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February 01, 2024 - Vol. 17 No. 05

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Guyana needs independent management of oil account to avoid resource curse International Energy Expert, David Goldwyn

- Expert tells US Business Channel

Govt. hires three companies to help monitor ExxonM’s offshore operations ...House approved $106.1M to pay inspectors

$100M approved to review Exxon’s seventh project Rundown Amerindian Hostel for $73M fix-up

Hess praises Guyana for helping it close 2023 with US$413M profits ...says country's oil resources also boosted its asset base

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Thursday February 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

Guyana needs independent management of oil account to avoid resource curse If Guyana is to have a real chance at keeping the “resource” curse at bay, then it must endeavour to have independent management for its oil revenues which are held in its Natural Resource Fund (NRF).

This perspective was proffered by International Energy Expert, David Goldwyn.

He was one of the key stakeholders recently interviewed by CNBC, the world's leading network for financial and business news.

Goldwyn who serves as

President of Goldwyn Global Strategies, LLC (GGS), an international energy advisory consultancy, said a Natural Resource Fund should not be perceived as a “silver bullet” or panacea to the resource curse.

The industry expert said, “in order for Guyana to avoid the curse they need to get to the next level. First, they have a NRF but they need independent management of that fund as Norway has.” He said too that Guyanese authorities need to have a long term view on investments and

- Expert tells US Business Channel avoid wasting that money.

Another key mechanism he said is for government to improve its capacity to manage oil and gas and all other sectors that will see expanded growth as a result.

He noted for example that Guyana needs to strengthen its abilities to manage very large procurements such as billions that would be allocated for roads and other critical infrastructure that the country needs.

G o l d w y n s a i d governments are not always inclined to go that route as it is not politically popular.

He said nonetheless that “without that government capacity, (proper) accounting, and budget supervision, they are going to have a hard time managing that money well.”

The energy expert also underscored the need for Guyanese authorities to channel some of the oil capital to the people who need it.

International Energy Expert, David Goldwyn

Govt. paying $1M monthly to rent unoccupied building housing Constitutional Reform Commission secretariat The bottom flat of this building located at Middle Street, Georgetown has been rented to accommodate the CRC

T

he Government of Guyana has been paying $1 million per month to rent the bottom flat of a building located at Middle Street, Georgetown to house the yet to be established Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC).

This was revealed by the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC when he faced queries in relations to the ministry's $1.8 billion budgetary allocation on Tuesday.

Nandlall told the National Assembly that although the building is yet to be occupied by the commission; it is earmarked as the location for the secretariat of the CRC. In the interim, the AG said that building which was rented about “last year or the year before” had been used to host the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Mahdia Dormitory Fire as well as the CoI in the March 2020

general elections.

Nonetheless, the AG said that steps are being taken to have the CRC appointed soon after the business of national budget 2024 concludes.

“The Constitutional Reform Commission, though it's a tribunal to be appointed by his Excellency the President, the Attorney General has been assigned the responsibility to assist the President in the establishment of this tribunal. In this regard sir, we have rented a building on Middle Street, Georgetown.”

Nandlall told the house in response to question posed

by A Partnership for National Unity Member of Parliament (MP) and Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs, Roysdale Forde.

He explained too that the monthly rental fee of the flat has increased since the building was initially acquired.

“When we initially took the building it was $700,000 but the land lord raised it to $1 million for the building.

It's located at Lot 92 Middle Street, Georgetown and it's the entire bottom flat,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Legal Affairs explained that while the 2023 budget provided allocations for the establishment of the Constitutional Reform Commission, several factors have hindered its establishment, including the tensions between Guyana and Venezuela on the ongoing border controversy.

“Earnestly, I can safely say that after these budget proceedings are concluded, His Excellency shall move to appoint the Constitutional Reform Commission, and this is the building in which that commission will be housed.

It is already furnished and ready for occupation by

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC and his staffers during the consideration of the budget

the secretariat and the commission,” he said.

The Constitutional Reform Act was approved in 2022 and provides for the establishment of the commission, which is expected to lead nationwide engagements on the muchneeded process.

The 20-member commission will be drawn

from political parties -five from the ruling party and four from the main opposition and one from the ANUG- while 10 will be drawn from religious groupings, the private sector, the Guyana Bar Association, the National Toshaos Council, the labour movement, women's organisations as well as nominees representing farmers and youths.

Importantly, the AG pointed out that letters have been disseminated for nominations, and while the government has received responses from various stakeholder organisations, they are still awaiting a response from the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton.

“The Leader of the Opposition can confirm that he has been sent a letter inviting him to submit the names of his nominees to be appointed to the Constitutional Reform

Commission, and he has until the 10th of February to do so,” he noted.

The commission is mandated to review the constitution and provide for the current and future rights, duties, liabilities, and obligations of the Guyanese people.

As part of this aim, it will receive, consider, and evaluate submissions for the alteration of the constitution, a n d r e p o r t i t s recommendations to the standing committee for transmission to the National Assembly.

Among other functions, the commission is empowered to implement reforms relating to elections and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), taking into consideration its composition, method of electing its chairman and members, and its jurisdiction over national registration and electoral processes.

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 01, 2024

PAGE 03

Govt. hires three companies to help monitor Exxon's offshore operations ...House approved $106.1M to pay inspectors The Committee of Supply on Wednesday afternoon approved the total sum of $106.1 million to fund monitoring efforts of ExxonMobil's oil and gas operations offshore Guyana.

The allocation aims to cover payments to the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and three third-party companies enlisted for inspection purposes. During the budget estimates discussion for the Ministry of Natural Resources, Minister Vickram Bharrat disclosed that, in addition to GNBS, thirdparty inspectors have been engaged to monitor Exxon's offshore activities.

Addressing an increase in the sums allocated for this

year, the minister outlined that the increase caters for Exxon's third Floating Production, Storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel Prosperity coming on stream in November 2023.

Minister Bharrat said while the third FPSO is almost at its full capacity of 220,000 barrel per day (bpd), government will now be paying $6.3 million for the three third party companies doing inspection.

“Presently we have three companies that are doing third party inspection for us, and may I add this is all part of us monitoring production and offloading on the FPSOs,” the minister said.

He continued, “Because I know they have been a lot of

noise in certain sections of the media about us not being capable or don't have the ability or the equipment possible to monitor production and offloading...”

Minister Bharrat added that there is also full-time presence of GNBS employees on all three FPSOs. He added that at any offloading of crude into a tanker, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) must be present; otherwise, no offloading can be done.

“Added to that, on the meter system, it is (seen) by the GNBS, so without them being onboard the FPSOs no offloading can be done into any tanker,” he said The breakdown of

payments to GNBS reveals $38.8 million for monitoring Liza Unity, $22.2 million for Liza Destiny, and $38.8 million for FPSO Prosperity.

This development comes amid calls for independent meters to verify ExxonMobil's reported production rates. Since Guyana's inaugural barrel of oil in December 2019, the

Guyana's first FPSO, the Liza Destiny

country has allowed offshore production to proceed without an independent meter, raising concerns about accurately verifying daily oil quantities. Presently, Guyana hosts three active projects in the Stabroek Block, operated

by ExxonMobil, with vessels Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, and Prosperity FPSOs contributing to the nation's

oil production.

Vice President (VP), Bharrat Jagdeo has since admitted that though the government has persons monitoring oil production aboard Exxon's FPSOs, government will have to use more technology in the future to track real time progress on production.

All Guyanese will benefit from GTE project, - Prime some directly and some indirectly Minister

T

h e 3 0 0 megawatts of power generated through the highly touted Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project will not reach the citizens located in far-flung Hinterland Regions, however, Prime Minister of Guyana, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips has assured that Guyanese across the 83,000 square miles will benefit from the venture.

He was at the time responding to questions relating to Power Generation, during the Consideration of the 2024 Budget Estimates, in the National Assembly on T u e s d a y. D u r i n g h i s presentation in the House Prime Minister Phillips told the House that some citizens will benefit directly from the project, while some will benefit indirectly.

Government has pegged the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project at US$2B, however, the initiative will only power the national grid that supplies electricity to Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. The project entails a pipeline to transport the gas from the Liza Fields in the Stabroek Block as well as a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Plant to treat the gas a 300megawatt power plant.

Opposition Member of

Parliament (MP), David Patterson had requested the Prime Minister (PM) to explain why government was not making efforts to reduce the cost of electricity in Lethem, Region Nine so that those citizens too can enjoy cheaper electricity.

He said, “With this Budget we will be giving the gas to shore project almost $80B to augment (electricity in) Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. We are committing $80B to the Gas to shore project with the hope and the dream that there is a reduction in (electricity costs)...why is it we can't do equally for our colleagues outside?”

In response, the Prime Minister informed the National Assembly, “The

e n t i r e c o u n t r y, e v e r y Guyanese on the coastland and the Hinterland will benefit from the Gas to Energy project. Some will benefit directly and some will benefit indirectly. When the gas to energy project comes on stream and on the coastland the price goes down by 50%, the savings will be utilized to ensure our brethren and sisteren in the Hinterland benefits too. This is a well-thought out project, this is not a piece meal operation.”

Presently, the township of Lethem receives power through a solar power initiative; however, they continue to pay the Lethem Power Company for the delivery of electricity.

According to the Prime

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd), Mark Phillips

M i n i s t e r, e a c h m o n t h government saves 31,000 litres of fuel. Citizens in Lethem there currently receive the first 15 kilowatt hour (kWh) free; however for 16-50 kWh they pay $60 per kWh, and for 51 kWh and above they are charged $80 per kWh, the Prime Minister

explained.

Patterson asked why the savings on fuel were not being passed on to the consumers through a tariff reduction to the citizens in Lethem and surrounding communities.

To this end, Phillips reasoned, “We cannot pass

on the savings because we start from a position where we have to provide a subsidy for Lethem. It is already heavily subsidized so by saving 31,000 litres per month with the solar system, that itself helps us to keep the lights on in Lethem, so there is nothing to pass on.”

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

Guyanese leaders Guyanese studying the words and postures of their national leaders must read the writing on the wall. Guyana’s leaders have gone over to the other side. When the citizens of this country expect that they have leaders who are fighters for this nation, they discover that their own leaders have not just surrendered to ExxonMobil, they curse those Guyanese who do not bend over and pander to the barbarisms of the company.

Guyana’s leading politicians should all be burning up over the atrocity that is the 2016 ExxonMobil oil contract. Instead, national leaders go the other way and seek to burn those Guyanese who say that this country must dedicate itself to extract from ExxonMobil what is fair, what is right, and what is better for all Guyanese. Undoubtedly, political leaders have decided to take the easy way, settled for the safest choice, which is to team up with ExxonMobil, even if means betraying their own people. There is this one truth today: there is no fight in Guyana’s leaders for a better oil contract. Renegotiation has become the equivalent of an obscene four-letter word. Political leaders prefer flight than fight, to hide than to take a hardline, whenever the word renegotiation is uttered publicly. Powerful national leaders do everything to make themselves small, invisible, and flabby when the call for renegotiation comes up in the national conversation. Big men of incomparable stature in this country twist their words into foolishness and the meaningless when the issue is renegotiation. Big leaders with all the power in their hands twist themselves into every shape and form and shadow, so as to avoid any discussion about renegotiation of the ExxonMobil oil contract.

Political leaders hear the word renegotiation mentioned, and they bleat like sheep frightened into involuntary bladder emptying conditions. In other words, just the sound of the word renegotiation causes national political leaders to wet themselves, perhaps lose control of number two, too.

Renegotiation has become more than a curse word in Guyana.

For the men trembling and tiptoeing on each occasion they hear that there must be renegotiation of the ExxonMobil contract, it is a combination of cancer and COVID-19, the worst strains and at the most advanced stage. This is where leaders are with renegotiation in the political arena; the same goes for commercial leaders, and those other leaders that make up Guyana’s professional class and elites.

Political leaders are so petrified that they bend themselves into pitiful poses to duck doing anything about renegotiation.

Renegotiation is the name of the biggest badman on the block, and he is to be runaway from, peeped at from being securely barred doors and windows. The irony of the richest country in the world is that the leaders who should be on the frontlines are nowhere to be seen or heard, they cannot even bring themselves to fold their fists for a good fight. A knockdown dragged out fight if this is what renegotiation demands.

Revealingly, their hands are in their pockets, either counting their take of the contract shakedown of Guyana, or squeezing themselves for reassurance that they are still men.

