a challenge of simple bookkeeping.

According to the commentator, his instinct preferred the word “crisis” to “challenge” but opted for the lesser word in order to give the Government both space and early warning to act and avert the inevitable, disastrous and costly consequences which inaction will bring.

Ram attributed the credibility challenge as stemming from the

Government's and the PPP/C's complete reversal of its position on renegotiation of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement expressed unequivocally by President Irfaan Ali and his Vice President over the three years 2018 – 2020.

First it was Jagdeo in 2018 during the Motion of No Confidence, and again by him in a radio interview December 2019. In fact, Jagdeo mocked the Granger Administration for signing a “zero royalty, no taxes, no ringfencing” contract even after “three billion barrels of proven reserves” had been found.

Ram noted that Jagdeo was not speaking in his personal capacity or expressing a personal view, and that no less a person than PPP/C's presidential candidate and now President, Dr. Irfaan Ali in an interview with the Guyanese Critic in February 2020 was equally unambiguous and convincing.

Ram noted that in response to a follow-up question by Critic after he had spoken at some length on his position on renegotiating the contract, Ali concluded with the commitment to “review and renegotiate”.

Ram said the evidence is there for the world to see, again and again, and it cannot be wished away or erased.

Ram also expressed disappointment that not only has that pledge to the electorate of the country has not been honoured, but the Government has shown that it could not and would not even meet the lower standard of “better contract administration”. Obsessed with party and political control, Ram said Jagdeo has also reversed himself on an independent, professional Petroleum Commission, preferring loyalists to competence.

As a result, Ram said

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo Guyana has run into problems affecting two successive audits of the petroleum operations, and too many exploitable loopholes in a local content framework which result in periodic foreign exchange shortages.

Ram also addressed Jagdeo's rejection of his claim that Guyana is a de facto investor in petroleum operations.

Jagdeo said he has not seen any borrowing by the government injected into the petroleum sector hence Guyana cannot be considered an investor.

According to Ram, Jagdeo knows as well as anyone that borrowings are only one form of financing of investment. Ram said, “As any company finance executive, or any review of financial statements of Banks DIH or DDL would elucidate for him, there are two other principal methods - raising money from shareholders via equity or preference shares, or retained earnings of the company.”

Ram also claims that the Vice President must be aware that Exxon has been permitted to use and claim as cost recoverable expenses, expenditure on its new head office building at Ogle.

He said too that Jagdeo is also aware that Exxon's

Attorney-at-law and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram participation in the gas to shore project will utilise revenues from petroleum that would otherwise be available as profit oil of which the government would have been entitled to 50%. “It is a logical corollary that by virtue of being a 50%

participant in profit oil from the Stabroek block, Guyana is bearing 50% of all cost, contractually or otherwise deemed recoverable,” Ram said.

Ram then turned to Jagdeo's statement that the Stabroek Block Agreement does not allow for ringfencing. Emphasising that he wanted to be entirely respectful to the Vice President, Ram suggested that Mr. Jagdeo should seek some guidance on regulation 18 of the Regulations made under the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act of 1986.

Regulation 18 states: “A petroleum prospecting or production license …. shall be in the form of form C or form D, as the case may set out in the Schedule, and shall incorporate the conditions subject to which [the licence]

it is granted, and which are subject to such modifications as the Minister may, from time-totime order.”

Why should any Guyanese not expect that the Vice President who has held and holds such exalted positions in governments not understand that petroleum activities are governed by laws, and it is his duty to understand what those laws are, the lawyer questioned.

In conclusion, Ram said that there has been nothing done over the past three years to make him optimistic about the future management of the sector and that unless there are radical changes in personnel, policy, implementation and execution, the situation will only get worse.

All with grave consequences for Guyana.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Monday December 25, 2023

Five years later: Guyana still to implement

IMF advice to collect capital gain tax in mining, petroleum industries …VP not bothered by companies selling stake

By Renay Sambach Five years after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommended that Guyana impose taxes on capital gains from the transfer of interests in the mining and petroleum sectors, companies operating within the country can still be selling their stakes without facing taxation.

A recent report by Kaieteur News highlighted a Canadian gold company's announcement of its intent to sell an 11.7% stake in its mining project in Guyana to a United States firm for approximately CDN$22 million. This move comes at a time when the IMF's recommendations on the taxation of capital gains remain unimplemented.

In its 2019 study titled "Extractive Fiscal Regime Review, Volume Two: Mining Sector," the IMF

addressed the taxation of capital gains arising from interest transfers in the mining and petroleum sectors.

The report discussed the significance of capital gains tax (CGT) application to these transfers and emphasized the inadequacy of taxing rules, particularly for indirect transfers.

The IMF noted that several transactions involving the transfer of mining or petroleum rights have resulted in substantial capital gains. It was highlighted that the existing Production Sharing Agreements (PSA), which currently exempt gains derived from PSA assignments from both income tax and CGT, regardless of the transferee's affiliation.

The financial institution said that the issue of whether to tax capital gains on the transfer of mining or

petroleum rights raises concerns about government revenue timing and potential implications on future revenues. The IMF said that taxation could act as an early revenue source, but it might subsequently reduce future income due to deductions by the transferee against future revenues. Ultimately, the IMF recommends Guyana impose taxes on capital gains from interest transfers to balance these concerns.

Regarding recent developments, G2 Goldfields Inc., a Canadianbased company, disclosed its agreement with AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) to sell an 11.7% stake in its Guyana mining project for CDN$22,050,000. The deal aims to fund exploration activities at G2's Oko project, subject to customary closing conditions and exchange approvals.

The agreement includes provisions granting AGA

Vice President (VP), Bharrat Jagdeo pre-emptive 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.

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 four-month hold period in accordance with Canadian securities laws.

Dan Noone, CEO of G2, expressed optimism about AGA's investment, highlighting its potential to support their projects in Guyana. AGA also expressed confidence in G2's exploration properties, recognizing Guyana as part of the promising Guiana Shield, renowned for its significant gold reserves.

On Thursday, during his weekly press conference Vice President (VP), Bharrat Jagdeo was asked about what Guyana receives when companies sell shares in their mining projects; to which he responded that it is a regular

occurrence of companies selling their mining stakes in the context of global business.

He emphasized the significance of these transactions and their adherence to established contracts.

“We are not a stone age country…So now, they may sell it. What we have is the original agreement. The original agreement says for anyone who comes to develop the project, ultimately, they will get xconcessions but they have to be in the corporate tax like in mining, they have to pay corporate tax, and they have pay 8% royalty…” Jagdeo said. He continued, “So whoever develops the project, have to still give the Government of Guyana their taxes…and pay the royalty from which we get our revenue.”“So the investor may change. But that's a normal thing of business, Global Business. So this h a p p e n s r o u t i n e l y, r o u t i n e l y, ” t h e Vi c e President added.

Monday December 25, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

GDF budget propped up with $1.2B more The National Assembly last week unanimously approved the sum of $1.2B more to support the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

There were no questions asked by the Opposition’s side of the House during the sitting of the National Assembly. According to the Official Gazette, the sum will be used for Defence and Security Support.

A total of $24 billion supplemental funds were approved for the respective government ministries, increasing this year’s total budget to $897.9 billion.

The allocation to the GDF comes at a time when Guyana’s territorial integrity is under threat from neighbouring Venezuela.

The two states are presently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a final resolution on the border controversy. Venezuela claims that two thirds of this country’s mineral-rich Essequibo belongs to that country, but Guyana argues that this matter was already settled through an Arbitral Award in 1899 that has long

been accepted by Venezuela.

The neighbouring country on December 3 held a consultative referendum with Venezuelans to garner support for an annexation of Guyanese territory. With the matter still pending before t h e Wo r l d C o u r t , t h e Venezuelan government on December 5, 2023 announced the appointment of a governor of Guyana’s Essequibo Region, Major General Alexis Rodríguez Cabello.

International media reports also note that the Maduro regime has also announced that he and his team will grant concessions in the Essequibo region and have also given companies within the area three months to vacate.

Venezuelan authorities also presented a new map to its people, which shows the Essequibo region as being part of Venezuelan territory.

These acts are in blatant defiance of the ICJ’s orders on December 1, 2023. The Court had instructed Venezuela that it should not take any action that would alter Guyana’s control over

the Essequibo Region. It also instructed both nations to refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the Court or make it more difficult to resolve.

In light of the deepening of tensions between the two nations, with Venezuela announcing measures to

seize the territory, regional bodies had called for dialogue with the Guyanese and Venezuelan Presidents.

On December 14, the historic meeting took place in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The “peace talks” between Guyana and Venezuela have resulted in a joint declaration where the

Nicolas Maduro government agreed to scaling back its aggressive tactics to seize the mineral-rich Essequibo.

In the joint declaration they agreed that any controversies between the two States will be resolved in accordance with international law, including the Geneva Agreement dated

February 17, 1966.

They also committed to the pursuance of good neighborliness, peaceful coexistence, and the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean. Read more here: https://www.kaieteurnewso nline.com/2023/12/15/vene zuela-agrees-to-scale-backaggression-against-guyana/

Thief shot dead while breaking into food container A man, who was allegedly seen by a security guard breaking into a food container between Campbell Avenue and Delph Street, Kitty, was shot dead by a security guard during a confrontation early on Sunday morning.

According to the police, the man, who remained unidentified late on Sunday, was seen by the guard attached to a business entity in the area breaking into the container which stored fruits and vegetables.

Investigations revealed that the guard, who is also a Supernumerary Constable, was on security duty at the business entity when he

observed the man next to a container that belonged to the businessman.

Police said the man, who was armed with a chopper, was about 35 feet from where the security guard was standing. “He was observed pulling at the padlocks that secured the container.”

According to the police, the security guard said he called out to the burglar to desist from trying to break the lock, however, the man turned towards the guard’s direction and, “began to advance towards him aggressively with the chopper in his hand.”

After urging the man to desist from breaking the

Investigators at the scene of the shooting on Sunday morning. (Shervin Belgrave photo)

container’s locks for a second time, he continued to advance towards the guard and the police noted that the guard drew his firearm and discharged one round in the man’s direction.

“The man made a few steps and fell to the ground,” police noted.

When Kaieteur News arrived at the scene, investigators had already cordoned-off the scene as they investigated the incident. The man was clad in blue short pants, a white jersey, white socks and a pair of red slippers. A blackhandle chopper was seen on the ground next to him, police said.

The police noted that the intruder sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his face. In addition, two smoking utensils were found

on him, one in his pants pocket and one in his pants crutch.

The security guard was arrested and is presently in

custody assisting with the investigation. The firearm, a Glock 19 pistol, was also seized and lodged, police noted.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Monday December 25, 2023

UNFULFILLED MANIFESTO PROMISE: Guyana to close 2023 without body for independent oversight of oil sector

G

uyana is witnessing a rapid escalation in its oil production capabilities, having achieved a milestone of 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) in November.

Despite this rapid growth in oil production, the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has not yet fulfilled its promise to establish a Petroleum Commission, an independent body envisioned for overseeing the sector.