Look and listen to Guyana’s political leaders, and all that is walked away with is disgust, increasing anger, deepening scorn. Political leaders who compete for national power should be leading the charge for renegotiation, but they are hiding under their beds. They should be inspiring the local troops to bold and sustained action for renegotiation of this reprehensible ExxonMobil contract, but there they are in the same bed with the company, and under the sheets with the men from Texas. Guyanese leaders are now immune to the worst of shame, and this is no matter how much they have disgraced themselves, to what levels they prostitute themselves. Rather than leaders gear up for the mother of all renegotiation battles, their preference is to give up without a finger raised, and grovel like some spineless animal before the team of Darren Woods and Alistair Routledge. Guyanese politicians are proud to be traitors kissing ExxonMobil’s feet. The Guyanese people will have to lead themselves out of this sickening state, take it upon themselves to rise out of this tragic national leadership swamp.

Thursday February 01, 2024

Too many deaths on our roadways DEAR EDITOR, Please once again publish this article as my heart is bleeding for the death, injuries and destruction of people and properties.

On Thursday 25th J a n u a r y, t h e K a i e t e u r newspaper published three persons being killed ages 3, 30 and 50. The 30 and the 50 year old are of working age.

These two men and the child are an emotional loss to their family. The 30 and 50-yearold men are economic losses to this country.

The child will never see the beauty of Guyana, the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, the flyover and many miles of new highways and byways the government is building. The 30-year-old will never see his grandchildren, will never enjoy life as he should have.

The 50-year-old God rest his soul may have seen some things.

Over 1200 persons have died in the past 11 years, 2023 included, 90% of them based on evidence, leads to one thing. I ask you Mr.

President to declare a war on road safety, a war on the way we use the roads.

I would challenge any legal minded person that I, Frank De Abreu will reduce death on our road by 80% in 24 months. At age 64, I can’t be the traffic chief, but I know relatives of mine who were traffic chiefs, will not tolerate the lawlessness we see on the road. My age disqualifies me, but the present Traffic Chief can tell us by telephone or media if he is being instructed by senior politicians or senior

ranks of the GPF from doing his duty.

If the answer is no, the Traffic Chief’s office is a waste of time and taxpayers money. I can face off with him or any rank in traffic how we can tackle the road lawlessness.

My father would say this confounded nonsense must stop.

If we continue to neglect people’s lives on the road, we may have a beautiful Guyana with big graveyards.

Sincerely Frank DeAbreu

Cows on 63 Beach DEAR EDITOR, I am writing this letter to inform the public that there has been an ongoing annoying situation that has also been a hindrance towards Tourism Development on 63 Beach.

Since 2012, Miss Ebony Narpatty Bridgebassey had removed the cattle from the beach working alongside the Sea D e f e n s e b o a r d M r.

Sukhdeo at the time and they were officially off for the protection of the sea defense, to prevent less erosion of the sandbanks with the cattle steady trampling over on them, eating away the shrubs and vines that hold the sand from eroding and any further future breakage from high tides or predictable flooding God forbid.

Since 2020, the cattle have returned to the beach and have been creating havoc once again. They have been breaking into the private property of the late Vivekanand Narpatty’s Sunsplash Resort that Miss Ebony Narpatty has been overlooking as CEO along with workers by breaking down the fence, entering the yard, going in front the resort building and disposing of their cow manure, eating all the beautiful flower plants, etc.

For Tourism Awareness and Standards, I must give 63 Beach a big Zero for not being intact like other islands!!! If you go to any beach in the Caribbean today I’m sure you wouldn’t find a cow greeting you while sunbathing on the shore Let’s try to act fast and get these cattle off our shores... Some ways I believe we can do so are contacting these cattle farmers... But how?

I have the brand

numbers... Home Affairs, Sea Defense Board and EPA should keep meetings on this build awareness of this detrimental matter and send notices to these individuals...

I hear the police and NDC are supposed to be in charge of this but when I go there they keep blaming it on each other??? So who do I go to take this matter of high importance complain??

Why is there Cow pound at the head of 63 Beach which is an eyesore towards Tourism just being there and It’s always empty, nobody works there, nobody is doing their job of impounding cattle there, none to speak to etc... What is the Region Chairman doing about this?

P.S. This is not the first time I am dealing with this matter... It was a constant nightmare driving me and my family nuts since 2000 - 2012 with local cattle farmers also an accountant’s cattle trying to run out family out from the beach... They want cattle invasion not people to come develop beach Tourism there.

When I was a younger woman in my early twenties studying for my degree at the University of Guyana I was being disturbed in the office of my parents resort while studying late at night’s, working on some serious projects for grades when my parents in their 60s had to get up as middle aged retired senior citizens in the middle of the night sometimes 2am in the morning to chase these cattle out of their yard (50-60 sometimes 80-100) heads of cattle while this Accountant retired from Canada overseas as well sleeps comfortably with his

wife at 64 roadside while my parents have to get up and chase their cattle breaking in private transported property on the beach also causing further demolition of sandbanks sea defense conservation etc.

Sometimes my p a r e n t s and the security guard take the cows some nights all the way to the pound but there’s nobody to open the pound and they all start to disperse different directions... Also sometimes if they put them in someone comes and takes them out???

WOW!!! Hard work ethic for nothing... Who is going to pay my parents for their damages and time and to

pound the cows??? Also why should this be my problem?

G o v e r n m e n t , l o c a l s and their Cattle please man up to your responsibility of taking care of your herd like biblical times and my Dad use to say they have back lands where cattles can graze not on a powerful beach destined to develop!

I s t h i s h o w G u y a n a treats overseas investors? Please let’s see how possible and how soon we can resolve this great matter of deterioration of 63 Beach, flora and fauna and for Tourism Kindest Regards, Miss Ebony Narpatty Bridgebassey

The Jagan & Jagdeo Doctrines DEAR EDITOR, I inadvertently penned (Jan 28) that the Jagan foreign policy Doctrine could be labeled as “New International Eco Order”.

As pointed out by Prof Randy Persaud in a response in another paper, that concept emerged from the Non-Aligned Movement of 1973.

The mistake is regretted!

I believe the correct date it was effected was May 1974 – the date is unimportant, the concept is of significance but got no traction.

Dr. Jagan’s foreign policy doctrine, if it can be called that, was “The New Global Human Order”.

Dr. Jagan was a most compassionate leader who cared for the poor and ordinary folks like the working class at the bottom of society globally.

He did improve working conditions in Guyana and lifted many out of poverty on a very tight budget.

He did not waste resources – opposed

cadillac lifestyle in a donkey cart economy. Regrettably, his doctrine did not get m u c h t r a c t i o n internationally.

A book with same title was published (1999) under his and Janet’s name.

Nothing came of that doctrine as indeed the doctrines of almost every T h i r d Wo r l d l e a d e r.

Academics and world leaders pay attention to doctrines emerging out of Washington on foreign policy or military matters.

In contrast to Cheddi, Bharrat Jagdeo’s foreign policy doctrine on Climate Change has attracted much traction globally.

Even Washington and the western governments pay heed to the effects of climate change and have taken measures to reduce use of oil and gas that produce emissions that raise the earth’s temperature.

The whole world has been paying attention to the heating of the globe!

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Thursday February 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 05

The movement of workers must be Screaming corruption is the controlled to protect out people new formula of the Opposition DEAR EDITOR It was brought to my attention that the Heads of Caricom sometime last year, I think in March, agreed to facilitate the free movement of all labour in Caricom.

This opinion column was sent to me.

It is captioned, “ C A R I C O M ’s 5 0 t h Anniversary gift to its citizens: freedom of movement, a step towards closer integration” by Patrice Quesada, Coordinator for the Caribbean, International Organization for Migration (IOM).

I quote from it “It is truly an historical decision.

On 4 July 2023, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the institution, the Heads of State of the Caribbean C o m m u n i t y ( C A R I C O M ) … announced a big step towards regional integration. In the words of Barbados’ Honourable Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley … they have responded to what “every Caribbean citizen has wanted since we’ve had control of our destiny.”

This major step forward is the decision to extend freedom of movement to all CARICOM nationals.

Interesting! From my and experiences of others that have been well documented Guyanese had a terrible time in many countries as they attempted to enter. Special benches to put Guyanese to sit on etc. So, over the years there was no attempt to even discuss this open door policy for all Caricom citizens. So, what has changed?

I will quote again from Mr. Patrice Quesada, “The decision comes at an interesting juncture in the recent rich history of the Caribbean.

From IOM’s assessment of the migratory context, one important economic game

changer – with potential large social implications – has emerged with the emerging oil and gas industry in Guyana… it appears that labour migration will have to play an essential role to fuel the market with skilled and unskilled workers in all the sectors that will be directly and indirectly affected”.

He is talking about extraction, construction housing, health and education.

Caricom Leaders suddenly recognies the long standing wishes of Caricom citizens. According to Patrice, “Enabling citizens to freely move in the CSME has been a long-standing wish… where there is a will, there is a way”. /Substitute Oil for will.

Apparently according to Patrice the intention is to sign “a renewed agreement by 30 March 2024” Currently under the CSME, just a few skills are recognized.

Don’t blame them, the Pariah country has now become the number one destination. The issue is what effect would this have on our people and on our labour force. We have already seen what effects the flood of Haitians and Venezuelans have on our labour market.

They are willing to work for less.

This phenomenon is taking place in the USA where illegal migrants, but in our case legal migrants, have caused real wages to stagnate for over a decade to the benefit of the capitalist class. Our people are already being paid inadequately.

The struggle for a living wage continues. I read the teachers are preparing to go on strike. I will write about this in another letter.

This letter is just to spark some interest as I see no public discussions on this very important issue.

Now I am not opposed to our brothers and sisters of Caricom coming to work

here. Let us facilitate the process.

Reduce the difficulties and red tape but the movement of workers must be controlled to protect out people.

I am not saying this would happen, but we witnessed how the influx of deportees transformed our criminal environment. The last thing we want is such an influx.

I am calling on our government not to sign such an agreement until we have full public discussion ending with a referendum. Also, maybe this should become an election issue. A one seat majority party does not have a right to make such a decision for the Guyanese people.

I am aware that some may want to suggest the race issue and state that because the Caricom is black dominated etc etc.

Guyanese this is about all of us and the protection of the future of our people.

We h a v e a l r e a d y witnessed the selling out of our patrimony by both parties. Some may want to go down in history as the persons who made this possible without considering the interest of our people and within the belief that no matter what they do they have a captive set of voters who no matter what would return them to power.

Trade Union Leaders, I want to hear your views.

This is another good reason why we must stop winner take all politics.

One of the platforms, of the United Democratic Front under my leadership would be to stop this. And people who know my history know I do as I promise and dam the consequences to me. If anyone want the full article message me on udfpartyguy@gmail.com Sincerely Rajendra Nauth Bisessar

DEAR EDITOR During the Cold War scores of democratically elected governments in the T h i r d Wo r l d w e r e overthrown by a coalition of local authoritarian operatives and their foreign counterparts.

M a n y o f t h e operations were based on a simple formula whereby the locals simply screamed socialism or communism.

The foreigners, often without any know ledge or evidence of w hat w as trans piring on the ground, provided the resources to engineer a coup or to use other techniques of interference.

G uyana w as a v ictim of this w hen the P P P was removed from office and the P N C w as ins talled.

It is important to note that

in our own case the PNC had quite a helping hand from private individuals, and private organization, all of whom hid behind the label civil society.

In the post-Cold-War p e r i o d , t h e s e undemocratic forces have found a new formula. All they have to do is shout corruption.

Much like the old d a y s , p r i v a t e individuals and o r ganizations who are aligned against the PPP government, are waving their modern magic wand of corruption.

The local branch of Transparency International, and numerous letter writers and columnists have been harnessing the corruption label.

As usual, little or no evidence is ever produced.

To the credit of Western governments, they have become much more conscious of these subterfuges.

In the case of Guyana, the embassies know of the recent record of the APNU-AFC. They are also aware t h a t t w o m a j o r newspapers in Guyana are fronts for the opposition.

T h e f o r e i g n embassies have picked up on the double standards of these newspapers.

The corruption narrative is championed by the same folks who attempted to rig the 2020 elections.

That much is widely known, and for that reason, they are not taken too seriously.

Sincerely Dr. Randy Persaud

Is the Government chasing its own 33 not-greater-than 32 embarrassment?

DEAR EDITOR T h e G o v e r n m e n t ’s shenanigans to deny members of the public to see the ExxonMobil oil-spillguarantee, disclosure a l l o w e d b y t h e Environmental Protection Act: 36 (4 and 5), seems to be taking it down the same path.

The sections referred to, allow the public to inspect and get copies of registers in possession of the Environmental Protection

Agency. By no stretch of the imagination can the oil-spillguarantee be deemed to be intellectual property which must not be disclosed.

Why a court action to deny the public access to the oil-spill-guarantee?

The Guyanese public, schooled in law or not, cannot be criticised for thinking that their elected representatives are choosing to interpret the law to deny them (the public) their rights.

FaiyaZ Alli

Kaieteur News

PAGE 06

Thursday February 01, 2024

Five flaws in government expenditures on infrastructure DEAR EDITOR With the advent of oil budgets, the explosion of government expenditure on infrastructure – and the means to fund it – have stirred much public debate.

The plan by government to spend $204B in 2024 “to upgrade and expand our roads and bridges” aptly illustrates the deepening disconnect between big government outlays and the people’s dire objective and subjective wellbeing. A trillion-dollar budget – and no buzz or excited anticipation in the air. People have simply lost confidence in the PPP government.

As its excuse, the PPP keeps shouting from the rooftop that spending big on infrastructure will, someday and somehow, alleviate poverty and lift living standards. It provides no timeline or credible mechanism for this transformation. But at least

five flaws exist why the PPP’s version of infrastructure-led development will fail where it should matter most: helping to guarantee 800,000 Guyanese a higher quality of life.

Let’s start our case by distinguishing between social infrastructure (schools, hospitals, sports grounds, etc) and economic infrastructure (roads, energy supply, D&I schemes, etc).

FLAW #1: The weakness of the PPP’s one-dimensional approach to social infrastructure has been extensively criticized and needs no elaboration: hospitals without the required nurses and doctors; schools without the required teachers and counsellors; stadiums without adequate sports policy, programs and activities. And so on. Expect to see no quality-of-life indicators from this government to assess the

impact of its expenditure on social infrastructure.

FLAW #2: If we turn to economic infrastructure, competent governments try to achieve two goals: (i) expand the productive capacity of the economy, and (ii) reduce the cost of production (or increase productivity). Much of the PPP’s expenditure on public works has achieved and will achieve little in both regards outside of the Coalitioninitiated projects, such as the Gas-to-Energy project, the solar farms, and the LindenMabura Road. Repairing and replacing existing infrastructure are necessary government actions, but much of it will not add new productive capacity. In addition, government’s expenditures on infrastructure to support agriculture production (such as the $1.4B spent on the Tacama corn and soya project in 2023) are yet or

unlikely to reduce food prices.

FLAW #3: We know it. A lot of this expenditure is wasted and lost through c o r r u p t i o n a n d mismanagement. As much as 40 to 50% of every dollar.

Multiply that by the infrastructure budget and we end up with as much money as the government borrows.

The PPP has shown no appetite to reverse this loss, dismissing it as the figment of the imagination of its critics.

FLAW #4: The large expenditure on public works is not trickling down to the ordinary people at a volume to raise living standards.

Most of this money circulates among a narrow set of local contractors and suppliers, with a combined workforce in the hundreds, not in the thousands. The involvement of foreign contractors, suppliers and workers means significant

sums of money also leave the country. Not surprisingly, there is no jump in consumer spending power or household incomes.

Unemployment and underemployment remain high. There is only a limp multiplier effect. And, worst of all, we see no decline in poverty and economic insecurity.

FLAW #5. The fifth flaw I would highlight, among those remaining, is the sheer simplistic nature, haphazardness, and onedimensionality of the PPP’s infrastructure planning.

There is no integrated, holistic approach. The PPP does not grasp that increasing infrastructure stocks does not automatically mean improved infrastructure services or economic performance. It does not grasp that a point is reached where diminishing returns on investment kick in. Let’s

point to a few examples of this problem.

W i t h s o c i a l infrastructure, we already mentioned above such as examples as building new hospitals without a plan to retain health care workers.

In terms of economic infrastructure, a road such as the Linden-Mabura road should be accompanied by a regional development plan.

Hinterland electrification should be synergized with efforts to build vibrant hinterland communities.

Energy infrastructure should be guided by a policy for e n s u r i n g t o t a l e n e rg y security. And so on.

To w r a p u p , l a rg e expenditures on infrastructure, absent a vision and a theory of change, leave the people and the country merely marking time on the same general spot.

Yours respectfully, Sherwood Lowe

Girl hospitalised following bee attack at Mabaruma

A first form student of the North West Secondary School was rushed to the hospital at the Region One t o w n o n We d n e s d a y afternoon after she was attacked by several ‘killer bees’ as she walked home from school.

Reports are that the girl, who lives at the Mabaruma Settlement, was walking home from school with her friends sometime after 15:00hrs on Tuesday when she was attacked by the bees.

An eyewitness noted that she heard loud screams outside her home when the bees swarmed the children.

“I heard screams on the road, all the children were running screaming, I was

scared but I am a mother and I felt the hurt so I ran out to inquire,” she said.

She said the bees were all over the girl’s uniform. “She was stung all over. I broke a branch and started to brush it off. I was scared but I tried.”

She said the other children managed to run away from the bees. The woman said she called the girl’s mother and she was subsequently rushed to the Mabaruma Hospital for treatment.

Reports are that works are ongoing at the roadway where the bees attacked the children. Residents reasoned that the heavy duty machinery at the project site may have disturbed the bees.

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday February 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

Teachers strike Teachers across the country should support the Guyana Teachers' Union in the planned strike action scheduled for Monday.

For years teachers have suffered at the hands of uncaring governments in this country. Their salaries are miniscule and are made to work under deplorable conditions.

We reported on Wednesday that teachers at the Peter's Hall Primary School have to go over to a nearby mall to use the washroom facilities because the school does not have a proper functioning one.

Which self-respecting minister of education or a government would allow its teachers to be so degraded, so mistreated, and abused?

While we feel it for the students who would undoubtedly suffer as a result of this strike, we cannot help but throwing our support behind the teachers in this planned industrial action.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 8 10

Limit outdoor time as Saharan dust clouds coastal communities - EPA advises

T

he Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) has issued a public advisory, telling citizens to limit the amount of time spent outdoors in light of Saharan dust clouding over the communities along Guyana's coastline.

The agency said in the statement that: “the public is advised to limit their time spent outdoors and wear appropriate dust masks as far as practicable.

The EPA wishes to advise that particles in the Sahara dust could potentially cause a dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, etc.”

EPA noted that there is a visible haze around the East Bank Demerara and East Coast Demerara regions and its air quality sensors have detected a significantly high air quality index.

This is an indication that particulate matter in the atmosphere, which is attributed to Sahara dust and high humidity.

Elderly persons, children and person with underlying respiratory or cardiovascular illness are most vulnerable.

As soon as the air quality returned to normalcy the public will be notified, but for now it is important to take precautionary measures to stay safe.

Thursday Monday February May 02, 01,2022 2024

$100M approved to review Exxon's plan for seventh project The Committee of Supply on Wednesday afternoon, approved $100 million to review ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EGML) and its Stabroek Block partners Field Development Plan (FDP) for the seventh project.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat made the disclosure in the National Assembly as he disaggregates the allocations under his ministry. Minister Bharrat also disclosed that an additional $5 million will be spent on advertisements.

It should be noted that while the Government of Guyana (GoG) anticipates a seventh project from the oil

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

majors, the sixth development – Whiptail– is yet to receive the necessary regulatory approvals.

Minister Bharrat said, “It has been a trend by Exxon and partners that for the last three years they have submitted FDPs. We have dealt with Payara, Yellowtail, Uaru, now we are dealing with Whiptail and we are anticipating that another FDP will come at some point

in time this year.”

Notably, he added that whether the FDP is in relation to oil or gas, the government is taking the safe route to ensure that there is monies to pay a consultant to review the FDP whenever it is submitted, before a production license is issued.

In the Ministry of Finance Mid-Year Report 2023, it was revealed that ExxonMobil has already

commenced appraisal works on the seventh project in the Stabroek Block.

Notably, government approved the FDP and issued the Petroleum Production Licence for Exxon's fifth project, Uaru in April 2023.

The government has not been shy about its intent to ramp up production activities over the coming years though countries have been urged to scale back on oil and gas activities to combat global warming.

This publication reported this week that recent updates from the Ministry of Natural Resources reveal that ExxonMobil's offshore oil projects are producing significantly more oil than their stated capacities. This observation in the Liza 1 and Liza 2 projects indicates that ExxonMobil may very well continue this trend moving forward.

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 01, 2024

PAGE 09

Who is going to bell the cat?

There is a fundamental difference between being “on call” and working “overtime”. Being “on call” typically means that you’re available to work if needed during a specified period, but you’re not actively working unless called upon.

You might need to be reachable by phone or other means and be ready to respond to emergencies or situations that require your expertise.

Working “overtime,” on the other hand, means you’re actively working beyond your regular scheduled hours. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as meeting deadlines, handling a surge in workload, or fulfilling specific project requirements. Overtime work often involves being physically present at your workplace or engaged in work-related activities for an extended duration beyond what is considered normal or standard.

Being on call and overtime work are distinct aspects of employment that merit separate compensation considerations. While being on call requires professionals like doctors to remain available to respond to emergencies outside regular working hours, it does not necessarily involve actively performing work during that time.

Compensation for being on call often involves a fixed sum paid for the availability and readiness to respond, as well as additional payment for each call visit, recognizing the inconvenience and commitment required.

Overtime work, on the other hand, entails actively

working beyond standard hours and is typically compensated separately based on applicable labor laws or contractual agreements. Therefore, being on call does not inherently entitle someone to payment for overtime work, as the two serve different purposes and involve different expectations and compensatory structures.

The problem with compensation for doctors, however, goes beyond being on call or being paid for overtime work. There are broader issues which need addressing. Doctors should be paid better and when working for the government should not have to moonlight in order to enjoy a decent pay. Doctors deserve more than a decent pay.

Compensation concerns within the medical profession extend beyond the scope of on-call duties or overtime pay. While these are significant aspects, broader systemic issues demand attention. It’s crucial to address the fundamental matter of doctors’ remuneration, ensuring they receive fair compensation reflective of their expertise and the demanding nature of their profession.

Particularly concerning is the scenario where doctors, especially those employed by the government, feel compelled to seek additional income through moonlighting because of the huge financial rewards that they bring.

Unlike nurses who are being lost to foreign countries, this is not as major a problem with doctors since they

receive great returns when they moonlight and even sunlight, at private medical institutions. But this practice of working with having both a government and private practice is fraught with concerns. For one, there is an ethical issue as whether a person in public practice should be able to treat the same patient in private practice. There is also the concern as to whether some doctors are using their practice in government health institutions to secure patients for their private clinics or whether some of their patients in private clinics are being referred to government institutions when these persons can no longer afford to pay for their private treatment.

Having to serve two masters also poses risks to patient care and physician well-being, by potentially overburdening medical professionals and compromising their ability to provide optimal care.

Greater discipline is needed in the management of the medical profession and a decision has to be made about this practice of doctors working in government institutions also holding down private practices.

The doctors will complain that the pay they receive really cannot compensate them. So why then are they working within the public service and parttime in private practice?

Why do they not work fulltime in private practice?

The government has to draw the line. It cannot allow this situation to fester. It is counterproductive to health care. What is even more amazing is that the more

DEM BOYS SEH

The more roads build, the more accidents we having Every day yuh pick up de newspaper is three or four accidents… serious accidents: car running off road, vehicles colliding and causing massive damage and people getting struck down.

Our roads are no longer safe. And it will get worse because the more roads we build, the more vehicles we have using them and the more accidents will happen.

Nowadays going fuh ah drive is like a life and death experience. Yuh don’t know whether yuh coming back home. So yuh gat to hug and

kiss yuh family before yuh leave. This why when dem boys better half does be driving on the road, dem boys does be monitoring de live traffic resorts fuh see what the traffic is like. One night dem boys get a report about somebody driving on de wrong side of de highway.

So dem boys ring Big Aunty and tell she, “Honey, be careful while driving on the highway” I told my wife on call... “The news says that a there’s a person speeding on the wrong side of the highway”

”One person!?” She replied, incredulously, “These idiots are in hundreds” One day a well-known person got struck down while on the road. He was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. After treating him, the doctor came to speak with him. The doctor said, I have good news and bad news.

Which do you want first?”

The guy says, “I guess I’ll get the good news first.”

The doctor replies, “You’re going to get something named after you.”

Talk half. Leff half

government spends on public healthcare, the greater the expansion of private hospitals and clinics. This tells as a story by itself. The solution is to pay our doctors handsomely. But having being paid a handsome salary, these doctors must make a choice. They either stick to public practice or resign completely and working in the thriving

healthcare private sector.

But who is going to bell the cat. The doctors have their friends in the government and there is no way that the PPPC government is going to limit the moonlight of doctors, regardless of ethical concerns, or because of a conflict of interest.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not

necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10 S

UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

LALL

Thursday Monday February May 02,01, 2022 2024

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Jagdeo: a coward hiding behind rumours, disgracing the Vice Presidency I must deal with Vice President Jagdeo frontally. I had taken the different road of holding my peace, under advisement. Now, given his most recent fabrications, innuendoes, and delusions, I present him with the facts. I challenge him to abandon his cowardice, hiding behind “rumors”. Clearly, the PPP (and Jagdeo) will do anything to get me, bring down. Come with facts and circumstances that stand.