This promise, articulated in the government’s manifesto, aimed to institute the Commission shortly after taking office in August 2020.

However, three years into its tenure, the government has not provided a timeline for this critical establishment.

The delay in instituting the Petroleum Commission foments uncertainty where the government claims there is prudent management of the booming oil sector, as this body is meant to protect the industry from political control and influence.

The significant increase in production is primarily attributed to the commencement of operations by the Prosperity floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel. Prosperity, of the Payara project, joined the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity FPSOs, enhancing the nation’s oil output.

While Prosperity is currently

Map showing the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana

producing 100,000 bpd, it is anticipated to reach a full capacity of 220,000 bpd. Alongside this, the Liza Destiny and Unity FPSOs are contributing with 150,000 bpd and 250,000 bpd, respectively. With these developments, total production offshore Guyana, driven by ExxonMobil as the Stabroek Block operator, is expected to surge to 620,000 bpd

early next year.

The increase of Guyana’s oil production is occurring at a breakneck pace. The Yellowtail, Uaru and Whiptail projects are expected in 2025, 2026 and 2027, taking production to 1.2 million bpd.

Addressing the delay in establishing the commission during a press conference last July,

President Dr Irfaan Ali explained that establishing the Commission requires complexity and a comprehensive bill that takes into account various stakeholders and national interests. When asked about whether the administration sees the need for a strong hand by the government in the oil sector, President Ali denied that there is any such intention on the PPP/C

regime’s part. He explained that the government’s role is that of a facilitator rather than a direct participant in business.

Contrastingly, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has often downplayed the need for a Petroleum Commission, pointing to examples of corruption in countries with similar oversight bodies. This overlooks the administration’s own commitment to establishing the Commission as part of its electoral promises in 2020.

The government’s reluctance to commit to a timeline for the Commission’s establishment, coupled with its avoidance of direct responses on the matter, casts doubt on the fulfillment of this promise.

An analysis by Kaieteur News suggests that the Petroleum Activities Act, put in place just months ago, significantly increases political influence in the oil sector.

This development, combined with the government’s continued delay in establishing the Petroleum Commission, implies that the promise of an independent oversight body might remain unfulfilled.

As Guyana’s oil production continues to grow swiftly, stakeholders believe the country now more than ever - needs balanced and transparent governance to ensure the sector’s sustainable development.

Kaieteur News

Monday December 25, 2023

PAGE 15

Tasty options for a vegetarian Christmas

By Anasa Williams While most Christmas feasts will consist of significant meat portions, there are few Christmas tables where the layout will not consist of any meat options.

The reason being is simple; while some people choose not to “eat clean” this holiday season, for others “the vegetarian option is compulsory, as in the case of this writer.

So as most Guyanese households take the time to observe and celebrate the birth of Christ, with the traditional tasty delights, I thought it necessary to share with you my experience as a vegetarian who switched to a purely

plant-based diet three years ago.

Some readers might be curious as to why I changed my diet, so allow me to share with you a bit of detail behind my decision.

Throughout my life, I had what most people would describe as an allergic reaction to food containing certain types of meat. As a child I would get sick after consuming certain foods and dairy products.

A visit to the doctor determined that I should stay away from all dairy products since I am lactose intolerant.

The doctor determined too that I must stay away from certain types of meats.

I later discovered as an adult that I could not consume any meat kind and

as a result, I was forced to stick to a strictly vegetarian.

As a result of my condition, people often ask this nagging question especially around the holidays “What do you eat at Christmas?”

In today’s publication of Kaieteur News, I decided to share a glimpse of what some of us vegetarians consume during this festive season.

Hopefully, it will help to remove the idea that a vegetarian’s taste buds are excluded from all the goodies that meat eaters enjoy during the jolly season. If you are vegetarian or vegan you are welcome to participate in any one of the dishes listed. Bon appétit and enjoy your Christmas.

Veggie Fried Rice

Veggie Pepperpot The first year I discovered “veggie pepperpot” from a friend just in time for Christmas, I was overjoyed. My friend had a vegan family member who only ate plant-based products. The first time I tasted the meatless pepper pot was a life changer and she had decided to share with me her recipe.

A traditional pepperpot recipe has cassareep, spices like cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, ginger, and pepper, the famous Guyanese green seasoning, and meat. The veggie version however replaces the meat with soya chunks and adds some color with carrots, celery, and corn on the cob.

Ingredients: 1 pack soya chunks or vegan meat 1 stick cinnamon 2-star anise 5 cloves 1 large onion chopped 3 large garlic cloves minced

2 corns on the cob chopped into 3 sections 1 cup cassareep Salt, pepper, and cubes to taste A few sprigs of celery and green onions One large carrot chopped (You can improvise your ingredients to your liking and preference) Soak chunks for half an hour in hot water. Add oil to the pot, followed by spices, onions, carrots, onion and garlic.

Stir fry until fragrant. About 3 minutes add the remaining ingredients, and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then lower to a simmer until ingredients are soft to your liking.

Allow to cool a bit and serve.

Reheat once a day and enjoy!!!

While it’s Guyanese tradition to have some pepper pot with homemade bread and some milk tea which often has milk, I replace cow’s milk with a non-lactose option, namely oat or almond milk or a glass of orange juice.

Veggie Christmas Lunch Christmas lunch in Guyana is expansive and inclusive so nobody wants to be left out. For vegetarians, creativity is the order of the day. In my case, the menu is planned months ahead and the items are all popular Christmas dishes with a vegetarian twist.

For me, a hearty Christmas lunch includes a tossed fruit salad, vegan sausage, and plantain bites as appetizers, the main course is a garden salad, veggie fried rice, roasted corn, and diced potato salad; dessert: vegan cheesecake; and the beverage could be wine or any sparkling drink of my choice.

1. Fruit salad: The ingredients mangos, pineapple, apples, cucumbers, and grapes are all tossed together in a honey lemon dressing. The honey lemon dressing adds just the right amount of sweetness to the tropical and decadent fruit, taking it from tangy to even better.

2. Vegan sausage and plantain bites: A hand of halfripe plantain salt, onion powder, black pepper, and a package of one’s preferred vegan sausage. Pre-heat oil in separate pans; add peeled and sliced plantain and sausage to pans. Fry sausage until lightly brown and likewise slices of plantains until it’s golden in colour. Slice sausages appropriately, and wrap

pieces with fried plantain use toothpicks to keep wrap tight.

Sprinkle, salt and seasoning. Serve with garlic sauce or preferred dips!

3. Garden salad: Ingredients: sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, sliced apples, chopped lettuce tossed in a bowl with a sprinkle of olive oil and some salad dressing of choice (preferably ranch)

Ingredients · T! cup chopped carrots · ½ cup frozen green peas, broccoli, · veggie of 2 tablespoons vegetable oil · 1 clove garlic, minced, or to taste (Optional).Any kind of white or brown rice will do. Just be sure that it is fried in vegetable oil before adding warm water to rice to steam it to the hot skillet. Add soy sauce or other ingredients to flavour the rice before adding the sautéd veggies to the pot.

5. Roasted Corn: Corn on the cob; base with olive oil wrap and light all-purpose seasoning and salt wrap in aluminum paper, place in pan and place in oven preheated. Let it roast for 15- 20 minutes.

6. Potato salad: Potatoes gold, red or, peeled or unpeeled and cut into quarters, lemon juice 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 3 ribs celery diced as well as diced shallot mix in a bowl.

7. Vegan Cheesecake – For the crust use honey-free graham crackers. You can also use Oreo cookies; melted vegan butter or coconut oil – also for the crust; Sugar – For the crust and the cheesecake filling. Vegan Cream Cheese, coconut cream– for the cheesecake filling; cornstarch – this helps thicken the cheesecake and makes it set up properly. Vanilla extract – For flavor. Lemon Juice – fresh is best, this adds to the tangy flavor. The cool part of the cheesecake it doesn’t have be in the oven it can be frozen.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Monday December 25, 2023

A Christmas Movie Guide If you celebrate Christmas like most families, the day is usually spent at home exchanging gifts, feasting on goodies and catching up with loved ones. As the evening sets in, some families have developed the cozy custom of curling up on the couch of watching their favourite Christmas flicks.

We know some people may already have their collection of favorites figured out but for those who may be still trying to figure out what to watch.

Check out our Christmas movie guide to view a list of heartwarming classic and new Christmas movies, you will be sure to enjoy.

The Santa Clause (1994)

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.

After their visits, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man.

The Santa Clause franchise stars Tim Allen as Scott Calvin, an ordinary man who accidentally causes Santa Claus to fall from his roof to his supposed death on Christmas Eve. When he and his young son, Charlie, finish the late St. Nick’s trip and deliveries, they go to the North Pole where Scott learns that he must become the new Santa and convince those he loves that he is indeed Santa Claus

Elf

Elf is a 2003 American Christmas comedy film. It stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised by Santa’s elves.

On Christmas Eve 1973, a baby living at an orphanage crawls into Santa Claus’ sack at the sight of a teddy bear, and is unwittingly taken back to the North Pole.

When the infant is discovered at the workshop, the elves name him Buddy after the brand label on his diapers, “Little Buddy Diapers”, and one of them adopts and raises him.

As an adult, buddy leaves the North Pole to learn about his origins and heads to New York City, where he meets his biological father.

Home Alone

A family favourite and box office hit around the globe Home Alone is no stranger to the list.

This flick is a 1990 American Christmas comedy film franchise, which Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, and Catherine O’Hara.

Culkin plays Kevin McCallister, a boy who defends his suburban Chicago home from a home invasion by a pair of robbers after his family accidentally leaves him behind on their Christmas vacation to Paris.

Candy Cane Lane Candy Cane Lane stars Eddie Murphy and Tracey Ellis Ross is on the list of new Christmas movies released this year. This fun family film is about a man is determined to win the neighborhood’s annual Christmas

decorating contest.

He makes a pact with an elf to help him win, and the elf casts a spell that brings the 12 days of Christmas to life, which brings unexpected chaos to town.

Dashing Through the Snow

Dashing Through the Snow” follows a good-hearted but overworked social worker named Eddie (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) who lost his holiday spirit after a childhood betrayal by a mall Santa and his parents’ ensuing divorce.

Monday December 25, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Jace Chacon

Tezanna Lenasha Pitt

Monday December 25, 2023

Carter Adrian

Dahlia Calistro

‘All I want for Christmas’ - Hinterland kids edition

By Allyiah Allicock

Myiesha Jaime

Wade Solomon

It is that time of the year, where the jolly good old Santa has a lot on his plate to handle. From spreading love and joy to bearing gifts and goodies, he surely makes it all happen.

So Santa as you make your trip around the globe this holiday season, we are making your job a little easier; by taking a look at what some kids in Guyana’s Essequibo, Hinterland and other regions of Guyana are looking forward to this Christmas.

Hailing from Hosororo Hill, Mabaruma in Region One is the vibrant 5-year-old Jace Chacon. Jace said he wants a toy excavator for Christmas.

Divine Princess Monderson is a little princess out of Mahdia Region Eight.