Thursday last, Jagdeo held his usual press conference. A few snippets came on Friday. My name featured. The Vice President fictions were: 1) they call me corrupt, but I don't bother with them, that doesn't change me; 2) they want to chase investors away; 3) he claimed that he was a former Wall Street analyst, then that disappeared; 4) he said something about working on Wall Street, but….; and 5) “I hear rumors that he is a pedophile…” but he is

leaving that alone. This is Daktah Jagdeo, a former president, now a Vice President: a leader manufacturing his own facts, a man peddling sleazy inferences, a sick citizen huckstering deceptions, slop, and what reduces him to new lows whenever his disturbed mind is engaged, his mouth opens. Relative to concoction 5, it is revealing that a former president loves the scurrilous. Jagdeo is now Vice President of hearsay, now the nation's Chief Policymaker built on “rumors.” This is his smokescreen, his slyness to distract from his wriggling out and weaseling out, in dealing with the foreign enslavers. He degrades beyond repair the constitutional office of Vice President. A man I now believe to be a pathological coward, a bully exemplary in the dirty and ugly. Be a man, Jagdeo. Present facts, not fictions from PPP perverts.

Now try these facts. I challenge Jagdeo to deal with them, respond to them without his usual hedging, dissembling, prevaricating.

I have never called Bharrat corrupt.

Irresponsible, it would have been, improper too. I made that clear in what was presented publicly (Demerara Waves, KN, January 14th and 19th respectively).

When SuGate broke, I wrote that he must benefit from doubt.

Newsprint ink does not erase.

Facts are facts. He can bury himself in “rumors.”

Then, they want to chase away investors.

For the information of all, especially Jagdeo, absorb what follows.

I have an investment connection to Exxon, and other US companies here.

They make money, I get a penny. It is another fact that I have petitioned, pressed for a little less for Exxon etal, a bit more for Guyanese. Chasing investors from Guyana,

Jagdeo, would be cutting my own nose. Don't fabricate fallacies, what reeks of cowardice, deviousness, clearcut farces.

Next, Jagdeo sniped at 'former Wall Street Analyst' that became nothing. There is no avoiding some disclosures.

I was a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder. It is a qualification that few, if any, resident Guyanese possess.

Soon after returning to Guyana, I discontinued paying the annual threefigure fee (US dollars), its relevance was over. Expense management.

In discontinuing paying the CFA fees, it would have been a breach of CFA conventions to go on claiming analyst status. I have never used the analyst designation since.

Daktah Jagdeo, those are the facts.

Further, aspersions came from Jagdeo about 'working on Wall Street, but….'. I move to remove his doubt, real or pretended. In 20 years on Wall Street, 10 regulatory credentials became mine by dint of hard study and application. Unconfirmed reports were that I was among the most licensed, if not top licensed, Wall Streeter from around

400,000 workers. Accurate or otherwise, this is incontestable: the registers of top Wall Street oversight agencies (New York Stock Exchange and US SEC, and others) house the facts. Facts about principal qualifications in Futures, Financial Operations, Derivatives, US Government Securities, and Investment Advisor. Here is a tiny fact: it cost the firms I worked for over US$25,000 annually to carry those credentials.

Carry or goodbye.

Since badman Jagdeo has been busy digging for dirt on me, dig for those.Finally, Vice President Jagdeo went low, so low that he has to reach up to touch the bottom, but fails. “I hear rumors that he is a pedophile…” But he is not going there. He just did.

This is what a top national leader from the most talked about country globally is about: what he “hears” and “rumors”, nothing but innuendo, and the tawdry.

This is cowardice to the bone.

Cowardly smearing to silence a conscientious objector over how he presides over the oil, on which Guyanese place so much hope.

Apparently, Jagdeo is proud to be Vice President of Rumors, a Chief

Policymaker built on h e a r s a y. S q u a n d e r i n g residual self-respect, one hostile to morals, principles, and truth. There is one response to Jagdeo's demonization and criminalization. Hand evidence to AG Nandlall, the DPP's Hack, Commissioner Hicken, and Crime Chief Blanhum.

They should charge.

Jagdeo delivers or defaces himself. Fact: two and a half years ago, Jagdeo's comrades came up with what they thought would zip my lips, freeze my pen, and neutralize the torments inflicted on the government (Jagdeo). Two and a half years later, here I stand, I cannot do otherwise.

I should curse Jagdeo. I pray for curing of him. This conversation must continue.

I challenge him: supportable facts only. I don't think he has the guts. Step forward.

Show some. I wonder how Exxon's people starting with Alistair Routledge can stomach being near him.

(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.)

She Trades Caribbean:

Providing Pathways from Local Markets to Global Trade Across the world, female entrepreneurs often encounter a slew of challenges, and the Caribbean is no different.

Women in the region seeking to launch or expand businesses are tackling numerous issues like limited access to money, assets, mentoring and networking, expensive funding options, and a lack of business knowledge.

Despite the constraints, multilateral organisations continually cite womenowned small and mediumsized enterprises (MSMEs) as proven drivers of both economic growth and poverty reduction. Gender balance in business diversifies the landscape which contributes to economic resilience and enriches local markets.

Consequently, addressing gender-specific barriers to market entry and business expansion is a high priority for the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

To more effectively respond to the needs of this diverse target group, CDB joined forces with the International Trade Centre to establish the SheTrades Caribbean Regional Hub. The primary objective of the Hub is to enhance market access for businesses led or owned by women by providing training and support in obtaining finance and seizing market opportunities.

Among the early beneficiaries is Ms. Nydia Norville, owner and operator of Choiselle, an all- natural, skincare and wellness business that creates

products inspired by Caribbean botanicals for export.

By joining SheTrades Caribbean, the Saint Lucian businesswoman is accessing training to improve her company and learning how to better navigate the export space. She can also tap into a network of global women entrepreneurs to access guidance and support to overcome the hurdles she may encounter as a small start-up in a developing economy.

“The regional hub has provided meaningful and tangible support for my personal and professional growth as a Caribbean woman in business. I am availing myself of the many unique, enriching and specialised opportunities (Continued on page 16)

Thursday February 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Pres. Ali to chair high-level debate on climate change, food insecurity at UN Security Council this month To mark Guyana's membership at the United Nations Security Council, President Dr. Irfaan Ali will chair a high level debate this month on climate change and food insecurity.

Foreign Secretary and High Representative for United Nations Security Council Affairs, Robert Persaud, confirmed this in a recent statement.

Under the leadership of President Ali, the debate will explore “The impact of climate change and food insecurity in the maintenance of international peace and security.”

This open forum aims to foster enhanced understanding and coordination in response to the challenges posed at the

intersection of food insecurity and climate change.

Highlighting the global context of this debate, Persaud remarked, “Guyana's presence on the Security Council comes amidst the rise in the number of conflicts, increase in democratic backslide, and threat to peace in many regions of the world.”

He specifically cited the wars in Ukraine and Gaza as examples of conflicts that have disrupted peace and s t a b i l i t y, l e a d i n g t o widespread human suffering and placing immense strain on the international system.

The High Representative also emphasized Guyana's commitment to contributing constructively to global

peace efforts.

“All citizens should be proud that Guyana will play its part in building alliances and engaging meaningfully in finding long-lasting and sustainable solutions to conflicts, in line with international law and the UN Charter,” he said. Persaud also mentioned Guyana's intent to amplify the voices of developing countries and uphold the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty as per international laws.

“Our practice of diplomacy under the guidance of President Ali will show that small states can be meaningful actors in global governance,” Persaud added, underlining Guyana's diplomatic approach.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

During its two-year term on the Security Council, Persaud reminded that Guyana has five priority areas it will champion: climate change, food security, peace building and c o n f l i c t resolution/prevention,

women and global security, and youth and children in peace and security.

Persaud also highlighted Guyana's distinction as the first CARICOM country to serve on the Security Council.

President Ali previously

expressed that Guyana's election to the Council is a resounding endorsement of the nation's global standing.

“Ensuring that Guyana plays the full part in fashioning an international system that is fair and just,” he stated, promising to uphold the nation's independence and principles in line with the UN Charter and international law.

Since joining the United Nations in 1966, postindependence, Guyana has consistently contributed to the United Nations' objectives and its Charter.

This upcoming role in chairing a high-level debate at the Security Council marks a significant milestone in Guyana's international engagement.

Court hears:

Delivery man Man remanded over robbed of bike Princess Street chopping The stolen motorcycle.

A delivery rider was robbed of his motorbike on Tuesday night around 20:20 hrs while making a delivery in Campbelville, Georgetown.

According to reports the man was on his way to make a delivery on motorcycle CM 7723 along Stone Avenue.

Since he was on the phone with the customer to pinpoint their exact location he was riding slowly and was approached by two men. One of the men allegedly had a “jooka” and held on to the handle of the motor cycle.

The men then ordered the delivery man to dismount his motorbike, which he did and they escaped with the bike.

According to information received the incident took place in the vicinity of the Campbelville Health center.

A police report was made but the man is pleading for the return of the motorcycle which he uses to do part time delivery work in the night after his day job.

He can be contacted on 675 8646 or the nearest police station if anyone has any information.

A twenty-three-year-old man was remanded to prison on Wednesday after it was disclosed in the Georgetown Magistrate's Court that he allegedly chopped a man with a cutlass, causing the victim to suffer a fractured skull.

The accused, Rollex George, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court and answered to the charge of inflicting grievous body harm with intent to murder. He was not required to plea to the indictable charge.

During the court proceedings, the prosecutor related that George and the victim, Hassan Ali, are known to each other. It is alleged that on January 3, 2024 at Princess Street, Georgetown, in the vicinity of Freedom Life Ministry, George, who was armed with a dangerous weapon, that being a cutlass, drew the weapon and fired several Rollex George at the chops towards the region of Ali's head and right arm between his Georgetown Magistrates' Court elbow and wrist. custody.

Following the attack, the The prosecutor objected to bail, on victim reportedly attempted to escape, but collapsed to the ground, as blood several grounds, that being the nature poured from his head and right foot. and gravity of the offence; the fact that Soon after, Ali's brother was alerted to the incident and went to enquire on what was occurring.

The victim was then rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was admitted as a patient. Ali sustained a fracture to his skull and is currently unable to walk, the court heard. The accused was arrested on January 26, 2024, after police found him at his home. He was told of the allegation, cautioned, arrested and placed in

the accused and the virtual complainant are known to each other, and also, as a result of the injury the victim is still unable to walk.

Subsequently, it was further revealed that the victim was discharged from the hospital, but according to his brother, due to the injuries he sustained and the pains he was experiencing, he made a visit to the hospital for treatment.

George in his defense refuted the claims that he was armed with a cutlass on the day of the incident. According to him, he was attacked by the victim's brother, and was chopped three times, in the region of his head and left hand.

“They accused me of something I didn't do and then he (victim's brother) fire ah chop,” George claimed in the court room. George alleged that he reacted by throwing a brick towards the duo.

The magistrate refused bail and the accused was remanded to prison. He is scheduled to appear before the court on February 19, 2024, for reports.

PAGE 12

Thursday February 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

Rundown Amerindian Hostel for $73M fix-up T

he Committee of Supply of the National Assembly on Tuesday evening approved approximately $73 million for repair and construction works to be executed at the Amerindian Residence, located on Princess Street, Georgetown.

As reported, this year the government had allocated some $9 billion towards Amerindian development programmes and projects.

O n Tu e s d a y d u r i n g t h e consideration of the 2024 Budget Estimates for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Dawn H as tin g s - Williams p o s ed a question to the subject Minister, Pauline Sukhai whether there is any rehabilitative works slated for the Amerindian hostel, and the amount of money allocated towards this.

Responding to the question, Minister Sukhai said the budgeted allocation of $25 million will see major works being done at the facility.

She went on to explain that these works would include electrical and plumbing maintenance, repainting of the internal building for both concrete

and wooden surfaces, repairs to the roof, replacing of doors at the male and female dorms, the dining hall door, repairs to the male washroom, repairs to the female dorms front step, and repairs to the floor on the new wing among others.

During the consideration, it was also mentioned that some $48 million will go towards the construction of a concrete bridge and for the extension of the kitchen at the hostel.

Recognizing money is being set aside fo r t h e b u i l d i n g , Opposition MP, Ronald Cox o n Tu e s d a y b r i e f l y s a i d , “Thank you very much minister for the upgrading at the Amerindian hostel, as you might be aware of recent, there were pictures on social media which were very deplorable and so we welcome this provision.”

Under the ministry as well, the committee of supply also approved the sum of $4,643,000,000 towards the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) programme.

Responding to Opposition MP, Vincent Henry for a breakdown of this allocation, Minister Sukhai said the some $392.5 million will go towards the Presidential grant programme, approximately $343

The Amerindian Residence on Princess Street. million will towards economic proje c t s , p r o j e c t s t a rg e t i n g women in villages will receive a sum of $354 million, agriculture d evelo p men t p r o jects that will cater for advancing food security and commercial farming will receive $742.7 million, and some $132.8 million for tourism projects.

Additionally, the minister stated, some $397 million will go towards infrastructure projects, land transportation to support villages, some $310.5 million will

go towards that, $57.5 million has been put aside for water transportations, another $10.5 million will cater for communication equipment and some $50.8 million will towards language and cultural projects. The Amerindian Affairs Minister mentioned too that just over $1 billion will towards the Community Support Officers (CSOs) programme with $150 million for training.

She noted that for advancing the education awareness and the

revision of the Amerindian Act, $80 million will go towards that.

It was also disclosed on Tuesday evening that approximately $147 million is set aside for Heritage month celebrations, $100 million for the National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference and another $800 million will go towards the Land Titling programme.

Additionally, in relation to the carbon credit funding, some $2.7 billion was set aside and will see over 240 villages benefiting.

$42.2B approved to strengthen GDF capabilities The Parliamentary Committee of Supply has given the green light for a whopping $42.2 billion budget allocation to fortify the capabilities of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) this year.

The allocation represents an increase which is more than double the size of the previous year's budgetary allocation when the GDF received $20.2 billion in funding.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira defended the sum allocated during the consideration of the 2024 budget estimates on Tuesday. During the consideration of the budget estimates, Opposition Member of Parliament, Khemraj Ramjattan, queried the allocation under the Defence and Security support.

Teixeira pointed out that the allocation is to boost GDF's capacity and capabilities. “This $16B relate to the provision of two aircraft which is foreign funded, procurement of choppers, procurement of long-range drone systems and the procurement of a second boat for the coastguard, so this will be increasing our military infrastructure and equipment,” Ms. Teixeira noted.

She emphasised the earmarked funds are designated for critical

GDF ranks on parade

defense enhancements. “This will increase our military infrastructure and equipment,” she posited. “Of the total budget allocated to the GDF, $21.7 billion is designated for current expenditures, while $20.5 billion is earmarked for capital spending,” she explained. The

allocation represents a substantial increase compared to the previous year.

Teixeira did not say if the $16B will also cater for the purchasing of those helicopters from Bell, although she was asked. But she explained that the Government is

keen on giving the GDF's infrastructure and equipment capacity a significant boost.

Last month, the National Assembly approved $1.2B in supplementary funding to support the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The Funds were given to beef up

GDF's capabilities in the face of increase threats from neighbouring Venezuela.

Since those increased threats in December, calls have been made from the Opposition and other sections of society for the Government to boost GDF's capacity to respond to threats. Earlier this month, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali unveiled the government's commitment to strengthening Guyana's defence capability by increasing investments in both material and human resources for the GDF. Added to this, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo revealed that the Government has begun engagements with Bell Helicopter for the purchase of four small helicopters to assist with training of security personnel and to boost the country's capability.

These efforts include enhancing the Force's fleet of vessels, vehicles, and aircraft, and advancing its technological capabilities through the acquisition of cutting-edge equipment and supplies. (DPI)

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 01, 2024

PAGE 13

Hess praises Guyana for helping it close 2023 with US$413M profits - says country's oil resources also boosted its asset base American oil producer, Hess Corporation continues to sing Guyana's praises as the country's booming oil production has helped it close 2023 with US$413M in profits. The company made this disclosure via a statement to the market yesterday.

Notably, Hess said its net income of US$413M or US$1.34 per share in the fourth quarter of 2023 is US$84M less than what it made in the 2022 fourth quarter.

The company said the decrease reflects a lower price it received for gas and natural gas liquids (NGL), partially offset by higher production volumes, in the fourth quarter of 2023.

At the Stabroek Block

where it holds a 30 percent working interest, Hess said net production totaled 128,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 116,000 bopd in the prioryear's quarter.

The oil producer said in N o v e m b e r, p r o d u c t i o n commenced from the Prosperity Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel at the Payara Project which contributed 14,000 net bopd in the fourth quarter of 2023.

As for the fourth development on the block, Yellowtail, Hess said this was sanctioned in April 2022 with a production capacity of approximately 250,000 gross bopd and first production expected in

2025.

With respect to the fifth development, Uaru, Hess recalled that it was sanctioned in April 2023 with a production capacity of approximately 250,000 gross bopd and first production expected in 2026.

Additionally, Stabroek Block operator,

ExxonMobil, had submitted the field development plan for the sixth development, Whiptail, to the Government of Guyana in October 2023.

Approval is expected this quarter.

Hess was also keen to note that Guyana played an important role in boosting its proven reserve base. The term “proven reserve base”

in the oil sector refers to the quantity of oil reserves that are confidently known to exist and are recoverable under current economic conditions and existing technological capabilities.

Hess said its proven reserves at December 31, 2023, which are subject to final review, were 1.37 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) compared with 1.26 billion boe at December 31, 2022. “Proven reserve additions and net revisions in 2023 totaled 261 million boe, primarily from Guyana, which included sanctioning of the Uaru development, and from the Bakken,” Hess said.

With respect to its exploration and production capital expenditures, Hess

said this stood at US$1.5B in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with US$818 million in the prior-year quarter, reflecting the purchase of the Liza Unity FPSO in the fourth quarter of 2023. Hess said its share for t h e F P S O w a s approximately US$380 million. It said too that the US$1.5B catered for higher development activities in Guyana, and an increase in drilling activity in the Bakken, USA. Due to the pending m e rg e r w i t h C h e v r o n Corporation (Chevron), Hess said it will not host a conference call to review its fourth quarter 2023 results.

The statement it issued will therefore have to suffice for the market.

‘We ain't got nowhere to go’ ....City pavement vendors say move to evict them unconscionable

The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will be in 'for a long haul' when it comes to the removal of vendors from along the pavements of city stores and popular businesses.

This was the overall sentiment expressed by vendors who have spent almost their entire lives eeking out a living via Bank's DIH's Demico House at the Stabroek Market Square.

Kaieteur News spoke to the vendors in wake of impending court action geared towards clearing the area of vending. Chairman and Managing Director of Banks DIH, Clifford Reis announced on Saturday that after failed efforts with the Georgetown City Council to remove vendors from outside Demico, Stabroek, the company would be moving to the High Court to seek redress.

The announcement came even as Muneshwers another established city enterprise secured a Court order which saw vendors being removed from the pavements close to its Water Street stores. But

vendors like Kevin [only name given] are adamant that in order for the vendors to move the Council must find feasible alternatives for them play their trade. “We can't fight the system. It is up to the Mayor and the court but the council does collect a fee from us if its $1500 a week to use the pavement so they will have to make a place for us,” the father of three who is stationed outside of Demico for the past 15 years selling phone accessories told this publication.

He noted that it would be a hard task for the Council to now attempt to curb a culture they encouraged to develop without a proper alternative.

“You think anybody want to be out here but we out here because we got family to mine and children to feed.

Suh even if the constable move we tomorrow we coming back next day cause we ain't got nowhere to go,” he added.

Linden Benjamin who set a tent adjoining the pavement at Demico, where he sells household articles admitted that the announcement by the

Managing Director of Banks DIH has been him a bit uncomfortable.

“I can't understand how they could decide to remove people from earning an honest living. We pay the council every week, a lady does come around with she book and collect we money so is how they really removing we cause we

The pavement near Demico House Stabroek is littered with small-scale vendors having kids and we having bills. This is something that the council to need to look at.”

The vendor lamented that the neither council nor businesses have approached the vendors about finding suitable alternatives for them to continue to ply their trade.

“I believe the council and the vendors and businesses could come to an understanding of how they should sell because everybody got to live. They should not have a hard approach to removing the vendors from the paves,” he explained.

Rose [only name given] a female vendor told this

publication that she has been stationed outside Demico for over 30 years. “I does sell food and the same banks drinks, and beers so, me ain't understand that I buying from you and you looking to kill me business. This thing doesn't work suh!” she asserted. According to the woman, the vendors at Demico will not take the actions to remove as easy at the vendors who were removed from Muneshwers.

“We aint taking things suh easy, we paying the council.

So they got to look after we,” she added.

Similarly, Sean (Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday February 01, 2024

Two medical labs get GNBS certification ...local manufacturer subscribes to ‘Made in Guyana’ brand The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has certified one new local manufacturer and two new medical laboratories to its Made in Guyana and Laboratory Certification Programmes respectively.

Under the Permit to use the Made in Guyana Certification Mark programme which aims to promote quality in the local manufacturing, Kraftia's of 356 Powis Close, South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown was on Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Medical Laboratory was certified to the National Standard GYS 170:2021 – “General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory.”

The medical laboratory, which is located at Lot 92 Middle Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, is certified to offer t e s t i n g i n B i o c h e m i s t r y, Hematology, Endocrinology, Molecular Biology, Virology/Serology and Urology.

Q u a l i t y M a n a g e r, M r.

Devanand Ramnarine noted, “we provide accurate and reliable

Management and Staff of Huaqi Health Services Medical Laboratory pose with GNBS Certificate, Plaque and Stickers

Owner and CEO of Kraftia's, Marlloyd Kyte poses with locally made products and GNBS Made in Guyana Certificate

certified to use the Made in Guyana Standards Mark on their locally manufactured products. The newly certified products which are made from coconut shell include Coconut Cups, Coconut Decanters, Coconut Wine Goblets, Coconut Ash trays, Coconut Soap Dishes, Coconut Chandeliers and Coconut Bowls.

In a press release, the GNBS said the certificate was handed over to Proprietress and Designer of Kraftia's, Ms. Marlloyd Kyte by GNBS Head of Certification Services, Mr. Keon Rankin, who extended congratulations to the manufacturer and highlighted the importance of maintaining the requirements of the certification programme and the need to pursue continuous improvement. In response, Ms. Kyte noted “Words cannot express how I feel receiving this certification, which most certainly going to take my business to the next level. She added that she is eager to let persons know that her products have Standards.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, January 23, Huaqi Health Services

Management and Staff of NB Veterinary Clinical Laboratory pose with GNBS Certificate, Plaque and Stickers

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Ve t e r i n a r i a n , D r. N a r d e o Bassoodeo proudly highlighted, “Finally, after two years, we are the second certified Veterinary Clinical Laboratory. This is more than just a certificate; this is something we will strive to maintain. We have been doing lab testing for over 12 years and today we want to assure all our clients, whose pets and animals have been receiving care and treatment in our facilities around the country, that they are receiving quality care. This is a

results and that is why we sought this Certification to begin, and the GYS 170 Certification is a stepping stone to securing Laboratory Accreditation which we are aiming for next.”

During the handover ceremony, Ramnarine received the certificate from Head of Certification Services, Mr. Keon Rankin while Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pang Bo received the plaque from Technical Officer, Ms. Yan Yi Zhu, both of which were conspicuously placed in the facility for customers.

Finally, on Tuesday, January 30, the GNBS certified its second veterinary clinical laboratory. The NB Veterinary Clinical Laboratory of Lot 28 Munipur Street, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown became the first Veterinary Clinical Laboratory to be certified to the National Standard GYS 170:2021 – “General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory.” The clinical laboratory is certified to offer testing in Haematology, Blood Chemistry and Serology (Rapid Test Kits).

At the Handover ceremony,

testament of our commitment to offering quality services to our nation. Rest assured now that we have this accolade, we aren't letting go”.

Dr. Bassoodeo received the plaque from Head of Certification Services, Mr. Keon Rankin while Laboratory Supervisor and Quality Manager, Mr. Kesho Aimram received the certificate from Technical Officer, Ms. Asha Sookoo. 'GNBS Certified' stickers were also provided for placement in the Lab where all can see.

Through its Laboratory Certification Programme, the GNBS ensures the operations of certified Medical and Testing Laboratories conform to the requirements of the National Standard. Surveillance audits are conducted during the certification period to ensure continued conformance. To learn more, please visit the gnbsgy.org website or contact GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064-66, the GNBS hotline number 219-0069 or WhatsApp us on 692-4627.

Rosignol man gets 30 years for metal pipe beating

F

orty-year-old Kareem Charles of Rosignol, West Bank Berbice (WBB) was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Tuesday for brutally beating a man to death with a metal pipe back in 2019.

He appeared before Justice Jo Ann Barlow at the High Court in Berbice. Earlier this month he had pleaded guilty to a murder charge in relation to Arshad Ally's death.

Ally was the father of one whom Charles had beaten with a metal pipe on March 1st, 2019. The incident took place in Rosignol where both men resided.

At Charles' sentencing hearing Justice Barlow decided that a prison sentence of 30 years was suited for the crime, less time served (about five years).