She is six years old and wishes for a new tablet for Christmas.

Four-year-old Tezanna Lenasha Pitt said she wants a

Jeremiah Stephen Divine Princess Monderson

bicycle for Christmas. She is from the Cinderella county of Essequibo, more specifically the community of Land of Plenty in Region Two. Six-year-old Alonzo George has a big toy truck with roaring engine and a shiny red car that zooms around the house atop of wishlist. Alonzo must have been a good boy this year because he also wants a new bicycle with blue wheels and bell so it goes ‘ding ding’ when he rides around the neighbourhood.

12 year old Myiesha Jaime has one Christmas wish. She wants a computer to help her with her studies.

Fascinated by the choochoo sounds that trains make, seven year old Aadeon Adams has a train atop his list this year. The lovely lad hails from the beautiful Lake Capoey on the Essequibo Coast Also from the village of Capoey is eight-year-old Wade Solomon who said he loves photography. His

greatest wish is for a digital camera this Christmas.

Three-year-old Dahlia Calistro said she wants a “Big Teddy”. Dahlia is from the community of Crane on the West Coast of Demerara, Region Four-year-old Carter Adrian of Moraikobai Village who said he wants a Lightning McQueen car for Christmas. Carter resides in the only Amerindian Village in Region Five.

Also from the beautiful Moraikobai also, is 6-yearold Colwin Daniels who said he wants a toy four wheel bike for Christmas.

Residing in the South Rupununi in Region Nine from an Indigenous village called Karaudarnau, is 2year-old Rayon Straughn who shared that he wants a toy car this Christmas.

F ro m K a r a u d a r n a u Village also is seven-year-old Jeremiah Stephen who shared that he wants a remote control car and a whistle for Christmas.

Alonzo George

Colwin Daniels

Rayon Straughn

Aadeon Adams

Monday December 25, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Monday December 25, 2023

Monday December 25, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

Monday December 25, 2023

Hearing for summons to see Exxon’s US$2 billion parent company guarantee set for January 2024 A summons to see the US$2B parent company guarantee ExxonMobil was ordered to lodge with the courts will be heard on January 9, 2024. The summons was filed by Attorneys-at-Law, Seenath Jairam SC, leading Ms Melinda Janki and Mrs. Abiola Wong-Innings on behalf of Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte.

The litigants had filed a case back in September 2022 so that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can be ordered to secure from Exxon Guyana, 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 circumvent compliance with that order, Exxon and the EPA through their lawyers, appealed and were successful in staying Justice 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 have been unable to secure a copy of the said guarantee for perusal.

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

Attorney -at-Law, WongInnis confirmed with Kaieteur News that the hearing would be on January 9, 2024 at 10:00hrs.

Apart from filing the case as a means to securing full oil spill protection for Guyana, Collins and Whyte were not pleased with the existing US$600M insurance package the EPA accepted from Exxon to cover per oil spill incident.

Th is matter w as als o addressed by Justice Kissoon when he had issued his landmark ruling back in May. In fact, Justice Kissoon found that the country does not have an insurance package from Exxon that meets international standards.

This is despite the fact that Exxon tried tirelessly to convince the court that Guyana was in receipt of a credible insurance package from ANCON UK Ltd., an ExxonMobil subsidiary. The Energy Package Policy covers the Liza Phase One and Phase Two Projects.

Justice Kissoon was keen Continued on page 34

Monday December 25, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Monday December 25, 2023

A Beautifully lit sphere has been placed at the roundabout at the Kitty Seawall area

Christmas

Scenes of in the Capital city By: Davina Bagot Scenes from the popular Giftland Mall

I

ts Christmas and Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana is decked and ready for the fun and festivities the season brings.

Traditionally, there are a few locations in the city that spread the joy and spirit of the holidays as they adorn the streets and businesses with seasonal decor.

One of the largest b usi

nesses, the Giftland Mall, just a few minutes' drive from Georgetown is usually first to begin decking their halls.

The Mall comes alive from around the end of September or early October with twinkling lights hanging from the ceilings and Christmas trees, some of which are usually for sale.

As time progresses, the Giftland group turns things up a notch, adding snowmen, Santa Claus, candy canes and even ginger bread men and reindeers to the mix.

Those entering Georgetown from the East Bank of Demerara are welcomed by an over 20 feet tall Rahaman's Park Christmas tree that sits in the middle of the carriage way at Houston.

Many would compare this beauty to the renowned New York Rockefeller tree in the United States.

Though the giant tree has had its share of misfortunes, it is much anticipated year-round by lovers of the

Christmas season.

Drawing near to the Christmas season, Main Street, Georgetown comes to life with hundreds of golden lights, hanging from tree branches that line the avenue.

A popular furniture and appliance store is known for spreading Christmas cheer through a Santa parade that attracts hundreds and possibly thousands of Guyanese each year. Although the parade was not held this year, Main Street is alive with the seasonal spirit.

It makes for the perfect photo shoot location for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions for those celebrating.

Main Street attracts a large crowd during this time of year as the annual 'Big Lime' is also featured at the location.

From festive drinks and music to games for the children and finger licking Guyanese cuisine, the Main Street Big Lime is an event for all.

The 20 feet tall Rahaman's Park Christmas tree at Houston Main Street is aglow with Christmas lights this season

Kaieteur News

Monday December 25, 2023

PAGE 25

Residents of White Water displayed their patriotism for Guyana during a circle of unity exercise earlier this month. (Photo: Barima Waini RDC)

‘Peace at the border’

By Alva Solomon When President Ali and Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro shook hands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on December 14, it was a sign of peace. But for residents living in communities along the border which Guyana shares with the neighbouring country, it was also a sign of relief, one which also kick started a delayed tradition of celebrating the joy of Christmas.

In many communities alongside the border which the two countries share, many residents of these communities were preparing to celebrate Christmas when they spoke with Kaieteur News recently.

Christmas vibes at White Water One such village is that of White Water at the Mabaruma sub-region in Region One. The village lies close to the Amacuro River, the river which forms the north western boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.

Days before December 3, the

residents there were living in fear as they thought of various eventualities given the aggression shown by the Venezuelan leadership at the time. The residents sang in prayer and participated in multiple activities to showcase their Guyanese patriotism. But while they prayed for peace, they expressed hope that they would be able to celebrate Christmas the way they usually do each year.

Marleny’s Medina, who lives at White Water village, said some families already decorated their homes. “People are now getting the vibes,” she said last week.

In addition, Christmas carols were blaring from speakers at some resident’s home as well as small shops in the area.

The schools in the village also held their annual Christmas parties and the children were overjoyed when they received their toys. The teachers donned colourful dresses at the school parties, another sign that the Christmas spirit was alive.

For Orbin Domingo, the

Teachers of White Water village at a staff social event, days after the peace talks in St Vincent

Deputy Toshao of White Water, Ralph Williams

mood at the village appears “more quiet” when compared to previous years. He said some families would cross over the border from Venezuela to spend time with their families. But he noted that there isn’t much

“movement” at the border in recent weeks.

An hour away from White Water is Kumaka , the business hub of the Mabaruma sub-region.

Christmas shoppers were out in their numbers last Tuesday,

A child poses with her parent at a Christmas party at W hite Water

Guyanese in the border communities look forward to celebrating traditional Christmas

which is considered market day at the community. Families jostled to get the best bargains on food items, decorations, meats, beverages and clothing.

Back to normal “Things go back to normal this side,” businesswoman Susan Boyer told this publication from Kumaka. She said prior to the peace talks, the residents were nervous. “Well not since the meeting {in St. Vincent}.

Everyone shopping as usual and so now,” she said. She said some residents were still in Georgetown and the worry for them, was finding transportation to get back home since the ferry which travels to the area fortnightly, could only carry approximately 300 people. “They probably catching the boat today,” Boyer said.

For some residents of the border communities at Mabaruma, Christmas comes as just another day for a few, but some, it is a time of peace, of reflection and of course, celebrations.

These two ladies were in a festive mood at White Water village

Kaieteur News

PAGE 26

Monday December 25, 2023

Have you ever wondered how people around the globe celebrate this awesome holiday? Well, if the thought ever crossed your mind, this publication will shed some light on different parts of the world, at this time of year.

Windows decorated like an Advent calendar in Germany

Twelve course Christmas Feast in Ukraine

A spread of the twelve-course feast by Ukraine

In Ukraine, as soon as you sit down to the dinner t a b l e , g e t comfortable—because you’ll be here for a while.

Ukrainians serve a whopping 12 courses during their traditional Christmas feasts, and each one is dedicated to one of Jesus’ apostles.

Caroling in the Martinique

Advent calendar tradition from Germany Advent, which derives from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” is the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas. In the 19th century, German Protestant Christians counted down the days to Christmas by marking 24 chalk lines on a door and rubbing one off every day in December. Paper Advent calendars became popular in Germany in the early 20th century.

This tradition obtained commercial success in the late 1950s, when Advent calendars started including gift giving.

Families not only in Germany but those who adopted the tradition in various parts of the globe would share boxes of chocolates and other small gift items or tokens. For decades, many Americans have celebrated the 24 days until Christmas with the classic countdown calendars, opening little doors, boxes or drawers to reveal a small treat — traditionally a Bible verse, a toy or a piece of chocolate.

During the Christmas season, giant Advent calendars on building facades are evident in many European towns and cities.

In the French Caribbean Island of Martinique, la ribote is a longstanding tradition where families visit their neighbors during Advent and on New Year’s Day bearing holiday food like yams, boudin créole, pâtés salés, and pork stew. They sing Christmas carols together into the early hours of the morning, adding their own creole verses to traditional lyrics.

The Carolers in Martinique

Barbados’ Christmas in the Park

Elf on the shelf in the United States Like an Advent calendar, the Elf on the Shelf serves as a type of holiday countdown.

Back in 2005, mother/daughter duo from Georgia, Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell released The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, an illustrated children’s book that comes packaged with a Scout Elf (now, the company sells girl and boy Elves and lighter and darker skin tones). Millions of kits have been sold since then, and the line has expanded to include clothing, accessories, animals, and more.

A child is ready for The Elf on the Shelf as soon as he or she understands Christmas traditions. Typically, 3 years old is a good time to start.

The idea is simple: A family adopts a Scout Elf, who has the important job of being Santa’s eyes and ears during the busy Christmas season. The Elf heads back to the North Pole each night to report on the children’s behavior, then returns in the morning where he will perch in a new spot in

Men decked in their top hats and dapper suits in attendance of the Christmas in the Park, Bridgetown, Barbados

Elf on the Shelf the home. When the kids wake up, they’ll enjoy seeing where the Elf landed. Some elves simply relocate, while others create mischief overnight.

Kids know to look for the Elf during holiday sand everyone knows the most important rule: Don’t touch the Scout Elf. If you do, he will lose his magic! Next, know that Scout Elves can’t talk, but they are great listeners (Psst: That means they hear everything.) Finally, know that your Scout Elf is with you for a short time. Come December 24, he’ll head back to the North Pole until next year.

While many are snug in warm, holiday themed PJs on Christmas morning, thousands of people in Barbados will be donning their finest and most flamboyant formal wear for an annua holiday tradition which dates back to 1907, started by the Barbados Police Force.

Historians write gleefully about Barbadians who will attend church early on Christmas morning and then, instead of heading home for a holiday feast, they will flood Queen’s Park for a fashion and cultural showcase which has held up for 116 years.

Today, the stoicism of the military force is

Parang - Trinidad

Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines

The Giant Lantern Festival

If you thought the United States went all out with Christmas decorations, you should see what the Philippines does. Every year, the city of San Fernando holds Ligligan Parul (or Giant Lantern Festival) featuring dazzling parols (lanterns) that symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. Each parol consists of thousands of spinning lights that illuminate the night sky.

The festival has made San Fernando the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.”

gone and in its place, a festive celebration which goes on for hours with bands and singers, choirs and more.

Men topped in hats will don smart suits, brightly coloured and tailored for the day.

Women in dazzling gowns and sparkling ensembles, carry the spirit of Christmas cheer in every strut and stride. Often, you will find families embracing African heritage with captivating fabrics in original designs paying homage to the ancestors. Not to be outdone, little girls and boys are seen darting about the park in their ruffled dresses and dapper.

A Parang Band in Trinidad

The twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago is famous for calypso and soca, infectious music that takes center stage during the island’s annual Carnival. But during the Christmas season another type of music dominates.

During the months leading up to Christmas, parang can be heard just about everywhere in Trinidad. Most of the songs are about the birth of Christ. However, not everyone understands the lyrics. Parang was brought to Trinidad by migrant farm workers from nearby Venezuela. The songs are sung in Spanish even though the mother tongue on the island is English.

Some parang groups like Los Alumnos de San Juan pantomime to help audiences grasp the Spanish lyrics to songs. Alicia Jaggasar is the leader of Los Alumnos de San Juan and also heads the National Parang Association.

Kaieteur News

Monday December 25, 2023

PAGE 27

Festive decor and their significance

By Davina Bagot The warmth and joy that Christmas decorations bring is inexplicable.

The twinkling lights, welcoming wreaths and colourful balls on triangular trees ignite a special feeling in hearts across the world.

Usually, lovers of Christmas start the countdown to Christmas in anticipation of the day when it becomes “legally acceptable” to get their trees out of the storage rooms and into their halls or verandahs as we know it in Guyana.

Each type of decoration has its own significance and has a special relevance to Christmas.

Star A star is usually used to adorn the top of the Christmas tree. It represents the bright star that shone over the town of Bethlehem on the night that Jesus Christ was born. It is also symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem that guided the three wise men to baby Jesus. The Christmas star also represents hope and peace.

Garlands Although Christmas is known as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, garlands are used for decorative purposes around the time of year in honour of His death.

It is the belief that Jesus was adorned with a crown of thorns during his crucifixion, a twisted form of garland.

The garlands are therefore used as a reminder of Jesus’ immense sacrifice and love for us during this season.

Christmas trees

Lights Christmas is celebrated at the end of year, usually a dark, cold time. Lights are used to decorate homes and even businesses to symbolize Jesus’ status as the Light of the World, and the way he came to save mankind from darkness.

Christmas trees are used around this season as they represent the birth and resurrection of Jesus and everlasting life with God. In fact, research shows that the triangular shape of Christmas trees symbolize the Holy Trinity- God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Candy canes Candy canes are a popular type of decoration associated with the Christmas season. It is also a mintcandy, shaped like a shepherd’s, staff symbolic of the shepherds who searched for Jesus when he was born.

Another meaning behind the hooked shape of the candy is that Jesus called Himself “the Good Shepherd” and His disciples were His flock of devoted followers, the sheep. The cane formation makes them easy to hang on Christmas trees and garlands.

Bells If you’ve ever heard the Christmas carol ‘Silver Bells’ then you’ve probably wondered how this is associated with the holiday season.

Bells are usually used to adorn Christmas trees and garlands around this time of year because it represents the proclamation of joy and happiness for the birth of Christ.

Angels Angels, like stars, are traditional Christmas tree toppers because they played prominent roles in the birth of Jesus Christ. The Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, delivering the message from God that she would bear His son. Another angel visited Joseph in a dream to inform the carpenter that he should place his trust in Mary. Further along in this story, three angels appeared in the sky over Bethlehem to announce the birth of the Christ child.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Monday December 25, 2023

Delectable festive Cuisine

By Renay Sambach As the holiday season envelops the world in a joyful embrace, traditions manifest in various forms, especially through delectable cuisines.

In Guyana, nestled on the northern mainland of South America, Christmas comes alive with a vibrant array of flavors that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage.

From savory delights to sweet

indulgences, Guyanese festive cuisine is a fusion of diverse influences that create a unique and tantalizing experience.

At the heart of Guyanese Christmas celebrations lies a table adorned with a mouthwatering array of dishes.

Pepperpot: A Flavorful Tradition Central to the Guyanese Christmas feast is “Pepperpot,” a rich and spicy stew that symbolizes unity and togetherness.

Cooked over several days with ingredients like cassareep (a thick, dark sauce made from cassava), meats (often beef, pork, or even game meats), cinnamon, cloves, and other spices, Pepperpot is a cherished dish passed down through generations.

(What’s Cooking Guyana recipes) Ingredients: 2 pig trotters or 1 cow heel 2 lbs. stewing steak or brisket 8 oz pickled meat 2 lbs. ox tail ¼ pt. cassareep 2 red peppers 1 inch piece of cinnamon stick 3 cloves 2 oz sugar

Sorrel Drink Salt to taste Method: Wipe and clean meat thoroughly.

Put heel or trotters in pan. Cover with water and bring to boil. Skim.

When half tender, add other meats, and hot water to cover. Cook for about 1 hour.

Add other ingredients and simmer until meat is tender. Adjust flavour for salt and sugar.

Serve hot.

Serves eight persons.

Note: This dish develops more flavour when left over a period of days. It must be reheated to boiling point each day.

Ginger beer Ingredients: 1 lb. of ginger 10 cups of water 2 cups of dark brown sugar 2 cinnamon sticks 6 cloves 5 3 x 3-inch pieces of orange peel 1 4-inch piece of orange peel Uncooked rice to help with fermentation Method: Grate ginger with the fine side of the grater.

In a large pot, combine all ingredients, except cinnamon and the (3×3) pieces of

orange peel.

Bring to a rapid boil for 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and strain.

Use a cheese cloth to remove ginger bits.

Pour into a large glass jug.

Break orange peel and cinnamon sticks into pieces; add to ginger beer, and bring to room temperature Place 12 uncooked rice grains in each glass jar; pour into glass jars and let rest.

Ferment for 5-7 days.

Discard cinnamon sticks and orange peel.

Serve over crushed ice or ice cubes.

Garlic Pork Ingredients: 3 lbs. of pork at least one (1) inch thick; tender cuts are preferred 12 large cloves garlic ½ cup of fresh thyme leaves (stem reserved) or 2 tbsp. of dried Thyme 8-10 wiri-wiri peppers 1 ½ tbsp. sea salt ½ tsp. black pepper 2 cups of white distilled vinegar 2 cups of boiled water (brought to room temp.)

3-4 whole cloves 3 additional cloves of garlic, unpeeled 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme Method: Wipe the meat clean with a damp cloth or paper towel.

Using a sharp knife, make little gashes into the meat on both sides. Grind the garlic, thyme, and wiri-wiri peppers in a food processor/mortar and pestle, then pour this seasoning rub in a small bowl.

Using a butter knife or your fingers spread a generous amount to fill the small gashes in the meat.

Salt and pepper both sides, reserving ½ tsp salt.

Rub any left-over seasoning mixture on meat slices.

Using a wide-mouthed glass jar, start by layering pieces of seasoned meat, stacking until all meat has been placed in the jar.

Combine vinegar and water, and pour cautiously into the jar of layered meat until meat is covered by two inches.

Gently shake the jar to distribute meat evenly, and place thyme stems and cloves in the jar. Add three cloves of unpeeled garlic, as part of the garnish,

Ingredients: 8 cups sorrel petals 2 ounces grated ginger 12 cups boiling water Dried orange peel (optional) Sugar for sweetening to taste Method: Place sorrel, crushed ginger and dried peel of orange into a pot of boiling water.

Macerate for 12-16 hours.

Strain, sweeten to taste, and bottle.

For preservation, keep in refrigerator. If you wish, add an ounce of white rum to each quart bottle.

Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 1 ½ hours Servings: 12 slices Ingredients: ½ pound (225 grams) margarine ½ pound (225 grams) dark sugar 4 medium eggs 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla/almond flavouring 1 pound (450 grams) cake and pastry flour ¼ pound (115 grams) breadcrumbs 2 teaspoons (10 ml) mixed spice/nutmeg 1 tablespoon (15 ml) baking powder 3 cups (750 ml) red wine 1 cup (250 ml) rum 3 cups (720 grams) soaked mixed fruits ½ cup (120 grams) cherries ¼ cup (60 grams) peanuts, crushed Method: Cream margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.

Gradually beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla/almond flavouring.

Combine flour, breadcrumbs, mixed spice/nutmeg and baking powder and mix well.

Fold flour mixture into creamed mixture alternately with the red wine, rum, soaked mixed fruits, cherries and crushed peanuts.

Scrape batter into a greased and lined 325 cm (10-inch) baking tin. Bake for 1½ hours at 180°C/350°F or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Allow to cool.

Fruit Cake

and the peppercorns.

Place additional sprigs of thyme on top of jar, or slide it down the sides.

Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and seal jar tightly.

Store in a cool dark place (not refrigerator), and let it rest for 3-5 days.

After curing period, drain meat on a rack, and discard liquid. Do not allow seasoning in the gashes to fall out.

In a skillet, pour 3 tbsp. Canola oil.

Pan-fry on medium heat, until nicely browned for about 2-3 minutes per side.

Remove and serve with crusty bread and ginger beer, or desired beverage.

Kaieteur News

Monday December 25, 2023

Mimi's Cupcakes & Cakes - Spreading Sweet Joy This Christmas

By Renay Sambach

Owner of Mimi's Cupcakes and Cakes, Shinessa Thompson

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Monday December 25, 2023

The Coolest Holiday & Christmas Makeup to Try This Year Wine lips makeup look

Grinch Green makeups look

Done by: Glamour

T

here are plenty of reasons to love the holidays but for us, Christmas makeup tops the list (okay, fine, it's right behind opening gifts) The holiday parties, family time, and magical spirit in the air are a great excuse to go all out with the jewel tones and glitter.

We're still easing back into events, but whatever occasion is on your calendar is a great excuse to grab those makeup brushes and finally crack open that eye shadow palette you've been dying to use.

We rounded up all the makeup ideas we've been saving since January and have you covered for every scenario under the sun, from classic cherry lips to out-there neon. Scroll on for the best holiday and Christmas makeup ideas you'll want to copy this season.