He must however spend a minimum of 21 years before he's eligible for parole.

He was also ordered by the

Murdered, Arshad Ally

Convicted killer, Kareem Charles

Judge to participate in skills training and training in anger management at the prison, to aid in his rehabilitation for re-integration into society.

Defence attorney Kevin Morgan represented Charles while Muntaz Ali presented the prosecution's case.

Ally was killed while travelling to visit his newborn baby at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where his wife had been hospitalised.

In an apparent act of retaliation, he was allegedly struck in the head with a metal pipe by Charles. Ally's cause of death was determined to be shock and haemorrhage.

Thursday February 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

US threatens to reimpose sanctions on Venezuelan oil sector (BBC News) The US has threatened to reinstate sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector, days after the South American country's top court upheld a ban on opposition candidate María Corina Machado.

Ms Machado won a primary to become the opposition's unity candidate for the 2024 presidential election. But on Friday, Venezuela's Supreme Court

confirmed a 15-year ban on Ms Machado running for public office.

Venezuela rejected the US warning as "rude and improper blackmail". The oil industry is crucial to Venezuela's economy. The US imposed sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector after President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a second term in 2019, after an election widely dismissed as

neither free not fair. The US loosened those sanctions in October after the Maduro government reached a deal with the opposition, laying some of the groundwork for free and fair presidential elections to be held in the second half of 2024.

Shortly after the deal was reached in Barbados, the US Treasury issued a licence temporarily allowing transactions involving

María Corina Machado says she will stand firm and continue to fight the ban which bars her from running for president

Jorge Rodríguez said the process of banning Ms. Machado from office had been above board and fair Venezuela's oil and gas sector. But it stressed at the time that the licence would only be renewed if Venezuela "met its commitments under the electoral roadmap", which included lifting the bans imposed on María Corina Machado and a number of other opposition candidates.

The oil exemption is due to expire on 18 April and on

Tuesday the US state department announced it would not renew it unless "political progress" was made between the Maduro government and the opposition "particularly on allowing all presidential candidates to compete in this year's election". In a post on X , f o r m e r l y Tw i t t e r , Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodríguez rejected the

"ultimatum" from the US government as "blackmail".

She threatened to immediately halt deportation flights for Venezuelan migrants who are in the US illegally if the "economic aggression" intensified. The US had earlier announced that it would also reinstate sanctions on Venezuela's state-run gold mining (Continued on page 16)

PAGE 16

Thursday February 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

Millions ‘marching towards starvation’ in Ethiopia

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From page 10 accessible through SheTrades.” Nydia Norville stated. Since the launch in 2023, women in all CDB’s 19 Borrowing Member Countries have joined SheTrades Caribbean. Sectors seeing strong uptake include the Cultural and Creative Industries, Agriculture and Agro Processing, and Tourism.

Given the importance of women-led small businesses in achieving sustainable and equitable economic growth, CDB is aiming to support

Learn to cut & sew at Enid's Dressmaking certificate classes located 66 Sixth St. Albertown. All sewing done here! Call: 643-7966/ 223-9106.

paused food aid to Tigray in March last year after discovering a “large-scale” scheme to steal humanitarian grain.

The suspension was rolled out to the rest of Ethiopia in June.

US officials believe the theft may be the biggest diversion of grain ever. Humanitarian donors have blamed Ethiopian government officials and the country’s military for the fraud.

Ethiopia’s government dismissed that suggestion as harmful “propaganda”.

over 2,000 such enterprises through the regional SheTrades hub by 2025.

The ultimate goal is to create a pathway for more Caribbean women to move from local markets to global trade.

“On a whole, stronger Caribbean businesses with more exports can shore up our economies but empowering women in business increases employment and economic activity, reduces familial poverty, and improves standards of living all of which contrib-

ute to more stable, balanced societies and economies,” CDB’s Director of Projects, Mrs. Therese Turner-Jones explained. “Our SheTrades Caribbean Hub is connecting women entrepreneurs in the Caribbean with global markets and increasing business opportunities which will strengthen trade networks throughout the region and create more resilient economies,” she added. “This is why we are increasingly targeting investment in the business sector.”

‘We ain’t got nowhere to go’...

From page 13 Cummings said “I out here since I went in school, I sell and go to school, these stand I set up help pay for everything I get.

I pay look after my children, pay my mortgage, buy my vehicle from what I does do so I can’t see the council will move just suh we aint moving!” According to the move

by Banks DIH would face resistance from the pave site sellers.

“This is about over twenty persons and their families to be affected. We don’t see an alternative.”

Last year Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire or-

dered the City Engineer to enforce the city bylaw by removing anything whatsoever left, placed or stored such as to encumber the pavement or pavements and street or streets situated around Muneshwer’s property situated at Lots 9-10 Water, Commerce and Longden Streets.

However, the order was not so easily complied with as the Mayor and City Council were tasked with removing the more than 30 vendors who had been selling clothing, food, and other items on the pavement and hanging some of their items on the building.

On Sunday vendors, the

remaining stalls outside Muneshwer’s Store on Water Street, Stabroek were demolished and taken away in keeping with a High Court said.

At the time, City Mayor Alfred Mentore noted, “Many vendors had already vacated the area but others that remained were notified of the administration’s intended action.”

Mentore later softened his approach towards the court order. “At the end of the day,” he said, “the streets are somewhere that we have to monitor and regulate… It’s difficult for the judge to say you can’t use your streets in whatever fashion or form.”

US threatens to reimpose...

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Tigray Food Cluster, a group of aid agencies co-chaired by the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) and Ethiopian officials.

The memo urges humanitarian groups to “immediately scale up” their operations, warning that “failure to take swift action now will result in severe food insecurity and malnutrition during the lean season, with possible loss of the most vulnerable children and women in the region”.

The UN and the US

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(AP)-Only a small fraction of millions of needy people in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region are receiving food aid, according to an aid memo seen by The Associated Press (AP), more than one month after aid agencies resumed deliveries of grain following a lengthy pause over massive theft.

Just 14 per cent of 3.2 million people targeted for food aid by humanitarian agencies in the region this month had received it by January 21, according to the memo by the

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From page 15 company - another source of foreign currency for the Maduro government. Ms Machado’s overwhelming victory in October’s opposition’s primary - she received more than 90% of the votes - has instilled Venezuelans who want to see a change of government with hope that she can become president - if the election is free and fair.

As part of the Barbados deal, the Maduro government agreed to allow international observers to monitor the election. But the fact that the Supreme Court - dominated

by Maduro loyalists - has upheld the ban on Ms

Machado has prompted many, including Ms Machado herself, to conclude that the Barbados deal is “dead”.

Ms Machado has promised to stand firm, insisting that she has been given a mandate in the primary which she said she would fulfil: “We are going to win and they must prepare to lose... They cannot hold elections without me.” Jorge Rodríguez, a close ally of Mr Maduro who represented the government at the Barbados talks, insisted that the government had upheld its end of the bargain: “Those who wanted to appeal appealed and also pledged to respect the outcome.”

Thursday February 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

4 consultants bid to support EITI in implementing Beneficial Ownership Roadmap

D

uring the reading of bids on Tuesday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) Office, it was revealed that four individual consultants have submitted bids to support the Guyana Extractive

Industries and Transparency Initiative (EITI) in the Implementation of Beneficial Ownership Roadmap in Guyana.

This project is being undertaken by the Ministry of Natural Resources. The four consultants are as follow: Claire Preece; Diana

Below are the companies and their bids: Ministry of Natural Resources Proposal for individual consultancy services for the Support for the Guyana EITI in the Implementation of Beneficial Ownership Roadmap in Guyana.

Aretha Barker; K.L Menns; and Samuel Osei Bekoe.

It was reported that the EITI, a global standard to promote transparency and accountability in the oil, gas and mining sectors require all implementing countries, including Guyana to implement a register of the

beneficial owners of the corporate entity (ies) that apply for or hold a participating interest in an exploration or production of oil, gas or mining licence or contract.

This publication reported that according to the 2019 EITI Standards,

Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) Drilling wells at Karrau, Kartabo, Batavia, Lower Mazaruni.

countries are required to maintain a public register of beneficial owners that demonstrates the level of ownership and details about how ownership or control is exercised. The 2019 EITI Standard requires that, as of January 1, 2020, implementing countries

request, and companies publicly disclose, beneficial ownership information. It was reported that four years after the timeline set out by EITI, Guyana has not yet developed a register of beneficial owners that hold lucrative mining licenses in the extractive sectors.

Drilling of wells at Waioakarabi, Chinese Landing, Assakata.

Ministry of Health Supply and delivery of field materials for programme 1 to 8.

Drilling of wells at Santa Cruz, Kokorite and Warapoka.

Drilling of wells at Caria Caria, Santa Mission, and Lower Bonasika Creek

Drilling of wells at Imbotero, Smith Creek, and Sebai.

Drilling of wells at Barima Kariabo, St.Anslem, Red Hill and Powaikuri.

Drilling of wells at Hotaquai and Hobodiah.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Thursday February 01, 2024

Gaza population ‘starving to death’: WHO (AFP) — The population of Gaza is starving to death due to constraints imposed on humanitarian aid, the World Health Organization’s emergencies director Michael Ryan said on Wednesday.

The WHO said the risk of famine in the Palestinian territory was already high and on the rise, with the space for humanitarian intervention being increasingly squeezed.

“This is a population that is starving to death, this is a population that is being pushed to the brink,” Ryan told a press conference.

“The civilians of Gaza are not parties to this conflict and they should be protected, as should be their health facilities.

“The Palestinian people in Gaza are right in the middle of a massive catastrophe,” Ryan said, adding that things could get worse.

Ryan said access to proper nutrition had become a major issue in the Gaza Strip, with the calorie count and the quality of nutrition consumed by

Palestinians line up for a free meal in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. International aid agencies say Gaza is suffering from shortages of food, medicine and other basic supplies as a result of the two and a half month war between Israel and Hamas. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

Gazans having dropped sharply.

Populations are not supposed to survive indefinitely on food aid, he said. “It’s supposed to be emergency food aid to tide people over.

“And if you mix a lack of nutrition with overcrowding and exposure to cold through lack of

shelter… you can create conditions for massive epidemics,” particularly in children.

“And we’re seeing them,” Ryan said.

The space for h u m a n i t a r i a n intervention was being constrained in “every aspect”, he added.

He pointed to the

dramatic reduction in the number of operational health facilities and to how efforts to bring aid into the Gaza Strip were constantly disrupted and impeded.

The war was triggered

by Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,140 people, mostly

civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

Militants also seized about 250 hostages.

Israel says 132 of them remain in Gaza including at least 29 people believed to have been killed.

Following the deadliest attack in Israel’s history, its

military launched an air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 26,900 people in Gaza, most of them women and children, according to the territory’s health ministry.

W H O c h i e f Te d r o s Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency was facing continued “extreme challenges” in propping up Gaza’s health system.

“Over 100,000 Gazans are either dead, injured, or missing and presumed dead,” he said.

“The risk of famine is high and increasing each day with persistent hostilities and restricted humanitarian access.”

Te d r o s s a i d t h e Nasser medical complex, the chief hospital in the southern Gaza Strip, was now operating with one ambulance, with patients being brought in on donkey carts.

The WHO attempted to deliver food to the hospital on Tuesday but that aid was stripped from the trucks “by crowds who are also desperate for food,” said Tedros.

South Africa says Israel is already ignoring UN court ruling ordering it to prevent deaths in Gaza (AP) — Israel has ignored the ruling by the U.N.’s top court last week by killing hundreds more civilians in a matter of days in Gaza, South Africa’s foreign minister said Wednesday, adding that her country has asked why an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not been issued in a case South Africa filed at the separate International Criminal Court.

Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said South Africa would “look at proposing other measures to the global community” in a bid to stop Israel killing civilians during its war in Gaza against Hamas militants, but didn’t go into details.

The preliminary ruling by the U.N.’s International Court of Justice in South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza ordered Israel to do all it can to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide

against Palestinians in the territory. It stopped short of ordering a cease-fire.

It also ruled Israel must urgently get basic humanitarian aid to Gaza and submit a report on steps taken to abide by the ruling within a month.

A top official in South Africa’s foreign ministry has said the country hopes that Friday’s ruling, and whether Israel is abiding by it, will be discussed on a wider level at the United Nations, possibly as early as Wednesday.

Since the ruling, Israel has continued its military offensive, which it says is aimed at Hamas, and hundreds more Palestinians have been killed, according to figures from the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

The ministry said Wednesday that 150 people were killed in the territory in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of Palestinian deaths in the war

to more than 26,700.

The Health Ministry’s count does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. It says the majority of the dead are women and children.

“I can’t be dishonest. I believe the rulings of the court have been ignored,” South Africa’s foreign minister said. “Hundreds of people have been killed in the last three or four days.