Grinch Green Even the Grinch would be charmed by this delicate green liner. Make eyes really pop by tight-lining the lower lash line with white liner and adding some falsies on the corners.

Ruby Red Get matchy-matchy by pairing a cherry red lip with soft pink lids.

For some extra holiday sparkle, add face gems scattered on the inner corners.

Sunnies Face Fluffmatte in Hot Sauce and Half Magic Face Gems will do the job nicely.

Celestial Glam Take some inspiration from the winter night sky with starry blue lids. Makeup artist Mila Thomas created this look for Sheryl Lee Ralph using Danessa Myricks' Colourfix Foils in Mermaid.

Gray Smoke Go disco and opt for a superglam smoky eye. Elongate the shape all the way out to the brow bone for extra drama.

A good brush set like Sephora Essential Eye Brush Set or Sigma Beauty Basic Eye Brush Set will help you blend with precision.

Kitten Eye More of a makeup minimalist?

There's nothing more chic (or easier to execute) than a sleek kitten eye. Use a pencil formula like Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliner for a soft and diffused look.

Holiday Glam Look

Graphic Gold A graphic cut crease paired with shimmering gold shadow is extra in all the best ways.

Use a liquid eyeliner like Pat McGrath Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner to nail the shape, and top things off with MAC Frost Eyeshadow in If It Ain't Baroque.

Holiday Glam Sometimes you just need to dress up like a Christmas Barbie.

Red lips and winged liner are holiday staples, but the dewy shimmer eye shadow makes this version feel fresh. Try Shiseido Aura Dew Highlighter in Lunar and Rare Beauty Lip Souffle in Inspire for a similar vibe.

Emerald Eyes Winter is the perfect time to dip into richer tones like emerald, sapphire, and amethyst. Keep everything else neutral to make your eyes really pop.

Glitter Wings These exaggerated glitter wings are so stunning and way easier to pull off than they look.

Create your base with a glitter glue or cream shadow, using a piece of tape to get a sharp edge. While the base is still tacky, pat on a loose

glitter with your finger.

Then pull off the tape and use it to pick up any stray glitter around your eyes. Add lip gloss, and you're good to go Wine Lips If you're feeling edgier this Christmas (let's face it, who isn't), swap your classic red for a deep berry or wine shade.

Try a long-wear liquid like Chanel Rouge Allure Ink in Sensual so it stays put all night, even under a mask.

Popsicle Lips For the freshest take on cherry

lips, go for a stained red with a glossy finish (try a tinted lip oil, which gets you there in one step).

Keep the rest of your makeup minimal for a cool look that pairs well with sweats on the couch or a fancy party dress.

Sculpted Blush Skip the harsh contour, and use blush to gently sculpt your face. A bronzy pink like Chanel's Rose Bronze will add subtle warmth and make you look wide awake.

Snow Globe Eyes If you're in the market for glitter that can be seen on even the grainiest webcam, look no further.

Contrast dark liner with chunky silver sparkles like Smith and Cult Glitter Shot.

Subtle Pastel Get inspired by the falling snow with a subtle pop of baby blue. Take a pencil like Nyx Professional Makeup Slim Eye Pencil in Baby Blue and line your inner corner, then smudge it with your finger. For an ethereal vibe like this look, do the same thing on your outer corner, without connecting the middle.

Classic Glam Holidays or not, you really can't go wrong with subtle brown shadow, rose lipstick, and plenty of highlighter. Pearl hairpins and an updo take it to the next level.

Kaieteur News

Monday December 25, 2023

PAGE 31

Some of the amazing and creative pieces Zajo Products has to offer.

Zajo products is the creator of a line of beautifully crafted ind oor and outdoor hangers

Beautifully crafted pieces made from 100% Guyanese timber “I think young entrepreneurs will shape the landscape of Guyana. We are the best ambassadors of our country since we literally sell Guyana to Guyanese and the entire world. We also play a critical role in being an example, to demonstrate to others that business is doable even with limited resources.”

By Allyiah Allicock

A

s we celebrate Christmas today and with the New Year approaching, it is never too late to get that someone that special gift. If you are looking for unique crafted gift ideas, then Zajo Products is the place to check.

Zajo Products, a popularly known arts and crafts business which started in 2021 but which was registered in October 2022, is owned by the talented Jason Chacon. Chacon hails from the hilltop town of Mabaruma in Region One. He operates the business with his wife Karen and their two children, Zara and Joseph; the name of the business was derived from their names.

In an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News, Chacon said the business started as a hobby in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were mostly indoors and wanted to explore activities that would enable us to follow our passion and create an alternative income,” he stated.

According to Chacon, given that he and his wife both have vast

experience in the forestry industry and are both environmental professionals, a decision was taken for the family to develop a business using their knowledge of Guyanese timber.

The businessman revealed that he actually went to school to undertake studies in the field of Silvology; he is the holder of a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from the University of Guyana; an Advance Certificate in Supervisory Management from the American Society for Quality and Loyola University; and a Master of Science in Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology from the George Augustus University, Germany, with specialization in Tropical and International Forestry.

So naturally after he came up with the idea of using wood material, his wife started exploring floral designs and different styles of bows made from ribbons. The couple then decided on the designs and used the best locally produced wood that would be cut circular in shape to create a line of wooden wall hangers.

“We created and sold our first wooden wall hanger in 2021.

Afterwards there was no stopping since this item was in high demand,” he commented.

After being recognized for their creative works, Chacon revealed that initially they struggled to keep up with orders and had to hire people to help them fulfill orders.

Following this, he said they proceeded to rent a small unfinished room which was their first workshop.

Chacon told this publication that in January of this year, he made the decision to quit his job and manage Zajo Products fulltime. His main objective was to utilize wood, as an alternative to plastic, to create home décor and branding items.

“We acquired a Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machine that does carving and engraving on wood; hence, we

added trophies, name plates, charcuterie boards, business cards, clocks, and plaques, all made form 100% Guyanese timber, mainly Red Cedar, Carabwood, Wamara and Purpleheart. All these items are personalized and customized to your liking,” he explained.

Zajo Products are made from 100% Guyanese timber sustainably harvested from Guyana's forests.

The wood is sanded, and finished with spar varnish that allows the item to be used indoors and outdoors.

Chacon said the support for the business over the years, has been tremendous. He shared that approximately 90% of their customers and followers on social media are women. He noted also that they have corporate clients such

Young Entrepreneur and owner of Zajo Products, Jason Chacon

as government institutions and the private sector.

“100% of our business is direct to the consumer and almost 100% are returning customers. Our ideal client is an eco-conscious individual in the corporate world who loves natural items,” he added.

With hard work though, came challenges he said and one major challenge they dealt with earlier this year came about after the cutting and engraving machine was damaged and eventually this brought the business to a halt.

“We immediately had to refund clients that we had long-term agreements with, and cancel all our orders, which was heartbreaking, since our income was no more,” he said.

Following this incident, he said that they started looking for funding to purchase a new machine and eventually acquired two machines, one being a back-up so as to avoid a reoccurrence.

“It also forced us to hire dedicated staff, instead of part-time labour, and invest in state-of-the-art equipment,” he related.

Having witnessed tremendous growth over the years, Chacon shared that one of their long-term goal is to utilize state of the art Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) technology, to create home décor, banding materials and bespoke furniture while at the same time showcasing Guyanese timber and creating an environment that attracts young people to be involved in some part of the value chain.

Apart from that, the businessman said their dream is to acquire a piece of land in an industrial area where they can build (Continued on page 34)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Monday December 25, 2023

Digicel spreads joy across Guyana to over 2000 children T

elecommunicatio n s c o m p a n y, Digicel, ushered in the holiday season with several heartwarming initiatives, reaching over 2000 children from diverse regions across the country, the company said in a statement.

“From the scenic Rupununi to the bustling towns of Bartica, Linden and Georgetown, to the coastal beauty of Essequibo and Berbice, Digicel has made it a mission to bring the magic of Christmas to every corner of Guyana,” the company said.

It noted that in a season that is synonymous with joy and giving, the company has gone above and beyond to make a positive impact on the lives of children, ensuring that the spirit of Christmas is felt far and

wide. “ T h e c o m p a n y ’s dedicated team embarked on a series of festive events, spreading cheer and happiness throughout various communities,” Digicel said.

According to the c o m p a n y, o n e o f t h e highlights of its Christmas outreach was the heartening engagement with children, where the team distributed toys, painted smiles on little faces with vibrant face painting sessions, and entertained the youngsters with the beloved Grinch mascot.

The Grinch, a timeless symbol of Christmas, added an extra dash of excitement to the celebrations, creating lasting memories for the children, the company said.

“We believe in the power of giving back, especially

during the holiday season when the magic of Christmas has the potential to bring people together,” said Gabriella Chapman, Communications Manager at Digicel.

“By reaching out to children in communities across Guyana, I can say for a fact that this is more than a seasonal event for Digicel.

It’s a reflection of our ongoing commitment to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.”

The company said that as 2023 comes to an end, it remains steadfast in its commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of the people it serves.

Digicel expressed gratitude to its customers and the Guyanese community for their continued support and wished everyone a joyful and festive holiday season.

Several children pose with the Grinch at an event sponsored by Digicel. (Photo: Digicel)

Man arrested for operating ‘unregistered horse cart’

Eion Bennos with his horse and cart

Police on Christmas Eve arrested a Charlestown man for operating an “unregistered horse cart.”

Eion Bennos was arrested around 06:30 hrs. while participating in horse a cart race at Prospect, East

bank Demerara (EBD).

As is customary, many horse cart owners and operators would normally get together on Sunday mornings to race against e a c h o t h e r.

Police interrupted the race and after

Bennos failed to prove that his horse was registered, they arrested him.

Bennos is a labourer and his horse and cart assist in providing him with an extra source of income for him and his family.

Monday December 25, 2023

PAGE 33

Kaieteur News

Israeli strikes kill UN staff, more than 70 of his extended family in Gaza (AL JAZEERA) - A United Nations official has been killed along with more than 70 members of his extended family in an Israeli air strike near Gaza City, as hundreds of people have been killed in intensified bombardment since Friday’s UN Security Council resolution that has been criticised as “woefully insufficient”.

Issam Al Mughrabi, 56, who worked for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for three decades was killed along with his wife and children in an Israeli air strike on Friday.

“For almost 30 years, Issam has worked with UNDP through our Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People,” UNDP administrator Achim Steiner said in a statement.

“The loss of Issam and his family has deeply affected us all. The UN and civilians in Gaza are not a target.”

Offering his condolences to Issam’s family and colleagues the World Health Organization’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed in a post on X that “humanitarians should never be victims” and called for a ceasefire.

Since Israel’s war on Gaza began on October 7, 136 staff members of the UN

Palestinian employees of United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) take part in a protest in Gaza City [File:Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters}

have been killed.

On Friday, the i n t e r n a t i o n a l a g e n c y ’s secretary-general Antonio Guterres said that throughout the UN’s history, they had never witnessed the death of their staff in such large numbers.

“Most of our staff have been forced from their homes,” he added in a post on X, paying tribute to UN members working in Gaza.