And clearly Israel believes it has license to do as it wishes.”

Pandor said there was a danger of the world doing nothing to stop the civilian casualties in Gaza and said similar inaction contributed to the horrific death toll in the genocide in Rwanda in 1994, when more than 800,000 people were slaughtered in the East African country.

“We are allowing this to happen again, right before our eyes, on our TV screens,” Pandor said.

The court’s ruling is

binding on Israel, and the country could face U.N. sanctions if it is found to be breaching its orders, although any sanctions may be vetoed by close ally the United States.

Netanyahu has said that Israel “will continue to do what is necessary to defend our country and defend our people.”

Israel says the offensive is aimed at destroying Hamas after its Oct. 7 attacks on Israel that killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Israel says it has abided by international law and is doing its best to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza.

It says it has killed more than 9,000 militants and accuses Hamas of embedding in civilian areas, making it difficult to avoid civilian casualties.

South Africa’s governing party, the African National Congress, has long compared Israel’s policies in Gaza and the West Bank

to its own history under the apartheid regime of white minority rule, which restricted most Black people to “homelands” before ending in 1994.

Pandor also said South Africa was eager to pursue the case it has lodged with the separate International Criminal Court, an indication the country will continue its legal pressure on Israel. In the ICC case, South Africa accuses Netanyahu of war crimes and asks the court to order his arrest.

The ICJ and ICC are both based in The Hague but deal with different cases.

The ICJ is a U.N. court that decides disputes between countries. The ICC prosecutes individuals.

A South African delegation met with the ICC court president and prosecutor while in The Hague last week for the ICJ ruling, Pandor said, and stressed “our concern at the slow pace of action on

matters that we referred to them as urgent matters.”

South Africa filed its case against Netanyahu at the ICC in November.

The ICC is the same court that issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin last year over alleged war crimes relating to the removal of children from Ukraine.

“The (ICC) prosecutor assured us the matter is in hand and being looked at by his office,” Pandor said of South Africa’s allegations against Netanyahu. “What I felt he didn’t answer me sufficiently on was, I asked him why he was able to issue an arrest warrant for Mr. Putin while he is unable to do so for the Prime Minister of Israel. He couldn’t answer and didn’t answer that question.”

Israel, like Russia, is not a signatory to the treaty that created the ICC and does not r e c o g n i z e t h e c o u r t ’s authority.

Thursday February 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 01, 2024

Thursday February 01, 2024

Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan and wife get 14 years jail in graft case AFP - Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was sentenced yesterday to 14 years in jail on a graft charge, a day after he was given a 10-year prison term in verdicts handed down just a week before national elections.

Khan and his wife were found guilty of graft in a case involving gifts he received while premier, after he was Tuesday handed 10 years in a case related to leaking state secrets.

Pakistan goes to the polls next Thursday in a ballot already marred by allegations of rigging, with Khan barred from running and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party subject to a massive

crackdown.“Another sad day in our judicial system history, which is being dismantled,” a party spokesman told media.

It was not immediately clear if Khan’s sentences were to run consecutively or concurrently following a trial held inside the jail where he has been detained for much of the time since his arrest in August.

But his lawyer, Salman Safdar, confirmed to AFP he had been sentenced alongside his wife, Bushra Bibi, who had been on remand throughout the trial.

Intazar Hussain Panjutha, one of Khan’s legal team, said Bibi had surrendered herself to authorities.

Bibi, a faith healer who met Khan when he approached

her for spiritual guidance, rarely appears in public and only wearing a face-covering hijab when she does.

The pair married in 2018, months before Khan was elected prime minister.

About 127 million Pakistanis are eligible to vote next Thursday, with Khan and his PTI at the centre of debate despite being squeezed out of the limelight.

On Tuesday a bomb blast claimed by the Islamic State group near a PTI rally killed four people and wounded six others in the Balochistan provincial capital of Quetta.

PTI said three of its activists had been killed in the blast, just hours after Khan was sentenced. - Buried by

Thursday February 01, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Are you an artist, writer, or musician, Aries? If so, your work may take on a more symbolic or impressionistic tone. Today you're probably more interested in conveying feelings and impressions than details.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Innovative art forms might seem especially appealing today, Taurus. Stay out of gallery shops unless you're prepared to take home a carload of merchandise.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Do you believe in ghosts?

Some strange phone calls, emails, or other communications may come your way today, Gemini. One may come from someone who thinks you're someone else.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) An unexpected sum of money could come your way today, Cancer. It probably won't be large, but it will be welcome nonetheless.

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Are all of your friends into astrology, divine science, or spiritual matters, Libra? It might seem like most of them are today, anyway. You may have many new friends in those fields.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A love partner may host a social event or meeting of some kind, Scorpio. It might be interesting to get acquainted with friends of your mate you haven't yet met.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Are you contemplating a trip, Sagittarius, perhaps to a place you've always dreamed of visiting? If you're in doubt as to whether or not you can do it.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The Material values may pale beside spiritual ones today, Capricorn. You might consider giving up the rat race and retreating to the wilderness.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Have you been exercising too rigorously lately, Leo? If so, you might feel some little aches and pains. Stay off your feet for most of the day.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A current or potential romantic partner might seem like the most perfect, wonderful person in the world to you, Aquarius. Your romantic nature could get the better of you today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) You may feel indecisive today, Virgo, especially in the morning. Other people's actions may confuse you.

Don't worry. Concentrate on your projects and goals.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You might not be able to concentrate on your work today, Pisces. Your head may be in the clouds and your eye for detail could fail you somewhat.

court cases - Since being ousted in 2022, Khan has been buried by court cases he claims have been triggered to prevent his return to office after a campaign of defiance against Pakistan’s military kingmakers.

The 71-year-old had accused the powerful military — with whom he ruled in partnership for much of his tenure — of orchestrating his ouster in a US-backed conspiracy.

Japan cruise into Asian...

From page 25 the goal being awarded after a VAR check for an offside call.

Bahrain halved the deficit from a corner when Japan keeper Zion Suzuki saved Sayed Baqer’s header but as he attempted to catch the ball when it looped up in the air, Ueda tried to head it clear and they collided as the ball went over the line.

NO CLEAN SHEET While Moriyasu was not too concerned about the own goal, Japan have failed to keep a clean sheet in every game at the tournament so far.

“It’s true we conceded a goal, every opponent we come up against will analyse us and expose our weak points,” Japan skipper Wataru Endo said. “I know we have to make this right, we have to concentrate for 90 minutes.” However, Ueda made amends for the own goal when he made it 3-1 after quickly evading three Bahrain defenders and as they tried to stop him racing away by pulling his shirt, the striker pulled the trigger from a tight angle to beat the keeper.

The game also saw Kaoru Mitoma make his return from injury and the Brighton & Hove Albion winger sent a buzz around the arena when he made several chances with his agility and speed on the ball, skipping past defenders with sublime ease. But Japan did not capitalise on his forays into the box while Bahrain keeper Ebrahim Lutfalla also stood firm to deny the east Asian side a fourth goal. “It was a difficult match, they were stronger, they were better than us technically and physically. They have players with great individual skills,” Pizzi said.

“Japan have had the same coach for many years. Even their substitutes had the same quality when they came off the bench.”

Windies rising fast bowler Joseph makes huge leap in the ICC Men’s Test rankings SportsMax - West Indies fast-bowling sensation Shamar Joseph has jumped a massive 42 spots up the ICC Men’s Test rankings this week to sit joint 50th on the list.

Joseph, whose breathtaking performances in the recently-concluded two Test series against Australia earned him the Player of the series award, was instrumental in the regional side’s historic second Test win against the World Champions. He took five wickets for 94 runs in the first encounter, which Australia won by 10 wickets and seven wickets for 68 runs in West Indies’ famous eight-run win.

The 24-year-old Joseph and his pace partners all

secured ranking upgrades, as Kemar Roach moved two places up to 17th and Alzarri Joseph inched four places up to 33rd.

New Zealand’s Kane Williamson remains the Number one batsman ahead of England’s Joe Root and Australian Steve Smith, while the bowling list is headed by Indian Ravi Ashwin followed by South African Kagiso Rabada and Australia’s captain Pat Cummins.

All-rounders Jason Holder, ranked at seventh, and 10th-ranked Kyle Mayers, the highest rated West Indies players on the all-rounders’ list, did not play against Australia in the recent series. India’s Ravi Jadeja heads that list.

Farfan and Mendes limited renews...

From page 22 Esua. Meanwhile, the club’s SAY YES TO EDUCATION programme also received a major boost from the Hand in Hand Insurance Company and the Caribbean Containers Inc. The insurance company donated 16 trophies towards

honoring outstanding Berbicians under the tribute to heroes, while CCI contributed financially.

Under this programme the club reaches out to all youths in region 6 to say no to drugs, crime, suicide, alcohol and yes education, life and sports.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 01, 2024

Farfan and Mendes limited renews long standing relationship with RHTY&SC Hand in hand Insurance Company and CCI also make input The longstanding relationship between the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and Farfan and Mendes limited was renewed last week for another year. The renewal of the sponsorship for the 29th consecutive year was done at the company’s Providence East Bank Demerara head office and was attended by officials of the RHTYSC and the company.

Club secretary Hilbert Foster stated that the Georgetown based company came on board to support the RHTYSC in 1995 and then in 1997 became the official sponsor of the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes under15 team. The Farfan and Mendes under15 team are currently playing in the D r. A m a r n a u t h D u k h i tournament and heads zone C going into the quarterfinals.

The team led by Komalchan Ramnarace, has won all six of their zone C matches defeating Albion, Port Mourant, Whim, Upper Corentyne, Kildonan and Kennard Memorial.

Matthew Pereira has struck 2 centuries in the strong batting lineup, while spin duo of Ramnarace and Akash Sookhlall have claimed a combined 6 wickets. Six members of the team are currently playing in the Guyana Cricket Board inter county tournament.

They are Ramnarace, Rafael McKenzie, AkashSookhlall, Sohail Mohammed, Tameshwar Deonandan and Matthew Pereira.

The RHTYSC Farfan and Mendes under15 team over the years have won

Fareeza Kasim of CCI makes donation to Secretary Hilbert Foster.

numerous tournaments including six Berbice-wide and in 2022 was the runner up for the 6th occasion.

The team have produced numerous Berbice, Guyana and West Indies players between 1997 to date. They include test players Assad Fudadin, Kevin Sinclair, Esan Crandon, Royston Crandon, Delbert Hicks, Shevan Marks, Shemaine Campbelle, Jonathan Rampersaud, Jeremy Sandia, Sheneeta Grimmond, Sahabeka Gajnabi, Khemraj Mahadeo, Askay Homraj, Shaun Pereira and Dominic Rikhi.

Foster, who is also the former president of the Berbice Cricket Board, stated that the team last year successfully completed over 60 personal development projects under the name of the sponsorship.

Among the projects successfully completed were the RHTYSC cricket Academy, Republic bank summer camp, youth information booklet, tribute to medical workers, tribute to law enforcement officers, scorebook project for clubs, tribute to municipality

workers, tribute to umpires, Basil Butcher trust fund, say yes to education, tribute to heroes, Berbice sports award, dolphin award of excellence, tribute to teachers, tribute to retire ed u cato r s , Walter N er o Father’s Day programme, Jessica Sandia Mother’s Day programme, Christmas concert and Christmas charity programme.

The team also assisted other members of the club to organize a very successful RHTYSC Christmas village which was held from the 21st to the 24th of December.

Foster stated that all the teams of the RHTYSC in 2024 would complete over 108 activities combined.

Senior cricketer Matthew Pottaya expressed gratitude to the company for its support to the team for the last three decades and stated that Farfan and Mendes limited is one of the main pillars for the RHTYSC success.

Accounts Clark Sufeena Ram handed over the sponsorship to Pottaya and fellow club member Asaf (Continued on page 21)

QC dominates GCF Midway Specialty U14 chess tourney

I

t was a complete sweep for Queen’s College as Sachin Pitamber and Aditi Josh starred in the recently concluded Guyana Chess Federation (GCF)/Midway Specialty Care Centre National Under-14 championship.

The tourney was hosted on January 27 at the Queen’s College School, with the home students Pitamber and Josh beating off the competition. Kataleya Sam (2nd) and Saura Ruplall (3rd), sealed off the top three

spots. Pitamber almost had a perfect finish, ending with 6.5 points out of 7 as he finished as champ in the boys Open division. For the girls, Josh finished unbeaten as she claimed full points, topping her league. The Zhang brothers, Nicholas and Alexander of Queen’s finished in second and third places respectively, to seal off the U14 Open.

Girls’ Under-12 was also dominated by Sam, who advanced to the U14, as did Ruplall, who won the third spot in both categories.