Difficult weekend for Gaza and the Israeli army The death of the veteran UN staff member and his family members come as

Israeli air strikes continue to kill hundreds of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

In the early hours of Sunday, a 13-year-old child was also killed by an Israeli drone near El Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

More than 8,000 children have been killed in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7.

Gaza’s Ministry of Health said that at least 166 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours in Gaza.

Reporting from Rafah in

southern Gaza, Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud said that Saturday overnight, more residential areas in Deir elBalah city, where people from places such as the Bureij and Nuseirat refugee camps were ordered to evacuate, came under heavy bombardment, and homes were destroyed. He said the eastern side of the Gaza Strip was also experiencing fierce airstrikes.

“As of now, the search for people under the rubble is ongoing,” Hani said.

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher highlighted how

it has also been a difficult weekend for the Israeli army in Gaza, with five soldiers killed on Friday and eight on Saturday, due to fierce fighting in the Strip.

“You’ve heard from the Israelis suggesting that in northern Gaza, they had military control. The fact that they are still losing soldiers, that rockets are still being fired from Gaza towards Israel, would suggest that they don’t have that control and that means that this phase of the war is likely to go on for longer,” Fisher said, reporting from

Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank.

Difficulty in delivering aid On Friday, the UN passed a resolution after days of delays that watered down the language. It called for aid delivery but could not agree on a ceasefire. Aid groups say the relentless bombardment and the fierce fighting between the Israeli army and Hamas have impeded aid delivery in the besieged enclave where people are facing hunger.

“The real problem is that the way Israel is conducting this offensive is creating massive obstacles to the distribution of humanitarian aid inside Gaza,” UN chief Guterres said.

“An effective aid operation in Gaza requires security, staff who can work in safety, logistical capacity, and the resumption of commercial activity. These four elements do not exist,” he added.

U N R WA d i r e c t o r Thomas White shared similar concerns and highlighted that conditions on the ground for aid workers should be secure, for aid deliveries to be carried out.

“We need a ceasefire that will stop the killing of civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza,” he said.

Thousands join migrant caravan in Mexico ahead of Secretary of State Blinken’s visit to the capital (AP) — A sprawling caravan of migrants from Central America, Venezuela, Cuba and other countries trekked through Mexico on Sunday, heading toward the U.S. border.

The procession came just days before Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Mexico City to hammer out new agreements to control the surge of migrants seeking entry into the United States.

The caravan, estimated at around 6,000 people, many of them families with young children, is the largest in more than a year. A clear indication that joint e ff o r t s b y t h e B i d e n administration and President Andrés Manuel López Obrador ’s government to deter migration are falling short.

The Christmas Eve

caravan departed from the city of Tapachula, near the country’s southern border with Guatemala. Security forces looked on in what appeared to be a repeat of past tactics when authorities waited for the marchers to tire out and then offered them a form of temporary legal status that is used by many to continue their journey northward.

“We’ve been waiting here for three or four months without an answer,” said Cristian Rivera, traveling alone, having left his wife and child in his native Honduras.

“Hopefully with this march there will be a change and we can get the permission we need to head north.”

López Obrador in May agreed to take in migrants from countries such as

Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba turned away by the U.S. for not following rules that provided new legal pathways to asylum and other forms of migration.

But that deal, aimed at curbing a postpandemic jump in migration, appears to be insufficient as the number of migrants once again surges, disrupting bilateral trade and stoking anti-migrant sentiment among conservative voters in the U.S. This month, as many as 10,000 migrants were arrested per day at the U.S. southwest border.

Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection had to suspend cross-border rail traffic in the Texas cities of Eagle Pass and El Paso

as migrants were riding atop freight trains.

Arrests for illegal crossing topped 2 million in each of the U.S. government’s last two fiscal years, reflecting technological changes that have made it easier for migrants to leave home to escape poverty, natural disasters, political repression and organized crime.

O n F r i d a y, L ó p e z Obrador said he was willing to work again with the U.S. to address concerns about migration.

But he also urged the Biden administration to ease sanctions on leftist governments in Cuba and Venezuela — where about 20% of 617,865 migrants encountered nationwide in October and November hail from — and send more aid

to developing countries in Latin America and beyond.

“That is what we are going to discuss, it is not just contention,” López Obrador said at a press briefing Friday following a phone conversation the day before with President Joe Biden to pave the way for the high level U.S. delegation.

The U.S. delegation, which will meet the Mexican president on We d n e s d a y, w i l l a l s o include Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall.

Mexico’s ability to assist the U.S. may be limited, however.

In December, the government halted a program to repatriate and transfer migrants inside

Mexico due to a lack of funds. So far this year, Mexico has detected more than 680,000 migrants living illegally in the country, while the number of foreigners seeking asylum in the country has reached a record 137,000.

Sunday’s caravan was the largest since June 2022, when a similarly sized group departed as Biden hosted leaders in Los Angeles for the Summit of the Americas.

Another march departed M e x i c o i n O c t o b e r, coinciding with a summit organized by López Obrador to discuss the migration crisis with regional leaders.

A month later, 3,000 migrants blocked for more than 30 hours the main border crossing with Guatemala.

PAGE 34

Kaieteur News

Monday December 25, 2023

Hearing for summons to see Exxon’s US$2B...

WANTED

VACANCY

Nanny needed for 3 months old baby. Call: 223-5273/74.

Carpenters, Labourers, Masons & skilled men wages $7,000-$10,000 per day & Labourer 5-6K per day. Call: 650-1394, 692-7110.

Workers and Cook needed for Issanno mining operation. Call: 695-6401.

One male and female ablebodied Staff needed to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 2261497, 658-8559.

1 Welder/ Fabricator needed to work in the Interior. Call: 701-4000 between 8am-4pm.

One Domestic/ Cleaner needed to work 2 times per week at 192 Duncan St, Kitty.

Call: 613-7651/ 649-3783.

Male to pluck chicken In Georgetown Call: 219-2170 / 708-4374.

1 Accountant Clerk with NIS/ payroll experience. $150K per month. Call: 2192170/ 708-4374.

Female Domestic $4500, Male labourer $5000, Semiskilled worker $6000, Skilled worker $7000 -$8000 daily to work at Vreed-En-Hoop. Call: 682 5230, 615 4414.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Subryanville, Better Hope, Good Hope & Diamond . Call Ray's Realty: 627-9685.

Receptionist, Room Attendant, Deskstaff, Laundry Attendant & Security Guard, Handyman needed at. Call: 225-0198.

2 qualified Pharmacy Assistant needed. Send application to Patient need's Pharmacy, Stall 16-18 Section A, Bourda market.

Male & female needed to work in the Interior, ages 18 years and older. Call: 6998486, 614-1819, 674-9999.

Truck Driver, Office Assistant, Excavator Operator and AC Technicians. Call: 6085303/ 608-2114.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crashbar, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Contact: 649-0956.

One BMW X1, Doctor owned & driven, sunroof, leather interior excellent condition. Call: 226-4531/ 622-4488.

One Kia Sportage SUV, 2020 year model, only driven 3152 km (almost new). 8 mil neg.

Call: 691-7123.

From page 22 to note that such a policy, which is noted in the press to be US$600M per oil spill event, does not satisfy the stipulation and obligation set out at Condition 14:5 of the Environmental Permit (Renewed and issued on May 31, 2022). Justice Kissoon said the permit for the Liza Phase One Project imposes an express and specific obligation on EEPGL to obtain environmental liability insurance of a certain criteria.

Justice Kissoon said, “It does not constitute what is considered environmental liability insurance ‘as is customary in the international petroleum industry’ and for

Commercial land 205ft X 115ft in 6th Street Kase Village Cummings Lodge, ECD. Call: 701-6735.

19 acre of road side land at Friendship, East Bank Demerara. Call: 701-6735.

Commercial land located at Robb and Bourda street.

Call: 701-6735.

Property on Mon Repos public road, ECD. Call: 7016735.

Corner land at Durban Street, Georgetown. Call: 701-6735.

SERVICES Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.

all assets used in the project; environmental damage caused in the course of the project for which Exxon will be jointly and severally held responsible; loss or damage to property or bodily injury suffered by any third party in the course of the project for which Exxon is liable; the cost of removal of wreckage and clean-up operations required as a result of an accident occurring in the course of permitted activities; Exxon’s liability to its employees engaged in the project; and any other requirements made by the agency.

Justice Kissoon said too that the EPA failed and/or

omitted to take any step to hire an independent insurance consultant to guide its actions and conduct as it relates to the quality, type and nature of the insurance demanded by the permit.

He said, “The Agency has further abrogated its function by simply issuing a letter to Esso and to acknowledge receipt of the copy of the insurance.

The business of the agency is not a clerical one.”

Given the EPA as well as Exxon’s disagreement with the said findings of the court, appeals were promptly filed.

Hearings on their appeals are also set for 2024.

Beautifully crafted pieces made from 100% Guyanese...

From page 31 a state-of-the-art workshop that will not only be a production facility but also a facility that young people can visit and learn how to process wood and utilized technology in furniture making.

“We want to make this craft less labor intensive so as to attract more persons into this sector, since we feel that there is a need for Guyanese and the world to get timeless furniture made form Guyanese timber,” he disclosed.

Leaving an impact on society through their works, Chacon is of the view that young entrepreneurs will shape the landscape of this country. He told this publication, “I think young entrepreneurs will shape the landscape of Guyana. We are the best ambassadors of our country since we literally sell Guyana to Guyanese and the entire world. We also play a critical role in being an example, to demonstrate to others that business is doable even with limited resources.”

Questioned on how he thinks small businesses such as theirs can be boosted in our country, our featured entrepreneur said that they need affordable and less tedious access to sufficient finance.

“I mention sufficient, since,

LAND FOR SALE Friendship,Charlestown, Carmichael Street, Better Hope & Garden of Eden East Bank Demerara. Call Ray's Realty: 627-9685.

the petroleum production operations under this Permit.

Further, the insurance has not been obtained by the Permit Holder from an insurance company of standing that equates to Grade A Plus.”

The Judge further noted that Condition 14.05 of the permit stipulates as to the type of insurance mandated under this Permit, i.e. “environmental liability insurance of such type and such amount as is customary in the international Petroleum Industry for Petroleum Operations in relation to this Permit… It shall include but may not be limited to insurance in respect of: loss or damage to

FOR SALE Tundra for sale, GKK5670.

1.8 Mil neg. Call: 668-5034.

Business/ residential PFSGYD$58M, Visa Application, advertisements, graphics design, passport application forms & i130 application.

Call: 626-7040.

FOR RENT

Repair & install fridge, freezer, washer & dryer, AC units, stove, etc. Whatsapp/ Call Omar: 683-8734 or 6549511.

For rent Commercial building available At Zeelugt public road E.B.E 4500 SQ FT Contact: 650-0402/6520251.

what I have found is that the amounts that are easily accessed are not sufficient to enable your business to catapult from an idea to a small business. Hence, fledgling businesses, like Zajo Products, find ourselves in a vicious cycle, in our effort to

grow,” he explained.

Apart from that, he suggested that there is a need for knowledge in the areas of marketing. According to him, there are a lot of markets; however, lots of small businesses are struggling to find markets because of lack of

knowledge. Zajo Products, he briefly mentioned, utilizes Facebook sponsored ads as their main marketing tool.

Persons interested in placing orders, can do so via telephone number (592) 608-5220 or check out Zajo Products on Facebook.

Monday December 25, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 35

PAGE 36

Kaieteur News

Monday December 25, 2023

Volodímir Zelenski

Monday December 25, 2023

PAGE 37

Kaieteur News

All set for Port Mourant Turf Club India clinch women’s test vs Australia to Boxing Day Horserace tomorrow The Port Mourant Turf Club situated at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice will be the place to be tomorrow (Boxing Day).

The occasion will be the much anticipated Boxing Day Horserace meet. Seven races are on the day’s card and a sumptuous sum of over $10M in cash trophies and other incentives are up for the taking.

Preparations have been completed and close to 50 horses have been entered for what is expected to be a grand day of racing at what is known as the “Big Yard”.

There are two feature events on the day’s card with

the Metro Mile, sponsored by the Metro Company being the most anticipated race. The event, which is open to all horses in Guyana, is expected to see a keenly contested race in the making. The likes of Basalina, American Traveler, Lucky Star, Spankhurst, Beckham James and Stolen Money have been entered.

They will be looking to race away with the top money of $1.5 and a trophy over 1600 meters.

The other top race is the OBL Derby with a winning take of $1M and trophy over 1600M. Among those set to compete are Renaissance man, Angry Bird, Red Ruby,

Top Gun and Gypsy King.

The other events all have impressive lineups.

Those events are: The Event for animals classified E and lower is also expected to be a crowd puller, with the winner set to gallop away with $500,000 and a trophy over 1000M. The event for 2-years old open Guyana Bred animals over 1300M also has $500,000 and trophy at stake and another keen battle is expected.

The H-class race will see the winner taking away $400,000 and a trophy.

There is an event for animals classified J and K and

Monday December 25, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your immediate goals and wishes might suddenly appear to come together today, seemingly of their own accord. This might be strange, Aries, and perhaps a bit frightening.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) If you've been working toward manifesting extra money in your life, Taurus, you will probably see it happen today. Copious physical and emotional energy.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Obstacles that you encountered in attaining your cherished goals could suddenly seem to melt away, clearing the way to make your dreams come true, Gemini.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) A lot of activity could occur at home today, Cancer.

Perhaps you will have visitors or do some work on the house.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Whatever goals you've been trying to reach may finally become reality today, Leo. Finalizing everything could involve a lot of running around in the car and meeting with other people.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Events over which you seem to have no control seem to be coming together to make things happen for you, Virgo.

You might find this a bit frightening, but don't let it get to you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your energy is probably high today, almost to the point where you feel you might be able to run a marathon! Seriously, Libra, you're probably thinking in terms of getting out of town for a while.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your inner power is probably at an all-time high, Scorpio.

You should be feeling especially confident. You're likely to have a stronger influence on others than usual. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Some fascinating conversations with friends, relatives, and others close to you could take place today, bringing new ideas your way, Sagittarius.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The Your career and financial goals should be within your grasp, Capricorn.

Both your physical energy and inner power are operating at their peak, making this an ideal day to make clear plans.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you're likely to feel like the powerful creature you are, Aquarius. Your physical energy is high, and you look and feel great. Your intellect is sharp.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your intuition should be very high right now, Pisces, as is your power of manifestation. Today you need to try to curb your thoughts and only think beautiful things.

lower over 1300M for a pole position reward of $300,000 and a trophy.

The final event is for animals classified L and lower also over 1300M with the winner set to collect $300,000 and a trophy.

A keen and competitive day of racing is anticipated and a bumper crowd is expected to throng to the venue.

A number of sponsors are on board. Bugle time is 12:00 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)

end 46 years of hurt

MUMBAI, (Reuters) - India registered their first victory against Australia in a women’s test match yesterday following their comprehensive eight-wicket win in the one-off contest at Wankhede Stadium.

A significant first-innings lead of 187 had put India in the box seat and they needed only 75 runs to clinch the contest after bowling out Australia for 261 in the touring side’s second innings.

They lost opener Shafali Verma and number three batter Richa Ghosh, but Smriti Mandhana anchored their chase with an unbeaten 38, sealing India’s memorable victory with a four shortly after the lunch break.

The Harmanpreet Kaurled India had beaten England by 347 runs - the highest victory margin in terms of runs in women’s test cricket - in a one-off test in Navi Mumbai earlier this month.

“It’s the reward for all the hard work we have done for so many years,” Kaur said after India’s first victory against Australia in 11 tests since the teams first clashed in the longest format in 1977.

“Hopefully after these two wins, we will get to play

many more test matches in the upcoming years.”

Earlier, India claimed the last five Australia wickets for just 28 runs after the tourists had resumed their second innings on 233-5. Seamer Pooja Vastrakar trapped Ash Gardner lbw before off-spinner Sneh Rana, who was chosen player of the match for her seven-wicket haul, dismissed Annabel Sutherland (27) and Alana King in successive deliveries. Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad claimed the last two wickets to hasten Australia’s collapse.

“What an amazing experience to come over here and play test cricket,” Australia captain Alyssa Healy said.

“It’s not easy to win over here, we’ve found that out.

We’d love to play a couple more (tests) to make it really interesting.”

The teams will now play three one-dayers and an equal number of T20 Internationals.

Scores: India 406 (Deepti 78, Mandhana 74, Gardner 4100) and 75 for 2 (Mandhana 38*) beat Australia 219 (McGrath 50, Vastrakar 4-53, Rana 3-56) and 261 (McGrath 73, Rana 4-63) by eight wickets.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 38

Romel and Robin win inaugural Panko Steel Golf Tournament … Ghanpat, Sukhram win chipping and putting competition In the true Christmas spirit, the Panko Steel Golf Tournament and village funday did not disappoint.

Many of Guyana’s top golfers showcased their skills in the 9-hole t o u r n a m e n t . H o w e v e r, Romel Bhagwandin and Robin Tiwari stood out from the rest and claimed the title.

There was also a chipping and putting competition, giving each golfer the chance to try their hand at winning additional prizes. Naro Ghanpat won the chipping competition, and Christine Sukhram won the putting competition.

Present at the tournament was Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandalall, who said, “On behalf of the government of Guyana, I would like to extend a merry Christmas to everyone. I want to thank Panko for sponsoring and organizing this event; it is truly a kind gesture. Sports are extremely important to the development agenda of our government, as they keep young people occupied in a beneficial and gainful manner. It is a high-priority item on our government’s agenda. The LGC is public

Panko Steel CEO Amisha Ramsundar p r o p e r t y, a n d t h e government will do all that we can to ensure that this facility is kept intact.”

Representing Panko Steel was CEO Amisha Ramsundar, who thanked the golfers for their strong turnout. She also mentioned that the tournament will be an annual event on the LGC golfing calendar.

Ramsundar explained that it had always been Panko’s (Lakeram Ramsundar) dream to give back to the Lusignan community, and through his hard work and dedication, it has become a reality.

In addition to the tournament, hundreds of

children were provided with gifts, food, and had the opportunity to play on the trampoline and bouncy castle. A raffle was also held, and both golfers and workers walked away with hampers and brand new flat-screen televisions.

The results for the tournament were as follows: Overall 1st Romel Bhagwandin and Robin Tiwari 2nd Maurice Solomon and Rabindranath Persaud 3rd Rakesh Harry and Ravindra Harry 4th Arnol Deo and Joseph John 5th Mike Mangal and Rohan Albert 6th Sonto Dindanauth and Nicholas Dindanauth Longest Drive - Nicholas Dindanauth Closest to Pin - Ryan Dindanauth Chipping Competition 1st Naro Ghanpat 2nd Maurice Solomon 3rd Jaipaul Seenarine Putting Competition 1st Christine Sukhram 2nd Rohan Albert 3rd Kassim Khan Most honest golfer Vishal Changur and Ryan Dindanauth

Monday December 25, 2023

UDFA Inter Club Futsal Christmas Tournament quarterfinals set for Wednesday at Retrieve Hard Court

T

he quarterfinals of this year’s Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) Christmas inter club championship will be contested on Wednesday at the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden.

With $1M at stake for the winners the clubs have been jostling to reach the knockout stage of the tournament.

Come Wednesday the quarterfinals will see Aroiama facing Botafago, Milerock clashing with Silver Sattas, Topp XX clashing with Haynes and Lewis Winners Connection, and Coomacka FC tackling Capital FC.

Group A qualifiers were Botafago, who finished on seven points from two wins and one draw to top Group A, ahead of Milerock who had a similar record but Botafago with a better goal difference emerged as the top club.

The two clubs in that group eliminated were Amelia’s Ward Panthers and Net Rockers.

Haynes and Lewis Winners Connection and Comacka are the teams coming out from Group B , a s Wi n n e r s Connection had nine points from three wins, while Coomacka had two wins and one loss for six points and Hi Stars and

Fearless were knocked out.

Group C was led by Capital FC who finished ahead of Topp XX to be the teams qualifying. Capital FC had three wins for nine points while Topp XX had six points after winning two and losing one. Eagles United and Golden Stars were the teams eliminated.

Group D had only three clubs as against four in the other three groups.

Silver Shattas and Aroiama made it to the knockout stage as Shattas won both their matches, Aroiama won one and lost the other, but Blueberry Hill failed to win and were knocked out.

One Guyana Kings and Queens...

From page 41 the winners and Kenneth James got the lone goal for Golden Stars A. Gorillas earlier dispatched Golden Stars B following the lone goal of the game being scored by Shaka Lewis for Gorillas.

In the women’s tournament, Dynamo FC rolled over Aroiama 3-0, with the scorers

being Akeelah Vancooten with a brace as Sandra Johnson netted the other.

Speightland FC defeated Hururu FC 4-1 as Sheneesa Cornelius, Shanacia Williams, Aaliyah Venture and Nikita Wayne all recorded one goal with Alencia Hodge getting the goal for Hururu.

PMTC Boxing Day Horserace Meet set to ignite as new records set - Trophy Stall onboard NEW RECORDS will be set with the staging of today’s Boxing Day sevenrace card at Port Mourant race course, Corentyne, Berbice.

Traditionally Boxing Day races were held at Judge Kennard race course, Berbice. This year Mrs Kennard has graciously offered the day to Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC).

Thurbhuwan Jagdeo reached on Mrs Kennard’s offering of today’s Boxing Day to PMTC responded, “I will like to take this opportunity to wish everyone (horsemen and race fans), and the people of One Guyana all the best in this festive season. Praise has to be heaped on Mrs Kennard for her kind gesture. She is an icon in this country, and a stalwart in the

industry.

Her heart is with the sport, and her gesture to offer us the day, tells the story of such a noble person. I will like to personally thank her openly for her kindness, and love for the sport.”