Open Under-12 players Aquilani Swaminadha and Best Girls Under-12 Sam, Best Open Under-10 player Vir Narine and Best Girls Under-10 player Ruplall were a m o n g t h e d a y ’s t o p performers. Meanwhile, the GCF thanked the management of Queen’s College for providing the use of the tournament venue.

The GCF also expressed thanks to the Midway Specialty Care Centre for their kind support towards the development of junior chess in Guyana.

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 01, 2024

PAGE 23

Golf Has Earned ‘Super Sport’ Designation in Guyana - Hussain

W

h e n t h e subject of s p o r t achievements arises, the previously unknown game of golf is at the tip of everyone’s tongue, some with pride and others with envy but everyone agrees that the list of accomplishments achieved by the Guyana Golf Association (GGA).

Under the leadership of Aleem Hussain and the current executive team, they have taken golf to new heights in Guyana.

Wi t h o v e r 2 0 , 0 0 0 persons actively involved in learning golf on a weekly basis, it surely is just a matter of time before the sport attains core sport status and becomes a part of the national calendar.

Additionally, now that Golf has risen to ‘Super Sport’ status in Guyana, the

proposal submitted by the GGA to make the country a Golf Destination must be seriously considered by the government, especially as a Tourism Product.

This will drive revenues to the airline, hospitality, convention, transportation and souvenirs industries and create thousands of Tourism related jobs. The local efforts of the GGA and Nexgen Golf Academy has not let up as on Saturday, in the latest of a long series of achievements over the past three years which has taken the sport to a new level of accessibility in Guyana, the Ministry of Education CPCE ‘Train the Tr a i n e r s ’ p r o g r a m m e concluded its third week of sessions and the 26 teachers/trainers engaged in a golf tournament to display their newly acquired skills.

The GGA has focused on ensuring that there is no

Golf has earned ‘Super Sport’ designation in Guyana. segregation of Guyanese in golf unlike traditional member clubs which often don’t permit caddies to play with members or even use the Clubhouse facilities.

According Hussain, “No Guyanese should be

excluded from participating in a sport, despite their past or current circumstances, especially since so much potential is waiting to be discovered.

We a r e extremely grateful to Honourable Minister Priya

Manickchand for the support in ensuring that thousands of learners are exposed to golf as a part of the Priority Programme.”

With the addition of the Westside Golf Course in Vreed-en-hoop, new players

now have a second option (Nexgen Golf Academy on Woolford Avenue) to play golf and facilities are already being developed in Berbice and Essequibo to accommodate the growing demand.

IMMAF announces 2024 World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan Officials of the IMMAF at a press conference in Tashkent to announce the tournament there.

T

he International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) yesterday confirmed that the 2024 I M M A F Wo r l d Championships will officially take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan this October, marking the first time the nation will host an IMMAF event.

The news was announced yesterday at a press conference in the capital city of Tashkent in conjunction with the MMA Association of Uzbekistan, which was attended by Kerrith Brown, IMMAF President, Densign White MBE, CEO and Wissam Abi Nader, Board Member.

IMMAF President Kerrith Brown said: “We are

delighted to unveil Tashkent, Uzbekistan, as the prestigious host city for the 2 0 2 4 I M M A F Wo r l d Championships.

Building on the success of a brilliant 2023 for IMMAF competition, we continue to be the catalyst for producing MMA talent worldwide, making IMMAF the ultimate pathway ‘Where Stars Are Born’.

We now look forward to uniting the global MMA community in Uzbekistan for an extraordinary celebration of skill and sportsmanship.”

As preparation for this landmark event now begins, IMMAF CEO, Densign White MBE stated: “As we embark on this journey to

showcase the pinnacle of Amateur MMA on a global scale, Tashkent provides a fitting backdrop for the next c h a p t e r i n o u r Championship’s legacy.

The rich cultural tapestry of Uzbekistan and its fervent passion for martial arts align perfectly with our commitment to fostering the growth of MMA worldwide through the IMMAF pathway.”

With the IMMAF World Championships returning to the Asian continent for the fifth time in its history, Board representative for Asia, Wissam Abi Nader hails the rapid development of the sport within the region: “It is excellent to see the development of mixed

martial arts in Asia, propelled by the tremendous work being conducted by the Asian MMA Federation and member nations.

Uzbekistan joins the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, becoming only the third nation from Asia to host IMMAF’s most prestigious c o m p e t i t i o n . ” Set to take place in October with competition dates to be c o n f i r m e d , t h e Wo r l d Championships follows on from the Uzbekistan national team’s standout performance at the 2023 I M M A F A s i a n Championships, where the nation secured 20 medals across Junior and Senior c a t e g o r i e s .

Supported by Uzbekistan’s National Olympic Committee and Ministry of Sport, the Uzbekistan MMA Association are anticipating the largest Championships in IMMAF history with categories for Senior and Junior athletes.

Hasan Ergashev, VicePresident MMA Association of Uzbekistan said: “I extend my most heartfelt greetings to the IMMAF team, member federations and athletes who will be joining us in Uzbekistan. We look forward to making the 2024 World Championships the most successful and remarkable in IMMAF h i s t o r y . ” The impressive stable of athletes currently

representing Uzbekistan include the likes of Asian Champions: Musokhon Ziyadinov, Zafar Rashidov, Mukhlisa Nabijonova, and many more, all of whom will be aiming to carry their success from the Continental stage to the global platform.

Expect the return of seasoned contenders from the 2022 IMMAF World Championships, such as gold medallists M u h a m m a d - a l i Turguntoshev and Asrorbek A n v a r j o n o v. A n o t h e r hopeful returnee is Ugiloy Jumanova, the IMMAF Asian Jr. Lightweight Champion who clinched silver in the 2022 IMMAF World Championships.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Thursday February 01, 2024

Windies fans urged to register for public ticket ballot system for T20 World Cup SportsMax - Cricket fans around the West Indies are being urged to register for the public ticket ballot as they prepare to be part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Fawwaz Baskh, the To u r n a m e n t D i r e c t o r, reached out to the regional fan base to encourage the supporters to make wise use of the available window which will allow them to preregister for tickets.

“Everyone is eagerly looking forward to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, this is the biggest event to be staged in the West Indies. It will feature the best players in the world, and as a result, the eyes of the sporting world will be on our countries in this region and the USA,” Baskh said.

“There will be a great demand for tickets as cricket lovers worldwide want to get this golden opportunity to see their favorite players.

This will be a truly worldclass event – at a level never before seen in our region – and fans will enjoy the amazing atmosphere and entertainment that is in store.

Cricket fans around the West Indies are being urged to register for the public ticket ballot as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 approaches.

“We want to encourage our ‘hometown’ fans to join the public ticket ballot and give themselves every opportunity to secure the best seats and be part of an amazing event on their

shores,” he added. Ten of the 20 teams will play their first match of the 29-day tournament in the USA – with 16 games to be held in Lauderhill, Florida; Dallas, Texas; and Nassau County,

New York.

The remaining 39 matches will be played in the Caribbean across six different countries, with semi-finals to be played in Guyana and

Trinidad and Tobago on June 26 and 27 r e s p e c t i v e l y, a n d t h e title decider to be played in Barbados on Saturday June 29.

Details on the public

ticket ballot will be shared in the coming days. The start time for games will vary from venue to venue, for tournament details fans can v i s i t www.t20worldcup.com.

TTFA makes constitutional changes to meet FIFA requirements SportsMax - Trinidad and Tobago’s Football A s s o c i a t i o n ( T T FA ) recently took a step closer to a return to self-governance when members voted unanimously in favour of revising statutes to its constitution, as stipulated by FIFA. The revision took place during an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) hosted by TTFA at the Home of Football in Couva.

Revision of the existing constitution was mandated by FIFA in order to effectively d i s s o l v e t h e T T FA’s normalisation committee, which was installed in March 2020 to replace the elected executive, led by William Wallace. With this latest development, the highly anticipated election to install a new TTFA executive will take place before March 31, when the normalisation committee’s tenure ends.

All 30 eligible members voted in favour of the changes at the meeting, where FIFA and Concacaf officials observed. The recent EGM

FIFA and Concacaf officials, as well as members of TTFA and the Normalisation Committee, share a photo opportunity. (T&T Newsday) was arranged after FIFA declared that the proposed TTFA statutes “(fully comply) with the requirements and standards of FIFA and Concacaf,” and are therefore endorsed by both. The elected administration was

controversially taken over

by FIFA after the world governing body said it observed “grave violations of FIFA statutes,” and other problems within the TTFA, such as debts, which put it at risk of insolvency. As such,

the normalisation committee was installed by FIFA primarily to run day-to-day business; settle debts; make recommendations for constitutional amendments to align with FIFA statutes; and to call the TTFA

elections, of which it would oversee.

TTFA general secretary Amiel Mohammed said a copy of the new statutes “will probably be published on (TTFA’s) website this week.” “There are many

provisions (to assist) in ensuring there is accountability and prudent financial governance as per policies, controls and s i g n i n g a u t h o r i t y, ” Mohammed told T&T N e w s d a y. T h e v o t i n g structure has been amended and slate elections have been introduced. The executive committee will consist of nine members.

T&T Premier Football League Tier One clubs (maximum of 12) have a delegate and two votes each, along with the top six clubs from the second tier at the end of the most recent campaign.

Each of the regional associations and T & T Women’s League Football also have two votes and a delegate, while the remaining associations: b e a c h s o c c e r, f u t s a l , referees, coaches, Secondary Schools Football League, Primary Schools Football League and the Ve t e r a n s F o o t b a l l Foundation of T&T, all have one vote and delegate.

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 01, 2024

Kamil Hussain stars in Sunil and Son 8-ball Pools competition at Mahaica

K

amil Hussain emerged the winner of the Sunil and Son Pool Bar 8ball, Ball in Hand tournament played at the Sports Bar at Mahaica over the weekend.

The tournament, which was sponsored exclusively

by Sunil & Son Sports Bar of Mahaica, attracted just over 40 contestants which included some of Guyana’s finest exponents of the game as they battled on three nine and eight foot tables in intense contests.

Hussain held off strong challenges from second placed Kevin Mangru and third positioned Howayne Smith to secure the title.

For his efforts Hussain, apart from the champion’s t r o p h y, c o l l e c t e d t h e $60,000 first prize on offer while, Mangru got $30,000

and Smith $15,000. The players had to pay an entry fee of $3,000.

The event was a resounding success and Mr. Sunil Mangru is looking forward to promoting many such events in the future.

He has already agreed to host another tournament as early as February 4th, that’s Sunday at the Mahaica Sports bar and contact can be made with Sunil on telephone 592-632-3121 for full details. Sunday’s event with be for Over-50 players and the entry fee is only $2,000. Cash prizes are on offer and the first and second place will receive the accompanying trophies.

Special thanks is extended to Steven Persaud, Chris, Tara and Sandy Singh who worked diligently in making the just concluded 8ball event a success.

Japan cruise into Asian Cup quarter-finals with 3-1 win over Bahrain

Japan’s Ayase Ueda scores their third goal. (REUTERS/Molly Darlington) DOHA, (Reuters) - Fourtimes champions Japan eased into the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup with a clinical 3-1 victory over Bahrain yesterday at Al Thumama Stadium with goals from Ritsu Doan, Takefusa Kubo and Ayase Ueda.

Bahrain coach Juan Anotnio Pizzi had been looking to heal old wounds after his Saudi Arabia team lost to Japan at the same stage in 2019 but Hajime Moriyasu’s side put in a

commanding performance and rarely looked troubled against the Gulf nation.

Japan will face the winner of the final last-16 tie between Iran and Syria later on Wednesday.

“All Asian teams here at the Asian Cup are getting better, the level of football has grown. But even though other teams are growing, we’ve managed to improve as well which is down to our players’ efforts,” Moriyasu told reporters. “But I don’t think today’s performances

were 100% and we can still improve.”

Japan took the lead in the 31st minute when Seiya M aikuma unleas hed a venomous strike that crashed off the post but midfielder Doan was alert to pounce on the rebound to score from close range.

Japan went 2-0 up just after halftime through a stroke of good fortune when an unmarked Kubo received the ball inside the box, turned and fired home, with (Continued on page 21)

PAGE 25

Winners (1, 2, 3 from left) Kamil Hussain, Kevin Mangru and Howayne Smith with their trophies.

Farfan and Mendes limited renews long standing s t r o Sp relationship with RHTY&SC Hand in hand Insurance Company and CCI also make input

West Indies fast-bowling sensation Shamar Joseph.

Windies rising fast bowler Joseph makes huge leap in the ICC Men’s Test rankings

Sufeena Ram accounts clerk of Farfan and Mendes is limited hands over sponsorship to Matthew Pottaya.

Winners of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF)/Midway Specialty Care Centre National Under-14 championship.

QC dominates GCF Midway Specialty U14 chess tourney 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.