Jagdeo continued, “I have to thank all sponsors who have come on board to make this day a very lucrative one for horsemen.

Special mention to sponsor Metro who has remained loyal to the Boxing Day card when staged at Judge (Cecil) Kennard’s track.

This company is the sponsor of the feature event over one mile.”

Promoter Turbo as he, Jagdeo is known in t h e r a c i n g i n d u s t r y, a dded, “Bossalina who beat (last year’s Guyana

Cup winner) Alado when they last met at this track earlier in the month is the star attraction. She will clash with Jumbo Jet Stable’s Spankhurst, who won the 1,200metre Sprint Classic on Guyana Cup day.

There are four other runners in the race amongst whom is recent Canadian import Stolen Money owned by Simple Royal Stable, and trained by Dennis Deoroop, who was also the trainer of Scores Even, a multiple Guyana Cup winner.”

Could Deoroop rewrite the history he achieved with Scores Even?

That will be answered in the day’s finale at Port Mourant.

Turbo is advising race fans to leave home early to get to the track.

He said the star studded card will also showcase Red Ruby, whom in her last race earlier this month beat Firecracker, who won the Guyana Derby on Guyana Cup day.

Red Ruby has a new challenge in trainer Fazal Habibulla’s r ecen t s p eed y imp o r t filly, Angry Bird, who is a half sister to Early Bird, and Super Bird (a champion in Trinidad).

Angry Bird will make her racing debut in the fivehorse race, in her bid to topple Red Ruby.

In closing Turbo announced, “I have to thank those who have invested in the importation of a number of horses in the country to build the sport.

The industry is improving, and we have a number of plans that

we are working on to take the sport to a higher level.

I can assure those owners, who imported horses. We (the promoters) are giving an assurance to them.

We will have more race days in the New Year which marks the start of the racing season.”

He pointed out, “For example New Year’s Day racing will be staged at Rising Sun Turf Club, Rising Sun, Berbice.

This day will be promoted by Jumbo Jet T h o r o u g h b r e d Committee. A number of young future stars are expected to make their debut on that day, and again thanks to all those involved in making the Boxing Day card a success, and the 2023 season.”

“Blessings to all, and best of luck in the New Year, and thanks to all the people of One Guyana” Turbo ended.

Ramesh Sunich and the Trophy Stall, with several locations including the popular Bourda Market location, has come onboard for the Boxing Day Horserace Meeting at Port Mourant.

Sunich as is customary has donated the trophy for the Champion Jockey which is in memory of his late Father Neville Sunich. Neville was a former outstanding jockey in his days piloting several top horses to victory.

Ramesh has kept the memory of his champion jockey father alive by putting up the trophy for the top jockey at the Kennard Meet.

PAGE 74

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 11, 2022

Ishan Kishan: India batter hits fastest ODI double century in win over Bangladesh BBC Sport - India batter Ishan Kishan hit the fastest double century in one-day international history by smashing a sublime 210 in victory over Bangladesh.

Kishan took just 126 balls to reach 200, breaking the previous record for men's and women's cricket held by New Zealand's Amelia Kerr.

Kerr reached the mark off 134 balls against Ireland in 2018.

West Indies opener Chris Gayle held the previous men's record, taking 138 deliveries against Zimbabwe in 2015.

It is only the ninth time a batter has hit a double ton in men's ODIs, with Kishan's the joint-fifth highest score, while the 24-year-old is also the youngest man to achieve the feat.

He struck 24 fours and 10 sixes in his stunning 131-ball knock, sharing a second-wicket partnership of 290 with Virat Kohli - the seventh-highest in men's ODI history.

Kohli hit a fine century of his own, making 113 off 91 balls as India posted 409-8 in Chittagong, their fourth highest total in ODIs. It was Kohli's 44th ODI ton and 72nd across all formats, moving him ahead of former Australia captain Ricky Ponting into outright second for the most international hundreds. Only India legend Sachin Tendulkar has more, with 100.

Bangladesh never threatened in the chase and were eventually bowled out for 182 off 34 overs to lose by 227 runs.

However, the Tigers had already secured the series following victories in the first two ODIs. The two sides now move on to a two-Test series, which starts in Chittagong on Wednesday.

Kishan, whose century was also his maiden ODI ton in his 10th match, was only playing because of an injury to India captain Rohit Sharma, who holds the record for the highest ODI score of 264 and has hit three double hundreds in the format.

Highest men's ODI scores Batter Score Balls Rohit Sharma (Ind) 264 173 Martin Guptill (NZ) 237* 163 Virender Sehwag (Ind)219 149 Chris Gayle (WI) 215 147 Fakhar Zaman (Pak) 210* 156 Ishan Kishan (Ind) 210 131 Rohit Sharma (Ind) 209 158 Rohit Sharma (Ind) 208* 153 Sachin Tendulkar (Ind)200* 147 Pic - Ishan Kishan's stunning innings was also his maiden ODI century. (Getty Images)

Giroud header sends France past England into semi-finals AL KHOR, Qatar, (Reuters) - A brilliant Olivier Giroud header 12 minutes from time kept France on course to retain their World Cup title with a 2-1 win over England in a tight last quarter-final yesterday.

Aurelien Tchouameni put France ahead with a long-range strike after 17 minutes but England skipper Harry Kane equalised with a 54th minute penalty following a foul by the French midfielder on Bukayo Saka.

Giroud headed home the winner from an Antoine Griezmann cross and England's hopes of getting back on level terms again foundered when Kane skied a second penalty over the bar six minutes from the final whistle.

France will play Morocco for a place in the final on Wednesday after the North Africans beat Portugal 1-0 in yesterday's earlier quarter-final.

Pic - England's Harry Maguire in action with France's Olivier Giroud. (REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed) - France's Aurelien Tchouameni celebrates scoring their first goal. (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)

Monday December 25, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 39

Joshua back to his best with KO win over Swede Wallin Anthony Joshua celebrates after winning his fight against Otto Wallin. (REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri)

RIYADH, (Reuters) British heavyweight Anthony Joshua rolled back the years to dominate Otto Wallin at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena early yesterday, with the Swede’s corner stopping the fight in the break

between the fifth and sixth rounds.

With soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo sitting ringside alongside former UFC champion Conor McGregor, the two heavyweights entered the

Kings organised mixed gender 4 x 4 basketball showdown climaxes tonight at Retrieve Hard Court - Quarterfinals begin at 6.00pm The Annual Mixed Gender 4v4 Basketball Showdown, which bounced off last Saturday, will see the culmination of this championship among fifteen Under18 club teams at the tournament venue the Retrieve Hard Court this evening, Christmas Night, beginning at 18.00hrs when the quarterfinals are played.

The clubs, which fielded teams, were Kings Basketball Club, Retrieve Raiders, Amelia’s Ward Jets, Victory Valley Royals, Block 22 Flames, D-Up Academy from Tuschen, West Demerara, PC

Royals Basketball of President’s College and Kwakwani Basketball Club.

This initiative was that if Gary Stephens, a former Kings Basketball coach and cash incentives, trophies and medals are on offer for the winners. The quarterfinal clashes at 6.00pm will see Kings B meeting Block 22 A, Jets A clash with Kwakwani A, Block 22 B face Kwakwani B and Retrieve Raiders A will oppose with KingsA. This will be followed with the semifinals and third place playoff before the final.

ring well after 2 a.m. local time (2300 GMT) and Joshua immediately got to work, landing jabs and straight right hands on the southpaw Swede.

Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight champion, dictated the fight from the centre of the ring, forcing his opponent to circle on the outside where Wallin struggled to land any offense.

Joshua, who twice beat Wallin on points as an amateur, hurt Wallin in the fifth, throwing thunderous hooks with both hands to leave the Swede unsteady on his feet as he headed back to his corner, and he never reemerged as his team told the referee he could not continue.

Improving his record to 27 wins and three losses, the 34-year-old Joshua said he

was delighted with the result but declined to say that he was back to his old self.

“I respect Otto.

Throughout the whole buildup, I was telling everyone I need to focus on the man in front of me, because I respect what he’s bringing to the table,” Joshua said in the ring after the fight.

“Not so much a throwback fight. Just another day in the office.”

The stoppage was the first in Wallin’s professional career and only his second loss, following a defeat by Tyson Fury in September 2019.

In the co-main event, New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker put on a brilliant disciplined display to pull off a sensational unanimous decision win over American Deontay Wilder.

PAGE 40

Kaieteur News

Monday December 25, 2023

Saif Hussain supports ‘Essequibo is We Own’ day of sports in Wakenaam

Organiser Zaheer Mohamed (R) accepts the trophies from Saif Hussain.

O

verseas based Guyanese Saif Hussain has supported the Wakenaam day of sports which is set for December 30 at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground in Good Success.

The event is being organised by the Wakenaam T10 Bash committee and the Wa k e n a a m C r i c k e t Academy.

The day’s proceedings will commence at 10:00hrs with a four-team T10 tournament and a dominoes competition, while a sevena-side football contest will kick off from 18:00hrs.

The day’s activities will be held under the theme “Essequibo is we own”.

Hussain, a former

student of the Anna Regina Multilateral School, said he is happy to render assistance and wished the teams well.

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.

Other entities lending support are Abu Guyana, Aash Decor, 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 and Odyssey Transport Services.

Monday December 25, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 41

One Guyana Kings and Queens Linden Sand Football Christmas night action on tonight in both tournaments Dynamo ladies after winning opening game

Great excitement is guaranteed this evening, Christmas Night, as the One Guyana Kings and Queens S a n d F o o t b a l l Championships continue with matches slated for the tournament venue outside the People’s Progressive Party / Civic Office in Linden starting at 7.30pm.

Two days of holiday action is highly anticipated as more matches are billed for tomorrow Boxing Night also. It’s the round of 16

knockout format which is being played in the men’s tournament where the winner will get $1M while the women’s competition is at the group stage.

Tonight in the women’s competition Hururu will first face Rockstone and then Rockstone will return to tackle Aroiama in another match. This will be followed when Speightland will meet Aroiama in another female encounter.In the men’s round of 16 matches

Rockstone will match skills with LA Ballers, and that will be followed when Presidential boys taking on Dyke Ballers and that will be followed with Pro Ballers challenging MS Ballers.

In the latest round of men’s matches, wins were recorded by High Flyers and Gorillas.

High Flyers dropped of Golden Stars A 2-1 as Simmiah Samuels and Shaquille Baptiste netted for (Continued on page 38)

Speightland’s females after their opening win

rts Spo

Harmanpreet Kaur leads India’s celebrations after the historic win. (BCCI)

PMTC Boxing Day Horserace Meet set to ignite as new records set - Trophy Stall onboard

India clinch women’s test vs Australia to end 46 years of hurt

Leon Cozier of Trophy Stall hands over the Champion Jockey Trophy in Memory of Neville Sunich to Jennifer Ramdohar of the organisers.

A portion of the large turnout at the LGC

Romel and Robin win inaugural Panko Steel Golf Tournament …Ghanpat, Sukhram win chipping and putting competition Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.